9th september,2017 daily global,regional and local rice e newsletter

9th Sepemtember,2017

Rice News Headlines...                  

Sitdown with the Secretary earlier this year Vietnam’s 2017 rice production estimated at 44.1 million tonnes Bangladesh signs rice export deal Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Septmember 08, 2017 How biotech is helping Asia tackle hunger and meet its development goals Japan Aims to Boost Annual Rice Exports to 100,000 Tons NFA assures sufficient supply of rice until the end of 2017 Nigerians are not convinced about Agriculture Government should ensure the rice cereal factory goes into operation Lawmakers want probe on Golden Rice project Action against five officers for undue favour to millers: Odisha government North Korea fetes nuclear scientists after H-Bomb test Japan aims to more than quadruple rice exports in 2019 Learn details of the global hybrid rice seeds market Global Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 – Usher Agro, Guru Metachem, Rescon (India), Deelert Group Kenyan scholar wins Africa’s top food prize RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) Earning Favorable News Coverage, Accern Reports Rice Bran Wax Sales Market 2017 to 2022 Global Research, Analysis and Forecast

News Detail...

Sitdown with the Secretary earlier this year USDA Realignment to Improve Customer Service and Efficiency

By Nolan Smith WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the realignment of many key offices within the department yesterday. These changes build on the reorganization that was announced in May and are designed to improve customer service and maximize efficiency.

In May, the USDA created an Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs (TFAA). Recent advances in international trade underscore the importance of this position. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) that supports USA Rice's international marketing programs is also housed here. USDA announced that the U.S. Codex Office, currently housed in the Food Safety and Inspection Service, will be housed under the TFAA mission area.

Also in May, a position was created for an Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development and yesterday it was announced an Innovation Center will be created within Rural Development.

This Innovation Center will evaluate the impacts of the business, housing, and utilities programs provided by the USDA. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) were combined under a central Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in May. The International Food Commodity Procurement Program currently in FSA will merge into the Commodity Food Procurement program in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) will also merge into AMS. This new program area will also carry out the Warehouse Act functions.

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) will also merge into the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). CNPP will now be headed by a career associate administrator.

Also, the USDA will be creating an Office of Partnership and Public Engagement by grouping together the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships staff, the Office of Tribal Relations, and the Military Veterans Liaison.

Finally, the new alignment will move the Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) from the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) to the Office of the Chief Economist."This reorganization has been a long time coming and is quite welcome," said USA Rice Chairman Brian King. "It shows that this agency is well-aligned with our priorities and I expect our already great working relationship will only improve as we look to help our industry with strong and growing foreign markets and domestic policies and programs that ensure our farmers can continue to feed their families and families around the world in a safe and sustainable manner."

Vietnam’s 2017 rice production estimated at 44.1 million tonnes Friday, 09/08/2017, 18:31 Vietnam expects to produce 44.1 million tonnes of rice in 2017, according to the Department of Cultivation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Unfavourable weather conditions shrank winter-spring rice yield by 300,000 tonnes. However, southern localities are estimated to enjoy a surge in rice production of 400,000 tonnes. They have already harvested 1.08 million hectares of rice, or 56.2%.

The Cultivation Department said that rice fields in the north are developing well while the rice output of the autumn-winter crop in the Mekong Delta region is forecast to increase by 250,000300,000 tonnes from the same crop last year.

Diseases on rice coupled with impacts of downpours in the north and floods in the south cause great concern to the agricultural sector. Thus, the sector needs to draw up measures to ensure safety for rice production http://english.vov.vn/economy/vietnams-2017-rice-production-estimated-at-441-million-tonnes358089.vov

Bangladesh signs rice export deal Submitted by Eleven on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 16:35 Writer: Nilar

Rice at the Bayintnaung wholesale centre (Photo-EMG)

Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed a governmental agreement to export 300,000 tonnes of rice, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).―They wanted to buy 1 million tonnes of rice but we advised them to buy 300,000 tonnes of rice. The agreement was signed by officials from our Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry for Food from Bangladesh,‖ said Vice Chairman Dr Soe Tun of the MRF. ―The business will be conducted by the MRF and private companies. No fixed price is included in the agreement. We expected the exports will start in December. We cannot start rice exports now. We will negotiate to fix the price to be level with the market price. We will export Emata rice mainly,‖ he said.

Similarly, Sri Lanka is in discussion to buy 500,000 tonnes of rice this year with 200,000 tonnes of parboiled rice and 300,000 tonnes of white rice.

The National Food Authorities of Philippines has made similar arrangements.

Myanmar exported over 1 million tonnes of rice and broken rice this fiscal year until the first week of August, 620,000 tonnes more than the same period last year.

Myanmar has earned about US$300 million from rice exports this fiscal year until the first week of August compared to about US$135 million last year http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/11514

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Septmember 08, 2017 Reuters Staff Nagpur, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Gram and tuar prices recovered strongly in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on increased demand from local millers amid weak supply fromproducing belts. Fresh hike Madhya Pradesh gram prices and repeated enquiries from South-basedmillers also helped to push up prices.

