Sitdown with
the Secretary earlier this year
USDA Realignment to Improve Customer
Service and Efficiency
By Nolan Smith
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Department of
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the realignment of many key
offices within the department yesterday.
These changes build on the reorganization that was announced in May and
are designed to improve customer service and maximize efficiency.
In May, the USDA created an
Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs (TFAA). Recent
advances in international trade underscore the importance of this
position. The Foreign Agricultural
Service (FAS) that supports USA Rice's international marketing programs is also
housed here. USDA announced that the
U.S. Codex Office, currently housed in the Food Safety and Inspection Service,
will be housed under the TFAA mission area.
Also in May, a position was created
for an Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development and yesterday it was
announced an Innovation Center will be created within Rural Development. This
Innovation Center will evaluate the impacts of the business, housing, and
utilities programs provided by the USDA.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA), Risk
Management Agency (RMA), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) were
combined under a central Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
in May. The International Food Commodity
Procurement Program currently in FSA will merge into the Commodity Food
Procurement program in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards
Administration (GIPSA) will also merge into AMS. This new program area will also carry out the
Warehouse Act functions.
The Center for Nutrition Policy and
Promotion (CNPP) will also merge into the Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS). CNPP will now be headed by a
career associate administrator.
Also, the USDA will be creating an
Office of Partnership and Public Engagement by grouping together the Office of
Advocacy and Outreach, the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships staff, the
Office of Tribal Relations, and the Military Veterans Liaison.
Finally, the new alignment will move
the Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) from the Agriculture Research
Service (ARS) to the Office of the Chief Economist."This reorganization
has been a long time coming and is quite welcome," said USA Rice Chairman
Brian King. "It shows that this
agency is well-aligned with our priorities and I expect our already great
working relationship will only improve as we look to help our industry with
strong and growing foreign markets and domestic policies and programs that
ensure our farmers can continue to feed their families and families around the
world in a safe and sustainable manner."
Vietnam’s 2017
rice production estimated at 44.1 million tonnes
Friday, 09/08/2017, 18:31
Vietnam expects to produce 44.1 million tonnes of rice in 2017,
according to the Department of Cultivation under the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MARD).
 |
Unfavourable weather conditions shrank winter-spring rice yield
by 300,000 tonnes. However, southern localities are estimated to enjoy a surge
in rice production of 400,000 tonnes. They have already harvested 1.08 million
hectares of rice, or 56.2%.
The Cultivation Department said that rice fields in the north are developing well while the rice output of the autumn-winter crop in the Mekong Delta region is forecast to increase by 250,000-300,000 tonnes from the same crop last year.
Diseases on rice coupled with impacts of downpours in the north and floods in the south cause great concern to the agricultural sector. Thus, the sector needs to draw up measures to ensure safety for rice production
The Cultivation Department said that rice fields in the north are developing well while the rice output of the autumn-winter crop in the Mekong Delta region is forecast to increase by 250,000-300,000 tonnes from the same crop last year.
Diseases on rice coupled with impacts of downpours in the north and floods in the south cause great concern to the agricultural sector. Thus, the sector needs to draw up measures to ensure safety for rice production
Submitted by Eleven on
Fri, 09/08/2017 - 16:35
Writer: Nilar
Rice at the Bayintnaung wholesale centre (Photo-EMG)
Myanmar and
Bangladesh have signed a governmental agreement to export
300,000 tonnes of rice, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).“They
wanted to buy 1 million tonnes of rice but we advised them to buy 300,000
tonnes of rice. The agreement was signed by officials from our Ministry of
Commerce and the Ministry for Food from Bangladesh,” said Vice Chairman Dr
Soe Tun of the MRF.
“The business will be conducted
by the MRF and private companies. No fixed price is included in the
agreement. We expected the exports will start in December. We cannot start rice
exports now. We will negotiate to fix the price to be level with the
market price. We will export Emata rice mainly,” he said.
Similarly, Sri Lanka is in
discussion to buy 500,000 tonnes of rice this year with 200,000 tonnes
of parboiled rice and 300,000 tonnes of white rice.
The National Food Authorities of
Philippines has made similar arrangements.
Myanmar exported over 1 million
tonnes of rice and broken rice this fiscal year until the first
week of August, 620,000 tonnes more than the same period last year.
Myanmar has earned about US$300
million from rice exports this fiscal year until the first week of
August compared to about US$135 million last year
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/11514
Nagpur
Foodgrain Prices Open- Septmember 08, 2017
Reuters
Staff
Nagpur, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Gram and
tuar prices recovered strongly in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing
Committee (APMC) here on increased demand from local millers amid weak supply
fromproducing belts. Fresh hike Madhya Pradesh gram prices and repeated
enquiries from South-basedmillers also helped to push up prices.
About 500 of gram and 200 bags of
tuar were available for auctions, according to sources.
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here on subdued demand from
local traders
amid ample stock in ready position.
