25th May,2019 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter

Scientists introduced a new methodology ‘CRISPR/Cas9’ for gene editing in fungus

 RFM  

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science, Meiji University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, led by Dr. Arazoe and Prof Kuwata have conceived speedy, basic methodologies for gene editing (target gene investigation, succession substitution, and re-presentation of desired qualities) utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 in the rice impact organism Pyricularia (Magnaporthe) oryzae, a kind of filamentous growth. CRISPR/Cas9 is presently a recognized name related to the genetic engineering building.

Through in-depth research depicted in their paper distributed in Scientific Reports it seems the researchers have established a progression of novel procedures to build the productivity of focused gene disruption and new quality “presentation” utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 framework in the rice blasts fungus Pyricularia (Magnaporthe) oryzae.

In the research paper, the scientists originally made a vector (gene conveyance framework) in light of CRISPR/Cas9 to affirm hybrid sort HR in the beneficiary gene region in the rice blast fungus.

At that point, to check quality focusing on or “arrangement substitution,” they made a “freak” vector, improved for single hybrid sort HR, for focused disturbance of the host quality that encodes scytalone dehydratase (SDH), a protein associated with melanin development. This vector was brought into the vector containing the quality for hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph), which gives protection from the anti-infection hygromycin B.

Most genome altering methodologies require DSBs initiated at the objective site, which trigger DNA “fix” pathways in the host. Homologous recombination (HR) is an instrument for fix of DSBs, and it is valuable since it includes reciprocal groupings. In any case, the hidden system is difficult, and its productivity routinely relies upon outside elements, for example, the host properties just as PAMs.

HR can be isolated into two pathways: “no crossover” (quality transformation) and “hybrid” type. Hybrid sort fixes are known to happen in cells that experience meiosis. In any case, the comprehension of their job in cells that experience mitosis is constrained, and such data on filamentous organisms is basically inaccessible. It is this hole in learning that the analysts were hoping to address.

These methodologies incorporate speedier (single-step) quality presentation, utilization of small homologous groupings, and bypassing of certain essential host DNA “examples” and host segment modification. The working segment of the CRISPR/Cas9 framework ties to the objective gene area (DNA) and causes a site-explicit double-stranded break in the DNA. Compelling binding of this segment requires a specific “theme” or “example” called the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), which pursues downstream of the objective gene region.

Prodded on by empowering results, the scientists construe, “Plants and their pathogens are as yet coevolving in nature. Misusing the change systems of model pathogenic parasites as a genome altering strategy may prompt the improvement of further novel procedures in genetic engineering.”

The scientists likewise utilized a comparable methodology to check whether gene presentation (or “thump in”) is conceivable through single crossover type HR utilizing a CRISPR/Cas9 vector. They utilized the green-fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, which is broadly utilized as a “reporter gene” to make host cells shine fluorescent green when embedded into their genome.

They speculated that solitary hybrid HR would result in the presentation of GFP into the beneficiary arrangement. In reality, they found that the utilization of the CRISPR/Cas9 vector gave ascend to green fluorescent provinces on the hygromycin medium. These discoveries demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 framework can be utilized for productive “one-step” gene thump in.

https://stocknewsmagazine.com/scientists-introduced-new-methodology-crispr-cas9-gene-editing-fungus/