About 500 of gram and 200 bags of tuar were available for auctions, according to sources.

FOODGRAINS & PULSES

GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here on subdued demand from local traders amid ample stock in ready position.

TUAR

* Tuar gavarani moved down in open market here on poor demand from local traders amid high moisture content arrival.

* Major wheat reported higher in open market on renewed demand from local traders amid tight supply from producing regions.

* In Akola, Tuar New – 4,300-4,500, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean) – 8,600-9,200, Moong Mogar (clean) 6,600-7,100, Gram – 5,500-5,800, Gram Super best – 8,600-9,000

* Rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in thin trading activity.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

FOODGRAINS Gram Auction Gram Pink Auction Tuar Auction Moong Auction Udid Auction Masoor Auction

Available prices 4,800-5,990 n.a.

n.a. n.a.

Wheat Mill quality Auction Gram Super Best Bold

4,800-5,800

2,100-2,600

3,600-4,125 n.a.

Previous close

3,500-4,125 3,900-4,200

4,300-4,500 2,600-2,800 1,600-1,645 8,500-9,200

1,600-1,650 8,500-9,200

Gram Super Best

n.a.

Gram Medium Best

n.a.

7,600-8,000

7,600-8,000

Gram Dal Medium

n.a.

Gram Mill Quality

5,900-6,000

5,900-6,000

Desi gram Raw

5,800-6,000

5,800-6,000

Gram Kabuli

n.a

12,500-13,500

Tuar Fataka Best-New

12,500-13,500

6,700-7,000

Tuar Fataka Medium-New

6,700-7,000

6,400-6,600

Tuar Dal Best Phod-New

6,400-6,600

6,200-6,400

Tuar Dal Medium phod-New Tuar Gavarani New

6,200-6,400

5,700-6,000

4,300-4,500

5,700-6,000

4,400-4,600

Tuar Karnataka

4,800-5,000

4,800-5,000

Masoor dal best

5,200-5,400

5,200-5,400

Masoor dal medium Masoor

4,600-4,900 n.a.

4,600-4,900

n.a.

Moong Mogar bold (New)

7,200-7,500

Moong Mogar Medium

6,700-7,000

Moong dal Chilka

5,500-6,200

7,200-7,500 6,700-7,000

5,500-6,200

Moong Mill quality

n.a.

n.a.

Moong Chamki best

7,000-8,000

7,000-8,000

Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 9,000-10,000 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) Batri dal (100 INR/KG) Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)

6,500-8,000

5,000-5,600

5,000-5,600 3,000-3,200

9,000-10,000 6,500-8,000

5,000-5,600

5,000-5,600 3,000-3,200

Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)

2,900-3,100

2,900-3,100

Watana White (100 INR/KG)

3,500-3,700

Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)

3,600-4,800

Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)

1,900-2,000

Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)

3,500-3,700 3,600-4,800

1,800-1,900

1,750-1,850

1,700-1,800

2,100-2,300

Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)

2,100-2,300

2,200-2,400

2,100-2,400

Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,100 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)

n.a.

Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG)

3,000-3,600

2,200-2,800

3,300-3,400

Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG)

n.a.

3,300-3,800

MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)

3,300-3,400 2,800-3,200

2,600-2,900

2,500-2,600

Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG)

2,200-2,700

2,800-3,200

2,600-2,900

Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG)

2,500-2,600

2,300-2,400

3,800-4,000

Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG)

1,900-2,000

2,300-2,400 3,800-4,000

3,500-3,800

3,500-3,800

Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG)

4,800-5,200

4,800-5,200

Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG)

4,500-4,700

4,500-4,700

Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)

9,500-13,500

Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG)

5,000-7,500

4,800-5,000

Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)

9,500-13,500

4,800-5,000

4,300-4,500

2,000-2,200

5,000-7,500

4,300-4,500 2,000-2,200

Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)

1,800-2,000

1,800-2,000

WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 34.4 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 24.1 degree Celsius Rainfall : 10.6 mm FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rains or thunder-showers.

Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 34 and 24 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices)

https://in.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya/red-cross-fills-u-n-void-in-myanmars-violence-tornregion-idINKCN1BK07X

How biotech is helping Asia tackle hunger and meet its development goals Kundhavi Kadiresan says scientists can help boost food production in Asia – home of most of the world’s poor – and have already had their share of successes in India and Thailand PUBLISHED : Friday, 08 September, 2017, 2:44pm UPDATED : Friday, 08 September, 2017, 3:31pm

When we talk about employing biotechnologies in agricultural production and sustainable food systems for better nutrition, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. You’ve probably heard some of it – the use of molecular markers, microbial food fermentation, reproductive technologies in livestock, DNA-based kits to diagnose diseases in farmed fish and, of course, genetic modification.

For our part, we encourage governments, researchers and the private sector to take bold steps to ensure safe, evidence-based agricultural biotechnology is placed in the hands of smallholder farmers, fishers and pastoralists.

And we need to get on with that now, as our region is increasingly facing both the predictable and unpredictable results of climate change, as well as the future effects these will have on agricultural production, particularly for smallholders least-equipped to deal with climate-related shocks.

