Food Stories: Zarda
BISMA TIRMIZI
This simple sweet rice delight fell in the premium
'sufiyana' class of cuisines during the Mughal era. —Photo by Fawad Ahmed
The
Ain-i-Akbari (the life chronicles of Akbar the Great, as written by Abul Fazl),
categorically suggests three classes of cooked dishes, in order of
hierarchy.'Sufiyana' was considered the premium class of food; meatless and
consumed by the Emperor on his days of abstinence. It included rice dishes such
as zard biranj (modern day zarda) sheer biranj, khushka and khichree, wheat
dishes, various kinds of lentils, some greens and varieties of sherbets and
halwas.
Needless to say, zarda falls in the premium category,
hence its celebratory significance in the subcontinent.
The recipe of zard biranj as chronicled by the
courtier Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari:
10 seer of rice; 5 seer of sugar candy
3½ seer of Ghee
½ seer of each: raisins, almonds, and pistachios
¼ seer of salt
1/8 seer of fresh ginger
1½ dams saffron
2½ misqal of cinnamon
(1 seer = 2 ½ lbs., 1 dam = ¾ oz., 1 misqal = 6.22
grams)
This will make four ordinary dishes. Some make this
dish with fewer spices, and even without any.
The yellow zarda is a favoured dessert distributed at
Sufi shrines that dot the subcontinent. I have enjoyed eating it at Baba
Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s Shrine, Lal Shabbaz Qalandar’s Shrine and at Mongo Pir,
and since, at the time, I was never a big fan of zarda, I always mixed it up
with savory biryani or pulao to make a mantanjan of sorts.
When it was my time to make zarda, I asked my dear
Gulzar auntie, a fabulous cook, for her recipe. Here it is, from my kitchen to
yours.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
4 oz. butter
1 cup and 1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 to 1/3 cup blanched and halved almonds
¼ cup raisins
Pistachio (optional, I prefer not to add them)
2 to 3 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
½ to 1 tsp. orange zest
4 to 6 green cardamoms
2 to 3 strands saffron (optional)
Yellow food colouring
Method
Parboil rice with yellow food colouring and set
aside.
In a pan, melt butter, adding sugar and stirring for
a few minutes (ensuring not to over cook), adding nuts, cardamom, orange juice,
orange zest, (saffron and pistachio, if desired) parboiled rice and a little
water, eyeballing the amount of water.
On adding the rice and water, initiate dum (seal pot
method of cooking in steam) on low heat.
Maintain low heat for 10-20 minutes, or until the
rice is fluffy and puffed.
Enjoy the warmth of simple sweet goodness like none
other.
—Photos by Fawad Ahmed
Nagpur
Foodgrain Prices Open- May 5
Nagpur, May 5 (Reuters) - Gram and tuar showed firm tendency in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on good buying support from local millers amid weak supply from producing regions because of heavy unseasonal rains yesterday evening. Notable rise in Madhya Pradesh pulses also boosted sentiment, according to sources.
* * * *
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram varieties reported strong in open market on renewed marriage season demand from
local traders amid thin supply from millers.
TUAR
* Tuar varieties touched to a record high in open market here on increased buying
support from local traders amid tight supply from producing regions. Reports about
weak overseas arrival jacked up prices.
* Masoor, Moong and Udid varieties too zoomed up in open market on increased marriage
season demand from local traders amid weak supply from producing belts.
* In Akola, Tuar - 6,900-7,200, Tuar dal - 9,700-10,100, Udid at 9,100-9,600,
Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,700-11,100, Moong - 9,100-9,400, Moong Mogar
(clean) 10,900-11,200, Gram - 4,300-4,600, Gram Super best bold - 5,300-5,600
for 100 kg.
* Wheat, rice and other commodities remained steady in open market in poor trading
activity, according to sources.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 3,800-4,400 3,750-4,320
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 5,400-6,990 5,400-6,920
Moong Auction n.a. 6,000-6,300
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Gram Super Best Bold 5,700-6,000 5,500-5,700
Gram Super Best n.a.
Gram Medium Best 5,500-5,600 5,200-5,400
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a.
Gram Mill Quality 4,900-5,000 4,600-4,700
Desi gram Raw 4,500-4,600 4,300-4,450
Gram Filter new 5,000-5,100 4,800-4,950
Gram Kabuli 5,000-6,800 5,000-6,800
Gram Pink 6,300-6,500 6,300-6,500
Tuar Fataka Best 10,000-10,500 9,800-10,200
Tuar Fataka Medium 9,900-10,200 9,600-9,800
Tuar Dal Best Phod 9,400-9,700 9,200-9,400
Tuar Dal Medium phod 8,800-9,200 8,500-8,900
Tuar Gavarani New 7,400-7,500 7,100-7,200
Tuar Karnataka 7,600-7,800 7,200-7,400
Tuar Black 10,400-10,800 10,100-10,500
Masoor dal best 7,400-7,600 7,300-7,500
Masoor dal medium 6,900-7,300 6,800-7,200
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold 11,200-11,600 10,700-11,100
Moong Mogar Medium best 10,500-10,800 10,100-10,400
Moong dal Chilka 9,800-10,000 9,600-9,900
Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 10,100-10,500 9,700-10,000
Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 11,000-11,500 10,800-11,200
Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 10,000-10,800 10,000-10,500
Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 8,400-8,900 8,000-8,500
Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,300-4,500 4,300-4,500
Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,100-3,200 3,100-3,200
Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,200 3,100-3,200
Watana White (100 INR/KG) 2,900-3,000 2,900-3,000
Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 3,700-3,800 3,700-3,800
Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,450-1,750 1,450-1,750
Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,850-1,950 1,850-1,950
Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,500 2,200-2,500
Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,050-2,300 2,050-2,300
Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 2,900-3,300 2,900-3,300
MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,550-2,800 2,550-2,800
Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,500 1,400-1,500
Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,200
Rice BPT New(100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,800 2,500-2,800
Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,300 3,000-3,300
Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800
Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,400 2,200-2,400
Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700
Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG) 3,300-3,700 3,300-3,700
Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 3,800-4,200 3,800-4,200
Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,500 4,200-4,500
Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG) 4,500-5,200 4,500-5,200
Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 8,000-10,000 8,000-10,000
Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,000-7,500 6,000-7,500
Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 4,600-5,200 4,600-5,200
Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000
Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,200 2,100-2,200
Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,450 2,300-2,450
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 40.5 degree Celsius (104.9 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
23.0 degree Celsius (73.4 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.