TUAR
* Tuar gavarani moved down in open market here on poor demand from local
traders amid
high moisture content arrival.
* Major wheat reported higher in open market on renewed demand from
local traders amid
tight supply from producing regions.
* In Akola, Tuar New – 4,300-4,500, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid
Mogar (clean)
– 8,600-9,200, Moong Mogar (clean) 6,600-7,100, Gram – 5,500-5,800, Gram
Super best
– 8,600-9,000
* Rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered
deals and
settled at last levels in thin trading activity.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market
prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS
Available prices Previous
close
Gram Auction 4,800-5,990 4,800-5,800
Gram Pink Auction
n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction
3,600-4,125 3,500-4,125
Moong Auction
n.a. 3,900-4,200
Udid Auction
n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction
n.a. 2,600-2,800
Wheat Mill quality Auction
1,600-1,645 1,600-1,650
Gram Super Best Bold
8,500-9,200 8,500-9,200
Gram Super Best
n.a. n.a.
Gram Medium Best
7,600-8,000 7,600-8,000
Gram Dal Medium
n.a. n.a
Gram Mill Quality
5,900-6,000 5,900-6,000
Desi gram Raw 5,800-6,000 5,800-6,000
Gram Kabuli
12,500-13,500 12,500-13,500
Tuar Fataka Best-New
6,700-7,000 6,700-7,000
Tuar Fataka Medium-New
6,400-6,600 6,400-6,600
Tuar Dal Best Phod-New
6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400
Tuar Dal Medium phod-New
5,700-6,000 5,700-6,000
Tuar Gavarani New
4,300-4,500 4,400-4,600
Tuar Karnataka
4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000
Masoor dal best
5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400
Masoor dal medium
4,600-4,900 4,600-4,900
Masoor
n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold (New)
7,200-7,500 7,200-7,500
Moong Mogar Medium
6,700-7,000 6,700-7,000
Moong dal Chilka
5,500-6,200 5,500-6,200
Moong Mill quality
n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best
7,000-8,000 7,000-8,000
Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 9,000-10,000 9,000-10,000
Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)
6,500-8,000
6,500-8,000
Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG)
5,000-5,600
5,000-5,600
Batri dal (100 INR/KG)
5,000-5,600 5,000-5,600
Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)
3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200
Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)
2,900-3,100 2,900-3,100
Watana White (100 INR/KG)
3,500-3,700 3,500-3,700
Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)
3,600-4,800
3,600-4,800
Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)
1,900-2,000 1,800-1,900
Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG)
1,750-1,850
1,700-1,800
Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)
2,100-2,300
2,100-2,300
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)
2,200-2,400
2,100-2,400
Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG)
1,900-2,100 1,900-2,000
Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)
n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)
3,300-3,800
3,000-3,600
MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)
2,200-2,800
2,200-2,700
Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG)
3,300-3,400
3,300-3,400
Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG)
2,800-3,200 2,800-3,200
Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG)
2,600-2,900
2,600-2,900
Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG)
2,500-2,600
2,500-2,600
Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG)
2,300-2,400
2,300-2,400
Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG)
3,800-4,000
3,800-4,000
Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG)
3,500-3,800
3,500-3,800
Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG)
4,800-5,200 4,800-5,200
Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG)
4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700
Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)
9,500-13,500
9,500-13,500
Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)
5,000-7,500
5,000-7,500
Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG)
4,800-5,000
4,800-5,000
Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG)
4,300-4,500
4,300-4,500
Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)
2,000-2,200
2,000-2,200
Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)
1,800-2,000 1,800-2,000
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 34.4 degree Celsius, minimum
temp. 24.1 degree Celsius
Rainfall : 10.6 mm
FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky with
one or two spells of rains or thunder-showers. Maximum and
minimum temperature would be around
and 34 and 24 degree Celsius respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are
excluded from plant delivery prices, but
included in market prices)
https://in.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya/red-cross-fills-u-n-void-in-myanmars-violence-torn-region-idINKCN1BK07X
How biotech is helping Asia tackle hunger and meet its
development goals
Kundhavi Kadiresan says scientists can help boost food
production in Asia – home of most of the world’s poor – and have already had
their share of successes in India and Thailand
PUBLISHED : Friday, 08 September, 2017, 2:44pm
UPDATED : Friday, 08 September, 2017, 3:31pm
When we talk about employing
biotechnologies in agricultural production and sustainable food
systems for better nutrition, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. You’ve
probably heard some of it – the use of molecular markers, microbial food
fermentation, reproductive technologies in livestock, DNA-based kits to
diagnose diseases in farmed fish and, of course, genetic modification.
For our part, we encourage governments, researchers and the
private sector to take bold steps to ensure safe, evidence-based
agricultural biotechnology is placed in the hands of
smallholder farmers, fishers and pastoralists.
And we need to get on with that now, as our region is
increasingly facing both the predictable and unpredictable results of climate
change, as well as the future effects these will have on agricultural
production, particularly for smallholders least-equipped to deal with
climate-related shocks.