With more than half a billion hungry and malnourished people in this region, we need to work together ... without delay The challenges we already face are enormous, and that’s why we need to make use of all available technologies we know are safe – both old and new. This region has nearly half a billion

hungry and malnourished people – more than 60 per cent of the world’s total. Consider the 2030 deadline to deliver all 17 of the world’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2050 midcentury point, where our children will live among some 9-10 billion people competing for limited natural resources, and you get the picture.

We have a number of good case studies on the use of agricultural biotechnologies. Here are just two.

In several countries in this region, floodwater incursions into rice paddies have long been a major problem. But scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), working with partners, have developed a version of rice that can still thrive when submerged in floodwater.

This flood-tolerant rice, nicknamed ―scuba rice,‖ exemplifies how scientists and farmers can come together to tackle the more complex problems the environment can throw at those who struggle to produce the food we eat.

In India, where some 10 per cent of the land used for growing rice is prone to submergence, this has led to low rice yields and sometimes a complete loss of the crop. Using molecular markers, which enable genes to be associated with the traits they encode, IRRI scientists and partners

could identify the gene responsible for this tolerance when submerged. In short, through breeding techniques, the gene for submergence tolerance could be bred into popular rice varieties, generating new submergence-tolerant rice without losing flavour and still producing high yields. It is now grown by millions of farmers in India. Other rice varieties tolerant to submergence are now grown in Bangladesh and Vietnam.

In Thailand, a global seafood hub, breeding a hybrid catfish using artificial insemination from two species has resulted in a hybrid which performs better than the average of either parental species. Researchers noted that the local Thai broadhead catfish, a favourite food due to its favourable colour and texture, was slow to grow and susceptible to diseases, making it difficult to culture on a commercial scale. By contrast, the African sharp-tooth catfish, was known for its high growth rate and low susceptibility to diseases. Breeding the two catfish species together has resulted in a ―hybrid vigour‖ (both palatable and fast-growing), making it ideal for aquaculture in Thailand. Production of hybrid catfish has skyrocketed from less than 18,000 metric tonnes in 1990 to more than 150,000 metric tonnes.

Use of this biotechnology has created a huge expansion of aquaculture and related industries in Thailand and provided greater access to high-quality sources of protein for poorer people in rural areas.

With the clock ticking towards 2030 and 2050, we are convening high-level regional meetings on agricultural uses of biotechnologies to achieve sustainable food systems and better nutrition.

The first takes place in Kuala Lumpur, from September 11-13. Participants will study examples where use of biotechnologies has worked well and areas where it has worked less well in production of crops, fisheries, forestry and livestock. With more than half a billion hungry and malnourished people in this region, we need to work together while looking at all forms of food production – without delay.

Kundhavi Kadiresan is assistant director general and regional representative (Asia-Pacific) of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2110275/how-biotech-helping-asiatackle-hunger-and-meet-its

Japan Aims to Boost Annual Rice Exports to 100,000 Tons

8:33 pm, September 08, 2017 Jiji PressTOKYO (Jiji Press) — Japan’s agriculture ministry said Friday it has set an ambitious goal of increasing annual rice exports to 100,000 tons by 2019.

Amid a slump in domestic consumption, the ministry aims to step up sales campaigns for Japanese rice in overseas markets, where Japanese food is increasingly popular, in a bid to shore up farmers’ incomes, officials said.

The export target figure is for rice consumed as a staple food, as well as for processed products, such as snacks and sake, in which rice is used as the main ingredient.

In 2016, Japan’s rice exports totaled 10,000 tons for the staple food alone and 24,000 tons including processed items.

At a news conference, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Ken Saito said, ―This is a very high goal but we’ll try boldly [to achieve it].‖ For the export promotion drive, the ministry will solicit applications from businesses motivated to work to boost exports and producer groups eager to expand sales abroad. Participants will be selected by the end of October.

Currently, Japanese-grown rice is exported primarily to Hong Kong and Singapore. The ministry hopes to stimulate new demand, focusing on Japanese restaurants, the officials said.

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003929517

NFA assures sufficient supply of rice until the end of 2017

by UNTV | Posted on Friday, September 8th, 2017 MANILA, Philippines — The latest inventory of the National Food Authority (NFA) assured that the country’s stock of rice will last up to 72 days.

The agency added that the period of lean months is about to end, as farmers will begin harvesting their crops in October.This means the country has sufficient supply.The agency also reported that shipment of 250,000 metric tons of imported rice will be completed this month.NFA added that the persisting weather condition has become favorable to farmers.―We are so lucky this year because no major tropical cyclone has hit [the country] and so there are no displaced residents to feed,‖ said NFA Spokesperson Rebecca Olarte.

The agency also reported that the Filipinos’ per capita consumption of rice this year went down to 108.87 kilograms, lower than the previous year that was at 114.27 kilograms.In 2007, the

annual per capita consumption was 140 kilograms.NFA said more Filipinos are taking rice substitute such as noodles which minimizes the consumption of rice.

