Unsold Paddy in Market Yards Faces Rain Threat
By Express News Service
Published: 08th
June 2015 07:55 AM
Last
Updated: 08th June 2015 07:55 AM
BARGARH: Farmers of the district
are spending sleepless nights with their unsold paddy bags lying in the open at
procurement centres even as the monsoon is fast approaching.Even as paddy
procurement was started on May 8, it has been moving at a snail’s pace.
Thousands of bags of paddy have been lying unsold in different market yards.The
district had set a target to procure 2,35,626 tonnes of rice from custom
milling of paddy. Against 100 kg of paddy, the rice millers have to supply 68
kg of rice under the custom milling norms. While the State Civil Supplies
Corporation was supposed to procure 2,01,209 tonnes of rice, Markfed was to
procure 19,417 tonnes, Nafed 10,000 tonnes and NACOPE 5000 tonnes.
However,
official report reveals that 1,54,582 bags of paddy are yet to be sold through
77 market yards and procurement centres. While 1,22,000 bags have not been
procured under Attabira Regulated Market Committee (RMC), the figure stood at
18,582 bags under Bargarh RMC and 14,000 bags under Padampur RMC in the
district. Sources said till June 4, a total of 30,90,848 quintals of paddy had
been procured.With the weatherman predicting arrival of monsoon in the State by
second week of this month, farmers are worried that rains may damage their
produce lying in market yards. They have asked the District Supplies Officer to
lift paddy from market yards before onset of monsoon.On Friday, farmers of
village Salepali in Bheden block sat on fast unto death outside the office of
Collector Anjan Kumar Manik demanding procurement of their paddy.
The
agitation was withdrawn after Additional District Magistrate Pradeep Gardia and
Food and Civil Supplies Officer Ramakanta Ransingh held discussion with the
farmers and assured them of starting paddy procurement from Monday.While 45,000
bags of paddy in the village are yet to be procured, Radha Mohan Pradhan of the
village said he is waiting for his 300 bags of paddy to be procured.Ransingh
said the paddy stock will be sold within a week.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Unsold-Paddy-in-Market-Yards-Faces-Rain-Threat/2015/06/08/article2855109.ece
Audit
report uncovers fraud on rice import duty by firms
By Emeka Anuforo, Abuja on June
8, 2015
A crowded marketA National
Assembly(NASS) committee saddled with the task of investigating the alleged
evasion of payment of import duty on imported rice by some companies and other
investors has turned in its reports.The committee, uncovered massive fraud and
the evasion of payment on rice import duty by firms. The report, which is said
to have been forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari, detailed how the majority
of importers of rice allegedly imported in excess of the quota allocated to
them in 2014 and thus ‘flooded’ the markets with polished rice that was capable
of pulling down local industries.
The report entitled Report of the
Ad-Hoc Committee on Rice Import Quota and Duty Payments recalled how the
Federal Government originally introduced the new rice policy to encourage
investments in local production by the 2016.The House noted that under the
policy, investors that had milling capacity with verified domestic rice
production, plans (DRPD) enjoyed an import duty of 10% and 20% levy, while pure
rice traders pay an import duty of 10% and 60%. To ensure full and proper
implementation of the policy and enforce compliance, an Inter-Ministerial
Committee of government issued guidelines and approved quotas for investors.
It noted that the new rice policy
did not in any way encourage the importation of brown rice, because the process
of getting it to the finished stage was costly, to the extent that before that
stage, the importer of brown rice would have lost 10-12% and could therefore
not compete with those companies importing finished products.The report
obtained by The Guardian at the weekend, stressed that contrary to the
provisions of the Customs Act, imported goods left the ports without the
payment of duties and levies. Ideally, no import left the ports without the
payment of duties and levies.It therefore called on the Federal Government to
review the New Rice Policy, noting how the policy in its present form places
emphasis on the importation of polished rice than growing rice locally.
This, the report noted, has negative effects on the local industry.The committee directed the Nigeria Customs Service to recover outstanding monies and seal up the warehouses and other businesses of defaulting firms until the last kobo is paid to the government in line with the Customs Act. It urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist in prompt recovery of all outstanding monies owed the Federal Government by these companies.The Report signed by Chairman/Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor and Clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Funso Babalola, called for the immediate cancellation of the entire quota allocation system and the suspension of the new 2015 quota allocation issued in the winding down days of the last administration.
It added: “The Nigeria Custom
Service should henceforth implement the pure rice traders’ policy alone. Tara
Agro Industries and Ebony Agro Industries are sister companies run by the same
management. Their liabilities should be consolidated in line with their quota
allocations.“A lot of companies could not be investigated due to time lapse.
The 8th Assembly should make further investigation on these companies with a
view to recovering every kobo owed the Federal Government.“Henceforth the
Nigerian Customs Service should insist only on verifiable bank guarantees from
reputable banks and stop forthwith acceptance of any corporate guarantee from
companies.”Immediate past Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina had early
this year alerted the nation that some companies given quota to import rice had
exceeded their quota and owed the government money and had not paid. He had
computed the amount owed the country at that time as thirty six billion
NairaAdesina clarified that the allocation was meant to protect both investors
and rice paddy millers. Adesina urged Customs to enforce the tariff system,
noting that companies that imported in excess of their allocation should be
made to pay any excess on their allocated quota.
The report noted: “A thorough
perusal of memoranda and other documents submitted to the Committee as well as
presentations made at the Public Hearing on the alleged abuses, fraud and
evasion of import duty by some companies and other investors reveal that the
policy was not adhered to. Many rice importers took advantage of the policy and
dumped so much rice in the Nigerian market. This excess has a direct effect on
the local rice production.“It has become almost impossible for the local rice
millers to sell their products. There is the urgent need to review the rice
quota or its outright ban due to its negative effect on local rice production,
job loss, loss of foreign exchange and the abuse of the policy by unscrupulous
importers due to the low levy that has been reduced from 100% to 20%.
