Wednesday, March 21, 2018

21st March,2018 daily global regional local rice e-newsletter

Bennigan’s Signs Multi-Location Agreement To Expand Into The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan

March 19, 2018 ·

Master franchising agreement is latest bold move in brand’s global expansion

Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Bennigan’s has long been one of the most popular American restaurant brands across the globe. Its focus on chef-driven food, innovative drinks and friendly Irish hospitality has helped it stand apart from other concepts that have come and gone over the years.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Bennigan’s – the largest Irish-themed casual dining brand in the U.S. – executed a Master Franchise Agreement with Baila Group of Companies to open four locations in all the major cities of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The first of these locations is expected to open within a year’s time in Punjab, Pakistan.

The current plan is to expand into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but the Baila Group of Companies is also looking into the growth and demand of bringing Bennigan’s into other central Asian markets.

“We are confident that Bennigan’s will be enthusiastically embraced in Pakistan,” said Junaid Parvez, Deputy Managing Director of Baila Group of Companies. “We chose to franchise with Bennigan’s for a variety of reasons. Bennigan’s has an impressive history of success internationally thanks to its distinct atmosphere, architecture, and the food is truly phenomenal. The brand has a very compelling ROI and offers a world class level of support and training. Possibly the biggest reason for why we chose Bennigan’s was because of the heartwarming memories that I cherish from frequently visiting Bennigan’s when I was a child. We want to share those memorable experiences with everyone in Pakistan.”

The Baila Group of Companies is based in Sialkot, Pakistan. Its main business includes agriculture, rice processing and export, and ceremonial halls. The owners of the Baila Group also have a prominent presence in the construction industry of the state of Qatar.

“The Pakistani market is limitless,” said Parvez Iqbal, Managing Director of Baila Group of Companies. “And all of us Pakistani’s that are oversees have an obligation to show the Pakistani people what the world has to offer.”

The menu in the new restaurants will be strict to Pakistani culture and religion. The entire menu will be Halal; pork and alcohol will not be offered.

“We simply couldn’t ask for a better franchise partner than Junaid to introduce our brand to Pakistan,” said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan’s President & CEO. “Bennigan’s is one of the few American brands that is just as popular overseas as it is at home. That’s because of extraordinary franchisees like Junaid who have a passion for ‘bleeding green’ and understands the importance of delivering memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day.”

The chef-driven neighborhood restaurant chain renowned for its generous portions and Irish hospitality is redefining casual dining across the United States and in locations throughout Mexico, Central America, Asia and the Middle East.

Since the end of 2012, the company has opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg and Frederick, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Melbourne, Fla., Lexington, Ky.; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; Obarrio, Panama; Doha, Qatar; Dubai, UAE; and a corporate location in Panama City, Fla.

Additional restaurants are planned for Florida, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina; and internationally in Mexico, Central America, Bahrain, Australia and India.

For your nearest location, menu, hours and additional information, visit Bennigans.com.

You’re with friends at Bennigan’s. The American Legend!

About Bennigan’s

Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining. With chef-driven food and warm, friendly Irish Hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day. Every member of the team “bleeds green” and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. Bennigan’s focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes, innovative food, Legendary service and other sales-generating initiatives has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.

Contact:
Ladd Biro
Champion Management
972-930-9933
lbiro@championmgt.com
www.championmgt.com

http://www.restaurantnews.com/bennigans-signs-multi-location-agreement-to-expand-into-the-islamic-republic-of-pakistan-031918/

Cambodia thanks Australia for agriculture support

Sok Chan / Khmer Times

Local farmer working in a lettuce garden. KT/Mai Vireak

Cambodia reiterated the important role Australia plays in the development of its agriculture sector and urged leaders of the Commonwealth nation to support the modernisation of the industry through investments in modern factories and machinery.

Speaking at the Asean-Australia Business Summit last week in Sydney, Cambodian Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak praised Australia’s agricultural prowess and acknowledged their support in helping Cambodia’s agriculture industry develop.

He said the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Cardi) is an Australian initiative that has been pivotal in creating the high-quality, award-winning rice Cambodia is now able to produce.

“Other areas that Australia could help us in the future include the modernisation of our agriculture sector by investing in modern rice milling facilities, processing factories and equipment,” Mr Sorasak said.

Ouk Makara, director of Cardi, said Australia continues to support his institution through research programmes. He said there are now 15 projects that receive funding from Australia, most of them focusing on research on different varieties of rice, agricultural techniques, as well as land preparation, management and mapping.

“Australia supports both development and agricultural research,” Mr Makara said. “For research programmes, they also support and fund us through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

“Our cooperation with Australia in agriculture is strong. They support us in human capital development and through research programmes,” he said.