The agency raised its target on local rice procurement from 4.6m bags this year to 24 million bags in 2018.According to the agency, the problem now is whether farmers will sell their produce at the NFA’s buying price of 17 pesos per kilogram. — Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

https://www.untvweb.com/news/nfa-assures-sufficient-supply-rice-end-2017/

Nigerians are not convinced about Agriculture SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2017 tessa.doghor@businessdayonline.com'

I once had the pleasure of being in a room with Nigerian Multimillionaires, they were discussing investments, I listened.The Nigerian millionaires were having a business discussion with a Mexican from the SanCarlos Company, the discussion was actually the Mexican selling agriculture as a business to the Nigerians . The Mexican from the SanCarlos Corporation invested in a pineapple farm in Enugu, and now exports pineapples from Nigeria. The Mexican explained to the Nigerians that Nigeria enjoys excellent trade terms with Europe and the US, SanCarlos Pineapples are ―Nigerian‖ thus allow them enter the EU under those trade terms…

The Nigerian millionaires were not convinced The Mexican went on, he was making good volume exports from Enugu, his dollar cost were lower in Nigeria than Mexico, he exports and earns same dollar per tonne for Pineapple.

The Nigerian millionaires were not convinced The Mexican moved unto Tomatoes, local demand for tomatoes was constant in Nigeria, but supply of tomatoes was seasonal, any investor could set up greenhouses and supply tomatoes all year round locally, great opportunity.

The Nigerian millionaires were not convinced Carlos continued, ―OK , i will make a deal with you all, invest in tomatoes, I guarantee I will buy up all your output‖..

The Nigerian millionaires were not convinced The Mexican got an A for effort but he was facing a tough crowd.

The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Prof. Baba Abubakar, said Nigeria is the largest importer of US hard red and white wheat worth N635 billion annually; world’s number 2 importer of rice at N356 billion; these imports are established opportunities.

Credit: Farmcrowdy.com Let’s explore them in detail.

Wheat. Nigeria’s largest wheat miller is Flour Mills of Nigeria founded in September 1960, who owns Flour Mills? The Excelsior Shipping Company Limited, registered in Liberia. The beneficial owner of Excelsior Shipping Company is a trust established by the late Mr. John S. Coumantarosere a US citizen.

Who is in second place? Olam of Singapore has bought BUA flour milling assets, making her Nigeria’s number two wheat miller by sales volume.

Let’s go to Rice.

Where is the Largest Rice Mill in Africa? It’s in Kebbi State, it’s called the WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, its a gigantic 120,000 metric ton capacity mill, who owns the mill? TGI Group, a European concern…

Where is the second largest Rice Mill in Africa? It’s also in Nigeria, in Nasarawa, its called Olam Rice Mill, who owns it? Olam Group based in Singapore..

Rice is Nigeria’s single largest food import.

According to the BBC Nigeria in 2016, it had a rice demand of 2.3m tonnes, and imported 2.3m tonnes or rice. Nigeria spends $5m or N1b day to import rice. Yet, the largest Rice millers in Nigeria are from Europe and Singapore.

What about Palm Oil? The Niger Delta was named the Oil Delta, not because of crude oil but Palm Oil. Nigeria’s largest Oil Palm oil refinery is the Presco Plc. (Presco is investing $30m in a palm oil refinery) who owns Presco? SIAT or Société d’Investissement pour l’Agriculture Tropicale‖, a Belgian company. .

I must commend these foreign investors for coming to Nigeria and actually investing in the real sector.

Agriculture is long, slow and profits are not guaranteed. The WACOT Rice Mill costs N10b. If the owners invested their funds in ―risk free‖ Federal Government Bonds, they will make N1.3b every year, tax free, risk free. Yet they are investing in a rice mill while Nigerian millionaires are looking for marginal oil field licenses.

Why are Nigerian High Net worth Individuals not interested in the business of Agriculture?

In 2006, the Obasanjo Government created a ―Private‖ company called Transcorp. Obasanjo said that one of the reasons for the establishment of Transcorp was the need for a ―functional platform for the projection of the nation’s economic potentials.‖ Transcorp was designed to provide the vehicle that Nigeria needs to mobilise capital on a very large scale for investment in projects that had hitherto been the exclusive preserve of foreign investors.‖ Transcorp was Nigeria’s response to foreign multinationals.

It was modelled after the South Korean Chaebols, great move. In it’s first full year of operation, Transcorp acquired the NICON Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Bureau of Public Enterprises put Transcorp for the acquisition of Nigerian Telecommunications Plc (NITEL), the Port Harcourt Refinery and the National Clearing and Forwarding Agency. Transcorp also designed an entry plan for participation in the development of strategic oil blocks.

Notice anything? Transcorp in its early days had no agriculture portfolio ( it does now) So when the Federal Government, with the backing of the President decided to pool Nigerian billionaires and invest in the Nigerian economy, no one bothered to invest in a Rice or Wheat farm, that’s telling.

There are more Nigerian millionaires with filling stations and shopping malls than rice mill.

More Private jets are owned by Nigerian Millionaires than oil palm plantations.

