Wednesday, May 30, 2018

30th May,2018 daily global regional local rice e-newsletter

30th   May,2018  Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

Scientists Are Editing Rice Genes To Make Them Produce More

29 May 2018, 8:33 am EDT By Carl Velasco Tech Times
Scientists have created the perfect rice plant that is not only slightly more vulnerable to environmental factors but able to produce up to 31 percent more grain. Ethical questions on gene editing remain, however.  ( Tongpradit Charoenphon | Pixabay )
In yet another example of agriculture and advanced engineering fusing together, scientists may have just found the answer to ramping up rice production: gene editing.
A group of scientists from Purdue University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to create different kinds of rice variants that are able to produce 25 to 31 percent more grain than traditional rice plants, all of which would have been virtually impossible to produce via typical breeding procedures.
Jian-Kang Zhu, a professor at Purdue University, led the team that created mutations to 13 genes related to the phytohormone abscisic acid, which is known to play a key role in terms of plant stress tolerance and growth suppression.
One of the varieties they created is a rice plant that gained minimal changes in terms of stress tolerance. Interestingly, however, it made 25 percent more grain during a field test in Shanghai and 31 percent more in a field test on the Hainan Island.
The trick is to silence genes that improve certain tolerances but suppress growth. On paper, this procedure sounds counterintuitive because it will potentially make the plants more vulnerable.
However, Engadget notes that plants often have genetic redundancies. The researchers simply used this duplication to its advantage and made sure they provided all the benefits and none of the drawbacks.
The findings were published May 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Silencing Genes In Rice Plants

The team essentially created the perfect combination: a rice plant that has just enough gene redundancies to yield ample stress tolerance properties but isn't growth-inhibited.
Such a plant is able to produce grain without succumbing to natural disasters including drought, soil salinity, and other environmental factors.

Only Possible With Gene Editing

CRISPR/Cas9 technology allowed the scientists to cut out parts of a DNA sequence, essentially editing the code to make genetic adjustments. It also allowed them to modify multiple genes simultaneously, a process that would have taken decades to finish using conventional breeding procedures
However, with no guarantee, the resulting rice plants would gain the perfect combination of desirable characteristics.
"It would have taken millions of plants. Basically, it's not feasible," said Ray A. Bressan, who is also a professor at Purdue University. "This is a real accomplishment that could not have been done without CRISPR."
Impressive as the experiment's results might sound, the CRISPR technique still isn't ready to be officially implemented into the field just yet. Moving forward, researchers would also have to determine how gene editing affects elite rice variants. If proven to be successful, however, this technique could be a boon for countries where rice shortages are common.
Plus, agriculture companies would have to overcome ethical fears raised by gene editing. In the present, some are already concerned about the implications of consuming genetically modified rice, questioning its value and who should be given the power to control it.
It's most likely that producers would have to ensure CRISPR-edited rice is both safe to consume and accessible before introducing it to the industry.

This is how GM crop Golden Rice could solve Vitamin-A deficiency in Asia

SANDHYA RAMESH

The USFDA is the third regulatory body to give its nod to Golden Rice | Max Pixel
US food and drug regulator approves Golden Rice for consumption; among Asian nation, Philippines and Bangladesh lead in research and testing of GR2E.
Bengaluru: The US food and drug regulator has approved the world’s first genetically modified rice, called Golden Rice, for consumption amid a raging controversy over GM food.
Developed over the past 20 years, the GR2E Golden Rice has been touted as a solution to Vitamin-A deficiency (VAD) in many underdeveloped and developing nations, especially in Asia where rice is often the staple food.
2008 study on malnutrition found that VAD, which exhibits symptoms such as blindness and dwarfism, kills over six lakh children every year.
In our neighbourhood, the Philippines and Bangladesh lead in the research and testing of GR2E.
The USFDA is the third regulatory body to give its nod to Golden Rice, named for its yellow-golden colour, after approvals from The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and Health Canada in February and March this year respectively.

Early history

Back in 1999, two scientists — Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg — published a paper introducing the first version of Golden Rice (Oryza sativa ). They had introduced the DNA of daffodils and bacteria in regular rice, making it a pale yellow colour instead of pure white.
Then field trials were conducted in the US, the Philippines, and Taiwan in 2001, and more recently in Bangladesh in 2015, which confirmed that the crop could produce nearly five times as much beta-carotene as crops in greenhouses.
Later in 2005, a Swiss company called Syngenta (now acquired by ChemChina) merged Golden Rice genes that produce carotenes with those of maize, resulting in more than 20 times improved production of beta-carotenes in the new variety.
Now, the GR2E is being developed by the non-profit International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines.

Controversies

The campaign against GR2E was partly misinformed, partly politically motivated. Green Rice was probably one of the earliest, if not the only, GM crop where the debate is no longer about pest resistance and chemical fertilizers, but about benefits.
One argument is that the benefits of GR2E are too little. But this isn’t the case at all. Several studies have shown that GR2E provides enough Vitamin A to combat VAD with a minimal amount of rice, just over half a cup a day.
Detractors also offer alternative sources for Vitamin A such as sweet potatoes, but such foods are not available in all seasons or affordable to everyone. Contrary to popular belief, carrots do not have as much Vitamin A as one would think.
Greenpeace is probably the biggest critic of any GM crop developed. Its primary argument is that the crop does not benefit farmers, only commercial enterprises. But data disproves this. GR2E has a cap of commercial use set at $10,000. Farmers or any consumers are allowed to plant and replant this crop as long as they don’t exceed this amount in profits. Farmers are also allowed to keep the seeds and replant them. Furthermore, licences are free as well.

Future

Bangladesh and the Philippines lead the path to releasing the first GR2E variety for consumption. IRRI is also currently working to create healthier rice varieties that contain improved quantities of iron, zinc, and beta-carotene.
“Each regulatory application that Golden Rice completes with national regulatory agencies takes us one step closer to bringing Golden Rice to the people who need it the most,” said IRRI director general Matthew Morell.
“The rigorous safety standards observed by the US FDA and other agencies provide a model for decision-making in all countries wishing to reap the benefits of Golden Rice,” he added.

Limiting global warming levels can reduce dengue fever cases

If global warming levels can be limited, it can reduce cases of dengue and stop it from spreading to areas where incidence is currently low.

health Updated: May 29, 2018 12:29 IST
Soma Das
Hindustan Times
A global warming trajectory of 3.7 degree Celsius could lead to an increase of up to 7.5 million additional dengue cases per year by the middle of this century.(Shutterstock)
Global warming is a major concern around the world. But did you know that it can also have implications for your health and well-being?
Researchers from the University of East Anglia suggest that limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius could avoid around 3.3 million cases of dengue fever per year in Latin America and the Caribbean alone.
The new report revealed that limiting warming to the goal of the UN Paris Agreement would also stop dengue spreading to areas where incidence is currently low. The Paris Climate Agreement aimed to hold global-mean temperature well below 2 degree Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A global warming trajectory of 3.7 degree Celsius could lead to an increase of up to 7.5 million additional cases per year by the middle of this century.
Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes, with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain. It infects around 390 million people worldwide each year, with an estimated 54 million cases in Latin America and the Caribbean. As the mosquitoes that carry and transmit the virus thrive in humid conditions, it is commonly found in areas with these weather conditions. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue and, in rare cases, it can be lethal.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue and, in rare cases, it can be lethal. (Getty Images)
What the study shows
Lead researcher Felipe Colon-Gonzalez said, “There is growing concern about the potential impact of climate change on human health. While it is recognised that limiting warming to 1.5°C would have benefits for human health, the magnitude of these benefits remains mostly unquantified.”
The team studied clinical and laboratory-confirmed dengue reports in Latin America and used computer models to predict the impacts of warming under different climate scenarios. Brazil would benefit the most from limiting warming to 1.5 degree Celsius with up to half a million cases avoided per year by the 2050s and 1.4 million avoided cases per year by 2100.
The findings from the study are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Summer temperatures have gone up by more than 0.5 degrees Celsius. (HT file photo )
4 other harmful effects of global warming
* Heat waves
A study has shown that summer temperatures have gone up by more than 0.5 degrees Celsius on an average over five decades, and this rise has increased probability of heat wave deaths.
* Affects air, food and water
Climate variables can impact the quality of air, water, food, and determine where you can live or work. Climate change phenomena, be it heatwaves, floods and droughts, can cause deaths and displace people, damage infrastructure and reduce availability of food and water. This can lead to disease outbreaks and limit access to healthcare.
Global warming can make rice lose its vitamin and protein content. (Shutterstock)
* It is making more people sick
The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, which represents more than half of US doctors, says that climate change is making people sick due to the rising levels of air pollution, increased water contamination, and a widening range for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
* Rice can become unhealthy.
Scientists have warned that as carbon dioxide levels rise due to burning of fossil fuels, rice will lose some of its protein and vitamin content, putting millions of people at risk of malnutrition. The report was published in the journal Science Advances.
(With inputs from ANI)
Read more
https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/limiting-global-warming-levels-can-reduce-dengue-fever-cases/story-G9ZYxXx1xtwb2o3ckLvajP.htmlSustainability Matters According to Consumer Survey and That's Good for Rice! 
Stellar sustainability record

ARLINGTON, VA -- According to the recently released Annual Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC), the importance of sustainability in food production is at an all-time high with consumers, and key drivers of consumer food purchases continue to be taste, price, healthfulness, convenience, and sustainability.  The findings present a positive outlook for rice consumption in 2018.

The online survey of more than 1,000 Americans ages 18-80 revealed that 59 percent of consumers prefer the foods they purchase and consume be produced in a sustainable way.  This 59 percent mark represents an all-time high for the IFIC survey, with the percentage growing from 35 percent in 2015, 41 percent in 2016, and 50 percent in 2017.

"Consumers interested in the sustainability of their food can look to U.S.-grown rice with confidence because our sustainability story is quite literally second to none," said Michael Klein, vice president of marketing for USA Rice.  "Our farmers are consistently reducing water, energy, and land use, increasing yields, and creating millions of acres of critical wildlife habitat, without the use of GMOs.  All while adhering to the most thorough food safety standards in the world and producing an affordable, delicious, and nutritious food."

The survey also revealed the key drivers behind consumers' food and beverage purchases for 2018 were taste, with 81 percent saying it had some impact in buying decisions, followed by familiarity (65 percent), price (64 percent), healthfulness (61 percent), convenience (54 percent), and sustainability (39 percent).  "Food values" as a decision-making factor is on the upswing with organic and natural items rising in consumers' purchases:  organics represent 29 percent of what is bought and natural labeled items represent 37 percent.

"U.S.-grown rice aligns with consumer values extremely well," said Klein.  "When you look at the six consumer purchasing drivers and food values, U.S.-grown rice checks all the boxes!" 