“Qualifications for allocation were
not subjected to the spot verifications of claims, particularly demonstration
of verifiable production/supplies of local paddy refined.”The committee also
noted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Ministry of Finance, as well as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
did not synergize with regard to information on the quota allocation and its
implementation.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/06/audit-report-uncovers-fraud-on-rice-import-duty-by-firms/
Newsbrief
June
08, 2015
Swedish
investors invited to invest in energy sector: Minister
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has invited Swedish investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure projects. He was addressing a ceremony at the residence of Swedish Ambassador in Islamabad on National Day celebrations of Sweden. Pervaiz Rashid said both the countries have cooperated and extended support to each other at various international fora on issues of mutual interest. He said we look forward to continue this cooperation in future as well. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting has rejected the rumours of abolishing subsidy on wheat for Gilgit-Baltistan. In a statement on Sunday, he said these rumours are totally baseless.The Minister said these rumours are being spread to get votes in GB elections.He said Rs6.5 billion have been fixed as subsidy on wheat for Gilgit Baltistan in the budget.
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has invited Swedish investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure projects. He was addressing a ceremony at the residence of Swedish Ambassador in Islamabad on National Day celebrations of Sweden. Pervaiz Rashid said both the countries have cooperated and extended support to each other at various international fora on issues of mutual interest. He said we look forward to continue this cooperation in future as well. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting has rejected the rumours of abolishing subsidy on wheat for Gilgit-Baltistan. In a statement on Sunday, he said these rumours are totally baseless.The Minister said these rumours are being spread to get votes in GB elections.He said Rs6.5 billion have been fixed as subsidy on wheat for Gilgit Baltistan in the budget.
Int’l
companies keen to set up oil refinery in KP
ISLAMABAD (Online): A number of international companies have expressed their willingness to set up oil refinery in Southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the official sources, the government is also planning to utilise the available deposits of gas for power generation. The electricity generated through gas will be given to the industries on low rates to boost industrialisation. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already decided to establish an autonomous body to executive oil and gas projects. The autonomous body will achieve oil and gas exploration targets under 2034 plan.
Govt
asked to bail out crumbling rice sector
ISLAMABAD (INP): President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Sunday said government needs to bail out sinking rice sector otherwise country may lose export market to neighbouring country. Pakistan exports over $2 billion of rice, the second largest exports after textiles, but it is losing export markets since last two years landing over one thousand rice mills into serious problems, he said. This he said while talking to President Pakistan Rice Mills Association Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch.
He said that
Pakistan is fourth largest exporter of rice and millions of jobs are linked to
that critical sector which merits full attention of the policy makers.At the
occasion, Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch said that situation is turning against
Pakistan and in favour of India which has introduced its own brand lacking
aroma but increased in length. Indian rice is cheaper due to hidden subsidies
which has resulting in lost Iranian and Middle Eastern markets, he
informed. He said that some 3000 rice mills are facing problems while
those 1000 are on the brink that have failed to sell rice in last two years. He
said that mills facing closure are located in Jhang, Chiniot and Layyah while
3.5 lakh bags are lying in only one district since two years. These mills are
unable to pay loans resulting in increased interest.
Baloch said that price of super colonel
banaspati was Rs 3600 per bag in 2013-14 while dropped to Rs 1300 in 2014-15
and it is projected to touch Rs 700 per bag soon. Many farmers have refused to
sow rice in the next season due to the crisis which has put future of industry
and agriculture at stake, he added. At the occasion, Mian Zahid Hussain
lauded the steps taken for rice sector in the budget but termed them
insufficient. He said that government agencies should buy rice from millers to
export them, their mark-up should be waived and it should be declared sick
industry otherwise this important sector would crumble.
FPCCI
team to leave for China to attend business conference
karachi (Online): FPCCI President Mian Adrees, Vice President Fehmida Jamali, other senior officials of FPCCI and exhibitors will leave for China in coming week to attend the 10th China SA Business Conference, a press statement said here on Sunday. The 10th China - South Asia Business Forum, jointly sponsored by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, SCCI and People’s Govt of Yunnan Province, will be held during Jun 10-13, 2015 in Kunming ,China. Fehmida Jamali shared the details that this year the Forum will focus on the theme of “Promote the construction of Silk Road Economic Belt; accelerate the pace of business cooperation” and the topics include tourism and service, new energy industry, as well as cooperation among women entrepreneurs.
However
FPCCI has completed preparation for Pakistan’s participation to attend the said
event including Kunming fair and its first time allocation of stalls through
open balloting to the exhibitors; she added. As China-South Asia Business Forum
(the Forum) is the first forum mechanism established for regional economic
cooperation between Chinese and SAARC industrial and commercial circles in the
context of ever-increasing mutual trust in politic affairs and continuous
economic cooperation between China and South Asian countries.
Cement export registers 26.13pc fall
Lahore (Staff Reporter): Cement exports have
registered a sharp fall of 26.13 percent to 0.56 million tons in May as Iranian
cheap cement is eating Pakistan’s market share in Afghanistan. APCMA data
showed that exports dropped 10.82 percent to 6.64 million tons in July-May
period of the outgoing 2014/15 fiscal year. Cement makers exported 7.44 million
tons in July-May 2013/14. Industry expressed concern over the continuous
decline in exports to Afghanistan. Pakistan exported 0.75 million tons of
cement in the same month a year ago.
