29th March,2017 daily global,regional and local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

35pc water shortage this Kharif season: Irsa

Punjab, Sindh to share the shortage; KP, Balochistan to be unaffected; climate change major instrumental in water shortage; Indus River to face 40pc water losses in early Kharif

ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority’s (Irsa) on Monday hinted at the possibility of water shortage of more than one-third in early Kharif season starting from April 1, sending a worrisome signal to the country’s Agriculture sector, already under stress and growing in negative zone.

This internal water distribution authority [Irsa] that regulating and monitoring distribution of water sources of Indus River among all four federating units held its technical committee meeting also said that due to shortage of water availability, Punjab and Sindh (Country’s major agriculture crops producing provinces) could face a sizeable cut in their share of water; official sources told The News Monday.

In Pakistan, Kharif cropping season starts from April 1 and ends on September 31 and its main crops includes Sugarcane, cotton, maize and Rice.

The technical committee of Irsa that met here with its Director Operations Khalid Rana in the Chair to discuss the water availability for Kharif season and other relevant issues finalized the recommendations for the upcoming Irsa advisory committee to be held on March 31. Representatives from the all four provinces, WAPDA and other relevant departments’ officials participated in the meeting. It was forecasted that the Kharif season could face 35 percent shortage of water, however with the passage of time the volume of shortage will decline. Punjab and Sindh provinces would share water shortage whereas Balochistan and KPK would be exempted from any shortage of water.

The committee noted that in next Kharif season, water availability will be of around 113 million acre feet. Interestingly, main irrigation water sources including Indus River could face 40 percent water losses in early Kharif which would gradually get reduced to 20pc; Chenab and Jhelum Rivers would face 10 per cent losses in early Kharif which would reduce to zero percent in late Kharif.

Irsa Spokesman Khalid Rana who presided over the meeting told The News, “Climate change was one of the instrumentals affecting Pakistan and its water availability for irrigation in rivers. The country has been facing the severe impact of climate change for the last eight to 10 years.”

He said that normally, at the end of Rabi [March] water availability in dams is always at the lowest and so in first two months [April-May] of Kharif, the we face shortage and then it vanishes with the passage of time and melting of snow.

“Climate change being a major challenge, we should need to be prepared for vulnerable situation, as there is always a long spans of dry weather. To cope with the harsh climate impact on Pakistan and food security, our planners should work on watershed management and make big water reservoirs,” Rana said.

It is worth mentioning that IRSA determines twice a year the water availability to provinces for Rabi and Kharif seasons under the Water Apportionment Accord agreed among provinces in 1991. In Pakistan, Kharif cropping season starts from April 1 and ends on September 31 and its crops includes Sugarcane, cotton, maize and Rice, while Rabi season starts on October 1 and ends on March 31 that have major crops of wheat and barley etc. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/195010-35pc-water-shortage-this-Kharif-season-Irsa

USA Rice Debuts Winning Recipe from Healthy Rice Bowl Contest 

By Katie Maher

ARLINGTON, VA -- The award-winning Greek Rice Bowl recipe from the USA Rice "Healthy Rice Bowl Contest" for school menu planners has been announced and joins a growing collection of recipes developed by K-12 menu planners created to help schools meet nutrition requirements, increase rice usage on school menus, and educate students about U.S.-grown rice.

After receiving more than 100 entries from K-12 foodservice professionals at the School Nutrition Association (SNA) conference this past July, USA Rice awarded the $500 grand prize to School Nutrition Marketing Specialist at Loudoun County Virginia Public Schools, Stefanie Dove, RDN, CDN.  As part of the prize, Dove also served as a consultant in developing her concept into a tested, creditable foodservice recipe.

"Rice recipes are a wonderful addition to school meals because they provide versatile menu options that hold up well on the serving line," said Dove.  "Our students love our chicken fajita rice bowls, so I thought this Greek chicken rice bowl would be a great way to tie in new flavors while keeping the ingredients simple so it's easy for school nutrition employees to prepare.  This recipe contains familiar ingredients that students across the country can feel comfortable selecting for lunch."

The new recipe is featured on www.thinkrice.com, where school foodservice professionals can find detailed preparation instructions, serving size guidance according to grade level, and nutritionals per serving all in a convenient downloadable recipe card.  

