14 March,2018 daily global regional local rice e-newsletter

Auctions mulled for poor stocks

• 13 Mar 2018 at 06:39 436 viewed0 comments
• NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

An employee inspects pledged rice stored at Sap Kaset Sayam warehouse in Nakhon Luang district, Ayutthaya. The government wants to sell its remaining substandard stocks. Thiti Wannamontha

The government looks set to call a bid for inedible-grade rice stocks after having put off sales late last year to curb any potential price impacts on the new harvest.Adul Chotinisakorn, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the department is scheduled to start calling auctions to sell state rice stocks of substandard and inedible quality, estimated at 2.04 million tonnes, starting from April.

Of the total, 1.5 million tonnes are fit for animal feed production, and 500,000 tonnes are inedible both for humans and animals, only being suitable for fuel or energy production. The remaining 40,000 tonnes was not accepted by the Department of Corrections or the winning bidders.
Mr Adul said authorities handling the rice sales will call bids on a gradual basis in May and June and possibly until July or September to sell the existing stocks.The government shoulders warehousing costs of 120-130 million baht a month for those rice stocks.
He said the department will propose the bidding plan to the national rice policy committee at its meeting on March 29, adding the selling plan will have no impact on the market, as the existing stocks being put up for auction are of low quality.Since the May 2014 coup, a total of 14.8 million tonnes of state rice stocks have been sold through auctions, fetching 135 billion baht. Government-to-government rice deals have unloaded 3.44 million tonnes of newly harvested grains which were not a part of the rice stocks, worth 50.2 billion baht.
Mr Adul said Thai rice exports are expected to stay promising this year as global demand remains strong, particularly from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines.
The Philippines is scheduled to hold an auction later this month to import 250,000 tonnes, and many Thai exporters are interested in this deal, he said.According to the Foreign Trade Department, as of March 12, Thailand has shipped 2 million tonnes worth US$999 million (31.3 million), up 4.17% and 22.1%, respectively, from the same period last year.
Last year, Thailand exported a record 11.6 million tonnes of milled rice, up 17.4% year-on-year, fetching 174.5 billion baht, up 12.8%.The top five importers of Thai rice were Benin, China, South Africa, Cameroon and the US.
The government forecasts Thailand will export 9.5 million tonnes by the end of this year.
The Agriculture Ministry forecasts rice production for the 2018 season of 32.05 million tonnes of paddy rice, down by 1.17% from the previous season, as farmers in certain areas have shifted to growing other cash crops such as sugar cane and palm oil.
Thailand is estimated to produce 19.2 million tonnes of milled rice this year, down 5.88% from 20.4 million tonnes last year.
Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said relevant authorities have to strictly control the remaining stocks to prevent any releases to the normal edible rice market.
He said domestic rice prices will be hit if 400,000-500,000 tonnes of rice stocks are leaked into the normal market.

In a related development, Mr Adul said the government expects border trade to grow 15% this year from 1.3 trillion baht last year, which had expanded 8.85% from 2016.

The Bangkok Post

Thailand looks to boost rice exports with intergovernmental deals

Supporting farmers high on agenda ahead of election

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

Supporting Thailand's farmers has become a government priority ahead of elections next year.

March 14, 2018 3:30 pm JST

BANGKOK -- The Thai government plans to boost rice exports by negotiating sales directly with other governments in a move intended to help struggling farmers ahead of a general election to be held by February next year.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Thailand-looks-to-boost-rice-exports-with-intergovernmental-deals

Buhari to inaugurate, chair National Food Security Council                                                                      

By Isiaka Wakili | Publish Date: Mar 13 2018 5:35PM* says no reason for foodstuffs importation; Smugglers sabotaging us - Minister

President Muhammadu Buhari.President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that he would be inaugurating a National Food Security Council that he would chair personally. He said the council would include governors, ministers, security agencies and key stakeholders across the entire agricultural segments of farming, fisheries and livestock management.Buhari spoke at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday while meeting with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors.

He said the current incidents of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrated that the nation's quest for food security had a direct link to our national security objectives. President Buhari expressed optimism that the National Food Security Council would ensure alignment and bring efficiencies.  He assured all Nigerians that his administration was committed to Nigeria feeding itself, saying that from what he heard, this could happen in not too distant future.

He said his government's vision had always been to promote and support programmes that would bring investments to the rural areas."Not too long ago, our nation was predominantly driven by the rural economy. Indeed, Nigeria’s backbone was built by the farmers. Somehow, we as a society abandoned the Agriculture sector of our economy. Agriculture became an afterthought and we forced our farmers into poverty," he said. 

The president said thankfully, Nigerians had now woken up to the fact that it is an embarrassment "for us as nation, to import most of what we eat, given the great natural gifts of our country. We have the fertile land, we have water and the manpower to feed ourselves.  Therefore, we have no reason to import essential foodstuffs.“When we came in 2015, there were thirteen rice mills in Nigeria. Twelve of these were built between 2009 and 2015. This was an average of two mills per annum. But my team and I felt more could be done. And we put in place measures and policies to unlock the potential of this sector and thus, increase the rate of investments.

"You will all recall that in November 2015, I was in Birnin Kebbi to launch the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers program and also kick off the dry season rice farming. Since then, the Vice President and I have commissioned a record number of agricultural projects and programs. From rice, to wheat, to cashew, to animal feed, to fertiliser, to drinks processing and many more."

The president also disclosed that very soon, he would be commissioning a sugar estate. "These projects are all over the country and worth billions of Naira. Clearly, our policies are working. From your presentation today, you have shown that between 2016 and 2018, eight new rice mills have come on stream. This is equivalent to four new mills per annum. Our paddy production and productivity has also doubled compared to 2014 levels.

"This achievement just confirms what we all know. That when Nigerians are committed to execute a task, it gets done. I am particularly proud of how the narrative has changed. Agriculture is now seen as a financially viable sector."

He expressed delight that many Nigerians, especially the youths, were choosing agriculture as a professional with former governors, ministers, legislators and major entrepreneurs moving into the sector not as a hobby but as a viable business that would generate income.

"So when we have the youth, the enabling environment and the entrepreneurs, all coming together with the same vision, Nigeria certainly cannot lose," he said. 

He described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today between the farmers, millers and rice dealers as the natural next step.

"The coming together of these three stakeholders is a major step forward. Specially, I want to recognise the wholesalers and distributors who today, by agreeing to promote Nigerian products over imports, have demonstrated a welcome patriotism. Your commitment has guaranteed that the 11 million Nigerian farmers will remain employed. And I want to assure all of you that this Government will not let you down. We will also do our bit to ensure you are able to sell quality Nigerian rice at an affordable price," he said. 

He said the Federal Government was committed to providing quality inputs at affordable prices.  

"Some weeks ago, I met with the Fertiliser Producers Association, during which I urged the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Commercial Banks to support agro dealers with affordable funding that will enable them to provide quality inputs to the farmers at affordable prices, hoping to continue lowering the farmer’s production costs."

Buhari said his administration had been providing enabling environment, which led to the successes achieved to date, and would continue to fight the smugglers at the borders and in the markets. 

The president said his government would also continue to invest in infrastructure to further lower the cost of operations.

He asked the stakeholders to meet with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Minister of Finance and the CBN Governor to discuss their  proposal further,  expressing  confidence that "we can work together to develop an implementable program that will bring down the price of Nigerian rice to the consumers."  

The president directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to engage with the State Governments, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Agriculture to develop a support mechanism for small scale millers.

He thanked the governor of Kebbi State,  Abubakar Bagudu, for "his unwavering commitment to the rice value chain and indeed, Agriculture as a whole.  He has become a true ambassador for rural economic development." 

He congratulated the CBN governor for successfully managing the Anchor Borrowers Programme,  saying his collaboration and commitment with other agencies for the development of agriculture was a clear example of the alignment between the fiscal and monetary policies.

Acknowledging "the tremendous work done" by the Nigerian governors as well as members of the national and state legislatures in pushing agriculture, Buhari urged them all to continue to push this agenda, saying "This will be our legacy for generations to come." 

The president wished all Nigerian farmers a very successful 2018 wet season.

Addressing State House reporters after the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture,  Audu Ogbe, said smugglers were frustrating efforts towards ending food importation. 

He also stated that Nigeria allowed external interests to take over the economy for nearly 40 years as "rice, sugar, milk, tomato paste and are not willing to give up.

"It is one thing to say we are no longer importing all the rice we use to do from Thailand but the Republic of Benin next door with only 11 million people, is importing more rice than China is importing. These are the problems and all of that rice is heading here. So while we are struggling to give our people jobs and improve our economy, the smugglers aided by some of our neighbours are doing their best to make sure we don’t succeed. And the countries of these crops are aware of what they are doing to us.

"So those will be dealt with at a later stage,  but I can assure you we want to stop smuggling, we want to grow our own rice and eat it, we want to create jobs and improve our market. This country is not rich enough to spend  close to $5 million a day importing rice. The total import bill before now was $1.6 billion a year."

Ogbeh described Nigeria's borders as huge and porous. "People walk in and out. People on the bothers who are relatives don’t see anything wrong in just walking across. The last consignment ceased by the customs was rice in a petrol tanker. Now when you bring that out, wash it, bag it and sell it, you are poisoning people but they don’t care. They bring in chicken, fish. The chicken is preserved in fomalia which is dangerous to health. But anything goes as long as it is coming to Nigeria. Let me say that they are actually Nigerians actually conniving with smugglers because as far as they are concern it is their profit that is important more than the health of Nigerians."

Bagudu said Buhari received a report that currently, Nigeria was almost producing about 17 million metric tonnes of paddy per annum, up from as little as 5.7 million metric tonnes two and half years ago. 

"The milling capacity has increased, eight new mills were commissioned last year alone with the installed milling capacity almost doubling. The Rice Distributors particularly that of Iddo, G-Cappa and Elko market in Lagos, came to show confidence in the programme of the federal government of Mr. President as encapsulated in his statement:'Let’s grow what we eat, and eat what we grow'. The distributors confirmed that Nigerian rice is better, more nutritious than imported rice and they are willing to partner so that Nigerian rice will be the dominate rice in the country and indeed we should be able to be exporting."