“Iranian cement is fast making inroads into our
neighbouring country,” said a spokesperson of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers
Association (APCMA).APCMA appealed the government to support local
manufacturers in winning back the Afghanistan market by withdrawing duties,
which will enable them to compete with highly subsidised Iranian cement.Exports
from South registered an increase of 4.5 percent in July-May. These exports go
through the sea. However, exports from North decreased 18.30 percent due to
Iranian cement factor as exports from the North usually go to Afghanistan.
http://nation.com.pk/business/08-Jun-2015/newsbrief
DNAnexus Powers Research and Analysis of Rice Genomes
to Help Feed World’s Population
DNAnexus Inc.
Posted on: 05 Jun 15
Posted on: 05 Jun 15
DNAnexus Inc. announced today that its groundbreaking cloud-based genome
informatics and data management platform is powering the 3000 Rice Genomes
Project (3K RGP). The project is a partnership between the Chinese Academy of
Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
and BGI in China and their numerous collaborators globally who are attempting
to solve one critical question: how can we continue to feed the growing human
population?
Rice is a diet staple for half the
world’s population. It is estimated that production of this grain must increase
by at least 25% by 2030 to keep pace
with population growth. Researchers are using genomics to identify critical
genetic differences between strains of rice for nutrition climate tolerance and
disease resistance – differences that can be utilized in the paddy field in
upcoming years to breed rice varieties that can support global demands.The 3K
RGP has analyzed 3000 rice genomes generating more than 100 TB of data that was
processed on 37000 CPU cores concurrently.
Using DNAnexus the team completed the mapping
and variant calling more than 200 times faster and without incurring additional
costs in purchasing and maintaining compute infrastructure. 3K RGP
investigators are located across the globe in 10 countries and they are able to
access results and collaborate in real time without the costs of shipping these
datasets on physical storage. The result has been hundreds of new genetic
markers each a potential pathway to improving outcomes for rice production. The
genes linked to valuable traits can help breed new rice varieties that have
improved yield higher nutritional value or greater tolerance to pests diseases
and drought.
According to Robert S. Zeigler
Director General of IRRI “Humans have been improving rice over thousands of
years. Using this new knowledge of the rice genome public interest research
organizations can further improve rice yields the nutritional content of rice
as well as the rice plant’s resistance to the negative effects of climate
change pests and disease.”“The 3K Rice Genomes Project is a powerful example of
how DNAnexus is being used to accelerate scientific discovery in a project
whose sheer volume and scope is unprecedented in the agricultural community”
said Richard Daly CEO of DNAnexus. “We are thrilled to support this work on our
platform particularly given the wider social benefits of success.”
About DNAnexus
DNAnexus combines expertise in cloud computing and bioinformatics to create
a global network for genomic medicine. DNAnexus provides security scalability
and collaboration for enterprises and organizations that are pursuing
genomic-based approaches to health in order to accelerate medical discovery.
DNAnexus is supporting customers around the world that are tackling some
of the most challenging and exciting opportunities in human health. For more
information please visit: https://dnanexus.com and follow us at
@DNAnexus.
View source version on
businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150605005073/en/Last updated on: 05/06/2015
UNISAME
TERMS IT A MEDIOCRE BUDGET COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER HAD FM EXAMINED ALL OUR
DEMANDS
Jun 7, 2015 | Thaver
The Union of
Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME ) thanked the federal finance minister
(FM) Ishaq Dar for accepting the demands of the Union partially for reducing
import duties, relief for rice industry, encouraging alternate energy,
modernization of farms, reduction of tax on low income and enhancing savings
limit on Bahbood savings for senior citizens. The increase in minimum wages and
pensions is also welcomed.The decision to set up Exim bank is also a very
positive step. The support to the constuction/housing sector was also proposed
by us.President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver whilst appreciating the acceptance of
demands of the sector urged him to reconsider the imposition of further sales
tax on mobile phones as it will lead to smuggling.
Secondly the
levies on branded dairy products will make them expensive for the common man.
This will discourage branding and quality products development.Thirdly the
union is perturbed to learn of the increase in withholding tax on profit on
deposits as it will discourage savings.UNISAME expected the FM to announce a
package for the MSME sector to facilitate them and support the promotion and
development by concrete measures for the MSMEs.UNISAME had demanded the
strengthening of SMEDA to enable it to reach the micro and small entrepreneurs
and modernize them.Thaver said we are hopeful the FM will look into the
possibilities and consider our genuine demands of setting up an institute,
chamber and an export house for SMES. The sector also deserves an SME specific
bank and the union is confident that the FM would re vitalize the existing SME
Bank.
Unisame
Looking for clearance:
TDAP agrees to take up rice export issue
Published: June 7, 2015
A REAP delegation suggested to
TDAP that it should send its proposal to the commerce ministry asking the TCP
to issue a certificate that would allow the export. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: Trade Development Authority of
Pakistan (TDAP) Director General Lahore Sher Afgun Khan has agreed to take up
the matter of exporting 6,000 tons of rice to Sri Lanka with the Ministry of
Commerce.
A Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan
(REAP) delegation suggested to TDAP that it should send its proposal to
the commerce ministry, asking the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to
issue a certificate that would grant the export, a REAP release said on
Saturday.The director general agreed with this proposal and assured that he
would take up the matter on an urgent basis, it added. REAP Chairman Rafique
Suleman, Senior Vice Chairman Mian Mohsin Aziz, along with members of managing
committee of REAP, met TDAP DG Lahore on Friday to discuss the disbandment of
Quality Review Committee (QRC) of rice.
On disbandment of QRC, the DG Lahore
highlighted the procedure and said a golden handshake will be offered by the
TDAP office for the disbandment of QRC.He further added that all employees will
be granted the golden handshake as per agreed formula of one salary per annum
multiplied by years of service and three salaries in addition.It was decided in
the meeting that controller, deputy controller and chief accountant of QRC will
remain till the finalisation of audit by Mushtaq and Company. It was further
resolved the three QRC employees will be granted golden handshake as per
procedure.