Jayant Menon, lead economist at the Asian Development Bank, told Khmer Times that Australia has one of the most efficient agricultural sectors in the world; one that thrives with minimal government support, unlike in the European Union or the US.

“There is a lot that Cambodian agriculture can learn through greater cooperation with Australia. This comes at a time where Australia is looking to further strengthen ties with Cambodia, having just hosted the special summit in Sydney over the weekend,” Mr Menon said.

He added that Australia is a vast country, subject to frequent droughts, and has expertise in areas such as irrigation that it could share with Cambodia. He said the Australian government is already doing this through various programmes, but more support will be required in the future as extreme weather conditions become more common.

“Australia is also supporting the United Nation’ multi-donor initiative on de-mining, which would eventually reduce a serious risk factor in the rural sector, and increase land available for agriculture,” he added.

The Australian government last week agreed to give Cambodia nearly $68 million in development grants.

Around the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen spoke in Sydney in front of a crow made up of members of the Cambodia diaspora and thanked the Australian government for their continuing support to the development of the kingdom.

Health Canada gives all clear for Golden Rice

By AGDAILY Reporters Published: March 19, 2018

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After a thorough scientific assessment, the Canadian government has ruled that Golden Rice poses no greater risk to human health than rice varieties currently available on the Canadian market.
Golden Rice is the name of a rice that has been genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. This beta-carotene gives the rice grains the yellowish color that has inspired its name.
In 2017, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of Golden Rice, aka Provitamin A Biofortified Rice Event GR2E. In order to determine whether this rice variety could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured that GR2E rice is safe for consumption, that the increased provitamin A levels posed no risk to Canadian consumers, and that it still had all its nutritional value.
Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conducted a thorough analysis of the data and the protocols provided by the applicant to ensure the validity of the results.
Following this assessment, it was determined that the changes made in this rice variety did not pose a greater risk to human health than rice varieties currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that GR2E would have no impact on allergies, and that there were no differences in the nutritional value of GR2E compared to other traditional rice varieties available for consumption except for increased levels of provitamin A.
While this news is a positive step forward for Golden Rice, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has indicated that this product is not intended to be sold in Canada at this time

https://www.agdaily.com/news/health-canada-golden-rice/.

Rice a valuable commodity for Arkansas and you

March 20th, 2018by Carla Haley Hadley

Arkansas is home to more than 2,500 rice farms and is the top producer of rice in the United States. Arkansas' rice farmers plant an average of 1.3 million acres of rice and harvest over 200 million bushels yielding roughly 9 million pounds of rice each year. Rice is the state's second-highest-value commodity and its top agricultural export.

According to the 2017 Arkansas Agricultural Statistics Service, rice farmers harvested over 1 million acres and yielded 7,490 pounds per acre. That made the value of production or sales at $950,406,000. That significantly benefits our economy, contributing billions to the state's economy.

Rice is the primary dietary staple for more than half the world's population. This grain is nutrient-rich, supplying energy, complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, beneficial antioxidants and more than 15 vitamins and minerals including folic acid, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, selenium, fiber, iron and zinc. It is also a "free" food being naturally free of sodium, cholesterol and gluten. Packed with whole grain goodness, one cup of brown, wild, red or black rice provides two of the three recommended daily servings of whole grains.

Long grain white rice provides 205 calories, 0 total fat, 4 g protein, 45 g total carbohydrates, less than 1 mg dietary fiber and 2 mg of sodium. Long grain brown rice contains 216 calories, 1.8 g total fat, 5 g protein, 45 g total carbohydrates, 3.5 g dietary fiber, 10 mg sodium. The fiber is naturally higher in the long grain brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it contains all parts of the grain, including the fibrous bran, the nutritious germ and the carb-rich endosperm. Whereas white rice has had the bran and germ removed, which are the most nutritious parts of the grain.

Cooking rice is easy, but does take time. Start by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear. For every cup of rice you are cooking, add one and one-half cups water. Bring the rice to a boil, uncovered, at medium heat. When boiling, turn the heat down to medium low. Place the lid on the pot, keeping it tilted to allow steam to escape. When you can see holes or craters in the rice, put the lid on tight. Turn the heat to low and simmer for another 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

For best results, use long grain rice. If you want your rice extra fluffy, try soaking it in cold water for about 30 to 60 minutes prior to cooking. Be sure to rinse the rice until the water runs clear so that the rice will not be sticky because of too much starch. Always choose a saucepan with a very heavy bottom.

Adding broth instead of all or part of the water will add flavor to the rice, while lemon slices, ginger slices, herbs or spices will add variety.

Remember that older rice can lose some of its moisture, requiring more water and a longer cooking time than fresh rice. Pay attention to how long you keep rice in the cupboard. Cook extra rice for other meals in the week.

