Today Rice News Headlines...
·
Profitability of basmati rice exporters to
remain under pressure in H1FY17
·
DA-PhilRice and IRRI offer drought-tolerant
rice varieties to farmers
·
http://news.irri.org/2016/04/da-philrice-and-irri-offer-drought.html
·
Thai Rice Department and IRRI intensify joint
R&D program
·
Basmati rice industry may revive in next
harvest 2016-17: Icra
·
Food Security Cards Only for Ration Supplies
·
Wheat eases on increased supply, reduced
offtake
·
Dollar scarcity: Buyers turn to locally-grown
rice
·
Looking towards Iran
·
Davaoeños lead donation drive for protesting
Kidapawan farmers
·
Dollar scarcity: Buyers turn to locally-grown
rice
·
Farida ji is a brilliant actress: Kulbhushan
Kharbanda
·
Mutton biryani with sour plums and dried
pomegranate
·
The Grim Reaper
·
APEDA RICE COMMODITY NEWS
·
Rain, floods kill 45 in northwest Pakistan
·
VN's rice supply may decrease due to drought
and saline intrusion
News Detail...
Profitability of basmati rice
exporters to remain under pressure in H1FY17
Price situation to improve on short supply to
elevate exporters' realisation in the second half
Basmati rice exports to US might be hitExporters expect Iran to
issue fresh Basmati rice permits by DecRice exporting companies rally as Iran
opens up market for IndiaBasmati rice and sugar stocks up on favourable
fundamentalsBasmati
Interestingly, falling prices have lowered exporters’ realisation
from overseas sales. While the realisation has declined by 14% to Rs 17,588
crore, the same tanked further in dollar to $2,717 million resulting into per
unit realisation declining to $885 a tonne between Apr–Dec 2015 as compared to
$1,312 a tonne in the comparable period last year.
“Supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation as
farmers are likely to shift away from basmati, given the non-remunerative
prices in the last two crop cycles. Moreover, since Iran has removed the ban on
import of rice, demand is also expected to witness some improvement, going
forward,” said the report.
Meanwhile, the current scenario of excess supply (weak demand) is
expected to continue in the near term and exporters are likely to continue
facing financial stress in the near term. Weak sales growth and decline in
profitability, along with inventory losses, are expected to be the key trends
in the financials (to be reported) of basmati rice players in 2015-16. This is
expected to further weaken the leverage profile of industry players. Any
improvement in the situation is likely only from the next basmati paddy harvest
season, that is, the second half of 2016-17.
The industry has reported steady growth in its revenues till
2013-14 given the rising demand in the market leading to high volume of sales
and high realisations. However in FY15, the industry witnessed a decline in
demand following the ban imposed by Iran on import of rice. Consequently,
Indian basmati rice industry reported decline in value of sales in 2014-15.
The industry remains vulnerable to inventory price risk given
sizeable stock levels of the players. As witnessed in FY15, weakness in demand
led to correction in prices which impacted the inventory positions of the
players and hence their profitability. The decline in profitability and
industry’s inability to liquidate its sizeable stocks resulted in increased
working capital borrowings. Thus, the industry reported increase in leverage
and weakness in coverage metrics in FY15.
The significant impact was witnessed in quarter ending March 2015
when the sales did not grow (unlike same quarters in previous years) and
profitability and hence interest coverage declined significantly. This was
largely driven by decline in realisations in the aftermath of ban imposed by
Iran on import of rice. Further, as reflected in the first three quarters of
2015-16, the pressure on revenue and profitability is expected to continue in
the near term.
DA-PhilRice and IRRI offer drought-tolerant rice varieties to
farmers
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have been
working together to breed and disseminate seeds of drought-tolerant rice
varieties that can better survive the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
“It is the poor farmers who suffer the most from the effects of
climate change,” said Dr. Bruce Tolentino, IRRI’s deputy director general for
communication and partnerships. “This is why IRRI has been working hard to
develop climate change-ready rice varieties that can withstand extreme climatic
conditions such as droughts, floods, heat, and cold, and soil problems such as
high salt and iron content.”
Rice farmers who are currently struggling with the effects of El
Niño are particularly interested in drought-tolerant rice varieties. The
ongoing El Niño is expected to cause much lower rainfall in the first half of
2016 throughout South and Southeast Asia, which includes the major rice-growing
countries.
“El Niño conditions will worsen livelihoods and may also lead to
insufficient food supply for vulnerable farm households,” said Dr. Reiner
Wassmann, climate change expert at IRRI.