Global Basmati Rice Market 2018 – Outlook, Analysis, Forecast and Growth

The Global Basmati Rice Market report estimate 2018-2023 is an expert and point by point an analysis about on the present condition additionally focuses around the significant drivers, Global Basmati Rice business strategists and powerful development for the key players. Global Basmati Rice Market likewise gives detailed investigation of the Global Basmati Rice market progression, share, division, income gauges and encourage better basic leadership.
With a motivation behind edifying new contestants about the conceivable outcomes in this Global Basmati Rice Market, this report gives a focused situation of the Global Basmati Rice market with development patterns, structure, driving elements, scope, openings, challenges, merchant scene investigation etc, is examined in the report.
Manufacturers Included In Basmati Rice Market:
KRBL Limited
Amira Nature Foods
LT Foods
Best Foods
Kohinoor Rice
Aeroplane Rice
Tilda Basmati Rice
Matco Foods
Amar Singh Chawal Wala
Hanuman Rice Mills
Adani Wilmar
HAS Rice Pakistan
Galaxy Rice Mill
Dunar Foods
Sungold
Region Included In Basmati Rice Market: North America (Canada, Mexico, and the USA), Europe (Germany, France, Russia, UK, and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, South Korea, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan), South America (Argentina and Brazil), The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Nigeria).
Type Included In Basmati Rice Market:
Indian Basmati Rice
Pakistani Basmati Rice
Kenya Basmati Rice
Other
Applications Included In Basmati Rice Market:
Direct Edible
Deep Processing
Investigation And Key Opportunities Of Global Basmati Rice Market Report: 
An Extensive examination of the Market, by segment, it helps in understanding the sections of the Market that are currently utilized alongside the variations that would grow quality in future. Global Basmati Rice market report investigations the market potential for each geological region in the development rate, macroeconomic parameters, customer purchasing behaviors, and market request and supply situations.
The report moreover incorporates the Basmati Rice market’s key fundamental changes including exploration and progression, new item dispatch, acquisitions and mergers, Basmati Rice business joint undertakings and composed endeavors, and commonplace improvement of key individuals in the Basmati Rice market on the nearby and overall start.
For Detail Overview Basmati Rice Report Split Into Various Sections.
1. Global Basmati Rice Market Overview
2. Basmati Rice Market Sections Study
3. Basmati Rice Market Dynamics
4. Research Market Regions
5. In-Depth Industry Chain Analysis
6. In-Depth Product Type Analysis
7. In-Depth Application Analysis
8. In-Depth Analysis by Regions
9. Global Basmati Rice Market Competitive Landscape Study
10. New Project Feasibility Analysis
Global Basmati Rice Market 2018 Research Report and Forecast 2023
Table Of Content Includes The Following Outline:
1 Industry Overview of Basmati Rice
2 Global Basmati Rice Competition Analysis by Players
3 Basmati Rice Company Profiles
4 Global Basmati Rice Market Size by Type and Application (2018-2023)
5 United States Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
6 EU Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
7 Japan Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
8 China Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
9 India Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
10 Southeast Asia Basmati Rice Development Status and Outlook
11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type, and Application (2018-2023)
12 Basmati Rice Market Dynamics
13 Market Effect Factors Analysis
14 Research Finding/Conclusion
15 Appendix
Browse Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned In Basmati Rice @ http://marketdesk.org/report/global-basmati-rice-market-2018-hc/8112/#toc
Finishing up a section of the report uncovers eye-catching examination and investigation discoveries, data sources, results and statistics added.

Farmers unable to adapt to changes caused by climate change

Changes in temperature and precipitation during the monsoon season are impacting agriculture in the country, a local media outlet reported on Monday.
Shortage in the supply of canal water has prevented farmers in Punjab and Sindh from sowing their cotton for the Kharif season which is usually done at the end of April.
Such changes have raised fears among farmers that permanent changes in sowing crops may be a consequence of changing climate.
“Climate change is a reality and has drastically affected our agriculture, crop cycle, and production of rice, wheat and cotton,” said Pakistan Meteorological Department Director General Ghulam Rasul.
Pakistan’s annual average temperatures have increased by approximately 0.5 degree Celsius over the past three decades, according to a recent report by the Asian Development Bank. This has raised the number of heatwave days in the country over five times.
Another consequence of climate change are changes in river flows due to variations in melting of glaciers and precipitation.
Farmers have also expressed apprehension over changes in climate year after year preventing them from following a clear pattern to adapt to. Some farmers have also complained that detailed information and research is required over the matter and the government has not yet taken the necessary steps to help them adapt to climate change.
An inability to adapt to climate change will have serious consequences for agriculture in Pakistan and impact food security in the country in the future.

Sasan distributes rice among border dwellers, listens grievances
Posted on  by Dailyexcelsior
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 28: Gurdeep Singh Sasan, vice president, National Conference (NC), Jammu province conducted an extensive tour of border belt of RS Pura, where he met victims of cross LoC firing and shelling by Pakistan, listened to their grievances and distributed rice among them.
While addressing a gathering of firing victims at Rangpura, Sasan lambasted the PDP-BJP Government for its total failure to come to the rescue of border dwellers by leaving them at the mercy of God. He said that the Government seems to be insensitive towards the sufferings of firing victims and have closed their eyes and ears towards them.
He alleged that the Government has failed to provide the basic amenities to the helpless people, who are deprived of medical facility, electricity, ration, drinking water and other essentials. “PDP-BJP coalition is completely direction less and has lost the people’s confidence in all the regions of the State”, he added.
Sasan further said that NC is committed to provide safe shelters to border dwellers during cross firing and urged Coalition Government to provide 5 marla plots to border residents. He appealed Governor N N Vohra to direct the Government to provide alternative permanent shelters to the victims. He also demanded Rs five lakh compensation to each family which lost their dear ones in recent ceasefire violations.
The NC provincial vice-president reminded the people that NC leadership is committed for the welfare of border area people and also for the equitable development of all the three regions of the State. He appealed the people to strengthen the hands of NC for the peace, stability, security, employment and development of State.

Buhari has kept his social contract with Nigerian people
– Lai Muhammed ON MAY 28, 20185:14 PM
By Emmanuel Elebeke ABUJA – The minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed has said that the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari has kept its social contract with the Nigerian people by delivering on its campaign promises. President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the guests during the Democracy Day Lecture held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja The minister stated this at a press conference to mark the third year anniversary of the Buhari Administration. He said the administration is already making effort to put the nation on the path of sustainable growth and development, diversifying the economy, tackling corruption and devising creative measures to secure lives and property. He cited the increase in power generation to 7,000 Mega Watts, from the 2690 which it inherited and also taken distributable power to an all-time high of 5,000MW in three years as some of the areas the administration has recorded some successes. He also noted that the administration has moved Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in rice production more than the previous administrations. ‘‘This Administration has kept its social contract with the Nigerian people by delivering on its campaign promises. We are putting our nation on the path of sustainable growth and development, diversifying our economy like never before, tackling corruption at its very core and devising creative measures to secure lives and property. ‘‘After just three years, Nigeria is rising again like a phoenix from the ashes of years of massive looting of the national treasury, misgovernance and fallen oil prices. Under the able, focused and patriotic leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, this Administration has recorded many firsts in so short a time, achievements that are beginning to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians. ‘‘In just three years, the Buhari Administration has taken power generation to an all-time high of 7,000 Mega Watts, from the 2690 which we inherited; has taken distributable power to an all-time high of 5,000MW; has moved Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in rice more than an Administration before it. It’s just two years away from meeting its target production of 6 million MT of milled rice, meeting Nigeria’s consumption. ‘‘In just three years, the administration has increased the number of rice farmers from 5 million to an all-time high over 11 million; it has cut Nigeria’s rice import bill of $1.65billion annually by 90%, the highest such cut ever; it has slashed leakages in government spending that made corruption possible, thanks to the diligent implementation of the Treasury Singles Account (TSA) and the hugely-successful Whistle-Blower Policy. Continuing, he said: ‘‘In just three years, this administration is feeding 8.2 million pupils in 45,394 schools in 24 states, employing 87,261 cooks in the process; has paying conditional cash transfer of N5,000 monthly to 297,973 poorest and most vulnerable households; has delivered 10 million, 50kg bags of feritilizer at a low price N5,500 (for 2017 alone). ‘‘The country now has annual savings of US$200 million in foreign exchange and ₦60 billion annually in budgetary provisions for Fertilizer subsidies; this administration is turning around the nation’s infrastructural fortunes, including power, roads and rail, thanks to the unprecedented 2.7 trillion Naira ($9billion) that has been spent on infrastructure; In just three years, this Administration has raised capital expenditure in the yearly national budget to an unprecedented 30% on the average; in just three years, this Administration has taken its investment in people, through the unprecedented Social Investment Programme (SIP), to a great height; this administration has retaken every inch of Nigeria’s territory from insurgents, flushed them out of their safe havens and put them on the run. These are monumental achievements, unprecedented in the history of our country.’’ Where we are coming from On where the administration started, Mohammed said that Boko Haram was squarely in charge of a territory the size of Lebanon, occupying 24 local governments, collecting taxes, deposing and installing emirs and hoisting its flag on 29th of May 2015, when President Buhari was reeling out his agenda for the nation. He also said that corruption levels in our society was at an all-time high and the economy was in the doldrums but added that the administration is making strong and steady progress in the three priority areas it set for the nation: Economy, Security and the Fight against corruption. Buttressing his claim, the minister said the economy is back on the path of growth, after the recession of 2016-17, with 1.95 percent growth in Q1 2018. ‘‘Consistent growth was achieved in the priority sectors of Agriculture and Solid Minerals throughout the recession; inflation has fallen for 15 consecutive months, from 18.7 percent to12.5 percent as of April 2018; external reserves of $48 billion are the highest in 5 years, and more than double the $23 billion we met in 2015; total exports in 2017 were 59.47% higher than for 2016; in 2017, agriculture exports grew 180.7% above the value in 2016 and in 2017, raw material exports grew 154.2% above the value in 2016.’’ Infrastructure On infrastructure, the minister said the Buhari administration has demonstrated a single-minded commitment to upgrading and developing Nigeria’s Transport, Power and Health Infrastructure. ‘‘In May 2018, the Federal Government launched the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), under the management of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. The PIDF is kicking off with seed funding of US$1.3 billion. Funding for critical projects will no longer be a problem. ‘‘Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in March 2018 invested US$10m to establish a world-class Cancer Treatment Center at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and US$5m each in the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to establish modern Diagnostic Centres. These Centers should be completed before the end of 2018. ‘‘In 2014, the Federal Government spent these sums on the following sectors: Transport (N14bn), Agriculture & Water (N34bn), Power, Works & Housing (N106bn). In 2017 those figures jumped to: Transport (N127bn), Agriculture & Water (N130bn), Power, Works & Housing (N325bn). ‘‘Road Projects are ongoing across every State of the country; many of these projects had been abandoned in recent years because of mounting debts owed by the Federal Government to contractors.’’ Fight against corruption He said the Whistleblowing Policy introduced by the Federal Ministry of Finance in December 2016 has yielded the following in recoveries: N13.8bn from tax evaders, N7.8bn, $378million, £27,800 in recoveries from public officials targeted by whistleblowers; N8.1 trillion Naira was discovered to have been underpaid to the Federation Account between 2010 and 2015 by 15 revenue-generating agencies; MDAs are remitting more money to Federation Account. From remitting only N51 million between 2010 and 2016, JAMB went on to remit N7.8 billion in 2017, and is on course to remit a similar amount in 2018; as at March 2018, the TSA had recorded inflows of a total sum of N8.9 Trillion from Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Security Mohammed said security and normalcy have been restored to the North-East to a large extent. He noted that the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), aimed at combating trans-border crime and the Boko Haram insurgency, has been rejuvenated. ‘‘The El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club has returned to their home base in Maiduguri (in April 2016), two years after relocating to Katsina State because of the insurgency; Emirs of Askira and Uba returned home in May 2016, two years after fleeing their palaces on account of the Boko Haram insurgency; Public Secondary Schools resumed in Borno State on Monday September 26, 2016, after two years of closure; Maiduguri-Gubio and Maiduguri-Monguno Roads reopened in December 2016, after being closed for three years; capture of Boko Haram’s operational and spiritual headquarters,“Camp Zero”, in Sambisa Forest, in December 2016. ‘‘Following this the Nigerian Army conducted its Small Arms Championship from 26th to 31st March 2017, a measure aimed at enabling the Armed forces to dominate the area, and avoid regrouping by the terrorists; Arik Air resumed flights to Maiduguri in May 2017, three years after suspending operations to the city; Nigerian Military reopened Maiduguri-Bama-Banki Road in March 2018, four years after it was seized by Boko Haram; more than a million displaced persons have returned to their homes and communities across the Northeast, since 2015 and more than 13,000 Boko Haram hostages have been freed from Boko Haram captivity, including 106 of the Chibok Girls abducted in April 2014, and 105 of the Dapchi Girls abducted in February 2018,’’ he added. In North Central, where there have been incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers, the minister stated that the administration had deploed a Joint Military Intervention Force (JMIF), comprising Regular and Special Forces personnel from the Army, Air Force and Navy, and working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). ‘‘On Monday 14th May, 2018, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, flagged-off the Army’s newly-established 2 Battalion Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kanfanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State; establishment of a new Area Command and two additional Divisional Police Headquarters in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State; in May 2018, the JMIF kicked off ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’, to counter armed herdsmen and militia groups operating in and around Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara States; establishment by Nigerian Air Force of Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, and deployment of Special Forces to these QRWs and the Nigeria Police Force has recently inaugurated a new Mobile Squadron in Takum, Taraba State among others.’’ He however, insisted that no government in the history of our country has ever done so much with little resources, saying that where many saw challenges, the administration saw opportunities. ‘‘Where many saw challenges, we saw opportunities. Where many saw impossibilities, we saw possibilities. We surmounted every opposition on our path to deliver on our promises to Nigerians. While naysayers pretended to be blind to our achievements, Nigerians who are being positively impacted by the good works of President Buhari applaud and appreciate our efforts, from the feedback we are getting. ‘‘They know that no government in the history of our country has ever done so much with so little. They know and acknowledge the sincerity, transparency and accountability of the Buhari Administration. They know and support the Administration’s diversification effort, which is paying off. We must be able to own our own future. ‘‘We cannot be a hostage to oil price or production levels. That means taking back control of our economy and making it productive, and delivering value for ALL of our people. That’s exactly what we are doing. ‘‘By building an economy that is no longer reliant on income from one commodity, thanks to the ongoing diversification process, we will be creating a sustainable basis for long-term and inclusive growth for ALL. ‘‘We are keenly aware that Government must be accountable, and this government is very accountable. We are providing security, we are providing an enabling environment for business and we are delivering strong and effective public services. We want to assure Nigerians that we will continue to deliver on our campaign promises.’’


