Saturday, March 26, 2016

24march 2016 daily global regional local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

Mission: Biryani

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AKILA KANNADASAN

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File photo of biryani at Sri Angannan Biryani Hotel in Coimbatore Photo: M. Periasamy

The Hindu File photo of biryani at Sri Angannan Biryani Hotel in Coimbatore Photo: M. Periasamy

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The writer on her love for the fragrant and fluffy seeraga samba

 

I once hung around Thalappakatti’s T. Nagar branch for almost an hour, waiting for their evening’s batch of biryani to be prepared. The security guard thought I was crazy; he constantly gave me suspicious looks. There were several biryani shops near where I lived, selling a plate for less than Rs. 100. But they served biryani made of basmati rice. And nothing, not even a famine, can make me eat basmati biryani.

 

True, basmati is a superior variety of rice. But I’m from Madurai, which is very close to Dindigul, the land of seeraga samba biryani. I have grown up eating this variety, and as a result, am a purist.

 

Every time I move cities, ‘Mission: Biryani’ is to find restaurants that sell the best seeraga samba biryani. Coimbatore and Madurai have many, but Chennai, unfortunately, has fewer. Among them, Junior Kuppanna is my favourite, followed by Ambur Star Biryani.

 

Seeraga samba rice has a lovely fragrance that clings to the meat and makes the entire dish an experience. Sometimes, out of habit, I end up ordering basmati biryani at restaurants. But I waste most of it. A crime, no less. But wasting seeraga samba biryani? — one could go to hell for this.

 

 

 

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Rice growers, exporters for rice syndicate

 

RICE GROWERS, EXPORTERS FOR RICE SYNDICATE

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Amanullah Khan

 


Karachi—The small to medium sized rice growers, millers, processors and exporters have formed a syndicate to express their dissatisfaction with trade bodies who allegedly failed to address issues confronted to the rice sector. Being badly affected by the neglect and ignorance of their issues by their respective associations have formed a Rice Syndicate under the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) to advocate their cause with the ministries of agriculture, commerce, industry and science and technology directly.President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said the SMEs are frustrated with the attitude of the trade bodies who are simply not interested in advocating the cause of the growers, millers, processors and exporters of rice and have resolved to tackle their problems collectively on self help basis. He said the Rice Syndicate has been formed by the stakeholders to give serious consideration to the issues of the farmers who are unable to fetch even their cost of production due to costly farm inputs. The millers are idle due to lack of demand from processors and exporters. The exporters are unable to compete in global markets due to competition from India. The Rice Syndicate would bring all of them under one platform as the issues are inter connected right from the primary sector to the tertiary and services sector.

The supply chain, the logistics, the poor quality of insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, the shipping companies inefficiencies, the costly packing materials and other issues of rice imports from India by the rice mafia and their demands to allow imports of rice from the Wag-ah border are serious issues. More than 1000 rice units have been closed down and the worst affected are the SMEs. The failure of the concerned group to diligently handle the Geographical Indications case and the Basmati trade mark ownership are the factors which have led to the formation of the Rice Syndicate which

h feels insecure in the hands of the vested group. Thaver said the Rice Syndicate has unanimously selected Haji Muhammad Saeed the chairman of the SME Farmers Association (SMEFA) as its convener and the Rice Syndicate will meet regularly the stakeholders and comprehend their issues and take up their cause with the concerned provincial and federal ministries. Haji Muhammad Saeed chairman SMEFA called upon the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), the National Productivity Organization (NPO) and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to lend support and help to the rice industry and save it from collapse. He also requested the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) not to ignore the SMEs in rice trade and make sincere efforts and offer marketing support to the stressed sector

 

 

 

ICCI FOR TAKING MEASURES TO ACHIEVE EXPORT TARGETS SET IN STPF

Thursday, 24 March 2016 20:16 Posted by Shoaib-ur-Rehman Siddiqui E-mail  Print  PDF  Views: 33

imageISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has urged the government for taking priority measures to reduce production cost and create enabling environment for trade and exports to achieve export targets set in Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2015-18.

 

In a statement, President ICCI, Atif Ikram Sheikh urged the government for addressing key problems of the business community on priority to achieve the task to increase annual exports from US$ 25 billion to US$ 35 billion set in STPF.

 

He said textiles accounted for over 60 percent of Pakistan's total exports, however, textile exports have come down to US$ 8.363 during the first eight months of the current fiscal year compared to US$ 9.166 during same period of 2014-15 showing a decline of 9 percent.

 

He attributed the high cost of doing business and weak demand in the international market a major role in affecting exports.

 

He appreciated the incentives announced in STPF 15-18 for technology upgradation in specific sectors including fans, home appliances, rice, cutlery and sports goods and grants for leather, pharmaceutical, fisheries and surgical instruments.

 

However, he urged the need for providing similar incentives to other engineering goods, marble and other products which have great export potential.

 

He said the share of engineering goods in international exports was rising while the share of textile exports was falling.

 

He urged the government for focusing on non-traditional sectors to make significant improvement in exports.

 

Atif Ikram Sheikh said government has identified basmati rice, horticulture, meat & meat products and jewellery for enhancing their exports to Iran, China, Afghanistan and the European Union which was a laudable step.

 

He said many other Pakistani products have also good scope in these countries and stressed the need for cooperating with the private sector to get better penetration in these markets.

 

He was of the view that government support for producing value added agriculture, marble, IT, engineering and other products could help in boosting trade and exports of the country.

 

http://pakobserver.net/2016/03/24/rice-growers-exporters-for-rice-syndicate/

 

 

 

 

Rice Syndicate formed under UNISAME to resolve issues

Staff Report

March 24, 2016

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KARACHI: The small to medium sized rice growers, millers, processors and exporters, being badly affected by the neglect and ignorance of their issues by their respective associations, have formed a Rice Syndicate under the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) to advocate their cause with the ministries of agriculture, commerce, industry and science and technology directly.

 

UNISAME President Zulfikar Thaver said the SMEs are frustrated with the attitude of the trade bodies that are simply not interested in advocating the cause of the growers, millers, processors and exporters of rice and have resolved to tackle their problems collectively on self help basis.

 

He said the Rice Syndicate has been formed by the stakeholders to give serious consideration to the issues of farmers who are unable to fetch even their cost of production due to costly farm inputs. "The millers are idle due to lack of demand from processors and exporters. The exporters are unable to compete in global markets due to competition from India. The Rice Syndicate would bring all of them under one platform as the issues are interconnected right from the primary sector to the tertiary and services sector," he added.