Why? I believe it’s a perception issue. Agriculture is viewed in Nigeria as rain-fed hard work, rural, and not as a business. There are not just enough success stories at the local level to encourage Nigeria’s best and brightest students to go and study agriculture and apply modern techniques to grow, store, process and distribute food.

Football and Entertainment in the past were viewed as professions for those that failed from white collar jobs in Medicine and Law, today, these are sought after professions. Why? because of local success stories.

Unless the mindset is changed, and agriculture can attract Nigeria’s best and brightest, Nigeria will continue to export Cocoa and Import Chocolate https://www.businessdayonline.com/nigerians-not-convinced-agriculture/

Government should ensure the rice cereal factory goes into operation

By Staff Writer Dear Editor, Essequibians want to know what happened to the rice cereal factory at Anna Regina Essequibo, which was built by the previous administration. The whole concept of this project was to help buy farmers’ paddy and millers’ rice and to employ 200 people after the price fell on the Venezuelan market.

Several government agencies and ministries in the region wanted to take over the rice cereal factory since the Ministry of Agriculture couldn’t find a magic formula for achieving success in developing the project. It is left to wonder if this will be another white elephant. As I understand it this factory is Dr Suresh’s baby; he is the head of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. This factory was built in 2011 with the intention of making pineapple crushed pickles, guava jelly, guava jam, skimmed milk powder. Instead it was decided to develop a range of new products on the basis of the rice industry, eg breakfast cereal for school children, holiday foods, rice puffs, rice flour, edible oil from the bran, rice wine and a host of other products.

To support these efforts by our millers and farmers the government must ensure that this factory starts to operate and proper marketing arrangements are put in place whenever the products are sold, in addition to which millers and farmers must be paid promptly. This factory will need adequate storage, drying, refrigeration and transportation facilities. Given our resource base, we in Essequibo are in a fortunate position to break the cycle of joblessness, but the government

must gear itself for the task which lies ahead. This process will take good planning in which it will have to continuously improve the workers’ knowledge and skills, and get it done as early as possible. Essequibians are a healthy, intelligent and literate people who are possessed of a wide range of skills and are capable of learning new ones if given the opportunity.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

https://www.stabroeknews.com/2017/opinion/letters/09/08/government-shouldensure-the-rice-cereal-factory-goes-into-operation/

Lawmakers want probe on Golden Rice project

By Jovee Marie de la Cruz SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 The Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives is seeking an inquiry into the impact of the development of Golden Rice, or vitamin A rice, on human health, environment and local farmers.

Party-list Reps. Arile Casilao of Anakpawis, Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Act Teachers and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan filed House Resolution (HR) 1294, calling for an investigation into the Golden Rice project.

The lawmakers said many scientists around the world have expressed ―serious‖ concerns regarding the safety of genetically engineered food and its effect on human health and the environment. ―A number of studies have shown that genetically engineered food cause a wide variety of negative health effects in animals, including allergic reactions, stomach ulcerations and disturbed liver, pancreas and testes function,‖ HR 1294 read.

The lawmakers noted that Golden Rice is genetically engineered to ―force‖ the rice plant to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. It is being developed and tested presumably to address the problem in vitamin A deficiency (VAD).

It was developed from Golden Rice 1 (from bacteria and daffodil genes, which produce low levels of beta-carotene) and later to Golden Rice 2 (with genes from bacteria and corn, which, supposedly, has higher levels of beta-carotene). ―Golden Rice now has a set of new genes that never before existed in rice,‖ the resolution read.The lawmakers noted that the technology, methodology, seeds and variety to advance the Golden Rice are owned by Syngenta, an agro-chemical transnational corporation which profits by investing in the global seed industry.

They also said the claim that Golden Rice can address the problem of malnutrition and blindness due to vitamin A deficiency is ―baseless and unscientific‖.―Golden Rice is merely a promotional product of agro-chemical corporations using public institutions to make possible the social acceptance of genetic engineering in food and agriculture‖, their resolution read.

In the Philippines the lawmakers said the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is the agency that leads the field testing and commercialization of Golden Rice. They added that PhilRice has bred the Golden Rice variety with PSB Rc82 and other local rice varieties.

The lawmakers said three seasons of Golden Rice field testing was done in five areas in the country and was harvested in 2013.―Early this year, the proponents again filed two applications for Golden Rice at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI). The application involves the Direct Use for Food, Feed and Processing and Field Trials of the said GM product in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and San Mateo, Isabela,‖ the resolution read.

Citing the International Rice Research Institute (Irri), the solons said the average yield of Golden Rice was lower than comparable local varieties already preferred by farmers.―Local rice varieties are more suitable to the country’s environment and climate and the same assures the farmers of

better yield, and should be conserved and protected from contamination from genetically modified organisms,‖ the resolution read.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/lawmakers-want-probe-on-golden-rice-project/

Action against five officers for undue favour to millers: Odisha government

By Express News Service | Published: 09th September 2017 02:07 AM | Last Updated: 09th September 2017 10:14 AM | BHUBANESWAR: The State Government, on Friday, approved the proposal of Food Suplies and Consumer Welfare department for disciplinary action against five of its officials of Khurda district for showing undue favour to a private rice miller.Action was taken against the five officials for allowing the miller to lift paddy more than its milling capacity and not initiating action against the miller who failed to deposit security money and not returning the rice to the Government.

