Tuesday, November 13, 2018

13th November,2018 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter




Pakistani culture showcased at Commonwealth Fair London

LONDON: Pakistani stalls at the Commonwealth  Countries League (CCL) annual fair turned out to be a great attraction for visitors at Kensington Town Hall on Saturday.
The stalls showcased Pakistan’s cultural richness and diversity through traditional handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs and exotic cuisine. Pakistani cuisine, including the rice dish ‘Biryani’, was a culinary delight for food lovers.
Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner’s wife, Mrs Asifa Ayub, along with other ladies of the High Commission introduced the visitors to beautiful handicrafts made by Pakistani women.
Popular national songs of Pakistan were also played on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Asifa Ayub said that the CCL fair is held annually and the Pakistan High Commission regularly participates in it so that the proceeds are donated to the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF).
“The fund equips disadvantaged girls with education to bring about positive change in the society,” she added.
Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Ayub also visited the Pakistani stalls and appreciated the efforts of the High Commission’s female members for actively promoting Pakistan’s culture and traditional products through participation in international fairs.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/11/11/pakistani-culture-showcased-at-commonwealth-fair-london/
12, 2018, 12:13 AM; last updated: Nov 12, 2018, 6:38 PM (IST)

Rice exporters approach govt

Ban on industries using coal, biomass extended till today
Tribune News Service
Karnal, November 11
As the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended till November 12 the ban on industries using coal and biomass, the All-India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) has approached Haryana Chief Secretary DS Dhesi to take up the matter with the CPCB.
Earlier, the ban was till November 10.
“Extending the ban means that rice exporters will be unable to clear the international orders for rice. In this scenario, Pakistan, which is also producing basmati, will snatch the market from us. Once lost, it will be tough to regain the lost territory,” AIREA president Vijay Setia told The Tribune.
Not taking the blame for severe pollution level in New Delhi, he further said the pollution level in Haryana, except Faridabad and Gurugram, was within limits. “Industry and heavy vehicular traffic in New Delhi are to blame for severe pollution level there.”
The AIREA has sent letters to the Chief Secretary, chairman of the Environment Pollution Control Authority and senior environment officials, requesting them not to extend the ban as the industry was already in bad shape.
“The rice industry has installed equipment for pollution control, as advised by the CPCB. Last year, the rice industry was exempted from restrictions,” Setia said, adding that because of the ban, basmati with high moisture content is lying in mandis and shellers, affecting the trade adversely.”
He tried to impress upon the authorities by saying the rice-producing belt in the NCR paid a significant amount of tax to the governmenthttps://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/rice-exporters-approach-govt/681565.html

Pakistan industries invited to invest in PHL automotive, parts sector

Font Size 

car automobile assembly line
AMBASSADOR to Pakistan Daniel R. Espiritu said the Philippines welcomes Pakistani investment, particularly in the automotive industry.
Mr. Espiritu made the statement during a dinner reception on Oct. 16 hosted by the Philippine Pakistan Business Forum (PPBF) and Anjum Asif Pvt Ltd, exclusive distributor of Del Monte products in that country, according to the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan in a statement issued Friday.
The Ambassador said the Philippines produces quality auto and motorcycle parts and components which have also complied with international standards and specifications, at very competitive prices.
He said the current trade between the Philippines and Pakistan in auto parts can be further increased.
Mr. Espiritu also touted incentives available to investors, including the four to eight-year income tax holiday, tax and duty-free importation of capital goods and the special investor’s resident visa.
He added that exporters from Pakistan have supplied quality products to the Philippines, such as rice, cement and medicines. He cited the increase in Philippine-Pakistan bilateral trade, which grew to $250 million in 2017 from only $116 million in 2015.
PPBF Vice-President Anjum Nisar noted that the continued engagement of the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan with the business community in that country has increased the connectivity between the two countries.
According to the Philippine Embassy, the event was attended by the Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Sulaiman S. Mehdi, representatives from the Pakistan automotive industry and the Motorcyle Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (MSPIDA), and some members of the pharmaceutical sector. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
https://www.bworldonline.com/pakistan-industries-invited-to-invest-in-phl-automotive-parts-sector/