 

The poor supply chain, logistics, quality of insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, inefficiencies of shipping companies, costly packing materials and other issues of rice imports from India should be taken seriously, he said, adding that more than 1,000 rice units have been closed and the worst affected are the SMEs.

 

He said the failure of concerned group to diligently handle the geographical indications case and the basmati trade mark ownership are the factors that have led to the formation of the Rice Syndicate, which feels insecure in the hands of the vested group. Thaver said the Rice Syndicate has unanimously selected SME Farmers Association (SMEFA) Chairman Haji Muhammad Saeed of the as its convener and the Rice Syndicate would meet regularly with the stakeholders and comprehend their issues and take up their cause with the concerned provincial and federal ministries.

 

SMEFA Chairman Haji Muhammad Saeed called upon the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), National Productivity Organisation (NPO) and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to lend support to the rice industry and save it from collapse.He also requested the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) not to ignore the SMEs in rice trade and make sincere efforts and offer marketing support to the stressed sector. He called upon the TDAP to expedite the setting up of the SME Export House shelved by the authority for no valid reason. He emphasised the fact that TDAP is not only for the big boys but it is for all and it should not ignore the majority sector, which is the SMEs.

 

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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/business/24-Mar-2016/rice-syndicate-formed-under-unisame-to-resolve-issues

newsbrief

March 24, 2016 SHARE :   

 

 

 

inShare

PCDMA reminder for membership renewal by 31st

KARACHI (PR): Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), in its final reminder, has advised all its members to renew their membership by March 31, 2016 in order to avoid any inconvenience. According to PCDMA, the process of membership renewal was currently underway for the year 2016-17 and the last date for renewal of membership is 31st March 2016. PCDMA has already intimated its members that the membership shall expire on 31-03-2016 thus all members must get their membership renewed on or before that date by submitting prescribed membership fee along with proof of submission of the return, statement of final taxation for the tax year 2015.

Under clause 46(iii) of the Article of the Association of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, any member who does not pay his subscription by 31stMarch 2016, shall be deemed to have been automatically removed from themembership record of the Association.

All the members of the Association may contact Head Office at Karachi for their renewals of Membership, the Members belonging to all Cities of Punjab except Faisalabad and Khyber Pakhtoon Khaw may please contact to Mr. Talha Bin Zaheer, Secretary, Northern Regional office or Mr. Amir Munir,President, Northern Regional office Lahore, While the members from Faisalabad may please contact Mr. Aijjaz  Saleem.

As per DGTO orders dated 24-02-1997 the Membership will be renewed only upon providing the proof of Filing of Return or statement under section 115(4) of the Income tax Ordinance 2000 (previously section 143-B of the Income Tax Ordinance 1979) for the latest proceeding year i.e. assessment year 2015-2016, (year ending June 30, 2015).

Corporate members which do not fall in the category of Public Limited Company, Private Ltd Company or registered as manufacturers with Sales Tax department must file copies of their sales tax/ Income Tax returns for the year 2015 as a proof that their annual turnover amount is Rs. 50.000 million minimum.

 

Envoy urges expats in France to invest in home country

ISLAMABAD (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to France Ghalib Iqbal has asked the Pakistani community in France to invest liberally in their home country by taking advantage of opportunities offered by the Government of Pakistan as well as the European Union. He was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of Pakistan Day in Paris. He said due to the improvement of bilateral investment and trade environment, the efforts of the Mission and participation of Pakistani community in France, the volume of trade between Pakistan and France had increased by 13% in the last one year. The members of Pakistani community, the officers and the staff of the embassy attended the ceremony.

Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, Member of Punjab Provincial Assembly, also spoke on the occasion, said a message received here Wednesday.

He said that foreign remittances sent home by the Pakistani expatriates had been providing much needed relief to the foreign exchange reserves at home.

He said the present government was giving high priority to protect the rights of women and giving them equal opportunities in all walks of life.

 

Railways CE issues final warning to encroachers

KARACHI (APP): Chief Executive of Pakistan Railways, Muhammad Javed Anwar Bubak has warned the encroachers to vacate the Railway lands immediately. A Railways official said here Wednesday that Javed Anwar has issued a `final warning’ to the encroachers in this regard. He asked them to voluntarily demolish the houses, shops, eateries etc set up on the Railways’ land or else an action would be initiated to the remove the encroachments from the Department’s lands. Javed Anwar also directed the Divisional Superintendent Karachi Division, Nisar Ahmed Memon, to get cleared the Railways’ lands in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Tando Adam from encroachments.

He also called for concerted efforts for strengthening the Pakistan Railways.

 

Rice farmers receive training to reduce cost of production

ISLAMABAD (APP): The rice farmers of district Sheikhupura were re-capacitated on latest technique of rice cultivation in a bid to increase per acre yield and reduce cost of production. A capacity building workshop, in this regard was held in Sheikhupura which was conducted by Rice Partners Pvt Ltd.(RPL) in collaboration with Intercoopration. More than 35 farmers were capacitated on precision laser leveling and water productivity. Rice Experts from Pakistan Agricultural and Research Council (PARC) and District Agriculture Departments gave their technical lectures to address the real problems of the rice farmers with small land holding of the district, said a statement received here Wednesday.

On the occasion Project Manager RPL (WAPRO), Zafar Iqbal said that this was the time to support poor rice farmers to reduce their cost of

production and increase yield of rice by adopting conservation

agricultural techniques like Precision Land Leveling, water saving,

field tubes and direct seeding of rice (DSR).

Furthermore Chief Operating Officer RPL Muhammad Ali Tariq said that their main objectives were to to develop latest techniques on rice cultivation and production among farmers.

He said through this training workshop, farmers will be able to contribute more in national economy.

 

Suraj Vaidya felicitated on becoming SAARC CCI president

Lahore (Staff Reporter): Suraj Vaidya was appointed as SAARC CCI President for two years (2016-17) on Wednesday. An old member of the SAARC CCI, Vaidya formerly remained SAARC Tourism Council chairman. During the period, he worked assiduously to promote South Asia as an attractive tourist destination. Prior to this appointment, Vaidya served as SAARC CCI as Acting President in 2015. SAARC CCI Vice President Iftikhar Malik expressed confidence that the private sector of South Asia under Vaidya’s guidance would achieve new milestones. He said Vaidya, who has already been the president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers, had experience, leadership qualities and the understanding of the challenges that lay ahead.

Malik further said that SAARC CCI’s vision was enshrined in a six-point agenda, which included greater investments, building industrial parks, promotion of Youth Angels and development of Smart Green Villages.

“With fresh and new ideas, with vibrant and dynamic energy, the SAARC CCI team would dedicate their next two years to the betterment of South Asia,” Malik hoped.