For more information, contact the Miller County Extension Office, 870-779-3609 or visit us in room 215 at the Miller County Courthouse. We're online at chadley@uaex.edu, on Facebook at UAEXMillerCountyFCS/CarlaDue, on Twitter @MillerCountyFCS or on the web at uaex.edu/Miller.

This stir fry recipe can be made with any cut of meat and is quick and easy. The meal is great as leftovers, so is good for meal planning for the week.

STIR FRY

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound lean beef, pork or chicken cut into thin strips

1 small onion, cut into strips

1 green pepper, cut into strips

2 cups fresh or frozen cut vegetables (such as carrots, cauliflower, snap peas, broccoli)

6 cups cooked rice, hot

STIR-FRY SAUCE

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Dash black pepper

1 1/2 cups cool water

2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

Directions for stir fry sauce:

Combine cornstarch and cool water. Mix well with a whisk or fork. Stir in remaining ingredients. The cornstarch will settle to the bottom, so stir again before adding sauce to stir fry.

To make stir-fry: Place stir-fry pan, wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When oil and pan are hot, add the meat; cook until the meat is thoroughly browned. Remove meat from the pan. Add fresh vegetables and continue to stir until vegetables are tender. Add the cooked beef back to the pan. Pour sauce into skillet with stir fry. Cook until sauce bubbles. Spoon stir-fry mixture over cooked rice.

Nutrition Information per serving (Makes 6 servings) Information figured on using top sirloin steak. Calories 410, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Protein 19 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Fiber 6 g,| Sodium 120 mg

Carla Haley Hadley is a county extension agent, family and consumer sciences, with the Miller County Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/features/story/2018/mar/20/rice-valuable-commodity-arkansas-and-you/718362/

Wheat imports rising in the Philippines

March 20, 2018 - by Arvin Donley

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Demand for milling and feed wheat in the Philippines is expected to increase in 2018-19 due to considerable investments in the domestic flour and feed milling industries, according to a March 19 Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The report said wheat imports are expected to increase 550,000 tonnes to 5.75 million tonnes, driven mainly by growing feed demand. This growing demand also is expected to increase corn imports by 200,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes.

Rice imports are likely to decline 300,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes in 2018-19 due to increasing production and shifting dietary preferences toward wheat and protein, the report said.

There is no commercial wheat production in the Philippines, but there are 20 flour mills in the country with an aggregate milling capacity of over 5 million tonnes, the GAIN report said.

“Milling wheat demand is poised to increase modestly in 2018-19 due to economic growth and the increasing Philippine population,” the report said.

It added that “feed wheat consumption is expected to increase 2.5 million tonnes in 2018-19 due to firm animal feed demand from an expanding livestock sector and a lower price relative to feed corn.”

As of December 2016, there were 486 feed mills registered with the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) with a total capacity over 27,000 tonnes per eight-hour shift, the report said, quoting industry sources.

About 60% of the registered feed mills in 2016 were classified as small-scale producers (less than 25 tonnes per eight-hour shift). Only 15% produced more than 100 tonnes per eight-hour shift, according to the report.

The most recent Alltech Global Feed Survey estimates annual feed production in the country at more than 17 million tonnes.

http://www.world-grain.com/articles/news_home/World_Grain_News/2018/03/Wheat_imports_rising_in_the_Ph.aspx?ID={ECEDD528-DBC7-4A31-BEE7-607322CEAD2C}

Pakistan to export 100 tons hybrid rice seeds for first time in April

LAHORE: Pakistan is all set to export the first ever consignment of 100 tons heat-tolerant rice seeds to the Philippines next month, a senior industry official said – a shipment that is long-awaited since the country begun experimenting hybrid technology over a decade back.“The first ever consignment of 100 tons high-yielding hybrid rice seed is expected to be exported to the Philippines in April, which will be sufficient to cultivate about 15,000 acres of land,” Shahzad Ali Malik, chief executive officer (CEO) of hybrid seed company Guard Agricultural Research and Services told journalists early this week.

The success of Pakistani scientists in developing prime rice seed varieties was a result of partnership with Chinese researchers, led by Yuan Longping, in 2004 after development of hybrid seed breeding technique across the coastal belt of Sindh.

The country was expecting to ship the maiden consignment of hybrid rice seeds last year, but it was delayed because officials said it takes a long process from harvesting and grading to regulatory procedures before such seed gets ready for the plantation.

Malik said as the hybrid seed is produced in harsh weather of coastal belt it is suitable for plantation in changing climate of China and other Far Eastern countries of Asia, offering lucrative exports market. “India can also take huge benefits from this seed technology.”

