24th July 2020 rice News -More News to read

Indonesia: Grain and Feed Update July 22, 2020 Attaché Reports (GAIN) Commodities Grain and Feed, Corn, Rice, Wheat Locations East Asia and the Pacific, Indonesia Indonesia’s wheat imports are forecast to decline to 10.6 million tons due to lower food consumption as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and less feed demand due to lower broiler meat production and increasing domestic corn production. Rice imports are revised downward on lower demand for specialty rice, particularly varieties used for production of rice flour and noodles. Indonesia: Grain and Feed Update Contact Office of Agricultural Affairs, Jakarta (011-62-21) 3435-9161 Recent Attaché Reports (GAIN) Australia: Biofuels Annual July 23, 2020 Ethanol consumption in Australia is forecast to remain stable in 2020 at only 1.4-percent of the gasoline pool, and biodiesel use similarly is forecast to remain steady at only 0.2-percent... Romania: Persistent Drought Curbs Romanian Wheat Production and Corn Development July 23, 2020 Late spring and early summer precipitation marginally improved Romanian winter grains development, but provided spring crops a good start. https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/indonesia-grain-and-feed-update-11 Cold nighttime temperatures during booting and rice yields Author: Bruce Linquist Published on: July 22, 2020 The period between panicle initiation (PI) and heading is critical with respect to grain formation. During this time, cold temperatures can result in pollen sterility as the plants go through meiosis. Pollen sterility results in blanking. Nighttime temperatures below 58 oF can result in sterility. The Figure shows the relationship between average low temperatures during booting and statewide yields. Data are from 1992 to 2018. The data represent the average low temperature for a 15-day period beginning about one week after panicle initiation to one week before heading. Varietal selection is important to minimize blanking. Varieties such as M105 and M206 are more cold tolerant than M209, for example. However, all varieties can be negatively affected by cold temperatures during this period. One way to help minimize the damage is to raise the flood water height in the field during this time to 6-8 inches (or more). The water acts as a blanket and protects the emerging panicle from cold temperatures. This sensitive period during booting usually occurs in July. For rice planted in mid-May, the critical period is the last two weeks of July. I realize as I write this that it may already be a bit late for many growers. However, I am looking at the forecast and seeing nighttime temperatures in the mid-50s over the next few days in areas south of highway 20. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43151 Mass gatherings before Duterte address banned — DILG Published July 24, 2020, 5:24 PM by Chito Chavez The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday issued a memorandum stressing and reiterating that mass gatherings are banned ahead of President Duterte’s State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday. (Keith Bacongco / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) The DILG memorandum has made it necessary for the police and cause-oriented and progressive groups to meet again to clarify if protest actions will be allowed in some other areas. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Police Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo confirmed the meeting with progressive groups. He stressed that quarantine protocols, including physical distancing, will be imposed on Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City on Monday. Montejo noted that they will meet leaders of the protesters when asked if protest actions may be done in the adjacent areas like inside the University of the Philippines (UP) grounds. He insisted that the directive is in compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution No. 57 which reiterates the prohibition on mass gathering. Montejo assured that maximum tolerance will be observed against the violators of physical distancing and mass gatherings. However, Montejo said that appropriate actions will be in the offing if the protesters rejects the police’s appeal for them to disperse peacefully. https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/24/mass-gatherings-before-duterte-address-banned-dilg/ Manila needs P2 M a day to continue free mass testing Published July 24, 2020, 2:11 PM by Minka Tiangco Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Friday said they will need around P2 million per day to continue offering free serology tests for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) to residents and non-residents of the city. (JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN) In an interview with ANC, Domagoso said around P60 million per month, can help them “maximize” their serology testing machines. Manila recently opened two walk-in COVID-19 testing centers at Ospital ng Sampaloc and Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) and two drive-thru testing facilities at the Quirino Grandstand and in front of the Andres Bonifacio Monument. Domagoso said around 5,000 people have been tested in these facilities in a week of operations. About 670 persons who were tested at the