Scientists at IRRI have developed and released drought-tolerant
varieties--those that can produce up to 1.2 tons more per hectare than
varieties that perform poorly under drought conditions--in several countries,
including Sahbhagi dhan in India and the Sookha dhan varieties in Nepal.
In the Philippines, the drought-tolerant rice varieties available
to farmers in rainfed lowland farms include Rio Grande, Sacobia, and 12
varieties of Sahod Ulan. Drought-tolerant rice varieties for upland farms
include Pasig, Apo, and Katihan 1.
“We have provided PhilRice with the foundation germplasm for
climate change-ready rice,” Tolentino said. “DA-PhilRice is multiplying these
seeds for distribution to farmers who need them the most.”
In addition to climate change-ready rice varieties, IRRI has also
developed water-saving technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD).
AWD is regarded as one of the more important rice cultivation methods that can
dramatically save freshwater irrigation.
Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media
and networks (all links down the right column).
Thai Rice Department
and IRRI intensify joint R&D program
4 April 2016
info@irri.org
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Royal Government of Thailand is set to strengthen research and development ties with the International Rice Research Institute. The director general and senior officers of the Thai Rice Department are at IRRI headquarters today to further flesh out the collaboration with scientists.
Leading the Thai group is Anan Suwannarat, director general of the Rice Department of Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The visit is part of a series of meetings between the two parties in which implementation of a fresh set of collaborative research programs for Thailand, with funding support provided by the Thai government, is discussed.
“Thailand is a top exporter of rice globally and the government is intent on sustaining the competitiveness of Thai rice in the global market, particularly in the face of climate change and growing competition from other major rice producers such as India, Vietnam, and Myanmar,” said Matthew Morell, IRRI director general.
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Royal Government of Thailand is set to strengthen research and development ties with the International Rice Research Institute. The director general and senior officers of the Thai Rice Department are at IRRI headquarters today to further flesh out the collaboration with scientists.
Leading the Thai group is Anan Suwannarat, director general of the Rice Department of Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The visit is part of a series of meetings between the two parties in which implementation of a fresh set of collaborative research programs for Thailand, with funding support provided by the Thai government, is discussed.
“Thailand is a top exporter of rice globally and the government is intent on sustaining the competitiveness of Thai rice in the global market, particularly in the face of climate change and growing competition from other major rice producers such as India, Vietnam, and Myanmar,” said Matthew Morell, IRRI director general.
Basmati rice
industry may revive in next harvest 2016-17: Icra
By volume, the share of basmati rice is around
6% in 2014-15, even as by value, basmati rice exports account for 57% in
2014-15, of India's total rice exports
Press Trust of India | Mumbai April 3, 2016 Last Updated at 13:48 IST
Profitability of basmati rice exporters to remain under pressure
in H1FY17Exporters expect Iran to issue fresh Basmati rice permits by
DecBasmati exporters eye better realisations as Iran opens upRice exporting
companies rally as Iran opens up market for IndiaBasmati rice exports to Iran
via Dubai soar.The domestic basmati rice industry, which is witnessing excess
supply and weak demand, may revive in the next harvest season in the second
half of 2016-17, a report said."The basmati rice industry faced headwinds
- weakdemand and oversupply in FY16. The current scenario of excess supply and
weak demand is expected to continue in the near term and exporters are likely
to continue facing financial stress in the near term.
"Any improvement in the
situation is likely only from the next basmati paddy harvest season in the
second half of 2016-17 due to improvement in demand," rating agencyIcra
said in its report in Mumbai.
The supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation
as farmers are likely to shift away from basmati, given the non-remunerative
prices in the last two crop cycles.Moreover, since Iran has removed the ban on
import of rice, demand is also expected to witness some improvement, it
said.Rice is one of the most crucial food crops in the world and a staple diet
for nearly half the global population. Over 90% of the global rice output and
consumption is centred in Asia, wherein the world's largest rice producers,
China and India, are also the world's largest rice consumers.
India accounts for over 70% of the world's basmati rice
production. Basmati rice constitutes a small portion of the total rice produced
in India.By volume, the share of basmati rice is around 6% in 2014-15, even as
by value, basmati rice exports account for 57% in 2014-15, of India's total
rice exports.Basmati rice exports have increased at a compounded annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 27% from Rs 28.24 billion in 2004-05 to Rs 275.98 billion in
2014-15.The proportion of basmati rice exports in India's total exports has
increased from around 0.6% to around 1.3% during the last one decade.