With more than half a billion hungry and malnourished people in
this region, we need to work together ... without delay
The challenges we already face are enormous, and that’s why we
need to make use of all available technologies we know are safe – both old and
new. This region has nearly half a billion hungry and malnourished people –
more than 60 per cent of the world’s total. Consider the 2030 deadline to
deliver all 17 of the world’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2050
mid-century point, where our children will live among some 9-10 billion people
competing for limited natural resources, and you get the picture.
We have a number of good case studies on the use of agricultural
biotechnologies. Here are just two.
In several countries in this region, floodwater incursions into
rice paddies have long been a major problem. But scientists at the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), working with partners, have
developed a version of rice that can still thrive when submerged in floodwater.
This flood-tolerant rice, nicknamed “scuba rice,” exemplifies how scientists
and farmers can come together to tackle the more complex problems the
environment can throw at those who struggle to produce the food we eat.
In India, where some 10 per cent of the land used for growing
rice is prone to submergence, this has led to low rice yields and sometimes a
complete loss of the crop. Using molecular markers, which enable genes to be
associated with the traits they encode, IRRI scientists and partners could
identify the gene responsible for this tolerance when submerged. In short,
through breeding techniques, the gene for submergence tolerance could be bred
into popular rice varieties, generating new submergence-tolerant rice without
losing flavour and still producing high yields. It is now grown by millions of
farmers in India. Other rice varieties tolerant to submergence are now grown in
Bangladesh and Vietnam.
In Thailand, a global seafood hub, breeding a hybrid catfish
using artificial insemination from two species has resulted in a hybrid which
performs better than the average of either parental species. Researchers noted
that the local Thai broadhead catfish, a favourite food due to its favourable
colour and texture, was slow to grow and susceptible to diseases, making it
difficult to culture on a commercial scale. By contrast, the African
sharp-tooth catfish, was known for its high growth rate and low susceptibility
to diseases. Breeding the two catfish species together has resulted in a
“hybrid vigour” (both palatable and fast-growing), making it ideal for
aquaculture in Thailand. Production of hybrid catfish has skyrocketed from less
than 18,000 metric tonnes in 1990 to more than 150,000 metric tonnes.
Use of this biotechnology has created a huge expansion of
aquaculture and related industries in Thailand and provided greater access to
high-quality sources of protein for poorer people in rural areas.
With the clock ticking towards 2030 and 2050, we are convening high-level
regional meetings on agricultural uses of biotechnologies to achieve
sustainable food systems and better nutrition. The first takes place in Kuala
Lumpur, from September 11-13. Participants will study examples where use of
biotechnologies has worked well and areas where it has worked less well in
production of crops, fisheries, forestry and livestock. With more than half a
billion hungry and malnourished people in this region, we need to work together
while looking at all forms of food production – without delay.
Kundhavi Kadiresan is assistant director general and regional
representative (Asia-Pacific) of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2110275/how-biotech-helping-asia-tackle-hunger-and-meet-its
Japan Aims to Boost Annual Rice Exports to 100,000 Tons
8:33 pm, September 08, 2017
Jiji PressTOKYO (Jiji Press) — Japan’s agriculture ministry said Friday it
has set an ambitious goal of increasing annual rice exports to 100,000 tons by
2019.
Amid a slump in domestic
consumption, the ministry aims to step up sales campaigns for Japanese rice in
overseas markets, where Japanese food is increasingly popular, in a bid to
shore up farmers’ incomes, officials said.
The export target figure is for
rice consumed as a staple food, as well as for processed products, such as
snacks and sake, in which rice is used as the main ingredient.
In 2016, Japan’s rice exports
totaled 10,000 tons for the staple food alone and 24,000 tons including
processed items.
At a news conference,
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Ken Saito said, “This is a very
high goal but we’ll try boldly [to achieve it].”
For the export promotion drive,
the ministry will solicit applications from businesses motivated to work to
boost exports and producer groups eager to expand sales abroad. Participants
will be selected by the end of October.
Currently, Japanese-grown rice is
exported primarily to Hong Kong and Singapore. The ministry hopes to stimulate
new demand, focusing on Japanese restaurants, the officials said.
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003929517
NFA assures sufficient supply of
rice until the end of 2017
by UNTV | Posted on Friday, September 8th, 2017
MANILA, Philippines — The latest inventory of the National Food Authority (NFA) assured that the country’s stock of rice will last up to 72 days.
The agency added that the period
of lean months is about to end, as farmers will begin harvesting their crops in
October.This means the country has sufficient supply.The agency also reported
that shipment of 250,000 metric tons of imported rice will be completed this
month.NFA added that the persisting weather condition has become favorable to
farmers.“We are so lucky this year because no major tropical cyclone has hit
[the country] and so there are no displaced residents to feed,” said NFA
Spokesperson Rebecca Olarte.
