7th December,2015 Daily Global Regional,Local Rice E_Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice News Headlines...

·         Inefficiencies in basmati trade

·         Basmati unites India, Pak in ‘joint heritage’ claim

·         PRICES OF PERISHABLE KITCHEN ITEMS WITNESS DECLINE

·         Billion-dollar donations for a happy and healthy world for children

·         Soil health essential to achieve food security, fight climate change’

·         IIRR Exhibition Showcases Hybrid Rice to Cosmetics

·         SAARC delegates evince interest in Indian rice, pharmaceuticals

·         ICAR-Industry Meet today

·         Northern rice farmers benefit from rice seed project   

·         Rice farmers see better-than-usual second crop

·         Binay says he won’t leave rice farmers high and dry

·         For a better world

·         Paddy scam: Physical verification of crop begins

News Detail...

Inefficiencies in basmati trade

NADIR CHEEMA 

A SLUMP in basmati rice exports is having a damaging effect on Pakistan’s economy. It has exacerbated rural poverty, with catastrophic consequences for small farmers.The causes of the slump are complex, and both national and provincial governments are facing criticism for their failure to act.Pakistan’s basmati rice exports have declined by 40pc in the past four years, from 1.1m tonnes in 2011 to 676,630 tonnes in 2015, according to the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap). Consequently, the domestic market has been overwhelmed by an unmanageable glut, with an accumulated surplus of 1m tonnes.

This has driven down domestic prices by 50pc, from Rs4,500/maund (40kg) in 2012 to Rs2,200/maund in 2015. If the surplus is not reduced, there are fears of a further collapse in domestic prices.Basmati has traditionally been an export crop. Until recently, 60pc of the 2m tonnes produced each year has been sold abroad, generating around $2bn for the national economy. The trade has played such an important role in the alleviation of rural poverty that it has been considered too important to be left to the mercy of market forces.In previous years, the government gave the task of removing the glut from the domestic market to the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Supplies Corporation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. But neither organisation now seems to be fulfilling this role, and the federal government has been accused of neglecting its duty to regulate the market.

There is a strong case for the crop to be protected and its exports to be developed. But a continuing crash in domestic prices will discourage farmers from growing basmati, leading to adverse consequences for rural livelihoods and the economy as a whole

The responsible departments of the federal government — the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the commerce ministry — have failed to act, as has Punjab’s provincial agriculture department.In the same period that Pakistan’s basmati exports declined 40pc, India’s exports rose by 50pc, according to Airea statistics. India’s gains include an estimated 400,000 tonnes of exports won over from Pakistan through competitive advantage.

One of the reasons for Pakistan’s loss of competitiveness is its low yield rates, which have been stagnant at 25-30 maunds/acre. The variety of seed used in the country was developed in the mid-1990s and is now susceptible to pests and diseases.Meanwhile, electricity shortages have increased the cost of production, and some rice mills are operating at only half their capacity. Problems with law and order in Karachi have raised the cost of shipping.The inefficiencies in the rice trade make it crucial for the government to regulate the market. In 2008, the government tried to impose a minimum export price (MEP), but it had bowed to pressure from exporters and abolished the price within four months.

India, by contrast, has kept its MEP and has seen its exports rise continuously.While the Reap is seen as focusing on maximising the industry’s short-term profits, the Indian private sector has made long-term investments in developing new seeds and engaged in aggressive marketing to boost its exports.The world is prepared to pay a premium for Pakistan’s basmati rice because of its natural taste and aroma. There is a strong case for the crop to be protected and its exports to be developed. But a continuing crash in domestic prices will discourage farmers from growing basmati, leading to adverse consequences for rural livelihoods and the economy as a whole.

Instead of taking responsibility, the exporters and traders blame the government and the farmers for using archaic seeds and production methods. They have opposed official intervention in the trade cycle, claiming that setting a MEP subsidises inefficiencies. For their part, the farmers blame the traders for pressurising the government to abolish the MEP and to procure rice to clear the glut.All of this is in sad contrast to what has been happening in India. One might conclude that Pakistan could learn useful lessons from India’s success in creating a win-win situation for farmers, exporters and the economy.The first step would be to expand the share of rice going to the export market, which demands a multi-pronged strategy, ranging from reforms in the domestic market to much more efficient marketing of exports abroad.