Rainfall : nil
FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers likely towards evening or night. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 40 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.)
http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/05/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL4N0XW2FJ20150505
Vietnam rice boom puts pressure on
farmers
Tuesday, May 05, 2015 04:24
Vietnam rice boom puts pressure on farmers
Bloomberg
Tuesday, May 05, 2015 04:24
Rice
farmer Nguyen Hien Thien is so busy
growing his crops that he has never even visited Can Tho, a town only a few
kilometres from his farm in the southern Mekong Delta."When I was a child,
we grew one crop of rice per year -- now it's three. It's a lot of work,"
60-year-old Thien, who's been farming since childhood, told AFP.Experts say
Vietnam's drive to become one of the world's leading rice exporters is pushing
farmers in the fertile delta region to the brink, with mounting costs to the
environment.The country is already the world's second largest exporter of the
staple grain. But intensive rice cultivation, particularly the shift to producing
three crops a year, is taking its toll on farmers and the ecosystem.
"Politicians
want to be the world's number one or two rice exporter. As a scientist, I want
to see more being done to protect farmers and the environment," said
Vietnamese rice expert Vo Tong Xuan.A major famine in 1945 and food shortages
in the post-war years led to the government adopting a "rice first"
policy.This now generates far more of the crop than needed to feed Vietnam's 90
million population and has spawned a thriving export industry.Rice yields have
nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, official figures show, thanks to high-yield
strains and the construction of a network of dykes that today allow farmers to
grow up to three crops per year.The amount of land under cultivation in the
Mekong Delta has also expanded and quotas are in place to prevent farmers from
switching to other crops.
But
experts question who really benefits.According to Xuan, farmers don't reap the
rewards of the three crop system -- the rice is low quality and they spend more
on pesticides and fertilisers, which become less effective year by year.He
argues the delta would be better off if farmers cultivated a more diverse range
of crops, from coconuts to prawns, with just the most suitable land used to
grow rice.The country should consider abandoning the third crop and focus on
improving quality and branding to sell Vietnamese rice at higher prices, he
said.Currently, the bulk of Vietnam's rice is exported at cut-price costs on
government-to-government contracts through large state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
like the Southern Food Corporation, known as Vinafood 2.
"Over
the last five years, the trend is towards lower-quality rice," admitted Le
Huu Trang, deputy office manager at the firm.Some argue that such SOEs have a
vested interest in maintaining the status quo as they earn lucrative kickbacks
from the huge contracts.But even as salt water intrusion, drought and flooding
increase in the delta -- to say nothing of agricultural chemical pollution --
it is also hard to convince farmers to change."The prevailing mindset is
to grow three crops... we have to explain two crops is better," said
Nguyen Tuan Hiep from the Co Do Agriculture company.Over the last 20 years, Co
Do -- which is state-run but a flagship model of how the industry could evolve
-- has identified the best rice-growing land in the delta and helped farmers
expand their farms.They now work with 2,500 families on 5,900 hectares of land,
enough for each family to make a living -- typically the average rice farm in
the delta spans less than one hectare.
The
firm invests heavily in high-quality seeds and improving irrigation, while also
advising farmers on the best chemicals to use."Two crops is more
sustainable long term -- the soil is not degraded, the environment isn't
polluted, and value of the rice increases," Hiep said.Climate change is
another factor threatening the delta, according to the World Bank Group's vice
president and special envoy for climate change Rachel Kyte."This is really
ground zero for some of the most difficult adaptation, planning challenges that
any country in the world has," she said.Ultimately, Vietnam has tough
choices to make, including whether to help people transition from a rice-based
economy to aquaculture or other crops, Kyte added.
The
environmental costs of maintaining Vietnam's current level of rice production
are also rising.The system of dykes, which blocks flood water, is preventing
soil nutrients from flowing freely and over time "soil fertility will
fade", said Tran Ngoc Thac, deputy director of Vietnam's Rice Research
Institute.Scientists there are busy trying to breed new strains of rice that
require fewer fertilisers and can survive in extreme weather."If farmers
don't change, if we can't find a suitable new rice strain, pollution will
continue and incomes will drop," Thac said, adding these measures were
essential to save the delta
http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/vietnam-rice-boom-puts-pressure-on-farmers-42899.html
Thailand occupies more
than 60% of rice market in Hong Kong
Tuesday, 05 May 2015
BANGKOK, 3 May 2015 - The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department
imported 49,900 tons of rice from Thailand in the first quarter 2015, a 48.9%
increase compared to the same period last year. The higher rice exports to Hong
Kong brought Thailand’s rice exports to all markets to 62.2% in the first
quarter 2015.Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce Duangkamon Chiambut said
the Hong Kong Trade and Industry imported 80,400 tons of rice during the first
three months this year, increasing by 0.75%.
Drop in Thai Hom Mali rice price and importers’ higher confidence
in Thai rice were important factors which led to the first quarter growth, the
spokesperson added. The strengthening of relations between the Thai government
and Hong Kong rice importers also helped Thai rice exports achieved a growth
target of higher than 60%, she said.In 2013, Thailand exported 6.6 million tons
of rice, worth 4.42 billion USD, worldwide. In 2014, Thai rice exports were
10.9 million tons or 5.34 billion USD.
- See more at: http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thailand-occupies-more-than-60-of-rice-market-in-hong-kong-46816#sthash.CWJVkU3N.dpuf
Rice
planting halted by frequent rains
Rice that has emerged looks very
good, but it needs sunshine and warm weather to begin growing vigorously. This
rice was photographed April 28, 2015, in Washington County, Mississippi. (Photo
by Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station/Richard Turner)
STARKVILLE — On
paper, Mississippi’s rice crop is right on schedule, with half the crop planted
by late April, but the reality is that recent rains have left planting at a
near standstill.In the Crop Progress and Condition Report, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture estimated 49 percent of the state’s rice was planted and 30
percent emerged by April 26.Those numbers are in line with the five-year
average, but they do not tell the whole story, said Bobby Golden, an agronomist
and researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment
Station at Stoneville. Rice growers were able to get a lot done in a very short
amount of time, but now soggy fields halt their progress.
“Early
in the rice planting season, we had some very favorable weather in some strong
rice-growing areas,” Golden said. “We got those areas planted, but the rest of
the rice acres are waiting for the ground to dry enough for planting to resume,
just like other row crops in the rest of the state.”Rice planting began this
year with a few acres planted the last week of March, but most were planted in
the first two weeks of April. Much of the rice has emerged, and Golden said it
looks very good.
“We’re
off to a better start as of April 28 than we were last year,” he said. “The
rice is up, but it needs some sunshine and warm weather to get it growing
well.”Rice benefits from early planting because it allows the crop to reach
critical maturity stages before temperatures are too high, and the crop can be
harvested before hurricane season threatens.Growers are now hoping for longer
breaks in the rain so they can plant remaining acreage. Once rice is planted,
growers will need dry weather again to apply fertilizer and postemergence
herbicide before the fields are flooded.