India Mulls Barter System to Export Rice to Iran

November 11, 2018 19:36
India's payment system with Iran is being relaxed further for basmati rice exports. This comes after the US allowed India to continue importing crude oil from Iran and develop Chabahar Port.
Now, India is finalizing guidelines for exporting basmati rice to its largest importer—Iran—on a rupee payment basis, Business Standard reported.
The move has come as a positive development for exporters who are paying a higher price for procuring basmati.
Last year, India exported $4.17 billion worth of basmati rice and Iran was the largest buyer of rice with $905 million. In the first five months of 2018-19, exports have already crossed $2 billion and Iran continues to be the largest buyer for India followed by Saudi Arabia.
When the US announced sanctions against Iran, Indian farmers had already increased area under basmati but exporters were cautious. However, the recent exemption for Iran followed by easing of the payment crisis has lifted the sentiments of basmati exporters.
“Higher paddy price this season has put some pressure on the retail price, especially if you consider that there is recession in the global market. However, there has been some stabilization now and we expect a good basmati export cycle this year,” Kohinoor Foods joint managing director, Gurnam Arora, said.
He added that the "Iran issue" had also been resolved to a large extent and traders have been allowed to barter deals and consignments valued in rupee terms. 
“The guidelines are being formulated and we are confident that Iranian basmati imports would start soon.”
Iran normally opens its market for basmati import by mid November after taking into account its domestic production and demand matrices.
All-India Rice Exporters Association Executive Director Vinod Kaul claimed that although some of the basmati crop had been damaged, it was not significant and that the final assessment was being done.
“The new basmati crop has started coming to the market and we are confident that Iran would account for about 1 million tons of exports this season,” he said.
India is also bullish about the prospects of the Chinese market, although it basically imports non-basmati rice varieties now. Recently, a buyer-seller meet was organized in China, where five to six Indian rice exporters had participated even as the country approved 24 domestic rice millers.
However, the Chinese basmati market would still take some years before it "matures" for domestic exporters, Arora said.
China is the world’s largest producer and importer of rice and procures about 5 million tons every year. India has estimated a potential sale of 1 million tons of rice to China. The country planned to boost rice and sugar exports to narrow the trade gap with China.
Recently, five new Indian rice mills were cleared for exporting non-basmati rice to China, taking the total to 24 rice mills. In May 2018, Chinese officials had inspected rice mills capable of exporting non-basmati rice.
Basmati exporters have also been exploring other markets like the US, European Union and Latin America. Yet, the results have not been encouraging.
Last year, total basmati exports from India stood at little over 4 million tons with almost 80% of the consignment going to West Asian countries, led by Iran. However, exporters are still unsure if last year’s export figures would be matched.
Following better global demand last year, farmers had increased sowing and sown new basmati varieties like 1401, 1509, apart from the 1121 type. “Sowing has increased but quality has been affected. This was because pest attack lowered the yield, resulting in higher market price at a time when Iran hopes have revived,” said Devendr Vora, director of Friendship Traders, a new Bombay-based trader-exporter.
As a result of high export demand and lower-than-expected crop (perhaps be due to quality), the market is bullish.
Domestically, Haryana and Punjab account for 40-45% of the total basmati production in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 10-15%. India’s net rice exports (including basmati) increased from 10.8 to 12.7 million tons last year, thus allowing the country to retain the top slot in the commodity’s global trade.


Iran Rice Imports Down 4.21% (Mar-Oct 2018)

November 12, 2018 17:58
About 958,000 tons of wholly or semi-milled rice worth $985.4 million were imported into Iran during the first seven months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Oct. 22) to register a 12.54% and 4.21% decline in weight and value respectively compared with the similar period of last year.
The latest data were released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Premium
Subscribe to the Financial Tribune to continue reading this article or Log in to your account if you are already a subscriber.

India Contemplates Bartering Basmati Rice with Iran to Bypass Sanctions
Last year, India exported $4.17 billion worth of basmati rice and Iran was the largest buyer. Description: India Contemplates Bartering Basmati Rice with Iran to Bypass Sanctionshe payment system with Iran is being relaxed further for basmati rice exports. This comes after the US allowed India to continue importing crude oil from Iran and develop the Chabahar port. India is now finalising guidelines for exporting basmati rice to its largest importer – Iran – on a rupee payment basis. The move has come as a positive development for exporters who are paying a higher price for procuring basmati. Last year, India exported $4.17 billion worth of basmati rice and Iran was the largest buyer (at $905 million). In the first five months of 2018-19, exports have already crossed $2 billion and Iran continuous to be the largest buyer for India followed by Saudi Arabia. When the US announced sanctions against Iran, farmers had already increased area under basmati but exporters were cautious. However, the recent exemption for Iran followed by easing of the payment crisis has lifted the sentiments of basmati exporters. Higher paddy price this season has put some pressure on the retail price, especially if you consider that there is recession in the global market. However, there has been some stabilisation now and we expect a good basmati export cycle this year,” Kohinoor Foods joint managing director Gurnam Arora told Business Standard. He further said that the ‘Iran issue’ had also been resolved to a large extent and traders have been allowed to barter deals and consignments valued in rupee terms. “The guidelines are being formulated and we are confident that Iranian basmati imports would start soon.” Iran normally opens its market for basmati import by mid November after taking into account its domestic production and demand matrices.Description: Chart
 All-India Rice Exporters      Association (AIREA) executive  director Vinod Kaul claimed that although some of the basmati crop had been damaged, yet it was not significant and that the final assessment was being  done.
“The new basmati crop has started coming to the market and we are confident that Iran would account for about one million tonnes (MT) of exports this season,” he added.
India is also bullish about the prospects of the Chinese market, although it basically imports non-basmati rice varieties now. Recently, a buyer-seller meet was organised in China, where five-six Indian rice exporters had participated even as the country approved 24 domestic rice millers.
However, the Chinese basmati market would still take some years before it ‘matures’ for domestic exporters, Arora added. China is the world’s largest producer and importer of rice and procures about 5 MT every year. India has estimated a potential sale of one MT of rice to China. The country planned to boost rice and sugar exports to narrow the trade gap with China. Recently, five new rice mills were cleared for exporting non-basmati rice to China, taking the total to 24 rice mills. In May 2018, Chinese officials had inspected rice mills capable of exporting non-basmati rice. Meanwhile, basmati exporters have also been exploring other markets like the US, European Union and Latin America. Yet, the results have not been encouraging. Last year, total basmati exports from India stood at little over 4 MT with almost 80% of the consignment going to West Asian countries, led by Iran. However, exporters are still unsure if last year’s export figures would be matched. Following better global demand last year, farmers had increased sowing and sown new basmati varieties like 1401, 1509, apart from the 1121 type. “Sowing has increased but quality has been affected. This was because pest attack lowered the yield, resulting in higher market price at a time when Iran hopes have revived,” said Devendr Vora, director of Friendship Traders, a new Bombay-based trader-exporter. West Asia, China and Iran may be big importers. As a result of high export demand and lower-than-expected crop (may be due to quality), the market is bullish. Domestically, Haryana and Punjab account for 40-45% of the total basmati production in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 10-15%. India’s net rice exports (including basmati) increased from 10.8 MT to 12.7 MT last year, thus allowing the country to retain the top slot in the commodity’s global trade.