The writer is an academic at SOAS, University of London, and a senior fellow at Bloomsbury Pakistan

http://www.dawn.com/news/1224586/inefficiencies-in-basmati-trade

Basmati unites India, Pak in ‘joint heritage’ claim

 

Rice variety grown in Indo-Gangetic plain expected to get GI tag soon; New Delhi and Islamabad to share commercial benefits

By: Sandip Das | New Delhi | December 6, 2015 1:01 AM

Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plain, which includes the Punjab province of Pakistan, has a special aroma attributable to it. (Reuters)

India’s basmati rice exporters could soon get the coveted geographical indication (GI) tag and resultant premium for the long-grained aromatic rice in global markets, with New Delhi and Islamabad resolving to share commercial gains from the grain’s exclusive traits. Official sources said Pakistan has agreed not to contest India’s move to include basmati rice grown in its part of the Indo-Gangetic plain in its GI Registry, with the condition that when that country puts in place a similar IPR (intellectual property rights) platform, it would also get the rice grown in its Punjab province registered under a GI system.A GI tag for a product distinguishes itself for its geographic origin and, under a multilateral framework, prevents traders from attributing its name and traits for products from other geographies. GI ascribes ‘exclusivity’ to the community in a defined geography, rather than to an individual, as in the case of trademarks and patents.The Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), sources said, recently concluded hearing all the stakeholders — farmers, breeders, exporters and representatives from Pakistan — on the basmati rice GI and could issue a final notification in this regard in a week or so. Earlier, there were conflicting claims over basmati even among Indian states, leading to legal wrangles.

GI protection in India would lead to similar recognition in other countries, including the European Union and the US, which implies that India’s competitors would be barred from using the ‘basmati’ tag.

 In the absence of GI for basmati rice, many private companies have been trying to register their products under the title, which commands a premium in the global market.

Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plain, which includes the Punjab province of Pakistan, has a special aroma attributable to it. India commands 85% share in global basmati trade at present.Following the GI notification, farmers in 77 districts of seven states — Punjab, Haryana, (western) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir — would benefit.The GI Registry, in a directive issued on December 31, 2013, had asked the Centre if Madhya Pradesh could be included in the definition of traditionally basmati-growing geography, inviting strong reactions from the commerce and agriculture ministries, which argued the state’s claim was unjustified. Even as the issue was pending with the GI Registry, the Madhya Pradesh government had moved the IPAB. The Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (Apeda), which operates under the commerce ministry, subsequently told IPAB that MP’s claim was invalid.

Under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, Apeda is designated to be the custodian of GI rights for farm produce.“Claiming rice grown in Madhya Pradesh as basmati is not correct, as we have developed seed varieties keeping in mind agro-climatic zones of the Indo-Gangetic plain,” K V Prabhu, deputy director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and a well-known rice breeder, had recently told FE.In 2009, Apeda had applied to the GI Registry asking for exclusive (commercial) use of the basmati tag for grain varieties grown within the boundaries of the Indo-Gagentic plain.

Subsequently, India and Pakistan had initiated steps to register basmati under GI as ‘joint heritage’ for protecting its premium market abroad. But that bid did not fructify due to opposition to it within Pakistan.India’s basmati rice exports, which had touched a record R29,000 crore in 2013-14, fell to R27,600 crore in 2014-15, due to a decline in shipments to Iran.According to official data, more than 237 products — Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Alleppey coir, Kashmir Pashmina, among others, have got GI certification for preserving their uniqueness.

Tag this
* India’s competitors would be barred from using ‘basmati’ tag
* Intellectual Property Appellate Board notification expected in a week or so
* Farmers in 77 districts of Punjab, Haryana, western UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi and J&K to benefit

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets/commodities/basmati-unites-india-pakistan-in-joint-heritage-claim/175055/