He said the chamber needed an experienced and committed individual in that position, and the secretariat was ready to provide all the support for fulfilling the vision of the incoming president

 

newsbrief

March 24, 2016 SHARE :   

 

 

 

inShare

PCDMA reminder for membership renewal by 31st

KARACHI (PR): Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), in its final reminder, has advised all its members to renew their membership by March 31, 2016 in order to avoid any inconvenience. According to PCDMA, the process of membership renewal was currently underway for the year 2016-17 and the last date for renewal of membership is 31st March 2016. PCDMA has already intimated its members that the membership shall expire on 31-03-2016 thus all members must get their membership renewed on or before that date by submitting prescribed membership fee along with proof of submission of the return, statement of final taxation for the tax year 2015.

Under clause 46(iii) of the Article of the Association of Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association, any member who does not pay his subscription by 31stMarch 2016, shall be deemed to have been automatically removed from themembership record of the Association.

All the members of the Association may contact Head Office at Karachi for their renewals of Membership, the Members belonging to all Cities of Punjab except Faisalabad and Khyber Pakhtoon Khaw may please contact to Mr. Talha Bin Zaheer, Secretary, Northern Regional office or Mr. Amir Munir,President, Northern Regional office Lahore, While the members from Faisalabad may please contact Mr. Aijjaz  Saleem.

As per DGTO orders dated 24-02-1997 the Membership will be renewed only upon providing the proof of Filing of Return or statement under section 115(4) of the Income tax Ordinance 2000 (previously section 143-B of the Income Tax Ordinance 1979) for the latest proceeding year i.e. assessment year 2015-2016, (year ending June 30, 2015).

Corporate members which do not fall in the category of Public Limited Company, Private Ltd Company or registered as manufacturers with Sales Tax department must file copies of their sales tax/ Income Tax returns for the year 2015 as a proof that their annual turnover amount is Rs. 50.000 million minimum.

 

Envoy urges expats in France to invest in home country

ISLAMABAD (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to France Ghalib Iqbal has asked the Pakistani community in France to invest liberally in their home country by taking advantage of opportunities offered by the Government of Pakistan as well as the European Union. He was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of Pakistan Day in Paris. He said due to the improvement of bilateral investment and trade environment, the efforts of the Mission and participation of Pakistani community in France, the volume of trade between Pakistan and France had increased by 13% in the last one year. The members of Pakistani community, the officers and the staff of the embassy attended the ceremony.

Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, Member of Punjab Provincial Assembly, also spoke on the occasion, said a message received here Wednesday.

He said that foreign remittances sent home by the Pakistani expatriates had been providing much needed relief to the foreign exchange reserves at home.

He said the present government was giving high priority to protect the rights of women and giving them equal opportunities in all walks of life.

 

Railways CE issues final warning to encroachers

KARACHI (APP): Chief Executive of Pakistan Railways, Muhammad Javed Anwar Bubak has warned the encroachers to vacate the Railway lands immediately. A Railways official said here Wednesday that Javed Anwar has issued a `final warning’ to the encroachers in this regard. He asked them to voluntarily demolish the houses, shops, eateries etc set up on the Railways’ land or else an action would be initiated to the remove the encroachments from the Department’s lands. Javed Anwar also directed the Divisional Superintendent Karachi Division, Nisar Ahmed Memon, to get cleared the Railways’ lands in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Tando Adam from encroachments.

He also called for concerted efforts for strengthening the Pakistan Railways.

 

Rice farmers receive training to reduce cost of production

ISLAMABAD (APP): The rice farmers of district Sheikhupura were re-capacitated on latest technique of rice cultivation in a bid to increase per acre yield and reduce cost of production. A capacity building workshop, in this regard was held in Sheikhupura which was conducted by Rice Partners Pvt Ltd.(RPL) in collaboration with Intercoopration. More than 35 farmers were capacitated on precision laser leveling and water productivity. Rice Experts from Pakistan Agricultural and Research Council (PARC) and District Agriculture Departments gave their technical lectures to address the real problems of the rice farmers with small land holding of the district, said a statement received here Wednesday.

On the occasion Project Manager RPL (WAPRO), Zafar Iqbal said that this was the time to support poor rice farmers to reduce their cost of

production and increase yield of rice by adopting conservation

agricultural techniques like Precision Land Leveling, water saving,

field tubes and direct seeding of rice (DSR). Furthermore Chief Operating Officer RPL Muhammad Ali Tariq said that their main objectives were to to develop latest techniques on rice cultivation and production among farmers.

He said through this training workshop, farmers will be able to contribute more in national economy.

 

Suraj Vaidya felicitated on becoming SAARC CCI president

Lahore (Staff Reporter): Suraj Vaidya was appointed as SAARC CCI President for two years (2016-17) on Wednesday. An old member of the SAARC CCI, Vaidya formerly remained SAARC Tourism Council chairman. During the period, he worked assiduously to promote South Asia as an attractive tourist destination. Prior to this appointment, Vaidya served as SAARC CCI as Acting President in 2015. SAARC CCI Vice President Iftikhar Malik expressed confidence that the private sector of South Asia under Vaidya’s guidance would achieve new milestones. He said Vaidya, who has already been the president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers, had experience, leadership qualities and the understanding of the challenges that lay ahead.

Malik further said that SAARC CCI’s vision was enshrined in a six-point agenda, which included greater investments, building industrial parks, promotion of Youth Angels and development of Smart Green Villages.

“With fresh and new ideas, with vibrant and dynamic energy, the SAARC CCI team would dedicate their next two years to the betterment of South Asia,” Malik hoped.

He said the chamber needed an experienced and committed individual in that position, and the secretariat was ready to provide all the support for fulfilling the vision of the incoming president

 

 

Trade associations hail strategic framework

 

By Farhan ZaheerPublished: March 24, 2016

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Government envisaged Pakistan’s exports to reach $35 billion by the end of fiscal year 2018. PHOTO: FILE

Government envisaged Pakistan’s exports to reach $35 billion by the end of fiscal year 2018. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: Reacting to the ambitious target set by the government in the medium-term trade policy, exporters said that while the intention is laudable, it would take a lot on part of the authorities to achieve their aim.

 

The government announced the Strategic Trade Policy Framework on Tuesday, envisaging Pakistan’s exports to reach $35 billion by the end of fiscal year 2018, an increase of almost 50% from the current level of around $24 billion a year.

 

“The target of $35 billion by 2018 does not look realistic to me. At a time when our exports are declining, the most optimistic target is $30 billion,” commented Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Central Chairman Gulzar Firoz.

 

Firoz, however, said that the new trade policy will help arrest the decline of exports.