While basmati rice is consumed across the globe, West Asian
countries account for 75% of Indian basmati rice exports in 2014-15.Within West
Asia, Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two largest buyers, together accounting for
over 50% of basmati rice exports from India.However, even as Iran emerged as
one of the largest importers of basmati rice in recent years, the country
imposed a ban on basmati rice imports from India in 2014-15, citing its own
healthy rice crop and large basmati inventory.Commenting on pricing scenario,
Icra said basmati paddy is also vulnerable to cyclical price fluctuations.
Higher prices in the market encourage higher basmati paddy cultivation, which
increases supply in the next season.
This depresses the price, thereby erasing gains and shifting
farmers away from basmati paddy cultivation.During the procurement season of
2012-13 and 2013-14, there was a steep rise in paddy prices from around Rs
18,000 per tonne (MT) in 2011-12 to around Rs 37,000 MT in 2013-14, due to
strong demand in the international market.
Food Security Cards Only for Ration Supplies
By Express News Service
Published: 03rd April 2016 05:27 AM
Last Updated: 03rd April 2016 05:27
AM
HYDERABAD: Food security cards will be used primarily to
draw ration and not to be taken as a criteria for selection of beneficiaries
for government schemes like double bedroom homes, Shaadi Mubarak, fee reimbursement,
Aasara pensions, among others.Civil supplies minister Etela Rajender directed
the officials to make sure that food
security cards are used only for the purpose of ration.He held a review meeting
with civil supplies officials here on Friday.The computerisation of food
security cards has been completed and Point Of Sale (POS) machines were
installed in all fair price shops in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation
Limits.
Thirty percent savings were
witnessed in Public Distribution Scheme commodities issued through POS
machines. A clear action plan is also being prepared by the civil supplies
officials to supply super fine rice to
all university hostels.
“Preferred varieties of super fine rice (Sanna Biyyam) used for
mid-day meals and hostels supplied by rice millers should invariably bear the
details of name and address of the rice millers, variety, date of supply,
season (Khariff and Rabi), year, truck no, among other details on the tag to
enure quality,” said Rajat Kumar, commissioner of civil supplies.
Wheat eases on
increased supply, reduced offtake
PTI | Apr 1, 2016, 02.40 PM IST
New Delhi, Apr 1 () Wheat prices
eased by Rs 5 per quintal in an otherwise steady wholesale grains market today
following increased supplies from producing regions against reduced offtake by
flour mills.Elsewhere, other grains including rice basmati traded in a tight
range on little doing and settled around previous levels. Traders said besides
reduced offtake by flour mills, adequate stocks position on higher supplies
from producing belts kept pressure on wheat prices.In the national
capital,wheat dara (for mills) and wheat MP (desi) fell by Rs 5 each to Rs
1,645-1,650 and Rs 2,010- 2,615 per quintal respectively. Atta chakki delivery
followed suit and traded lower by a similar margin to Rs 1,650-1,655 per 90 kg.
Following are today's quotations
(in Rs per quintal):
Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,010-2,615,
Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,645-1,650, Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,650-1,655,
Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 230, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 230, Roller flour mill Rs
855-865 (50 kg), Maida Rs 940-950 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 1,010-1,025 (50 kg).Basmati
rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs
9,700, Basmati common new Rs 5,500-5,600, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 4,250-5,200,
Permal raw Rs 1,850-1,900, Permal wand Rs 2,050-2,100, Sela Rs 2,200-2,300 and
Rice IR-8 Rs 1,600-1,620, Bajra Rs 1,590-1,595, Jowar yellow Rs 1,800-1,900,
white Rs 3,400-3,500, Maize Rs 1,700-1,710, Barley Rs 1,300-1,310. SUN KPS ABI
(This story has not been edited by timesofindia.com
and is auto–generated from a syndicated feed we subscribe to.)
Dollar scarcity:
Buyers turn to locally-grown rice
April 3, 2016
The scarcity of United States dollars in the country has forced
rice traders to look inwards and patronise local growers and processing mills.
It was gathered that distributors in Kano, Ondo and Lagos states
as well as the Federal Capital Territory, among others, have been bombarding
the milling factories with orders beyond their processing capacity.
A source in one of the rice milling companies, who spoke on
condition of anonymity, said the millers were having difficulties meeting
orders as major distributors who depended on imported rice before now, had
started showing interest in Nigerian brands.
The Public relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can
Island, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, confirmed that the volume of rice imports and other
items restricted by the Central Bank of Nigeria from accessing foreign exchange
from the official window had declined.