PRICES OF PERISHABLE KITCHEN ITEMS WITNESS DECLINE

December 06, 2015

ABDUL RASHEED AZAD

The prices of perishable kitchen items witnessed a decline, while prices of non-perishable items especially pulses, wheat flour and tea registered an increase in past week as compared to preceding week, revealed a survey conducted byBusiness Recorder here Saturday. The survey observed that the prices of entire range of pulses went up by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per kg as price of mash pulse increased from Rs 220 per kg to Rs 240 per kg, black masoor from Rs 130 per kg to Rs 140 per kg, Red Masoor from Rs 140 per kg to Rs 150 per kg, moong from Rs 150 per kg to Rs 170 per kg, Gram pulse from Rs 120 per kg to Rs 140 per kg and lobia from Rs 110 per kg to Rs 140 per kg. Traders at wholesales and retail market told this correspondent that Unilever has increased small pack of Yellow Label price by Rs 27 per small pack from Rs 65 per pack to Rs 92 per pack. Wheat flour price went up by Rs 30 per 20 kg bag from Rs 750 per bag to Rs 780 per bag. Prices of all the cigarette brands have increased in the range of Rs 5 to Rs 15 per pack as Gold Leaf is being sold at Rs 130 per pack against Rs 115 per pack in the preceding week, Capstan at Rs 70 per pack against Rs 65 per pack and Morven Gold at Rs 65 per pack against Rs 60 per pack. 

The survey noted that the price of entire range of vegetables witnessed a decline during the week under review as capsicums price in wholesales market further reduced by Rs 250 per 5 kgs from Rs 600 per 5 kg to Rs 350 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 120 per kg during preceding week. According to the survey, onion price reduced by Rs 200 per 85 kgs bag from Rs 5,700 per bag to Rs 5,500 per 85 kg bag, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 65 per kg, tomatoes price remained stable at Rs 280 per 5 kgs in wholesales market, which in retail market are available at Rs 60 per kg. The price of peas witnessed a decline of Rs 20 per 5 kgs in wholesales market from Rs 350 to Rs 330 per 5 kgs, which in retail market is available at Rs 80 per kg and no change was noted in the price of spinach which is being sold at Rs 25 per kg. Green chilli price witnessed a reduction of Rs 50 per 5 kg in wholesales market from Rs 500 per 5 kg to Rs 450 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 100 per kg against Rs 120 per kg, carrot price reduced by Rs 50 per 5 kg from Rs 200 per 5 kg to Rs 150 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 50 per kg. 

Bringal price witnessed a reduction of Rs 20 per kg from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 30 per kg while cabbage and cauliflower also witnessed a reduction of Rs 20-30 per kg from Rs 50-60 per kg to Rs 30 per kg. Kareela price reduced by Rs 100 per 5 kg in wholesales from Rs 430 per kg to 330 per 5 kg which in retail market is being sold at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 100 per kg, however, okra price did not register any change and stands at Rs 80 per kg. Tori price went down by Rs 5 per kg from Rs 75 per kg to Rs 70 per kg, arvi by Rs 20 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 60 per kg, kaddu by Rs 10 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 70 per kg and maro kaddu by Rs 25 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 55 per kg. However there is no change in the prices of chicken as live chicken in wholesales market is being sold at Rs 5,000 per 40 kg, while in retail market live chicken is being sold at Rs 130 per kg and the chicken meat is being sold at Rs 250 per kg, same as that of preceding week. Potatoes price reduced by Rs 30-50 per 5 kg in wholesales market as good quality potatoes are available at Rs 170 per 5 kg, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 60 per kg and normal quality potatoes from Rs 170 per 5 kg to Rs 120 per 5 kg in wholesales market, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 30 per kg against Rs 50 per kg during the preceding week. Ginger and garlic price did not witness any change as in wholesales market both the commodities are available at Rs 600 per 5 kg, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 180 per kg. No change was observed in the prices of ghee/cooking oil, basmati rice, course rice, entire range of branded spices, wheat flour, packed milk, tea packs and other non perishable items. 