Chinese researchers expand test of saline soil rice

Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-28 21:02:16|Editor: ZX

QINGDAO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Researchers Monday expanded the testing of rice growing with saline-alkali soil across China to choose breeds with quality and optimum yield.
According to Zhang Guodong, deputy director of Qingdao's saline-alkali tolerant rice research and development center,in eastern Shandong Province, the new tests almost cover all major types of saline-alkali soil in China.
The six testing bases are located across Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the provinces of Heilongjiang, Shandong, Zhejiang, and Shaanxi.
"The tests will examine the performance, yield, taste, and cost of saline-alkali tolerant rice on different types of saline soil," said Zhang.
A section of land at each testing base will be used for soil amelioration using a technique created by the Qingdao center. It is expected to transform the saline land into arable land within two to three years.
Yuan Longping, China's "Father of Hybrid Rice" who helped found the Qingdao center, said that if 100 million mu (6.7 million hectares) of saline land can be used to grow saline-alkali tolerant rice, the country could produce an extra of 30 billion kg of rice if production per mu reaches 300 kg.
On Monday, the center also announced the completion of yield test of its first batch of drought-resistant rice varieties in Dubai. The rice breed can produce more than 500 kg per mu.

Test planting of saltwater rice begins

2018-05-29 08:20:40China DailyEditor : Li YanECNS App Download
Yuan Longping, China's "father of hybrid rice", checks saltwater rice seedlings before they are planted in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Monday. (Photo provided to China Daily)
Renowned Chinese agricultural scientist Yuan Longping and his research team planted saltwater-tolerant rice on six plots of saline-alkali land on Monday.
It was the first time this kind of rice has been planted simultaneously on different types of such land, a major step in exploring its commercial viability.
The planting sites are in Kashgar, in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region; Daqing, Heilongjiang province; Dongying and Qingdao, Shandong province; Wenzhou, Zhejiang province; and Yan'an, Shaanxi province. The sites represent virtually every type of saline-alkali land in China.
So-called saltwater rice is designed to grow in tidal flats or other areas with heavy salt content."These planting practices aim to test saltwater rice's performance, yield, taste and cost when grown on different types of saline-alkali land," said Zhang Guodong, deputy director at the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Research and Development Center in Shandong province.
The center, led by Yuan, China's "father of hybrid rice", was founded in 2016 to help expand the farming of salt-tolerant varieties of rice.
Zhang said researchers and planters applied several methods based on the Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence, and tried to improve productivity and land use.
Besides testing saltwater rice's performance, the six saline-alkali areas have different orientations. For example, in Kashgar, poor families from ethnic groups have been organized to plant seawater rice to help poverty alleviation.
In Dongying, saline land is expected to provide crops to support civilian-military integration.
The six plots are expected to become fertile land in two or three years, and other saline lands will be used to examine saltwater-tolerant rices species.Zhang said the center had joined with the China National Hybrid Rice R& D Center, as well as 18 other research institutions and enterprises, to establish a working group to examine the test results.
China has 100 million hectares of saline-alkaline soil.Yuan and his team plan to develop a type of saltwater rice that can be planted on 6.7 million hectares of saline-alkali land around the country, which they estimate can yield 30 million metric tons every year, feeding an additional 80 million mouths.
In September last year, the Qingdao demonstration center harvested four types of saline-alkali rice, with the highest yield reaching 9.3 tons per hectare, much higher than expected.
Yuan's team also estimated the results of experimental planting of saltwater rice in desert areas of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. One type is expected to yield more than 7.5 tons per hectare.
The Chinese team started planting the rice in January. The harvest is expected to take place in late June.


Fortified Rice Market: Sales, Consumer Needs , Trends and Drivers Analysis and Forecast Analysis with Forecast to 2025

 

Fortified Rice Market research report is a proven source of information which offers a telescopic view of the current market trends, situations, opportunities and status. Both established and new players in the Fortified Rice industry can use this report for complete understanding of the market.
Various key factors are discussed in the report, which will help the buyer in studying the Fortified Rice market on competitive landscape analysis of prime manufacturers, trends, opportunities, marketing strategies analysis, Market Effect Factor Analysisand Consumer Needs by major regions, types, applications in #REGION market considering the past, present and future state of the Fortified Rice industry.
Get more details of this meticulous Fortified Rice research study @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/11500036
Fortified Rice Market Size (Value and Volume) of Fortified Rice (2013-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)
Fortified Rice Market by Region
·       United States
·       China
·       Europe
·       Japan
·       Southeast Asia
·       India
The report provides a thorough overview of the Fortified Rice Market including definitions, classifications, applications and chain structure.
Fortified Rice Research Reports Market segments for types: –
·       by Micronutrients: – Vitamins
·       Minerals
·       Other Fortifying Nutrients
·       by Technology
·       Drying
·       Extrusion
·       Coating & Encapsulation
·       Others
Classification of Fortified Rice by Product Category
·       Fortified Rice Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2018
Fortified Rice Market by Application/End Users
·       Fortified Rice Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)
·       Commercial
·       Residential
Market Analysis by Application
·       Fortified Rice Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)
·       Fortified Rice Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)
Ask for a Sample PDF of Fortified Rice market report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/request-sample/11500036
Fortified Rice industry report contains proven research by regions, especially United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and India focusing Sales Volume and Market Share by Players, by Type, by Application, top manufacturers in #REGION market with Production, price, revenue of each manufacturer, covering following top players
·       Cargill Incorporated
·       Bunge Limited
·       Bühler AG
·       BASF SE
·       General Mills
Fortified Rice Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data
·       Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors
·       Fortified Rice Product Category, Application and Specification
·       Product A
·       Product B
·       Fortified Rice Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)
·       Main Business/Business Overview
Fortified Rice Market Forecast (2018-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Sales Volume, Revenue and Price Forecast (2018-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Sales Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast by Region (2018-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Sales Volume, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2018-2025)
·       Fortified Rice Sales Volume Forecast by Application (2018-2025)
Manufacturing Cost Analysis of Fortified Rice
1.     Fortified Rice Key Raw Materials Analysis
2.     Key Raw Materials
3.     Price Trend of Key Raw Materials
4.     Key Suppliers of Raw Materials
5.     Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials
6.     Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure
7.     Raw Materials
8.     Labor Cost
9.     Manufacturing Expenses
·       Manufacturing Process Analysis of Fortified Rice
Wish to Customise by Your Requirement Ask our expert @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11500036
Several important areas are covered in this Fortified Rice market research report. Some key points among them: –
1.     What is Market Overview of Fortified Rice This Overview Includes Diligent Analysis of Scope, Types, Application, Sales by region, manufacturers, types and applications
2.     What Is Fortified Rice Competition considering Manufacturers, Types and Application Based on Thorough Research of Key Factors
3.     Who Are Fortified Rice Key Manufacturers Along with this survey you also get their Product Information (Type, Application and Specification)
4.     Fortified Rice Manufacturing Cost Analysis –This Analysis is done by considering prime elements like Key RAW Materials, Price Trends, Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials, Proportion of Raw Materials and Labour Cost in Manufacturing Cost Structure
5.     Fortified Rice Industrial Chain Analysis
6.     Fortified Rice Marketing strategies analysis by
7.     Market Positioning
8.     Pricing and Branding Strategy
9.     Client Targeting
10.  Fortified Rice Effect Factor Analysis
11.  Technology Process/Risk Considering Substitute Threat and Technology Progress in Fortified Rice Industry
12.  Consumer Needs or What Change Is Observed in Preference of Customer
13.  Political/Economical Change
14.  What is Fortified Rice forecast (2018-2025) Considering Sales, Revenue for Regions, Types and Applications
Price of Report: $ 2900 (Single User Licence)
Purchase Fortified Rice Research Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/purchase/11500036
Topics such as sales and sales revenue overview, production market share by product type, capacity and production overview, import, export, and consumption are covered under the development trend section of the Fortified Rice market report.
Lastly, the feasibility analysis of new project investment is done in the report, which consist of a detailed SWOT analysis of the Fortified Rice market.
Some of key Tables and Figures included in Fortified Rice Market research study: –
1.     Figure Picture of Fortified Rice
2.     Figure Fortified Rice Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)
3.     Table Production Base and Market Concentration Rate of Raw Material
4.     Figure Manufacturing Cost Structure of Fortified Rice
5.     Figure Manufacturing Process Analysis of Fortified Rice
6.     Figure Fortified Rice Industrial Chain Analysis
7.     Figure Fortified Rice Sales and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)
8.     Figure Fortified Rice Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)
9.     Table Fortified Rice Sales Forecast by Regions (2018-2025)
10.  Table Fortified Rice Sales Forecast by Type (2018-2025)
11.  Table Fortified Rice Sales Forecast by Application (2018-2025)
https://exclusivereportage.com/302875/fortified-rice-market-sales-consumer-needs-trends-and-drivers-analysis-and-forecast-analysis-with-forecast-to-2025/

Agricultural subsidy leading to rice shortages in food service industry

8:01 pm, May 28, 2018
The Yomiuri ShimbunPrices of cooking rice for use in the restaurant and food-service industry have been rising. An agricultural policy that has made rice farmers dependent on subsidies meant to safeguard them has brought about a loss of flexibility in production, thus failing to meet the needs of consumers sufficiently.
Restaurant chain operators have raised their prices one after another, while supermarket operators have in succession effectively raised their prices of rice balls by reducing the amount of rice used to make them. These developments have come about as the prices of cooking rice for business use have risen by more than 10 percent from a year earlier. The prime factor for price increases is that rice production has not caught up with demand.
The use of cooking rice for business purpose has been growing, in particular, in the food-service industry and take-out bento businesses, thanks to increases in the number of dual-income households and single-person households.
On the other hand, rice production has been curbed because of the impact of the government’s agricultural policy.
The government has abolished the state’s rice production adjustment policy — an acreage reduction system — starting with the rice to be produced in 2018. Prior to the abolishment, the government raised the subsidies for feed rice, so that rice farmers would not produce cooking rice in excess.
Such cases have become conspicuous involving hitherto major producers of cooking rice for business use — such as small-scale, part-time farmers — shifting into feed rice production, accelerating the shortage of cooking rice for the restaurant and food-service industry.
The abolishment of the acreage reduction system is aimed at encouraging originality and ingenuity among rice growers in an unrestrained environment. The income-support measures have given rise to a crop of farmers who fall back on subsidies too easily, thus distorting the primary purpose of the system.
Defeating the purpose
With the cultivation of feed rice, farmland with low profitability has been maintained. This also runs counter to the thinking of rejuvenating Japanese agriculture.
It has also been pointed out that highly motivated farmers tend to shun growing cooking rice for business use, whose selling prices are lower than those of branded rice.
Large-scale farmers, in particular, have increased their tendency to focus on the production of branded rice, which they can sell at high prices, a factor contributing to the short supply of cooking rice for business use.
The food-service industry, among others, is in need of rice which is reasonably priced but of high quality. In order to develop an environment in which farmers actively produce cooking rice for business use, their cooperation with industry and others will be vital.
Among restaurant chain operators, there are those that could make contracts with specific farmers for production over multiple years. Those farmers who grow branded rice would also be able to rely on a stable source of income if they switch some of the rice they grow to cooking rice for business use under a long-term contract.
As Japanese rice is also highly popular in foreign countries, the government is aiming at having the rice-growing sector develop into an export-oriented industry. How to secure the market for Japanese rice both at home and abroad will be put to the test.
Distributors such as agricultural cooperatives should put their strength into improving their intermediary functions linking producers and consumers.
Rice suitable for business use that is relatively cheap and tasty includes such popular varieties as “Haenuki” produced in Yamagata Prefecture and “Asahi no Yume” grown in Gunma Prefecture.
It is hoped that research institutes, including agricultural research stations, accelerate the development of such varieties of rice whose yield per unit is high so that farmers are able to make an adequate amount of profit.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2018)Speech