Sample of suspected fake rice to be sent to lab – Dr Jamilah
Description: http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2018/11/WhatsApp-Image-2018-11-11-at-2.14.51-PM.jpegSIBU: A sample of the suspected fake rice here has been collected and will be sent to a laboratory in Johor Bharu for analysis tomorrow (Nov 12).
 Sarawak Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim disclosed this during a press conference today after the state-level ‘Gotong-Royong’ Mega 2.0 here at Farley Commercial Centre here today to combat Aedes mosquito. She, however, said it will take some time for the results to be known. “On the suspected fake rice – actually, the Health Department did not receive specific report – nobody made any report that there is (suspected) ‘fake’ rice.
“We got to know about this from The Borneo Post – the media. Therefore, (Sibu divisional health officer) Dr Lee (Jo Hun) through the media contacted the complainant concerned and they have already collected the rice sample suspected to be fake to be sent to the laboratory in Johor tomorrow (Nov 12). “In this regard, before that (the outcome of the results is known), we are unsure whether it is fake or genuine rice. It will take a bit of time for the results to be out.
We will revert when the results are out,” Dr Jamilah said when asked on the suspected fake rice reported in The Borneo Post last Saturday. Asked for advice to members of the public, she said: “I don’t know. I am not sure about the brand of the rice involved. “Maybe, if prices are ‘unrealistically low’, the public should think twice about buying it. Buy those (rice) that they normally buy and where prices are logical.” At this juncture, Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk Mansor Man interjected, pointing out that sometimes the rice looked too ‘beautiful’ and might look suspicious.
 “If there are such issues, (the public are advised to) report Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) so that their enforcement (unit) can take necessary action. If information can be obtained early – it is good so as to inform the public,” he added. Concurring with Mansor, Dr Jamilah said the public can perhaps forward complaints to the Health Department if they are suspicious about the product so that they can investigate. Alternatively, she said that members of the media could alert the department if they received any information to enable them to investigate.
She said this is important to prevent people from consuming the rice if it was proven to be fake as there would be effect to their health. Meanwhile, it was recently reported that two members of the public were shocked when the rice they had cooked turned into weird consistency and did not look like genuine rice. According to the report, one of them who requested to remain anonymous said that though the texture of the rice looked different, she did not suspect anything at first because it tasted like rice. She also claimed that the rice felt like cotton. She could squeeze the water out when it was wet and the rice became light as a feather when it was dry.
Northern California marks 2018 rice harvest
Weather held out for northern California's 2018 rice harvest
Weather conditions held out for northern California's 2018 rice harvest as growers worked their way through their early-to-late season varieties. Marysville-area grower Charley Mathews began harvest of his early crop as morning temperatures began to hint of a cool-down while daytime highs remained above 90 degrees. Mathews is the new USA Rice Federation chairman, elected to the post by his peers at a meeting in Texas last summer. California produces about 4 billion pounds of rice annually from roughly 550,000 acres of farmland. About 95 percent of the state's rice production takes place between Sacramento and Chico. According to the University of California, rice yields in California can exceed 10,000 pounds per acre, which is about 20 percent above the national average.