drive-thru centers were found to have contracted COVID-19. Around P4 million from the city government’s budget and P9 million in donations to the city have been spent to sustain their free mass testing operations, he said. Earlier, the Manila mayor appealed for donations to buy more reagents needed to test blood samples taken from patients. The blood samples are analyzed by the city government’s four serology testing machines, that have an accuracy rate of 99.6 percent. However, those who tested positive for COVID-19 via serology testing must still undergo a confirmatory swab test. Domagoso stressed that they are not using serology tests as a replacement for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, that is hailed as the gold standard. But serology tests are more accurate than rapid tests and are “virtually almost” on the same level as PCR tests, he said. It can also help those who fear that they contracted the disease to have “peace of mind.” “Hindi namin siya ginagawang pamalit sa gold standard na PCR test (We are not using serology tests as a replacement for the gold standard PCR tests). We are still doing that. But we have to look at the practicality of the situation. Ang dami nang COVID-19 anxiety among our people (A lot of people are already getting worried over COVID-19),” he said. “With this machine we guarantee some level of confidence, credibility, accuracy. With this machine you can get results in 24 hours. And you can do a mass test in one session,” he added. https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/24/manila-needs-p2-m-a-day-to-continue-free-mass-testing/ PH rice farmers globally competitive if reduced labor costs, higher yield are attained July 24, 2020, 3:11 PM by Chito Chavez The Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) on Friday said that local rice farmers could be globally competitive if labor costs are reduced and production yield increased through modern farming. (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) In a press briefing, ATI Deputy Director Dr. Rosana Mula explained that this could be attained through the planting of quality seeds and proper use of modern machineries. Explaining further, Mula cited that the drying and milling process, adapting to rice machinery and use of solar irrigation are some of the important factors that will propel the farmers to have increased yields. Stressing her point, Mula said the rice production cost will plunge if the Philippines can lower its labor cost to P9 compared to Vietnam’s P12. “At kung ating mapataas ang production o yield from 4 tons to 5-6 tons per hectare yan din po ay magiging competitive ang ating mga farmers (And if we can raise the production yield from four tons to five to six tons per hectare then our local farmers will be competitive),’’ Mula said. Mula said that adapting to the use of quality seeds and proper use of modern farm machineries can be attained through the rice extension service by the government. She explained that the rice extension service is one of the four facets of the “rice competitiveness fund (RCEF). “Ang layunin nitong extension service na ito ay itaas ang antas ng kakayahan at kaalaman ng ating rice farmers (The purpose of this extension service is to upgrade the skill and capability skills of our rice farmers),’’ she added. Mula said that the program puts prime emphasis to low productivity which is included in the various training sessions. “Makabagong teknolohiya lalong lalo na sa paggamit ng dekalidad at mataas na klase ng punla o seeds at ang tamang paggamit ng machinery o farming mechanization (Modern technology specifically in the use of quality and top of the line seedlings or seeds and proper use of machinery or farming mechanization),’’ she added. Mula said that these are the important factors that make the farmers highly competitive in the world market. She clarified that RCEF is being implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMEC) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) “and of course’’ the ATI which leads the extension service. Mula said that PHILRICE have specialists who train the trainers while the trainer’s training program is also under the ATI. https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/24/ph-rice-farmers-globally-competitive-if-reduced-labor-costs-higher-yield-are-attained/ https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/24/prc-inoculates-59000-children-vs-polio/ The South and South-East Asia seeds market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2020-2025 ReportLinker GlobeNewswireJuly 24, 2020 Several factors such as improvements in the agricultural sector, seed production, trade, and international agreements, along with the developments in seed technology that have increased the momentum of the industry’s growth. New York, July 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "South and South-East Asia Seed Market - Growth, Forecasts and Trends (2020 - 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05934744/?utm_source=GNW Six countries, namely India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Bangladesh are considered as the seed hubs, based on the concentration of production, breeding and processing activities by index companies in these countries, among the Southeast Asian region. The Non-GM/Hybrid Seeds? segment has been witnessed to dominate