Rice Flour Market Analysis by Applications, Competitors and Forecast to 2025



Rice Flour Market Research Report is a highly diligent Report on competitive landscape analysis, prime manufacturers, marketing strategies analysis, Market Effect Factor Analysis and Consumer Needs by major regions, types, applications in United States market considering the past, current and future state of the Rice Flour industry. The report provides a thorough overview of the Rice Flour market including definitions, classifications, applications and chain structure.
This Research Report focus on Types: –
·       Rice Flour
·       Brown Rice Flour
·       Glutinous Rice Flour
·       Other
This Research Report focus on Applications: –
·       Rice Noodle And Rice Pasta
·       Sweets And Desserts
·       Snacks
·       Bread
·       Thickening Agent
·       Other
This report studies Interferons in Rice Flour market, focuses on top manufacturers in Rice Flour market, with Production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering
·       Burapa Prosper
·       Thai Flour Industry
·       Rose Brand
·       Cho Heng
·       Koda Farms
Some of Point of thorough research contents in this research includes
1.     What Overview Rice Flour Market Says This Overview Includes Diligent Analysis of Scope, Types, Application, Sales by region, manufacturers , types and applications
2.     What Is Rice Flour Competition considering Manufacturers, Types and Application Based On Thorough Research of Key Factors
3.     Who Are Rice Flour Key Manufacturers Along with this survey you also get their Product Information (Type, Application And Specification)
4.     Rice Flour ’s Manufacturing Cost Analysis –This Analysis is done by considering these prime elements like Key RAW Materials, Price Trends, Market Concentration Rate Of Raw Materials, Proportion Of Raw Materials And Labour Cost in Manufacturing Cost Structure
5.     Rice Flour Industrial Chain Analysis
6.     Rice Flour marketing strategies analysis by
7.     Market Positioning
8.     Pricing And Branding Strategy
9.     Client Targeting
10.  Rice Flour Market Effect Factor Analysis
11.  Technology Process/Risk Considering Substitute Threat and Technology Progress In Rice Flour Industry
12.  Consumer Needs Or What Change Is Observed In Preference Of Customer
13.  Political/Economical Change
14.  What is Rice Flour Market forecast (2018-2025) Considering Sales, Revenue for Regions, Types and Applications
Need to Customise by Your Requirement Ask our expert @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11557940
Some of key Tables and Figures included in this research Report: –
1.     Figure Picture of Rice Flour
2.     Figure #RBGP Rice Flour Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)
3.     Table Production Base and Market Concentration Rate of Raw Material
4.     Figure Manufacturing Cost Structure of Rice Flour
5.     Figure Manufacturing Process Analysis of Rice Flour
6.     Figure Rice Flour Industrial Chain Analysis
7.     Figure Rice Flour Sales and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)
8.     Figure Rice Flour Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)
9.     Table Rice Flour Sales Forecast by Regions (2018-2025)
10.  Table Rice Flour Sales Forecast by Type (2018-2025)
11.  Table Rice Flour Sales Forecast by Application (2018-2025)
Purchase Rice Flour Market Research Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/purchase/11557940
Price of Report: $ 2900 (Single User Licence)

Global Rice Flour Market 2023 Research Report Analysis, Growth Prospects, Business Overview and Growth Rate

Global Rice Flour Industry research report is a meticulous investigation of current scenario of the market, which covers several market dynamics. Global Rice Flour Market Research Report provides an in-depth analysis of the major Global Rice Flour industry leading players along with the company profiles and strategies adopted by them.
The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets on Global Rice Flour Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions. This enables the buyer of the report to gain a telescopic view of the competitive landscape and plan the strategies accordingly.
Request Sample Copy of Global Rice Flour Market Report: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10864157
A further section of the Global Rice Flour report gives an interpretation of revenue, sales, price, cost, and growth rate of the Global Rice Flour market for each region, product types, and applications. Moreover it covers the imminent scope of the Global Rice Flour market.
This report provides comprehensive analysis of
·       Key market segments and sub-segments
·       Evolving market trends and dynamics
·       Changing supply and demand Scenarios
·       Quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecasting
·       Tracking current trends/opportunities/challenges
·       Competitive insights
·       Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughs Accelerator
For More Enquiry Please Ask Our Experts At : https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/10864157
Reasons for Buying this Report:
1.     This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics
2.     It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth
3.     It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow
4.     It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future
5.     It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors
6.     It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments
Place Purchase Order For Global Rice Flour Market Report At: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/purchase/10864157
Global Rice Flour Market Forecast 2018-2023
The Global Rice Flour industry research report analyses the supply, sales, production, and market status comprehensivelyProduction market shares and sales market shares are analysed along with the study of capacity, production, sales, and revenue. Several other factors such as import, exportgross marginpricecost, and consumption are also analysed under the section Analysis of Global Rice Flour production, supply, sales and market status.
Lastly, This report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applications, discussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares.

Rice Transplanter Machine Market Analysis By Top Vendors Overview, Growth Opportunities With Forecast To 2021

Rice Transplanter Machine Market report provides detailed information of the Rice Transplanter Machine Market by including the Market Summary, Market Landscape, market sizing with forecast to 2021. Present Market Ecosystem, Market Characteristics and Market Segmentation Analysis is given in the report. Vendor analysis using five forces analysis technique, which provides the information needed to predict the future Market Size of Rice Transplanter Machine is provided in the report. Also, Year-over-year growth (%) and Market Size ($ mn) for key regions like APAC, EMEA and Americas is mentioned in the report. For further study, exhibits like Exhibit 1: Parent market, Exhibit 02: Market characteristics, Exhibit 03: Market segments Exhibit 04: Market size 2017 are included in the report for clear understanding of the Rice Transplanter Machine Market.
Request for Sample Copy of Rice Transplanter Machine Market Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/request-sample/11157237
Rice Transplanter Machine market by top Key vendors: Kubota, Iseki, Yanmar, TYM, Jiangsu World Agriculture Machinery and many more.
Rice Transplanter Machine Market Dynamics: –
Market driver
• Shift toward mechanization
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market challenge
• Lack of finances for small farmers to replace old machinery
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market trend
• Product innovation
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Rice Transplanter Machine Market Key players are analysed on the basis of: Business segmentsOrganizational developments, Geographic focus, Segment focus, Key offerings & Key customersValidation techniques used for the market sizing is also presented in the report in the form of exhibit for further proving the accuracy of the information presented in the Rice Transplanter Machine Market report. Inclusion and exclusion list is also made available for business development in the field of Rice Transplanter Machine Market.
Do you have any query or need customization on above report? Ask to our Market expert @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11157237
Reasons to buy this report:
·       Rice Transplanter Machine Market size 2021 provided along with the growth rate.
·       Forecast based on fine analysis of Rice Transplanter Machine Market for the past 5 years.
·       Challenges to the growth of Rice Transplanter Machine Market growth provided for proper business planning
·       It is based on accurate techniques like five forces analysis & SWOT.
·       Geographical segmentation along with comparison is provided for each key vendor of the Rice Transplanter Machine Market
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Worldwide Rice Transplanter Machine Market: Business Segments, Top Key Players and Market Sizing 2021

Rice Transplanter Machine Market research report offers the vendor landscape and a corresponding exhaustive analysis of the major vendors operating in the market. Rice Transplanter Machine market report examines the market potential for each geographic region based on the growth rate, revenue, macroeconomic factors, market demand, shares, size and supply scenarios.
Industry Experts Forecast Global Rice Transplanter Machine Market to Grow at 9.35% CAGR during the Period 2017-2021
Access Complete Rice Transplanter Machine Market Report at https://www.absolutereports.com/global-rice-transplanter-machine-market-2017-2021-11340842
Rice Transplanter Machine Market reports also provides types, application, market challenges, trends, development factors, consumption, key regions, distributors, raw material suppliers, and forecast by 2021.
Key Vendors of Rice Transplanter Machine Market: Johnson & Johnson Services, Medtronic, Baxter, Changzhou Ankang Medical Instruments, Dextera Surgical, Grena, MID, Silex Medical, and more.
Market Driver
Shift toward mechanization
For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market Challenge
Lack of finances for small farmers to replace old machinery
For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market Trend
Product innovation
For a full, detailed list, view our report
The Rice Transplanter Machine market analysis and forecast is provided for Americas, APAC, EMEA regions. It includes analysis of Rice Transplanter Machine Capacity, Production, Price and Market Share etc. for each region, the forecast till 2021 is also provided for the same parameters.
Rice Transplanter Machine market report also includes analysis of following important aspects
·       Manufacturing Cost Analysis
·       Market Sizing
·       Five Forces Analysis
·       Vendor Landscape
·       Drivers and Challenges
·       Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers
·       Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders
·       Market Effect Factors Analysis
Price of Report: $ 3500 (Single User License)
Purchase Rice Transplanter Machine Market Report athttps://www.absolutereports.com/purchase/11340842   
This Rice Transplanter Machine report provides new business dimensions with growth opportunities and contribution of upcoming market segments.