“For the
most part, on those rice acres that are up, the rains haven’t delayed anything
to date,” Golden said. “But if rains don’t end by early May, it will cause
management problems, not unlike some of those we faced last year.”USDA has
predicted 211,000 rice acres in Mississippi this year, which would be up from
the 191,000 planted in 2014. The state’s rice acreage was 305,000 in 2010, but
rice acreage dipped to a low of 125,000 in 2013.
“We’re
on pace to be where we were with acreage last year,” Golden said. “I’m not sure
if we’ll get the needed bump to go over 200,000 acres this year, but I have
heard from a few growers who are getting back into rice after not producing a
rice crop in the last several years.”Brian Williams, agricultural economist
with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said May rice futures
are trading for around $9.85 per hundredweight.“Prices have been trending lower
since late March when they were at or slightly above $11,” Williams said. “Rice
is much lower than a year ago when May futures contracts were trading for
$15.39 per hundredweight.”
Despite
lower prices, Mississippi’s rice acreage is expected to increase slightly while
the national acreage will be down, Williams said.“With prices of many of the
state’s other crops falling as well, rice becomes a more attractive alternative
to Mississippi producers,” Williams said.
By
Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications
MSU Ag Communications
http://msbusiness.com/2015/05/rice-planting-halted-by-frequent-rains/
Bangladesh to send
100,000 tons rice for Nepal quake victims
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - 12:10
Dhaka:
Bangladesh will provide at least 100, 000 tons of rice and other relief
materials including drinking water to help the earthquake victims in
Nepal."We have decided to send around 50,000 metric tons of rice to Nepal
and sufficient amount of water on emergency basis," Xinhua quoted
Bangladeshi Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury as saying on Monday."We
will send more 50,000 metric tons of rice and other relief materials
later."Bangladeshi Food Minister Qamrul Islam has already been called for
initiating an immediate measure in this regard, the agriculture minister said.
Bangladesh
has been sending relief materials to Nepal regularly following the earthquake
that killed at least 6,700 people so far, she said.Bangladesh wants to stand
beside Nepal as it played an important role in favor of Bangladesh`s
independence in 1971, Matia said.Meanwhile, four cargo trucks carrying
approximately 25 metric tons of essential relief materials for earthquake
victims in Nepal left Dhaka on Monday afternoon.The cargoes would travel
through Banglabandh-Fulbari-Panitanki- Kakarbhitta land route.
The
relief materials include 3000 cartons (12 metric tons) of dry food and fruit
juice donated by local organisation Pran, and 5000 pieces of blankets donated
by leading development organisation BRAC, according to a press release of the
Nepalis embassy in Bangladesh.Some of the materials were donated by various
private companies, charitable organisations and educational institutions and others
were collected by Nepalis and Bangladeshi volunteers.
IANS
Weed scientists offer new definition for 'superweed'
Weed scientists offer new definition for 'superweed'
Posted: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 12:00 am
On April 28 the Weed Science Society of America joined with six
sister organizations to recommend a new definition for “superweed”—a catchall
term used by many to describe weeds that are perceived to be more invasive and
to grow more aggressively after developing resistance to herbicides.Use of
superweed has snowballed in recent years, along with considerable
misinformation that isn’t supported by scientific facts. Most online
dictionaries, for example, associate superweeds with herbicide resistance
caused by the suspected transfer of resistance genes from crops to weeds.
To date, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that crop to
weed gene transfer is contributing to the herbicide resistance issues faced by
farmers.“Since superweed is now clearly part of the public vernacular, we
decided to offer a definition that more clearly reflects the true source of
herbicide resistance,” says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., WSSA science policy
director.The science-based definition developed by WSSA focuses on the ability
of weeds to develop resistance to virtually any treatment method that is used
repeatedly—and exclusively.
Superweed—Slang used to describe a weed that has evolved
characteristics that make it more difficult to manage due to repeated use of
the same management tactic. Over-dependence on a single tactic as opposed to
using diverse approaches can lead to such adaptations.The most common use of
the slang refers to a weed that has become resistant to one or more herbicide
mechanisms of action due to their repeated use in the absence of more diverse
control measures. Dependence on a single mechanical, biological, or cultural
management tactic has led to similar adaptations (e.g., hand-weeded
barnyardgrass mimicking rice morphology, dandelion seed production in a
regularly mowed lawn, knapweed resiliency to gall fly biocontrol).
Two common misconceptions about a superweed are that they are the
result of gene transfer from genetically altered crops and that they have
superior competitive characteristics. Both of these myths have been addressed
by the Weed Science Society of America at www.wssa.net/weed/wssa-fact-sheets. WSSA has also created a variety of free educational materials
and recommendations concerning herbicide resistance and how to avoid it,
available at www.wssa.net/weed/resistance.
Though the term superweed is most often associated with weeds
resistant to one or more herbicides, scientists point out that resistance can
result from overdependence on mechanical, biological or cultural management
tactics as well. Repeated hand-weeding of barnyardgrass growing in rice fields,
for example, has led to weeds that escape control by mimicking the appearance
of rice plants. Similarly, spotted knapweed has become increasingly resilient
to the gall flies used repeatedly as a biological control. Even dandelions
growing in a regularly mowed lawn can evolve to avoid the mower, produce seeds
and spread.WSSA’s new definition has been endorsed by the Aquatic Plant Management
Society, Canadian Weed Science Society, North Central Weed Science Society,
Northeastern Weed Science Society, Southern Weed Science Society and the
Western Society of Weed Science.
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific
society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of
knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society
promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to
weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers,
fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems,
and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and
around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.
$5.5M NSF grant aims
to improve rice crops with genome editing
ByKrishna Ramanujan
A new project
will harness the power of genome editing – a technique that allows researchers
to precisely target, cut, remove and replace DNA in a living cell – to improve
rice, a staple crop that feeds half the world’s people.The project, led by
Cornell researchers and funded by a four-year, $5.5 million National Science
Foundation (NSF) grant as of May 1, will serve in part as proof of principle
that genome editing can be used to address quantitative traits. These are
traits, such as height or yield, that are expressed to varying degrees in
different individuals. Very little is known about quantitative traits, as they
require complex orchestration of many genes.
Scientists are
also in a race against time to double the production of cereal crops on limited
arable land by 2050, when the global population could reach 9.5 billion.The
editing technique will focus on such quantitative traits in rice as disease
resistance and tolerance to acidic soils. Acidic soils hinder crop growth in 40
percent of the world’s arable land, according to Cornell researchers.“We have
the ability to open the genome like a book, go to a certain chapter and a
specific word and change the word or correct its spelling,” said lead scientist
Adam Bogdanove, where words are the DNA sequences that make up genes.