The agency also reported that the
Filipinos’ per capita consumption of rice this year went down to 108.87
kilograms, lower than the previous year that was at 114.27 kilograms.In 2007,
the annual per capita consumption was 140 kilograms.NFA said more Filipinos are
taking rice substitute such as noodles which minimizes the consumption of rice.
The agency raised its target on
local rice procurement from 4.6m bags this year to 24 million bags in
2018.According to the agency, the problem now is whether farmers will sell
their produce at the NFA’s buying price of 17 pesos per kilogram. — Rey
Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
Nigerians are not convinced about Agriculture
SEPTEMBER
8TH, 2017
tessa.doghor@businessdayonline.com'
I
once had the pleasure of being in a room with Nigerian Multimillionaires, they
were discussing investments, I listened.The Nigerian millionaires were having a
business discussion with a Mexican from the SanCarlos Company, the discussion
was actually the Mexican selling agriculture as a business to the Nigerians .
The Mexican from the SanCarlos Corporation invested in a pineapple farm in
Enugu, and now exports pineapples from Nigeria. The Mexican explained to the
Nigerians that Nigeria enjoys excellent trade terms with Europe and the US,
SanCarlos Pineapples are “Nigerian” thus allow them enter the EU under those
trade terms…
The
Nigerian millionaires were not convinced
The
Mexican went on, he was making good volume exports from Enugu, his dollar cost
were lower in Nigeria than Mexico, he exports and earns same dollar per tonne
for Pineapple.
The
Nigerian millionaires were not convinced
The
Mexican moved unto Tomatoes, local demand for tomatoes was constant in Nigeria,
but supply of tomatoes was seasonal, any
investor could set up greenhouses and supply tomatoes all year round locally,
great opportunity.
The
Nigerian millionaires were not convinced
Carlos
continued, “OK , i will make a deal with you all, invest in tomatoes, I
guarantee I will buy up all your output”..
The
Nigerian millionaires were not convinced
The
Mexican got an A for effort but he was facing a tough crowd.
The
Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Prof. Baba
Abubakar, said Nigeria is the largest
importer of US hard red and white wheat worth N635 billion annually; world’s
number 2 importer of rice at N356 billion; these imports are established
opportunities.
Credit:
Farmcrowdy.com
Let’s
explore them in detail.
Wheat.
Nigeria’s largest wheat miller is Flour Mills of Nigeria founded in September
1960, who owns Flour Mills? The
Excelsior Shipping Company Limited, registered in Liberia. The beneficial owner
of Excelsior Shipping Company is a trust established by the late Mr. John S.
Coumantarosere a US citizen.
Who
is in second place? Olam of Singapore has bought BUA flour milling assets,
making her Nigeria’s number two wheat miller by sales volume.
Let’s
go to Rice.
Where
is the Largest Rice Mill in Africa? It’s in Kebbi State, it’s called the WACOT
Rice Mill in Argungu, its a gigantic 120,000 metric ton capacity mill, who owns
the mill? TGI Group, a European concern…
Where
is the second largest Rice Mill in Africa? It’s also in Nigeria, in Nasarawa,
its called Olam Rice Mill, who owns it? Olam Group based in Singapore..
Rice
is Nigeria’s single largest food import.
According
to the BBC Nigeria in 2016, it had a rice demand of 2.3m tonnes, and imported
2.3m tonnes or rice. Nigeria spends $5m or N1b day to import rice. Yet, the
largest Rice millers in Nigeria are from Europe and Singapore.
What
about Palm Oil? The Niger Delta was named the Oil Delta, not because of crude
oil but Palm Oil. Nigeria’s largest Oil Palm oil refinery is the Presco Plc.
(Presco is investing $30m in a palm oil refinery) who owns Presco? SIAT or
Société d’Investissement pour l’Agriculture Tropicale”, a Belgian company. .
I
must commend these foreign investors for coming to Nigeria and actually
investing in the real sector.
Agriculture
is long, slow and profits are not guaranteed. The WACOT Rice Mill costs N10b.
If the owners invested their funds in “risk free” Federal Government Bonds,
they will make N1.3b every year, tax free, risk free. Yet they are investing in
a rice mill while Nigerian millionaires are looking for marginal oil field
licenses.
Why
are Nigerian High Net worth Individuals not interested in the business of
Agriculture?
In
2006, the Obasanjo Government created a “Private” company called Transcorp.
Obasanjo said that one of the reasons for the establishment of Transcorp was
the need for a “functional platform for the projection of the nation’s economic
potentials.” Transcorp was designed to provide the vehicle that Nigeria needs
to mobilise capital on a very large scale for investment in projects that had
hitherto been the exclusive preserve of foreign investors.”
Transcorp
was Nigeria’s response to foreign multinationals.