Agricultural subsidy leading to rice shortages in food service industry

8:01 pm, May 28, 2018
The Yomiuri ShimbunPrices of cooking rice for use in the restaurant and food-service industry have been rising. An agricultural policy that has made rice farmers dependent on subsidies meant to safeguard them has brought about a loss of flexibility in production, thus failing to meet the needs of consumers sufficiently.
Restaurant chain operators have raised their prices one after another, while supermarket operators have in succession effectively raised their prices of rice balls by reducing the amount of rice used to make them. These developments have come about as the prices of cooking rice for business use have risen by more than 10 percent from a year earlier. The prime factor for price increases is that rice production has not caught up with demand.
The use of cooking rice for business purpose has been growing, in particular, in the food-service industry and take-out bento businesses, thanks to increases in the number of dual-income households and single-person households.
On the other hand, rice production has been curbed because of the impact of the government’s agricultural policy.
The government has abolished the state’s rice production adjustment policy — an acreage reduction system — starting with the rice to be produced in 2018. Prior to the abolishment, the government raised the subsidies for feed rice, so that rice farmers would not produce cooking rice in excess.
Such cases have become conspicuous involving hitherto major producers of cooking rice for business use — such as small-scale, part-time farmers — shifting into feed rice production, accelerating the shortage of cooking rice for the restaurant and food-service industry.
The abolishment of the acreage reduction system is aimed at encouraging originality and ingenuity among rice growers in an unrestrained environment. The income-support measures have given rise to a crop of farmers who fall back on subsidies too easily, thus distorting the primary purpose of the system.
Defeating the purpose
With the cultivation of feed rice, farmland with low profitability has been maintained. This also runs counter to the thinking of rejuvenating Japanese agriculture.
It has also been pointed out that highly motivated farmers tend to shun growing cooking rice for business use, whose selling prices are lower than those of branded rice.
Large-scale farmers, in particular, have increased their tendency to focus on the production of branded rice, which they can sell at high prices, a factor contributing to the short supply of cooking rice for business use.
The food-service industry, among others, is in need of rice which is reasonably priced but of high quality. In order to develop an environment in which farmers actively produce cooking rice for business use, their cooperation with industry and others will be vital.
Among restaurant chain operators, there are those that could make contracts with specific farmers for production over multiple years. Those farmers who grow branded rice would also be able to rely on a stable source of income if they switch some of the rice they grow to cooking rice for business use under a long-term contract.
As Japanese rice is also highly popular in foreign countries, the government is aiming at having the rice-growing sector develop into an export-oriented industry. How to secure the market for Japanese rice both at home and abroad will be put to the test.
Distributors such as agricultural cooperatives should put their strength into improving their intermediary functions linking producers and consumers.
Rice suitable for business use that is relatively cheap and tasty includes such popular varieties as “Haenuki” produced in Yamagata Prefecture and “Asahi no Yume” grown in Gunma Prefecture.
It is hoped that research institutes, including agricultural research stations, accelerate the development of such varieties of rice whose yield per unit is high so that farmers are able to make an adequate amount of profit.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2018)Speech
\

Global Organic Rice Market 2023 Research Report Analysis, Growth Prospects, Business Overview and Growth Rate

Global Organic Rice Industry research report is a meticulous investigation of current scenario of the market, which covers several market dynamics. The Market Report also provides an analytical assessment of the prime challenges faced by Global Organic Rice Market currently and in the coming years, which helps Market participants in understanding the problems they may face while operating in this Market over a longer period of time.
The Global Organic Rice market overview, which is the beginning of the report, consists of various factors such as definitions, applications, and classifications of the Global Organic Rice.
Request Sample of Global Organic Rice Market Research Report:  https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10762859
Global Organic Rice Market Research Report provides an in-depth analysis of the major Global Organic Rice industry leading players along with the company profiles and strategies adopted by them. This enables the buyer of the report to gain a telescopic view of the competitive landscape and plan the strategies accordingly. A separate section with Global Organic Rice Market key players is included in the report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of price, cost, gross, revenue, product picture, specifications, company profile, and contact information.
Key Points Covered in Report:
 Global Organic Rice Market Research Report 2018
 Global Organic Rice Market Competition by Manufacturers
 Global Organic Rice Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2018)
 Global Organic Rice Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2018)
Place a Purchase Order for Global Organic Rice Market at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/purchase/10762859
The Global Organic Rice Market report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applicationsdiscussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares.
This report provides:
1) An overview of the  market for  Global Organic Rice Market and related technologies.
2) Analyses of  keyword market trends, with data from 2015, estimates for 2015 and 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023.
3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for  Global Organic Rice Market.
4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications for keyword market.
5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the keyword industry.

Increasing levels of dioxide reduce the nutritional value of rice

May 29, 2018 2:08 am 
Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to climate change gradually reduce the nutritional value of rice, a basic feed for more than two billion people, especially in the poorest countries, thus threatening their health, according to a new international scientific research.
The study shows for the first time that rice grown under conditions of increased atmospheric dioxide has reduced four important vitamins B (B1, B2, B5, B9), less protein and also fewer other nutrients such as iron and zinc.
Researchers from the United States, Japan, Australia and China, who carried out research with 18 common varieties of rice, made the relevant publication in the journal Science Advances. Experimental rice crops were made with artificially elevated levels of dioxide (568 to 590 ppm), as expected in the second half of our century.
It was found that when there is increased airborne dioxide, mean levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in rice are reduced by 17%, 1, B2 (riboflavin) by 16.6%, B5 (pantothenic acid) by 12.7% and B9 (folate) by 30.3%. Climate change does not change levels of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and calcium while increasing levels of vitamin E.
Also, increased dioxide reduces by about 10% the level of protein, 8% of iron and 5% of zinc, containing the rice.
“Rice has been the basis of nutrition for many populations in Asia for thousands of years and is the fastest growing food in Africa. Reducing nutritional quality of rice will affect maternal and child health for millions of people, “said researcher Christy Ebi, a professor at the University of Washington.
Approximately 600 million people, mostly in Southeast Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, etc.), take over half of their daily calories and protein from rice, the physiology of which is affected by climate change. The research has shown, however, that not all rice varieties respond to the increased dioxide, and therefore – through further research – those that can better preserve their nutritional value.

Rice Flour Market Analysis by Applications, Competitors and Forecast to 2025

Rice Flour Market Research Report is a highly diligent Report on competitive landscape analysis, prime manufacturers, marketing strategies analysis, Market Effect Factor Analysis and Consumer Needs by major regions, types, applications in United States market considering the past, current and future state of the Rice Flour industry. The report provides a thorough overview of the Rice Flour market including definitions, classifications, applications and chain structure.
This Research Report focus on Types: –
·       Rice Flour
·       Brown Rice Flour
·       Glutinous Rice Flour
·       Other
This Research Report focus on Applications: –
·       Rice Noodle And Rice Pasta
·       Sweets And Desserts
·       Snacks
·       Bread
·       Thickening Agent
·       Other
This report studies Interferons in Rice Flour market, focuses on top manufacturers in Rice Flour market, with Production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering
·       Burapa Prosper
·       Thai Flour Industry
·       Rose Brand
·       Cho Heng
·       Koda Farms
Some of Point of thorough research contents in this research includes
1.     What Overview Rice Flour Market Says This Overview Includes Diligent Analysis of Scope, Types, Application, Sales by region, manufacturers , types and applications
2.     What Is Rice Flour Competition considering Manufacturers, Types and Application Based On Thorough Research of Key Factors
3.     Who Are Rice Flour Key Manufacturers Along with this survey you also get their Product Information (Type, Application And Specification)
4.     Rice Flour ’s Manufacturing Cost Analysis –This Analysis is done by considering these prime elements like Key RAW Materials, Price Trends, Market Concentration Rate Of Raw Materials, Proportion Of Raw Materials And Labour Cost in Manufacturing Cost Structure
5.     Rice Flour Industrial Chain Analysis
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8.     Pricing And Branding Strategy
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10.  Rice Flour Market Effect Factor Analysis
11.  Technology Process/Risk Considering Substitute Threat and Technology Progress In Rice Flour Industry
12.  Consumer Needs Or What Change Is Observed In Preference Of Customer
13.  Political/Economical Change
14.  What is Rice Flour Market forecast (2018-2025) Considering Sales, Revenue for Regions, Types and Applications
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Farmers unable to cope with shocks induced by climate change

REPORT
29 May 2018 
By Nasir Jamal
LAHORE: Ijaz Ahmed Rao has just finished sowing cotton on his 60 acres in Bahawalnagar. He is now worried that an unusual heatwave, which has gripped the country for several days, may have devastating effect on his crop.
“If the present heatwave continues for a longer period, it would stunt or slow down plant growth. That means I’ll have to spend more on fertilisers to mitigate the impact of adverse weather on my crop,” he told Dawn by telephone.
The ongoing heatwave is not the only worry that keeps Mr Rao occupied these days. He is becoming less and less certain about the timing, intensity and duration of monsoon that has become erratic now. “Torrential rains will increase the risk of disease and pest attack, causing production losses. It is as bad, if not worse, as extreme dry and hot weather,” he argues.
Nevertheless, Mr Rao considers himself lucky because he has access to both canal and ground water to irrigate his land, which allowed him to do his sowing well in time.
A large number of farmers in parts of southern Punjab and Sindh — where cotton sowing is done by the end of April — have yet not sown their cotton owing to canal water shortage that is projected to be around 45pc for the current Kharif season.
This is not the first year that a set of unusual factors has struck Mr Rao and thousands of other growers. There has been a certain consistency about the adverse factors that they have been contending with for the last few years. It is not a surprise then that a large number of farmers across Punjab and Sindh are viewing the extreme spells of nature with a lot of apprehension, fearing that the ongoing cycle would lead to some permanent changes in the pattern of sowing across the country.
Govt is doing little to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns
The sad part is that there is no credible government agency to warn and prepare farmers against these changes in agriculture believed to have been brought about by climate change. “Climate change is a reality and has drastically affected our agriculture, crop cycle, and production of rice, wheat and cotton,” notes Ghulam Rasul, the director general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
According to a recent Asian Development Bank report, Pakistan’s annual average temperature has increased by roughly 0.5 degree Celsius in the last 50 years, raising the number of heatwave days per year nearly fivefold during the last three decades. According to the report titled “Climate Profile of Pakistan”, the country is expected to experience increased variability of river flows due to an increased variability of precipitation and the melting of glaciers. It highlights that climatic change might potentially have various negative effects on the country’s farm productivity and water availability, increase coastal erosion and seawater incursion and frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
“Existing evidence points to negative impact of climate change and weather shocks on the country’s agriculture,” says Sajid Amin Javed, a research fellow at the Sustainable Develop­ment Policy Institute in Islamabad, who has done a lot of work on the impact of climate change on agriculture and co-authored a number of reports on the subject.
“Both long-run temperature and precipitation have significant negative impact on agriculture, but the effect of long-run temperature is varying across regions and seasons both in magnitude and direction,” he says.
Farmers say climate change is adding to weather uncertainties. “Weather has become more unpredictable in the recent years because of changing climate. But these changes have not consolidated as yet and become a ‘new normal’. For example, we may have torrential rains this year and face drought next year. The third year may be a normal one. That makes difficult for the farmers to change their sowing time and cropping patterns. They have to follow the usual sowing period, and keep hoping for favourable weather conditions and a good harvest,” says Hamid Malhi, a progressive grower from Sialkot district.
He is critical of the government for not helping the farmers mitigate adverse impact of climate change on their livelihoods. “The government has done nothing to mitigate suffering of the farmers or help them adapt to changing weather patterns. It requires a lot of research and development of new seed varieties that are tolerant to changing weather conditions. But we have not seen any action on the part of the government so far,” Mr Malhi deplores.
Mr Javed argues that smallholders who are most vulnerable to changing climate lack resources for effective adaptation strategies. He thinks that access to credit and government extension services can play a vital role in the choice of farm level adaptation options.
Research on adaptation to climate change also suffers some confirmation biases and adaptations to market risks may be incorrectly attributed to climate change, he warns. “Our quasi-experiment administered on 400 farming households from four districts of Pakistan demonstrates that when farmers are not sensitised about climate change prior to questions on adaptations, they assign market factors such as availability of new opportunities, improved purchasing power and net profitability as major reasons for changes in sowing date, growing new crop variety and use of fertilisers.
“To be exact, less than one per cent to 2.5pc of farmers indicated climate change as the reason behind change in crop variety and use of fertilisers, which otherwise are reported to be the most common adaptation strategies to face changing climate. Similarly, only 10pc farmers associated late sowing with climate change,” Mr Jawed says.
Unless climate change trends are reversed, our agriculture will be the most seriously impacted sector that in turn will affect food security of the country in the years to come.
Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2018
DAWN Group of Newspapers:

MP government trying for basmati patent: CM



| Written by : IANS| Updated: Mon, May 28, 2018, 03:47 PM


Indore, May 28 (IANS) Amid similar efforts being made by other states, the Madhya Pradesh government too is trying hard to get a patent for basmati variety of rice, Chief Minister Shiraj Singh Chouhan has said.

Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh was strongly contesting the claims made by other states on the issue.

He also said that a law had been made in the state to regulate contract farming, which will help both landowners and lessees.

He was addressing farmers at an event here on Sunday.