Guard Agricultural Research’s chief, while talking about climate change and its impact on agro-ecosystems, said the need to develop heat-tolerant and drought-resistant hybrid rice seed varieties becomes immensely important due to climate change. Production of premium quality seed by the private sector is a big achievement as public sector institutions or multinationals monopolise the seed development. Malik said his company also carried out hybrid rice trials for seed multiplication in South-Central districts of Punjab.

“The step would prove very beneficial in increasing area of hybrid rice in Punjab by offering low cost of production to growers,” he added. “Consequently, production of hybrid rice varieties would lead to opening of more export avenues, a win-win situation for researchers, farmers and the economy.” Hybrid seed varieties, being cultivated in Sindh coastal belt, have a very healthy production capacity of seven to eight tons/hectare. One of the varieties has strong roots and stem systems, enhancing its endurance against high winds.

Chinese researchers are also helping their Pakistan counterparts to introduce super-hi hybrid variety of rice with 18 tons/hectare yield potential.

Philippines, one of the world’s biggest rice producers and importers, is facing invariable import supplies, keeping the country at the risk of food shortages. Introduction of hybrid seed on vast scale is seen as a solution to the problem. The south east Asian nation’s rice crop season would start during the next month. It wants to increase area under hybrid rice cultivation to 30 percent. Only high-yielding hybrid rice varieties could help in tremendously increasing yields without increasing acreage, achieving vertical growth potential. In the recent years, even Thailand and some other major producers had to import rice to meet its demand mainly due to inconsistent performance of agriculture due to multiple factors.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/294944-pakistan-to-export-100-tons-hybrid-rice-seeds-for-first-time-in-april

More evidence to support whole grain-rich diet from new research

Wednesday March 21, 2018
08:52 AM GMT+8

Eating a diet rich in whole grains can bring multiple health benefits according to new research. — id-art/Istock.com pic via AFPBOSTON, March 21 — New US research adds to the growing body of evidence that a diet rich in whole grains can have a beneficial effect on health, finding that the grains can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood sugar levels, and increase calorie (energy) use.

Carried out by scientists from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA), jointly run by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, the study looked at 81 participants over an eight-week period to compare the effect of a diet free from whole grains to one rich in whole grains.

The researchers measured the weights and calorie (energy) intake needs of the participants, who were all healthy, non-smoking men and women ages 40 to 65, and put everyone on a whole grain-free diet.

In week two of the study some participants were switched onto a diet that included the daily recommended allowance of whole grains — a minimum of three ounces for women and four ounces for men.

During the eight weeks the researchers recorded the participants' insulin and blood sugar levels, resting metabolic rates (energy expenditures while sedentary), and how well they stuck to either diet.

The results showed that participants in the whole-grain group lost around 100 more calories per day than those in the group eating refined grains — the equivalent of walking briskly for 30-minutes — possibly due to whole grains increasing metabolic rate and increasing energy loss through faeces.

In a tandem study carried out by HNRCA's Nutritional Immunology Lab, researchers also found that a whole grain rich diet had a beneficial effect on gut microbiota, inflammation, and immune defence.

The team pointed out that the whole grain diet followed in the study included products made from whole grain flour and only one type of grain and that consuming intact whole grain kernels rather than flour, or a mixture of grains, may bring even greater benefits.

Whole-grain foods include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, barley, rye, and brown or wild rice. Unlike refined grains such as white rice and white flour, whole grains do not have their nutrients stripped away through processing and are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and phytonutrients.

The findings can be found published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. — AFP-Relaxnews

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/article/more-evidence-to-support-whole-grain-rich-diet-from-new-research

Overseas USA Rice Partners with Importers to Boost Sales, Foster Relationships

By Eszter Somogyi

USA Rice works closely with the U.S. rice importers in key markets, such as the UK, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, to develop promotional plans that support the sales of all locally available U.S. rice brands. All U.S. rice brands available in the market are welcome to participate, and many do.

"USA Rice's third party 'buy in' program generated an additional $368,911 in 2017 from all importers participating in our different promotional activities in these four countries," said Terry Harris, chairman of the USA Rice International Promotion Committee. "These additional funds not only extend the reach of the combined FMD and MAP 2017 budgets by 33 percent but also attest to the value these importers place in our marketing efforts."

Harris said the program creates valuable partnerships as the local importers now have "skin in the game" that motivates them to continue sourcing and identifying U.S. rice on a long-term basis; it encourages new companies to begin importing U.S. rice to be able to get in on the program; and the real-time market feedback helps ensure USA Rice promotions are on message and on trend.

The local U.S. rice importers also benefit from USA Rice expertise in creating promotional materials and programs, and with the additional backing of the MAP and FMD funds, they can afford to have stronger promotional support for their U.S. rice brands that ultimately increase sales and U.S. rice exports.