Bagudu said other countries were "undertaking economic warfare on us, there is no nation in the world that can produce and sell to Nigeria freshly grown rice equivalent to what is produced in Nigeria at the prices that Nigeria farmers are selling. So, most of the prices of smuggled rice are discounted prices that reflect the age of that rice and in some aliases as identified by NAFDAC not fit for human consumption."

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-to-inaugurate-chair-national-food-security-council.html

 

Chinese researchers discovered an agricultural miracle that could feed the planet without destroying it

Efficiency farming. (Reuters/Amit Dave)

WRITTEN BY

Chase Purdy

March 13, 2018

The study was mammoth. It cost $54 million, and involved some 1,000 researchers and 65,000 local bureaucrats. But academics around the globe are calling the results an agricultural miracle.

The project already saved Chinese farmers more than $12.2 billion over 10 years, and in the process may have unveiled a key to answering one of China’s biggest questions: With the global demand for food expected to double between 2005 and 2050, how will the world’s most populous nation figure out how to feed its people without inflicting serious damage to the environment?

From 2005 to 2015, researchers working under guidance from the China Agricultural University in Beijing conducted more than 13,000 on-the-ground field studies throughout China, taking note local farming practices. Following those studies, researchers developed geographically-specific advice for farmers growing rice, corn, and wheat. That advice emphasized the idea that a one-size-fits-all farming method isn’t as efficient as methods tailored for specific crops, regions, and weather conditions.

For instance, researchers advised rice growers in northeast China that they could reduce nitrogen-rich fertilizer use by an average of 20% if, rather than spreading it evenly on crops throughout year, they instead focused fertilizing efforts mostly in the late-spring growing season. They also suggested planting their seeds closer together.

“The [farmers] were skeptical, but we gained their trust, and then they depended on us—that was our greatest reward,” project leader Cui Zhenling wrote in the study.

Following researcher advice worked. The study, published this month the journal Nature, reports crop production for rice, corn, and wheat increased by an average of 11%, with a 15% drop in fertilizer use. In all, that stopped about 1.2 million tons of nitrogen from being introduced to the environment.

These are blockbuster findings because they offer hope that we can effectively feed a growing human population while also lowering our impact on climate. Compared to the rest of the world, Chinese farmers use about four times more nitrogen (305 kg per hectare, or nearly 175,000 lbs per square mile). When the land is overloaded with fertilizer, soil microbes then expel high levels of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas.

Nitrogen emissions are a problem everywhere, and play an outsized rolein global climate change; the gas is more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Given that any farmer would be thrilled to see yield increases, these results should impact farming practices well beyond the border of China.

https://qz.com/1228061/chinas-agricultural-miracle-that-could-feed-the-planet-without-destroying-it/

Iraq grain board chief sees bigger wheat crop as weather improves

March 13, 2018, 09:20:00 AM EDT By Reuters

Reuters

By Moayed Kenany

BAGHDAD, March 13 (Reuters) - Iraq's new grain board chief said on Tuesday he expected local wheat production at no less than 2.5 million tonnes in the 2018 season, an improvement over previous forecasts on the back of recent rainfall. Iraq had said in February it expected wheat and barley production to drop by around 20 percent from 2017 due to dry weather.Iraq needs an annual wheat supply of between 4.5 million and five million tonnes, implying an import gap of around two million tonnes for the year.

"There are areas that have also now been added to our local purchasing plan like Mosul and Anbar which will fill any dips in production if they happen," Maksousi said.Iraq lost production from Nineveh, its most fertile province of which Mosul is the capital, after Islamic State took control.However, the government declared victory over Islamic State in December, having taken back all territory the militants captured in 2014 and 2015.

Maksousi has been acting head of the state grain buying agency responsible for the bulk of the country's wheat and rice imports for around a month after the previous chief, Haitham al-Khishali, left to a more senior position at the trade ministry.

The grain board, which falls under the trade ministry, regularly announces international purchasing tenders, to import wheat for the country's food rationing programme, which covers flour, cooking oil, rice, sugar and baby milk formula and was created in 1991 to combat U.N. economic sanctions.

Under the system, imported wheat is mixed with local grain to produce flour. Impoverished Iraqis continue to depend on the system, which has become corrupt and wasteful over the years.

The grain board buys wheat of U.S., Canadian and Australian origin, making it one of the few major grain purchasers in the region, alongside Saudi Arabia, that has so far resisted cheaper Russian and Black Sea origins.

Black Sea sellers have provided stiff competition to the United States in North Africa and the Middle East over recent years, winning market share.

But Maksousi said Russian wheat quality was not suitable for the production of flour for the rationing programme because of the nature of its gluten content.

"If we mix Russian wheat with local wheat it will not be suitable for our bakeries," he said.

Still Maksousi did not rule out importing Russian wheat should specifications change in the future."If we find Russian wheat with Iraqi specifications, then we will start to buy it," he said.

Iraq's trade ministry struggled to import grains last year after introducing new payment and quality terms that kept traders away from its international tenders.

In May, the cabinet authorised the ministry to make direct purchases of wheat and rice to guarantee food security, a reflection of its struggle to attract enough interest through the tender process.

Since then it purchased 500,000 tonnes of U.S. wheat in a direct deal in November outside of the tender process.

Further talks for U.S. origin grain failed to result in a second purchase this month due to high prices. Still, Maksousi said buying would continue through both methods to secure the country's needs. "When we find the need to tender we will and if we find the need to sign direct deals, we will," he said.Writing by Maha El Dahan; editing by David Evans)

https://www.nasdaq.com/article/iraq-grain-board-chief-sees-bigger-wheat-crop-as-weather-improves-20180313-00818

 

Chinese food and drink      

How to order a healthier Chinese takeaway: swap noodles for rice and avoid the soup

Many dishes have been found to contain unhealthy levels of salt – but a few changes to your order could make all the difference

Felicity Cloake

Tue 13 Mar 2018 15.20 GMTLast modified on Tue 13 Mar 2018 22.00 GMT

 Noodles are often cooked in sauce … go for boiled or steamed rice. Photograph: Jamesmcq24/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The revelation that some popular Chinese foods contain unhealthily high levels of salt will come as no surprise to anyone who has ever woken up with a mouth drier than the Gobi desert after set menu No 4. Often blamed on the supposed “Chinese restaurant syndrome”, this raging thirst is in fact the body’s attempt to redress the dehydrating effects of excess salt. Monosodium glutamate, a staple of Chinese food, contains about a third of the sodium of table salt, and may actually help reduce salt consumption.

More than half of the Chinese takeaway dishes analysed by the pressure group Action Against Salt contained more than half the government’s recommended daily 6g allowance. With a pinch of common sense, however, it is easy to make better choices.

 There’s nothing Chinese about Chinese ready meals

Fuchsia Dunlop

It sounds obvious, but if you make a dish yourself, you can add salt to taste and substitute standard stocks and sauces with lower-salt alternatives. Check labels when buying ready meals, prepared sauces and condiments.

Choose your sauces wisely

Battered pork balls may not be the lowest calorie option, but if you are trying to reduce your salt intake, go for sweet-and-sour or sweet chilli over salty oyster, black bean or hoisin sauces. One leading brand of oyster sauce contains 11.3g of salt per 100g, as opposed to 0.6g for the same brand’s sweet-and-sour variety.

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 Prawn crackers – avoid. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Go for steamed dishes

In general, steamed dishes such as dumplings, vegetables or seafood tend to be lower in salt than deep- or stir-fried foods, although be careful with any accompanying sauces: as above, chilli- or vinegar-based condiments are a better choice than salty soy

Swap noodles for rice

Steamed or boiled rice is healthier for many reasons, not least because noodles tend to be cooked in sauce. Fried rice will also often contain soy sauce or other flavour enhancers, so treat with caution.

Avoid soups and broths

The rich, savoury flavour of chicken-and-sweetcorn or wonton soup comes from deliciously salty ingredients. Start your meal with steamed vegetable dumplings instead – and skip the prawn crackers.

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https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2018/mar/13/how-to-order-a-healthier-chinese-takeaway-swap-noodles-for-rice-and-avoid-the-soup

Oyo Customs records N92.7million seizures

 

 

 

ON MARCH 14, 20188:15 AMIN NEWS0 COMMENTS …Arrests suspect The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service ,NCS, was the beehives of activities yesterday, as the Command displayed massive seizures of rice fully loaded in over eight trucks, used tyres, bales of secondhand clothes among numerous prohibited items intercepted within few weeks of operations. The Command swiftly arrested a suspect in connection with the seizures. During a visit to the Command, it was observed that a large area of the barrack was used for packing different seizures, even as empty vehicles were not left out. Most remarkably is the fact that the Customs Operatives through the supervision of the Customs Area Controller ,CAC, of the Command, Comptroller Odibu Christopher, trailed the smugglers and seized the items without any casualty. Speaking during press conference, the CAC who has demonstrated outstanding performance and resilience within a very short period (about one month) he took over the Command,  attributed the technique through which the items were seized by his men to intelligence. He said, “Customs operations globally require intelligence, which is the approach we are using now.  Nigeria Customs Service at present is intelligence driven, that is why we are able to achieve positive results, as you can see here”. The CAC said, “In keeping to the mandate of the Service, Oyo/Osun Command has re-strategised its operations by utilising intelligence reports gathered by officers and men, which led to the recent seizures.” He explained, “It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant, even as they continue to lose. The Federal Government’s effort in transforming agriculture, especially in the area of rice production should be encouraged by all”. He went on, “Let me sound a note of warning and advice to all unpatriotic Nigerians who engage in smuggling of used cars, foreign rice and other contraband items to desist and look for other legitimate means of businesses. I want to affirm that no matter  the means of conveyance or concealment of prohibited items, our officers  and men are on constant surveillance, as well as monitoring, and will uncover them”. “We are appealing to the media to partner with us in the area of enlightening  our local communities about the dire consequences of smuggling on the nation’s economy”. The seized items include, DAF truck with registration number  MUS 461 XK carrying 450 bags of foreign rice, another DAF truck with registration number EKY 597 XV carrying 450 bags of rice, a  DAF truck with registration number EGB 530 XA, carrying 450 bags of rice, a blue DAF truck with registration number AGL 944 XC carrying 330 bags of rice, a white DAF truck with registration number  AKD 977 XQ seized with 400 bags of rice and a green DAF with registration number SMK 226 XR conveying 450 bags of rice. Others include a yellow DAF with registration number MUS 961XQ carrying 450 bags of smuggled rice,  another truck with registration number LND 805 XG intercepted with 450 bags of smuggled rice, another yellow truck with registration number  EPE 894 XG seized  with 450 bags of foreign imported rice, a red Volvo wagon with registration number  DG 32 MUS conveying 50 gallons of vegetable oil, a Mazda with 30 bags of rice, 51 bales of secondhand clothes, 150 pieces of used tyres and 90 bags of rice, estimated at the Duty Paid Value ,DPV, of N92.7million.”