According to him, this has drastically affected revenue generation
in form of tariff and levies at the Tin Can Island port.
Osunkwo explained, “The dollar scarcity has taken a toll on our
revenue generation. In February, we made about N16.4bn; some of the items the
government restricted foreign exchange from fall within the regular and highest
revenue generating imports for us like rice and other items. Because of the
restriction of access to foreign exchange, they are no longer coming in.
“We make a lot of revenue from them for the government. All the
revenue that would have accrued to the government is not there again. We are
only scraping to meet up. It has impacted negatively on revenue generation. We
pray it doesn’t get worse.”
The Personnel Manager, UMZA International Farms Limited, an
indigenous rice mill, Mr. Ali Aliyu, said that the limited number of mills in
the country posed a hindrance to the supply of the produce to meet existing
demand.
He added that insufficient power supply as well as taxes and
levies by regulatory agencies had increased the cost of production, making
indigenous rice to be unable to compete with the imported brands.
Aliyu said, “Power supply is not available and that is key as far
as all manufacturing companies are concerned. For example, our company spends
not less than N4.5m to N5m on electricity every month on diesel because we do
not have sufficient supply of power. It means that the cost of production is
high and the price will be high as well, and we have to make a profit. We do
not have a good company that provides paddy rice from the farmers.
“Another thing is the tax from the local government, state and the
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards
Organisation of Nigeria. The foreign ones are selling at lower prices than
ours. You find out that you can hardly sell your rice below the price of the
foreign ones. If you are not careful, the company will fold up. If the
importation of rice is stopped, some of the challenges I highlighted will go.”
Contact: editor@punchng.com
How you can start earning N250,000 every mon
http://www.punchng.com/dollar-scarcity-buyers-turn-to-locally-grown-rice/
Looking towards
Iran
To
be able to take their mutual trade to $5 billion in five years, Iran and
Pakistan should be able to realise the huge trade potential that exists between
the two countries
The
lifting of international economic sanctions on Iran is no ordinary development
for the country. Many countries in the region that could be natural trading
partners of Iran were unable to benefit from mutual trade while the sanctions
were in place. In case they even tried, they would face the challenge of how to
make payments or open letters of credit through banks. There were certain ways
to circumvent these sanctions but such measures were temporary and not
sustainable.
Pakistan
that shares a long border and historical and cultural ties with Iran is among
countries that can increase their trade volume with this country manifold.
Though both countries have signed a preferential trade agreement, their mutual
trade volume has remained far below expectations, mainly due to sanctions,
non-tariff barriers, and smuggling through a porous border.The recent visit of
the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Pakistan has led to realisation of the
fact that both the countries can take their mutual trade to $5 billion in five
years. Analysts believe this target is quite realistic, keeping in view the
size of Iranian economy and its proximity to Pakistan.At the moment, Iran is
the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
after Saudi Arabia. Though lower than in previous years, the country has a per
capita income of $5,315, and its economy has seen a positive growth of 1.46 per
cent in 2014. It is expected that the real GDP of Iran could rise by as much as
5.8 per cent and 6.7 per cent in 2016 and 2017, respectively, as oil production
reaches the expected target between 3.6 and 4.2 million barrels per day.
According
to figures released by Iran, Pakistan is currently 21st in the list of its
import partners, with imports from the country amounting to $261 million in
2014. At the same time, with exports of $837 million, Pakistan is the 9th
highest export partner of Iran, holding a 1.1 per cent share in Iran’s exports
to the world. The figures shared by Pakistan are quite different, which say
that in 2014, the overall trade between Pakistan and Iran was $217 million, out
of which $53 million were exports from Pakistan.An important point to note is
that substantial discrepancy in official trade figures is seen when comparing
Pakistan and Iran’s reported trade figures. This is compounded by the erratic
reporting trade figures by Iran, with a number of years in the last ten years,
when Iran has not reported its trade figures. Regardless of which figures are
correct, there is a general agreement that the existing potential of mutual
trade is far from exploited.
The
situation has changed after the lifting of sanctions on Iran. The country, that
has remained isolated for quite long, is now back into the arena and looking
forward to doing trade with the rest of the world. Rich in natural resources,
it has a lot to offer to its trading partners.