Published in The Express
Tribune, June 7th, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/899162/looking-for-clearance-tdap-agrees-to-take-up-rice-export-issue/
GOVT ASKED TO BAIL OUT CRUMBLING RICE
SECTOR
Monday, June 08, 2015 - Islamabad—President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals
Forum (PBIF) and former provincialminister Mian Zahid Hussain on Sunday said the
government needs to bail out sinking rice sector otherwise country may lose
export market to neighbouring country. Pakistan
exports over two billion dollars of rice, the second largest exports after textiles, but it is
losing export markets since last two years landing over one thousand rice mills
into serious problems, he said. This
he said while talking to President Pakistan Rice Mills Association Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch. He said that Pakistan is fourth largest exporter of rice and millions of
jobs are linked to that critical sector which merits full attention of the
policy makers.
At the occasion, Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch said that situation is turning against Pakistan
and in favour of India which has introduced its own brand lacking aroma but
increased in length. Indian rice
is cheaper due to hidden subsidies which has resulting in lost Iranian and Middle Eastern markets, he informed. He said
that some 3000 rice mills are
facing problems while those 1000 are on the brink that
have failed to sell rice in last two years. He said that mills facing closure are located in
Jhang, Chiniot and layya while 3.5 lakh bags are lying in only one districtsince two years.
These mills are unable to pay loans resulting
in increased interest. Baloch said that price of super colonel banaspati was
Rs 3600 per bag in 2013-14 while dropped to Rs 1300 in 2014-15 and it is
projected to touch Rs 700 per bag soon. Many farmers have refused to sow rice
in the next season due to the crisis which has put future of industry and
agriculture at stake, he added. At
the occasion, Mian Zahid Hussain lauded the steps taken for rice sector in the budget but termed them insufficient.
Hesaid that government agencies
should buy rice from millers to export them, their mark-up should be waived and
it should be declared sick industry otherwise this important sector would crumble.—NNI
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=265880
FPCCI hails budget
June 06, 2015
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
has appreciated budget proposals 2015-16 presented by Finance Minister Ishaq
Dar Friday. Talking to Business
Recorder, Mian Idress President FPCCI said most of our proposals have been
considered and accordingly incorporated in the next fiscal year budget. "Although the government has enhanced
sales tax from 3 to 5 percent for five leading exporting sector, we appreciate
the initiatives taken for the economy particularly exports. We believe that the
textile package amounting to Rs 64 billion will support the textile industry
and exports," he said. President
FPCCI said that for the last one year, business community and exporters were
urging for payment of refund claims and the finance minister in his budget
speech has committed to releasing the entire pending refund amount in August
and September this year.
This will provide financial support to exporters, he added. The
steps taken for the revival of economy are also encouraging. Energy crisis
persisting in the country for the last five years, has largely been addressed
in the budget and as per FPCCI demand, the government has announced some
relaxations for import of power plants. This will help overcome the ongoing
energy crisis, he said. "Regarding
import of power plants, we have suggested to the government not to link import
of power plants with the dollar or price and accordingly, the government has
announced linking its import with megawatt. Definitely, this will support the
domestic industry to generate their own power for a better productivity,"
he added. For the first time, construction sector has been recognised in the
federal budget.
Some 42 industries are associated with this sector and relief for
construction sector will create new job opportunities, besides supporting other
industries and providing new housing facilities in the country, Idress said. President FPCCI said that the
government has also considered the Federation's proposal regarding special
package for KP, as its economy is affected by terrorism. The government
announced a special relief package for KP. Replying to a question, he said that
the federal government has not considered any proposal on zero rating of five
leading sector, however we are hopeful that the government will resolve this
issues soon. Rafique Suleman,
Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Abdul Rahim Janoo,
Senior Vice President, FPCCI & Chief Patron of REAP welcomed the Federal
Budget for the year 2015-16 and appreciated the steps taken by the federal
government to grant tax-free status to rice mills for one year. In addition, reduction in the import
duty and sales tax on agricultural machinery is also a very good step and we
are hopeful to see long lasting results next year, they added.
"This will also increase sowing of rice besides boosting the
export of rice," they said. Dr
Shahzad Arshad Chairman Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparel Manufacturers and
Exporters Association criticised the budget measurers saying that budget is not
industry friendly and it is believed that the industry will face new challenges
in next fiscal year. "Our
major demand was zero rating of the textile sector and payment of pending
refund claims. Both issues have been addressed but not resolved. The government
has raised sales tax from 2 to 5 percent for textile sector, instead of zero
rating demanded by exporters," he said. In addition, for the last one year, the finance
minister is promising release of pending refund amount; however the promise has
still not been fulfilled.
While in the budget, the minister has again
committed paying the entire amount in next three months, ie, August and it is
likely to remain a promise, he added. Talking about the tax measures, he said
that no steps have been taken to broaden the tax net and it will ultimately
enhance the tax burden on already overburdened taxpayers. President Pakistan
Businessmen and Intellectual Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain said that overall
impact of the federal budget is positive, well thought out and set to take off
the national economy but at the same time has no focus on SME sector, women
empowerment and cottage industry.
http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1193563/
REAP team visits PARC
June 06, 2015
A delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) led
by Rafique Suleman, Chairman REAP visited Pakistan Agricultural Research
Council (PARC), Islamabad and had meetings with Senior Officials of PARC, Dr
Shahid Masood, Member PSD, PARC, Mian Abdul Majid, National Co-ordinator
(Rice), PARC. This meeting was
also attended by Dr Muhammad Arif, Principal Scientist NIBGE, Faisalabad and Dr
Muhammad Aslam, Food Security Commissioner, Ministry of National Food Security
& Research, whereas from REAP, Shahzad Ali Malik, Ex-Chairman REAP,
Chaudhry Samiullah, Ex-Vice Chairman REAP, Muzammil Chappal, Treasurer REAP and
Ali Hussam Asghar, MC Member REAP were also present in the meeting.