 

He advised the government to immediately announce the implementation of the zero-rated regime for the five export-oriented sectors from April 1, 2016 instead of July 1, 2016.

 

The trade policy is designed to significantly increase exports of leather, pharmaceutical products, fisheries, surgical instruments. Moreover, it will incentivise businessmen in exporting fans, home appliances, rice, meat and meat products, cutlery, sports goods among others.

 

“The rice sector is facing a tough time in the international market and the impact of the trade policy will take some time to increase exports,” said Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique.

 

The policy has also identified basmati rice as a potential export sector.

 

“We are confident that rice exporters will definitely gain maximum advantage of the incentives that are announced in the trade policy when the international market recovers from the slump.”

 

Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Chairman Hamid Raza said that the trade policy is going to bring revolutionary changes in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Pharmaceutical sector is one of the sectors – along with leather, pharmaceutical, fisheries, surgical instruments – that will get matching grants up to a maximum of Rs5 million for specified plant and machinery to improve product design and innovation.

 

“We are extremely happy to see that the government has incorporated our suggestions in the policy,” he said, adding that the suggestions were based on India’s successful model that has raised its pharmaceutical exports to $25 billion – close to Pakistan’s total exports,” PPMA chief said.

 

“I think 50 to 100 pharmaceutical companies will benefit from the incentives.”

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2016

http://agriculture.einnews.com/article/318032064/Tk_aR5HOcK2BrUnO

 

 

 

 

 

PM Nawaz’s efforts to initiate trade between Pakistan, Iran termed satisfactory

Business1 DAY AGO BY AGENCIES

Nawaz and Rouhani

Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt, on Wednesday, lauded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for initiating serious efforts to boost trade with Iran terming them highly satisfactory. Pakistan and Iran can become an important trading partner for which serious efforts have been initiated while an FTA between both brotherly countries would be an achievement of the government, he said.

 

Shahid Rasheed Butt said that Pakistan should enhance electricity imports to 1000 megawatt while start importing petroleum products to diversify it as depending on a single source is not advisable. He said that pipeline project is still under sanctions therefore, every option should be explored to expedite it without which energy crisis will continue to harm the economy. Gas import deal which was to bring a revolution in the Pakistan’s energy market is still under sanctions, therefore, the two countries should consider inking new energy deals, he added.

 

The veteran business leader said that bilateral trade which was once one billion dollars but now Pakistan’s exports have come down to 128 million dollars despite the agreement between both countries to boost trade to five billion dollars. Pakistani beef, rice, fruit, vegetable, sports goods and IT services are in great demand in the neighbouring nation which needs a little push from authorities as well as the private sector.

 

Pakistan should not waste any time for opening of banking channels with Iran and improve transport infrastructure. Improved trade with Iran can also help bailout textile sector which is paying the price for the recession in China, cotton collapse and incompetency of semi-educated export managers, he said. He noted that Tehran’s inclination to take part in economic corridor project will benefit bother countries while Iranian companies will invest heavily in Pakistan.

 

 

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/03/24/business/pm-nawazs-efforts-to-initiate-trade-between-pakistan-iran-termed-satisfactory/

 

 

 

FPCCI lauds trade policy, demands payment of refund claims

Business2 DAYS AGO BY STAFF REPORT

FPCCI

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has termed the new trade policy encouraging in the prevailing circumstances and assured support to the government in achieving export target of $35 billion by 2018.

 

In a statement issued Wednesday, FPCCI President Abdul Rauf Alam said that export target can be achieved if refunds to the tune of Rs 210 billion are released, tax system is simplified and uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas is ensured.

 

He said the problems faced by the export sector should be resolved so that their cost of doing business can come down to make their products competitive in the international market.

 

Moreover, he said, Pakistan should explore new markets with special focus on Iran and Afghanistan as Pakistan can export rice, beef and other things worth $1 billion while exports to Afghanistan can be increased by 50 per cent.

 

Rauf Alam said that value addition should be preferred over export of raw materials while innovation and research should also be paid special attention.

 

He also called for improvement in infrastructure, skills development, labour productivity, usage of technology coupled with market research as diversification and sophistication of exports will pay dividends.

 

Meanwhile, United Business Group Secretary General Zubair Tufail lauded the government’s move to provide Rs20 billion to exporters over a period of three years. He said that payment of Rs 6 billion should be initiated immediately as only three months are left in the current fiscal year.

 

He also demanded attention to dispute resolution, intellectual property rights and improved tax and industrial policies which will attract investment.

 

The business leader lauded the move to establish export development councils, explore regional markets and revive dormant trade agreements with various countries for which transport infrastructure and security remain challenges.

 

Tufail also lauded decision of the government to support the SME sector which was a longstanding demand of the business community. He also praised the decision to contain wastage of agricultural produce in the country. 

Nigeria: Customs Bans Importation of Rice Through Land Borders

Tagged:
·         Food and Agriculture
·         Business
·         Nigeria
·         West Africa


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·         Nigerian Authorities Ban Land Border Import of Rice

·         Nigeria's Customs Boss to Answer for Lifting Rice Ban

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·         Business

·         Nigeria

·         West Africa

Photo: Vanguard
(file photo)
By Moses Ebosele
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has re-introduced the restriction order on importation of rice through land borders across the country.
A statement issued yesterday by the NCS Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeniyi, explained that the Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), gave the approval for the reversal of the October 2015 policy which allowed rice imports through the land borders, once appropriate duty and charges were paid.
According to Adeniyi, at a review session held with comptrollers of border commands and
Federal Operation Units (FOU) held in Abuja, the Service noted that dwindling revenue from rice imports through the land borders do not match the volume of rice landed in neighboring ports.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201603230389.html


Customs re-imposes restriction on rice importation through land borders

  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has re-introduced the restriction order on importation of rice through land borders, which was reversed in October 2015, by the approval of Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of Customs. According to a statement signed by Wale Adeniyi, public relations officer, NCS, noted that dwindling revenue from rice imports through the land borders…
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https://businessdayonline.com/2016/03/customs-re-imposes-restriction-on-rice-importation-through-land-borders/

Nigeria: FG Bans Rice Import Through Land Borders

Tagged:
·         Food and Agriculture
·         Business
·         Governance
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·         Nigerian Authorities Ban Land Border Import of Rice