At the SNA conference in Atlanta this coming July, USA Rice will distribute the new recipe along with new cafeteria posters currently in production, and partner with the Cranberry Marketing Committee to host a joint cranberry-rice recipe contest

Can’t Sleep? 15 Foods to Help You Get Better Shut-Eye

Jess Bolluyt

March 29, 2017

Can’t sleep? These foods might be able to help. | iStock.com

We all know a good night’s sleep is vital to feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. But many of us don’t really sleep well at night or get enough sleep. Maybe you’re a workaholic. You have a busy social life. Maybe you’re a new parent. Or perhaps you just have sleep issues that make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Whatever the case, it’s time to get your sleep habits under control.

Poor sleep can have all kinds of negative effects on your body. And when you’re sleep deprived, you’re more likely to make unhealthy decisions. You might reach for unhealthy foods. Or skip your morning workout. And you might even drink extra cups of coffee. Want to break the cycle? The solution could be as simple as snacking on foods that help promote healthy sleep. Willing to give it a try? Read on to check out a delicious assortment of foods that can help you get better sleep.

1. Cherry juice

A glass of cherry juice can help you sleep better. | iStock.com

According to a review in the journal Advances in Nutrition, your dietary patterns — and the specific foods you eat — can play an important role in the duration and the quality of your sleep. As the review points out, researchers have determined drinking tart cherry juice can promote better sleep. One study noted tart Montmorency cherries contain high levels of phytochemicals, including melatonin, a molecule that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tart cherry juice can improve both sleep duration and quality. Another study found the juice helps even adults with insomnia. 

2. Fish

The nutrients in fish promote better sleep. | iStock.com/grinvalds

Here’s another reason to reach for seafood when you don’t know what to make for dinner. Researchers have determined consuming fatty fish, such as Atlantic salmon, three times a week has a “positive impact on sleep in general and also on daily functioning.” Another study found the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fish seem to promote better sleep. The researchers noted, “Oily fish consumption is associated with better sleep quality. Even in people who ingest more than the recommended amount of fish, an increase in fish intake is associated with further improvement in the quality of sleep.”

3. Ginseng

Ginseng might alleviate insomnia. | iStock.com

Studies have found ginseng, a plant that grows in North America and east Asia, can improve your quality of sleep. Researchers found red ginseng extract increased rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Another study determined Panax ginseng extract “may exert a stabilizing effect on sleep-waking disturbances.” Plus, Korean red ginseng seems to alleviate insomnia, flushing, and perspiration.

4. Jasmine rice

Rice can help you fall asleep faster. | iStock.com/VeranikaSmirnaya

Not sure what kind of rice to make with dinner? One study shows jasmine rice might make a much better choice than Mahatma rice. Researchers found jasmine rice, which is a much higher glycemic-index carbohydrate, seems to shorten sleep onset. (That means people who ate jasmine rice fell asleep faster than those who ate Mahatma rice.) The most effective time to consume your jasmine rice? About four hours before bedtime. The researchers note that “no effects on other sleep variables were observed.” So jasmine rice might not help you to sleep better. But if you usually take a long time to fall asleep, high glycemic-index carbs might help.

5. Kiwi

Kiwis can improve sleep disorders. | iStock.com

Have you ever tried eating a kiwi to improve your sleep? Probably not. But you might want to give it a try. Researchers report kiwifruit contain many helpful compounds, including antioxidants and serotonin, which can help treat sleep disorders. They found people who eat two kiwis an hour before bedtime get more sleep and sleep better. “Kiwifruit consumption may improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adults with self-reported sleep disturbances,” according to the study.

6. Lettuce

Lettuce might help you sleep longer. | iStock.com

Researchers report lettuce prolongs sleep in mice. The study notes people with insomnia often use benzodiazepines to improve their sleep disorders. However, “clinical uses of benzodiazepines are accompanied with unpleasant side effects, such as drug dependence, tolerance, rebound insomnia, amnesia, psychomotor impairment, and potentiating of other central depressant drugs.” The researchers found the sleep-prolonging effect of lettuce “was comparable to that of induced by diazepam and accompanied with no neuron toxicity.” Another study determined lettuce seed oil acts as a “useful sleeping aid and may be a hazard-free line of treatment.”