The survey observed no change in the fruits prices as good quality guava is being sold at Rs 50 per kg, new fruit reached in the market orange at Rs 50 per dozen, apples in the range of Rs 50-150 per kg, grapes are being sold at Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg, good quality pomegranates are available at Rs 140 per kg, while normal quality pomegranates at Rs 100 per kg and bananas are available in the range of Rs 40-80 per dozen depending on quality. LPG marketing companies increased LPG price by Rs 10 per kg, Rs 120 for domestic and Rs 480 for commercial cylinde

Billion-dollar donations for a happy and healthy world for children

 

Posted by Online on Dec 7th, 2015

Mark Zuckerberg was a Harvard dropout who co-founded Facebook and became a billionaire in 2007, amassing a fortune that is now estimated at $45.4 billion. Last week, on the birth of their daughter Maxima, he and his wife Priscilla Chan posted on their Facebook page a pledge that they were going to give away 99 percent of their wealth to help make a happy and healthy world for their child.Before Zuckerberg, there was billionaire investor Warren Buffet, said to be the world’s fourth-richest person with a fortune of R64.5 billion, who has pledged to give away 99 percent of his wealth to charity. In the last ten years, he has given away $25.5 billion Last year alone, Buffet donated $2.8 billion to various charities, following headline-making news by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal who said he would give his entire P32-billion fortune to philanthropic causes over the next few years.And then there is Bill Gates who co-founded Microsoft, said to be the world’s largest software business. Since 1987, Gates has been at the top or near the top of Forbes’ annual list of the wealthiest people in America, with his wealth estimated at over $101 billion in 1999.

With his wife, he set up the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. As of 2013, Gates had given $28 billion to the foundation which today undertakes aid projects for the poor around the world in the fields of agricultural development; water, sanitation, and hygiene; aid for earthquake victims; research in AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; education and libraries.The International Rice Research Institute in Laguna has received aid from the Gates Foundation amounting to $19.9 million for rice research, in pursuit of a goal to increase the world’s rice production by 70 percent in the next two decades to support the increasing world demand for this staple food of millions of people in Asia.In 2010, Zuckerberg, Gates, and Buffett signed what they called “The Giving Pledge,” in which they promised to donate to charity at least half of their wealth over the years and invited others among the wealthy to also donate a least 50 percent of their wealth to charity. In 2014, Zuckerberg and his wife gave $25 million for ebola research following the outbreak of the epidemic in West Africa.

Last December 1, they made their pledge to donate 99 percent of their wealth to a new charitable foundation for health and education.It is inspiring to read about such huge donations to charity and other humanitarian work. We hope that their examples will inspire other rich people in the world, including our own, to share their blessings with the world’s neediest and poorest people and, as the Zuckerbergs said on the birth of their daughter Maxima, help bring about a happy and healthy world for her and other children of the world.

Read more at http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/12/07/billion-dollar-donations-for-a-happy-and-healthy-world-for-children/#IbGbVPFcIWgQtjvC.99

Soil health essential to achieve food security, fight climate change’

SKUAST-K celebrates Soil Health Day

Srinagar, Publish Date: Dec 7 2015 12:11AM | Updated Date: Dec 7 2015 12:11AM

SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir celebrated Soil Health Day across all KrishiVigyanKendras in Kashmir and Ladakh division.About 1300 Soil Health Cards were distributed among the farming community by the KrishiVigyanKendras of the University.

The soil samples got from farmers fields were tested for analyzing the soil health conditions and based on the reports of the samples, recommendations were given for improving the soil health aimed for better production and productivity, a statement here said.Prof Nazeer Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, attended a programme at KVK Dooru, Anantnag where he distributed Soil Health Cards to the farmers.Speaking on the occasion, the VC highlighted the importance of soil for better production and productivity.

He said: “We need healthy soils to achieve our food security and nutrition goals, to fight climate change and to ensure overall sustainable development.”He said that such delivery from soils in terms of productivity of crops is only possible “if we give due consideration to the improvement and maintenance of the health of the soils.”He advised the farmers to have regular monitoring of soils through different KVKs of the University.Prof Nazeer advised the farmers to adhere to the scientific interventions in their fields and take advantage of the Farm Science Centers established in every district of the State.He said these centers are created with an aim to cater to the requirements of the farmers in terms of income generations and skill development for unemployed youth and vocational training to girls.He advised the farmers to seek proper guidance from the scientists of all disciplines of agricultural sciences in these KVKs.