Farm loans will be waived after the end of election code

 Agriculture Minister Niranjan Reddy Hans News Service   |

 24 May 2019 8:11 PM HIGHLIGHTS Agriculture Minister S. Niranjan Reddy on Friday announced that the Telangana Government would waiver off the crop loans, as promised in the election manifesto, after the end of Model Code of Conduct in the State. Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister S. Niranjan Reddy on Friday announced that the Telangana Government would waiver off the crop loans, as promised in the election manifesto, after the end of Model Code of Conduct in the State. He also promised the State Government would organise Seed Melas in all the District Headquarters from next year onwards to supply quality seeds to the farmers. The minister was speaking after inaugurating the Seed Mela – 2019 at the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Auditorium premises in Rajendranagar. The Seed Mela is being organised by the PJTSAU in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and local ICAR Research Institutes such as Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Indian Institute of Oil seed Research (IIOR), Central Research Institute for Dry land Agriculture(CRIDA), ATARI, NAARM, directorate of Poultry, National Seeds Corporation (NSC), Telangana State Seed Development Corporation(TSSDC), Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (TSSOCA) and Veterinary and Horticultural Universities. Advertise With Us Niranjan Reddy said that the long term initiatives taken by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao have brought tremendous and revolutionary changes in the agricultural sector in the State. Many states are emulating the schemes being implemented by Telangana Government for the welfare of farmers. He also announced that the loan wavier would be implemented once the election code is over. He said that the government was firm on strengthening the agricultural sector which is providing large scale employment to the population. Initiatives will be continued in the agriculture sector to make it more profitable to the farmers in the state, he said. Advertise With Us PJTSAU Vice Chancellor Dr. V Praveen Rao gave an overview of the Seed Mela -2019 and explained the efforts made to supply of quality seed to the farmers. He said that the university was planning to release 8 new varieties in Rice, Pulses, Maize crops in next month. This year, a dedicated stall has been arranged to explain about the new technologies to the farmers. He tendered his thanks to the farmers who are continuously encouraging the university scientists and adopted the newer technologies and new varieties.

He added that for the benefit of the farmers Seed Melas were organized at Regional Agricultural Research Stations (RARS) at Jagitial, Warangal and Palem in Nagarkurnool District simultaneously. Commissioner of Agriculture Rahul Bojja, Director of Research PJTSAU and the directors of the local ICAR research institutes Dr. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Dr. SR Oleti, Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi, Dr. Ravindrachary, Dr. Prasad, Director Seeds Dr. Pradeep, Director TSSOCA Dr. Keshavulu several others also participated. Large number of farmers attended the Seed Mela and also purchased the seeds. More On Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University Agriculture Minister S. Niranjan Reddy Hyderabad  Download The Hans India Android App or iOS App for the Latest update on your phone. MORE STORIES Advertise With Us IN PICS MORE >> (25) Hans & Haleem At Prime Pista Houz - Vanasthalipuram (13) BJP Activists Celebrate Party's Victory In Elections (11) TRS Workers Distribute Sweets Near Chaminar

Deve Gowda after facing defeat twice Yet again, Delhi elects only one woman to LS After massive victory, PM Modi to seek mother's blessings in Gujarat tomorrow Jammu Srinagar National Highway Closed Due to Landslide Surat fire toll rises to 23, two students on ventilator NOW AVAILABLE ON News Home Contact Us About Us E-Paper RSS Company Advertise With us Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Disclaimer Sitemap Entertainment Cinema Sports Editor'S Desk Crime Life Style Tech All News AP Telangana Nation World Business The HANS © 2019 Hyderabad Media House Limited/The Hans India. All rights reserved. Powered by hocalwire.com Top

https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/farm-loans-will-be-waived-after-the-end-of-election-code-agriculture-minister-532093

USA Rice Welcomes Summer Intern     By Deborah Willenborg ARLINGTON, VA -- Grant Long joined USA Rice this week as an intern with the Government Affairs team and will be working out of the Arlington office through August 9. Grant is originally from Georgia and is currently a student at Mississippi State University (MSU) working towards a B.S. in Political Science and Pre-Law.  Grant had a previous government affairs internship at The Borgen Project, a national campaign that fights global poverty, and also worked for Publix, a grocery store chain, and for a beverage wholesaler in Atlanta. What piqued his interest in politics was the run-up to the 2016 presidential campaign.  "I realized that the most effective way to bring about change was to get directly involved, no matter which side of the aisle you support, so I volunteered for several political campaigns in both Mississippi and Georgia." While in Washington this summer, Grant is participating in the William A. Demmer Scholars Program which allows students to earn credit hours while interning, taking classes, and attending various field trips throughout the District and Metro Washington areas.  Through this program and his USA Rice internship, Grant hopes to learn more about ag policy and get an insider's understanding of the political system for his future in public administration. "We're excited to have Grant with us this summer," said Ben Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government affairs.  "He is a unique student/intern in that he's been holding down full-time jobs while putting himself through school.  That kind of 'real world' experience adds maturity and gives you perspective, which is something anyone dealing with politics and policy needs in abundance."