7. Magnesium

Magnesium-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, can improve your sleep. | iStock.com/dionisvero

Studies have found magnesium supplementation can improve insomnia. Magnesium increases sleep efficiency and sleep time, and it decreases sleep onset latency and early morning awakening. Similarly, a magnesium-deficient diet has a negative effect on sleep patterns and results in disorganized sleep. Magnesium even enhances “the formation of melatonin from serotonin by binding to AANAT enzyme, thus activating it and increasing the affinity of serotonin for binding to AANAT.” Want to improve your sleep? Try adding magnesium-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables and unpolished grains and nuts, to your diet.

8. Milk

A glass of milk might help you fall asleep. | iStock.com

Many people drink something hot at bedtime, hoping it will make them sleep better. They might be on to something, especially if their hot drink of choice involves milk. A study in the 1970s determined a hot milk drink, Horlicks, reduced the number of movements that volunteers made in their sleep. (Horlicks is a malted milk drink you can mix from a powder.)

However, The New York Times notes hot milk might not be helping you the way you think it is. Many people think a glass of hot milk promotes sleep because it contains tryptophan. But protein-rich foods like milk reduce tryptophan’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. So why does a glass of hot milk help? Psychology plays a big role. “Scientists say the routine of drinking a glass of milk before bed can be as soothing as a favorite old blanket,” The New York Times says.

9. Oats

Oats and other foods rich in tryptophan might help sleep disorders. | iStock.com/Foxys_forest_manufacture

Researchers report foods rich in L-tryptophan might improve sleep disorders. They note “some common sources of tryptophan are oats, bananas, dried prunes, milk, tuna fish, cheese, bread, chicken, turkey, peanuts, and chocolate.” The tryptophan in oats (and other foods) “is thought to produce its therapeutic effects through melatonin mechanisms.” Interestingly enough, it “produces significant improvements in obstructive sleep apnea, but not central sleep apnea.”

10. Potatoes

Potatoes and other high glycemic index foods can help maximize sleep quality and quantity. | iStock.com/RoniMeshulamAbramovitz

A study that focused on athletes determined several nutritional groups can help maximize sleep quality and quantity. One of the most promising? High glycemic index foods, a group that includes not only white rice, but also potatoes, pasta, and bread. The researchers advise consuming these foods an hour or more before bedtime. They also note, “Diets high in carbohydrate may result in shorter sleep latencies.” 

11. Tea

A cup of tea might help you sleep at night. | iStock.com

Researchers report that chamomile tea, specifically, seems to promote sleep. Chamomile’s “sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.” Additionally, “Compounds, other than apigenin, present in extracts of chamomile can also bind BDZ and GABA receptors in the brain and might be responsible for some sedative effect.” Another study recommended chamomile tea to postpartum women to alleviate sleep problems and depression. And still other studies found some black tea also can improve sleep quality.

12. Tryptophan-enriched cereal

Tryptophan-enriched cereal might help you sleep better. | iStock.com

Breakfast cereal might not sound like a logical choice to improve your sleep. But researchers determined tryptophan-enriched cereal can increase sleep efficiency, sleep time, sleep fragmentation, and nocturnal activity. They also found such cereals can improve anxiety and depression symptoms. The results are particularly promising in elderly people. The researchers explain, “Cereals enriched with tryptophan may be useful as a chrononutrition tool for alterations in the sleep/wake cycle due to age.” 

13. Valerian

Valerian can help with insomnia. | iStock.com

Like tea, extracts of the valerian root are routinely used to induce sleep and improve sleep quality. According to a review of the studies that looked at valerian’s effect on sleep, “Valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects.” Another review notes even though valerian seems to improve insomnia, its effectiveness “has not been demonstrated with quantitative or objective measurements.” Researchers advise more studies are needed. But in the meantime, the plant is safe, and you might see good results by drinking valerian tea before bed. 

14. Vegetables

A healthy diet with lots of vegetables will help you sleep better. | iStock.com/vicuschka

Need another reason to add more veggies to your dinner? Researchers report low vegetable intake is associated with poor sleep quality. And a healthy pattern of eating, “characterized by a high intake of vegetables, mushrooms, potatoes, seaweeds, soy products, and eggs, was associated with a decreased prevalence of difficulty initiating sleep once or more a week.” Adding more veggies to your diet might not improve your sleep right away. But a high veggie intake can only help you as you try to make your diet and your sleep patterns more healthy.