Bogdanove, a professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, is
principal investigator of the NSF grant and a co-creator of TALENs, a key
molecular tool used in genome editing.
The researchers already have identified particular stretches of DNA
as candidates for the quantitative traits of interest, Bogdanove said.
While
geneticists have made many advances in DNA sequencing, one grand challenge is
defining the specific functions of each DNA sequence. Statistical analyses can
determine whether particular stretches of DNA correlate with this or that
trait, but the task remains to directly test whether a sequence in fact causes
or contributes to a particular trait. That’s where genome editing comes in.“We
can test the hypothesis that these DNA sequences are important, and use them
for crop improvement,” Bogdanove said. Traditional breeding is exceedingly
difficult with quantitative traits that are linked to many genes. “Now, we
don’t have to do years of breeding; we can just make the precise changes needed
in a few short steps.”
For their work,
the researchers will use a newly released dataset for 3,000 rice genomes, and
they will test DNA sequences from this set and other rice genomes that are
associated with beneficial traits. Rice geneticist Susan McCouch, a co-PI on
the project, has been a key contributor to the rice genome dataset.Along with
developing a new system that employs genome editing for plant breeding, the
researchers also hope to develop new lines of rice that breeders could use to
address diseases and acid soils.
Additionally,
the project team will develop related educational materials for middle and high
school students and undergraduates, provide genome editing training workshops
for plant biologists, and continually update a public project website,
RiceDiversity.org.The researchers are careful to note that genome editing
should not be confused with genetic engineering; genome editing entails making
precise changes, whereas genetic engineering is “akin to inserting a particular
sentence somewhere at random into the book,” Bogdanove said.
Other co-PIs
include Jan Leach, professor of bioagricultural sciences and pest management at
Colorado State University; Erin Doyle, assistant professor of biology at Doane
College; and Daniel Voytas, professor of genetics, cell biology and development
at the University of Minnesota. Other Cornell team members include Jason Mezey,
associate professor of biological statistics and computational biology, and
Stefan Einarson, director of transnational learning.
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2015/05/55m-grant-aims-improve-rice-crops-genome-editing
Banaue rice terraces,
the ‘heirloom rice’ project, and community development in the Cordilleras
CROSSROADS (Toward Philippine Economic and Social Progress) By
Gerardo P. Sicat (The Philippine Star) | Updated May 6, 2015 - 12:00am
How do we interrelate the safekeeping of the works of famed painter
– Vicente Manansala the National Artist – with the continued survival of our
unique rice terraces as living monuments of mountain rice growing?
Philippine art,
cultural history, rice farming and biology converge. The answer to this
question will be partly answered on May 14, 2015. A program jointly sponsored
by the National Museum, the Department of Agriculture and the IRRI
(International Rice Research Institute) will feature the formal recognition of
two landmark murals, originally undertaken by Manansala for the IRRI, as
“National Cultural Treasures” at the National Museum.Along with this event,
there will be a presentation of scientific efforts to conserve and further
develop heirloom rice varieties from the Cordilleras. Called the Heirloom Rice
Project, this project of the IRRI is also heavily supported by the Department
of Agriculture and by the PhilRice (Philippines Rice Research Institute).
The dictionary
defines “heirloom” as any valuable or interesting possession that is handed
down from generation to generation. Heirloom rice varieties are those varieties
of rice that have been grown indigenously by farmers over generations.The
Heirloom Rice Project is a program that is focused on the planting and
conservation of these rice varieties to improve the livelihoods of upland
farmers of the Cordilleras. Several of Metro Manila’s leading chefs will
demonstrate their dishes using heirloom rice during the dinner part of the
program.
The guests for
this event include selected members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, the
friends of Manansala, as well as other partners and patrons of the arts. In
attendance also will be some of the rice farmers of the Banaue rice terraces,
key scientists of the IRRI, the PhilRice and trustees of these institutions and
the National Museum.
Business (
Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
My essay today is a tribute to this important
occasion as well as a statement of great regret at missing it as it coincides
with my long summer road trip to the provinces of Mindanao via Luzon and the
Visayas.I learned much about this project by reading a recent issue of Rice
Today (published by IRRI, Oct.-Dec., 2014)), admiring a wall calendar picture
of heirloom rice varieties (also produced by IRRI for 2015), and accessing the
Internet site, www.heirloomrice.com.
Our heirloom
rice varieties are vanishing and it is time to arrest and conserve those that
we still have. The Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) latest listing of
heirloom rice varieties of the Cordilleras reveals that many of them are no
longer being grown by farmers.Almost a decade ago, there were around 300
heirloom rice varieties grown in the Cordillera region (that included Abra,
Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province). The latest survey undertaken – in 2009
– shows a noticeable and dangerous decline in the planting of these indigenous
rice varieties.
Many farmers
have shifted to foreign varieties that are known for higher productivity and
shorter growing period that are adaptable to mountain conditions. Such foreign
rice varieties have higher yields and have shorter growing period compared to
the heirloom native varieties.But there are some major “losses” incurred as a
result of their displacement in farming. For one, there are many properties of
heirloom rice that need fuller appreciation.
The heirloom
varieties are exotic and aromatic and the grains contain richer nutrients for
health. Thus, they have unique health qualities that need to be understood and
preserved.To the old folks of the Cordilleras who ate these rice varieties,
it served as complete meals most days of
the year. It helped keep them healthy. The different varieties were multiple
energy foods in themselves. Today’s younger people are more susceptible to
diabetes and other food-related diseases.
These heirloom
rice varieties are strongly connected to the mountain environment. Thus, they
sustain a healthy ecological balance within that agricultural setting. Their
disappearance could mean a loss of biodiversity that has been part of the
cropping patterns of agriculture in the mountains.An important development for
the retention and continued planting of native rice varieties has to be found.
One avenue for this is to anchor it toward a sustainable economic reason for
their cultivation. Finding commercial possibilities and creating a permanent
demand for them is critical for their survival as sources of food.
Such an
approach also contributes toward strengthening natural resource management in
the mountains, specifically the preservation of the watersheds via
biodiversity. In doing so, it could protect farming in rice terraces and
enhance tourism based on them.Brief history of the heirloom rice project. The
trick could be to develop programs and activities that heighten the demand for
heirloom rice varieties as a niche market. This is a commercial approach that
promise lasting contribution also to community development in the Cordilleras.
Pioneering
developmental work to create a commercial market for Cordillera heirloom rice
varieties in the US could be traced to Ms. Mary Hensley. She is a former US
Peace Corps volunteer who was assigned in that region and who was much
impressed by her personal experience. There is also a Filipina community
worker, Ms. Victoria Garcia. Together, they forged a collaborative work that
began in 2004.