Rafique Suleman, Chairman REAP apprised them about the prevailing
crisis in rice export particularly in Basmati rice, as this year Pakistani
Basmati rice is showing serious decline and it is the need of hour to take
urgent steps for the survival of Pakistani Basmati rice. He referred to the
recent visit of REAP's high profile trade delegation to Philippines, where it
was informed by the Officials of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
that they have given the seeds of new variety of rice to Pakistani authorities,
which will be helpful to fulfil the demand of Pakistani rice industry.
REAP Chairman offered to sponsor two Seminars on awareness of
Basmati rice at Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku in Punjab and Rice
Research Institute in Dhokri Sindh. All the expense will be borne by REAP. He
also offered at PARC meeting to sponsor two scientist for study at IRRI
Philippines on development of seed by REAP. GSR-8
an Inbred variety approved by WEC, field trial have passed and per Acre yield
is 80 mound having potential 11 ton per hector which is equal to 110 mound per
Acre. Farmers can retain seed for next year as it is inbred variety.
This variety will reduce the production cost due to 40% Fertilizer
and 40% Water save during cultivation. 'Bacterial Plight Super Basmati seed'
launched by NIBGE as a new seed which is acceptable to farmers and exporters.
It would help to safeguard the interest of rice trade. The Chairman REAP
Rafique Suleman thanks to Safdar Hayat, the Ambassador of Philippines who
arranged a meeting with scientist of IRRI Philippines where it was informed by
the Officials of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that they have
given the seeds of new variety of rice to Pakistani authorities, which will be
helpful to fulfil the demand of Pakistani rice industry. After 18th
(eighteenth) amendment Agriculture is Provincial subject while Food Security
remains Federal subject so it is proposed to make Board of Basmati with Public
Private Partnership under the umbrella of PARC.-PR
http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1193592/
Incentives offered:
Agriculture, construction and textile emerge victorious
Published:
June 6, 2015
Rice Exporters Association of
Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman, in a statement, welcomed the budget.
PHOTO: APP
KARACHI:
The construction and agriculture sectors –
touted as the two most labour-intensive ones by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in
his budget speech – have welcomed the government’s initiatives on Friday.
“The suspension of minimum tax on builders for
three years and reduction in customs duty on import of construction machinery
are very good decisions for the construction industry,” Association of Builders
and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Convener Budget Sub-Committee Saleem Kassim
Patel said.Patel, however, said that the availability of housing finance at 6%
and cheaper steel products by abolishing regulatory duty on the import of steel
billets are steps that the government should take if it wants to see new
investments in the sector.
The federal minister, in his speech, also
pointed out that the government wants to give incentives to the construction
and agriculture sectors in the hope that it can create new jobs on a larger
scale.The construction sector has demanded that the government recognise it as
a major source of employment. It was like music to the ears for the
industry when Dar said that the construction can be an engine of economic
growth.The announcement, which attracted admiration from almost all sectors,
was the scheme under which the government will provide interest-free loans for
30,000 solar tube wells in the next three years.
Looking at agriculture
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan
(REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman, in a statement, welcomed the budget and
appreciated the steps taken by the federal government especially to ensure rice
mills remain tax free for a year.“The reduction in import duty and sales tax on
agricultural machinery is a significant step and we are hopeful to see the long
lasting results in the next year. This will also result in the increase of
sowing as well as rice exports,” he added.
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters,
Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Research and Development Chairman Waheed
Ahmed commented that the budget is an encouraging one for the agriculture
sector.However, some had divergent views. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Chairman Standing Committee on Horticulture and
Agriculture Produce Ahmad Jawad said no concrete measures were taken in the
budget for the transformation of the agriculture, horticulture sector and its
exports, except tax incentives and addition in agriculture credit.“We cannot
achieve the GDP target without heavily investing in the agriculture sector,”
Jawad added.
Textiles
Budget
revelations also showed that the textile sector emerged as a key gainer. or
textiles, the EXIM Bank of Pakistan will start operations in fiscal year 2016
to facilitate exporters, export refinance rate has been cut to 4.5% from 6%,
long-term refinance rate has been cut to 6% from 7.5%, benefit of duty drawback
of local taxes and levies scheme will remain available for fiscal year 2016,
stated JS Research on Friday.
Published in The Express
Tribune, June 6th, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/898751/incentives-offered-agriculture-construction-and-textile-emerge-victorious/
IPR
fact-sheet: State of the economy in 2014-15
June 07, 2015
The Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) for 2014-15 was released on the
4th of June 2015. The state of the economy as revealed by the PES and other
sources is described below.
Mixed performance in achieving targets Out of the 15 targets in the Annual
Plan for 2014-15, four are likely to be achieved. These include the rate of
inflation, current account in the balance of payments, growth of imports and
net foreign assistance. The precipitous fall in global oil and other commodity
prices is the primary explanation for achievement of these targets. The eleven
targets which will be missed include the GDP and sectoral growth rates, private
and public investment, export growth and the level of foreign direct
investment.
The GDP growth rate is overstated The growth rate of GDP in 2013-14 has been brought down marginally from 4.1% to 4%, primarily due to a lower growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector. This has been compensated for by a big upward revision in the growth rate of the important crops sector from 3.7% to 8%. Analysis by IPR reveals that the growth rate of this sector is 5.9%, not 8%. Consequently, the growth rate of the GDP in 2013-14 is 3.9%, not 4%.