Rice takes food further Plate Magazine's Rice Issue Wins Coveted Journalism Award   By Deborah Willenborg ARLINGTON, VA -- The honors for rice this year continue to grow as Plate Magazine's rice-focused issue won a Neal Award, one of the most coveted awards in business journalism.  The special 2018 July/August was recognized by the Jesse H. Neal judges as 2019's Best Subject Related Package. The magazine features eye-popping rice images, unique culinary perspectives, quotes from expert chefs utilizing rice, and articles including, "The Gift of Rice: Nothing Unites Us Like a Bed of Rice", "Crispy Treasure-Socarrat is the Gold at the Bottom of the Pot", "Southern Crop," and "Rice Renaissance." "A big congratulations to Plate Magazine," said USA Rice Domestic Promotion Manager Cameron Jacobs.  "This is a huge honor for them and will also benefit the rice industry by amplifying just how many top chefs are incorporating rice in their menus and the various applications they are using to do so." Culinary topics included in the issue were rice porridges, fried rice remixes, steamed rice cakes, low country rice, arancini, grits, paella, rice beers and cocktails, and historic rice uses. "With quotes from top chefs like 'If you accept that all of our history could be told through our food, then all of our stories could be spelled out in grains of rice' from Chef Jackie Summers and 'There was a West African rice.  There was a U.S. rice.  There was a Chinese rice.  There was an Indian rice.  That's what fueled those communities.  It meant more than money.  I think over time, we lost focus on that and we need to get back to that' from Chef J.J. Johnson,' I am hoping we see a trickle-down effect as news begins to circulate and professional chefs absorb the issue's information and gain that grain inspiration," said Jacobs. The issue also demonstrates the creative platform rice provides for chefs and continued growth opportunities that put rice at the forefront as opposed to the side of the plate.  These opportunities range from global bowls to historic island staple recipes, modern takes on comfort food, the merging of cultures to create distinctly unique rice dishes, and much more.

Go here  to read the entire rice issue.

USA RICE DAILY

Basmati exporters hold shipments to Iran fearing payment defaults

Exporters pin hope on new government, seek clarity on import-export with Iran

Virendra Singh Rawat  |  Lucknow Last Updated at May 23, 2019 21:23 IST

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With no let-up in the US sanctions on Iran and the prolonged standoff only getting worse by the day, Indian basmati exporters are holding on their shipments to Iran, fearing payment defaults or delays.

The lack of clarity on future exports and imports from Iran, coupled with growing uncertainty over payment terms going forward, have made the exporters jittery of meeting their export commitments with counterparts in Iran.

“Unless there is new agreement with the Iranian government on export terms, we've decided to put shipments on hold as there are chances of defaults and money getting stuck,” Kohinoor Foods joint managing director Gurnam Arora told Business Standard.

Although, there is no definite data available as per the consignment stuck on this count, it is pegged at 20,000-30,000 tonnes at present with possibility of accumulation if situation persists.

While basmati exports to the gulf nation stood at nearly a million tonnes (MT) last year, they were estimated at nearly 1.4 million tonnes this year, a hike of 40 per cent. In its report, rating agency Icra had even forecast that export market demand would remain steady over the next few quarters, ably supported by resumption of imports in the key market of Iran. This was before the US sanctions came in.