 

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/oyo-customs-records-n92-7million-seizures/ Oyo Customs records N92.7million seizures ON MARCH 14, 20188:15 AMIN NEWS0 COMMENTS …Arrests suspect The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service ,NCS, was the beehives of activities yesterday, as the Command displayed massive seizures of rice fully loaded in over eight trucks, used tyres, bales of secondhand clothes among numerous prohibited items intercepted within few weeks of operations. The Command swiftly arrested a suspect in connection with the seizures. During a visit to the Command, it was observed that a large area of the barrack was used for packing different seizures, even as empty vehicles were not left out. Most remarkably is the fact that the Customs Operatives through the supervision of the Customs Area Controller ,CAC, of the Command, Comptroller Odibu Christopher, trailed the smugglers and seized the items without any casualty. Speaking during press conference, the CAC who has demonstrated outstanding performance and resilience within a very short period (about one month) he took over the Command,  attributed the technique through which the items were seized by his men to intelligence. He said, “Customs operations globally require intelligence, which is the approach we are using now.  Nigeria Customs Service at present is intelligence driven, that is why we are able to achieve positive results, as you can see here”. The CAC said, “In keeping to the mandate of the Service, Oyo/Osun Command has re-strategised its operations by utilising intelligence reports gathered by officers and men, which led to the recent seizures.” He explained, “It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant, even as they continue to lose. The Federal Government’s effort in transforming agriculture, especially in the area of rice production should be encouraged by all”. He went on, “Let me sound a note of warning and advice to all unpatriotic Nigerians who engage in smuggling of used cars, foreign rice and other contraband items to desist and look for other legitimate means of businesses. I want to affirm that no matter  the means of conveyance or concealment of prohibited items, our officers  and men are on constant surveillance, as well as monitoring, and will uncover them”. “We are appealing to the media to partner with us in the area of enlightening  our local communities about the dire consequences of smuggling on the nation’s economy”. The seized items include, DAF truck with registration number  MUS 461 XK carrying 450 bags of foreign rice, another DAF truck with registration number EKY 597 XV carrying 450 bags of rice, a  DAF truck with registration number EGB 530 XA, carrying 450 bags of rice, a blue DAF truck with registration number AGL 944 XC carrying 330 bags of rice, a white DAF truck with registration number  AKD 977 XQ

seized with 400 bags of rice and a green DAF with registration number SMK 226 XR conveying 450 bags of rice. Others include a yellow DAF with registration number MUS 961XQ carrying 450 bags of smuggled rice,  another truck with registration number LND 805 XG intercepted with 450 bags of smuggled rice, another yellow truck with registration number  EPE 894 XG seized  with 450 bags of foreign imported rice, a red Volvo wagon with registration number  DG 32 MUS conveying 50 gallons of vegetable oil, a Mazda with 30 bags of rice, 51 bales of secondhand clothes, 150 pieces of used tyres and 90 bags of rice, estimated at the Duty Paid Value ,DPV, of N92.7million.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/oyo-customs-records-n92-7million-seizures/ 

 

 

 

 

Impact Of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme On Kebbi Rice Production

Published 1 min ago on March 14, 2018 By Kingsley Opurum The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued to transform agricultural sector in the country. In this piece, KINGSLEY OPURUM X-rays the impact of ABP on rice production in Kebbi State.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in line with its developmental function established the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). The Programme which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 17, 2015 is intended to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in the processing and small holder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities. The programme thrust of the ABP is provision of farm inputs in kind and cash (for farm labour) to small holder farmers to boost production of these commodities, stabilize inputs supply to agro processors.

 N54 billion has been released for rice revolution in the country. Kebbi Rice Revolution During his 2-day working visit to inspect rice farms across Kebbi State, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated that Federal Government’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme has led to revolution in rice production in the country. He noted that the benefits accrued to rice farmers in the provision of improved seedlings, farm inputs and extension services have led to the increase of yield per hectare from 2.5 to between 10 and 11 metric tonnes.

Mohammed said, “The difference between then and now is the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme because with the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the average farmer today is assisted in terms of input, agronomic practices and seedling. “So, this system has now taken the burden off the farmer and given him what he normally would have gone out to buy or procure. But the important thing is that from 2.5 metric tonnes to 10 to 11 metric tonnes within the same space, I think is a new revolution.

Also, the minister of information noted that the history of rice revolution in Nigeria is not complete without Kebbi state. “We are here to tell Nigerians what Kebbi government is doing in agricultural sector, history of rice revolution in Nigeria is not complete without Kebbi,” he said. Kebbi Rice production Capacity As the highest rice producing state in the country, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Garba Muhammed Gandiga has disclosed that the State has attained self-sufficiency in the production of rice. He said that Kebbi State is targeting about 2.5 million metric tonnes of rice this year as against 1 million tonnes produced in the previous year.

“I can say that we are now self-sufficiency in rice production. But we still aspire more because we want a situation, where Kebbi State can provide Nigeria 50% of its rice requirement,” he said. Gandiga said that 16 Local Governments are in massive rice production in the State, which is why Kebbi State has succeeded in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production, adding that the State is targeting about 2.5 million metric tons of rice this year as against 1 million tons produced in the previous year. He noted that the State always opts for production of paddy during the Dry season. Also, the Commissioner observed that Dry season is more favourable to rice farmers in Kebbi vis-à-vis rainy season, which paralyses farming activities as a result of heavy flooding in the State.

Also, about three rice mills were visited during the inspection. They are Kamba Rice Mill in Dandi Local Government, Labana Rice Mills and Wacot Rice Mill.  Kamba Rice Mill produces 735 metric tonnes per annum. Labana Rice Mill production capacity is 250,000 yearly. Whereas, Watcot Rice Mill in Argungu is aimed at producing 500,000 metric tonnes per annum but its current production capacity is 120,000 metric tonnes per annum. Wealth Creation Given the rich harvest recorded by rice farmers in Kebbi State between last year and now, many of them are smiling to the banks as millionaires. It was learnt that Kebbi farmers have continued to witness an influx of buyers from different parts of the country and neighbouring countries like Niger and Benin.

Millers and traders from Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Lagos, Maiduguri, Niger and Adamawa, have been coming with trucks and trailers to buy rice from the farmers. This development has enriched a lot of farmers. Recall that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele had, during the pre-commissioning of the N10 billion WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, said that over 88,000 farmers had become millionaires in Kebbi through the Anchor Borrowers Dry Season Rice Farming programme of the bank. He added that because Kebbi was the largest rice producing state in the country, farmers would continue to make money, especially with the introduction of rice mills such as LABANA and WACOT. Also, the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, while addressing journalists who accompanied the Information Minister to the State, said that No fewer than 200,000 farmers now grow rice on over 400,000 hectares of land in the State. Bagudu said, “It is heart-warming for us to know that we are able to create wealth for rice farmers and that as a result of the production of rice in Kebbi, Nigeria has been able to reduce its importation of rice by over 90 per cent. This is good news and it shows that a lot of people in not just Kebbi State are now producing rice and very soon, we will start exporting the commodity. “In Kebbi, there are farmers who are under the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers programme. We also have those who work for private companies.

 A large number of farmers numbering about 200,000 are into rice production in our state and they now cultivate on not less than 400,000 hectares of land across the state.” Decline In Rice Importation It goes without saying that the importation of foreign rice into the country has significantly reduced under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration with the help of the ABP and the zeal of Kebbi farmers to key into the scheme. Mohammed said, “Two years ago, Nigeria used to import 644,000 metric tonnes of rice from Thailand. Today, we import less than 20,000 metric tonnes. But I think the most important thing for us in Nigeria is to see that officially we have been able to eliminate over 90% of rice importation into Nigeria. “As we speak today, Thailand rice growers are making passionate appeal to the Federal Government. What they are doing now is that they want to set up rice mills in Nigeria, which means we have won.” Governor Bagudu also said that the country has been able to reduce its importation of rice by over 90 per cent, adding that in no time, Nigeria will start exporting rice to other countries. Call For More Funding Governor Bagudu has called for greater investment in agriculture, stating that N54 billion was the total amount made available for the rice revolution programme by the CBN, while about N4tn was used by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to save the banking sector some years back.

 “So for the fact that N54 billion was used for rice revolution and we have this kind of impact, you will agree with me that it is something commendable. It therefore means that we need massive investment in agriculture and greater lending should be channelled to this sector,” he said. The governor added, “Countries that achieved food sufficiency spent decades supporting agriculture and subsidising inputs for farmers, among other forms of support. So, it is important we look for better ways to support this sector for the greater good of all.

” Also, the former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo advised in Ibadan last year that the only way to eradicate poverty in Nigeria was to take agricultural business serious as well as encouraging Nigerians to go into agricultural business if they must bid farewell to hunger. Obasanjo gave the advice at the launching of Agro-Impact Projects Empowerment Programme, an initiative of the University of Ibadan Women Society (UIWS). He noted that Nigeria’s social economic problems began with the unwillingness of many Nigerians to engage in agricultural business, observing that nobody wanted to be identified as a farmer. The former President who insisted that agriculture remained the solution to the country’s myriad problems suggested that farming should be glamorized by changing the nomenclature to agricultural business, saying “calling someone a farmer somewhat sounds derogatory, but when you address him as Agric Business entrepreneur, he is happy and more people will be willing to be so identified”.