the market owing to the increased demand for food over the past years. To meet this growing demand, the enhancement of crop yield has become a necessity. The major players in the market are Bayer Crop Science SE, Syngenta International AG, Corteva AgriScience, BASF SE, and Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd among others. Key Market Trends Increasing Adoption of Hybrid Seed and Government Support The willingness and interest to grow hybrid crops are, to a large extent, governed by government legislation and policy in many of the countries studied. Pakistan is both a producer and importer of hybrid crops and products. The Pakistani seed sector is dependent on two key regulations, the Seed Amendment Act 2015 and the Plant Breeders Rights Act 2018. In 2016, the Pakistan National Assembly adopted a Plant Breeders’ Rights Act to encourage the development of new plant varieties and to protect the rights of breeders of such varieties. The Act provides protection for new plant varieties while at the same time respecting the right of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds. This ensures farmers get access to high-quality hybrid seeds alongside being able to use ingeniously produced ones. The rising import of hybrid seeds is a direct impact of these measures. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research banned the import of genetically modified (GM) seeds of maize, owing to health and environmental issues, in 2019. This may act as a driver for the use of hybrid seeds as an alternative to these GM seeds for keeping the yield constant. The Non-GM/Hybrid Seeds? Segment Dominate the Market In the South and Southeast Asian region, the demand for food has increased exponentially over the past years. For the purpose of meeting this demand, enhancement of crop yield has become a necessity by maintaining the safety standards by governments. The Philippines is home to the International Rice Research Institute and is one the most prolific users of hybrid rice seed in the region to meet rising demands. Green Revolution in India has promoted the use of hybrid seeds in India. The fast-growing population in the country has increased the demand for domestically produced hybrid seeds compatible with the climate conditions. Hybrid rice seeds imported to Pakistan are expensive than that produced locally. The limited landholdings of farmers reduce their ability to purchase these hybrid seeds. The Agricultural Innovation Program launched by the government is expected to increase the adoption of hybrid maize seeds by farmers. This is expected to further increase the domestic hybrid seed production in the country. The use of hybrid seeds has been increasing over the years in the south and southeast Asian region with the increasing global demand for organic products and the need for enhanced crop yield in the region. This continued trend is expected to increase the market for hybrid-non-GMO seeds in the region. Competitive Landscape South and South-East Asia seed market is fragmented, because of the presence of a large number of local players marketing certified seeds. However, there are segments within the market, which are consolidated such as in maize and vegetables. The major players in the market are Bayer Crop Science SE, Syngenta International AG, Corteva AgriScience, BASF SE, and Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd among others. Furthermore, increasing investments in the seed market by prominent companies, are further intensifying the growth of the seed market. For instance, in 2016, Sakata Seed Corporation, a Japan-based company, invested USD 138 million in India, to expand its business operations, which helped in escalating the market share in India. Reasons to Purchase this report: - The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format - 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05934744/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-south-east-asia-seeds-192400342.html Better nutrition now core focus of rice science Friday, 24 July 2020 | SK MOSHARAF/SWATI NAYAK Rice, the staple for more than 65% of Indians, has so far been purposed for food security of the nation. But since we attained self-sufficiency in rice requirement, recent trend in rice research and development is now more aligned to produce nutrition dense rice varieties which offer both calorie and other vital nutrients. This strategic shift is in sync with SDG mandates. A normal inbred rice generally contains 70% carbohydrate, 6-7% protein, 14-16 ppm Zinc and 4-5 ppm iron, and zero level of B-carotene (precursor) of Vitamin D.With the advent of cutting edge technologies like genetic engineering, gene editing-- through the bio fortification---nutritional quality of rice has been enhanced significantly for better health outcomes for people who consume rice 2-3 times a day and cannot afford other pricy sources of these nutrients. Significant research breakthroughs on this front have been achieved in recent past as rice research objectives are now realigned and having enhanced emphasis on nutritional security rather than just food security. Current rice research programme in the country has bred a handful of varieties that provides higher proportion of microelement like protein, zinc, vit A, iron etc. These elements are pivotally important to alleviate malnutrition. Rice