The apprehensions of Indian basmati exporters have accentuated over lingering suspense on the continuity of Indian import of Iranian crude in backdrop of the US sanctions. Earlier, the Centre had apprised the visiting Iranian foreign minister of taking a call on the issue post Lok Sabha polls.

“So far, our exports were denominated in rupee terms and there was barter trade against oil, but now there is utter confusion on the mater. Therefore, the exporters have been advised by our association to hold on to their respective shipments unless there is some clarity,” he said.

Nonetheless, the exporters are not overtly worried, at least in the short term, given the shortage of basmati in the domestic market owing to lower crop output.

“Our consignment could be sent to other destinations if Iran bound contracts do not materialise. Besides, basmati market has witnessed some upswing owing to short supply this season,” Arora informed.

The exporters are awaiting the formation of the new central government and the policy stance it takes regarding exports and imports, including Iran.

Icra assistant vice president Deepak Jotwani said although there was no restriction of trade with Iran, yet there was lack of clarity on issues of payment and continuity of export. “We expect these issues to be sorted out with the new government at the Centre.”

However, he claimed even temporary suspension of basmati trade with Iran would impact the market, since Iran was a major destination for Indian basmati rice. “Much would also depend upon what Iran also decides regarding the import of commodity from India.”

Till a few weeks back, basmati exports were projected to hit record levels of Rs 30,000 crore or nearly US$ 4.28 billion (pegged to exchange rate of Rs 70) this season. While, basmati export basket is wide, most exported variety of Pusa 1121 had witnessed average procurement price of Rs 35,000-38,000 per tonne during the current 2018-19 season, compared to Rs 33,000-35,000 per tonne during 2017-18, a hike of 8.5 per cent.

However, basmati export realisation inflated at a much higher ratio of 14% to more than Rs 74,000 per tonne during Apr-Jan 2018-19 against Rs 65,000 per tonne during the corresponding period of last financial year.

Continuing the growth momentum, India had clocked basmati exports worth US$ 4.10 billion during the first 10 months of 2018-19, which was nearly 12 per cent higher compared to $3.68 billion in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Basmati paddy prices have been ruling high over the last two financial years 2016-17 and 2017-18, while in the current season, basmati production has been lower by five per cent due to the decline in acreage as some farmers had shifted to non-basmati varieties due to a considerable increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP), besides some loss of crop due to untimely rainfall in a few key Basmati growing states.

As a result, the paddy prices firmed up by more than 10 per cent across varieties. The increase in basmati average realisations is likely to sustain in the first half of 2019-20 owing to the increase in paddy costs in the recently concluded procurement season and steady international as well as domestic demand outlook, ICRA note added.

https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/basmati-exporters-hold-shipments-to-iran-fearing-payment-defaults-119052300508_1.html

Rice Imported Into Nigeria, Poisonous -Customs Boss

By The Tide -

May 24, 2019

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali has described rice imported into Nigeria as poisonous, advising Nigerians to stop consuming it.
“A chemical must have been added to sustain its freshness and that chemical is harmful.
The Comptroller General also said that the rice has been re-bagged with a new date given as the production and expiry date and that is what we consume here which causes diseases.
The Comptroller-General in a statement made available to The Tide said, “ I appeal to Nigerians to please patronise our own rice; it is available, more nutritious and if you do that you will assist Customs by making sure these people are put out of business,” Ali said
The CG stated this in Abuja during a conference organised by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday.
Hameed Ali said the federal government had not issued license for importation of rice and that any rice seen on the streets that was not produced in Nigeria was smuggled.

http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2019/05/24/rice-imported-into-nigeria-poisonous-customs-boss/

Field trials for new hybrid rice underway in Mwea

Munene Kamau  24th May 2019 00:00:00 GMT +0300

The ongoing hybrid rice research at the KARLO Centre, within the Mwea Irrigation scheme where a high yielding variety is undergoing field trials. (Standard)Crop researchers have come up with a high yielding rice variety that is currently under trial at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

The hybrid variety that takes a shorter time to mature is undergoing field trials on 400 acres.