According to him, “our youth don’t want to do farming. They want to be governor and President, whereas farmers are kings because once hunger is removed from the plethora of problems you have, the problems are halved. Therefore let us do everything possible to take agriculture seriously. “I am happy with the launching of this initiative because when you see women in the university pioneering this kind of initiative, then, I can see that we have embarked on a social economic recovery path”, the former President remarked, promising to collaborate with the UIWS for the sustainability of the project”.

https://leadership.ng/2018/03/14/impact-of-anchor-borrowers-programme-on-kebbi-rice-production/

 

Oyo/Osun Customs Command intercepts N92.77m goods

The Area Comptroller, Christopher Odibu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Ibadan, said the seizures were made through the utilisation of the intelligence reports by its office

·       Published: 13.03.2018

·       Pulse News Agency Local by NAN

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The Nigeria Custom Service has made great leaps in 2017.

 (The Guardian)

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The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) on Tuesday said it intercepted contraband goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N92.77 million in February.

The Area Comptroller, Christopher Odibu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Ibadan, said the seizures were made through the utilisation of the intelligence reports by its officers.

Odibu said that 4,000 bags of 50kg  foreign parboiled rice with  duty paid value of N48,596,321 and nine trucks and two used cars with duty paid value of N34,782,792 were seized during the period under review.Other items seized include 150 pieces of used tyres with DPV of N1,298,345.53, 51 bales of second hand clothes with DPV of N7,043,205 and 50 kegs (25litres) of vegetable oil worth N1,057,375.

He said that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized goods was N92, 778, 048.

Odibu  said some of the seizure were made along Opara/Bodo Musa axis of Iwajowa Local Government Area of the state while one suspect was arrested.

“Let me sound a note of warning and advice to all unpatriotic Nigerians, who engage  in smuggling of   rice and other contraband goods, to desist.

“It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.

“The Federal Government’s  efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production,  should be encouraged while importation of rice should be discouraged by all,” he said.

Odibu, however, called for collaboration between the command and the media,  especially in the area of enlightenment of local communities on the consequences of smuggling activities on the nation’s economy.

http://www.pulse.ng/news/local/oyo-osun-customs-command-intercepts-n92-77m-goods-id8109506.html

 

Buhari To Inaugurate National Food Security Council

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will soon inaugurate a National Food Security Council aimed at achieving the nation’s quest for food security, and to ensure efficiency in the agricultural sector of the economy.He said members of the council will include governors, ministers, security agencies and key stakeholders across the entire agricultural segments of farming, fisheries and livestock management.

The President, who made this known when he met with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors, including the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefile and Governors of Jigawa and Kebbi, Abubakar Badaru and Atiku Bagudu respectively, said he would chair the Council.

“Our experiences today of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrates that our quest for food security has a direct link to our national security objectives.“The Food Security Council will ensure alignment and bring efficiencies.“I want to assure all Nigerians that this administration is committed to Nigeria feeding itself. And from what I have heard today this can happen in not too distant future,’’ he said.

On rice production, President Buhari disclosed that he took deliberate steps to shore up rice production in the country, surpassing what his predecessor could not achieve in seven straight years.He revealed that his administration inherited 12 rice mills as at 2015, adding that between 2016 and 2018, eight new rice mills came on stream, an equivalent of four new mills per annum.He regretted that Nigerians abandoned agriculture for oil despite economic potentials inherent in it.The President, however, noted that since the inception of his administration the tide had changed for the better.“Indeed, Nigeria’s backbone was built by the farmers. Somehow, we as a society abandoned the agriculture sector of our economy. “Agriculture became an afterthought and we forced our farmers into poverty.

“Thankfully, Nigerians have now woken up to the fact that it is an embarrassment for us, as a nation, to import most of what we eat, given the great natural gifts of our country.

“We have the fertile land, we have water and the manpower to feed ourselves. Therefore, we have no reason to import essential foodstuffs.

“When we came in 2015, there were 13 rice mills in Nigeria. Twelve of these were built between 2009 and 2015. This was an average of two mills per annum. But my team and I felt more could be done.

“And we put in place measures and policies to unlock the potential of this sector and thus, increase the rate of investments,’’ he said.

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, who led the rice stakeholders to the Villa, told State House reporters that “Nigeria currently produces about 17 million metric tons of paddy rice per annum, up from 5.7 million metric tons in 2015.’’

He, however, frowned at the activities of smugglers whom he said had been flooding the country with foreign rice, thereby compromising efforts of government in rice production.

Bagudu described the inaction of those countries allowing smuggled rice into the country as undertaking economic warfare on Nigeria.

He said: “Yesterday (Monday), the Economic Management Team discussed the issue of smuggling and today it was an important feature at this meeting too.

“It has been recognized, everyone who knows Mr President’s commitment to the Nigerian economy will appreciate his annoyance with smuggling and smugglers.

“But it is a collective responsibility and so we want all Nigerians to participate in stopping this menace of importing this commodity, rice.

“The narrative out there is wrong, other countries are undertaking economic warfare on us, there is no nation in the world that can produce and sell to Nigeria freshly grown rice equivalent to what is produced in Nigeria at the prices that Nigeria farmers are selling.

“So, most of the prices of smuggled rice are discounted prices that reflect the age of that rice and in some cases, as identified by NAFDAC, not fit for human consumption.”

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2018/03/13/buhari-to-inaugurate-national-food-security-council/

Global Calrose Rice Market 2018 – California Family Foods, American Commodity Company, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative

By

 Nicole

 March 13, 2018 

14

 Calrose Rice

Latest industry research report on Global Calrose Rice Market 2018 provides a unique tool for evaluating the market, highlighting opportunities, and supporting strategic and tactical decision-making.Global Calrose Rice Marketing research Report 2018 offered by Market Research Store contains a market summary of the trade that talks regarding market size, product scope, market revenue, growth opportunities, sales volumes and figures, growth estimation in returning years, current trade leaders and their sales/revenue metrics.This report recognizes that in this rapidly-evolving and competitive environment, up-to-date marketing information is essential to monitor performance and make critical decisions for growth and profitability. It provides information on trends and developments, and focuses on markets and materials, capacities and technologies, and on the changing structure of the Calrose Rice industry.

For Market chain analysis, the report covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, Market development trend and proposals, which more specifically include valuable information on Calrose Rice key applications and consumption, key regions and consumption, key Global distributors , major raw materials suppliers and contact information, major manufacturing equipment suppliers and contact information, major suppliers and contact Information, key consumers and contact information, and supply chain relationship analysis.

Income (US$) and volume of the production are the 2 chief units on which the global market size is calculated by the experts in this report. Profound analysis of main fragments of the market as well as the geological division all over the world is also carried out. Multiple properties of the global market such as growth drivers, limitations, and the upcoming aspects of every section have been communicated profoundly. On the basis of these characteristics, the Global Calrose Rice Market report decides the standing future of the market all over the world.

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Global Calrose Rice Sales (K Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market by Top Manufacturers 2018-2025 are:

·       California Family Foods

·       American Commodity Company

·       Farmers’ Rice Cooperative

·       Pacific International Rice Mills

·       Doguet’s Rice Milling Company

·       Far West Rice

·       Hinode Rice

·       Sun Valley Rice

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The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key vendors.

Calrose Rice Market features following key elements: 

·       A finish foundation investigation of Calrose Rice Systems exchange, which has an evaluation of the parental market.

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http://yourniskayuna24.com/global-calrose-rice-market-2018/

 

Kerala: Millers reject ‘poor’ paddy

DECCAN CHRONICLE. | ABHISH K BOSE

PublishedMar 14, 2018, 1:22 am IST

UpdatedMar 14, 2018, 1:22 am IST

Farmers in penury as Supplyco fails to pay arrears.

 Paddy is being harvested at a field Kallara in upper Kuttanad near Neendoor in Kottayam. (Photo: Rajeev Prasad)

KOTTAYAM: The paddy farmers of  Upper Kuttanad are in trouble as the rice mills have not been procuring paddy rice from them citing poor quality of the grain.  Over 40 tonnes of paddy rice is lying accumulated in various places, including Kumarakom and  Vechur panchayats in  Vaikom and Pulinkunnu, Thakazhy, Kavalam, Edat-hua and Punnapra  in Alappuzha district. The Supplyco which procures the rice from 29 mills in Alappuzha district and 18 in Kottayam   has to pay arrears of Rs 18 crore and Rs 12 lakh respectively to the farmers in the two districts, said Mr P.R. Salim Kumar, president of Kerala paddy farmers association.

The mill owners have said that the paddy rice  lacks quality and hence have demanded excess quantity for procuring it.    Principal agricultural officer S. Jayalalitha told this newspaper that procurement has not been taking place due to the  dispute. “The mill owners insist that 1,000 paddy grain should have a  weight of 26 grams.   Otherwise, they want more grain  to compensate for the weight loss,” she said. The paddy rice does not have sufficient weight due to the  increasing acidity content in the soil, she added.  The quality is also affected by the absence of water in the paddy fields, Mr Salim Kumar added.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/140318/kerala-millers-reject-poor-paddy.html

President to inaugurate National Food Security Council

The President made this known when he met with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors.

·       Published: 13.03.2018

·       Pulse News Agency Local by NAN

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President Buhari

 (State House)

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President Muhammadu Buhari says he will soon inaugurate a National Food Security Council aimed at achieving the nation’s quest for food security, and to ensure efficiency in the agricultural sector of the economy.

He said members of the council will include governors, ministers, security agencies and key stakeholders across the entire agricultural segments of farming, fisheries and livestock management.

The President, who made this known when he met with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors, including the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefile and Governors of Jigawa and Kebbi, Abubakar Badaru and Atiku Bagudu respectively, said he would chair the Council.

“Our experiences today of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrates that our quest for food security has a direct link to our national security objectives.

“The Food Security Council will ensure alignment and bring efficiencies.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that this administration is committed to Nigeria feeding itself. And from what I have heard today this can happen in not too distant future,’’ he said.

On rice production, President Buhari disclosed that he took deliberate steps to shore up rice production in the country, surpassing what his predecessor could not achieve in seven straight years.

He revealed that his administration inherited 12 rice mills as at 2015, adding that between 2016 and 2018, eight new rice mills came on stream, an equivalent of four new mills per annum.

He regretted that Nigerians abandoned agriculture for oil despite economic potentials inherent in it.

The President, however, noted that since the inception of his administration the tide had changed for the better.

“Indeed, Nigeria’s backbone was built by the farmers. Somehow, we as a society abandoned the agriculture sector of our economy.

“Agriculture became an afterthought and we forced our farmers into poverty.