Chama rice company in 150 metric tonnes a month contract



MWANANGWA Rice managing director Yotam Mtayachalo says the company is in the process of designing programmes to support out grower rice schemes aimed at raising capacity for small-scale farmers to boost rice production in the district. In a statement, Mtayachalo stated that Chama had potential in rice production.
“We would like to appeal to the people of Chama to support the company and we are more than ready to partner with individuals or organisations in order to further grow the business and develop the district respectively,” he stated.
Mtayachalo stated that his Chama-based company had signed a contract to supply 150 metric tonnes of Chama rice per month to Gourock (Z), a Copperbelt based company.
“The signing of this supply contract is a historic landmark and good news to the people of Chama as it is a giant step in revolutionising rice production in the district,” he stated.
“It will provide a window of opportunity to rice farmers in the district to boost rice production because the signing of the contract will provide a ready market for their commodity. The move shall also go a long way in as far as creation of household income for rice farmers is concerned thus significantly reducing high poverty levels which is more pronounced in rural communities.”
Mtayachalo stated that the contract was signed during the week in Ndola. He disclosed that he signed on behalf of Mwanangwa Rice Company while Jayesh Thakkar, the chief operating officer, signed on behalf of Gourock (Z) Ltd.
“The company shall next year embark on an ambitious programme to expand its business operations in order to meet the ever increasing demand for rice and the move shall undoubtedly create job opportunities for the local people as priority shall be given to disadvantaged groups such as the youths and women,” stated Mtayachalo.
“I want also to assure the people of Chama that the company will also endeavour to provide corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to the communities as a token of appreciation for their hard work and partnership.”

Getting richer, more Indonesians shift to premium rice


News Desk
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Mon, November 12, 2018 | 12:55 pm
Description: Getting richer, more Indonesians shift to premium riceCustomers browse the rice varieties on offer at the Cipinang Central Rice Market (PIBC) in East Jakarta in this file photograph. (Antara/Muhammad Adimaja)
Following the consumption trend of middle-income consumers, rice producers have started to distribute more premium rice instead of medium-quality rice, a report submitted to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) says.
The report from rice producer PT Buyung Poetra Sembada (HOKI) shows that the company’s revenue increased 17.78 percent from January to September to Rp 1.06 trillion (US$72.14 million), compared to figure in the same period last year, which was at Rp 900.05 billion
The report from HOKI, which focuses on selling premium rice, also shows a 15.6 percent increase from Rp 941.3 trillion to Rp 1.09 trillion.
Agriculture expert Khudori said that rice was no longer a single commodity and was not viewed as "inferior" by middle-class consumers, which preferred to consume premium rice rather than medium-quality rice.
“In the last few years, the price trend for rice has been determined more by premium rice, not medium-quality rice. When the rice price increases, [consumers] did not shift to rice that were priced lower, instead, they reduced the volume of their purchases,” Khudori said as quoted by kontan.co.id.
“The [consumer] preference has been shifting. The government policy, therefore, should also change to be more effective,” he said.
The number of middle-income consumers has been growing, and is projected to grow from 40 million at present to 200 million by 2045, said National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Prodjonegoro.
A study in April 2016 that involved 1,977 respondents shows the majority of respondents ranked rice the highest among daily consumption choices. (bbn)

Healthy white rice may soon be on the menu

·       Anna Kitanaka
Bloomberg
Fri, November 9, 2018 | 01:00 am
The Australian organization says it’s developed the rice with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and it has been successfully tested by breeders in the Asian country. (Bloomberg/File)
While delicious, there’s no denying that white rice can wreak havoc on your diet -- that is unless someone could make a refined version with the same benefits of its wholegrain brother.
Luckily, Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has just done that - creating a variety of rice that has an outer layer four to 12 times thicker than usual. That means it can be polished to remove the outer layer to make a white rice that retains more of the nutrients found in the wholegrain variety, according to the CSIRO.
“Our obsession with rice isn’t going anywhere, but unfortunately, our waistlines are, and too much white rice isn’t helping,” Eliza Keck, a CSIRO communications adviser said on the government agency’s website. “Thankfully, the demand for healthier varieties of rice has been on the rise in recent years, and that’s where our innovation comes in.”
The Australian organization says it’s developed the rice with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and it has been successfully tested by breeders in the Asian country. The new variety has little to no effect on the growth and yield of rice, CSIRO said. The Asian nation, which consumes over 100 kilograms per capita of rice every year, has a strong incentive to see healthier varieties become more popular as it battles with the world’s most-diabetic population.
CSIRO is teaming up with Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to see if its innovation can also be applied to wheat, barley and sorghum, it said.

No to rice tariffication
posted November 12, 2018 at 09:23 pm by Norman Cruz
Description: No to rice tariffication

NFA rice millers and farmers troop in front of the Senate office to ask for the dismissal of the proposed Rice Tariffication bill and oppose Senate Bill 1998.