Historically,
major items imported by Pakistan from Iran have been minerals, oils,
distillation products, iron and steel, raw hides and skins (other than fur
skins) and leather, electrical, electronic equipment, salt, sulphur, plaster,
lime and cement, edible fruit, nuts, peel of citrus fruit, melons, plastics and
articles thereof and coffee, tea mate and spices.On the other hand, the items
exported from Pakistan have included paper and paperboard, articles of pulp,
cereals, meat and edible meat offal, rice, plastics and articles, medical and
surgical apparatus, sugars and sugar confectionery, ships, boats and other
floating structures, cotton, vegetables, fruit, food preparations, etc.Mian
Arshad, President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) tells TNS that
their delegation recently visited Iran to explore avenues of mutual trade in
the post-sanctions scenario. “Immense potential exists in the fields of food,
crude oil, textiles, bakery products and even construction.” Representatives of
three Pakistani banks accompanied them to explore the potential of opening
their branches there and facilitating transactions between trading partners.
Meezan Bank is most likely to start operations this month which will be a great
breakthrough.
Amir
Allahwala, former chairman, Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and
Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) tells TNS that a
huge potential exists for export of automotive parts from Pakistan to Iran
which is the biggest car producer in the Middle East. “Before the economic
sanctions were imposed, Iran was the 11th biggest car producer in the world.
Pakistani automotive parts manufacturers have excelled over time and there is
no reason that they cannot penetrate into the Iranian market.”The issue of
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) is also a matter of concern which some exporters
believe can be used to support one exporting country against the other.
Muhammad Shafique, Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) says
that Pakistani rice exports are not picking up as exporters are waiting for
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification from Iran.
Shafique
says they have requested the ministry of commerce to take up the issue with the
Iranian health ministry and get the issue of GMP certification as early as
possible. “Once this happens, there are hopes that export volume will fast
increase.”Anis ul Haq, Secretary, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association
(APTMA), Punjab, tells TNS that
they are eyeing the Iranian market and plan to export cotton products and
textile made-ups like bed wear. He says the traditional clothing varieties like
linen, lawn, etc, will be welcomed there.“The proximity of Iran to Pakistan
gives a competitive edge to businessmen from both the countries to explore
trade potential. Persian, Pashto and English are commonly used and understood
languages there,” he adds.Haq says Iranian foreign officials have ensured them
that Pakistani businessmen will get Iranian visas within a week and they would
go to any extent to facilitate them. “The establishment of safe land and train
routes between the two neighbouring countries is a key to enhanced trade. If
efforts can be made to make CPEC route safe, the same can be done in this
case,” he adds.
Iranian
Consul General in Lahore, Mohammad Hossain Bani Asadi, says they are determined
to help out Pakistani businessmen willing to do trade with Iran. “Ours is the
only country that has consulates in all the four provinces in Pakistan —
something that hints at our commitment to promote healthy mutual relations.”
Asadi
clarifies that Iran does not give preferential treatment to India, saying, “the
Chahbahar free industrial zone is open for all who want to invest here. Indian
investors have come here only for business. Pakistani investors can also
establish their presence here and they would welcome them from the core of
their heart.”
He says
Pakistani rice is of good quality and its volume in the Iranian market can
increase considerably if Pakistani exporters focus on this area. “We
facilitated a trip of Pakistani businessmen, including rice exporters to Iran.
It is quite likely that there is a breakthrough.”
Shahzada Irfan
Ahmed
The
author is a staff reporter and can be reached at shahzada.irfan@gmail.com
Davaoeños lead donation drive for
protesting Kidapawan farmers
(UPDATED) The spirit of volunteerism starts with an April 1 post
on Facebook that says 5 kilos of rice would be donated to the farmers of
Kidapawan
Rappler.com
Published 10:58 PM, April 02, 2016
Updated 5:05 PM, April 03, 2016
HELPING HAND. Residents of Davao donate sacks of rice to farmers
from Kidapawan. Photo by Editha Caduaya/Rappler
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – For the nth time Davaoeños
again showed their spirit of solidarity with the protesting farmers in
Kidapawan City, North Cotabato by donating rice from their own homes.On
Saturday, April 2, while North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza was
holding a press conference in Kidapawan City and training her guns on helpless
protesters and militant leaders, residents of Davao were already hauling sacks
of rice for the farmers who were violently
dispersed the day before.At least two people were reported
killed and hundreds were wounded on Friday, April 1.Police said
about 3,000 protesters blocked the Davao-Cotabato Highway starting Wednesday,
March 30, to demand government assistance in the wake of the effects of drought
in the area.Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the farmers demanded
that Taliño-Mendoza release 15,000 sacks of rice to them, but she reportedly
refused to talk to them.The Philippine National Police said the permit to rally
lapsed Friday morning. The highway protest that began 6 am on March 30 brought
together farmers, members of indigenous groups, and other cause-oriented
groups.