15. Yogurt

Yogurt can improve your metabolism and make it easier to have healthy sleep patterns. | iStock.com/Ozgur Coskun

Ice cream might not be a particularly healthy midnight snack. But yogurt? You can probably feel less guilty about it. One study indicates yogurt consumption is associated with a better metabolic profile in both men and women. In fact, “yogurt consumption was inversely related to levels of triglycerides, glucose and insulin, insulin resistance, and blood pressure, when adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors.” Yogurt might not directly affect your sleep. But sleep and metabolism are closely related. That is why chronic partial sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

http://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/cant-sleep-foods-to-help-you-get-better-shut-eye.html/?a=viewall

Rice Research Greenhouse Dedicated at Southeast’s Malden Campus

March 27, 2017 | Agriculture, Campus, Faculty and Staff, Featured, Home Page, Malden, Regional Campuses, Science/Tech/Ag, Student News

A new Rice Research Greenhouse expected to broaden area rice breeding efforts spearheaded by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council with support from Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Agriculture was dedicated today at Southeast’s Malden Regional Campus.

The 1,500-square-foot facility will help further new high yielding rice varieties. Numerous classes focused on breeding and genetics, horticulture, plant physiology and soil sciences, particularly Plant Science, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, will use the facility.

The research, demonstration and teaching greenhouse is being funded in part with a $100,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) targeted at supporting rice breeding research, developing new rice breeding techniques and furthering research of Missouri rice.

USDA Rural Development officials say they are pleased about the significant benefits the project can provide to the residents and communities of southeast Missouri.

“Through new rice breeding techniques, producers may experience improved quality and larger yields during harvest,” said Phyllis Minner, area USDA Rural Development area director. “These rice production advancements could lead to an improved quality of life through increased agricultural revenue.”

Dr. Julie Weathers, chair of Southeast’s Department of Agriculture, said the award to construct a greenhouse research and laboratory space for producing public domain rice varieties in southeast Missouri is a tremendous investment that will enhance regional and global cooperation among rice breeders in Missouri and other states, and enhance classroom and undergraduate instruction.

The greenhouse is a new addition on the east side of the Malden Campus, just off the building’s rice lab.

Kiefner Brothers Construction of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, served as general contractor for the project. The greenhouse was manufactured by Conley’s Manufacturing and Sales and installed by Jamieson Construction, LLC. Work began in November and was completed earlier this month.

“Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council are honored to develop the rice breeding greenhouse to promote the creation of new high yielding rice varieties to improve farm profitability across our nation,” Weathers said.

The greenhouse is a new addition on the east side of the Harry L. Crisp II Bootheel Education Center with easy access to the building’s rice lab. The greenhouse is within close proximity to the Missouri Rice Research Farm on Highway J between Malden and Glennonville, Missouri, and to Southeast’s regional campus in Kennett.

The greenhouse’s siding and roof are made of polycarbonate, offering a glass-like appearance. This is the most efficient type of greenhouse, based on its size and construction, according to Jamieson representatives, said Lisa Howe, senior project manager with Southeast’s Facilities Management.

Dr. Christian De Guzman, agriculture research fellow and rice breeder who was hired at Southeast last fall, said the new greenhouse will enhance students’ knowledge and skills about plant breeding. Students will work as research assistants alongside him to better understand rice production with particular focus on rice breeding.

Phyllis Minner, USDA Rural Development area director, discusses a $100,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant which helped support construction of the greenhouse.

The greenhouse has two purposes. It will be used to enhance rice breeding efforts by allowing the rice breeder to grow and house rice varieties used in the breeding program each year and then to grow out and evaluate during the winter months the offspring of the varieties crossed and bred.

“The greenhouse will help the breeding program by housing small and controlled rice experiments. It will also house plants that were used for controlled pollination that need to be protected from harsh weather conditions,” De Guzman said. “We will be using the greenhouse to advance rice lines by planting the progenies of the parents in pots to grow out during the winter months thus, shortening the breeding process by planting more generations per year. The greenhouse will greatly enhance our capabilities to breed for new rice varieties.”