FG targets production of 8m tonnes of rice in 2018 wet season
ON MAY 28, 20184:12 pm
 The Federal Government says it is targeting the production of eight million tonnes of paddy by rice farmers across the country in 2018 wet season. Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said this on Monday in Abuja, while speaking to newsmen on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the past three years. The minister said that the country was currently producing between 5.8 million and six million tonnes of paddy, adding that it was targeting the production of nine million tonnes by 2019. He said that the rice revolution was the most outstanding achievement recorded in the Buhari-administration’s economic diversification efforts in three years. Ogbeh said that the feats in the rice revolution were attained through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The minister, who noted that in the past, Nigeria spent over five million U.S. dollars a day on rice importation, said that rice importation had reduced by 95 per cent from December 2015 till date. “The number of farmers growing paddy rice has risen from five million to 12.2 million; more farmers are coming in as we clear more land for them and arrange irrigation facilities. “By the end of this planting season which we are entering, we should be approaching eight million tonnes of paddy, which will give us roughly 6.5 million tonnes of processed rice. “We hope that by this time next year, we should be targeting nine million tonnes of paddy because the good thing is that rice grows everywhere in the country. “Irrigation has to come on board for us to achieve this because as long as we depend on rain-fed agriculture, we would have difficulties in achieving the target. “When the CBN came up in partnership with us on the ABP loan at nine percent interest rate, which to the farmer was a biggest relief they have seen in years; even though it is still too high but it made all the difference. “We are still pushing for five per cent,’’ he added. Ogbeh said that at present, there were over 27 large rice mills and over 5,000 small rice mills across the country, processing rice to international standards so as to boost improved local production. He listed some of the states that were involved in rice production as Kano State, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Nasarawa State, among others. Besides, the minister quoted the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as saying that Nigeria was currently the largest producer of maize in Africa, producing 10 million tonnes. He said that the country was the foremost yam producer, the second in sorghum production, the third in millet production and the fourth in cashew nut production in Africa. On the country’s export earnings, the minister noted that the country earned 700 million dollars from cashew nuts sales in the first quarter of 2018. Ogbeh said that agricultural exports from Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, had risen by 180 per cent in the last two years. “We are also leaders in cassava production but we are not doing well enough in cassava processing and value addition,’’ he said. He said that the Federal Government was working tirelessly to free the nation from the anxieties of hunger and food insecurity. (NAN)
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/05/fg-targets-production-8m-tonnes-rice-2018-wet-season/

Traders to boost supply with more rice imports

In Photo: A mother cradling her child waits for a ride to bring home their rice in the province of Nueva Ecija. Rice prices have surged in recent weeks, owing to supply issues, but more rice may be expected in the market this July as the government has allowed the private sector to import another 805,200 metric tons of the staple under the minimum access volume scheme of the World Trade Organization.
EXPECT more rice—and consequently, lower prices—in the market starting this July, as the government has allowed the private sector to import another 805,200 metric tons (MT) of the staple under the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme of the World Trade Organization.
The National Food Authority (NFA) released last Friday a copy of the general guidelines for the importation of 805,200 MT under MAV by the private sector.
Under the guidelines, the NFA has divided anew the arrival of the whole volume into two phases: The first tranche will come in starting July until August 31, 2018, while the remaining volume should be imported from December 20 to February 28, 2019.
The NFA Council decided on this timeline so as not to affect the farm-gate price of palay during the harvest season, according to NFA Deputy Administrator Judy Carol Dansal.
“It’s always like that. Because during those periods there [is] no harvest anymore, so it also serves as a protection for our farmers,” she told the BusinessMirror.
“That is good because we will have a lot of rice supply in the market, and it may bring down the prices. It has been programmed that the arrival of the [MAV] rice imports would not be during the harvest time,” she added.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said the retail price of regular-milled rice as of second week of May reached P40.19 per kg, which was 7.52 percent higher than the P37.38 recorded quotation a year ago.
Dansal explained that the NFAC decided to open another round of MAV as part of the Philippines’s commitment to WTO member-countries to retain its concessions as stipulated under Executive Order 23 (EO 23) of the President while the country is undertaking the tariffication of its rice imports.
“The NFAC implemented the MAV as we are still in the transition period toward tariffication,” she said. “The EO 23, which the President issued, still allows us to import the [805,200 MT via MAV] until such time a tariffication law is passed.” The NFA official added this MAV importation will not be covered by a rice-tariffication law, should one be passed in the middle of the scheme’s implementation.
The NFA is still implementing its 2017 MAV rice importation program with its second phase of delivery starting on June 1 until August 31.
Auction
For this year’s round of MAV importation, which will run until the early part of 2019, the NFA would be implementing an electronic-based auction for the import volume allocation among interested and eligible parties. “There is a big difference from last year’s MAV guidelines. This year the [interested parties] would be bidding for the allocation [of volume] through service fees,” Dansal explained.
“They will be bidding for the service fee. Therefore, [the private sector] will be competing in terms of service fee wherein the highest [bidder wins],” Dansal added.
The NFAC will create an auction committee to oversee the whole process, with representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority, Bureau of the Treasury, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Office of the President and the Department of Agriculture.
The NFAC has scheduled the auction on June 14.
“[Compared to last year’s MAV procedures] we feel that the [two] procedures are only the same in terms of transparency. But here, you will see the improvement of the procedure and that is what the NFA Council is looking at,” Dansal said.
“We have improved the system and made it easier and convenient for the participants of the importation program. Because this is electronic already, we are avoiding the physical contact [between importers and government agencies],”
she added.
Dansal disclosed that the NFAC will meet on May 30 to finalize the system for the auction.
All interested private traders and importers will be screened by a MAV prequalification team to be constituted by NFA Administrator Jason L.Y. Aquino in order to become eligible to participate in the auction.
One of the eligibility requirements is that the “total net worth of the applicant shall be at least 10 percent of the total cost of the quantity intended to be imported.”
“If the total net worth of the applicant is less than 10 percent but not lower than 5 percent of the total cost of the quantity to be imported, the applicant may secure Bank Guarantee or Credit Line from a reputable Universal/Commercial Bank equivalent to the total value of the volume intended to be imported,” the guidelines read.
All the qualified applicants would be issued with an Eligibility to Bid status once they have been approved by Aquino, according to the guidelines. “Applicants issued with Eligibility to Bid shall open an account with LBP and deposit an amount equivalent to the volume indicated in the Eligibility to Bid multiplied by the minimum service fee prescribed in Section VII.3,” the guidelines read. Eligible participants are given three working days to post their payment.
The NFAC has set the minimum service fee or bid price for the auction at P250 per MT, with bid offer increments of P250 per MT.
“The bid offer shall be for at least the minimum volume and shall not exceed thee maximum volume prescribed in item I.2,” according to the guidelines. “The volume for each bid offer shall be in multiples of 500 MT.”
Under the guidelines, the NFAC divided the 805,200 MT volume among farmer organizations (FOs) and non-FOs, which include corporations, partnerships, single proprietorship and joint ventures.
The FOs would have an available volume to import of about 161,040 MT, or 20 percent of the total MAV volume, while the remaining 80 percent, or about 644,160 MT, will be allocated to non-FOs.
An FO would only be allowed to import a minimum of 500 MT and not more than 5,000 MT, while non-FOs could apply to import at least 1,000 MT up to 50,000 MT.
Dansal explained that they came up with the 20-80 volume allocation for FOs and non-FOs “based on the history of previous availments” by the respective groups under the MAV importation scheme.
Furthermore, the NFAC also allocated the 805,200 MT volume among Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, “in proportion to the 2018 national daily food consumption requirements” of the three main islands.  This, Dansal noted, is to ensure that private traders will supply the rice requirement of the respective areas.
The NFAC has created 48 lots with a corresponding maximum importation volume together with its source country and designated island of delivery.

Solar-powered irrigation pumps could help Philippines’ attain rice self-sufficiency

Philippines government moves to boost output in bid to stabilise price of rice
Image Credit:
A ricefield in the Philippines.
Published: 15:13 May 29, 2018
Manila: Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol said solar-powered irrigation pumps could hold the key to making the Philippines self-sufficient in rice production.
Pinol said with current rice production, the Philippines needs to import about 600,000 to 800,000 metric tonnes of the commodity. But things could turn around by 2022 when hundreds of solar-powered irrigation pumps are installed across the country.
The Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS), which has been adopted by the Department of Agriculture as one of its Flagship Projects, could ensure the country get a sufficient rice supply for the next 20 years.
The first SPIS in Matalam, North Cotabato, was commissioned last week and now irrigates 40-hectares of previously rain-fed rice farms.
“President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the commissioning of the second fully-operational SPIS in Central Luzon in June to signify his support for the Flagship Programme of the Department of Agriculture which could irrigate up to 500,000 hectares in the remaining four years of his administration,” Pinol said. `
As in most Asian countries, rice is a staple food in the country and more often, retail prices of the vital commodity are unstable prompting the government to import from other countries to stabilise local prices.
And while the Philippines is not short of land that could be used for farms, not all of these are irrigated year round. In most cases, the fields can only yield one crop a year when rain is sufficient. Through the use of SPIS, farmers could plant twice a year, said Pinol.
“With the target of 500,000 hectares over the next four years, an estimated four million metric tonnes of paddy will be added to the current production of 19-million metric tonnes.
The added production volume of two million metric tonnes of milled rice will make the country not just self-sufficient in rice, but could also lead to the country exporting the cereal.
“The agriculture department has shown the long-dreamed rice sufficiency is achievable and it has the road map. The only thing that is needed now to realise it is the budget,” for the solar irrigation pumps.
If successful, similar other solar irrigation pumps could be installed in other Asian countries facing similar irrigation concerns as the Philippines.

Vietnam Jan-May coffee exports seen up 1.8 pct y/y, rice to rise 20.4 pct y/y

HANOI, May 29 (Reuters) - Vietnam’s coffee exports for the January to May period rose an estimated 1.8 percent from the same period a year ago, while rice exports surged an estimated 20.4 percent during the same period, government data showed on Tuesday.

COFFEE

Coffee exports from Vietnam will rise an estimated 1.8 percent between January and May from a year ago to 825,000 tonnes, equal to 13.75 million 60-kg bags, the General Statistics Office said in a report on Tuesday.
Coffee export revenue for Vietnam, the world’s second- biggest producer of the robusta bean, dropped 12 percent annually to $1.6 billion in the five-month period, the report said.
May coffee exports were estimated at 140,000 tonnes, worth $276 million.

RICE

Rice exports in January-May from Vietnam were forecast to rise 20.4 percent from a year ago to 2.8 million tonnes. Revenue from rice exports in the period were forecast to rise 51.1 percent year-on-year to $1.57 billion.
May rice exports from Vietnam, the world’s third-largest shipper of the grain, were recorded at 600,000 tonnes, worth $460 million.

ENERGY

Vietnam’s January-to-May crude oil exports plunged 40.1 percent year-on-year to an estimated 1.67 million tonnes.
Crude oil export revenue in the first five months of 2018 fell 20.4 percent to $919 million.
Oil product imports in the five-month period increased 11 percent from the same time last year to an estimated 5.56 million tonnes, while the value of the product imports rose 35.3 percent to $3.6 billion.
Vietnam’s January-to-May liquefied petroleum gas imports increased 19.5 percent from a year earlier to 618,000 tonnes. (Reporting by Mai Nguyen, Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
Rice exports: good news arrives, but worries still exist
VietNamNet Bridge - The current conditions are all favorable for Vietnam to export rice: global demand is high while export prices are on the rise. However, the unstable domestic rice market still concerns exporters.