The miller had caused a loss of more than `3.41 crore to the state exchequer. The State suffered a loss of `3,41,8,344 as the miller, Kalinga Agriculture Private Ltd, did not return 15,765.55 quintal of rice to the government during 2012-13 Kharif marketing season. The department proposal for action against the five officers was approved by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister SN Patro.

As per disciplinary action, `1,34,2,705 equivalent to 35 per cent of the total loss will be realised to the State exchequer from the then Civil Supply officer Amar Mohapatra, `80,73,361 or 25 per cent of loss from Assistant Civil Supply Officer Abhimanyu Mohanty, `75,58,689 or 20 per cent of the loss from District Civil Supply Officer (Retd) Sarat Chandra Das. The department’s proposal to realise `32,29,344 or 10 per cent of the loss each from District Civil Supply Officer Sudhakar Pradhan and Marketing Inspector Bibekananda Mohanty was also approved. Patro has directed to stop two increments of Amar Mohapatra and Abhimanyu Mohanty and one increment of Sudhakar Pradhan and Bibekananda Mohanty with cumulative effect

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/sep/09/action-against-fiveofficers-for-undue-favour-to-millers-odisha-government-1654482.html

Rice swarming caterpillars destroy standing crops Staff Correspondent DIBRUGARH, Sept 7 - In view of the massive outbreak of rice swarming caterpillars in some of the rich rice belt of the district, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra here have offered a helping hand to the farmers to combat the menace.The pest menace has been taking a devastating form in the paddy fields of Majpar, Borotichuk and its adjoining four to five villages of Rohomoria, number-2 Dhaman and Sessanepaligaon of Tingkhang and Chakoipathar, Panimirigaon, Jajimukh and its adjoining villages of Borborooah.

Last year, the same pest attacked more than 7,000 hectare area in the district. The agricultural scientists’ team met farmers in Majpar Seasabil and Bolai villages and made them aware of various tactics to combat the pest

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=sep0817/state053

North Korea fetes nuclear scientists after H-Bomb test Massive celebration thrown for nuclear scientists in North Korea after rogue state's first thermonuclear test.

Tzvi Lev, 07/09/17 15:37 North Korea held a massive celebration honoring its nuclear scientists in the wake of the recent successful test of its largest bomb to date, AFP reported.A convoy of buses carrying the scientists paraded through a cheering crowd in Pyongyang, where citizens lining the streets threw rice and balloons at them, and a large celebratory fireworks show was held.

North Korea's increasing belligerency has led to spiraling tensions with the West, especially after the most recent test which reportedly was the largest detonation to date.

While experts continue to say that there is no military solution to the conflict with North Korea without leading to a massive amount of civilian deaths, the US Navy's Elite SEAL Team 6 are allegedly planning assassination missions to take out North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

According to the Sunday Times, SEAL commandos have been setting up a special cell dedicated solely to the assassination of the North Korean head in the event of war. Comprised of a joint US-South Korean task force, the team is scheduled to become operational in December.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/235198

Japan aims to more than quadruple rice exports in 2019 Sep. 8 05:05 pm JST

TOKYO

Japan's agriculture ministry said Friday it is aiming to more than quadruple the country's annual rice and rice product exports to 100,000 tons in 2019, ministry officials said Friday.

On the back of falling domestic demand, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has launched a project to expand overseas sales to raise rice farmers' income.

To meet its new goal, the ministry plans to raise total exports of rice and raw materials for rice crackers and Japanese sake, among other products, from the current level of around 24,000 tons.

The export of rice consumed as a staple stood at around 10,000 tons in 2016 and has been on the rise, especially to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Domestic demand for rice has been decreasing by around 8 tons a year, necessitating the expansion of exports, according to the ministry.

"It is a high goal but we want to aggressively go after it," said agriculture minister Ken Saito.

In late October, the government plans to designate some rice growing areas and producers as part of the export initiative. It will also identify strategic target countries in which it will bolster sales promotion, it said. https://japantoday.com/category/business/japan-aims-to-more-than-quadruple-rice-exports-in2019

Learn details of the global hybrid rice seeds market WhaTech Channel: Agriculture Market Research Published: 08 September 2017 Submitted by The Market Reports

The Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Market Research Report 2017 contains historic data that spans 2012 to 2016, and then continues to forecast to 2022. That makes this report so invaluable for the leaders as well as the new entrants in the Industry.

Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Market report is replete with detailed analysis from a thorough research, especially on questions that border on market size, development environment, futuristic developments, operation situation, pathways and trend of Hybrid Rice Seeds. All these are offshoots of understanding the current situation that the industry is in, especially in 2017.

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Access complete report at:https://www.themarketreports.com/report/global-hybrid-riceseeds-sales-market-report-2017 With this Hybrid Rice Seeds Market report, one is sure to keep up with information on the dogged competition for market share and control, between elite manufacturers. It also features, price, production, and revenue.