Like wildfire
In Davao, the spirit of volunteerism started with a social media
post at about 2 am on Friday, April 1, when a certain Fritz Freire posted on
his Facebook page that he would donate 5 kilos of rice and deliver them to City
Hall. He tagged his friends and it spread like wildfire.As of 4 pm, Saturday,
the contributions totaled 65 sacks of rice which were transported to Kidapawan
City past 5 pm, Saturday, April 2.Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor
Rodrigo Duterte on Friday told reporters in Bukidnon that the city government
of Davao would extend help and provide food for the farmers on humanitarian
grounds as it cannot intervene in issues outside its territory.
Duterte said that for Davao City to officially help the farmers,
the city council needs to pass a resolution allowing the office of the mayor to
give food assistance.Many business operators in Davao City have pledged to
donate rice for the farmers.Duterte campaign spokesperson Peter Tiu Laviña, in
a post on his personal Facebook page, said that they are also looking for rice
dealers in Kidapawan City or in neighboring Makilala, where donors can directly
order rice for donation to the farmers.Laviña said that donors also came from
Tagum City, Samal City, from San Carlos City in Pangasinan, Cebu City, and even
from overseas Filipinos.
Playing politics?
During the press conference, Taliño-Mendoza criticized a
politician for promising to give rice to the farmers and took it as an insult. She
said her province is able to provide for the needs of its farmers.Without
naming names but addressing politicians, she said, "Nang-iinsulto ba kayo o namumulitika
kayo?...Sa lahat ng kandidato sinuman magpunta dito. Huwag niyong gawing
staging ground ang North Cotabato sa propaganda..."
(Are you insulting us or playing politics?...To all candidates,
whoever
(Are
you insulting us or playing politics?...To all candidates, whoever comes here.
Don't use North Cotabato as staging ground for propaganda...)
The
people of Davao are used to supporting other local government experiencing
calamities. They, too, helped residents of Tacloban, Leyte after Super Typhoon
Yolanda struck and killed thousands in November 2013. – Editha Z.
Caduaya/Rappler.com
Dollar scarcity:
Buyers turn to locally-grown rice
April 3, 2016
The Public
relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island, Mr. Chris Osunkwo,
confirmed that the volume of rice imports and other items restricted by the
Central Bank of Nigeria from accessing foreign exchange from the official
window had declined.According to him, this has drastically affected revenue
generation in form of tariff and levies at the Tin Can Island port.Osunkwo
explained, “The dollar scarcity has taken a toll on our revenue generation. In
February, we made about N16.4bn; some of the items the government restricted
foreign exchange from fall within the regular and highest revenue generating
imports for us like rice and other items. Because of the restriction of access
to foreign exchange, they are no longer coming in.
“We make a lot
of revenue from them for the government. All the revenue that would have
accrued to the government is not there again. We are only scraping to meet up.
It has impacted negatively on revenue generation. We pray it doesn’t get
worse.”The Personnel Manager, UMZA International Farms Limited, an indigenous
rice mill, Mr. Ali Aliyu, said that the limited number of mills in the country
posed a hindrance to the supply of the produce to meet existing demand.He added
that insufficient power supply as well as taxes and levies by regulatory
agencies had increased the cost of production, making indigenous rice to be
unable to compete with the imported brands.
Aliyu said,
“Power supply is not available and that is key as far as all manufacturing
companies are concerned. For example, our company spends not less than N4.5m to
N5m on electricity every month on diesel because we do not have sufficient
supply of power. It means that the cost of production is high and the price
will be high as well, and we have to make a profit. We do not have a good
company that provides paddy rice from the farmers.“Another thing is the tax
from the local government, state and the National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. The
foreign ones are selling at lower prices than ours. You find out that you can
hardly sell your rice below the price of the foreign ones. If you are not
careful, the company will fold up. If the importation of rice is stopped, some
of the challenges I highlighted will go.”
http://www.punchng.com/dollar-scarcity-buyers-turn-to-locally-grown-rice/
Farida
ji is a brilliant actress: Kulbhushan Kharbanda
PTI | Apr 1, 2016, 02.35 PM IST
New Delhi, Apr 1 () Veteran actor
Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who has teamed with Farida Jalal after a long time for
YRF's short movie "Scandal Point", says she is a brilliant actress.The
actors have collaborated for the Ankur Tewari directed love story, which
narrates the story of a senior couple reliving their romantic college days when
they used to drive up to a lover's point."Farida ji is a brilliant
actress. We have worked together many times. She is still the same. There is
not an iota of change in her appearance in last 25 years. She is also a
thorough professional," Kulbhushan told .Kharbanda, 71, and the
67-year-old actress have worked together in "Pukar",
"Pinjar", "Garv", "Soldier" among others.The
"Earth" actor said he enjoyed being the part of the short film.