The current conditions are favorable for Vietnam to export rice


According to the agriculture ministry, Vietnam exported 2.16 million tons of rice in the first four months of the year with export turnover of $1.1 billion, an increase of 38 percent in value compared with the same period last year.
The good news is that export price of Vietnam’s rice is now higher than Thailand’s rice of the same kind. 
According to Nguyen Van Don, director of Viet Hung, Vietnam won the bid to sell 15 percent broken rice to the Philippines at the price of $450 per ton (FOB), a bit higher than Thailand’s price.
Vietnam exported 2.16 million tons of rice in the first four months of the year with export turnover of $1.1 billion, an increase of 38 percent in value compared with the same period last year.
Don said that rice exports are going better thanks to exports to Indonesia (500,000 tons) and the Philippines (130,000 tons) under the G2G mode. The Filipino Government plans to open another bid for another 250,000 tons of rice on May 24.
Tran Xuan Dinh from the agriculture ministry confirmed that Vietnam’s rice export price has increased recently thanks to the larger high-quality rice growing area. In 2017, high-quality rice amounted to 80 percent of the export volume of the year before.
However, Dinh said Vietnam’s rice can be compared with Thailand’s rice of the same kind. 
Thai specialty rice such as Hom Mali and Khaodak Mali is still expensive at over $1,000 per ton.
Commenting about the market scale, VFA said China last year imported 2.4 million tons of Vietnam’s rice through the official channel, while the figure is expected to rise to 2.7 million this year.
Africa plans to import 1 million tons of high-end and medium-end rice. As for the Philippines and Indonesia, each of them needs 800,000 tons. So, Vietnam hopes it can export 6.5 million tons of rice this year.
Bad news
Pham Thai Binh, director of the Trung An Hi-tech Agriculture JSC, commented that Vietnam’s rice exports are still unstable because Vietnamese exporters are not financially capable of controlling the input materials and determining the selling time. 
“Exporters win the bid to provide rice, but they don’t have rice in stock and have to buy in the domestic market. However, the price unexpectedly escalates, thus bringing losses to exporters,” he explained.
Asked why exporters don’t cooperate with farmers to expand the cultivation areas, which would help enterprises take the initiative in their input material supply, Don said there is still no reasonable policy for cooperation. Farmers only want to sell rice to farmers when the price falls. If the price goes up, they would rather sell rice to merchants.


http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/201199/rice-exports--good-news-arrives--but-worries-still-exist.html

Rice Prices

as on : 29-05-2018 12:07:27 PM

Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
Price
Current
%
change
Season
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Cachar(ASM)
40.00
NC
1820.00
2400
2400
9.09
Lakhimpur(UP)
30.00
30.43
1342.00
2280
2280
5.56
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)
18.00
-5.26
314.00
2800
2800
21.74
Kolaghat(WB)
17.00
-5.56
300.00
2800
2800
21.74
Kayamganj(UP)
12.00
-7.69
464.00
2290
2280
0.44
Alappuzha(Ker)
10.00
NC
40.00
6850
7450
53.07
Sheoraphuly(WB)
9.20
41.54
25.10
3450
3200
11.29
Deogarh(Ori)
9.00
NC
403.00
2500
2500
NC
Ranaghat(WB)
8.30
-0.72
228.12
3400
3400
47.83
Khurja(UP)
8.00
-15.79
601.00
2600
2600
-
Karanjia(Ori)
7.00
7.69
232.00
2530
2620
-9.64
Bolangir(Ori)
6.00
-14.29
204.00
2800
2800
16.67
Tusura(Ori)
6.00
-7.69
101.50
2800
2800
16.67
Mirzapur(UP)
4.50
-25
509.00
2215
2210
-
Dibrugarh(ASM)
4.30
65.38
403.40
2920
2929
29.78
Tileibani(Ori)
3.00
NC
38.50
2500
2000
NC
Chandausi(UP)
1.50
7.14
93.80
2250
2255
-7.22
Khairagarh(UP)
1.10
37.5
75.00
2550
2540
1.19
Tundla(UP)
1.00
-16.67
102.30
2550
2550
-
Jagnair(UP)
0.80
33.33
55.70
2560
2560
0.79
May 29, 2018

PHILIPPINES APPROVES 805,200 T RICE IMPORTS UNDER QUOTA SCHEME

5/29/2018
MANILA, May 29 (Reuters) - The Philippines' state grains procurement agency on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for localtraders to import up to 805,200 tonnes of rice under an annualquota scheme, which should boost domestic supply and keep risingprices in check.
The imports, which should be shipped in starting July, wouldbring total rice purchases approved this year to 1.3 milliontonnes, including half-a-million tonnes that the National FoodAuthority (NFA) has bought to replenish its depleted bufferstock.
The Southeast Asian country, a frequent rice buyer, isseeking to stabilise retail prices of the national staple thathave risen by as much as 7 percent from a year ago amid theabsence of the low-priced NFA supply in the local market. Higher rice prices have added pressure to Philippineinflation, which accelerated in April to the highest in at leastfive years.
The NFA expects its imports to start arriving this week. Under the import guidelines posted on the NFA's website,traders are allowed to import 25 percent broken white rice or abetter variety, with a 35 percent tariff. Delivery should be
completed by February next year.The country-specific quota scheme allows traders to importup to 293,100 tonnes from Vietnam and the same volume from
Thailand.
They can buy up to 50,000 tonnes from China, another 50,000tonnes from India, and the same volume from Pakistan.Up to 15,000 tonnes can come from Australia, up to 4,000tonnes from El Salvador and the balance of 50,000 tonnes fromany country.
© Copyright Thomson Reuters 2018. Click For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

Tepid start to kharif planting: rice and cotton acreage lower than last year

OUR BUREAUT+ T-
Getting ready A farmer tills his field   -  THE HINDU
Getting ready A farmer tills his field   -  THE HINDU

Area down in most crops except cane

NEW DELHI, MAY 25
Mounting cane arrears during the current sugar season do not seem to have deterred farmers from bringing more area under sugarcane, according to official data released by the Agriculture Ministry on Friday.
The sowing has taken place in a total of 65.52 lakh hectares (lha) so far, which was around 6 per cent lower than 69.84 lha covered during the corresponding period last year. All crops, barring sugarcane registered a drop in area covered as compared to that in same period last year. The cultivated area of sugarcane, on the other hand, increased by 1.75 per cent over that of the previous year. This was despite the fact that farmers have been reeling under the rising cane arrears from sugar mills, which have been plagued by an overproduction of sugar in the 2017-18 season, that resulted in a crash in market prices.
Even though these are early days of sowing and better monsoon, as forecast by the India Meteorological Department, may dramatically change the situation. The drop in acreage has been substantial in the case of rice and cotton. The planted area has so far come down by 30 per cent to 7.82 lha and 1.52 lha in cotton and rice respectively.

here is substantial reduction in Haryana and Punjab, where early sowing of cotton is normally taken up.
The precariously low water storage levels in reservoirs used for irrigation could be one of the main reasons for tepid improvement in sowing. According to data released by the Central Water Commission, on Thursday the average water storage in 91 reservoirs monitored by it was 18 per cent as compared to around 20 per cent during the corresponding period last year.
Published on May 25, 2018

Monsoon rains hit Kerala coast - weather office

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Monsoon rains hit the southern state of Kerala a few days earlier than normal on Tuesday, the country’s weather office said, potentially brightening the nation’s outlook for agricultural output and economic growth.
A fisherman and his wife row their boat in a fishing farm as it rains heavily on the outskirts of Kochi, India, May 29, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V
Monsoons deliver about 70 percent of India’s annual rainfall and are the lifeblood of its $2.5 trillion economy, spurring farm output and boosting rural spending on items ranging from gold to cars, motorcycles and refrigerators. “The southwest monsoon has set in over the southern state of Kerala, three days ahead of its normal date,” the state-run India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement. The early arrival of monsoon rains typically enables farmers to bring forward sowing of crops such as rice, sugar cane, corn, cotton and soybeans because nearly half the country’s farmland lacks irrigation. However, IMD Monsoon Director General K.J. Ramesh last month forecast that monsoon rains were expected to be 97-percent of a long-term average.India’s weather office defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season beginning June.Other than boosting farm output and wider economic growth, a spell of roughly average rains could help keep a lid on inflation, potentially tempting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring forward a general elections due in May 2019. Monsoon rains are likely to be unaffected by the El Nino weather pattern, which is expected to set in only after the four-month rainy season ends in September.In 2017, monsoon rains were 95 percent of the long-term average compared to forecasts of 98 percent.Before receiving average rains in 2016, India suffered back-to-back drought years for only the fourth time in more than a century, hurting incomes and driving some farmers to suicide.
 Fishermen prepare to cast their nets during a sudden downpour at Fort Kochi beach in the southern state of Kerala, India, May 28, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V
Average monsoon rainfall would help India retain its position as the world’s top rice exporter, but could further stoke a glut in supply of sugar.
Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj; Editing by Malini Menon and Joseph Radford

Rice Prices

as on : 30-05-2018 12:27:38 PM

Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
Price
Current
%
change
Season
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Varanasi(Grain)(UP)
360.00
5.88
9213.00
2285
2280
-0.65
Bahraich(UP)
212.50
30.21
5486.30
2250
2250
0.90
Shahjahanpur(UP)
145.00
3.57
2533.40
2340
2350
-
Jafarganj(UP)
140.00
366.67
654.00
2300
2200
-
Aligarh(UP)
80.00
6.67
1595.00
2500
2520
-2.34
Kasimbazar(WB)
80.00
1.27
2258.50
2800
2800
12.90
Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB)
80.00
-15.79
2200.00
2750
2750
7.84
Ghaziabad(UP)
60.00
NC
2915.00
2665
2665
11.04
Maur(UP)
58.00
-6.45
1510.00
2150
2150
-
Kopaganj(UP)
58.00
-17.14
1879.00
2150
2145
-0.46
Sahiyapur(UP)
39.00
39.29
1947.50
2160
2155
-
Devariya(UP)
35.00
40
1617.50
2140
2155
0.23
Khatra(WB)
35.00
NC
711.00
2650
2650
-
Jangipura(UP)
30.00
36.36
898.00
2230
2230
-
Lakhimpur(UP)
25.00
-16.67
1367.00
2300
2280
6.48
Naanpara(UP)
24.00
-40
1032.80
2200
2190
-0.68
Bazpur(Utr)
23.70
-63.82
1647.40
2450
2205
NC
Saharanpur(UP)
22.00
-4.35
857.50
2660
2670
12.47
Muzzafarnagar(UP)
18.00
-37.93
1232.50
2660
2670
-
Sirsaganj(UP)
18.00
-14.29
629.00
2660
2650
13.19
Bishnupur(Bankura)(WB)
17.00
13.33
353.00
2650
2650
26.19
Fatehpur(UP)
15.00
36.36
1187.10
2230
2250
1.36
Bharthna(UP)
15.00
-25
6167.00
2400
2400
-
Badayoun(UP)
14.00
-6.67
445.00
2410
2375
-
Tamkuhi Road(UP)
11.00
-31.25
763.00
2125
2150
-
Gajol(WB)
10.80
-59.55
1115.60
3550
3550
22.41
Jaunpur(UP)
10.00
-66.67
1176.70
2210
2200
5.24
Deogarh(Ori)
9.00
NC
412.00
2500
2500
NC
Khurja(UP)
9.00
12.5
610.00
2620
2600
-
Dibrugarh(ASM)
6.20
44.19
409.60
2920
2920
29.78
Chitwadagaon(UP)
6.00
NC
181.20
2100
2100
-1.41
Mirzapur(UP)
5.50
22.22
514.50
2220
2215
-
Farukhabad(UP)
4.20
-6.67
185.70
2420
2375
9.50
Jahangirabad(UP)
2.50
NC
95.00
2585
2590
10.00
Bangarmau(UP)
1.60
NC
33.60
2150
2175
4.88
Khairagarh(UP)
1.00
-9.09
76.00
2550
2550
1.19
Jagnair(UP)
0.80
NC
56.50
2550
2560
0.39
Tundla(UP)
0.80
-20
103.10
2560
2550
-
Published on May 30, 2018

MRF, IFC sign MoU to standardize rice quality, weight and measure

Submitted by Eleven on Wed, 05/30/2018 - 12:02
Writer: Zeyar Nyein
Myanmar Rice Federation signed a MoU with International Finance Corporation on May 29. (Photo-Zeyar Nyein)

Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) signed a MoU with International Finance Corporation (IFC) to cooperate in the standardization of types, quality standard, weight and measure for rice, at the UMFCCI on May 29.  
Chit Khaing, the MRF’s president said: “This MoU is an agreement between the MRF and the IFC for sustainable development of rice sector. This cooperation aims to review the standardizations of rice and paddy, designate types of rice and paddy in local rice market and fix weights and measures suited to international scales.”
Under the MoU, both sides will cooperate in forming the technical working group. The UMFCCI has formed a working committee with experienced entrepreneurs.
Cooperation between the MRF and the IFC is aimed at enabling citizens to buy quality rice with correct weights and measures in local market as well as at increasing rice exports. It will also reduce disputes between farmers and rice millers over rice quality.
The MRF started negotiating with The Rice Trader (TRT) Myanmar Rice Network-2017 held on April 27, 2017. The IFC will give suggestions suited to Myanmar based on its international experiences, especially regional countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Both sides can sign the MoU after a series of discussions since May, 2017.