Developed by researchers

The variety has been developed by researchers at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (ATF), in collaboration with those from the Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organisation (Kalro).

According to Kayonde Sanni, the project manager for rice at the ATF, the development is in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda, especially on food security.

“The objective of this project is to achieve prosperity for farmers through technology as will be evidenced through the hybrid variety,” said the researcher.

He said there was greater need for adoption of the technology in order to increase rice production in Africa.

Country's production

Sanni said the level of rice consumption in Kenya stood at 650,000 tonnes a year against a 150,000 tonnes production.

“As a result, the deficit is met by the importation of 500,000 tonnes of rice yearly,” he said.

Sanni said production of rice in Kenya stood at two tonnes per hectare, compared to the global production of 4.3 per hectare, hence the deficit.

He said consumption of rice had increased by 13 per cent, while productivity grew by 3 per cent and therefore the need to boost production in the country.

“The development of the hybrid rice involves bringing two different types of rice together to triple productivity,” the expert said.

The project jointly spearheaded by Sanni and John Kimani, Kalro manager at Kimbimbi Centre, has already engaged 25 full-time employees to deal with the challenge of inadequate information being presented to farmers.

The national rice performance trials started 10 years ago to come up with five types of hybrid seeds, which will be released to farmers by the end of this year, according to Kimani.

He said if farmers fully adopted the hybrid rice, they would be able to plug production deficit and hence reduce importation of rice from Pakistan and other countries.

Resistant to diseases

Kimani said the new rice variety, apart from improved yield and early maturing, was also resistant to diseases and pests.

He said by 2030 the country should be able to produce enough rice to cut down on importation.

Register to advertise your products & services on our classifieds website Digger.co.ke and enjoy one month subscription free of charge and 3 free ads on the Standard newspaper.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001326897/field-trials-for-new-hybrid-rice-underway-in-mwea

A 'crisper' method for gene editing in fungi

Scientists devise a novel genome editing method for filamentous fungi, based on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform

Date:

May 23, 2019

Source:

Tokyo University of Science

Summary:

A team of researchers has recently established a series of novel strategies to increase the efficiency of targeted gene disruption and new gene 'introduction' using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the rice blast fungus Pyricularia (Magnaporthe) oryzae.

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FULL STORY

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CRISPR/Cas9 is now a household name associated with genetic engineering studies. Through cutting-edge research described in their paper published in Scientific Reports, a team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science, Meiji University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, led by Dr Takayuki Arazoe and Prof Shigeru Kuwata, has recently established a series of novel strategies to increase the efficiency of targeted gene disruption and new gene "introduction" using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the rice blast fungus Pyricularia (Magnaporthe) oryzae. These strategies include quicker (single-step) gene introduction, use of small homologous sequences, and bypassing of certain prerequisite host DNA "patterns" and host component modification.

The team led by Dr Arazoe and Prof Kuwata has devised simple and quick techniques for gene editing (target gene disruption, sequence substitution, and re-introduction of desired genes) using CRISPR/Cas9 in the rice blast fungus Pyricularia (Magnaporthe) oryzae, a type of filamentous fungus. Spurred on by encouraging results, the researchers surmise, "Plants and their pathogens are still coevolving in nature. Exploiting the mutation mechanisms of model pathogenic fungi as a genome editing technique might lead to the development of further novel techniques in genetic engineering."

The working component of the CRISPR/Cas9 system binds to the target gene region (DNA) and causes a site-specific double-stranded break (DSB) in the DNA. Effective binding of this component requires a certain "motif" or "pattern" called the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), which follows downstream of the target gene region.