·         Nigeria's Customs Boss to Answer for Lifting Rice Ban

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Photo: Vanguard
(file photo)
By Hamisu Muhammad and Dele Ogunyemi
Ibadan — The Nigeria Customs Service has banned rice importation through the land borders with effect from Friday, March 25, it was announced in Ibadan, Oyo State capital yesterday.
The Customs Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Area Command, Mr. Temitope Ogunkua, told journalists that the ban order was given by the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, as part of measures to block the identified loopholes in the nation's finance sector.
Meanwhile, the federal government, as a sign of its commitment to stimulate the economy will, in the next quarter, pump N350 billion into the system in form of capital spending.
Ogunkua said that the importation and payment of duty on rice through the land borders would cease on Friday and advised all those who have their duty already paid for the imported rice within the Oyo/Osun Area Command border entry point to evacuate same immediately or risk the rice being seized.
Ogunkua maintained that Oyo/Osun Area Command would implement the zero tolerance for rice import through the border to the letter.
While reiterating the determination of the area command of the NCS to step up efforts in facilitating trade, the area controller charged all genuine importers to continue with their business, saying that only the economic saboteurs would have the long hand of the law to deal with.
Commenting on the revenue generation efforts of the command, the area controller disclosed that a total of 30 detentions and 10 seizures had so far been effected within this month (March 2016), with the Duty Paid Value of N19, 744,965.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had explained that the federal government planned using the 2016 budget to fast-track economic diversification.
The minister also said efforts had been put in place to ensure that the spending on capital projects trickled down to all Nigerians
http://allafrica.com/stories/201603230423.html 

Published on March 23, 2016 by pmnews   ·   No Comments
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau (right), with Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nababa Adamu (left), signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Commodity Value Chains between the two states while Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right behind) and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (left behind) watch, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
In line with the persistent calls for a paradigm shift from over dependence on oil as the major earner of the country, the Lagos State Government and Kebbi State on Wednesday entered into a partnership on the establishment of a commodity value chain that will give a quantum leap to food processing, production and distribution.
The partnership is aimed at bringing about national food sufficiency and food security, as well as creating employment and wealth distribution for the benefit of both states and the nation in general.
Speaking at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the partnership signaled the commencement of a new beginning of cooperation and common-sense revolution, which is line with the change mantra of All Progressives Congress (APC) that calls for patriotism in all facets of life.
Ambode, who said the partnership would bring an end to the era of imported rice in the country, noted that there was no doubt about the economic prowess of the country to produce rice locally.
“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that two states are collaborating to develop their agricultural potentials. We have the economic prowess to produce rice locally. The era of imported rice is gone. The reality is for all of us to embrace the consumption of local foodstuff and commodities,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the fact that the future of Lagos is partly tied to deliberate resolution on food security, and that food production and self-sufficiency required immediate attention at policy and strategic levels to sustain the country, hence the need for the partnership.
“Lagos State is the largest consumer of food commodities in Nigeria by virtue of our state population. We have the market, with the required purchasing power also. Lagos State has an estimated consumption of over 798,000 metric tonnes of milled Rice per year which is equivalent to 15.96 million of 50kg bags, with a value of N135 billion per annum,” he said.
In addition to rice, Ambode said Lagos is presently consuming 6,000 herds of cattle daily which may increase to 8,000 in the next 5years, adding that the bulk of vegetables produced in the country eventually end up in the Lagos markets.
He added: “Lagos State is one of the largest producers of poultry and thus has a large demand for maize for livestock feed production. The State also houses most of the industrial users of wheat and sorghum; mostly flour mills, bakeries, breweries and food manufacturers.
“Kebbi State, on the other hand, is blessed with a vast arable land suitable for the cultivation of Rice, Wheat, Ground nut, Maize, Sorghum and Sugar cane.
“It is an agrarian State with over 1.2 million hectares of arable land characterised by very large floodplains, lowland swamps and gentle slopes. In the 2014 / 2015 wet season, over 600,000 Hectares of land was deployed for Rice cultivation in the three senatorial areas of the State.
“The people are traditionally Rice farmers with average land holding of about 10 Hectares. Presently, Kebbi has over 50,000 metric tonnes of paddy in store produced from the last 2 planting seasons.
“With these considerations in mind, Lagos State and Kebbi State have decided to collaborate and exploit our areas of comparative advantage to create value for both States. This alliance will ensure Food Security, job creation, increase in farmers’ income and the overall improvement in the living conditions of the residents of both states through wealth creation and poverty reduction.
“This collaboration is in line with the clarion call and policy direction given by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, on the need to feed ourselves,” Ambode stated.
The joint venture between the two states, Ambode explained, will be implemented using a Special Purpose Vehicle known as LASKEB Agricultural Production and Marketing Company (LAPMCO), adding that the major areas of focus will be the development of commodity value chains with emphasis on Rice, Wheat, Ground Nut, Onions, Maize/Sorghum and Beef.
Speaking further on the agreement, Ambode said: “The numerous thousands of our market women and men can become key employers of labour as distributors of ‘Ibile Rice’. We can also brand and package rice in the names of our distributors and market women. As a State, we shall adopt our local rice as a State dish in all ramifications.
“The special purpose vehicle will allow the entrance of private sector investors and other states in expanding the rice mill at Imota, Ikorodu and other locations. We have already designated the 100 hectare land at Imota as the Agric Park in the State. Other locations in and outside the State will be vigorously activated to fulfill our mission in record time.”
Also speaking at the event, which was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers and members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) from both states, Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu thanked Ambode for providing leadership and innovation that brought about the partnership, adding that same was in line with the effort of President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to restructure Nigeria away from over-dependence on oil.
Bagudu said in the world of genetically modified food, the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi was an additional motivation to provide certainties for the people in terms of food production and sufficiency, and that the goal is to produce 60 to 70 percent of Nigeria’s Rice needs, and replicate same in other food items.
He said the agreement had the broadest public acceptance in Kebbi State, and that the people, especially farmers in the state, are delighted to partner with Lagos, which he described as the most entrepreneurial part of Nigeria.
He said Lagos and Kebbi have had a long history of trade, and that the signing of the MoU was a further way of cementing the relationship with the view to make the people to get richer.
“Lagos is the most entrepreneurial part of Nigeria. Lagos, if it were a country on itself, is a country that other states will be going to establish a relationship and so why not state to state. So, what we are doing is that we are pioneering a collaboration that will bring other states on board later and we believe that our potentials is enormous and we must have pacesetters to start that process of joint collaboration for our collective good,” Bagudu said
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/03/23/lagos-kebbi-to-produce-nigerias-rice-needs/

Sad, sorry tale of Otukpo rice mill

Posted By: AMOS ABBAon: March 23, 2016In: Agriculture, Business, Online SpecialNo Comments
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F-G re-introduced restriction on rice importation

The Nigerian government on Tuesday re-introduced the restriction on the imports of rice through its land border over smuggling concerns.
By Admin -

Mar 23, 2016
0

  
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Spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wale Adeniyi, said in a statement that the NCS had recorded “dwindling revenue from rice imports through the land borders”.
Reports from border authorities showed an upsurge in rice smuggling since January, the spokesperson said.
In the first two months of the year, “a total of 9,238 bags (of rice) were seized”, he said.
He added those who had already started their importation processes would have a grace period ending March 25 to clear their consignments.
Nigeria opened its border in October 2015 for rice imports. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
http://www.newsghana.com.gh/f-g-re-introduced-restriction-on-rice-importation/

Farm suicides in Punjab now claim

 six middlemen in six months

Among the dead is 54-year-old Jaspal Setia, who committed suicide four months ago. A commission agent at Amritsar’s Bhagtanwala grain market, Setia had given a Rs 2.5 crore advance to farmers and rice millers which he failed to recover.