“Thankfully, Nigerians have now woken up to the fact that it is an embarrassment for us, as a nation, to import most of what we eat, given the great natural gifts of our country.

“We have the fertile land, we have water and the manpower to feed ourselves. Therefore, we have no reason to import essential foodstuffs.

“When we came in 2015, there were 13 rice mills in Nigeria. Twelve of these were built between 2009 and 2015. This was an average of two mills per annum. But my team and I felt more could be done.

“And we put in place measures and policies to unlock the potential of this sector and thus, increase the rate of investments,’’ he said.

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, who led the rice stakeholders to the Villa, told State House reporters that “Nigeria currently produces about 17 million metric tons of paddy rice per annum, up from 5.7 million metric tons in 2015.’’

He, however, frowned at the activities of smugglers whom he said had been flooding the country with foreign rice, thereby compromising efforts of government in rice production.

Bagudu described the inaction of those countries allowing smuggled rice into the country as undertaking economic warfare on Nigeria.

ALSO READ: Bakare calls Buhari insensitive for attending Kano wedding

He said: “Yesterday (Monday), the Economic Management Team discussed the issue of smuggling and today it was an important feature at this meeting too.

“It has been recognized, everyone who knows Mr President’s commitment to the Nigerian economy will appreciate his annoyance with smuggling and smugglers.

“But it is a collective responsibility and so we want all Nigerians to participate in stopping this menace of importing this commodity, rice.

“The narrative out there is wrong, other countries are undertaking economic warfare on us, there is no nation in the world that can produce and sell to Nigeria freshly grown rice equivalent to what is produced in Nigeria at the prices that Nigeria farmers are selling.

“So, most of the prices of smuggled rice are discounted prices that reflect the age of that rice and in some cases, as identified by NAFDAC, not fit for human consumption.”

http://www.pulse.ng/news/local/buhari-to-inaugurate-national-food-security-council-id8110702.html

 

Speech of President Buhari at Stake Holders in the Rice Value Chain

^{Buhari, Domestic, Economy, News}

^{March 14, 2018}

PROTOCOLS:

I am very pleased to receive you today. Firstly, let me congratulate the farmers, the processors and the rice dealers for all the successes you have achieved to date.Specifically, I want to thank you for believing in this Administration and our commitment to economic diversification and inclusive growth.Your investments of over Three Hundred Billion Naira are located in some of the most remote, and indeed, most forgotten parts of the country. And a significant percentage of these investments were made during the recession. This shows you have great confidence in our policies and programs.

Our vision, as a Government, has always been to promote and support programs that will bring investments to these rural areas.

Not too long ago, our nation was predominantly driven by the rural economy. Indeed, Nigeria’s backbone was built by the farmers.

Somehow, we as a society abandoned the Agriculture sector of our economy. Agriculture became an afterthought and we forced our farmers into poverty.

Thankfully, Nigerians have now woken up to the fact that it is an embarrassment for us, as a nation, to import most of what we eat, given the great natural gifts of our country.

We have the fertile land, we have water and the manpower to feed ourselves. Therefore, we have no reason to import essential foodstuffs.

When we came in 2015, there were thirteen rice mills in Nigeria. Twelve of these were built between 2009 and 2015. This was an average of two mills per annum.

But my team and I felt more could be done. And we put in place measures and policies to unlock the potential of this sector and thus, increase the rate of investments.

You will all recall that in November 2015, I was in Birnin Kebbi to launch the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers program and also kick off the dry season rice farming. Since then, the Vice President and I have commissioned a record number of agricultural projects and programs. From rice, to wheat, to cashew, to animal feed, to fertiliser, to drinks processing and many more.

And very soon, I will also be commissioning a sugar estate. These projects are all over the country and worth billions of Naira. Clearly, our policies are working.

From your presentation today, you have shown that between 2016 and 2018, eight new rice mills have come on stream. This is equivalent to four new mills per annum. Our paddy production and productivity has also doubled compared to 2014 levels.

This achievement just confirms what we all know. That when Nigerians are committed to execute a task, it gets done.

I am particularly proud of how the narrative has changed. Agriculture is now seen as a financially viable sector. Many Nigerians, especially the youth, are choosing agriculture, as a profession.

We have former Governors, Ministers, legislators and major entrepreneurs moving into agriculture. Not as a hobby. But as a viable business that will generate income.

So when we have the youth, the enabling environment and the entrepreneurs, all coming together with the same vision, Nigeria certainly cannot lose.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today between the farmers, millers and rice dealers is the natural next step.

The coming together of these three stakeholders is a major step forward. Specially, I want to recognise the wholesalers and distributors who today, by agreeing to promote Nigerian products over imports, have demonstrated a welcome patriotism.

Your commitment has guaranteed that the 11 million Nigerian farmers will remain employed. And I want to assure all of you that this Government will not let you down. We will also do our bit to ensure you are able to sell quality Nigerian rice at an affordable price.

We are committed to providing quality inputs at affordable prices. Some weeks ago, I met with the Fertiliser Producers Association, during which I urged the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Commercial Banks to support agro dealers with affordable funding that will enable them to provide quality inputs to the farmers at affordable prices, hoping to continue lowering the farmer’s production costs.

This Administration has been providing enabling environment, which led to the successes achieved to date. We shall continue to fight the smugglers at the borders and in the markets. We will also continue to invest in infrastructure to further lower the cost of operations.

Therefore, I want you to meet with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Finance and the CBN Governor to discuss your proposal further. I am confident we can work together to develop an implementable program that will bring down the price of Nigerian rice to the consumers.

I am impressed by the tremendous, but understated contributions of the small scale millers. These entrepreneurs must be supported. I am hereby directing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to engage with the State Governments, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Agriculture to develop a support mechanism for these small scale millers.

I want to thank the Governor of Kebbi State for his unwavering commitment to the rice value chain and indeed, Agriculture as a whole. He has become a true ambassador for rural economic development.

I also must congratulate the CBN Governor for successfully managing the Anchor Borrowers Program. Your collaboration and commitment with other Agencies for the development of agriculture is a clear example of the alignment between the fiscal and monetary policies.

We must acknowledge the tremendous work done by the Nigerian Governors, as well as members of the National and State legislatures in pushing agriculture. I want to encourage you all to continue to push this agenda. This will be our legacy for generations to come.

I will be inaugurating a National Food Security Council that I will personally Chair. The council will include Governors, Ministers, Security Agencies and key stakeholders across the entire agricultural segments of farming, fisheries and livestock management.

Our experiences today of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrates that our quest for food security has a direct link to our national security objectives. The Food Security Council will ensure alignment and bring efficiencies.

I want to assure all Nigerians that this Administration is committed to Nigeria feeding itself. And from what I have heard today, this can happen in not too distant future.

As I look forward to receiving your joint proposal, I wish all Nigerian farmers, a very successful 2018 wet season.

http://www.nta.ng/news/20180314-speech-of-president-buhari-at-stake-holders-in-the-rice-value-chain/

RiceBran Technologies to Host 2017 Year End Financial Results Conference Call on March 15, 2018 at 4:30 PM EDT

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

RiceBran Technologies 

Mar 12, 2018, 09:00 ET

---

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ: RIBT and NASDAQ: RIBTW) (the "Company" or "RBT"), a global leader in the production and marketing of value added products derived from rice bran, today announced that Dr. Robert Smith, CEO & President of RBT, will host a conference call on Thursday, March 15th at 4:30 p.m. EDTto discuss the Company's financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2017.

Also joining Dr. Smith on the call from management will be, Brent Rystrom - COO & CFO, and Michael Goose- President of Ingredients Sales.

The call information is as follows:

• Date: March 15, 2018 
• Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time 
• Direct Dial-in number for US/Canada: (201)493-6780 
• Toll Free Dial-in number for US/Canada: ( 877)407-3982 
• Dial-In number for international callers: (201)493-6780 
• Participants will ask for the RiceBran Technologies 2017 Year End Financial Results Call 

This call is being webcast by ViaVid and can be accessed at http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=128749.

The call will also be available for replay by accessing http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=128749.

About RiceBran Technologies 

RiceBran Technologies is a specialty ingredient company servicing the food, animal nutrition and specialty ingredient products markets. We utilize our proprietary and patented intellectual property to convert rice bran, one of the world's most underutilized food sources, into a number of highly nutritious and clean label ingredient products. The global target markets for our products include food and animal nutrition manufacturers and retailers, as well as specialty food, functional food and nutritional supplement manufacturers and retailers. More information can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC and by visiting our website at http://www.ricebrantech.com.

Investor Contact:
Ascendant Partners, LLC
Richard Galterio
+1-(732)410-9810
rich@ascendantpartnersllc.com

SOURCE RiceBran Technologies

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ricebran-technologies-to-host-2017-year-end-financial-results-conference-call-on-march-15-2018-at-430-pm-edt-676539433.html

 

Ensure bank guarantees from millers, officials told

THE HANS INDIA |    Mar 14,2018 , 04:41 AM IST

      

---

Imtiaz Ahmed

Nellore: Joint Collector Imtiaz Ahmed directed the Tahsildars on Tuesday to bring bank guarantees from the millers by Wednesday. He said 10,000 MT of paddy reached the PPCs worth Rs 16 crore and assured the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers.

He reviewed with the officials of Civil Supplies department and owners of rice mills on Tuesday and said so far payments of Rs 2 crore have been made to farmers regarding purchase of paddy.

Joint Collector said this year yielding is very good and they would take measures to implement the MSP strictly. He asked the rice millers to provide bank guarantees and said millers from Guntur also came to purchase paddy and they had accepted a bank guarantee of Rs 20 crore.

He informed that fine quality of Jilakara Masoori in the district will be converted as boiled rice and hence the millers are preferring MSP under general variety rather than Grade-A. He said Grade-A variety would be paid Rs 13,515 and normal variety at Rs 13,175 per Putti.

The Joint Collector also said they are ready purchase paddy from all centres where they had made arrangements. Civil Supplies Officer Ramana asked the staff members to be vigilant at the PPCs across the district as they had handed over the list of centres to the Collector and other officials, who will inspect at any point of time.

Joint Director of Agriculture Chandra Naik, Assistant Director of Marketing Upendra, district manager of civil supplies Krishna Reddy, owners of rice mills and other officials were present. 