This pioneering
work attracted more attention and support among civic groups, local government
executives, government institutions and also the IRRI. The market possibilities
for heirloom rice also attracted attention from the Department of
Agriculture.Today, both women are still part of the Heirloom Rice Project. An
IRRI scientist, Dr. Casiana Vera Cruz, another woman, is overall leader of the
project. The project is multi-faceted. One of these is to “systematically
characterize traditional varieties of the Cordilleras and conserve them” for
posterity and future use.
Another facet
is that the project could serve as an instrument to pool support for a common
goal. Thus government agencies, local government units, state colleges and
universities, farmers’ groups, and private entities all stand to learn from the
experience in creating and strengthening the value chain work for the rice
growing industry for heirloom varieties.Success of this project will improve
incomes of rice farmers in the Cordilleras. It will create incentives to
preserve the rice terraces for continued farming so that they continue to serve
as living monuments of rice growing culture, Philippine style.
My email is: gpsicat@gmail.com. Visit this site for more
information, eedback and commentary:
http://econ.upd.edu.ph/gpsicat/
http://www.philstar.com/business/2015/05/06/1451565/banaue-rice-terraces-heirloom-rice-project-and-community-development#sthash.FkxxalaH.dpuf
Thai researchers
successful in producing aromatic popped rice
Wednesday,
06 May 2015
BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 - Success of Thai researchers in improving
popped rice as container of essential oil could add high value to the normal
rice karnels, Asst.Prof.Sanong Ekgasit, a researcher from Chulalongkorn
University revealed.Asst.Prof.Sanong said the internal porous structure of the
rice kernels provides higher capacity to keep essential oils inside and
gradually release their aromas for three months. When the oils run out, the
popped rice can naturally biodegradable with no harms to the environment.
The aromatic popped rice is now sold in ready-to-use packets which
can be placed at different places such as wardrobes and cars. Researchers have
plans to add a wider range of essential oils into the popped rice, hoping to
meet different tastes of customers.The innovation and development of the
aromatic popped rice are supported by the Office of the National Research
Council of Thailand. It is selected to be one of Thai innovations to be
displayed at the 26th International Invention and innovation Exhibition 2015 in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during 21-23 May.
http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thai-researchers-successful-in-producing-aromatic-popped-rice-46840#sthash.HFIg102r.dpuf
Thailand
Registers 48.9 Percent Rise in Rice Imports to Hong Kong in Q1
5/5/2015
South East Asian News (India)
South East Asian News (India)
BANGKOK, May 5 -- According to recent statistics,
in the first quarter of the current year, Thailand exported 49,900 tons of rice to the Hong Kong
Trade and Industry Department, which is a 48.9 percent augmentation as compared
to the corresponding period in 2014.Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce
stated that in the first three months of this year, the Hong Kong Trade and
Industry imported 80,400 tons of rice, which was a 0.75
percent rise. She further said that a decline in rates of Thai Hom Mali rice
coupled with a boost in importers'confidence
in country's rice were major aspects that resulted in rise in exports.
She added that a boost in ties between both
government of Thailand and Hong Kong rice importers was also a significant factor, which
led to the growth in exports.Published
by HT Syndication with permission from South East Asian News. For any query
with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact
Editor
http://www.world-grain.com/news/news%20home/LexisNexisArticle.aspx?articleid=2356609323
Nigeria's Agric.
Minister Adesina' Enmeshed in N35bn Rice Import Duty 'Fraud'
Discussion
in 'Business News' started by Lequte, Yesterday at 9:38 AM.
“You are a servant of the people just like we
all are. What we are doing here is for the benefit of our nation’s economy.
Before the end of the hearing, we are hoping to see people from the ministry
come in, otherwise we may be forced to make some very strong
pronouncements.”The committee said complaints reaching it indicated that the
minister facilitated the non-payment of the duties for the affected importers
and raised questions on the powers of the minister to grant such duty
exemptions.One of the beneficiaries, Olam Farms Limited, claimed that it was
never aware of a government directive that it was expected to pay duties for
exceeding its import quota but accepted to pay outstanding dues.The company’s
Business Development Head, Mr. Anil Nair, added that as a major stakeholder in
the sector, his firm was aware of the rules and could not have deliberately
breached any
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/nigerias-agric-minister-adesina-enmeshed-in-n35bn-rice-import-duty-fraud.111284/
Restricting cheaper rice imports
Rahman Jahangir
Rice forms the very
foundation of food security in Bangladesh as the Bangalees will continue to eat
rice as a staple in the decades ahead as they did since time immemorial. Even
in villages today, farmers, who toil day and night, like to take three meals of
rice a day. Various kinds of cakes are still being made out of rice.But then
experts have warned, any distortion in rice prices in the country due to losses
farmers incur will not only drive farmers from cultivating paddy to other
lucrative vocations but also pose a serious threat to food security in the long
run. Although the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has predicted good
rice harvests in 2015 and 2016, it is still unpredictable as to whether such
harvests could be sustained as paddy cultivation is highly dependent on
vagaries of nature.
Huge imports of cheaper rice from neighbouring India by the private
sector into the country have already made paddy cultivation uneconomic in terms
of prices. It was found that imported rice cost 20-25 per cent less than that
of local rice. For example, import cost of Swarna variety is Tk 22.5 to Tk 24.5
for a kilogram when it is Tk 27 to Tk 29 for the local variety.And millers have
done what they are bound to do in an open market operation. About 60 per cent
of them stopped milling rice in the Aman season.
Official statistics show, private importers brought in 1.3 million
tonnes of rice from India in July-April period of this financial year (FY'15)
when overall import was 0.374 million tonnes in FY'14.Realising the gravity of
the situation, the ministry of food has already asked the National Board of
Revenue (NBR) to impose duty on rice imports to protect the farmers from price
debacle. But then the NBR is yet to rise to the occasion.
On the other hand, thanks to timely distribution of seed and
fertilizer, favourable weather and uninterrupted supply of electricity, the
production of paddy, particularly Aman and Aus, is set to increase in the
current fiscal year. The rise is predicted despite a fall in harvesting area.
Aman production of financial year 2014-15 has been estimated around 14 million
metric tons, an increase of 1.3 per cent compared with 13 million metric tons
in the same period a year earlier, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics (BBS). During the period, Aus production has been estimated at 232.8
million metric tons, which is 0.08 per cent higher over the last year despite
declining harvesting area by 0.6 per cent.