  3  15
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Written by Anju Agnihotri Chaba , Raakhi Jagga | Jalandhar/ludhiana | Published:March 25, 2016 12:01 am
Labourers cleaning grain at an arhtiya mandi in Khanna. Gurmeet Singh
In yet another indication of distress in the farm sector, at least six arhtiyas — middlemen through whom the government procures wheat and paddy from farmers — have committed suicide in Punjab in the last six months, a Punjab Mandi Board official has said.
Among the dead is 54-year-old Jaspal Setia, who committed suicide four months ago. A commission agent at Amritsar’s Bhagtanwala grain market, Setia had given a Rs 2.5 crore advance to farmers and rice millers which he failed to recover.
“He couldn’t take the stress,” said Vijay Kalra, president of Punjab’s Federation of Arhtiya Association.
The arhtiya’s job includes getting grain unloaded at the mandis and organising the auction, mostly to state agencies. For this, they get a commission fee — 2.5 per cent of the purchase price. They also lend to farmers for cropping operations and to meet personal needs.
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Despite having considerable sway in Punjab’s grain trade, the arhtiyas have been under pressure of late. The reasons range from farmers being burdened with debt to successive crop failures and crashing prices.
While many of them have stopped lending to farmers, some have resorted to taking the extreme step.
Ravinder Singh Cheema, vice-chairman of the Punjab Mandi Board, estimates that 250-300 arhtiyas have committed suicide in Punjab in the last five-six years.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/farm-suicides-in-punjab-now-claim-six-middlemen-in-six-months/#sthash.BU7z3G0F.dpuf

http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2016/03/25/sustaining-rice-plants/


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March 24, 2016


USA Rice - in your small town
USA Rice Promotions Tailor-Made in Mexico 

QUERÉTARO and GUADALAJARA, MEXICO -- This month, USA Rice conducted two promotions here, one large and one small, with the shared goal of increasing awareness and use of U.S.-grown rice.  
The first promotion, a rice cooking demonstration called "Women Cooking Rice," was in honor of International Women's Day on March 8, and was organized in coordination with the City of San Juan del Río, Querétaro, so local women could learn simple ways to contribute to a healthier home by providing their families a more varied diet.  
More than 100 women participated in the event that culminated in a cooking contest where attendees prepared 50 new rice recipes.  One of the competitors, Rosenda Salas, said, "I didn't know that we could prepare so many dishes with rice and that it was so easy to prepare.  I used to wash and fry rice which took a long time; now I know that I can cook it much faster and in a healthier way."
USA Rice scaled up efforts from small town to big city last week at Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria 2016, the preeminent three-day forum/expo in Guadalajara.  USA Rice hosted a booth where chefs conducted cooking classes and seminars for hundreds of buyers, foodservice professionals, and press. 
And on the big stage
Chef Fernando Martínez Zavala, a current contestant on the Mexican installment of the Top Chef TV Franchise, said, "I consider rice to be a significant ingredient in my cooking and working with USA Rice has awakened my culinary imagination." 
Chef Martínez appeared on the USA Rice television program after winning "Cocinero del Año México 2014" (Best Cook in Mexico 2014), a national competition for professional chefs which is also broadcast in the United States on NBC's Spanish-language network, NBC Universo. 
"More than 45,000 people from the retail industry and food service sector in Mexico attended this giant trade show," said USA Rice Vice President of International Promotion Jim Guinn.  "Combining Expo ANTAD, a trade show for retailers, manufacturers, and producers, with Expo Alimentaria, an international trade show targeting the food service industry, brought together all factions of the agro-alimentary sector in Mexico.  Hundreds of retailers including Sam's Club, Costco, Walmart, and HEB, mixed with renowned international chefs hosting live cooking demonstrations and culinary contests."
Guinn concluded, "This customized approach to promotions, making contact with a small crowd one day and multitudes the next, allows USA Rice to capitalize on opportunities throughout Mexico to establish and strengthen trade relations on every level, in this, our largest market

Volta Region rice farmers appeals for logistical support

Rice farmers in the Volta Region have called for technological support to increase yields towards meeting increasing local and international demands.
By Admin -

Mar 24, 2016
0

  
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The farmers currently produce only 180,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice a year, the highest in the country, but half of their production capacity.
rice
At a two-day workshop under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development, “Feed the Future Agriculture Policy Support Project”, the farmers said they could produce more than 380,000 tonnes a year if they had combine harvesters, threshers and power tillers.
Investigations by the Ghana News Agency revealed that apart from a few farmers in the South of the region, who had those machinery, hundreds of other rice farmers were still relying on cutlass and hoe for land preparation and sickle and knife for harvesting.
The farmers said with technological support, they could produce and save the country of the about 500 million dollars spent on rice importation annually.
Dr. Joseph Ofori, a Research Fellow, Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, University of Ghana, said with efficient technological support, good nutrients and water management, the Region could achieve sustainable rice production.
Walter Nunez-Rodriguez, the Chief of Party of the Agriculture Policy Support Project (APSP), told the GNA that with improvement in technology Ghana could increase production, reduce import and enhance food security.
In all the 25 districts of the Region, except one, rice is cultivated in low lying areas and valleys.
Out of 281 valleys covering 40.093 hectares, only 26 are being developed, with potentials largely untapped.
The workshop was, thus, to strengthen the capacity of members of the Volta Rice Producers Network in appreciating the Agricultural policy process in Ghana.
Source: GNA

http://www.newsghana.com.gh/volta-region-rice-farmers-appeals-for-logistical-support/

 