It is where you will understand the politics and tussle of gaining control of a huge chunk of the market share. As long as you are in search of key Industry data and information that can readily be accessed, you can rest assured that this report got them covered.

Key companies profiled in this report are Dupont Pioneerl, Syngenta, Bayer Cropscience, Nath, Advanta, Nirmal Seeds, Longping High-Tech, China National Seed Group, Hainan Shennong Gene, Win-All Hi-Tech Seed, Hefei Fengle Seed, Zhongnongfa Seed, Ricetec, Sl Agritech and others.

Access report at:https://www.themarketreports.com/report/buy-now/629970 When taking a good look at this report, based on the product, it is evident that the report shows the rate of production, price, revenue, and market share as well as of the growth of each product type. And emphasis is laid on the end users, as well as on the applications of the product.

It is one report that hasn't shied away from taking a critical look at the current status and future outlook for the consumption/sales of these products, by the end users and applications. Not forgetting the market share control and growth rate of Hybrid Rice Seeds Industry, per application.

All the queries about this report can be asked at:https://www.themarketreports.com/report/ask-your-query/629970 List of Chapters: 1 Hybrid Rice Seeds Market Overview 2 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application 3 United States Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 4 China Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 5 Europe Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 6 Japan Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 7 Southeast Asia Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 8 India Hybrid Rice Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price) 9 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data 10 Hybrid Rice Seeds Manufacturing Cost Analysis 11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

13 Market Effect Factors Analysis 14 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Market Forecast (2017-2022) 15 Research Findings and Conclusion 16 Appendix https://www.whatech.com/market-research/agriculture/373889-learn-details-of-the-global-hybrid-riceseeds-market

Global Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 – Usher Agro, Guru Metachem, Rescon (India), Deelert Group

By Ryan Harris September 8, 2017

Market Research Report on Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Rice Husk Ash worldwide. First of all, ‖ Global Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 ‖ report provides a basic overview of the Rice Husk Ash industry including definitions, classifications, applications and Rice Husk Ash industry chain structure.

Major Companies Covered in Global Rice Husk Ash Market :Yihai Kerry Investments Usher Agro

Guru Metachem Agrilectric Power Company Rescon (India) Deelert Group Jasoriya Rice Mill Get Sample Copy Of Report @ http://www.apexresearch.biz/global-rice-husk-ash-marketresearch-report-2011-2023/#ert_pane1-3 The analysis is provided for the Rice Husk Ash international market including development history, Rice Husk Ash industry competitive landscape analysis.

After that, Rice Husk Ash industry development policies as well as plans are discussed and manufacturing processes as well as cost structures for Rice Husk Ash market. This report ―Global Rice Husk Ash Market 2017‖ also states import/export, supply and consumption figures and Rice Husk Ash market cost, price, revenue and Rice Husk Ash market’s gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), as well as other regions can be added in Rice Husk Ash Market area.

Then, the report focuses on Global Rice Husk Ash market key players with information such as company profiles with product picture as well as specification.

Related information to Rice Husk Ash market- capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Aslo includes Rice Husk Ash industry’s – Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What’s more, the Rice Husk Ash market development trends and Rice Husk Ash industry marketing channels are analyzed.

Finally, ―Global Rice Husk Ash market‖ Analysis- feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. http://exclusivefacts24.com/2017/09/global-rice-husk-ash-market/

Kenyan scholar wins Africa’s top food prize FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2017

Prof Ruth Khasaya Oniang’o is a joint winner of the Africa Food Prize at the African Green Revolution Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary 

Born on November 9, 1946, Prof Oniang’o made her appearance at the forum as the founder and leader of the Rural Outreach Programme, a community based organisation that supports farmer groups in production and agro-processing at the grassroots.

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She carved a niche for herself as a nominated MP in the ninth parliament.

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Her grasp of African food and nutrition issues has enabled her to be Africa’s voice at many international forums such as the World Nutrition Conference in 1992 and the World Food Summit in 1996.

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Her pet subjects, she concedes, are nutrition and food security, wealth creation, women economic empowerment, environment, health and sanitation including HIV/AIDS, housing, education, and poverty.

By MWANGI MUIRURI More by this Author Prof Ruth Khasaya Oniang’o has jointly won the Africa Food Prize at the just concluded African Green Revolution Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

She won the prize alongside Ms MmeMaimouna Coulibali of Mali.

Born on November 9, 1946, Prof Oniang’o made her appearance at the forum as the founder and leader of the Rural Outreach Programme, a community based organisation that supports farmer groups in production and agro-processing at the grassroots.

The scholar beat 643 other outstanding individuals, projects and institutions nominated for the prize.

Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mali and Botswana had the highest number of nominees.

The judges found that her desire to feed the continent at the grassroots stood out. She is also the editor-in-chief and founder of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, which she started in 2001.

She served as lecturer and professor of food science and nutrition at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology from 1990 to 1996.