Jigawa Govt. Disburses 30,000 Bags Of Rice To Workers


DUTSE – IN fulfillment of the Northern States Governor’s Forum to support the adoption of strategies to cut down prices of foodstuffs, the Jigawa State government in conjunction with Three Brothers Rice Mill Processing Company has secured 30,000 bags of rice to be distributed to workers with soft loan to be repaid in two months, the Jigawa Head of Service, Alh. Inua Tahir, has disclosed.
   Part of the measures was to align with local producers of foodstuff and support local millers financially to boost their production capacity for bulk purchase by the commodity the state governments. The government will then disburse the products to their workers at subsidized prices in form of soft loan to be repaid in two months.
Under the process, the federal and state governments agreed to inject investments support to locally owned rice millers across the country for increased production.
According to the Head of Service, the gesture was aimed at allowing workers to have comfort in the Holy month of Ramadan, adding, “We will not be in a haste in settling the rice loan facility as part of Badaru’s aid to workers.”
Other gestures to be enjoyed by workers included payment of workers’ salary as when due, leave grants, gratuities and payment of monthly pension to the state’s pensioners, among othes.
It could be recalled that Badaru Abubakar had pledged to accord priority attention to the workforce in areas of promotion, training and re-training for quality service delivery and increased productivity.

IFC, partners working toward boosting Myanmar rice industry

May 29, 2018 - by Holly Demaree-Saddler
  YANGON, MYANMAR — IFC through a partnership with Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) to support sustainable growth of.

Gov’t issues rules for importation of 805,000 MT of rice under MAV

Published May 30, 2018, 9:26 AM
By Madelaine B. Miraflor
Private traders can soon import as much as 805,000 metric tons (MT) of rice via the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) scheme of the World Trade Organization (WTO) after the Philippine government released the general guidelines for this particular MAV importation.

(Juan Carlo de Vela / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Slapped with a lower tariff, MAV refers to the volume of commodities that are allowed to be imported by a member country as a commitment to WTO.
Rice importation under this new program is pursuant to Republic Act No. 8178, or an act replacing quantitative import restrictions (QR) on agriculture products, except rice, with tariffs.
To compensate for the expiration of QR, the Philippine government unilaterally extended the MAV commitments of 805,200 metric tons (MT) and corresponding tariff concessions to maintain special treatment through Executive Order No. 23 (EO 23).
The MAV and tariff concessions will remain in place until December 31, 202,0 or until an amendment to the Agricultural Tariffication Act  (which exempts rice from tariffication) is passed.
All rice to be imported under this MAV importation shall be levied with 35 percent tariff to be paid in advance with the Land Bank of the Philippines.
The NFA has also divided the shipment of rice imports into two phases. In particular, the first shipment should arrive in the country from July 1, 2018, until August 31, 2018, while the last shipment should be here by December 20, 2018, until February 28, 2019.
Under the guidelines, rice traders are only allowed to source from countries with a specific quota and from omnibus origin or other rice-producing countries.
For the MAV Country Specific Quota (MAV-CSQ), traders may import from these countries: China (50,000 MT), India (50,000 MT), Pakistan (50,000 MT), Australia (15,000 MT), El Salvador (4,000 MT), Thailand (293,100 MT), and Vietnam (293,100).
Then another 50,000 MT can be obtained from any country under MAV Omnibus Origins (MAV-OMB).
Importers must import well-milled rice with quality of 25% brokens or better.
The MAV importation is on top of the importation of 500,000 MT of rice through a government-to-government and government-to-private bidding that just recently took place.

Growing California Rice and Almonds Against the Grain

These two crops are often treated like commodities in the state, but Greg Massa and Raquel Krach have prioritized a high-functioning ecosystem on their farm while selling direct to customers.

In his now-weathered, century-old diary, Manuel Fonseca penned an entry in Portuguese about the many challenges he faced as a new immigrant trying to grow rice in California’s Sacramento Valley. Fonseca planted his first crop in 1916 and found himself wrestling with an alarming number of weeds in the paddies.
Despite the challenges, the farm survived, and three generations and a century later, his great-grandson Greg Massa is still growing rice, along with his wife Raquel Krach. Although Greg’s father, Manuel Massa Jr., opted to use herbicides, Greg has chosen to farm organically, meaning he’s facing the same weeds as his great-grandfather, which are difficult to remove once he floods his fields with nourishing waters.
“We farm organically because we think spraying poison on food and on our environment is wrong,” Massa says. But being an organic rice farm has been anything but easy, requiring Massa and Krach to employ an arsenal of farming techniques: crop rotation, cover crops, field preparation, timely planting, and deep water followed by drought stress to restrain weeds.
“Rice is difficult to grow organically with modern varieties that were bred for high inputs of nitrogen and herbicides to kill weeds,” Massa explains. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve tried using goats, mowing, and spraying vinegar with limited success.”
Set on 200 verdant acres in Hamilton City, Massa Organics farms rice, almonds, sheep, and pigs. Sandwiched between two majestic national forests, the Mendocino and the Plumas, with the Sacramento River at its fe et, Massa Organics is 15 miles from the university town of Chico.

Massa Organics’ rice fields after a winter rain.
Though rice, which Massa sells to restaurants in town, is its primary selling staple, the farm also sells its grass-fed ground lamb at the Chico farmers’ market and raw nonpareil almonds, jars of almond butter, lamb, and pork to farmers’ markets in the Bay Area
In a rice industry dominated by larger producers like Lundberg (which does its own conservation work), Massa Organics is the rare independent brand selling directly to its customers through markets, CSAs, and small retail stores using social media as a marketing tool. Rarer still is the Massa approach to farming as a means of ecological work. The couple views each crop as part of a fully functioning ecosystem—the rice as part of a pond ecosystem and the almonds part of a woodland ecosystem—that relies on biodiversity and natural relationships for crop health.

An Ecological Approach to Farming

Massa and Krach both have Masters’ degrees in ecology and moved to the farm in 1997 with hopes of re-thinking his family’s approach to conventional commodity farming. Though they could have entered academia, the was inspired by Krach’s agroecology research on Costa Rican tropical tree plantations growing right next to rainforests without harming them.
“I was doing my research on this actual plantation and thought, ‘This is kind of weird that I’m doing this in a research-based situation when we have a real farm,’” Krach says. Hoping to engage in applied ecology that made an immediate difference, she convinced Massa they could convert his family farm into a living experiment.
“We chose organic farming as a means of doing conservation work because our methods promote biodiversity by mimicking natural ecosystems,” Massa says.

Snow geese spend a winter morning on the farm in this photo from a drone flying over Massa’s fields.
Like Massa’s ancestors, he and Krach chose to farm medium-grain Calrose rice, a versatile variety bred specifically to flourish in California. The result is a sweet, nutty brown rice high in fiber and taste that Charles Phan, executive chef at the renowned San Francisco restaurant The Slanted Door, serves and swears by. But its taste isn’t the only reason that Massa and Krach chose Calrose over jasmine and basmati varieties.
“Small farmers in Thailand sell a little jasmine rice, and they’re reliant on that for their income,” Massa said. “Many generations of Thai farmers worked to select jasmine rice to make it what it is. We decided early on we were not going to grow jasmine or basmati because it felt too much like stealing their genetic  heritage.”
Soon after taking over, Massa and Krach began to transition the land to organic, eventually diversifying the operation, adding almonds, wheat, and several heritage breeds of animals to the mix. By 2002, the rice operation was certified, and the rest followed over the course of the next eight years. Today, their whole operation is certified organic.

Creating a Natural Woodland Environment

Integrating heritage animal breeds—Dorper sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, and Berkshire pigs—has been an important way to improve the farm’s ecological footprint as well.

Some of Massa Organics’ piglets.
Krach and Massa have pioneered a natural grazing pattern for their sheep, converting their 30-acre almond orchard into a natural woodland. Every morning, and sometimes in the afternoons, Massa and Krach move an electric fence to cover a different 6,000- to 8,000-square foot area, guiding 100 Dorper sheep and lambs to a new patch of orchard.
Mimicking the ancient patterns of pack herbivores like pronghorn antelope, the sheep graze happily on perennials and other grasses. In the process, the herd replicates a natural woodland ecosystem—one that consists of mature trees, understory plants, large mammals, small mammals, birds, and insects all living in symbiosis that serve the crops well.
The woodland environment attracts beneficial insects that protect against pests, and the grazing animals naturally remove weeds, fertilize the almond trees with their waste, and create a richer soil for insects and thus a richer fo od source for birds.
Massa and Krach pasture their 120 pigs as well. In addition to creating natural fertilizer, Krach says the pigs provide a plowing function for the farmers, digging up stubborn weeds, and are mostly fed rice, wheat, safflower, and hay that is grown on the farm. “They’re part of the cycle,” she says. “If they tear up the ground, we can just plow it and move them out.”
Agriculture is intricately connected to the larger web of life for the pair. “Everything we do with the animals is totally counter to mass production,” Krach says. “Letting them live like they should is the only way we can imagine.”
Spring is a lively time for Krach, as she manages their animal operations. Most of the 45 ewes are pregnant this time of year and hungrily mow down the tall grasses by at least a foot over three or four hours in the field. Krach finds it hard to go inside when she’s standing in three-foot grass watching her ewes and 11 lambs, the babies frolicking in a beautiful pink sunset.
Sheep before an approaching storm.
“It’s pretty idyllic,” Krach says. “It’s hard work, but raising the sheep is fun, and it’s lambing time, so I can’t get enough of them.”
Soon, the lambs will go to the farmers’ market to be sold. Krach sees letting the animals go as part of the cycle and hopes to educate omnivores about where their meat comes from. “We hope we can teach people and they can learn about [how we raise animals] by knowing our farm or buying our products,” she says.

Water Limitations and an Ecological Lifestyle

Almonds, like meat, have often gotten a bad rap as a water-thirsty crop in drought-ridden California. But as an almond farmer, Massa sees much of that response as scapegoating.
“Yes, it takes some water to grow [almonds], but if you look at what you get out of these nuts, [it’s worth it],” he says. “They’re really full of health benefits—they can regulate your blood sugar and hold your hunger at bay for several hours. I’d challenge you to find another crop that could do that.”
Greg says rice used to have a similarly bad rap. “In terms of water used per serving, rice can be pretty good. Lots of crops use a lot of water, and in most of California, you can’t dry-farm everything.”

150 tons of compost to be spread on the Massa almond orchards.
With two water-intensive crops, Massa Organics is fortunately situated just a few hundred yards from the Sacramento River near its intersection with Stony Creek. Half the land is in an irrigation district with water rights from the river, and the other half of their water comes from what Greg called “very good groundwater,” with minimal sinking of the ground.
Massa and Krach’s dedicat ion to ecology and conservation—a view of the bigger picture that goes far beyond profits—has also inspired innovation. They live in a well-insulated, energy-efficient rice straw-bale farmhouse, use solar panels to provide approximately 90 percent of the farm’s energy, and use biodiesel made from vegetable oil they recycle from local restaurants to power most of the farm’s vehicles.
“Our background in ecology directs everything we do on the land,” Massa says. “We’re always looking to stack enterprises, integrate processes, grow new things, and grow them better.”
Photos courtesy of Massa Organics.

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