Breeding brings together a type of rice with certain genetics, such as durability or a quick rate of growth, with another variety of rice with desirable characteristics for propagation to create a new and, hopefully improved, variety of rice.

The greenhouse will be used to grow and house specific rice varieties used to advance the breeding program and “to support the rice breeding trials funded by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council through Dr. (Mike) Aide and me,” De Guzman said. Some of these varieties will be from plants grown in the field and others will be started from seed in the greenhouse.

Southeast President Carlos Vargas highlights the University’s partnerships with USDA and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council to advance rice research opportunities for Southeast students.

“Part of rice breeding is making crosses and selection,” he said. “The greenhouse will support that process by housing pollinated plants and conducting some off season selection. Our students, as part of their coursework in the lab or in their undergraduate research may be involved with those processes to enhance their knowledge in breeding and genetics. We will start as soon as the greenhouse is operational.”

The greenhouse also will be used to grow other species of plants – vegetables, tropical plants, flowers and some agronomic crops — that can be used to enhance students’ knowledge in teaching labs for some agriculture courses. Students will participate in group and individual greenhouse research projects where they will grow plants using a completely randomized design to evaluate soil fertilizers and other soil additives.

“The students will benefit by having hands-on experience with the plants they see grown in the surrounding fields and horticultural plants that they may not be exposed to otherwise as well as see how a plant breeding program develops,” De Guzman said. “The greenhouse has a wide variety of uses not just for rice breeding. Students pursuing careers in horticulture and soil sciences can conduct small experiments. They can also learn how to manage seedlings and learn basic operations in greenhouse management.”

Weathers said having space for growing plants for student projects associated with undergraduate research or class projects is a necessary instructional piece.

Dr. Nick Thiele, director of Southeast Missouri State University-Malden, said, “We are very excited about this project and the expanded learning opportunities it offers our students. The facility provides opportunities for the Rice Research Farm and faculty to grow plants year-round. It also provides year-round plant science lab activities for students and an opportunity to learn about a number of alternative growth techniques, including traditional soil media, alternative media and hydroponics, as well as experiences in automated environmental controls.”

This summer, work will begin to coordinate students and faculty wishing to conduct research and demonstrate in the greenhouse, he said.

http://news.semo.edu/rice-research-greenhouse-dedicated-at-malden-campus/

Ministry bans Tricyclazole imports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on Monday announced it will ban all imports and agricultural pesticides containing the fungicide Tricyclazole in response to the strict new Maximum Result Limit set by the European Commission.The announcement comes a week after the ministry set up a task force to ban the fungicide, which came just days after the European Commission announced that Cambodia’s milled rice industry must eradicate the use of the Tricyclazole by June or face import bans.

The Maximum Result Limit means that rice must not contain more than 0.01 milligram of the chemical per kilogram of the grain.According to the announcement, signed by Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon, all farmers must stop using agricultural pesticides containing Tricyclazole and all businesses, retailers and wholesalers must stop importing and selling the fungicide.

In addition, the department of agricultural legislation must stop registering and allowing companies to import the chemical.It added that the General Department of Agriculture must try to find another agricultural pesticide that does not contain Tricyclazole, while provincial agricultural departments must inspect and educate agricultural pesticide retailers and farmers to not use or sell the fungicide.Phum Ra, acting director of the department of agricultural legislation, told Khmer Times yesterday that Tricyclazole was not a restricted pesticide and that imports were allowed as it was used to control rice blast disease in the past.However, he added that the European Commission’s announcement on the Maximum Result Limit could result in a ban on Cambodian milled rice exports so the ministry decided to stop using and registering the chemical.“Tricyclazole is used by farmers to control rice blast disease which can be extensive due to the ability of the fungus to thrive under favorable conditions.“The limit of 0.01 milligram of Tricyclazole in the rice is too low, it will not affect people’s health,” he said, adding that about 20 to 30 companies were registered to import the fungicide within his department.