It
was modelled after the South Korean Chaebols, great move. In it’s first full
year of operation, Transcorp acquired the NICON Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Bureau
of Public Enterprises put Transcorp for the acquisition of Nigerian
Telecommunications Plc (NITEL), the Port Harcourt Refinery and the National
Clearing and Forwarding Agency. Transcorp also designed an entry plan for
participation in the development of strategic oil blocks.
Notice
anything? Transcorp in its early days had no agriculture portfolio ( it does
now)
So
when the Federal Government, with the backing of the President decided to pool
Nigerian billionaires and invest in the Nigerian economy, no one bothered to
invest in a Rice or Wheat farm, that’s telling.
There
are more Nigerian millionaires with filling stations and shopping malls than
rice mill. More Private jets are owned by Nigerian Millionaires than oil palm
plantations.
Why?
I
believe it’s a perception issue. Agriculture is viewed in Nigeria as rain-fed
hard work, rural, and not as a business. There are not just enough success
stories at the local level to encourage Nigeria’s best and brightest students
to go and study agriculture and apply modern techniques to grow, store, process
and distribute food.
Football
and Entertainment in the past were viewed as professions for those that failed
from white collar jobs in Medicine and Law, today, these are sought after
professions. Why? because of local success stories.
Unless
the mindset is changed, and agriculture can attract Nigeria’s best and
brightest, Nigeria will continue to export Cocoa and Import Chocolate https://www.businessdayonline.com/nigerians-not-convinced-agriculture/
Government
should ensure the rice cereal factory goes into operation
Dear Editor,
Essequibians want to know what
happened to the rice cereal factory at Anna Regina Essequibo, which was built
by the previous administration. The whole concept of this project was to help
buy farmers’ paddy and millers’ rice and to employ 200 people after the price
fell on the Venezuelan market.
Several government agencies and
ministries in the region wanted to take over the rice cereal factory since the
Ministry of Agriculture couldn’t find a magic formula for achieving success in
developing the project. It is left to wonder if this will be another white
elephant. As I understand it this factory is Dr Suresh’s baby; he is the head
of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. This factory was built in
2011 with the intention of making pineapple crushed pickles, guava jelly, guava
jam, skimmed milk powder. Instead it was decided to develop a range of new
products on the basis of the rice industry, eg breakfast cereal for school
children, holiday foods, rice puffs, rice flour, edible oil from the bran, rice
wine and a host of other products.
To support these efforts by our
millers and farmers the government must ensure that this factory starts to
operate and proper marketing arrangements are put in place whenever the
products are sold, in addition to which millers and farmers must be paid
promptly. This factory will need adequate storage, drying, refrigeration and
transportation facilities. Given our resource
base, we in Essequibo are in a fortunate position to break the cycle of
joblessness, but the government must gear itself for the task which lies ahead.
This process will take good planning in which it will have to continuously
improve the workers’ knowledge and skills, and get it done as early as
possible. Essequibians are a healthy, intelligent and literate people who are
possessed of a wide range of skills and are capable of learning new ones if
given the opportunity.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
https://www.stabroeknews.com/2017/opinion/letters/09/08/government-should-ensure-the-rice-cereal-factory-goes-into-operation/
Lawmakers want probe on
Golden Rice project
SEPTEMBER 7, 2017
The Makabayan Bloc in the House
of Representatives is seeking an inquiry into the impact of the development of
Golden Rice, or vitamin A rice, on human health, environment and local farmers.
Party-list Reps. Arile Casilao of
Anakpawis, Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas
of Gabriela, Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Act Teachers and Sarah Jane
Elago of Kabataan filed House Resolution (HR) 1294, calling for an
investigation into the Golden Rice project.
The lawmakers said many
scientists around the world have expressed “serious” concerns regarding the
safety of genetically engineered food and its effect on human health and the
environment.
“A number of studies have shown
that genetically engineered food cause a wide variety of negative health
effects in animals, including allergic reactions, stomach ulcerations and
disturbed liver, pancreas and testes function,” HR 1294 read.
The lawmakers noted that Golden
Rice is genetically engineered to “force” the rice plant to produce
beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. It is being developed and tested
presumably to address the problem in vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
It was developed from Golden Rice
1 (from bacteria and daffodil genes, which produce low levels of beta-carotene)
and later to Golden Rice 2 (with genes from bacteria and corn, which,
supposedly, has higher levels of beta-carotene).
“Golden Rice now has a set of new
genes that never before existed in rice,” the resolution read.The lawmakers
noted that the technology, methodology, seeds and variety to advance the Golden
Rice are owned by Syngenta, an agro-chemical transnational corporation which
profits by investing in the global seed industry.
They also said the claim that
Golden Rice can address the problem of malnutrition and blindness due to
vitamin A deficiency is “baseless and unscientific”.“Golden Rice is merely a
promotional product of agro-chemical corporations using public institutions to
make possible the social acceptance of genetic engineering in food and
agriculture”, their resolution read.