Thailand: Bangkok’s Water Supply Running Low, Officials Say

Pimuk Rakkanam
2016-03-23 - Bangkok
A farmer walks on a dried out field in Bang Pla Ma, a district in Suphanburi province located in Thailand’s rice belt, July 2, 2015.
 AFP
With much of Thailand suffering the worst drought in 24 years, the water supply for Bangkok and other urban populations is dropping to critical levels, officials warn.
The reservoirs of four dams along the Chaophraya, the nation’s largest river that feeds the central plains and passes through the Thai capital, could run out of water by July unless significant rainfall comes during the upcoming wet season and people conserve water, according to officials.
The total capacity of the four dams – Bhumibol, Sirikit, Pasak Cholasit and Kwai Noi – has fallen to 37 percent of their combined capacity, but only 2.56 billion cubic meters of water reserved for irrigation, drinking and other uses will last until July based on the dams’ current effluent rate, Prutipong Tasanchaleekul, a director of an irrigation office in the suburban Bangkok district of Rangsit, told BenarNews.
Yet he remains optimistic that rainfall will help raise reservoir levels during the traditional rainy season, which starts in July.
“We still have El Niño, and late July should show a sign of La Niña, which is also a transition from dry season to rainy season,” he said, referring to the warm weather phenomenon of El Niño which is expected to give way to cooler temperatures during a counter-phenomenon known as La Niña.
“There should be rain, rain fall. There will be peak of rain fall in the five-year span of La Niña,” Prutipong predicted during a phone interview.
As a measure for cutting down on water consumption, officials in Bangkok earlier this month announced a curfew during Thailand’s upcoming water festival and celebration of Songkran, the Thai new year, according to reports. Last month, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha ordered rice farmers to reduce their output in order to save water. He also called on Thais in general to conserve water such as by taking shorter showers.
“[W]e need all parties to campaign to save water for urban and capital consumption and no more off-season rice cultivation,” Prutipong said.
Worst drought since 1992
At the Bhumibol dam in Tak province, the water supply has already dropped to 682 million cubic meters, or 7 percent of its full reserve capacity, Rakchart Lekboonpetch, an engineer who works at the facility, told BenarNews.
The reservoir at the dam is at its lowest level since 1992, said Satit Saikaew, another engineer at Bhumbol.
The shortage resulted from a miscalculation in 2012 when the dam, the nation’s second largest reservoir, released 5 billion cubic meters of water to fulfill a surge in rice farming, which was buoyed at the time by a controversial rice mortgage scheme implemented by the government of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The former PM is now facing charges related to corruption in that scheme.
“It was a miscalculation in 2012. Some 5 billion cubic meters of water was dispensed to farmers as they enjoyed good price rices, but we did not have water to replenish the dam,” Satit told BenarNews.
Isaan farmers hit hard
In irrigated zones, farmers may cultivate their paddies three times a year. Thailand has some 22 million acres of paddy fields, which yielded 23 million tons of rice last year. Some 6 million acres are useable for off-season cropping.
But this year, water in rivers in northern Thailand that are tributaries of the Chaophrya have partially or completely dried up.
In Thailand’s most impoverished northeastern region, known as Isaan among locals, the severe drought led to a sharp drop in output for small-scale rice farmer Siri Ekchote.
As a result of last year’s meager rainfall between June and August, his yield of jasmine rice and sticky rice sank from 360 to 160 sacks.
“If there is no rain after Songkran, we villagers won’t have water to feed our cattle and we cannot grow any crop,” he told BenarNews.
China controls water
Thailand’s northeast, which has been hit hardest by the drought, borders the Mekong River from which water has been harnessed for dry season farming.
But the water supply from the Mekong has been impeded by five dams built by China upriver since 2003. Now, a project by Laos to build a dam along the river could add to irrigation woes in Thailand.
In recent days, China started to release water from its Jinghong Dam along the Mekong. Officials in Thailand’s Nongkhai province started harnessing water from the river on March 15.
And during a meeting in Sanya, China, between Chinese officials and leaders of five Southeast Asian countries, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth on Wednesday called for “constructive” cooperation states that use the Mekong, the creation of a water-management plan that would benefit all of them, and the establishment of a center that would allow those countries to share information about the their use of the river, the Bangkok Post reported.
http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/water-supply-03232016151800.html





Rice farmers advised to open up to investors

The US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ‘Feed the Future’ agriculture support project has advised small scale farmers in the Volta region to remain open minded about agriculture investors and not see themselves as “preys” to investors.
By Admin -

Mar 24, 2016
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The Capacity Building Coordinator of the ‘Feed the Future’ agriculture support project, Mr Festus Kwadzokpo, observed that most small holder farmers fear being exploited by investors in the agricultural sector thus hesitate to welcome business ideas that will increase their productivity.
rice
He said such fears cannot stimulate the needed development in the agricultural Sector. “Business should be taken as a win-win situation but where farmers think that anybody who is coming to do business with them is coming to cheat them, might drive investors away” he noted.
He therefore advised farmers to explore investment opportunities to enhance their productivity.
Mr. Festus Kwadzokpo was speaking at a three-day workshop in Ho to train network leaders of rice farmer based organizations in the Volta region on agricultural policy.
USAID Feed the Future Agriculture Policy Support Project is a five-year programme aimed to improve the security-enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture.
Source : NewsGghana.com.gh /USAID
http://www.newsghana.com.gh/rice-farmers-advised-to-open-up-to-investors/







Lagos consumes 16 million bags of rice, 2 million cows yearly — Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) with Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (left) during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Commodity Value Chains between the two States at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
The Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that food security and self-sufficiency requires immediate attention at policy and strategic levels to sustain the country.
Mr. Ambode spoke in Lagos Wednesday at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Lagos and Kebbi states to establish a commodity value chain that will boost food processing, production, and distribution.
“Lagos state is the largest consumer of food commodities in Nigeria by virtue of our state population,” said Mr. Ambode.
“We have the market, with the required purchasing power also. Lagos state has an estimated consumption of over 798,000 metric tonnes of milled rice per year which is equivalent to 15.96 million of 50kg bags, with a value of N135 billion per annum.”
Mr. Ambode said the state is currently consuming 6,000 herds of cattle daily which may increase to 8,000 in the next five years.
Mr. Ambode said the partnership between the two states would bring an end to the importation of rice into the country.
“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that two states are collaborating to develop their agricultural potentials,” he said.