On March 20, the European Commission said rice farmers in Cambodia must stop the use of Tricyclazole by June.The same day, agricultural representatives from the European Commission met with stakeholders from Cambodia’s rice industry to inform them about the new minimal residual limits for Tricyclazole.Hean Vanhan, director-general for the general directorate of agriculture at the ministry, said last week that the ministry’s task force will have experts from his department and other sections of MAFF.“They will work together to collect as much information as possible on the use of the fungicide by rice farmers and conduct tests with rice samples collected from local markets to detect the presence of Tricyclazole,” he said.

“Europe is one of our big rice importers and we have to take immediate action to avoid any problems.”Mr. Vanhan said experts from the ministry will go directly to the big markets in Phnom Penh to test the milled rice sold by traders for Tricyclazole residue and will conduct inspections of all licensed fertilizer and pesticide importers to ensure they are not importing the fungicide.Hun Lak, vice president of CRF, said his federation is cooperating with EU representatives to conduct research in rice-producing provinces nationwide. “Currently our rice is not contaminated, but we have to be careful to keep it that way, because the EU market represents more than 50 percent of our total exports of milled rice.

http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/36979/ministry-bans-tricyclazole-imports/

HOMEGROWN CHEF: Myrtleford eatery Coffee Chakra makes a classic Kedgeree with smoked trout

28 Mar 2017, 4:30 p.m.

SAVOURY PLATE: Kedgeree with smoked trout is a genius dish.

Kedgeree with smoked trout

4 cups Basmati rice

4 soft boiled eggs

1 Harrietville smoked trout

1 tbsp black poppy seeds

1 tbsp small black mustard seeds

1 onion

4 cloves garlic

2cm fresh ginger

2 sprigs fresh curry leaves

4 tbsp organic coconut oil

4 tbsp curry powder

4 tbsp green peas

2 bird’s eye chillies

4 cherry tomatoes

1 bunch coriander

Spring onions

1 lemon

Cook rice in a rice cooker with six cups of water. Clean and bone out trout. Heat oil in a pan, add poppy seeds and mustard seeds until they crackle. Add ginger, then curry leaves, cook for 30 seconds, then add onion and garlic and saute until onions are translucent. Add curry powder and peas and cook for five minutes. Fold in rice, chopped chillies, chopped coriander and trout, cherry tomato halves, spring onions. Season with pink salt. Add boiled eggs, coriander sprigs and lemon wedge.

Rice stocks trade higher_ Kohinoor Foods, KRBL, Chaman Lal surge

Shares of rice companies surged up to 9.5 per cent in early trade on Tuesday. Kohinoor Foods was trading 7.93 per cent higher at Rs 81 around 9.50 am (IST). Shares of the company opened at Rs 78.50 and touched a high and low of Rs 82.20 and Rs 77.60, respectively, in trade so far.

Chaman Lal Setia Exports was up 4.56 per cent at Rs 100.95 around the same time, while LT Foods and KRBL were trading higher by 3.77 per cent and 1.34 per cent, respectively, in the morning deals.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Kohinoor Foods and KRBL reported 27.59 per cent and 175.16 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit at Rs 6.66 crore and Rs 110.75 crore, respectively. LT Foods registered 76.57 per cent year-on-year increase in bottomline figures at Rs 29.77 crore. However, net profit of Chaman Lal Setia declined 0.74 per cent year-on-year to Rs 10.84 crore during the quarter under review.

The domestic basmati rice market is estimated at Rs 12,000-15,000 crore. India’s rice industry has seen a transformation in the last decade, with growth of branded business in the Indian market and a strong impetus to exports. Over the last four years, the industry has shown strong revenue growth, with an increasing focus on branded business, according to CRISIL Research, Euromonitor and Ministry of Agriculture.

According to a report by HDFC Securities, branded basmati is still only 26 per cent of total basmati sold in India, highlighting the opportunity for large players to gain share. Consumers are gradually switching towards branded basmati rice as they become more quality and health conscious. With regards to consumption, the share of basmati as a percentage of total rice consumption is still extremely low in India at around 2 per cent as compared to the Middle East (38 per cent).Growth in the domestic basmati consumption would further provide support to basmati rice demand.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/rice-stocks-trade-higher-kohinoor-foods-krbl-chaman-lal-surge/articleshow/57867452.cms

FA-Negros to supply rice in 3 regions

BY EUGENE Y. ADIONG ON MARCH 28, 2017

    BACOLOD CITY: The National Food Authority in Negros Occidental will supply rice in three regions of the country and will receive new stocks later from Panay Island to replenish.