Earlier on the day, the Vice-Chancellor visited Mountain Field Crop Research Station at Khudwani, Kulgam, a premier rice research station of the university. He took stock of the research activities of land races including local Kashmiri traditional varieties. Associate Director Research Dr. G.A. Parray gave first hand information about the different varieties of rice, rapeseed-Mustard and wheat being grown in the station.The Vice-Chancellor also took round of the laboratories and interacted with the scientists. He also met the non-teaching staff of the Station and heard their concerns which were highlighted by them.Pertinently, this year was declared as International year of soils by the Food & Agriculture Organization.

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/story/203531.html

IIRR Exhibition Showcases Hybrid Rice to Cosmetics

NYOOOZ

 Hyderabad

 Sun,06 Dec 2015

Summary: HYDERABAD: Indian Council of AgriculturaI Research (ICAR) - Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has come up with innovative products including moisturising lotion, face scrub, pain relieving gel, among others using rice bran oil, brown rice extract as ingredients. Besides explaining problems faced in converting a product technology into end product, most of the industry representatives stressed on need for publicity of IIRR product technologies. The products, ranging from hybrid rice varieties to cosmetic and cosmeceuticals, were exhibited at IIRR to introduce them to entrepreneurs and representatives from industry on Saturday. “We regularly come up with various new products and the moisturiser, face scrub, among others made form rice ingredients are an addition to our list. Also, there is lot of difference in product technology developed by conducting research at institutes farm or lab and on field of the farmers.

HYDERABAD: Indian Council of AgriculturaI Research (ICAR) - Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has come up with innovative products including moisturising lotion, face scrub, pain relieving gel, among others using rice bran oil, brown rice extract as ingredients. The products, ranging from hybrid rice varieties to cosmetic and cosmeceuticals, were exhibited at IIRR to introduce them to entrepreneurs and representatives from industry on Saturday. “We regularly come up with various new products and the moisturiser, face scrub, among others made form rice ingredients are an addition to our list.

When compared to the products available in market at present, these cosmetics are made with healthy ingredients eschewing harmful chemicals and ingredients. Therefore, they are healthy,” said V Ravindra Babu, director of IIRR. The technologies for these products have been developed by IIRR and by paying a prescribed fee, any industry or entrepreneur can take up their production at a commercial scale, said Ravindra Babu. To introduce these products and ensure that the product technologies successfully reach the end users through commercial production, the IIRR also held a ‘Industry-Institution’ interface on the occasion. “Research institutions should interact more and work in coordination with industries as we deal with the problems and products at the ground level.

Also, there is lot of difference in product technology developed by conducting research at institutes farm or lab and on field of the farmers. A new variety, successful at the research station, may fail at field level. Therefore, IIRR should focus on coming up with technologies which are commercially scalable,” Sai Murali Raj Menon, crop research head at Ganga Kaveri Seeds, who was present as an industry representative at the meet said. Besides explaining problems faced in converting a product technology into end product, most of the industry representatives stressed on need for publicity of IIRR product technologies. Scientists present on the occasion assured improvement in the present system to ensure that more coordination and cooperation is achieved between industry and research institution. Technologies of other ICAR institutions were also displayed on the occasion..

http://www.nyoooz.com/hyderabad/282717/iirr-exhibition-showcases-hybrid-rice-to-cosmetics

SAARC delegates evince interest in Indian rice, pharmaceuticals

Visitors throng stalls on the fourth day of PITEX in Amritsar on Sunday. Photos: Vishal Kumar

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 6

Visiting delegates from SAARC nations evinced interest in rice and pharmaceuticals, besides other articles being grown and manufactured in the state at the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here today.A buyer from Bhutan, Ngawang Jamtsho, said he met a few basmati rice exporters at the exhibition and was likely to place order.“The quality of rice is good but the price is little higher. We are at a negotiation stage. Our demand is quite big.

If the understanding develops, we can develop long-term partnerships with traders in Amritsar,” he said.A young entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, Samudrika De Silva, said she met representatives from Indian companies dealing in stationery.“We are looking for business partners in book publishing, book importers and educational material,” she said.Samudrika, who is a national winner of ‘Women entrepreneur of 2014 of Sri Lanka’, said: “I visited the city along with my husband, a businessman, for the first time.“Last time, we visited an exhibition in Noida. However, we got a good opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs here,” she added.“Nishantha Perera, who is also from Sri Lanka, said he was keen to enter pacts with finance and auto companies.