A holder of a doctorate in food science and nutrition from the University of Nairobi, she inherits the prize from the former president of the International Fund for Agriculture Development Dr Kanayo Nwanze, who was last year’s winner.

Prof Oniang’o carved a niche for herself as a nominated MP in the ninth parliament from January 2003 to December 2007.

Her contributions on the floor of the House mostly touched on food security, family nutrition as well as innovative ideas on boosting agricultural benefits to the society.

A career tutor, she has taught at tertiary level since 1978 and received her first and second degrees from Washington State University, Pullman, USA in 1972 and 1974.

HARNESS THE INTELLECTUAL RESOURCES

―Prof Oniang’o fully deserves the honour today. She is a strong and focused woman who has made Africa proud in that she has influenced the development of nutrition training, research, development discourse both in her home country and in Africa,‖ outgoing Liberian President Sirleaf Johnson said at the forum.

The judges were unanimous that Prof Oniang’o has participated in consultations at the international level and helped to generate decisions that have shaped global food security and nutrition. ―Her grasp of African food and nutrition issues has enabled her to be Africa’s voice at many international forums such as the World Nutrition Conference in 1992 and the World Food Summit in 1996,‖ said Johnson.

Prof Oniang’o says her journey this far has been phenomenal. ―This achievement is a culmination of a longtime dedication to a worthy cause. It was consolidated into an action plan in 1993 when following an action research project whose findings catalysed my founding of Rural Outreach Programme,‖ she says.

She adds that the programme’s main goal was to harness the intellectual resource of the university, connect it with the various capacities within communities to try to improve rural poor people’s livelihoods. ―Charity had of course to start at home, the reason why my most successful sensitisation programmes are to be found in my rural roots of Butere-Mumias and the immediate neighbourhoods,‖ she says.

Her pet subjects, she concedes, are nutrition and food security, wealth creation, women economic empowerment, environment, health and sanitation including HIV/AIDS, housing, education, and poverty.At home, she has been awarded a certificate of recognition by the government as well from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Prof Oniang’o currently sits on the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Fertiliser Development Centre, and HarvestPlus Programme Advisory Committee boards. http://www.nation.co.ke/business/seedsofgold/Kenyan-scholar-wins-Africa-s-top-food-prize/23012384087908-v09qitz/index.html

RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) Earning Favorable News Coverage, Accern Reports Lisa Durand on Sep 8th, 2017 Complete the form below to receive the latest headlines and analysts' recommendationsfor RiceBran Technologies with our free daily email newsletter: Press coverage about RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ:RIBT) has been trending positive this week, according to Accern. The research firm identifies negative and positive media coverage by analyzing more than twenty million news and blog sources in real time. Accern ranks coverage of public companies on a scale of negative one to positive one, with scores nearest to one being the most favorable. RiceBran Technologies earned a daily sentiment score of 0.26 on Accern’s scale. Accern also gave headlines about the company an impact score of 46.311788630529 out of 100, indicating that recent media coverage is somewhat unlikely to have an impact on the company’s share price in the next few days.

Shares of RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) traded up 3.8173% during trading on Friday, reaching $1.0797. 4,515 shares of the company traded hands. RiceBran Technologies has a 12-month low of $0.69 and a 12-month high of $1.56. The stock’s market capitalization is $14.59 million. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $1.06 and its 200-day moving average is $0.91.

Get RiceBran Technologies alerts: RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ:RIBT) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 10th. The company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter, missing the Zacks’ consensus estimate of ($0.14) by $0.04. RiceBran Technologies had a negative return on equity of 241.74% and a negative net margin of 18.06%. The company had revenue of $3.15 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $10.70 million. On average, equities analysts predict that RiceBran Technologies will post ($0.41) earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Maxim Group reissued a ―hold‖ rating on shares of RiceBran Technologies in a research note on Friday, May 12th.

RiceBran Technologies Company Profile RiceBran Technologies is a human food ingredient, functional food ingredient, packaged functional food and animal nutrition company. The Company is focused on processing and marketing of nutrient dense products derived from raw rice, an underutilized by-product of the rice milling industry. The Company has two operating segments. https://www.dispatchtribunal.com/2017/09/08/ricebran-technologies-ribt-earning-favorablenews-coverage-accern-reports.html

Rice Bran Wax Sales Market 2017 to 2022 Global Research, Analysis and Forecast SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 BY TUSHAR BHATKE The global Rice Bran Wax market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX.XX between 2017 and 2022.

Download Sample Pages @http://www.kminsights.com/request-sample-166915 The global market for Rice Bran Wax has also been studied on the basis of an assessment performed on the production chain, manufacturing capacity, and the revenue garnered of each of the major players operating in this market in this research report.The prime objective of this research report is to provide a clear insight into the global Rice Bran Wax market and help market players, consultants, and the stakeholders to make profitable strategies for the expansion of their businesses.

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This report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Rice Bran Wax for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States China Europe Japan Southeast Asia India

Download Sample Pages @http://www.kminsights.com/request-sample-166915 http://www.satprnews.com/2017/09/08/rice-bran-wax-sales-market-2017-to-2022-global-researchanalysis-and-forecast/

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