In the Philippines the lawmakers
said the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is the agency that leads
the field testing and commercialization of Golden Rice. They added that
PhilRice has bred the Golden Rice variety with PSB Rc82 and other local rice
varieties.
The lawmakers said three seasons
of Golden Rice field testing was done in five areas in the country and was
harvested in 2013.“Early this year, the proponents again filed two applications
for Golden Rice at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI).
The application involves the Direct Use for Food, Feed and Processing and Field
Trials of the said GM product in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and San Mateo, Isabela,”
the resolution read.
Citing the International Rice
Research Institute (Irri), the solons said the average yield of Golden Rice was
lower than comparable local varieties already preferred by farmers.“Local rice
varieties are more suitable to the country’s environment and climate and the
same assures the farmers of better yield, and should be conserved and protected
from contamination from genetically modified organisms,” the resolution read.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/lawmakers-want-probe-on-golden-rice-project/
Action against five officers for undue favour to millers: Odisha government
By Express News
Service | Published: 09th September 2017 02:07
AM |
Last Updated: 09th September 2017
10:14 AM |
BHUBANESWAR: The
State Government, on Friday, approved the proposal of Food Suplies and Consumer
Welfare department for disciplinary action against five of its officials of
Khurda district for showing undue favour to a private rice miller.Action was
taken against the five officials for allowing the miller to lift paddy more
than its milling capacity and not initiating action against the miller
who failed to deposit security money and not returning the rice to the
Government.
The miller had caused a loss of more than `3.41 crore to the state exchequer. The State suffered a loss of `3,41,8,344 as the miller, Kalinga Agriculture Private Ltd, did not return 15,765.55 quintal of rice to the government during 2012-13 Kharif marketing season. The department proposal for action against the five officers was approved by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister SN Patro.
As per disciplinary action, `1,34,2,705 equivalent to 35 per cent of the total loss will be realised to the State exchequer from the then Civil Supply officer Amar Mohapatra, `80,73,361 or 25 per cent of loss from Assistant Civil Supply Officer Abhimanyu Mohanty, `75,58,689 or 20 per cent of the loss from District Civil Supply Officer (Retd) Sarat Chandra Das.
The department’s proposal to realise `32,29,344 or 10 per cent of the loss each from District Civil Supply Officer Sudhakar Pradhan and Marketing Inspector Bibekananda Mohanty was also approved. Patro has directed to stop two increments of Amar Mohapatra and Abhimanyu Mohanty and one increment of Sudhakar Pradhan and Bibekananda Mohanty with cumulative effect
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/sep/09/action-against-five-officers-for-undue-favour-to-millers-odisha-government-1654482.html
Staff Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Sept 7 - In view of the massive
outbreak of rice swarming caterpillars in some of the rich rice belt of the
district, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra here have offered a helping hand
to the farmers to combat the menace.The pest menace has been taking a
devastating form in the paddy fields of Majpar, Borotichuk and its adjoining
four to five villages of Rohomoria, number-2 Dhaman and Sessanepaligaon of
Tingkhang and Chakoipathar, Panimirigaon, Jajimukh and its adjoining villages
of Borborooah.
Last year, the same pest attacked more than 7,000
hectare area in the district. The agricultural scientists’ team met farmers in
Majpar Seasabil and Bolai villages and made them aware of various tactics to
combat the pest
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=sep0817/state053
North Korea fetes
nuclear scientists after H-Bomb test
Massive celebration thrown for nuclear
scientists in North Korea after rogue state's first thermonuclear test.
Tzvi Lev, 07/09/17 15:37
North Korea held a massive
celebration honoring its nuclear scientists in the wake of the recent
successful test of its largest bomb to date, AFP reported.A convoy of buses
carrying the scientists paraded through a cheering crowd in Pyongyang, where
citizens lining the streets threw rice and balloons at them, and a large
celebratory fireworks show was held.
North Korea's increasing
belligerency has led to spiraling tensions with the West, especially after the
most recent test which reportedly was the largest detonation to date.
While experts continue to say that
there is no military solution to the conflict with North Korea without leading
to a massive amount of civilian deaths, the US Navy's Elite SEAL Team 6 are
allegedly planning assassination missions to take out North Korean leader Kim
Jong-un.
According to the Sunday
Times, SEAL commandos have been setting up a special cell
dedicated solely to the assassination of the North Korean head in the event of
war. Comprised of a joint US-South Korean task force, the team is scheduled to
become operational in December.
Japan aims
to more than quadruple rice exports in 2019
Sep. 8 05:05 pm
JST
TOKYO
Japan's agriculture ministry said
Friday it is aiming to more than quadruple the country's annual rice and rice
product exports to 100,000 tons in 2019, ministry officials said Friday.
On the back of falling domestic demand, the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has launched a project to expand overseas
sales to raise rice farmers' income.
To meet its new goal, the ministry plans to raise total exports of
rice and raw materials for rice crackers and Japanese sake, among other
products, from the current level of around 24,000 tons.