The pattern of growth in 2014-15 appears to be fundamentally different from that observed in 2013-14. The growth rate of the important crops sector has plummeted to 0.3% only and the growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector has fallen to 2.4%. Despite this, PBS estimates a higher GDP growth rate in 2014-15 of 4.2% An in-depth analysis by IPR indicates that the growth rate has been significantly overstated in a number of sectors including important crops, livestock, forestry, fishing, construction and general government services. This brings down the GDP growth rate from 4.2% to 3.6%.
The GDP growth rate is overstated The growth rate of GDP in 2013-14 has been brought down marginally from 4.1% to 4%, primarily due to a lower growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector. This has been compensated for by a big upward revision in the growth rate of the important crops sector from 3.7% to 8%. Analysis by IPR reveals that the growth rate of this sector is 5.9%, not 8%. Consequently, the growth rate of the GDP in 2013-14 is 3.9%, not 4%.
The pattern of growth in 2014-15 appears to be fundamentally different from that observed in 2013-14. The growth rate of the important crops sector has plummeted to 0.3% only and the growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector has fallen to 2.4%. Despite this, PBS estimates a higher GDP growth rate in 2014-15 of 4.2% An in-depth analysis by IPR indicates that the growth rate has been significantly overstated in a number of sectors including important crops, livestock, forestry, fishing, construction and general government services. This brings down the GDP growth rate from 4.2% to 3.6%.
Over the last five decades, the economy has grown by less than 4% in a year when the industrial sector achieves a growth rate of less than 4%, as in 2014-15. The low growth rate of the important crops sector is attributable to a 1.1% drop in wheat, fall of 5% in maize and 7.1% decline in sugarcane output. Due to adverse weather conditions, the reduction in wheat output may be even larger. Fortunately, the big jump in cotton output of 9.5% has compensated for the fall in other crops. Despite the floods in Punjab, it is reassuring to note that the output of rice has still shown a growth rate of 3%. However, the exports of basmati rice, in particular, have fallen by as much 22.5%.
The large-scale manufacturing sector remains sluggish. It has grown on average in the last six years by less than 1% annually. This year the growth rate is estimated at 2.5%, compared to 4% last year. The textile sector has shown little growth in the first nine months of 2014-15. Food, beverages and tobacco industries are showing a decline. The growth rate of the cement and fertilizer industry is below 3%. The only industries which have shown high rates of growth are automobiles and iron and steel products. Overall, out of the 98 items covered by the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) of PBS, 41 items show a negative growth rate, while 11 items have a growth of less than 2%.
The services sector has performed well in 2014-15, with a growth rate approaching 5%, as compared to 4.4% last year. The dynamic sectors have been finance and insurance (6.2%), general government services (9.4%) and private services (5.9%). However, as highlighted above, we believe that the growth rate in some services is overstated.
Private investment continues to fall Private investment has continued to fall to one of its lowest levels ever of 9.7% of the GDP. Factors contributing to the fall are acts of terror, law and order situation in Karachi, high levels of power load shedding, shortage of gas and 'crowding out' of the private sector from bank credit.
Private investment in large-scale manufacturing is down to only 1.2%
of the GDP. Also, at less than 0.1% of the GDP, the private sector has
virtually stopped investing in the power sector, due primarily to the high
level of receivables with IPPs. Public
investment is also overstated. It is likely to be 3.4% and not 3.9% of the GDP.
Consequently, the total investment-to-GDP ratio will fall from 15% of the GDP
in 2013-14 to 14.7%. One of the weakest spots of the economy continues to be
the lack of revival of investment. This is yet another indicator that the
economy has not been able to get out of the 'low growth trap'.
Labour market conditions have deteriorated The Labour Force Survey (LFS) of 2013-14 has just been released by PBS. The numbers in the LFS are not consistent with the findings of the PES. Worrying developments in 2013-14 include a fall in the labor force participation rate, probably due to a ' discouraged worker' effect, especially among youth. Consequently, the total labor force in 2013-14 has increased by only 360,000, as compared to an annual average increase of 1,690,000 in the previous six years. The economy has created only 510,000 new jobs in 2013-14. This is one third of the job creation rate in the previous six years. Bulk of the jobs have been created in the informal sector, which is characterised by a large number of working poor. Inclusion of discouraged workers raises the unemployment rate to 6.4%. The unemployment rate is very high among youth of almost 11%. Also, real wages of unskilled workers have fallen by almost 5% in 2013-14. The poor labor market conditions are likely to have persisted in 2014-15.
The rate of inflation has fallen sharply One of the major positive
developments in 2014-15 is the unprecedented fall in the rate of inflation from
7.7% in July 2014 to 2.1% only in April 2015. It has risen somewhat last month
to 3.2%. The fall in the rate of
inflation is due primarily to the fall in international commodity prices,
especially of oil, by over 40%. Consequently, domestic food and fuel prices
have registered significant declines, although the Government has limited the
transmission effect by imposition of large regulatory duties on basic food
items like wheat and sugar. The
`core` rate of inflation stands currently at 4.9%, therefore, some demand
pressures continue to persist in the economy. The international price of oil
has started to rise once again. Also, prices of food items like livestock
products, pulses, onion and tomato have experienced big increases in 2014-15.
The balance of payments position improved The main factor contributing to the
improvement is the virtual halving of the current account deficit. In fact, it
has turned positive in recent months as imports have fallen due to the
containment of the oil import bill, and continued buoyancy in home remittances. The soft spots are smaller capital and
financial account surpluses. However, net credit inflow from IMF is larger at
almost $2 billion. Foreign exchange reserves have risen by $2.8 billion as of
29th May in 2014-15. However, this increase is due entirely to external borrowings
and privatization receipts. The
fall in exports of over 3% is due more to fall in quantities.