"We absolutely see higher sales in these markets, and are fostering sourcing loyalty to U.S. origin," concluded Harris.

Overseas USA Rice Partners with Importers to Boost Sales, Foster Relationships

By Eszter Somogyi

HAMBURG, GERMANY -- USA Rice conducts more than 2,700 promotional activities in almost 25 countries each year to support the sales of U.S. rice abroad. Rice industry funds help augment the money received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program to conduct these activities, and an excellent indicator of the activities' effectiveness is the willingness of local brands to also contribute their own funds to the efforts.

USA Rice works closely with the U.S. rice importers in key markets, such as the UK, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, to develop promotional plans that support the sales of all locally available U.S. rice brands. All U.S. rice brands available in the market are welcome to participate, and many do.

"USA Rice's third party 'buy in' program generated an additional $368,911 in 2017 from all importers participating in our different promotional activities in these four countries," said Terry Harris, chairman of the USA Rice International Promotion Committee. "These additional funds not only extend the reach of the combined FMD and MAP 2017 budgets by 33 percent but also attest to the value these importers place in our marketing efforts."

Harris said the program creates valuable partnerships as the local importers now have "skin in the game" that motivates them to continue sourcing and identifying U.S. rice on a long-term basis; it encourages new companies to begin importing U.S. rice to be able to get in on the program; and the real-time market feedback helps ensure USA Rice promotions are on message and on trend.

The local U.S. rice importers also benefit from USA Rice expertise in creating promotional materials and programs, and with the additional backing of the MAP and FMD funds, they can afford to have stronger promotional support for their U.S. rice brands that ultimately increase sales and U.S. rice exports.

"We absolutely see higher sales in these markets, and are fostering sourcing loyalty to U.S. origin," concluded Harris.

Rice Webinar: Thursday March 22

Tune in Thursday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, for a new rice webinar hosted by Dr. Bobby Coats, with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas. USDA's Nathan Childs will present both the domestic and global 10-year baseline forecasts for rice. For the U.S., he will focus on area, yield, production, trade, use, stocks, and prices for all rice and by class, explaining economic factors driving the forecasts. For the global all-rice market, emphasis will be on major importers and exports as well as overall trade levels.

Go here to register for the webinar.

Big boost to rice farmers: Basmati exports may cross Rs 26,000 cr mark this fiscal

The strong demand revival, especially from Iran, may help Basmati rice exports to close the year with a 20 per cent growth at Rs 26,000 crore.

By: PTI | Mumbai | Published: March 20, 2018 6:27 PMSHARE

Basmati export has witnessed strong revival in the current fiscal with 22 per cent growth in value in the first nine months, after having been on the downward trajectory between FY15 and FY17. (IE)

The strong demand revival, especially from Iran, may help Basmati rice exports to close the year with a 20 per cent growth at Rs 26,000 crore. It is estimated that basmati exports may cross Rs 26,000 crore in FY18, clipping at 20 per cent over the past fiscal year and at Rs 28,000 crore in FY19, Icra said in a report today. The report however noted that export volume has largely remained stagnant, which though is in line with the past few years. Basmati export has witnessed strong revival in the current fiscal with 22 per cent growth in value in the first nine months, after having been on the downward trajectory between FY15 and FY17.

“This buoyant export growth has been fuelled by a 23 per cent surge in average realisation of Rs 64,594 per tonne in the first nine months of FY18 as against Rs 53,985 per tonne a year ago. Historically Saudi Arabia and Iran have been the largest importers from India, accounting for 40-45 per cent share. However, Saudi’s share has declined in recent years -it stood at 14 per cent so far in FY18. But this was largely absorbed by Iran, whose share has surged to 28 per cent.

Iran had imposed a temporary ban on imports around August 2017 which was lifted in January 2018. While this development is likely to support the industry growth in the last quarter of the current fiscal, greater dependence on Iran as a major export destination could spell volatility.

For the second year in a row, paddy prices have firmed up by 20-25 per cent in 2017 procurement season, largely due to 10-15 per cent lower paddy sowing after a moderate monsoon; and improved demand for Basmati rice in international markets. This increase in paddy price is likely to provide a fillip to Basmati prices in FY19.

http://www.financialexpress.com/market/commodities/big-boost-to-rice-farmers-basmati-exports-may-cross-rs-26000-cr-mark-this-fiscal/1105326/

Navy arrests three, seizes foreign rice worth N16m

March 21, 2018

Some of the seized bags of foreign rice

Etim Ekpimah, Uyo

The Nigerian Navy, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, has arrested three suspected smugglers, Effiong Bassey, Wisdom Okon, and Nkporo Morris, over alleged illegal importation of rice into the country.