Agric Minister describes USDA’s 2018 rice importation report a mischief

Sunday, November 11, 2018 3:39 pm

November 13, 2018

Description: https://i2.wp.com/www.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/rice-production.jpg?resize=800%2C501&ssl=1
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has described as “mischief” the report credited to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) alleging that Nigeria imported about three million tonnes of rice in 2018.
According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not issued any Letter of Credit (LC) for importation of rice in 2018.
Ogbeh made the assertion in Otukpo, Benue State, on the sideline of the distribution of rice and feed milling machines to farmers in Oja Community of the state on Sunday.
The minister, who was reacting to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which alleged that Nigeria imported about three million tonnes of rice in 2018, described it as a ‘mischief’.
The minister said that although smuggling was being perpetrated at the borders, there had not been any officially approved importation of rice into the country this year.
He, however, challenged the USDA to prove the authenticity of the claim by providing the details of the company that had imported rice, details of the paid duty at the port and clearance.
“After that report I went to the CBN and I met with the governor on Monday and asked him how many Letters of Credit (LC) they have opened this year for rice importation and he said `not one’ and you can ask the CBN governor.
“Some of these reports with all due respect are meant to demoralise our people here.
“Smugglers are smuggling rice, we fight them, we seize them.
“Official importation of rice is as low as it ever was except they can tell us which company imported rice, paid the duty at the port, who cleared it.
“If they don’t, let them give us more details of what they found.
“With all due respect, I don’t like some of the comments of some of our foreign firms. Everything we do is wrong and Nigerians absorb that message.
“If they are talking of smugglers through the ports in Cotonou, that is a different story, even though I am not sure that about three million tonnes was imported.
“How do they sit out there and know what is happening in our ports. It is incredible,” he queried.
The minister said that the government had cut down on rice importation by 90 per cent.
According to him, Kano has 1,240 rice mills, Kebbi has three giant ones and so is Jigawa, Ebonyi, Anambra and other states.
On working with rice farmers and millers to slash the price of locally produced rice, Ogbeh said that the CBN would give low interest loans to them to help reduce the price.

Two officers suspended in fake paddy purchase scam

Nov 12, 2018, 1:41 AM; last updated: Nov 12, 2018, 5:28 PM (IST)
THE TRIBUNE IMPACT
Ruchika M Khanna
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 11
The state government has placed the services of two officers — one employed with Pungrain and the other with Markfed — under suspension with immediate effect.
The two officials are accused of having made fake entries for paddy purchase on the official portal of the state Food and Civil Supplies Department.
Launching a thorough investigation into the scam, believed to be going on for the past decade, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has also written to the Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board, asking him to initiate a probe against their officers and arhtiyas (commission agents) involved in the scam.
The suspensions were ordered today by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu after the scam of fake purchase of paddy was discovered by the department and highlighted by The Tribune in its news columns.
The two officers — Vikas Jindal of Pungrain and field officer of Markfed Charanjit Singh — will be stationed at the headquarters during the course of their suspension so that they have no access to the records in the mandis and chances of manipulation of records is minimal.
The government has also withdrawn the work of procurement from Pungrain and Markfed in the mandi at Patti - where the alleged scam was unearthed last week.
Anandita Mitra, Director, Food and Civil Supplies Department, said very limited quantity of paddy was left to be purchased and the other two food procurement agencies — Punsup and Punjab Agro Industries Corporation — would carry on with the procurement at the Patti mandi. Patti is the hometown of former Food and Civil Supplies Minister Adaish Partap Kairon.
The department officials had caught the inspectors making entries for purchase of 1.7 lakh bags of paddy without any paddy actually being purchased.
The Tribune had highlighted that how a nexus between the arhtiyas, mandi officer, inspector and rice millers was leading to bogus billing of paddy without any purchase. The arhtiyas, mandi officer and inspectors make fake entries in the portal for paddy purchase, following which the money is released by the government. The miller purchases cheaper paddy from other states, processes it and sends it to the government. In the process all four make profit.
Mitra said they had been disturbed at how the acreage under paddy had not gone up, but procurement was increasing. This shows that procurement increase was affected only on paper, and the government continued to pay for paddy that was not even purchased.


·       The two officials — Vikas Jindal of Pungrain and Charanjit Singh of Markfed — are accused of having made fake entries for paddy purchase on the official portal of the state Food and Civil Supplies Department.
·       The government has also withdrawn the work of procurement from Pungrain and Markfed in Patti, where the “scam” was unearthed last week.

Farmers’ union demand CBI probe

Monday, 12 November 2018 | PNS | Moga
Punjab’s farmer organisations on Sunday demanded a high level probe of large scale paddy purchase “only on papers and not in stocks” for which payment was also made by the State Food and Supply Department to the farmers through the commission agent.
Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan and general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri demanded that a high level probe of the scam be conducted with immediate registration of cases against the inspectors of procurement agencies, Food and Supply Department and also against the commission agents on alleged charge of cheating and fraud with the State Government and also with the Centre and also cheating the farmers.
“Rice millers and Punjab Mandi Board officers and inspectors were also involved in this scam,” they alleged.
Farmer leaders, referring to a news report, stated that the scam was uncovered on November 6, when the Food and Civil Supply Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashus received a complaint of large scale bogus billing.
The Department, when visited Tarn Taran, found fake purchase of 92,000 bags of paddy by the commission agents in connivance with one of the Government procurement agency, and another 78,000 bags involving Markfed officials was also found.
They pointed that the commission agents, mandi board officers and inspectors were uploading entries on the Department’s official portal, showing paddy purchase, when no actual purchase is being made.
And when an entry for paddy purchase by the commission agent was made, the payment is released to them electronically, while no physical verification of paddy purchase was undertaken, they added