varieties (CR 310, 311) developed by ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) with heightened level protein content (11%) provide cheap solution to mitigate protein deficiency in diet for economically disadvantaged sections. These recently bred varieties are of medium duration with good yield potential and adaptation across States. Zinc is another micro nutrient, which plays a vital role for boosting immunity and normal physical growth. Daily requirement of zinc for an adult is 12-15mg which can be availed from multiple sources like whole grains, nuts, beans, meat etc. The recent development of rice varieties like DRR 45, CGZR-1, Zinco Rice, Swarna Shakti Dhan offer atleast 23-27 ppm zinc (in polished rice) against 14ppm in normal varieties. Protezin another variety comes with a combo offer of high protein (9%) and zinc (21ppm) content. Regular consumption of these varieties will help fulfil requirement of this trace element. Besides this high zinc content, these varieties with other important traits like high yield, low requirement of water etc will find rapid adoption if promoted strategically. Iron deficiency is one of the major reasons that push children and adult alike to be anaemic. The alarming rate of anaemia can be arrested and reversed through adequate intake of iron which is commonly found in poultry, red meat, dark fruits, beans, eggs, oyster etc. But recent innovations in rice research bring much cheaper source for iron. Swarna Shakitdhan has 15 ppm iron much higher than traditional inbred varieties (4-5ppm), thus stands as a potential alternate source for reducing incidence of anaemia, especially in low income population. Vitamin A-deficiency (VAD) is public health concern in third world countries. Rice researchers in recent years have found a potential solution through invention of golden rice which differs from its parental strain by the addition of three beta-carotene biosynthesis genes. Beta carotene content in normally inbred rice is nearly zero. Beta carotene being precursor of Vitamin A, enhanced level of Vit A (10-12mg/kg) is observed in golden rice. This can significantly reduce Vit A deficiency symptoms in rice consuming areas. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) with its national research partners have developed golden rice to complement existing interventions to combat vitamin A deficiency. But this golden rice is currently under biosafety approval process. On clearance of bio-safety review process, this rice can be a game changer in fighting VAD (Vitamin A deficiency) in many south Asian countries. A noteworthy research outcome was also attained in developing rice varieties with low Glycaemic Index (GI) that helps better manage blood sugar level for diabetic patients. Swarna, Mashuri, RNR15048, etc are recent innovations on this front. Systematic and intensive efforts are to be directed to generate mass awareness about these varieties through a robust agriculture extension services of the State machinery. This may be strategically integrated into other anti-malnutrition interventions. Odisha’s millet mission is one such shining example. Bio fortified varieties of other crops (pearl millet, wheat, maize, mustard etc) should be promoted along in unison with these rice varieties in accordance with dietary diversity of a geography for better nutrition. This will ensure maximum benefits from this process of bio-fortification of major crops. Taking a right variety within the reach of farmers in a time bound manner is a huge challenge owing to several shortcomings in State run seed systems. Hence, system should be streamlined in such way that access to seeds of these rice varieties improves. Increased ratio of micronutrient is an added advantage of these bio-fortified varieties. In order for promotion, a special market linkage with price advantage is to be established. This will get farmers a better price and diffusion of such varieties will be boosted which eventually contribute to eradication of malnutrition. Experimentation on rice based nutrition is relatively new phenomenon. In order to harness further possibility and potentials, more research in this domain should be incentivised. (The authors are rice seed system experts and work with Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Views are personal) https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/better-nutrition-now-core-focus-of-rice-science.html State Department to China: Get out of Houston ________________________________________ Christopher Burgess / Jul 23, 2020 INTELLIGENCE Subscribe to the Daily Intelligence for your daily dose of career intel, defense contracting and security clearance news. Come July 24, China will have one less consulate when their Houston establishment shutters its doors at 1600 hours. The U.S. State Department ordered the consulate closed on Tuesday afternoon, giving the occupants 72 hours to vacate and depart. This order had the consulate in full burn-out mode just a few hours later. They apparently had a loose burnout protocol in place. The policy required them to purchase burn barrels and ignite them in their courtyard. The fire began the massive destruction of classified and sensitive documents, no doubt accompanied by shredders and disintegrators inside the office complex. BURNING QUESTION: WHY HOUSTON? In addition to the consulate