"It just took a day to
shoot. I had no idea about digital short films. I am technologically
challenged. I don't even know how does a link open in a mobile phone. I agreed
to be a part of the film because it was coming out of Yash Raj and people
associated with it are my old friends."
"Scandal Point", a part
of Y-Films' anthology "Love Shots", sees a sweet and efforless
chemistry between Kulbhushan and Farida."We often come across such sweet
old people in real life. It's not that they argue always. There are many light
moments between them. The script of the short was lovely," he said.
Besides his outing in a short
film, Kulbhushan is busy with Padatik Theatre's production
"Atmakatha". The play marks the noted actor's return to the stage
after a gap of two decades."I get film offers. But they are not the
prominent ones and I have no issues with it. I am devoting my time to the play
'Atmakatha'. We are touring across the country with the play and the response
we are receiving is phenomenal." NDS BK
Mutton biryani with sour plums and dried
pomegranate
2 APRIL 2016 •
6:00AM
This
is by far the most aromatic and spicy biryani in my book, though the addition
of potatoes, sour dried plums and dried pomegranate takes the edge off. Great
for a special occasion.
SERVES
8–10
INGREDIENTS
·
3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks
·
350g basmati rice
·
2 large pinches of saffron threads
·
hot milk, for soaking
·
50ml vegetable oil
·
6 green cardamom pods
·
2 black cardamom pods
·
1 cinnamon stick
·
2 bay leaves
·
2 tsp each of coriander seeds and black cumin (or cumin) seeds
·
1 tsp aniseed or fennel seeds
·
2 star anise
·
1 piece of mace
·
4 medium red onions, finely chopped
·
2 tsp each of grated ginger and crushed garlic
·
1kg mutton leg, cut into chunks, with bone
·
5 tomatoes, roughly chopped
·
1 tsp ground turmeric
·
1 tbsp ground anardana (dried pomegranate)
·
10–15 dried plums (aloo bukhara, £3.95 for 300g from
spicesofindia.co.uk)
·
2 green chillies, chopped
·
200g Greek yogurt
·
1 tbsp kewra (screw-pine water, 95p for 200ml from
spicesofindia.co.uk) or rose water
·
1 tbsp ghee
·
1 lemon, cut into slices
·
a few mint leaves
METHOD
Parboil
the potatoes in a large saucepan then drain. Set aside. Wash the rice, rinse
and soak it in a bowl of water for one hour, then drain. Parboil it for 3–4
minutes and drain.
Soak
the saffron threads in a bowl of hot milk for 15 minutes. Heat the
oil in a saucepan with a lid over a medium heat. Add the whole spices and allow
to splutter. Add the onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until light brown. Add the
ginger and garlic and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Add
the mutton and fry until it is sealed all over. Add the tomatoes, turmeric,
anardana, dried plums, chilli and salt to taste, and cook over a medium-high
heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, or until the oil rises to the
top and the tomatoes are soft.
Add
the yogurt and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oil
rises again to the surface. Cover with a lid and cook for a further 10 minutes.
You
should be left with a thick curry with oil rising to the top. If it gets too
thick then add a few splashes of water and reduce the heat to low until the oil
rises back to the top.
Add
the parboiled potatoes; at this point the meat should also be cooked through.
Layer the parboiled rice on top of the meat in the pan then sprinkle the kewra,
saffron threads and ghee over the top. Add lemon slices and mint.
Cover
the pan with foil firmly around the edges, cover tightly with the lid, reduce
the heat to low, and let it cook in its own steam for about 10-15 minutes. If
you have a heat diffuser it will help the rice steam evenly.
The
key is that when you remove the foil, steam should rise to the top and the rice
should be standing on end. Anything further and the rice will be overcooked.
When ready, stir the rice into the layers carefully so as not to break the
rice. Serve hot with a simple raita.