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/two-officers-suspended-in-fake-paddy-purchase-scam/681721.html

Northern California marks 2018 rice harvest

Todd Fitchette 2 | Nov 12, 2018
Weather held out for northern California's 2018 rice harvest
Weather conditions held out for northern California's 2018 rice harvest as growers worked their way through their early-to-late season varieties.
Marysville-area grower Charley Mathews began harvest of his early crop as morning temperatures began to hint of a cool-down while daytime highs remained above 90 degrees. Mathews is the new USA Rice Federation chairman, elected to the post by his peers at a meeting in Texas last summer.
California produces about 4 billion pounds of rice annually from roughly 550,000 acres of farmland. About 95 percent of the state's rice production takes place between Sacramento and Chico. According to the University of California, rice yields in California can exceed 10,000 pounds per acre, which is about 20 percent above the national average.

Getting richer, more Indonesians shift to premium rice


News Desk
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Mon, November 12, 2018 | 12:55 pm
Description: Getting richer, more Indonesians shift to premium riceCustomers browse the rice varieties on offer at the Cipinang Central Rice Market (PIBC) in East Jakarta in this file photograph. (Antara/Muhammad Adimaja)
Following the consumption trend of middle-income consumers, rice producers have started to distribute more premium rice instead of medium-quality rice, a report submitted to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) says.
The report from rice producer PT Buyung Poetra Sembada (HOKI) shows that the company’s revenue increased 17.78 percent from January to September to Rp 1.06 trillion (US$72.14 million), compared to figure in the same period last year, which was at Rp 900.05 billion
The report from HOKI, which focuses on selling premium rice, also shows a 15.6 percent increase from Rp 941.3 trillion to Rp 1.09 trillion.
Agriculture expert Khudori said that rice was no longer a single commodity and was not viewed as "inferior" by middle-class consumers, which preferred to consume premium rice rather than medium-quality rice.
“In the last few years, the price trend for rice has been determined more by premium rice, not medium-quality rice. When the rice price increases, [consumers] did not shift to rice that were priced lower, instead, they reduced the volume of their purchases,” Khudori said as quoted by kontan.co.id.
“The [consumer] preference has been shifting. The government policy, therefore, should also change to be more effective,” he said.
The number of middle-income consumers has been growing, and is projected to grow from 40 million at present to 200 million by 2045, said National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Prodjonegoro.
A study in April 2016 that involved 1,977 respondents shows the majority of respondents ranked rice the highest among daily consumption choices. (bbn)

Retreating Planting Season, Rice Prices Expected to be Higher Early Next Year


Description: http://www.netralnews.com/foto/2018/11/10/942-ilustrasi_petani_tanam_padi-696x341.jpg
Illustration: Farmer planting paddy
BANYUMAS, NNC - The rice price on the market has the potential to increase due to the retreat of the rice planting period in the first planting season of 2018/2019, said Head of the Representative Office of Bank Indonesia of Purwokerto Agus Chusaini.
"So there is indeed a potential increase in rice prices at the beginning of the year, around January-February, the amount of rice availability will decrease, but the government has imported [rice]. So, God willing, maybe the [rice] price can be controlled," he said after attending the first planting in the context of the accelerated movement of rice planting in Kuntili Village, Sumpiuh Sub-district, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Saturday (11/10/2018).
According to him, imports of rice carried out by the government are intended to anticipate the reduced supply of food in early 2019 due to the decline of the rice planting season.
Therefore, he expects rice imports that have been carried out by the government to meet the needs at the beginning of 2019.
"With imports, the government's rice reserves are now large. So, we hope that at the beginning of the year, reserves will be sufficient until the next harvest," said Agus.
He acknowledged that until now, the price of rice in the market, especially the city of Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, is still relatively stable, but his side is still observing it.
"Indeed, with the delayed planting, it is possible that the harvest will also retreat. This is something that needs to be anticipated. Although the price rises, the increase may still be reasonable, it will not rise dramatically as in the case of last year [end 2017 to early 2018]," said he quoted from Antara.
On a separate occasion, the Head of the Banyumas Regency Agriculture and Food Security Office Widarso admitted if the rice planting period in the first planting season of 2018/20 was delayed due to the rainy season's retreat.
Therefore, he said, the acceleration of planting movements as carried out in Kuntili Village, Sumpiuh Sub-district, Banyumas, could catch up because previously the planting area in October to November was targeted to reach 20,000 hectares.
However, until now, he continued, only about 10 percent had been realized or around 2,000 hectares, so it was hoped that the target could be met by the end of November.
"What we are worried about is that if the retreat is too long, the famine will increase (long) and this is a big risk. In January 2018 alone, the price of rice is quite high and lasts quite a long time," he said.
With the retreat of the planting season as it is now, he predicts rice production in January 2019 will not be maximized.