Marianito Bejemino, NFA provincial manager, said the province has enough old stocks from 2015 and 2016 that were not sold owing to abundance of supply and stable market price which will be dispersed to areas that lack rice supply like the Bicol Region, Regions 3 and 4.

He said that although Regions 3 and 4 are known to produce abundant rice, it experienced deficiency this year because to calamities that affected their harvest.

“We are now loading the first batch for shipment containing 35,000 bags to Bicol and preparing for the second batch until the 235,000 requirements will be met to cover the three regions,” he said.

While Negros is disposing the old stocks, the NFA manager assured there is enough available NFA rice in the market until the replenishment stock from Panay provinces comes.

Bejemino said rice importation of the province has dropped since last year but the agency is doing its job in buffering their stock against high priced commercial rice.

The inspection and re-accreditation effort were made to ensure enough outlets for NFA rice during the lean months.

He added they are moving ahead of time to control the price during the lean months but still offering least price at P27 per kilo to benefit the poor consumers.

The province’s total rice inventory is 2,142,469 bags enough to last for three months and the NFA has 334, 754 bags good for 15 months for the province

http://www.manilatimes.net/nfa-negros-supply-rice-3-regions/319652

India to produce 107 million tonnes rice this year: CACP

 

This year, India is going to produce around 107 million tonnes of rice which is a plus point for the country, Vijay Paul Sharma, chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) said on Monday.

By: FE Bureau | Pune | Updated: March 28, 2017 12:51 PM

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) had organised a technology, strategy and policy conference on Rice.

This year, India is going to produce around 107 million tonnes of rice which is a plus point for the country, Vijay Paul Sharma, chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) said on Monday. “In order to address pressing issues in the rice value chain we have to strengthen the four pillars – technology, institutional support, infrastructure and incentives. All the four pillars are important and there should be synergy amongst them,” he said at a CII meet on rice in Pune. He pointed out that private sector in collaboration with the government and research institutions can play an important role in bridging the yield gaps. Agriculture extension plays a key role in the dissemination of technology from laboratory to farm, he said.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) had organised a technology, strategy and policy conference on Rice: Emerging Trends & Future Prospects in Pune.

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Shyam Khadka, FAO Representative in India, highlighted the adverse impact of the climate change on rice production and diversified rice yields in the country and said that technology has to be customised and not standardised for all problems.

According to V Shankar, conference chairman and MD and CEO, Rallis Indian Limited, although an all-time high production of 106.65 million tonnes of rice with a productivity of 2.39 tonnes per hectare was achieved during the year 2013-14, India needs to produce 120 million tonnes by 2030 to feed its one and a half billion plus population by then using less land, less water, less manpower and optimising all agri input usages.

Rice is the most important food crop of the developing world and also the staple food for more than 60% of the Indian populace, he said, adding that besides adopting cutting edge science and technology for increasing rice productivity, in India, for the sustainable rice cultivation, procurement and marketing, policy makers and stakeholders have to address issues related to quality seeds, crop protection, sustainable use of quality agri inputs, cost of production, price, procurement, regulatory aspects, fragmented land, forward and backward linkages, infrastructure, logistics, market and import-export policy related to rice

http://www.financialexpress.com/market/commodities/india-to-produce-107-tonne-rice-this-year-cacp/605183/

 

Kebbi rice mill to create 3,500 jobs

The newly-built WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, Kebbi State will create 3,500 jobs and produce 120,000 metric tonnes of top-quality rice annually, it has been said. The rice mill is part of WACOT’s expansion plan, which targets an increase in its rice milling capacity to produce 500,000 metric tonnes in the next few years.

These facts were revealed by Mr Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of the TGI Group, the parent company of WACOT Rice, during the pre-commissioning visit to the plant by the state governor Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The rice processing plant is the first rice mill to be conceptualised, executed and to be commissioned during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Work started on the mill in February 2016 and is scheduled to be commissioned in April 2017.

WACOT, one of the largest agribusiness operations in Nigeria, supports Nigeria’s objective of food self-sufficiency with significant investments in seed multiplication, out-grower farming, food processing and distribution. In his remarks, Mr Savara said, “Total investments in the WACOT Rice Mill exceed N10billion, covering the entire rice value chain from seed multiplication and improving farming practices, to processing, branding and distribution of the rice”.