The export of rice consumed as a staple stood at around 10,000
tons in 2016 and has been on the rise, especially to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Domestic demand for rice has been decreasing by around 8 tons a
year, necessitating the expansion of exports, according to the ministry.
"It is a high goal but we want to aggressively go after
it," said agriculture minister Ken Saito.
In late October, the government plans to designate some rice
growing areas and producers as part of the export initiative. It will also
identify strategic target countries in which it will bolster sales promotion,
it said.
https://japantoday.com/category/business/japan-aims-to-more-than-quadruple-rice-exports-in-2019
Learn details of the
global hybrid rice seeds market
WhaTech Channel: Agriculture Market
Research
Submitted by The Market Reports
The Global Hybrid Rice Seeds Market Research Report 2017 contains
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Key companies profiled in this report
are Dupont Pioneerl, Syngenta, Bayer Cropscience,
Nath, Advanta, Nirmal Seeds, Longping High-Tech, China National Seed Group,
Hainan Shennong Gene, Win-All Hi-Tech Seed, Hefei Fengle Seed, Zhongnongfa
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It is one report that hasn't
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All the queries about this report can be asked at:https://www.themarketreports.com/report/ask-your-query/629970
List of Chapters:
1 Hybrid Rice Seeds Market
Overview
2 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds
Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application
3 United States Hybrid Rice Seeds
(Volume, Value and Sales Price)
4 China Hybrid Rice Seeds
(Volume, Value and Sales Price)
5 Europe Hybrid Rice Seeds
(Volume, Value and Sales Price)
6 Japan Hybrid Rice Seeds
(Volume, Value and Sales Price)
7 Southeast Asia Hybrid Rice
Seeds (Volume, Value and Sales Price)
8 India Hybrid Rice Seeds
(Volume, Value and Sales Price)
9 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds
Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data
10 Hybrid Rice Seeds
Manufacturing Cost Analysis
11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing
Strategy and Downstream Buyers
12 Marketing Strategy Analysis,
Distributors/Traders
13 Market Effect Factors Analysis
14 Global Hybrid Rice Seeds
Market Forecast (2017-2022)
15 Research Findings and
Conclusion
16 Appendix
Global Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 – Usher
Agro, Guru Metachem, Rescon (India), Deelert Group
September 8, 2017
Market Research Report on Rice
Husk Ash Market 2017 is a professional and in-depth study
on the current state of the Rice Husk Ash worldwide. First of all, ” Global
Rice Husk Ash Market 2017 ” report provides a basic overview of the Rice Husk
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Ash industry chain structure.
Major Companies Covered in Global Rice Husk Ash Market :-
Yihai Kerry Investments
Usher Agro
Guru Metachem
Agrilectric Power Company
Rescon (India)
Deelert Group
Jasoriya Rice Mill
Yihai Kerry Investments
Usher Agro
Guru Metachem
Agrilectric Power Company
Rescon (India)
Deelert Group
Jasoriya Rice Mill
Get Sample Copy Of Report @ http://www.apexresearch.biz/global-rice-husk-ash-market-research-report-2011-2023/#ert_pane1-3
The analysis is provided for the Rice Husk Ash international
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Husk Ash Market area.
Then, the report focuses on Global Rice Husk Ash market key
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Related information to Rice Husk Ash market- capacity, production,
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http://exclusivefacts24.com/2017/09/global-rice-husk-ash-market/
Kenyan scholar
wins Africa’s top food prize
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2017
Prof Ruth Khasaya Oniang’o is a
joint winner of the Africa Food Prize at the African Green Revolution Forum in
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In Summary
·
Born
on November 9, 1946, Prof Oniang’o made her appearance at the forum as the
founder and leader of the Rural Outreach Programme, a community based
organisation that supports farmer groups in production and agro-processing at
the grassroots.
·
She
carved a niche for herself as a nominated MP in the ninth parliament.
·
Her
grasp of African food and nutrition issues has enabled her to be Africa’s voice
at many international forums such as the World Nutrition Conference in 1992 and
the World Food Summit in 1996.
·
Her
pet subjects, she concedes, are nutrition and food security, wealth creation,
women economic empowerment, environment, health and sanitation including
HIV/AIDS, housing, education, and poverty.
By MWANGI
MUIRURI
More by this Author
More by this Author
Prof Ruth Khasaya Oniang’o has
jointly won the Africa Food Prize at the just concluded African Green
Revolution Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
She won the prize alongside Ms
MmeMaimouna Coulibali of Mali.
Born on November 9, 1946, Prof
Oniang’o made her appearance at the forum as the founder and leader of the
Rural Outreach Programme, a community based organisation that supports farmer
groups in production and agro-processing at the grassroots.
The scholar beat 643 other
outstanding individuals, projects and institutions nominated for the prize.
Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mali
and Botswana had the highest number of nominees.