Australian firm acquires Vietnamese processing mill

VNA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018 - 18:18:00 PRINT
Description: https://cdnimgen.vietnamplus.vn/t660/Uploaded/wbxx/2018_11_10/packaging_rice.jpgRice is packaged at the Song Hau Food Company in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – SunRice Group has completed the acquisition of a rice processing mill in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, the first direct financial investment of the Australian business in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Trade Office in Australia cited SunRice as saying that this is an important step towards establishing a fully vertically integrated and sustainable supply chain in Vietnam.

This firm will invest in improving and expanding the mill and purchasing equipment, in order to increase whitening and polishing capacity and to add a new packing line. This will ensure that the mill satisfy high quality and safety standards and customers’ requirements.

The mill is anticipated to be fully operational during the first half of 2019 with a processing capacity of around 260,000 dry paddy tonnes per year.

SunRice CEO Rob Gordon said the purchase of a fully owned mill in Vietnam is the latest in a series of acquisitions and investments that have been made to advance SunRice’s 2022 Growth Strategy.

Myanmar earns over 435 mln USD from rice export in 7 months

Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 16:13:54|Editor: xuxin
YANGON, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar earned 435.96 million U.S. dollars from export of rice and broken rice as of Oct. 26 this year, the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) said Saturday.
From April 1 to Oct. 26, over 1 million tons of rice was exported to 43 countries and 251,224 tons of broken rice to 18 foreign countries, respectively.
About 53.4 percent of rice and broken rice were exported through border gates while the rest via sea routes during the period.
The country earned over 1.11 billion U.S. dollars from export of 2.89 million tons of rice and 620,696 tons of broken rice in last FY 2017-2018.
About 60 percent of the country's rice exports predominantly go to neighbouring China mainly through border gates while demand for the country's rice also comes from other Asian countries, European Union member states and some African countries.

Nigeria: How Kebbi Lost 80% of Rice to Flood

Tagged:
By Ismail Adebayo
Birnin Kebbi — It was mixed feelings as farmers in the various rice-producing communities in Kebbi State began harvest of their rain-fed rice.
Rice production in the lowland Fadama plain areas in the state was badly affected during the wet season.
The two Fadama areas: River Rima and River Niger flood plains, are seen as a blessing to rice farmers because of the large quantity of rice that comes from the areas.
However, in this last wet season, floods in various parts of Kebbi, were a disaster to the farmers.
Most of the farms along the River Rima and River Niger Fadama flood plains were taken over by floods leading to over 80 per cent loss by farmers.
The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association (RFA) in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammed Sahabi Augie, lamented that production was affected because of the floods.
Alhaji Muhammed said, "Rice production was affected in the lowland Fadama areas. Rice farmers' loss along the River Rima plain was huge. We can put their loss at about 80 per cent and 30 per cent at the River Niger flood plain. For the upland areas such as Zuru and Yauri, where rice is also produced in large quantity, the situation was better. There is a need to embark on intensive and robust dry season rice farming during next year's season to be able to manage the loss.
"The good thing is that Kebbi farmers produce rice throughout the year. The rice available can serve millers' at least five to six months of next year and by that time the farmers would have started harvesting rice again. I will advise government to open up more areas for rice farmers to cultivate and embark on aggressive and robust rice production next year. This will help to make up for the losses and boost rice production in the state."
Augie said apart from the usual loan assistance the farmers get from the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), government should create other interventions through which they could be assisted in order to boost rice production in the state.
A farmer at the Makera farm area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area told our correspondent that he was able to harvest less than 20 per cent of his rice because the farm was taken over by flood a few weeks before harvest, and added that, "I was somehow lucky because many of the farmers here lost everything to the flood."

Myanmar earns almost 436 million USD from rice exports

VNA Sunday, November 11, 2018 - 16:14:00 
Description: https://cdnimgen.vietnamplus.vn/t660/Uploaded/wbxx/2018_11_11/Myanmar_earns_43596_million_USD_from_rice_exports.jpgA worker arranges rice at a warehouse in Yangon, Myanmar (Photo: Xinhua)

Hanoi (VNA) – Myanmar earned nearly 436 million USD from exporting rice and broken rice from April 1 to October 26 this year, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).
In the period, the Southeast Asian country shipped abroad more than 1 million tonnes of rice and nearly 251,230 tonnes of broken rice.

About 53.4 percent of the two types of rice were exported through border gates while the rest via sea routes. The country raked in over 1.11 billion USD from export of 2.89 million tonnes of rice and 620,696 tonnes of broken rice in the fiscal year 2017-2018.
China is the leading rice export market of Myanmar, accounting about 60 percent, while demand for the country's rice also comes from other Asian countries, European Union members and some African countries.
Aside from rice, Myanmar also boosts exports of other products, including peas, aquatic products, garment-textile, timber and wooden products, and rubber, a move to decrease the country’s trade deficit.
The Asian Development Outlook 2018, published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has updated Myanmar's estimated economic figures, saying that the country's growth rate of gross domestic product (GDP) is 6.6 percent for 2018, and 7 percent for 2019.
Myanmar's inflation rate is 6.2 percent for 2018 and 6 percent for 2019 respectively. Meanwhile, the current account balance deficit is 3 percent of GDP in 2018, and 4 percent in 2019. -VNA

India's rice exports drop in April-September, pulses surge: government body
NOVEMBER 12, 2018 / 3:13 PM
A farmer winnows rice in a field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, November 4, 2016. REUTERS/Amit Dave
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India’s rice exports dropped 9.6 percent to 5.8 million tonnes between April and September from a year earlier, as leading buyer Bangladesh trimmed purchases due to bumper local harvest, a government body said.