The Grim Reaper
By: Joel Ruiz Butuyan
@inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:23 AM April
4th, 2016
In the blink of an eye three months whizzed by, and summer has
again arrived. Despite the heat, summer is traditionally a time of merriment in
the provinces because it is the fiesta season.Fiestas in our country were
originally held in celebration of the feast days of the patron saints of the
towns. Eventually, however, many towns organized their fiestas to coincide with
the harvest season, because it is when the townsfolk—with their pockets filled
with the blessings of harvest—are in the mood for parties and amusement.Agriculture
is the main livelihood in our provinces and rice is the major crop of choice.
For our rice-producing provinces, there is one cropping season for purely
rain-fed farms, two cropping seasons for irrigated farms, and three cropping
seasons for farms with abundant water supply.
Of the regular two cropping seasons, farmers usually derive a
more bountiful harvest during the typhoon-free first cropping season that
culminates in summer. Harvest time is much welcomed by sari-sari store owners
who see surges in the sales of gin, coffee, junk food, and other modest
luxuries.Rice production is a source of livelihood that traditionally demands
much manual labor. There is a usual increase in demand for farm workers during
the planting and harvesting phases of the crop season because these two chores
are done manually.Thus, even landless farm workers customarily enjoy modest fortunes
during the town fiesta because there is plentiful work available for them
during the summer harvest. Until recently, that is.An invasion of reaper
machines that started in 2014 has quickly deprived farm laborers of work during
the harvest season. These reaper machines cut the rice stalks, winnow the grain
from the stalks, and then bag the grain in cavans, completely replacing manual
labor during the harvest season.
As a result, unemployment and hunger have worsened among farm
workers.Even market vendors who thrive on the daily purchases of farm workers
are complaining of the significant decrease in sales ever since the reaper
machines started to displace farm laborers.“For every 100 cavans of palay
harvested by reaper machines, a farm owner pays eight cavans to the machine
operator,” said Isabela farm owner Ferdinand Ferrer. In contrast, if manual
labor is employed for the same harvest, 15 cavans are paid to laborers for
their manual work of cutting the rice stalks, and an additional eight cavans are
paid to the owner of the mechanical thresher that winnows the grain from the
stalks. Farm owners, therefore, save 15 cavans by availing themselves of reaper
machines.A farm owner is fortunate if he or she harvests 100-120 cavans per
hectare in one crop, according to another farm owner, Priscilla Obrero.
This quantity of harvest brings a net income of P30,000-P35,000
per hectare. The 15 additional cavans earned by the shift to a reaper machine
brings in an additional income of P11,000. With an average agricultural
landholding of 1.29 hectares for Filipino farm owners, we are provided a
glimpse of the subsistence level of life in our countryside.The invasion of
reaper machines was made possible in 2013, when Congress passed the
Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law that gives incentives to farm
owners to abandon their reliance on manual labor and resort to “cost-effective”
machinery.
The law’s supposed goal is to “achieve food security” for the
country.How tragic that while Congress has embarked on a program that intends
to replace farm workers with machines, it has, and outrageously, failed to
provide a counterpart program to assist farm workers in getting new jobs or
alternate livelihoods.Of all the possible sources of income—labor, capital, skills
and land—farm workers have only the labor of their hands. If the government
embarks on a program that deprives 12 million farm workers of their labor,
there should be a massive program to teach them livelihood skills, give them
access to capital for small businesses, or provide them land. Nothing of the
sort was done.
The new law only talks about fast-tracking the replacement of
human workers with machines.Criminality is on the rise in rural communities
that are severely affected by the replacement of farm workers with reaper
machines. There is a growing number of incidents involving unemployed farm
laborers stoning reaper machines.If we need proof that poverty is growing or is
stagnant even in the midst of a growing economy, we only have to look at farm
communities affected by reaper machines.
“At a price of P1.6 million, a reaper machine is affordable only
to rich business people,” farm owner Anarose Ferrer points out. Hence, we have
a government that helps the rich get richer, and the poor, landless, and
uneducated farmers are shooed out of the way.The tragic dispersal of protesting
farmers in Kidapawan City last Friday, which resulted in the death of two of
them and the wounding of at least 13 others, illustrates the farmers’
desperation to survive. Numbering 6,000, the farmers claim that the dry spell
has left them and their families starving for food. They had barricaded a major
road in protest of the government’s inaction on their plight, their demand for
relief and subsidies, and their plea for rice rations
.Impoverished farm workers have only the labor of their hands as
their source of income. Deprive them of labor, and their sole means to survive
is taken away. And that is precisely what Congress has done to farm workers:
Congress has dispatched the Grim Reaper to the countryside.
* * *
Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail.com
APEDA RICE COMMODITY NEWS
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