 “I met tractor and car manufacturers but I was keen for auto companies,” he added.Bangladeshi buyer Musray Alam Iraj said he met a manufacturer of agricultural machinery and implements at PITEX and was keen to enter agreements in this regard.“We had good negotiations. We even visited a company’s plant last evening and are quite satisfied with their capacity to meet our demand,” he added.Secretary general of the PHD Chamber Saurabh Sanyal said a majority of the business-related queries generated in the past two days during the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet of SAARC nations were regarding industrial machinery, farm implements, pharmaceuticals, rice, auto components and fruit processing machinery and dairy products.

He said the buyer-seller meet really helped the industry, mainly Punjab, to expand wings. Anil Khaitan, vice-president of the PHD Chamber, said the objective of the buyer-seller meet that concluded on Sunday was to showcase India’s capability as the reliable supplier of sustainable quality of automobile, bicycle, agricultural machinery and implements at competitive rates.“The buyer-seller meet would also facilitate commercial and technical cooperation and to explore long-term joint ventures,” he said.As per an estimate, over 50 per cent of the total trade for SAARC countries takes place with India. Within SAARC, a majority of India’s trade takes place with Bangladesh (33 per cent), Sri Lanka (26 per cent) and Nepal (21 per cent).

ICAR-Industry Meet today

December 05,2015, 04.07 AM  IST | | THE HANS INDIA

Hyderabad: The Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, is organising an ICAR-Industry meet at its premises on Saturday to display technologies and services and to commercialise the viable technologies related to crop husbandry. The ICAR institutes IIRR, IIMR, IIOR, IISR, IARI IIRM, and NRRI are participating in this event to commercialise their technologies, informed V Ravindra Babu, director, IIRR.

“As part of the ICAR initiative for the commercialisation of innovations, inventions and research findings of research institutes under ICAR, it is our endeavour to forge public-private partnership in the field of Indian agriculture in general and rice production in particular,” he added. Dr Jeet Singh Sandhu, deputy director general (Crop Sciences) from ICAR headquarters, New Delhi, will be the chief guest. Directors of different crop sciences institute will take active part in this event. Captains from agro-input industries, rice processing industries value added products market executives and selected agripreneurs will take part in this event.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-12-05/ICAR-Industry-Meet-today-191050

Northern rice farmers benefit from rice seed project

      

Category: General News DECEMBER 5, 2015 

The AfricaRice and the Savanna Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) have trained some rice farmers under the Golinga Irrigation Scheme in the Northern Region, to produce certified seeds for improved cultivation of rice in the upcoming major season.The move, under the Rice Seed Scaling Project (RSSP) funded by USAID, seeks to improve seed planning and connect actors along the rice seed value chain, strengthen capacity of rice seed value chain actors, and facilitate access to adapted equipment from seed production to conditioning and storage.

The measure is also to encourage the use of certified and quality declared seeds by rice farmers to increase rice production and improve their living standards.Dr Boubakary Cisse, Rice Seed Expert & project Coordinator who toured the rice fields with some media practitioners, expressed satisfaction about the way the farmers had embraced and adopted the use of certified seeds in the area.He said the objective of the Rice Seed Scaling Project (RSSP) being implemented with the Technical Assistance of AfricaRice, was meant to stimulate the development of a sustainable rice seed system in Northern Ghana, in particular, the Feed the Future (FtF) Zones of Interest in the Northern and Upper East Regions.

Dr Cisse mentioned the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MoFA), Private Seed Companies and Seed Producers’ groups, Input dealers, Private Extension Company and the Rice Innovation Platforms in the two regions as major partners in the project.He said there were other four private Seed Companies involved in the project, which are: Rural Innovation Consults, Ariku Seeds Ltd., Lexbok Seed Enterprise Ltd. and Heritage Seeds Company Limited among other partners.The project was launched in April 2015 and among other activities, 75 demonstrations to expose rice seed producers to production techniques and use of good quality seeds were established throughout the two regions including Golinga village

The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is an association of 25 member-states, one of the 15 international Centres supported by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) with the mission to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.