in Houston, China has consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The Houston consulate’s area of operation and responsibility encompassed the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The State Department claimed that they closed the Houston consulate “in order to protect American intellectual property.” The consular areas of responsibility for the remaining four consulates and the embassy are chock-a-block full of target rich entities. While pundits speculate political tactics to be at play, they also acknowledge the fact that the level of espionage activities within the same footprint warrants highlighting. EXAMPLES OF HOUSTON CONSULATE FOOTPRINT Some examples of Chinese intelligence activities within the Houston consulate footprint are: • Alabama – China successfully penetrated Redstone Arsenal contractor QinetQ in 2013 putting the inventory of highly sensitive weapons technologies into the Chinese hands . • Arkansas – In 2016, China launched their efforts against the United States Department of Agriculture National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The U.S. government employee, Wengui Yan, who had emigrated from China some 20-plus years prior, facilitated the visits of Chinese delegations and the purloining of advance research samples to leap frog China ahead of the United States. • Florida – In 2013, China launched their espionage efforts against the U.S. agricultural center from Florida focused on corn. Their operative, Mo Hailong, was a researcher in Florida and traveled the Midwest. The Chinese operation, netted China the intellectual property from leading U.S. agricultural conglomerates, the acquisition of a sub-rosa Chinese test farm in Illinois, and the introduction of Chinese personnel traveling in official alias in order to tour U.S. facilities in relative anonymity. • Georgia – China demonstrated their ability to conduct espionage in Georgia and across the United States when they with the purpose of collecting national security information. Peng was arrested for attempting to obtain classified U.S. national security information. • Louisiana – New Orleans saw two of their residents arrested for attempting to penetrate the U.S.-Taiwan defense pipeline. Two local businessman, Yu Xin Kang and Tai Shen Kuo attempted to purchase U.S. classified information from an insider for the purpose of providing it to China. • Oklahoma – China’s targeting the energy sector is well established, and in late-2019 we saw the arrest of a Chinese national, Hongjin Tan who purloined $1 billion of trade secrets from his employer, Phillips 66 Research. • Texas – In 2017, Houston-based Trelleborg found itself in the targeting bullseye of the Chinese intelligence machine. China successfully, through the compromise of insiders, was able to replicate the manufacture of syntactic foam in China. Later, China offered to sell their manufactured product to Trelleborg. HOUSTON IS JUST ONE ARROW LOST IN THE QUIVER To pinpoint Houston as the epicenter of Chinese espionage activity is to ignore the reality of the day. Borders are not inhibitors. China can engage a target in any U.S. state online or face-to-face with or without official mission presence. However, to say that the area of responsibility was not of interest would be equally naive. The consulate facilitates the identification of potential targets via their community outreach, visa processing, invitations to China, and face-to-face engagement. In other words, China loses one of its arrows in the quiver with the closing of the consulate in Houston. CHINA RETALIATION WILL LEAD TO A DRAW DOWN China will retaliate. It isn’t a question; it is a statement. In their era of nationalist fever, China has been globally engaged in “wolf warrior” diplomacy. To do nothing, will neuter the wolf. The administration is hoping for a consulate closing in Wuhan; however, they should expect a closure demand for the consulate in Shanghai or Guangzhou. Should this occur, we can expect the Chinese consulate in San Francisco to be next. EXAMPLES OF SAN FRANCISCO FOOTPRINT China has set the San Francisco table with a bevy of cases that have come to light over the past few months: • Juan Tang – Tang is a researcher at UC-Davis. She omitted from her visa application that she was an active duty officer of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and a researcher within the Air Force Military Medical University aka Fourth Military Medical University. Following her interview on June 20, Tang made her way to the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. • Song Chen – Chen was charged with visa fraud. She omitted her connection to the Chinese military on her visa application, specifically the Xi Diayutai Hospital in Beijing. A hospital believed to be a PLA hospital and that she was a visiting neurological researcher at Stanford Medical School. • Xin Wang – Wang was charged with lying on his visa application about being an officer of the PLA and tasked by the PLA with obtaining the layout of the lab at the University of California – San Francisco so that the lab could be replicated in China. CHINA’S PLAY China’s on the clock, will they retaliate or not. When they do, then the answer to “Why Houston” will be, “Houston was simply round one.” https://news.clearancejobs.com/2020/07/23/state-department-to-china-get-out-of-houston/+