The country’s buffalo meat exports during the period edged down 0.5 percent from a year ago to 618,559 tonnes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority said.Guar gum exports rose 5 percent to 265,195 tonnes on robust demand from the United States.India is the world’s biggest exporter of buffalo meat, guar gum and rice.
The country’s exports of pulses more than doubled during the period to 171,656 tonnes, while dairy exports surged 39.3 percent to 66,462 tonnes, the agency said.Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier
Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Rice Prices

as on : 12-11-2018 11:07:40 AM

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)
60.00
50
5602.00
2400
2400
9.09
Hapur(UP)
60.00
NC
2490.00
2520
2480
10.53
Panchpedwa(UP)
26.00
4
544.00
2220
2220
-
Ruperdeeha(UP)
6.00
NC
278.00
1600
1600
-
Dibrugarh(ASM)
3.60
-28
761.70
2920
2920
29.78
Khairagarh(UP)
0.80
14.29
118.20
2560
2560
1.59
Achnera(UP)
0.70
NC
23.40
2560
2560
0.39
Jagnair(UP)
0.60
-14.29
85.60
2550
2550
0.39
Published on November 12, 2018
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article25473236.ece






http://www.uniindia.com/farmers-union-demand-cbi-probe-in-punjab-s-biggest-paddy-scam/north/news/1402260.html

India Mulls Barter System to Export Rice to Iran

India's payment system with Iran is being relaxed further for basmati rice exports. This comes after the US allowed India to continue importing crude oil from Iran and develop Chabahar Port.
Now, India is finalizing guidelines for exporting basmati rice to its largest importer—Iran—on a rupee payment basis, Business Standard reported.
The move has come as a positive development for exporters who are paying a higher price for procuring basmati.
Last year, India exported $4.17 billion worth of basmati rice and Iran was the largest buyer of rice with $905 million. In the first five months of 2018-19, exports have already crossed $2 billion and Iran continues to be the largest buyer for India followed by Saudi Arabia.
When the US announced sanctions against Iran, Indian farmers had already increased area under basmati but exporters were cautious. However, the recent exemption for Iran followed by easing of the payment crisis has lifted the sentiments of basmati exporters.
“Higher paddy price this season has put some pressure on the retail price, especially if you consider that there is recession in the global market. However, there has been some stabilization now and we expect a good basmati export cycle this year,” Kohinoor Foods joint managing director, Gurnam Arora, said.
He added that the "Iran issue" had also been resolved to a large extent and traders have been allowed to barter deals and consignments valued in rupee terms. 
“The guidelines are being formulated and we are confident that Iranian basmati imports would start soon.”
Iran normally opens its market for basmati import by mid November after taking into account its domestic production and demand matrices.
All-India Rice Exporters Association Executive Director Vinod Kaul claimed that although some of the basmati crop had been damaged, it was not significant and that the final assessment was being done.
“The new basmati crop has started coming to the market and we are confident that Iran would account for about 1 million tons of exports this season,” he said.
India is also bullish about the prospects of the Chinese market, although it basically imports non-basmati rice varieties now. Recently, a buyer-seller meet was organized in China, where five to six Indian rice exporters had participated even as the country approved 24 domestic rice millers.
However, the Chinese basmati market would still take some years before it "matures" for domestic exporters, Arora said.
China is the world’s largest producer and importer of rice and procures about 5 million tons every year. India has estimated a potential sale of 1 million tons of rice to China. The country planned to boost rice and sugar exports to narrow the trade gap with China.
Recently, five new Indian rice mills were cleared for exporting non-basmati rice to China, taking the total to 24 rice mills. In May 2018, Chinese officials had inspected rice mills capable of exporting non-basmati rice.
Basmati exporters have also been exploring other markets like the US, European Union and Latin America. Yet, the results have not been encouraging.
Last year, total basmati exports from India stood at little over 4 million tons with almost 80% of the consignment going to West Asian countries, led by Iran. However, exporters are still unsure if last year’s export figures would be matched.
Following better global demand last year, farmers had increased sowing and sown new basmati varieties like 1401, 1509, apart from the 1121 type. “Sowing has increased but quality has been affected. This was because pest attack lowered the yield, resulting in higher market price at a time when Iran hopes have revived,” said Devendr Vora, director of Friendship Traders, a new Bombay-based trader-exporter.
As a result of high export demand and lower-than-expected crop (perhaps be due to quality), the market is bullish.
Domestically, Haryana and Punjab account for 40-45% of the total basmati production in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 10-15%. India’s net rice exports (including basmati) increased from 10.8 to 12.7 million tons last year, thus allowing the country to retain the top slot in the commodity’s global trade.


No comments:

Post a Comment