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-14/Ensure-bank-guarantees-from-millers-officials-told/366019

 

Smart Rice Cooker Market: Global Growth by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

March 12, 2018 - by Akshay J

The Smart Rice Cooker Market research report offers a comprehensive assessment of the Smart Rice Cooker and consists of Historical data, Scope and Significant approaches of the global market. In addition to these, it also includes anticipated facts that are assessed with the aid of an appropriate set of postulations and techniques. The Smart Rice Cooker Market report evaluates the Range factors of the Smart Rice Cooker industry, such as definition, demands, share, analysis, supply, sales, size, specification, forecast trends, production, classification, industry policy, news, and application. The Smart Rice Cooker Market Report will offer you a key manufacturer of the products, applications and others. Report on the Smart Rice Cooker Market 2017 gives the complete description of the market across the globe.

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Finally, the complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Smart Rice Cooker industry is provided in the report. The report provides comprehensive information on each and every segment covered of the Smart Rice Cooker market. Smart Rice Cooker Market report is the believable source for gaining the market research that will exponentially accelerate your business.

https://factsweek.com/269320/smart-rice-cooker-market-global-growth-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022/

 

American-Made Sushi Gets Great Reviews in Japan   

 

By Jim Guinn TOKYO, JAPAN -- At FOODEX Japan here last week, USA Rice hosted a taste-testing demonstration featuring a new style of sushi called Inari where the rice is wrapped in fried bean curd.  The Inari sushi was made with U.S. medium grain rice, flavored and colored with purple yam, vinegar, and beets. More than 370 people visited the USA Agricultural Trade Office booth for a taste test and when asked for feedback on the new style sushi, more than 75 percent of those who responded said the Inari was good and presented many potential use opportunities for U.S. medium grain. After garnering positive results at the FOODEX taste test, USA Rice plans to get input on additional sushi menu ideas from recipe consultants and sushi chefs, and promote those new recipes at FABEX, another major trade exhibition here in mid-April targeting the foodservice industry. "Up to now we had promoted U.S. medium grain in salads, soups, risotto, and other non-traditional uses of rice," said Sarah Moran, USA Rice vice president international.   "However, due to a recent Japanese government policy incentivizing the production of rice for feed use, there is a shortage of reasonably priced local rice available to the foodservice industry.  The fact that U.S. medium grain is highly prized among Japanese consumers, coupled with research by the Japan Cooked Rice Association saying U.S. medium grain rice is perfectly acceptable in the production of sushi, gives us the green light to promote U.S. rice in that cuisine." Last year was the first time in several years the entire 100,000 MT of Simultaneous-Buy-Sell (SBS) quota of rice was purchased.  Due to the strong demand for high quality imported rice, the U.S. sold 58,782 MT for a 59 percent market share and that demand has continued into 2018.

Global Basmati Rice Market 2018 Tempting Investment Scheme positioning of key manufacturers to 2025

The licensed report on Global Basmati Rice Market is represent the professional and comprehensive research of industry. The aforesaid research study includes comprehensive analysis of various Basmati Rice industry portion based on the type of applications, type of product Components and services, and different geographical regions. The research study offers superlative knowledge of the global Basmati Rice market structure, accounts and outlines its variable aspects & applications.

The report, aims to focus on the present as well as upcoming featured aspects of the Basmati Rice industry. That arranged by an intensely accomplished team of analysts and data experts, carries a formation of tables and graphs besides qualitative analyses. The study document titled Global Basmati Rice Market gives helpful observations into the general trends as well as the points that actuate this World-wide market. This industry examine completely covers the notable highlights of the Global Basmati Rice market regarding the industry structure and even landscape designs , the difficulties , desire ideas , along with projected current market effectiveness.

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The Basmati Rice market research report mainly focuses on Basmati Rice industry in worldwide market. The research report examines the market for Basmati Rice in the world through region wise assessment of the market players, the production capacity and market share, price and gross margin, supply (production), consumption, Import and export The main regions that are responsible for the development of Basmati Rice market mainly cover Basmati Rice market in Region: United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, India

Gadget such as market positioning of Basmati Rice key players and tempting investment scheme provide the readers with perception on the competitive scenario of the worldwide Basmati Rice market. The report focuses on global major leading market players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. What’s more, the Basmati Rice market development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.

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The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Basmati Rice Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment. Furthermore, it contains diverse profiles of key market players.

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All aspects of the Basmati Rice industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the Global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Taximeters market are also discussed in the report.

Major Table Of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Analysis
4. Basmati Rice Market Analysis By Product Type
5. Basmati Rice Market Analysis By End User
6. Basmati Rice Market Analysis By Geography
7. Competitive Landscape Of The Basmati Rice Companies
8. Company Profiles Of The Basmati Rice Industry

Invantresearch.com is the most comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We provide the current industry scenario, technical data, manufacturing plants, qualitative and quantitive analysis, also regional study, development trends and investment feasibility analysis of the competitors through our exclusive syndicated research.

http://www.communiqueasia.com/2018/03/11/global-basmati-rice-market-2018-2025/

Global Rice Sales market to grow as Global Rice Sales heats up

 

Vivian Briscoe — March 12, 2018                                                                 

Questale released a detailed assessment of trends in Global Rice Sales market. The research report includes diverse topics like total market size, key market drivers, challenges, growth opportunities, key players etc. We have also covered key market updates, the impact of regulations and technological updates in ,, . New startups entering the space of Global Rice Sales need to carefully pick their niches and genres so that they can compete on an equal footing with global companies who have an end to end development studios, production capabilities and global skills and experience backing them.

The research will provide a forecast for Global Rice Sales market till 2022. The report is vital for anyone involved in the Global Rice Sales industry. The study gives a very comprehensive outlook of the entire ,, markets.

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/global-rice-sales-market-report-2018/273711

A well-thought community management and growth marketing plan for Global Rice Sales , working with right publishers to craft a go-to-market strategy for competitive genres, and tactful use of digital marketing is the need of the hour for companies aiming to capture the mindshare of their audience post-launch.

That’s not all; you will even get to look at customized market segments according to geographical regions, country or even different combinations of manufacturers or players in the market. Talk to us to get a customized report segmented according to the data that you need.

Global Rice Sales will grow by 20-45% per year

While it is usually 20-45% per cent or more in developed economies, this Global Rice Sales category will continue to rise at a significantly higher rate than overall ,, Global Rice Sales growth in the coming years, the report added.

You will get details about the production of Global Rice Sales materials in a million USD, along with their consumption and revenue figures. Also get details about the growth rate of composite materials in the ,, and the market share of different segments thereof.

The report covers some major players in the industry including Asia Golden Rice, Capital Rice Group, Thanasan Group.

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at : https://questale.com/report/global-rice-sales-market-report-2018/273711

The report contains company profiling along with Global Rice Sales market share, sales figures, product specifications and pictures of the products offered by top companies. It also includes the contact information of all local, regional and international vendors for the composite materials market in the ,,.

With growing competition in the market, both local and regional competitors have come head to head with each other. They are engaging in M&A activities and technological innovation to gain an edge over their competition for finding the largest share of end-users.

New vendors in the market are facing tough competition from established international vendors as they struggle with technological innovations, reliability and quality issues. The report will answer questions about the current market developments and the scope of competition, opportunity cost and more.

Key questions answered in Global Rice Sales market research report:

The report answers several questions about the composite materials market. These questions include:

·       What will be the market size of composite materials market in 2022?

·       What will be the composite materials growth rate in 2022?

·       Which key factors drive the composite materials market in the EMEA?

·       Who are the key market players for composite materials in the EMEA?

·       Which strategies are used by top players in the composite materials market?

·       What are the key market trends in composite materials in the EMEA>

·       Which trends and challenges will influence the growth or composite materials market?

·       Which barriers do the composite materials markets face?

·       What are the market opportunities for vendors in the EMEA and what are the threats faced by them?

·       What are the most important outcomes of the five forces analysis of the composite materials market in the EMEA?

The report also contains new project investment feasibility analysis for users. 
Thank you for reading the report. You can find the more detailed report here or request us for customization by contacting us.

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http://nbpostgazette.com/2018/03/12/global-rice-sales-market-to-grow-as-global-rice-sales-heats-up/

 

Three new varieties of rice to boost Bengal's paddy production

  Team MP |  11 March 2018 11:53 PM

Kolkata: Scientists of the state Agriculture department have discovered three new varieties of rice, which will ensure further increase in paddy production in Bengal. The scientists of the department, who are posted in its different research institutes, had been working for a period of time on it. The three new varieties of rice that the people of Bengal are going to get soon in the market are Bhupesh, Rajdip and Dhruba. The production of these varieties has already been started in some places, following necessary tests by the department's scientists. Asish Banerjee, the state Agriculture minister, said: "All the three varieties of rice will ensure further increase in paddy production in the state.

" The state Agriculture department has chalked out an elaborate plan to ensure that all the three varieties are produced in the entire state. The varieties of aromatic flavor will further increase demand of rice from Bengal. This comes at the time when the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has written to the state Food and Supplies department to supply rice for distribution in three states –   Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Jharkhand. According to experts, the demand was made as Bengal is the highest producer of rice in the country and several varieties of rice are cultivated here.

 

Moreover, production has increased in the past few years, with several steps being taken by the Mamata Banerjee government. Besides organising training programmes for farmers, tools required for agriculture were also distributed among them. The new varieties of rice will be cultivated across the state and the production will increase manifold, which will be beneficial for the farmers. At the same time, a new variety of jute has also been discovered by scientists of the state Agriculture department. The name of the new variety of jute is ARO 4 and cultivating this variety of the crop will help farmers make some profit as its production is comparatively lesser. It may be recalled that the state Agriculture department has also taken a major step to utilise its land, which remained unused for the most part of a year and sought suggestions of scientists who are working in the field of agriculture

 

http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/three-new-varieties-of-rice-to-boost-bengals-paddy-production-289031

handigarh

Rakhra gets IARI research centre

Mar 12, 2018, 2:26 AM; last updated: Mar 12, 2018, 2:26 AM (IST)

 

Dignitaries during the inauguration of the IARI Rakhra Collaboration Outstation Research Centre at Rakhra in Patiala. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar

Tribune News Service

Rakhra (Patiala), March 11

The Rakhra Kisan Mela, organised by the Punjab Young Farmers Association, was inaugurated by Dr AK Singh, Director, ICAR, and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, here on Saturday. He laid emphasis on adoption of technologies developed by IARI.