Export prices have actually gone up by 0.5%, according to PES.
This indicates more the presence of supply-side constraints, like the power
shortage. import quantities have
shown big increases in items like tea, pulses, synthetic fiber and yarn, iron
and paper and paper board. The fall in prices has constituted a threat to
domestic import substituting industry. The
big increase in remittances of over 16% is due primarily to larger inflows from
Saudi Arabia and UAE. The latter accounts for 20% of remittances but for 42%
for the increase. This raises the possibility of reverse capital inflow into
Pakistan (for whitening of black money) .
The nominal value of the rupee has remained, more or less, stable
in recent months. According to SBP, the real effective exchange rate has
appreciated by over 18 per cent. Overvaluation of the rupee has adversely
impacted on competitiveness of exports and artificially raised import demand. In a tight and competitive environment
of world trade, many countries have significantly depreciated their currencies,
by 6% in the case of India, Turkey by 22%, Indonesia by 12%, Thailand by 4%,
Egypt by 7%, Argentina by 11% and Brazil by 43%. Pakistan may also have to do
so, sooner or later.
Focus of Fiscal Policy is on Stabilization, not on Growth FBR tax revenues have increased by 12.7% only in the first ten months as compared to the budgeted growth rate of 24% in 2014-15. Even the lowered target of Rs 2691 billion is unlikely to be met. The initially negative impact of the fall in oil prices has been countered by increases in the GST (for example, from 17% to 32% in the case of HSD oil) and by imposition of regulatory duties on POL products (like 7% on furnace oil). urrent expenditure has shown moderate growth at the Federal level of 10% in the first nine months. Costs of debt servicing have risen by 7%, less than anticipated due to the fall in interest rates. Despite the costs of Zarb-e-Azb, defence expenditure has gone up by 7.5%, again below the projected growth rate.
The short fall in revenues has already led to a cut back in PSDP
releases. As of 22nd May an amount of Rs 385 billion has been allocated,
equivalent to 73% of the annual targeted PSDP. The federal fiscal deficit is
estimated in the first nine months at Rs 1227 billion, equivalent to 4.5% as
compared to 4.2% of the GDP last year. The annual target is 5.9% of the GDP.
Therefore, there is the likelihood that the deficit will exceed the target. Provincial own tax revenues have grown
by only 6.6%, while expenditures have risen at a much faster rate, current
expenditure at 14.6% and development spending by 45.5%. The Provinces appear to
be establishing higher expenditure benchmarks for the 9th NFC Award. It is
unlikely that the combined Provincial cash surplus will reach the targeted
level of Rs 289 billion. The
federal fiscal deficit is being financed disproportionately by the scheduled
banks in 2014-15. Borrowings from these banks are financing almost 75% of the
deficit. This has enabled the Government to bring down its borrowings from SBP
by over 360 billion as of 22nd of May.
The power sector continues to underperform According to the PES, there is an
increase of only 792MW in electricity generation capacity in the first nine
months of 2014-15. The actual generation has fallen by 2.3%. This explains the
continued high levels of power load shedding. Further, the fall in generation
raises serious questions about how the economy can grow at over 4% with less
power. The use of thermal power
in electricity generation has also fallen by 2.8%, despite the over 17%
increase in the consumption of furnace oil. Fortunately, there has been a
modest increase of 1.3% in the consumption of electricity, despite the fall in
generation. This implies some reduction in transmission and distribution
losses. Industrial consumption of
electricity has increased by about 2%. This is consistent with the growth rate
of the large-scale manufacturing sector of just above 2%. Agricultural and
government consumption of electricity have declined. Nepra has reflected the reduction in
fuel costs in the form of negative Fuel Charges Adjustment monthly. This has
implied an effective reduction in the price of electricity of up to Rs 3/kwh.
The ad hoc surcharges imposed by the government have been struck down recently
by the Lahore High Court. This will provide more relief to consumers.
Social Development Indicators have started falling The unthinkable has happened. The findings of the latest Pakistan Living Standards and Social Measurement Survey 2013-14 by the PBS has revealed, perhaps for the first time, that some of the key social development indicators have started falling. In 2013-14, the literacy rate fell by two percentage points(from 60% to 58%); full immunization coverage declined by six percentage points (from 82% to 76%); the percentage of households with improved water source decreased by four percentage points (from 30% to 26%) while the net primary enrolment rate remained unchanged. The 7th NFC Award led to a big increase in transfers of over Rs 200 billion annually to the Provincial Governments.
The fall in the indicators highlights both that not enough
priority has been given to the provision of basic social services to the people
and that there has virtually been a breakdown of governance in the delivery of
services. Overall, the year
2014-15 has been a mixed year. On the positive side, the rate of inflation has
fallen sharply; the balance of payments position has improved, with a
significant increase in foreign exchange reserves. The fiscal deficit will be
contained to an acceptable level and some of the services sectors have
performed well. On the negative
side, the important crops and large-scale manufacturing sectors have shown low
growth and have contributed to keeping Pakistan in the `low growth trap`.
Labor market conditions have deteriorated and tax revenues have
shown only moderate growth, despite a heavy dose of taxation proposals. The
PSDP has been cut back. The power sector continues to underperform and, perhaps
for the first time, social development indicators have started falling. We hope
that these soft spots will be largely removed in 2015-16.
Exemption
for rice mills: BGA asks government to extend facility to all stakeholders
June 06, 2015
Basmati Growers Association (BGA) Chairman and Farmers Associates
Pakistan Director Chaudhry Hamid Malhi has said that the exemption proposed for
rice mills should be applied to all rice stakeholders. "Growers, traders,
millers and exporters have suffered because of the low rice demand in the
international market, so all should be facilitated equally," he said while
speaking to Business Recorder on Friday. "Cotton growers and ginners also
suffered in the recent past owing to low rice prices, therefore, such an
exemption should also be given to them. The government should have announced a
subsidy for wheat growers since the procurement agencies could not meet their
purchasing targets this year because of the presence of wheat stocks of the
previous year.