The judges found that her desire
to feed the continent at the grassroots stood out. She is also the
editor-in-chief and founder of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture,
Nutrition and Development, which she started in 2001.
She served as lecturer and
professor of food science and nutrition at the Jomo Kenyatta University of
Agriculture and Technology from 1990 to 1996.
A holder of a doctorate in food
science and nutrition from the University of Nairobi, she inherits the prize
from the former president of the International Fund for Agriculture Development
Dr Kanayo Nwanze, who was last year’s winner.
Prof Oniang’o carved a niche for
herself as a nominated MP in the ninth parliament from January 2003 to December
2007.
Her contributions on the floor of
the House mostly touched on food security, family nutrition as well as
innovative ideas on boosting agricultural benefits to the society.
A career tutor, she has taught at
tertiary level since 1978 and received her first and second degrees from
Washington State University, Pullman, USA in 1972 and 1974.
HARNESS THE INTELLECTUAL
RESOURCES
“Prof Oniang’o fully deserves the
honour today. She is a strong and focused woman who has made Africa proud in
that she has influenced the development of nutrition training, research,
development discourse both in her home country and in Africa,” outgoing Liberian
President Sirleaf Johnson said at the forum.
The judges were unanimous that
Prof Oniang’o has participated in consultations at the international level and
helped to generate decisions that have shaped global food security and
nutrition.
“Her grasp of African food and
nutrition issues has enabled her to be Africa’s voice at many international
forums such as the World Nutrition Conference in 1992 and the World Food Summit
in 1996,” said Johnson.
Prof Oniang’o says her journey
this far has been phenomenal.
“This achievement is a
culmination of a longtime dedication to a worthy cause. It was consolidated
into an action plan in 1993 when following an action research project whose
findings catalysed my founding of Rural Outreach Programme,” she says.
She adds that the programme’s
main goal was to harness the intellectual resource of the university, connect
it with the various capacities within communities to try to improve rural poor
people’s livelihoods.
“Charity had of course to start
at home, the reason why my most successful sensitisation programmes are to be
found in my rural roots of Butere-Mumias and the immediate neighbourhoods,” she
says.
Her pet subjects, she concedes,
are nutrition and food security, wealth creation, women economic empowerment, environment,
health and sanitation including HIV/AIDS, housing, education, and poverty.
At home, she has been awarded a
certificate of recognition by the government as well from the Food and
Agriculture Organisation, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development.
Prof Oniang’o currently sits on
the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Fertiliser
Development Centre, and HarvestPlus Programme Advisory Committee boards.
RiceBran Technologies (RIBT)
Earning Favorable News Coverage, Accern Reports
Lisa Durand on Sep 8th, 2017
Complete the form below to receive the latest
headlines and analysts' recommendationsfor RiceBran Technologies with our free
daily email newsletter:
Press coverage about RiceBran Technologies
(NASDAQ:RIBT) has been trending positive this week, according to Accern. The
research firm identifies negative and positive media coverage by analyzing more
than twenty million news and blog sources in real time. Accern ranks coverage
of public companies on a scale of negative one to positive one, with scores
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company an impact score of 46.311788630529 out of 100, indicating that recent
media coverage is somewhat unlikely to have an impact on the company’s share
price in the next few days.
Shares of RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) traded
up 3.8173% during trading on Friday, reaching $1.0797. 4,515 shares of the
company traded hands. RiceBran Technologies has a 12-month low of $0.69 and a
12-month high of $1.56. The stock’s market capitalization is $14.59 million.
The firm’s 50-day moving average is $1.06 and its 200-day moving average is
$0.91.
Get RiceBran Technologies alerts:
RiceBran
Technologies (NASDAQ:RIBT) last released its quarterly earnings results on
Thursday, August 10th. The company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter,
missing the Zacks’ consensus estimate of ($0.14) by $0.04. RiceBran
Technologies had a negative return on equity of 241.74% and a negative net
margin of 18.06%. The company had revenue of $3.15 million during the quarter,
compared to analysts’ expectations of $10.70 million. On average, equities
analysts predict that RiceBran Technologies will post ($0.41) earnings per
share for the current fiscal year.
Separately, Maxim Group reissued a “hold”
rating on shares of RiceBran Technologies in a research note on Friday, May
12th.
RiceBran Technologies Company Profile
RiceBran Technologies is a human food
ingredient, functional food ingredient, packaged functional food and animal
nutrition company. The Company is focused on processing and marketing of
nutrient dense products derived from raw rice, an underutilized by-product of
the rice milling industry. The Company has two operating segments.
https://www.dispatchtribunal.com/2017/09/08/ricebran-technologies-ribt-earning-favorable-news-coverage-accern-reports.html
SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 BY TUSHAR BHATKE
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http://www.satprnews.com/2017/09/08/rice-bran-wax-sales-market-2017-to-2022-global-research-analysis-and-forecast/
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