Most genome editing techniques require DSBs induced at the target site, which trigger DNA "repair" pathways in the host. Homologous recombination (HR) is a mechanism for repair of DSBs, and it is useful because it adds complementary sequences. However, the underlying methodology is laborious, and its efficiency conventionally depends on external factors such as the host properties as well as PAMs. HR can be divided into two pathways: "noncrossover" (gene conversion) and "crossover" type. Crossover-type repairs are known to occur in cells that undergo meiosis. However, the understanding of their role in cells that undergo mitosis is limited, and such information on filamentous fungi is virtually unavailable. It is this gap in knowledge that the researchers were looking to address.

In their study, the researchers first created a vector (gene delivery system) based on CRISPR/Cas9 to confirm crossover-type HR in the recipient gene region in the rice blast fungus.

Then, to check gene targeting or "sequence substitution," they created a "mutant" vector, optimized for single crossover-type HR, for targeted disruption of the host gene that encodes scytalone dehydratase (SDH), a protein involved in melanin formation. This vector was introduced into the vector containing the gene for hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph), which confers resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin B. The researchers speculated that the single crossover-type HR would insert the entire vector along with hph into the target site. The mutants with disrupted SDH gene would be identified as white colonies (owing to loss of melanin) on a medium containing hygromycin B. The researchers found that the number of hygromycin B-resistant white colonies dramatically increased by using the CRISPR/Cas9 vector, which means that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is effective in inducing single crossover-type HR. The greatest benefit of this technique is that it needs extremely short homologous sequences (100 base pairs; which is really small in molecular biology).

The researchers also used a similar strategy to check whether gene introduction (or "knock in") is possible via single crossover-type HR using a CRISPR/Cas9 vector. They used the green-fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, which is widely used as a "reporter" gene to make host cells glow fluorescent green when inserted into their genome. They speculated that single crossover HR would result in introduction of GFP into the recipient sequence. Indeed, they found that use of the CRISPR/Cas9 vector gave rise to green fluorescent colonies on hygromycin medium. These findings show that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used for efficient "one-step" gene knock-in.

This research points towards a surprising fact that, perhaps, PAMs are not all that necessary for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in fungi. Hailing the success of the research, the team states, "We have found that filamentous fungi have unique genomic characteristics, wherein crossovers are frequently induced, even in somatic cells, by cleaving the target DNA. We used these characteristics to disrupt the target DNA and to introduce "reporter" genes. We also succeeded in increasing the efficiency and speed of the knock-in, using a single-step process. This technology overcomes the restriction posed by PAMs -- which is one of the biggest disadvantages of the CRISPR/Cas9 system -- and enables more flexible genome editing, which has been difficult in previous studies on filamentous fungi."

Finally, when asked about the broader applications of this research, Dr Arazoe and Prof Kuwata eloquently state, "Rice blast fungus is an important pathogen that causes destructive disease of rice, which is the staple food of the country. The CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technique developed in our study can speed up molecular biological research on this pathogen, ultimately contributing to stable food supply and plant-based food safety. Also, this technique is applicable to other filamentous fungi widely used in industry -- especially in the bioprocessing, food, and fermentation industries."

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Story Source:

Materials provided by Tokyo University of Science. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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Journal Reference:

1.     Tohru Yamato, Ai Handa, Takayuki Arazoe, Misa Kuroki, Akihito Nozaka, Takashi Kamakura, Shuichi Ohsato, Tsutomu Arie, Shigeru Kuwata. Single crossover-mediated targeted nucleotide substitution and knock-in strategies with CRISPR/Cas9 system in the rice blast fungus. Scientific Reports, 2019; 9 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43913-0

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Tokyo University of Science. "A 'crisper' method for gene editing in fungi: Scientists devise a novel genome editing method for filamentous fungi, based on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 May 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190523111353.htm>.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190523111353.htm

Trump administration approves $16 billion in farm aid to offset trade-war losses

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Thursday, May 23rd 2019, 12:18 PM CDT by Mark Haggar

USDA News Release

(Washington, D.C., May 23, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. Specifically, the President has authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. These programs will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers. 