The theme of the mela was ‘Enhancing the income of farmers’. Thousands of farmers from across the state and neighbouring Rajasthan and Haryana thronged the fair. Farmers started standing in queues to obtain foundation seeds of PUSA varieties of paddy since morning. They were eager to obtain the seeds of the newly released PUSA Basmati 1728 and PUSA Basmati 1637 varieties. The new varieties are substitutes for the PUSA Basmati–1 and PUSA Basmati 1401 varieties. The new varieties have been made from the diseases of blast  and bacterial blight, respectively, by increasing their yield potential. There was a great enthusiasm among farmers for planning varieties since they received a favourable price for their basmati produce this year.

The renowned breeder of Basmati varieties, Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, who heads the division of genetics of IARI, explained to farmers the characteristic of various varieties of basmati.

He said PUSA Basmati 1401 variety of rice has been rated above all from the quality point of view. Rice of Pusa Basmati 1121, which is internationally acclaimed, is being exported to Gulf countries and other nations on a large scale.

He said soon the farmers would get the seed of PUSA Basmati 1718, a bacterial blight resistant rice variety in the genetic background PUSA Basmati 1121. He said 90 per cent area in the GI zone of basmati was grown with PUSA varieties and IARI was known for research in basmati.

Dr Trichona Mohapatra, director-general of ICAR, and secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, GoI, inaugurated the IARI Rakhra Collaboration Outstation Research Centre on the YFA campus here. This is the first centre of IARI set up in Punjab. Farmers will now be able to acquaint  themselves with the IARI technologies and PUSA seeds at the Rakhra centre. The testing of various varieties of crops, particularly of rice and wheat, to suit Punjab soil and environment will also be done here.

He said this centre would be instrumental in introducing the ICAR-IARI developed research and technologies to the farmers. The establishment of the centre would facilitate farmers to 

interact with ICAR-IARI scientists.

Dr Pushpinder Singh Aulakh, Director, Horticulture, Punjab, said the department had opened a centre of excellence at Kartarpur and Doraha for supplying seedlings and plants of various vegetables, fruits and flowers to the farmers.

He said there was a scope for switching to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, reducing the area under paddy cultivation which was resulting in the depletion of underground water and causing pollution. Dr Swaran Singh Mann told the farmers about various schemes implemented by the Department of Horticulture. Dr SC Khurana, State Horticulture Consultant, also spoke and stressed upon the importance of vegetable and fruit cultivation for enhancing growers’ income.

Bhagwan Dass, secretary general, Punjab Young Farmers Association, said diversification through cultivation of basmati varieties, fruits and vegetable yield result  in enhancing the income of growers and solving the water depletion and pollution problems of the state. He said the government should consider the demand of the farmers for enhancing the MSP of basmati.

Balishter Singh Mann, officiating president of the Young Farmers Association, welcomed the farmers and told them the future programme of the association.

Dr DK Yadav, Assistance Director General (Seeds), ICAR and Head, Division of Seed Science, IARI, and Dr Akshay Talukdar, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, Collaboration Outstation Research Centre, were among those others who addressed the gathering.

IARI Rakhra Collaboration Outstation Research Centre on the YFA campus is the first centre of IARI set up in Punjab. Farmers will now be able to acquaint  themselves with the IARI technologies and PUSA seeds at the establishment. The testing of various varieties of crops, particularly of rice and wheat, to suit Punjab soil and environment will also be done there.

 http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/rakhra-gets-iari-research-centre/556605.html

 

 

Global and Chinese Rice Milling Machinery Industry – 2017

March 11, 2018 - by Igor Stachowiak

The new manufacturing and construction report has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of manufacturing and construction industries.The 'Global and Chinese Rice Milling Machinery Industry – 2017' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Rice Milling Machinery industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Rice Milling Machinery manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.

Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2012-2017 market shares for each company.

Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of the Rice Milling Machinery industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2017-2022 market development trends of the Rice Milling Machinery industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out.

In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of the Rice Milling Machinery Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2012-2022 global and Chinese Rice Milling Machinery industry covering all important parameters.

PLEASE NOTE: This report will be completed after order and will take approximately 2-3 business days after the confirmation of payment.

https://www.satprnews.com/2018/03/11/global-and-chinese-rice-milling-machinery-industry-2017-2/

Farmers in Mayapur working to produce aromatic rice variety 

Team MP |  12 March 2018 10:21 PM Kolkata: The farmers of Chaitanya Chandradaya Agricultural Trust (CCAT) in Mayapur are producing aromatic rice which had become extinct. A local tribal Jetha Hansda has been involved in cultivation of extinct varieties of aromatic rice such as –

RadhaTilak , Kala Bhat also known as Brown rice, Red rice Dudheshwar , Hamai, Jhumpuri, Khara, Balam to name a few for more than a year. They have been motivated and guided in this endeavour by expert scientists of Agricultural Training centre (ATC), Fulia. According to Anupam Paul, Director of ATC, Fulia, post conducting research, the scientists believed that both the weather and land are favourable to this endeavour and they started training the local farmers and also supplied the seeds. The cultivation is being done without using any artificial chemicals so that the genuine aroma, physical benefits of each variety of rice is intact and it causes no health hazards, informed Paul. He said different varieties of rice being produced have multiple benefits. Specifically, Paul pointed out about Black rice which is world's most nutritive rice as it contains iron, zinc and fibre in high content.

 The Glycemic index of this rice is low so it is anti-diabetic, Paul pointed out. Currently, this project is underway in 11 districts of West Bengal. Meanwhile Jetha Hansda, Chairman of the Chaitanya Chandradaya Agricultural Trust thanked the initiative of the ATC Fulia in bringing back the glorious days of aromatic rice of West Bengal into reality. Further, he also appealed to the Minister of Agriculture, for Rubber Huller machine to be installed by the government which will help the farmers to hull the special varieties of rice – black rice and red rice without disturbing their nutritional and medicinal benefits.

http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/farmers-in-mayapur-working-to-produce-aromatic-rice-variety-289158

 

Sanusi Junid’s passion to help the disadvantaged

Tuesday March 13, 2018
8:33 AM GMT+8

·        

image: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/images/sized/uploads/authors/mmo-terence-fernandez-200x200-200x200.png

A former managing editor of The Malay Mail newspaper, Terence is today a media and perception management consultant. With 20 years of journalism behind him, he has received numerous awards for investigative reporting and public service journalism notably from the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) and the Society of Publishers Asia (SOPA).

MARCH 13 — Four years ago I found myself added to a WhatsApp chat group titled “My Indian Friends.”As I did not recognise the number of the administrator of the chat group, i.e. the person who added me, I sent a message to that number asking who it was.

“Sanusi” came the typed message.“Sorry,” I typed, “I don’t remember any Sanusi.”

“Sanusi Junid” came the response.I responded with a profuse apology for my daftness. Weeks earlier, I had bumped into the former Kedah mentri besar who had also served as rural development minister and agriculture minister at a restaurant in town.

We exchanged numbers. Obviously, I had forgotten to key his into my phone.

I first met Tan Sri Sanusi Junid at the airport in Banda Aceh in 2005. The city had been devastated by the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004.

My father, a project co-ordinator for an NGO who was rebuilding schools and conducting education rehabilitation programmes, was there to pick me up.

He introduced me to Sanusi who was flying back to Kuala Lumpur after conducting his own programmes and aid distribution.

Sanusi, after all, was the president of Persatuan Ikatan Masyarakat Aceh Malaysia, a Malaysia-Aceh Alliance and had been busy spearheading relief and rehabilitation efforts. Not to mention his own personal contributions as well.

“After all, saya ni darah Aceh you know!” he laughed, proudly acknowledging his roots.

Sanusi, like some of his peers, had decided that being put out to pasture did not mean going quietly into the night... especially if he saw something which he felt was not right.

“It is the responsibility of those who came before to ensure that those who inherit the care of this country are worthy of it,” he said.

image: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/uploads/articles/2015-10/Sanusi_Junid_0310_(2).jpg

The veteran politician died on Saturday at the age of 74. — Picture by Yusof Mat IsaHis blog sanusijunid.blogspot had served as a critique of the nation’s trustees... he did not mince his words and was not afraid to call a spade a spade and labelling those who chose to hoodwink the government and the people as “liars.”

To the young and uninitiated, it also serves as a history lesson to a simpler time when “… the competition in Umno in those days was to give as much service to the people as possible.”

His passion for helping the economically disadvantaged was the primary mover for his efforts that made him mentri besar of the nation’s rice bowl as well as heading the agriculture and rural development ministries.It started even before his foray into politics where as a banker he initiated the Credit Guarantee Corporation to give out low interest loans to padi farmers who were being squeezed by the rice millers.The last time we met, at a shopping centre in Bangsar, he shared his concern over the divisive politics that seemed to be condoned by some of our leaders.

“During my time, we would nip all these talk in the bud. There is no place for such rhetoric in this country,” he said, with a tinge of disappointment.

His postings and exchanges in our chat group revealed a man who embraced diversity and reminded us ethnic minorities to be proud of our heritage and how Malaysia is what it is today because of the blood, sweat and tears of every individual irrespective of religion, ethnicity and social standing. He was conversant in Tamil and at times peppered his conversations with his Indian friends with Tamil words.The night before he died, Sanusi, a member of Bersatu was at the launch of the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.Still active and affirming his position as a stakeholder in this country — and that as a former senior politician himself, he knew that he had the obligation to make his voice and opinions heard and count.

That many politicians from both sides of the divide closed ranks to pay their last respects was a testament to the reverence he commanded and their acknowledgement of his services and contribution to the country.Unlike the way he died, at dawn on Saturday, after taking his ablution for the subuh prayers, Sanusi did not go quietly into the night.

Rest in peace, Sir, and thank you.

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/opinion/terence-fernandez/article/sanusi-junids-passion-to-help-the-disadvantaged#0uHps2mWysqy616T.97

 

Kano: Customs Impounds Rice, Macaroni Worth N7m

 

March 13, 2018

By ABDULLAHI YAKUBU In a swift move to ensure compliance with the federal government’s  directive on the banning of some commodities in to the country, Kano/Jigawa Customs Command, yesterday impounded over 300 bags of  smuggled foreign rice and macaroni valued at N7 million. Dropping the hint, the Comptroller of the Command, Yusuf Abba-Kassim, informed newsmen on the seizure, and said two suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggled items.