Source: GNAhttps://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/12/05/northern-rice-farmers-be/

Rice farmers see better-than-usual second crop

Bruce Schultz, bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu2:37 p.m. CST December 4, 2015

(Photo: Bruce Schultz, LSU AgCenter)

CROWLEY — South Louisiana rice farmers wrapped up their rice-growing season with an excellent second crop harvest.“Most everybody I’ve talked to is very pleased with the second-crop yields,” said Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. “Numerous producers say this is by far their best second crop from the standpoint of yield, and the quality is good, too.”Linscombe said quality of the second crop is typically lower.He said the percentage of fields used to grow a second crop appeared to be higher, and the stubble left from the first crop in most fields appeared to have been manipulated by mowing or rolling to boost yields.Research by Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter rice specialist and agronomist, has shown that manipulation results in a 5-barrel increase in second-crop yield.

Linscombe also said farmers growing a second crop were more likely to fertilize and flood their fields as soon as the first crop was cut. In the past, many farmers have delayed flooding and applying fertilizer until they see regrowth, he said.Linscombe said the per acre average would probably fall in the low-to-mid-20-barrel range on a green weight basis, although he heard of many who cut more than 30 barrels an acre. “I even heard of a few 40-plus in the second crop.”Linscombe said the good ratoon crop yields will take some of the sting out of the low prices and the lower first-crop yield.Farmer Darrell Hoffpauir, of Acadia Parish, said his second-crop yield averaged 27 barrels an acre, and he had some fields with 34 barrels, which made up for a lower first-crop yield.“My first crop was off by 6 or 7 barrels an acre,” he said.He grew a second crop on 90 percent of his first-crop.

He grew a second crop on 90 percent of his first-crop acreage and rolled all of the stubble, resulting in 21,000 barrels for the second crop, half as much as the first-crop yield.

agcenter.lsu.edu

Binay says he won’t leave rice farmers high and dry

by Ellson Quismorio

December 4, 2015

Vice President Jejomar Binay said rice farmers can expect to get more assistance from his administration should he end up in Malacañang next year.The Opposition standard bearer took a dig at the Aquino government for extending “very little support to our rice farmers” despite the fact that Filipinos consider the grain a staple.“It is crucial that we give our farmers the assistance they need to improve their harvest and make farming profitable,” Binay said during a visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna.He cited a PhilRice study that said Filipino rice farmers are getting relatively low government support compared to their peers in Asia.“While China offers free inbred seeds to farmers and free hybrid seeds to cooperative members, our government gives zero subsidies for seeds or fertilizers,” he noted.Fertilizer costs around P1,188 per 50-kilogram bag.

Rice farmers use around four bags per hectare, so that means they have to spend almost R5,000 on fertilizer alone.“Because of such steep price, our farmers are forced to scrimp on fertilizers and this, in turn, affects their yield,” he explained.Under his leadership, Binay pledged to push for community seed banking, seed buffer stocking, and linking of seed producers with credit conduits–all of which could help lessen the cost of seeds.The Vice President also vowed to give subsidies for fertilizers and encourage local government units (LGUs) to teach their farmers how to produce their own fertilizers.“I have learned that in Bayawan, Negros Oriental, the city government gives four bags of fertilizers for every 70 bags of organic fertilizer a farmer produced. This initiative helps our farmers save around P5,000 and should be replicated by other LGUs,” he said.

IRRIGATION WOES

Binay lamented the fact that local farmers had to pay an irrigation fee of P2,000 per hectare during the wet season and around P3,000 during the dry season.“Irrigation is free in China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Filipino farmers, on the other hand, may waive payment for irrigation only if their crops have been damaged due to calamities.”“To help our farmers save up on this, our administration will intensify irrigation schemes initiated by the National Irrigation Administration through infrastructure and technology,” he added.“We will also improve water resource management and planning through research, and train local farmers as an operational intervention to increase manpower and double the area of irrigated lands,” he further said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/binay-says-he-wont-leave-rice-farmers-high-and-dry/#XeDKM5us3SD4LpBM.99

For a better world

Philippine Daily Inquirer

12:09 AM December 6th, 2015

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan with their first baby. FACEBOOK PHOTO

How comforting to read about the efforts of the younger generation of philanthropists to change the planet for the better. The announcement of Americans Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan that they would give away 99 percent of their shares in Facebook to make the world a better place for their newborn daughter and other children stirs hope that there is light in an otherwise bleak future.Zuckerberg posted a letter on Facebook dedicated to his baby: “Max, we love you and feel a great responsibility to leave the world a better place for you and all children. We wish you a life filled with the same love, hope and joy you give us.