“China hasn’t played by the rules for a long time and President Trump is standing up to them, sending the clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate their unfair trade practices, which include non-tariff trade barriers and the theft of intellectual property. President Trump has great affection for America’s farmers and ranchers, and he knows they are bearing the brunt of these trade disputes. In fact, I’ve never known of a president that has been more concerned or interested in farmer wellbeing and long-term profitability than President Trump,” said Secretary Perdue. “The plan we are announcing today ensures farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners. Our team at USDA reflected on what worked well and gathered feedback on last year’s program to make this one even stronger and more effective for farmers. Our farmers work hard, are the most productive in the world, and we aim to match their enthusiasm and patriotism as we support them.”

Background:

American farmers have dealt with unjustified retaliatory tariffs and years of non-tariff trade disruptions, which have curtailed U.S. exports to China. Trade damages from such retaliation and market distortions have impacted a host of U.S. commodities, including crops like soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, rice, and sorghum; livestock products like milk and pork; and many fruits, nuts, and other crops. High tariffs disrupt normal marketing patterns, raising costs by forcing commodities to find new markets. Additionally, American goods shipped to China have been slowed from reaching market by unusually strict or cumbersome entry procedures, which affect the quality and marketability of perishable crops. These boost marketing costs and unfairly affect our producers. USDA will use the following programs to assist farmers:

• Market Facilitation Program (MFP) for 2019, authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will provide $14.5 billion in direct payments to producers. 

o  Producers of alfalfa hay, barley, canola, corn, crambe, dry peas, extra-long staple cotton, flaxseed, lentils, long grain and medium grain rice, mustard seed, dried beans, oats, peanuts, rapeseed, safflower, sesame seed, small and large chickpeas, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed, temperate japonica rice, upland cotton, and wheat will receive a payment based on a single county rate multiplied by a farm’s total plantings to those crops in aggregate in 2019. Those per acre payments are not dependent on which of those crops are planted in 2019, and therefore will not distort planting decisions. Moreover, total payment-eligible plantings cannot exceed total 2018 plantings.

o  Dairy producers will receive a per hundredweight payment on production history and hog producers will receive a payment based on hog and pig inventory for a later-specified time frame.

o  Tree nut producers, fresh sweet cherry producers, cranberry producers, and fresh grape producers will receive a payment based on 2019 acres of production.

o  These payments will help farmers to absorb some of the additional costs of managing disrupted markets, to deal with surplus commodities, and to expand and develop new markets at home and abroad. 

o  Payments will be made in up to three tranches, with the second and third tranches evaluated as market conditions and trade opportunities dictate. The first tranche will begin in late July/early August as soon as practical after Farm Service Agency crop reporting is completed by July 15th. If conditions warrant, the second and third tranches will be made in November and early January.

• Additionally, CCC Charter Act authority will be used to implement a $1.4 billion Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP) through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to purchase surplus commodities affected by trade retaliation such as fruits, vegetables, some processed foods, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and milk for distribution by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to food banks, schools, and other outlets serving low-income individuals. 

• Finally, the CCC will use its Charter Act authority for $100 million to be issued through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) administered by the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to assist in developing new export markets on behalf of producers.

Further details regarding eligibility and payment rates will be released at a later date.

https://www.klkntv.com/story/40525078/trump-administration-approves-dollar16-billion-in-farm-aid-while-trade-war-continues

NFA’s purchases of local unhusked rice hit 4 million bags

By Jasper Y. Arcalas

May 24, 2019

Drivers of the National Food Authority (NFA) in South Cotabato help load palay to the NFA truck from a farm in Libungan, North Cotabato, in this file photo of the food agency.

The National Food Authority’s (NFA) has bought 4 million 50-kilogram bags of unhusked rice in May, or more than a quarter of its procurement target for 2019, bolstering the claim of the agency that farmers find its buying price attractive.