It was learnt that the navy, during the operation, seized 1,050 bags of rice worth N16m.

The Commander of the NNS Jubilee, Commodore Ayerinade Akinwale, said the seized bags of rice were imported into the country to sabotage Nigeria’s economy recovery.

Akinwale said this during the handing over of the rice to the Nigeria Customs Service in Ikot Abasi on Tuesday.

“In the early hours of yesterday, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Jubilee, went on patrol and intercepted bags of rice smuggled in from a neighbouring country.

“We are here to hand over the consignment to the customs for further investigation. Three suspects were apprehended and we are handing over all of them,” he said.

Receiving the trucks of rice, the Assistant Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Babatunde Olomu, said a thorough investigation would be carried out to get to the root of the smuggling.

He expressed delight at the synergy between the navy and the customs.

Olomu said, “We will do a thorough investigation into the matter. I want to commend the navy for the synergy with the customs.”

Meanwhile, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Emuekpere, has urged members of the public to supply the security agency with useful information to curb criminal activities.

Emuekpere stated this at the NNS Jubilee base in Ikot Abasi during his first visit to the naval base.

He promised the NNS Jubilee commander that the logistics needed to run the base would be supplied.

The FOC commended Olomu for the efficient management of the base and encouraged him to improve on other areas where improvement was required.

“The only thing that I want to implore the public to do, which will be their own contribution, is to ensure that they provide the needed information to further enhance the job of the base.

“As the Flag Officer Commanding, I will ensure that I facilitate the provision of the necessary logistics and other logistics we need to adopt,” Emuekpere said.

Etela’s birthday celebrated in Karimnagar

Members of rice millers association organised annadanam programme at venkateshwara temple, market road in Karimnagar town.

By TelanganaToday | Published: 20th Mar 2018 6:57 pm Updated: 20th Mar 2018 7:02 pm

MLA Gangula Kamalakar and TRS leaders celebrating Minister Etela Rajender's birthday in Karimnagar

Karimnagar: Birthday of Finance and Civil Supplies Minister Etela Rajender was celebrated across the district on Tuesday. Telangna Rastra Samithi workers celebrated the day by cutting cakes and distributing sweets.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tula Uma participated in the celebrations held at Telangana chowk by TRSV. Meanwhile, local MLA Gangula Kamalakar celebrated the birthday at his residence.

The 30th division corporator Choppari Jayasri celebrated the event by cutting cake in her division. Rajender’s birthday was also celebrated in Peddapalli market yard under the aegis of market committee chairman Gundeti Illaiah.

Members of rice millers association organised annadanam programme at venkateshwara temple, market road in Karimnagar town.

http://telanganatoday.com/etelas-birthday-celebrated-karimnagar

Pakistan hopes to sign FTA-II with China in April

March 20, 2018

Imran Ali Kundi

March 20, 2018

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Monday hoped to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) phase II with China in next month (April) during the visit of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to China that would increase the bilateral trade.

Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha Monday expressed satisfaction over the progress on the FTA phase II.

"I hoped that both sides can meet at an early date for the 10th rounds to finalize the remaining issues so that a formal announcement can be made during the prime minister's visit to China in April, 2018," the secretary said in a meeting with China's Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing.

He briefed the ambassador on the status of negotiations of second phase of FTA. He thanked the Chinese government on accommodating the concerns of Pakistan's local industry and agreeing to provide a competitive edge to Pakistanis exports in Chinese market.

The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed Chine's commitment to address any apprehensions of Pakistan's local industry.

He also agreed on the need to finalise the negotiations before PM Abbasi's visit to China.

He assured to coordinate early dates for the next round with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Sources in the commerce ministry informed The Nation that government is already completing its homework before next round on FTA.

The ministry and textile sector has recently called a meeting of all key chambers and associations to finalize sensitive list of items to be placed before Chinese officials during 10th round of FTA-II, the sources said.

They said that government wanted to take viewpoint of business community on revised trade agreement with China before its finalization.

In February this year, China had agreed to revise whole Free Trade Agreement (FTA) under which Beijing will provide tariff concessions for increasing exports of Pakistan.

Pakistan had suggested incorporating clauses for safeguarding the industries and the economy from any undue pressure on the balance of payments position. Dagha had presented the demands of Pakistani exporters and industries for accommodating in the final draft of the FTA.

The demands included those from exporters to provide tariff concessions equivalent to Asean countries.

Chinese side also agreed on Electronic Data Exchange which would help reducing the chances of under-invoicing, another major concern of Pakistani industry.

It may be mentioned that these negotiations had started in 2012 to finalise the revised version of the FTA.

Under the first phase of FTA, Pakistan's trade balance with China had worsened, and it had registered $12 billion mark in last financial year 2016-17.