The NBR should take a quick decision on imposition of import duties
on cheaper rice imports temporarily. This is because farmers do not know what
the NBR is or what duties mean. They care about prices their produces fetch in
local markets and accordingly take decisions on cropping.
arjayster@gmail.com
http://thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/05/06/91511
Import of Indian rice
affects local production
700 of 850 rice mills in Pabna halt operation
Commercial husking in the famous rice producing district sees
drastic fall for the last couple of months amid large-scale import of cheap
Indian rice. “Over 700 of the 850 rice mills in the district have already
suspended production due to poor sale of local rice. More than 10,000 workers
have become jobless due to the situation,” said Idris Ali Biswas, president of
Pabna rice millers association. “During the first three months of this
year, BNP-led 20 party's non-stop blockade hampered rice production. Now relief
from the blockade fails to make us happy as import of cheap Indian rice
continues,” he said.Each 50-kg bag of imported Indian rice is selling for Tk
1500 to Tk 1700 while one has to pay Tk 1750 to 2000 for the same variety of
local rice, stakeholders said, adding that at retail level, imported coarse
rice and similar local variety are selling at Tk 28-29 and Tk 35-36 per kg
respectively.
“I kept my two mills closed from last February due to the poor
sale of local rice. Still I have to pay Tk 50 thousand per month as rent for
two mills. Besides, I am spending Tk 40 to 50 thousand as labour payment and
electric bills. To recover the loss, I am now using the rice mills for corn processing
to sell it as poultry feed,” said Anwar Hossain Nantu, a rice miller of
Joynagar village in Ishwardi upazila. The upazila alone has 650 rice
mills, over 500 of which are now out of production due to poor demand of local
rice, said Fazlur Rahman Malitha, president of Ishwardi Rice Producers'
Association.Rice millers have appealed to the government to stop importing
Indian rice to save commercial rice production industry in the district.
http://www.thedailystar.net/country/import-indian-rice-affects-local-production-80652
Nigeria: Represntatives Threaten Adesina Over Alleged Rice Import Duty
Waiver
By Terhemba
Daka
Abuja — Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan ; his wife, Roli;
Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina; Chairman, Innoson Motors, Innocent
Chukwuma and Chairman, Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, during the 2014
Silverbird Man of the Year award in Lagos at the weekendTHE ad-hoc committee
set up by the House of Representatives to look into the alleged fraud and
evasion of rice import duties and levies by importers has threatened to
sanction the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for shunning an
invitation to appear before the panel's investigative hearing yesterday.
Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Leader of the House, Leo
Ogor, gave the indication in Abuja yesterday after stakeholders accused the
Ministry with regards to the administration of government policy on rice
importation and payable duties/levies on import quota by investors.Ogor, in his
opening address declared that, "this hearing was sequel to a resolution of
the House mandating the ad-hoc committee to investigate alleged fraud abuses
and evasion of import duties by rice importers."
http://allafrica.com/stories/201505051260.html
PARC
introduces 11 new high-yielding rice varieties
May
04, 2015
The
approved varieties have been recommended to National Seed Council.Details show
that the hybrid varieties approved by the VEC have yield potential up to 92
mound per acre whereas the OP rice varieties have potential to produce much
yield than the existing IRRI-6 and KSK-133 varieties.The OP varieties have been
developed from the Green Super Rice (GSR) germ-plasm provided by the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Philippines to PARC and National
Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE).These OP varieties
have high yield potential and also submergence, salinity and water stress
tolerance characters.
"With
the addition of new recommended hybrids of rice in the national system of the
country, it is expected that there will be a significant improvement in rice
production in Pakistan," Dr. M. Shahid Masood Chairman VET said.He
appreciated role of the stakeholders for taking interest in rice research and
development and working in close collaboration with the public sector.The VEC
meeting, among others, was attended by twenty technical members of the committee
from National Agriculture Research System (NARS) of the country including rice
breeders, agronomists, entomologists, pathologists, seed experts,
policy-makers, private seed companies' representatives and provincial seed
cooperation representatives.
http://nation.com.pk/business/04-May-2015/parc-introduces-11-new-high-yielding-rice-varieties
Filipino heirloom rice
part of Spanish festival
Monday, 04 May 2015 12:09
The Philippines’
heirloom rice, inherently unique in its natural features and quality, was
featured at the Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM), Spain, in April 2015
In the Philippines, heirloom
rice varieties are grown in CAR and certain regions of Mindanao such as the
Arakan Valley Complex and Lake Sebu in Cotabato. (Image source: IRRI)
Studies have shown that heirloom rice has high nutritional value
compared with common rice varieties. HRP also seeks to secure a geographical
indication (GI) tag for Philippines heirloom rice.Some 20 heirloom rice
varieties from four provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) —
Kalinga, Benguet, Mountain Province and Ifugao — were showcased in the
exhibition held from 24-26 April as well as in the food tasting and ‘food
tunnel’ sessions of the event.In the food tasting session, varieties ominio, ingud-pur, minaangan, kalinga jekotandtinawon were introduced. These varieties were
transformed into culinary specialities by renowned Filipino chefs Amy Besa,
Robby Goco, and Jessie Sincioco in dishes served during the food tunnel
sessions.The HRP is being implemented by DA-CAR regional office, the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the DA-Philippine Rice Research
Institute.
http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5663:filipino-heirloom-rice-part-of-spanish-festival&catid=1083&Itemid=98
GenSan studies
‘half-rice’ ordinance to reduce wastage
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/05 May) — The city council has
launched a series of consultations for a proposed ordinance that seeks the
inclusion of half-cup serving of rice or “half-rice” in the menus of food
establishments within the city.Vice Mayor Shirlyn L. Bañas-Nograles said the
council’s committee on trade, commerce and industry, is currently studying the
provisions of the measure that also aims to set the “half-rice” as the default
serving in restaurants and other related establishments in the area.She said
the move is in line with the national government’s “Be RICEponsible” campaign
that calls for responsible rice consumption.“Our main goal is to help reduce
rice wastage at the consumer level in the city,” said Nograles, author of the
proposed ordinance.
The proposed measure requires all food service establishments in
the city to include and display the half-cup rice serving in their regular
menus, with the price set at exactly half of the regular one cup serving.A
half-cup rice serving refers to one-half cup of the regular serving of cooked
rice or not more than 80 grams.It specifically covers businesses and
institutions in the city that are engaged in the preparation of plated, packed
or combo meals for a fee.These include restaurants; school, office and hospital
cafeterias; catering establishments; canteens, eateries, fast-food chains and
other similar establishments.“Food establishments are mandated to make the
one-half cup of rice as the default serving for packed and combo meals as well
as plated caterings,” it said.Nograles said the proposed ordinance included
penalties for establishments that would fail to implement its provisions.