“We have the economic prowess to produce rice locally. The reality is for all of us to embrace the consumption of local foodstuff and commodities.”
The partnership is aimed at bringing about national food sufficiency and food security, as well as create employment for both states and the country.
“Lagos state is one of the largest producers of poultry and thus has a large demand for maize for livestock feed production,” Mr. Ambode said.
“The state also houses most of the industrial users of wheat and sorghum; mostly flour mills, bakeries, breweries, and food manufacturers.
“Kebbi state, on the other hand, is blessed with a vast arable land characterised by very large flood plains, lowland swamps and gentle slopes. In the 2014/2015 wet season, over 600,000 hectares of land was deployed for rice cultivation in the three senatorial areas of the state.”
The joint venture between both states will be implemented using a Spcial Purpose Vehicle known an LASKEB Agricultural Production and Marketing Company (LAPMCO), according to Mr. Ambode, who added that focus would be on rice, wheat, groundnut, onions, maize, sorghum, and beef.
“The people of Kebbi are traditionally rice farmers with average land holding of about 10 hectares. Presently, Kebbi has over 50,000 metric tonnes of paddy in store produced from the last two planting seasons,” said Mr. Ambode.
“With these considerations mind, Lagos state and Kebbi state have decided to collaborate and exploit our areas of comparative advantage to create value for both states.
“This alliance will ensure food security, job creation, increase in farmers’ income and the overall improvement in the living conditions of the residents of both states through wealth creation and poverty reduction.”
Mr. Ambode further said that the special purpose vehicle would allow the entrance of private sector investors and other states in expanding the rice mill at Ikorodu, Imota, and other locations.
“We have already designated the 100 hectare land at Imota as the Agric Park in the state. Other locations in and outside the state will be vigorously activated to fulfil our mission in record time.”
Atiku Bagudu, the Kebbi state governor, said the partnership was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision to restructure Nigeria away from over-reliance on oil.
“What we are doing is that we are pioneering a collaboration that will bring other states on board later and we believe that our potentials is enormous and we must have pacesetters to start that process of joint collaboration for our collective good,” said Mr. Bagudu.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau (right), with Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nababa Adamu (left), signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Commodity Value Chains between the two States while Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right behind) and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (left behind) watch, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), being presented with a gift by Emir of Gwandu & Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar(2nd right) during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Commodity Value Chains between Lagos and Kebbi States at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. (L-R) With them are Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammad Sani Sami (rtd). Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) with Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (2nd left) during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Commodity Value Chains between the two States at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. With them are Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau (right) and Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nababa Adamu (left

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Rice Prices

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Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
Price
Current
%
change
Season 
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Durgapur(WB)
130.50
0.38
795.50
2250
2200
-6.25
Asansol(WB)
130.00
NC
1450.50
2250
2250
-
Barasat(WB)
65.00
30
2045.00
2300
2300
NC
Dhekiajuli(ASM)
24.50
-18.33
772.00
1900
1900
4.40
Ranaghat(WB)
9.00
-40
42.00
2050
1850
-12.77
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
6.80
-62.01
1136.70
1900
1900
-
Islampur(WB)
3.00
7.14
223.90
2150
2150
-
Perinthalmanna(Ker)
2.90
NC
68.40
2500
2500
-19.35
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8393196.ece







Rice Prices

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Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
Price
Current
%
change
Season 
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Bazpur(Utr)
3000.00
2400
27908.41
1900
1525
NC
Bangalore(Kar)
1517.00
-28.95
98640.00
4000
4100
-5.88
Manjeri(Ker)
290.00
NC
7540.00
2900
2900
-12.12
Bangarpet(Kar)
211.00
-14.57
5425.00
1860
1680
0.54
Sainthia(WB)
167.10
-1.71
679.20
1755
1750
-
Srirampur(ASM)
160.00
-15.79
4355.00
2600
2500
1.96
Birbhum(WB)
142.80
0.56
1734.00
1780
1780
-9.64
Srirangapattana(Kar)
84.00
-22.22
192.00
2058
1740
-
Samsi(WB)
50.00
NC
15360.00
2800
2800
-
Gangavathi(Kar)
47.00
17.5
303.00
2451
1700
-
Nadia(WB)
40.00
-20
1090.00
3250
3250
4.84
Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)
30.00
20
1230.00
3100
3100
-
Chickkaballapura(Kar)
21.00
-
21.00
2080
-
-
Kollegal(Kar)
21.00
-
21.00
4500
-
-
Diamond Harbour(South 24-pgs)(WB)
21.00
-19.23
519.00
1850
1850
-17.78
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
17.90
49.17
1129.90
1900
1900
-
Udala(Ori)
17.00
-50
703.00
2800
2700
12.00
Giridih(Jha)
15.37
-1.91
172.18
3540
3540
1.14
Dibrugarh(ASM)
13.00
NC
888.80
2400
2400
-
Raiganj(WB)
13.00
-7.14
668.00
2750
2850
12.24
Simdega(Jha)
10.00
-16.67
44.00
2100
2100
NC
Chengannur(Ker)
7.00
40
12.00
3200
3000
-
Bhivandi(Mah)
7.00
-12.5
253.00
2540
3590
63.87
Baruipur(Canning)(WB)
6.50
8.33
12.50
2600
2500
-
Silapathar(ASM)
5.90
11.32
471.40
3000
3000
NC
K.R.Nagar(Kar)
4.00
-
4.00
1800
-
-
Alibagh(Mah)
3.00
NC
90.00
4000
4000
150.00
Perinthalmanna(Ker)
2.90
NC
65.50
2500
2500
-19.35
Islampur(WB)
2.80
-9.68
220.90
2150
2150
-
Balarampur(WB)
2.10
-8.7
45.70
2130
2140
-10.50
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)
2.00
NC
83.10
2000
2000
-9.09
Melaghar(Tri)
2.00
NC
90.80
2250
2350
-4.26
Kolar(Kar)
1.00
-
45.00
4500
-
-
Chalisgaon(Mah)
1.00
-
1.00
1250
-
-
Sahebganj(Jha)
0.80
-
2.00
3000
-
7.14
03/24/2016 Farm Bureau Market ReportRice
High
Low
Long Grain Cash Bids
- - -
- - -
Long Grain New Crop
- - -
- - -


Futures:
ROUGH RICE
High
Low
Last
Change
May '16
1032.0
1012.5
1026.5
-4.0
Jul '16
1054.0
1041.5
1054.0
-3.5
Sep '16
1065.0
1059.0
1070.5
-4.0
Nov '16
1083.0
1083.0
1082.0
-5.0
Jan '17
1096.5
-5.0
Mar '17
1097.0
-5.0
May '17
1097.0
-5.0
   

Rice Comment

Rice prices continued to slip lower today. A marketing year low of just 14,500 MT of rice were sold this week, which was down 32-percent from last week and 82-percent from the previous 4-week average. Overall rice exports are up slightly year-to-date compared to last year; however the market still needs additional sales to materialize as outstanding sales remain well below year ago levels. Rice continues to search for additional demand, as demand this year is forecast down 4-percent from last year.

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