The food agency said its procurement of 201,250 metric tons of palay as of May 20 has already eclipsed the 71,420 bags (3,571 MT) of rice it bought in the first five months of 2018.

The NFA said it has procured 4.025 million bags as of May 20, which already eclipses the 71,420 bags that the food agency bought in the January-to-May period last year.

The food agency’s procurement in the first five months is 27.83 percent of its target of 14.46 million bags, or 723,000 MT, for 2019.

Its new goal is nearly double its original procurement target of 7.78 million bags, or 389,000 MT, for 2019. It is also significantly higher than the 1.24 million bags, or 62,000 MT, purchased by the food agency from
farmers last year.

The NFA has been aggressively buying unhusked rice from farmers in recent weeks following the deregulation and liberalization of the country’s trade regime, NFA-OIC Administrator Tomas R. Escarez said.

“More farmers are selling to NFA because we have increased our effective buying price, with the additional P3.00 per kilogram Buffer Stocking Incentive (BSI) starting last October 2018, in addition to the previous P0.20/kg drying, P0.20/kg delivery and P0.30/kg Cooperative Development Incentive Fee,” he said.

“This increased the agency’s maximum buying price for palay from P17.40/kg for individual farmers and P17.70 for members of farmer cooperatives/organizations to P20.40/kg and P20.70 per kg, respectively,” Escarez added.

The NFA’s effective total buying price at present is more than P4 over the prevailing buying price of traders at P18.45/kg, the NFA said, citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

Under the rice trade liberalization law, the NFA would be reduced to a buffer stocking agency mandated to keep a stockpile level of 15 million to 30 million bags, Escarez said.

The NFA said it procured 155,107 bags in January, 123,283 bags in February and was able to hike its purchases at the start of summer crop harvest in May at 994,932 bags. The NFA said it has bought 954,142 bags from May 1 to 20.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol told the BusinessMirror that the NFA would adopt a “rolling” buffer stock with an “optimal level” of 15 to 30 days’ worth of consumption and will still be allowed to purchase palay beyond that level.

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Rice Prices

as on : 24-05-2019 11:42:25 AM

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

	Arrivals			Price
	Current	% change	Season  cumulative	Modal	Prev. Modal	Prev.Yr %change
Rice
Durgapur(WB)	135.00	-13.46	916.00	2850	2850	7.55
Asansol(WB)	122.00	27.08	2036.00	3000	3050	12.15
Barhaj(UP)	60.00	-50	5158.00	2370	2330	-
Karimpur(WB)	45.00	NC	1150.00	2960	2950	-17.78
Cachar(ASM)	40.00	NC	2721.00	2400	2400	NC
Memari(WB)	35.00	-	225.00	2250	-	-10.00
Naugarh(UP)	30.00	-27.71	1941.50	2400	2400	15.66
Jayas(UP)	27.00	80	807.70	2000	1980	-5.21
Wansi(UP)	22.00	NC	633.00	2110	2110	9.04
Panchpedwa(UP)	12.00	71.43	653.00	1980	1950	-
Khatra(WB)	10.00	-28.57	728.00	2650	2650	NC
Bishnupur(Bankura)(WB)	10.00	NC	422.00	2650	2650	NC
Chitwadagaon(UP)	9.00	80	41.00	2100	2100	-
Tamkuhi Road(UP)	7.00	16.67	441.50	2200	2200	2.33
Nautnava(UP)	2.50	NC	232.90	2230	2200	-
Sindholi(UP)	2.00	NC	10.00	1900	2100	-
Balarampur(WB)	1.79	-0.56	34.38	2750	2700	3.00
Doharighat(UP)	1.50	NC	72.00	2100	2100	-
Anandnagar(UP)	1.00	NC	197.90	2300	2350	-

Published on May 24, 2019

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article27232000.ece