She said a fine of P1,000 was set for the first offense, P2,000
for the second offense and P3,000 and cancellation of business permit for the
third and succeeding offenses.In 2008, several fast food chains started
offering “half-rice” serving in response to the national government’s call then
to conserve the country’s staple food.Studies made by the Philippine Rice
Research Institute showed that Filipinos waste an average of two tablespoons of
cooked rice or 9 grams of uncooked rice on a daily basis.The Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology also said each
Filipino reportedly waste an average of 3.29 kilos of rice every year.Such
wastage reaches around 296,869 metric tons or around P8 billion in terms of
value. (MindaNews)
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/05/05/gensan-studies-half-rice-ordinance-to-reduce-wastage/
Green revolution
wheat,rice varieties not drought resistant'
New Delhi
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May 4, 2015 Last Updated at 18:42 IST
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Varieties of wheat and rice introduced during green revolution
period are not resistant to drought and flood situation, agri-research body
ICAR has said. Replying to an RTI
application, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) said that the
green revolution varieties give better yield only when such crops are provided
with abundant water along with fertiliser.
With the changing climate, the temperature is rising across the globe which is
adversely affecting the wheat production, the government research body said. "Green revolution varieties of
wheat and rice gives better yield only in case of abundant water and fertiliser,
while these varieties don't have the ability to bear drought and flood
situation," ICAR said in the reply.
ICAR said that from last few years scientists have been developing
seeds that are drought and climate resilient to meet these challenges. Besides wheat, the research for such
drought and flood resilient seeds have also been done for tomato and split red
gram (arhar dal). For the current
crop year (July-June), government has estimated wheat production at 95.76
million tonnes. But due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms the production is
estimated to decline by 4-5 per cent. The
Green Revolution in India began in the late 1960s with the introduction of
high-yield crop varieties and application of modern agri-techniques.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/green-revolution-wheat-rice-varieties-not-drought-resistant-115050400710_1.html
APEDA India News
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Green revolution wheat, rice varieties not drought
resistant: ICAR
By PTI | 4 May, 2015, 07.41PM IST
ICAR said that from last few years scientists have
been developing seeds that are drought and climate resilient to meet these
challenges.NEW DELHI: Varieties of wheat and riceintroduced during green revolution period
are not resistant to drought and flood situation, agri-research body ICAR has said. Replying to an RTI application, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) said that the green revolution varieties give
better yield only when such crops are provided with abundant water along with
fertiliser. With the changing
climate, the temperature is rising across the globe which is adversely
affecting the wheat production, the government research body said. "Green revolution varieties of
wheat and rice gives better yield
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/green-revolution-wheat-rice-varieties-not-drought-resistant-icar/articleshow/47151568.cms
APEDA India News
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High quality seeds produced in one country, it
said, should be expeditiously made available for cultivation in neighbouring
countries having similar agro-climatic conditions so that farmers in
the region are benefited from the varieties."In Bangladesh and India,
serious problem with regard to making variety rice seeds available and
accessible to farmers is noticed."Significant gap exists between demand
and supplies of most-desired and adaptable varieties. Increased cooperation
between the two countries can significantly improve the situation," it
added.The bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh stood at USD 6.65
billion in 2013-14.
http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/news/Newssearch.aspx?newsid=19918&Date=05May2015
Spring 2015 Issue of USA Rice's Whole Grain Delivers
Sneak preview
Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444
New University of Arkansas Rice
Pocket Guides Now Available
STUTTGART,
AR -- The University of Arkansas has developed an Arkansas Rice Pocket Guide
for rice producers to provide brief and specific recommendations for rice
production in Arkansas. "This is a supplement to the Arkansas Rice
Production Handbook, which provides more detailed information and support for
recommendations," said Dr. Jarrod Hardke, University of Arkansas Rice
Extension Agronomist.
"The Pocket Guide, on the other hand, is
designed to serve as a quick reference guide for recommendations with pictures,
tables, and bullets for management decisions." Rice Pocket Guides are
available from local County Extension offices, or they can be ordered directly
from the UofA Extension webpage at: http://pubs.uaex.edu/pubsWebuser.asp and
searching for Rice Pocket Guide. Another
option is to be downloaded directly in PDF format:
http://www.uaex.edu/publications/mp-533.aspx.
Contact: Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice
Futures
CME Group (Prelim): Closing
Rough Rice Futures for May 5
Month Price Net Change
May 2015 $9.720 - $0.130
July 2015 $9.975 - $0.130
September 2015 $10.245 - $0.130
November 2015 $10.495 - $0.130
January 2016 $10.730 - $0.145
March 2016 $10.780 - $0.145
May 2016 $10.780 - $0.145
France delegation promotes Native products
Monday, May 04 2015
Written by Jon Lurie,
The idea of becoming a Native American trade ambassador came to Diane
Gorney during one of her recent excursions to France. “Walking down the streets
in Paris people kept coming up and offering to buy the jewelry right off of
me,” says the Minneapolis resident and White Earth descendant.Gorney refused to
sell the stunning beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets she had purchased
from Ojibwe artists back home. From those interactions, however, she came to
understand the appetite French people have for all things Native American. In
their hunger Gorney saw an opportunity to help her Ojibwe people.
She investigated the availability of American Indian items such as
traditional art and jewelry, and hand-harvested Minnesota wild rice.The “Native
American art” Gorney found in Parisian shops was of poor quality and
manufactured in China. Gorney’s search for wild rice led her across the French
capital. French cookbooks and menus frequently reference an ingredient called
“riz sauvage (translation: wild rice),” so Gorney was mystified when she
couldn’t find it in stores. Finally, at an obscure kosher market, Gorney ran
across riz sauvage, but found the product nothing like the natural cereal grain
which flourishes upon Minnesota’s northern waters.The graphic on the packaging
of France’s leading brand of riz sauvage, Tilda Giant Wild Rice, lends the
impression the black rice is harvested by Native Americans. Its box cover
contains an image of two American Indians poling a birch bark canoe through a
wild rice bed. But a closer look reveals the truth: the product marketed in
France as Native American wild rice is actually Indonesian, paddy-cultivated,
black basmati rice, packaged and distributed by a Britain-based food brand
selling in over 50 countries.
Gorney, a former art teacher, soon returned to Paris with a suitcase
full of White Earth wild rice. She handed out one-pound bags to chefs and
others whom she hoped would spread the word about the nutritious, delicious and
sacred grain. “I wanted them to share, but people loved it so much they kept it
for themselves. So my efforts were dead on arrival.”Back in Minnesota, Gorney
converted her frustration into action, assembling a team to open the French
market to Native American goods from Minnesota. As this issue of The Circle
went to press in late April, Gorney and her delegation were departing for Paris
where they were scheduled to meet with trade officials at the U.S. Embassy and
promote Native goods from Minnesota at one of France’s largest provincial
fairs, the Foire de Tours.