If these stocks are cleared
by export only then the procurement agencies would be able to buy fresh stocks
in coming seasons, which will ultimately facilitate the wheat growers," he
observed. On the proposed reduction in sales tax on agricultural machinery and
equipment to promote farm mechanisation in the country, he said that if the government
was sincere then it should completely withdraw sales tax on import of and local
supply of agricultural machinery and equipment. There should be zero percent
duties on import of agricultural equipment, as agriculture was considered an
engine of growth, he added. Malhi welcomed the decision to provide
interest-free loans for setting up new solar tube wells or replacing the
existing tube wells with solar tube wells. Agri Forum Pakistan Chairman
Muhammad Ibrahim Mughal criticised 3.9 percent growth rate target fixed for
agricultural sector. He said it was less than the growth rate of the country's
population, which was about 4 percent per annum.
http://agriculture.einnews.com/article/269358041/gZdJKWuUw_GhJC_q
Diet diary: Is your daily plate of rice
putting you at major health risk?
In a consumer
report in the US, analysis of US federal health data found that people who ate
rice had arsenic levels that were 44 per cent greater than those who did not.
Rice, a staple
for many across the world, has been considered one of the safest and easily
digestible nutritious foods.
Written by Ishi Khosla | Updated: June 6, 2015 11:09 am
Rice, a staple for many across the world, has been considered one
of the safest and easily digestible nutritious foods. It is also an important
alternate grain for those who are gluten or wheat intolerant and those
suffering from celiac disease. However, some recent reports on its toxicity,
specifically related to arsenic have been a cause for concern.
In a consumer report in the US, analysis of US federal health data
found that people who ate rice had arsenic levels that were 44 per cent greater
than those who did not. Certain ethnic groups like Asians and Mexicans were
more affected.A study by the European Food Safety Authority found cereal
products could account for more than half of dietary exposure to inorganic
arsenic, mainly because of rice. Rice absorbs arsenic from soil or water much
more effectively than most plants. That’s in part because it is one of the only
major crops grown in water-flooded conditions, which allows arsenic to be more
easily taken up by its roots and stored in the grains.
Arsenic is found in water, air, food and soil in organic and inorganic
form. These together are referred to as “total arsenic”. The US Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) has found arsenic content in over 30 samples of Indian
basmati rice in its preliminary analysis. USFDA is in the process of collecting
and analysing a total of approximately 1,200 samples of rice from
different countries including India to examine the issue thoroughly. This data
collection will be completed by the end of 2012. Once the data collection
is completed, FDA will analyse these results and determine whether or not to
issue further recommendations.Arsenic not only is a potent human
carcinogen but also can cause other health problems in children later life.
Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic is associated with higher rates of
skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as heart disease.
Author is a clinical nutritionist and founder of http://www.theweightmonitor.com and Whole Foods India.
http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diet-diary-rice-arsenic/#sthash.V81Iictb.dpuf
NFA
and IRRI partner on improving rice quality
June 08, 2015
LOS
BAÑOS, Laguna, June 8 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) on Friday
(June 5) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) on improving rice quality in the Philippines.Under
the MOU, the NFA and IRRI commit to promote and accelerate research on rice and
rice-based farming systems toward establishing international-level standards
for rice quality. Joint work will also
be done toward consistent application of such standards for the benefit of all
players in the Philippine rice industry, from farmers to
consumers."Through this agreement, the NFA hopes to maximize IRRI's
research in achieving our food security mission of providing the country’s rice
requirements in terms of volume and quality.
This will also guide us in our
decision-making, not only in our operational activities but also in our
policy-formulation, in anticipation of future developments such as
infrastructure build-up," said NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay.Rice
quality encompasses rice farming technologies and practices that help ensure
sustainable agriculture, improved farmer welfare, grain quality, and dietary
practices that support improved nutrition and health among consumers.
"We
are happy to share technologies, some partly developed through work funded by
the Department of Agriculture on grain quality and forecasting, with NFA,"
said IRRI Deputy Director General Bruce Tolentino.Tolentino assured Dalisay of IRRI's
support to NFA's efforts to make good quality rice available to consumers, as
well as to adapt better to the effects of climate change, citing damage to rice
storage infrastructure when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013.NFA and
IRRI will collaborate in these specific areas: grain quality improvement,
including assessment of consumer preferences and research to enhance quality;
rice breeding, production, and processing (postharvest)technologies; and the
establishment of quality standards in relation to the Sustainable Rice Platform
(SRP), a key mechanism through which rice quality standards are promoted
internationally.
NFA
and IRRI will also be sharing scientific data and research results as well as
strategic analysis of developments and trends in international rice trade.The
NFA is mandated to ensure the country’s food security and stability of the
supply and price of rice, the country’s major staple. This collaboration is
part of the NFA’s efforts to widen its partnership with both public and private
sectors toward finding long-term and sustainable ways to achieve national food
self-sufficiency and security.
IRRI
is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and
hunger, improving the livelihood of rice farmers and health of rice consumers,
and ensuring environmental sustainability through rice science. Earlier, the
NFA also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Kaya Natin! Movement, a
civil society organization advocating good governance and ethical leadership,
for a “Bantay Bigas” project to ensure that the NFA’s inexpensive quality rice
will be continuously available, accessible, and affordable to poor consumers
who are its intended beneficiaries. (International Rice Research Institute)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433727215/nfa-and-irri-partner-on-improving-rice-quality#sthash.9GexjQqD.dpuf
APEDA
AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1241
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