Pakistan's major exports to China are, cotton yarn, chemical material, crude vegetable material, rice, raw hides and skins, fish and fish preparations.

On the other hand, the major imports of Pakistan from China are machinery and its spare parts, manufactured fertilizer ,chemical elements, yarn and thread of synthetic fibre, iron and steel, chemical materials and products, vegetable and synthetic textile fibre, road vehicles and their parts, non-ferrous metals, tyres and tubes of rubber etc.

https://nation.com.pk/20-Mar-2018/pakistan-hopes-to-sign-fta-ii-with-china-in-april

Basmati rice exports may cross Rs 26,000-cr-mark this fiscal

Mar 20, 2018 05:51 PM IST | Source: PTI

It is estimated that basmati exports may cross Rs 26,000 crore in FY18, clipping at 20 per cent over the past fiscal year and at Rs 28,000 crore in FY19, Icra said in a report today.

PTI@moneycontrolcom

The strong demand revival, especially from Iran, may help Basmati rice exports to close the year with a 20 per cent growth at Rs 26,000 crore.

It is estimated that basmati exports may cross Rs 26,000 crore in FY18, clipping at 20 per cent over the past fiscal year and at Rs 28,000 crore in FY19, Icra said in a report today.

The report however noted that export volume has largely remained stagnant, which though is in line with the past few years.

Basmati export has witnessed strong revival in the current fiscal with 22 per cent growth in value in the first nine months, after having been on the downward trajectory between FY15 and FY17.

"This buoyant export growth has been fuelled by a 23 per cent surge in average realisation of Rs 64,594 per tonne in the first nine months of FY18 as against Rs 53,985 per tonne a year ago.

Historically Saudi Arabia and Iran have been the largest importers from India, accounting for 40-45 per cent share. However, Saudi's share has declined in recent years - it stood at 14 per cent so far in FY18. But this was largely absorbed by Iran, whose share has surged to 28 per cent.

This increase in paddy price is likely to provide a fillip to Basmati prices in FY19.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/basmati-rice-exports-may-cross-rs-26000-cr-mark-this-fiscal-2532553.html

Rice basmati slides on weak demand

Rice basmati prices drifted lower by Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale grains market today owing to slackened demand. However, other grains remained steady in thin trade. Traders attributed the fall in rice basmati prices to easing demand against adequate stocks position. In the national capital, rice basmati common and Pusa-1121 variety were down by Rs 100 each to Rs 7,600-7,700 and Rs 6,700-6,800 per quintal respectively. Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):

Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,080-2,280, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,770-1,775 Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,780-1,785, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 260-300, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 255-290, Roller flour mill Rs 960-970 (50 kg), Maida Rs 980-990 (50 kg)and Sooji Rs 1,040-1,050 (50 kg). Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,800, Basmati common new Rs 7,600-7,700, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 6,700-6,800, Permal raw Rs 2,325-2375, Permal wand Rs 2,375-2,425, Sela Rs 2,900-3,100 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,975-2,025, Bajra Rs 1,200-1,205, Jowar yellow Rs 1,400-1,450, white Rs 2,800-2,900, Maize Rs 1,440- 1,445, Barley Rs 1,490-1,500.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rice-basmati-slides-on-weak-demand-118032100474_1.html

Rice Prices

as on : 21-03-2018 12:16:16 PM

Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

	Arrivals			Price
	Current	% change	Season cumulative	Modal	Prev. Modal	Prev.Yr %change
Rice
Nalbari(ASM)	1122.00	-31.38	10789.00	2450	2500	16.67
Bahraich(UP)	227.50	-10.15	2521.60	2200	2250	-0.90
Karimganj(ASM)	70.00	75	450.00	2350	2350	2.17
Kopaganj(UP)	45.00	NC	991.00	2160	2155	NC
Hapur(UP)	40.00	NC	1130.00	2750	2680	19.57
Sahiyapur(UP)	32.00	-1.54	1138.50	2145	2135	-
Lakhimpur(UP)	30.00	NC	805.00	2170	2180	-0.46
Naugarh(UP)	26.00	-2.62	139.40	2050	2040	-
Dibrugarh(ASM)	10.00	122.22	290.90	2400	2400	6.67
Mirzapur(UP)	9.00	5.88	247.50	2135	2130	-
Khurja(UP)	8.00	-27.27	376.00	2615	2585	-
Ranaghat(WB)	6.31	-4.39	152.80	3920	3900	70.43
Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP)	5.00	NC	174.50	2240	2250	0.45
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)	2.50	150	62.90	3000	2500	20.00
Jahangirabad(UP)	2.00	-20	58.50	2575	2570	11.96
Silapathar(ASM)	1.90	-78.65	53.10	2600	2600	-13.33
Billsadda(UP)	0.80	-93.33	107.80	2230	2245	-
Kasipur(WB)	0.52	-21.21	2.93	2610	2620	13.48

Published on March 21, 2018

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article23309567.ece

NFA gives go signal to import 5M sacks of rice

by UNTV | Posted on Tuesday, March 20th, 2018

FILE PHOTO: Thousand sacks of rice stored in a warehouse.

MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) Council has tasked the National Food Authority to start the process of procuring 250,000 metric tons or 5 million sacks of rice through importation.

This will serve as a buffer stock of the agency.Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that President Rodrigo Duterte presided the council meeting on Monday and directed it to ensure that rice crisis in 2008 will not happen again.

Piñol said that this is the right time to import rice because farmers have already finished their harvest.

The Secretary added that the imported rice will arrive in 45 days.Meanwhile, the President has ordered the council to set a meeting between him and the rice traders to discuss the rice supply in the country. — UNTV News & Rescue

https://www.untvweb.com/news/nfa-gives-go-signal-to-import-5m-sacks-of-rice/

BRIEF-Indonesia's Bulog extends timeframe for importing 500,000 T of rice

Reuters Staff

March 20 (Reuters) -

* Indonesia’s state food procurement agency, Bulog, will extend the timeframe for its plan to import 500,000 tonnes rice to June from February, chief executive Djarot Kusumayakti said.

* Bulog will open a tender on Wednesday to procure 80,000 tonnes of 5-15 percent broken rice from South Asian countries for May-June arrival.

* Bulog said it expects 420,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand, Vietnam and India to arrive by the end of March.

* Current rice stocks at Bulog are around 600,000 tonnes, the CEO said. (Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-blast/suicide-bomber-kills-at-least-26-near-shrine-in-afghan-capital

Indonesia strives to stabilise domestic rice prices

VNA TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 - 20:33:00

Workers unload Vietnamese rice at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (Source:http://www.thejakartapost.com)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution has called on the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to distribute imported rice that is currently stored at its warehouses to push rice prices down.

Earlier, Bulog planned to distribute 400,000 tonnes of subsidised rice in March in an effort to stabilise rice prices.Besides, an additional 150,000 tonnes of rice will be brought to the market this month in stead of next month as originally scheduled.
Darmin said the move was crucial because the harvest season would reach its peak in April, when rice prices are expected to increase.

In January, the Indonesian Government decided to import 500,000 tonnes of rice due to increasing prices in the market. By doing so, it aimed to stabilise prices and provide Bulog with sufficient stock of the commodity.

However, Bulog procurement director Andrianto Wahyu Adi said later that the agency was only able to import 346,000 tonnes of rice, equivalent to almost 70 percent of the planned amount, due to time constraints.

Darmin stressed the need to do everything to push rice prices down prior to the start of the fasting month, which will last from May 15 to June 15 this year.-VNA

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/indonesia-strives-to-stabilise-domestic-rice-prices/128195.vnp

Talks on with Sri Lanka to export more rice: Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

PublishedMar 20, 2018, 7:37 am IST

UpdatedMar 20, 2018, 7:37 am IST

Colombo has already agreed to import 1 lakh tonne.

Agriculture minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy with MLC Beeda Ravichandra, former minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, APIIC chairman Dr P. Krishnaiah and joint collector A.MD. Imtiaz in Nellore on Monday. (Photo: DC)

Nellore: Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said the authorities were trying to secure order for export of an additional 1 lakh tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka while pointing that the paddy production in SPSR Nellore district during the current harvesting season has been very good. During a review with officials from various departments including agriculture and revenue, he said Sri Lanka had placed order for 1 lakh metric tonnes of rice. Efforts are in progress, however, to secure order for another 1 lakh MTs.

He asked officials to pay Rs 630 in addition to the MSP of Rs 1590 per putti (850 kg) of paddy (NLR 34449 variety; Nellore masoori). He warned the millers against colleting one and half kg of paddy additionally for every bag. He said government will bear any loss that the millers may incur while referring to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's directions on the issue.

Pointing to the 28 lakh puttis of paddy harvested so far, he said 6 lakh puttis had already reached the paddy procurement centres. He found fault with YSRC leaders for blaming him over the irregularities on part of rice millers. He assured the procurement of paddy damaged by rain, he slammed YSRC leaders for politicising the issue. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Collector A. Md. Imtiaz said they have established 168 paddy purchase centres with 94 of them being active. He added that the collection is at a brisk pace at Kottavellanti, Kovur, Atmakur, AS Peta, Mahimalur, Sangam, Duvvur, Dama Nellore and Nayudupeta among other centres.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200318/talks-on-with-sri-lanka-to-export-more-rice-somireddy-chandramohan-re.html