“I just want to get Minnesota Native arts and wild rice sold in France,”
Gorney said. “It seems very logical for these to be available there. If we are
successful, it will mean access to real arts and wild rice for the French, and
more money for our people on the rez.”Greg Bellanger, a member of the White
Earth Nation and owner of Northland Visions: Native American Fine Art and Gifts
from the Northland (1113 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis), is a participant in
the trade delegation. He says his efforts are motivated by a desire to “create
a greater demand for Minnesota Native goods, so that we can increase the number
of tribal members able to make a living as artists and traditional wild rice
harvesters.”
When his father, Ken Bellanger, opened the store in 2000, he sold 500
pounds of Wild Rice in the first 12 months, which he purchased directly from
White Earth and Leech Lake band citizens. Today, Northland Visions sells over
3,000 pounds of Native-harvested Minnesota wild rice annually. Despite the
increasing demand, Greg Bellanger says there is plenty more wild rice available.
“A ton of rice is left behind at the end of each season. My people at White
Earth and Leech Lake are capable of harvesting as much rice as we will
need.”Bellanger doesn’t anticipate selling anything on the initial trip. He’s
only carrying wild rice samples and photographs that represent available
artworks. “This trip is all about relationship building,” he said. “We’re going
there to meet and greet, shake hands, have dinner and get to know each other.
That’s the way the French do business.”Bellanger expects the wild rice to
practically sell itself. “We’re going to stress the fact that each rice harvest
is limited edition. It can only be harvested once a year. It can only be
cultivated in this part of the world. And we only sell hand harvested rice from
tribal members. Which, when people understand this, adds to the value of the
product. It is also completely wild organic,” he said.
“Our biggest challenge will be marketing, making the French public
aware that what we’re offering is not the same as riz sauvage,” Mike O’Dell,
the delegation’s export management director, said. To avoid confusion, O’Dell
said the trade group plans to present Minnesota wild rice by its Ojibwe name,
manomin (“good berry”).O’Dell, who has a master’s degree in international marketing,
spent eight years living in France and speaks fluent French, says the question
the delegation will be asking is “Why haven’t efforts to sell manomin in France
and other European markets succeeded in the past.” O’Dell believes one reason
is the two-year tribal government election cycle. “Any efforts that have been
initiated have been abandoned with changes in leadership. There has been no
consistency driving an export program.” O’Dell believes, however, that this
delegation has the right mixture of passion and expertise to make wild rice a
staple of the French table.“My French friends are very excited. The French love
all things Native American. They also love high quality food. Minnesota Native,
hand-harvested, and fire roasted manomin has the potential to become very
popular is France. We hope it will find a lasting place among the many other
luxury food items the French love to use in their cuisine,” O’Dell said.PHOTO:
Greg Bellanger, Diane Gorney, Mike O'Dell constitute a delegation of Ojibwe
entrepreneurs who are meeting with trade officials at the French U.S. Embassy
to promote Native goods from Minnesota at one of France’s largest provincial
fairs, the Foire de Tours. (Courtesy photo).
Five steps government can take to
fix ongoing farm crisis
Five steps government can take to fix ongoing farm crisis
Experts outline steps to tackle
the woes of the rain-dependent sector, with Met dept seeing a below-normal
monsoon
On the one hand farm incomes have been dented by
falling prices of crops, on the other, a drought-like situation in several
states last year and unseasonal rains more recently have damaged crops. Photo:
Mint
Agriculture in India is going through one of its worst
periods in recent times. On the one hand farm incomes have been dented by falling
prices of crops—both of key crops like rice, wheat and cotton as well as cash
crops like rubber, basmati rice, guar gum and potatoes. On the other, a
drought-like situation in several states last year and unseasonal rains more
recently have damaged crops. The future too appears bleak for the
rain-dependent sector as the Met department has predicted a below-normal
monsoon.Stocks in the granaries may still be intact, but rural livelihood has
been affected as farmers are unable to recover costs and debts are piling up.Mint spoke
to experts on the immediate and long-term steps that the government can take to
deal with the situation:
Ramesh Chand,
director, National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research,
Delhi, and member, national task force on agriculture, NITI Aayog1. Devise ways
to address price- and production-related risks. In addition to insurance and
immediate relief for crop loss, the government can make “deficiency price
payment” when prices crash. Under such a system, farmers get the difference
between the market price and a pre-agreed price that will act as a form of
price insurance.
2. Connect the lab to the field: agriculture cannot grow without
the aid of modern scientific research.
3. Pay attention to resource-use efficiency—in water and
fertilizers.4. Restructure the marketing framework to allow free movement of
farm products. Follow the example of how a highly perishable commodity like
milk travels across the country.5. Provide alternative jobs to farmers as it is
difficult to earn a living from small pieces of land (average land holding is a
little over one hectare in India). Liberalize land lease markets as small farms
are not viable.Himanshu, associate professor of economics, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, Delhi1. Inject funds into rural India to kick-start demand.
Announce a package which can revive wage employment by, say, creating rural
infrastructure.
2. Increase irrigation-related investments in rain-fed areas as
the uncertainties of monsoon are here to stay.
3. Devise protection measures like price stabilization and credit
at concessional rates and strengthen minimum support price (MSP) operations as
price shocks will be more frequent in the future.
4. Bring extension services back on the agenda. Farmers need to
know about better seeds, proper use of fertilizers and should get access to
better technologies. Information and communications technology-based services
like kisan call centres aren’t enough.
5. Revamp marketing infrastructure and extend it to crops for
which there is no MSP support.
Uttar Pradesh State Planning Commission
1. Announce a partial debt waiver (on loans taken for the winter
crop) for farmers affected by unseasonal rains as the immediate relief for crop
loss is inadequate.
2. Spell out the loan eligibility criteria for farmers who are
unable to repay crop loans. At present, debt restructuring is only an advisory
for banks and not binding upon them.
3. Make crop insurance more effective. Increase penetration and
subsidize premiums so that farmers can avail insurance; carry out damage
assessment at the field level to settle claims.
4. Undertake long-term research on how the crop cycle can be
aligned with the changing monsoon. Improve availability of early maturing,
drought resistant and short duration crops that can handle weather
uncertainties.
5. Increase long-term investment in agriculture to ensure
irrigation and address price shocks. The Rs.500 crore Price Stabilisation Fund Scheme for
perishable horticultural crops is insufficient.
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5th May (Tuesday),2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by
Riceplus Magazine
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