Mr. Savara also informed his august visitors that the WACOT mill is the first rice plant in Nigeria with the capacity to generate generate 1 MW of electricity from rice husk. WACOT’s CEO Ujwalkanta Senapati said the firm “views farmers as partners with whom we work hand-in-hand to improve agricultural production in the state.Governor Bagudu  said the state is endowed with vast arable land suitable for rice, wheat, maize, sorghum and groundnut production.
Chief Ogbeh said Federal Government will continue to encourage and support organisations such as WACOT, in its efforts to enhance and stabilise food production in the country.

CBN Governor Emefiele said the mill will save the country substantial amount of foreign exchange that would have gone into rice importation.

http://thenationonlineng.net/kebbi-rice-mill-create-3500-jobs/

MEXICO OPENS DOOR TO BRAZIL'S RICE. CORN NEXT?

MEXICO TURNS TO BRAZILIAN RICE.

By Luis Vieira

3/27/2017

A move announced recently by Mexican diplomats may be a precursor of what could be happening in the coming months with the trading of major commodities involving the country’s trade war talks with the U.S.

The Mexican ambassador in Brazil, Eleazar Velasco Navarro, promised that he would allow rice imports from the South American country in an agricultural fair in Rio Grande do Sul. Rice growers associations in Brazil already give the entrance to the Mexican market as certain and say that only a “a few details lack.”

In 2015, Mexico harvested 158,350 tons of rice, which is 80.4% less than 30 years ago. In this period, consumption has grown from 850,000 tons to 1.1 million metric tons, with most imports coming from the U.S.

Brazil is a major player in rice production with 11.8 million metric tons, while the U.S. produces over 8 milllion metric tons annually.

Also happening: Mexican authorities announced that lemon imports from Argentina are just “a step away” from being permitted, in another setback for U.S. farmers with an estimated 10,000 tons less of California lemons sent into Mexico.

For Mike Zuzolo, president of Global Analytics & Consulting, this topic will become hotter for grain observers in the next 30 days, especially until it is known how fast U.S. corn planting goes. In his opinion, Mexico is trying to show its cards in the case of the Trump administration imposing a border tax.

“My sense is that Mexico would like to have a plan of action ready in case the border import tax takes on a more serious tone from the Trump administration. However, I am of the view, as an analyst speaking to clients, that the blockage and resistance President Trump is feeling on health care is a good indication of how difficult it will be for him to move more aggressively against our trading partners,” Zuzolo told Agriculture.com.

Mexican analyst Alfonso García Araneda, general director of Gamaa Derivates in Mexico City, says it’s still important to know how big the South American crop will be in order to know if there will be imports of corn from Brazil or Argentina. “A massive harvest in South America, particularly from Brazil, added to the appreciation of the dollar will ease and reduce the cost of imports, since the Mexican peso has advaned 15.03% since January,” said Araneda

http://www.agriculture.com/news/crops/rice-knows-in-mexicous-trade-war-spat

New Rice Research Greenhouse dedicated at SEMO's Malden campus

Tuesday, March 28th 2017, 7:25 pm PKTTuesday, March 28th 2017, 7:25 pm PKT

Written by Alycia Dobrinick, Digital Content Executive Producer

MALDEN, MO (KFVS) -

A new facility at Southeast Missouri State University's campus in Malden will help develop new rice breeding techniques.The Rice Research Greenhouse was dedicated during a ceremony on Monday, March 27.The 1,500-square-foot facility will be used by numerous classes that are focused on rice breeding and genetics, horticulture, plant physiology and soil sciences, soil fertility and plant nutrition.It was funded in part with a $100,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant that aims to support rice breeding research, developing new rice breeding techniques and furthering research of Missouri Rice, according to the University.

“Through new rice breeding techniques, producers may experience improved quality and larger yields during harvest,” said Phyllis Minner, area USDA Rural Development area director. “These rice production advancements could lead to an improved quality of life through increased agricultural revenue.”The greenhouse itself will be used to grow and house specific rice varieties along with other species of plants. Students will work alongside professors as research assistants