According to him, ten vehicles which conveyed the smuggled items were also impounded by his men at Babura village, a border town between Kano and Jigawa. Kassim said  that the rice were loaded in Babura, a border town between Jigawa and Kano, in five Golf Cars with the intention of smuggling it into the country. He said, “I am here to showcase to you the suppression of smugglers in Kano/Jigawa Command; and the arrest of those foreign items were carried out within three days. He added that the two suspects arrested will be prosecuted in the Court of Law.

https://leadership.ng/2018/03/13/kano-customs-impounds-rice-macaroni-worth-n7m/Classifieds

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UMPI starting agriculture degree, halfway toward greenhouse

Anthony Brino • March 12, 2018

 

A rendering of the future Zilman Family teaching and research greenhouse at the University of Maine Presque Isle. (Courtesy of UMPI)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — This fall the University of Maine Presque Isle will start offering a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and is also expecting to open a new research greenhouse.  

After many years of Aroostook County students studying agriculture at the University of Maine Orono, UMPI will be offering a bachelor of science degree in agriculture that covers the multidisciplinary nature of modern farming, said president Ray Rice during a March 7 event at the president’s house.

UMPI faculty and administrators have been brainstorming for years about offering agriculture courses or a degree, Rice said. In 2015, UMPI started a sustainable agriculture minor and since then Rice said that high school educators from around the area urged the university to launch an agriculture degree.

The degree program is set to launch for fall 2018, along with the anticipated opening of a new research greenhouse.“People realize this is a natural fit,” said Jason Johnston, dean of UMPI’s college of arts and sciences. “We’re surrounded by farmland.”Johnston said the degree program will include courses in agricultural science as well as technology and business.“We have four or five business courses that we’re designing new to really serve emerging business needs in management and decision analytics,” Johnston said.

There will be “a lot of hands on coursework that really is going to train students how to drive a tractor with a GPS system, how to operate greenhouse and irrigation equipment, and how to run a modern, big farm,” Johnston said.He added that the program will feature guest speakers, adjunct teachers from the local farming industry and collaboration with the Cooperative Extension and organizations such as the Maine Potato Board and Maine Sustainable Agriculture Association.Ag program students also will have the chance to participate in research projects at the new 2,400 square foot greenhouse that will be built near Gentile Hall.

Coming to a total cost of $495,000, the greenhouse will have two seperate climate-controlled sections that can support two research projects and teaching at the same time, Johnston said.

The greenhouse will be named after Don and Linda Zillman, who donated $100,000 to the project. Don Zillman, a University of Maine law professor, was a former UMPI president from 2006 to 2012 and was credited with starting sustainability initiatives such as the campus wind turbine, Rice said.

“It continues the tradition of great faculty researchers and teachers,” Zillman said of the degree program and greenhouse.The university has roughly $250,000 left to raise to complete the greenhouse project, and there are several active grant applications and discussions with potential donors underway, said Deborah Roark, university advancement and enrollment director.

https://thecounty.me/2018/03/12/news/umpi-starting-agriculture-degree-halfway-toward-greenhouse/

 

Nigeria’s food imports dropping drastically — FG ON MARCH 12, 20184:50 PMIN NEWS22

 By Michael Eboh The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria is recording a massive decline in food importation, stating that its agricultural policies have started to have far-reaching effects on the transformation of the sector. Speaking at the inauguration of chairpersons and members of Boards of 23 agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, weekend, Minister of State in charge of the Ministry, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, however, stated that while the country had achieved significant results in its bid to grow the sector, it still has a lot of work to do. According to Lokpobiri, over the last couple of months, the importation of food items including rice and fish into the country had reduced significantly, while he noted that efforts are in progress to further reduce all food imports to the barest minimum. “Efforts on developing other agricultural products like cassava, millet, cocoa, hibiscus flower (zobo), ginger, cashew nuts and so on, are yielding positive results,” he added. Lokpobiri further stated that since the inception of the current administration, concerted efforts had been made to diversify the economy and agriculture is the foremost sector being explored in this regard. He explained that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has the responsibility of developing agriculture, making it the key driver of rural development for the transformation of the economy, with a view of attaining food security, generating employment and becoming a net exporter of agricultural produce and earner of foreign exchange. “Our Agricultural Research institutions and colleges have a vital role to play in achieving this goal as they have a mandate to ensure the development of new technologies, inputs, production techniques, storage and distribution techniques and processes through research for improved yield and reduction in losses. Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation also plays a major role in protecting farmers from agricultural losses in the entire value chain,” he added. He urged the newly inaugurated chairmen and board members, to view their appointments as a clarion call to service, and be partners in progress, stating that their competencies and wealth of experience would be required to support the institutions they are appointed into, giving strategic direction and ensuring attainment at the goals they were set up to deliver. However, he said, “Please note that your role is non-executive and part time. As Board chairmen and members, you are to ensure the adherence to the tenets of corporate governance and remember that you have statutory responsibilities to bring your wealth of experience to bear on policy articulation and formulation for your agencies. The heads of Agencies and Parastatals are enjoined to work amicably with their Boards.” In addition, Lokpobiri averred that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is devoted to ensuring positive change in the lives of Nigerians and also improve standard of living across the country. According to him, this can only be achieved through transparency and accountability in the conduct of government’s business.

 

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/nigerias-food-imports-dropping-drastically-fg/

 

Namibian flagship rice project may suffer yield losses due to flood

Source: Xinhua   2018-03-12 21:33:46

WINDHOEK, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's flagship Kalimbeza Green Scheme Irrigation Project in the northeastern part of the country may suffer major losses as flood reduces its IRGA medium rice variety yields, said Matengu Simataa, an official at the project on Monday.

Namibia's Meteorological Services predicts that the Zambezi River will continue to rise, leaving surrounding communities more prone to flooding, including Kalimbeza.

According to Simataa, due to flooding, the rice yields for medium grain rice variety is anticipated to be poor this year, compared to the two previous years.

"Some of the rice has been submerged and under water; leading to massive damage. Some of the grains have changed its color to black. The project may not therefore harvest the targeted metric tonnes of rice as expected," he said.

To prevent further losses, the project has since deployed casual workers to harvest the unspoiled rice in the flooded plains.

"Flooding has made it difficult to harvest the rice with machinery, thus we have resorted to hiring casual workers to harvest to prevent further wastage of the rice if not harvested. However, the casual workers can also only do it within reach," he said.

After planting medium grain rice variety on 47 hectares of land, the project will have to harvest rice covering 22 hectares of land, according to Simataa.

Meanwhile, he said that other rice varieties including the Supa long rice are not at risk due to its ability to sustain and resist high water levels.

Kalimbeza rice, commercialized in 2014, has been farming with Angola Basmati, Supa long rice varieties and IRGA (medium grain) since 2007.

Kalimbeza rice project is one of the ventures benefitting from an agreement on South to South Cooperation signed between China and Namibia.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-03/12/c_137034151.htm

 

Government invests in rice industry

Posted on March 13, 2018 by admin in Agriculture, Business, Development, Government, News, Northern Division, Press Releases, Public

Minister for Agriculture (middle) Hon. Inia Seruiratu with Stakeholders, Rice Farmers and Government Officials during the opening of the two new modern Dryers and Husk Crusher in Dreketi. Photo; MOA

Rice farmers in Dreketi will not need to wait long to get their paddy weighed at the mill now.

This is after the Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, Hon. Inia Seruiratu commissioned two dryers and a husk crusher at Fiji Rice Limited mill in Dreketi, Macuata recently. The Government has invested $60,000 for two more dryers and this should be installed in three months.

Minister Seruiratu said the husk crusher would diversify into animal feed production.

“This is another milestone for the company as this venture will generate more income for the company and at the same time creates more employment for the rural community in Dreketi,” Minister Seruiratu said.

“I would like to remind the stakeholders to do their part and assist the industry grow. Let me assure you that Government is committed to provide all the assistance in terms of funding, machinery, subsidy and extra for the rice industry.”“We need to modernise because of the huge demand that is there for Fiji’s product, not only locally also abroad. We know the time for manual has gone,” he said.

“We need machinery, mechanization and technology not only that we need to produce the volume that are necessary but most importantly for us to be able to adapt to the changing environment in terms of climate change, the dynamics of world economy and the need for us to feed our people in terms of food and nutrition security,” Minister Seruiratu said.He added the opening of this mill is part of the mechanisation plan in the 2020 agriculture policy  agenda and in that modernisation they will look at the value chain from the farm level right through to the market and the responsibilities of all stakeholders.

“I am here again to remind all of us that we all have a responsibility in that modernization plan,” Minister Seruiratu said.

http://www.thejetnewspaper.com/2018/03/13/rice-industry-received-government-assistance/

 

New machinery commissioned at Dreketi rice mill

Timoci Vula
Monday, March 12, 2018

Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu with Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Fiji Rice Ltd chairperson Raj Sharma. Picture: SUPPLIED

Update: 7:17PM GOVERNMENT recently commissioned two dryers and a husk crusher at the Fiji Rice Limited mill in Dreketi, Macuata.

With this machinery installed, it means rice farmers in Dreketi will not need to wait long to get their paddy weighed at the mill. 

Fiji's Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu commissioned the two dryers and the husk crusher in Dreketi, and says the Government has invested $60,000 for two more dryers, which should be installed in three months. 

He said the husk crusher would diversify into animal feed production.

"This is another milestone for the company as this venture will generate more income for the company, and at the same time create more employment for the rural community in Dreketi," Mr Seruiratu was quoted saying in a Government statement issued today.

"I would like to remind the stakeholders to do their part and assist the industry grow. Let me assure you that Government is committed to provide all the assistance in terms of funding, machinery, subsidy and extra for the rice industry.

"We need to modernise because of the huge demand that is there for Fiji's product, not only locally also abroad. We know the time for manual has gone.

"We need machinery, mechanisation and technology not only that we need to produce the volume that are necessary but most importantly for us to be able to adapt to the changing environment in terms of climate change, the dynamics of world economy and the need for us to feed our people in terms of food and nutrition security."

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=437739