We can’t wait to see what you bring to this world.“As you begin the next generation of the Chan Zuckerberg family, we also begin the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to join people across the world to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation.”The couple’s donation—estimated at $45 billion—is considered the biggest single act of charity in the history of humankind. They have specified where the money is going: “Our initial areas of focus will be personalized learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities.”This is not the first time Chan and Zuckerberg gave away portions of their fortune. Earlier this year, they donated $120 million to schools in the Bay Area in California. They had also donated $100 million to improve the conditions of schools in Newark, New Jersey.They are not alone among the megarich in their philanthropy.

At the heart of all this is “Giving Pledge,” a promise by those with much to give to donate the bulk of their money to charity. Among the others committed to this project are mogul Barry Diller and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The list also includes another significant name: Bill Gates, popularly known as the richest person on Earth. He and his wife Melinda have been donors long before Giving Pledge. It was Gates, after all, who came up with the project.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has itself opened a new frontier in philanthropy—a study in the various ways billion-dollar tech enterprises can help the planet and its inhabitants. The Gates couple have donated $29.5 billion through their foundation to helping the development of education in America and health conditions worldwide.Their foundation is one of the major financiers of the International Rice Research Institute (Irri) based in Los Baños, Laguna. Irri’s mission to develop “stress-tolerant” rice varities—thus ensuring a dependable food supply for developing countries—is squarely within the Gates couple’s goals. Bill Gates quietly visited Irri last April.Thankfully, certain Filipinos are not loath to part with their wealth.

Last August, Forbes Asia magazine included three Filipinos—Silicon Valley venture capitalist Diosdado Banatao, pawnshop chain owner Philippe J. Lhuillier and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao—in its list of Asia’s 40 “Heroes of Philanthropy.” They, according to Forbes Asia, “made news with their donations in the past year” and “have compiled a long record of supporting worthy causes.” (Last year, four other Filipinos made the list: Jose Mari Albert, Angelo King, Enrique Razon Jr. and Ricardo Po Sr.)

Tallwood Venture Capital’s Banatao, a farmer’s son, donated over $1.5 million to fight poverty. He runs the Salvador and Rosita Banatao Foundation, based in the province of Cagayan, which works to improve educational opportunities in his hometown of Iguig.Lhuillier put up the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, which provides scholarships to poor students all over the Philippines and enables adult school dropouts to continue studying through Alternative Learning Centers.Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee started the Heart Foundation, which has funded over 200 scholarships and dispensed over $400,000 in medical expenses to the most desperate patients.

These are but a few examples of giving, and giving back, for the purpose of extending help to those in dire need of it, of providing a leg up to the next generations, of doing one’s part in bringing about a better world. They provide a singular lesson in this season of hope that struggles to find a place in this era of large-scale and bare-faced thievery.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/90923/for-a-better-world#ixzz3tXzcz6Vj 

Paddy scam: Physical verification of crop begins

Tribune News Service

Sirsa, December 5

Following allegations of a multi-crore scam in paddy procurement by the Opposition, authorities across Haryana today began physical verification of paddy stacked with rice millers to segregate the quantities of PB 1509 and PR Grade 1 varieties lying with them.Jaipal Singh, Deputy Director, Food and Supplies Department, said teams constituted by DCs were already on the job. The Administrative Secretaries, who will supervise the exercise will visit their respective districts from Monday, said sources in the department.“Eight teams headed by officers of Tehsildar or BDPO rank comprising inter-departmental officials have been constituted in the district. We have 120 rice millers out of which only 15 - 16 milled basmati,” said KK Malhan, DFSC at Fatehabad.DFSO Rajesh Kumar, who is officiating as DFSC at Sirsa, said five teams had been set up in the district to verify the stocks of 16 rice mills.“As per board records, 20,012 MT of PR 1509 paddy had been supplied to millers in Sirsa. However, the actual quantity will be known only after physical verification,” he said.

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