Agricultural
products: Delegation to leave for Iran to remove export hurdles
Published:
January 31, 2016
According to 2005-14 statistics,
rice had a 63% share in exports to Iran and the remaining was held by other
goods. Kinnow had the second largest share in exports. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani
delegation, led by the federal minister of national food security and research,
will leave for Iran soon to negotiate with the authorities there, particularly
officials of the food ministry, in an effort to remove the hurdles in the way
of export of agricultural products.The visit was planned following a recent
brainstorming session among officials of the ministries of commerce and food
security, State Bank of Pakistan and Federal Board of Revenue in the backdrop
of lifting of international sanctions from Iran, a senior officer in the
Ministry of Commerce said while talking to The
Express Tribune.They discussed how Pakistan could capitalise on the
trade opportunities in the neighbouring Islamic republic and boost its
exports.According to the officer, most of Pakistan’s agricultural products have
a good market in Iran, but the Iranian agricultural ministry is reluctant to
issue necessary permits to its importers.“To remove the obstacles, a high-level
delegation is going to Iran soon to take up the challenges and help pave the
way for favourable conditions for bilateral trade,” the officer said.The delegation
will highlight all possible avenues for giving a push to bilateral trade and
investment. It will discuss the possibility of rice exports as the commodity is
hugely popular in Iran and Pakistan has a surplus produce, which can be shipped
to the neighbouring market to meet its demand.The officer said the State Bank
of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Iranian central bank, would establish
banking channels between the two countries shortly to put in place a payment
mechanism that had been suspended after the imposition of international
sanctions on Iran for its alleged nuclear programme.“We have been told by State
Bank officials that they have made all arrangements for establishing banking
links with Iran,” he said.Apart from formal trade through banking channels,
Pakistan will also allow informal trade under barter system to people living
close to the border.“Iranian border community gets import and export quotas
from its government and we must tap that opportunity by encouraging our border
community to engage in barter trade,” he said.Among agricultural commodities,
Pakistan’s rice has great demand in Iran. According to 2005-14 statistics, rice
had a 63% share in exports and the remaining was held by other goods. Kinnow
had the second largest share in exports to Iran.Exports reached the maximum of
$400 million in 2008-09, but they suddenly started falling in the face of added
sanctions on Iran and in the very next year shipments dropped around 100% to
$200 million.Since then, exports had been falling rapidly and in 2013-14 they
stood at just $53 million.Exporters have cited the absence of payment mechanism
in the face of restrictions on banking channels as the primary factor behind
the falling trade as in such a scenario the business community was reluctant to
make exports to Iran.
Published in The Express
Tribune, January 31st, 2016.
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http://tribune.com.pk/story/1037118/agricultural-products-delegation-to-leave-for-iran-to-remove-export-hurdles/update: Mon,
State of economy: External sector
January
31, 2016
01 Feb 2016 02pm
The following are excerpts from
SBP's first quarterly report for 2015-16 - The State of Economy:
Overview: The on-going slump in global commodity prices continued to support Pakistan's external sector. Oil prices posted a fresh decline of 25 percent during July-September 2015, and averaged 51 percent lower than the same period last year. This not only helped reduce the country's import bill, but also contributed to a much smaller deficit in the services account (Table 5.1). As a result, the current account posted a lower deficit than last year, which was comfortably financed via Eurobond issuance; FDI inflows; and commercial borrowings by the government. The release of 8th tranche of the IMF program further strengthened external position. As a result, the country's total FX reserves increased by US $1.4 billion during the quarter, to surpass US $20 billion - first time ever, at end-September 2015.
Source: State Bank of Pakistan
The PKR depreciated by 2.6 percent against the US Dollar during Q1-FY16. This depreciation mainly represents turmoil in Asian stocks and currency markets during August: Yuan's reference rate was reduced by 2.7 percent (Figure 5.1). In relative terms, the PKR depreciated marginally as currencies of our major trading partners like the EU, Japan and the UK, weakened vis-à-vis the US Dollar during the quarter. More importantly, most Asian currencies have plummeted in real terms that may pose concern for Pakistan's trade competitiveness (Figure 5.2).
Additional challenges to external sector include the following:
(i) Non-oil trade deficit has reached 7-year high of over $3 billion in the first quarter (Figure 5.3). Last time this deficit touched $3 billion a quarter, was early 2008 when global prices were booming and our importers hurried purchases in an anticipation of further increase in prices. This time, however, the reason is different: it is the decline in non-oil exports (6th quarter in a row) that has caused non-oil deficit to touch this level.
Non-oil imports have posted a YoY decline of 1.7 percent over last year;
(ii) FDI inflows, though remained higher than last year, are still low in volume (Table 5.2).
The PKR depreciated by 2.6 percent against the US Dollar during Q1-FY16. This depreciation mainly represents turmoil in Asian stocks and currency markets during August: Yuan's reference rate was reduced by 2.7 percent (Figure 5.1). In relative terms, the PKR depreciated marginally as currencies of our major trading partners like the EU, Japan and the UK, weakened vis-à-vis the US Dollar during the quarter. More importantly, most Asian currencies have plummeted in real terms that may pose concern for Pakistan's trade competitiveness (Figure 5.2).
Additional challenges to external sector include the following:
(i) Non-oil trade deficit has reached 7-year high of over $3 billion in the first quarter (Figure 5.3). Last time this deficit touched $3 billion a quarter, was early 2008 when global prices were booming and our importers hurried purchases in an anticipation of further increase in prices. This time, however, the reason is different: it is the decline in non-oil exports (6th quarter in a row) that has caused non-oil deficit to touch this level.
Non-oil imports have posted a YoY decline of 1.7 percent over last year;
(ii) FDI inflows, though remained higher than last year, are still low in volume (Table 5.2).
Source: State Bank of Pakistan: Bulk of the investment during Q1-FY16 came from China; power
projects were prime recipients. FDI in other sectors have dried up, as the
slump in commodity prices and global economic uncertainty, has put many
investment projects on hold. A related concern arises from the fact that FDI
from other countries have remained low. While the US, Saudi Arabia and Sweden
have divested from Pakistan during the quarter, inflows from Japan, the UK and
UAE remained lower than last year; and (iii) Gulf countries that constitute nearly
61 percent of total worker remittances to Pakistan, rely heavily on oil
revenues to finance infrastructure spending; if prices fail to recover,
governments in this region may need to cut back their spending. Saudi Arabia
seems particularly vulnerable: since January 2015, its FX reserves have been
depleted by almost US $80 billion, to finance oil-led fiscal deficit. IMF
estimates the Kingdom's breakeven oil price to be much higher than the
prevailing one; the Fund has recently cautioned Saudi Arabia against risk of
reserves depletion within 5 years, if current level of deficit is sustained.5.2
Current account: Commodity prices weigh in.
The current account benefited from the fact that price of commodities which Pakistan imports (like oil, metals, fertilisers and palm oil) fell much steeply than the price of commodities which Pakistan exports (like rice and cotton) (Figure 5.4). Therefore, the decline in imports was much stronger than the decline in exports during Q1-FY16. What concerns us is the fact that while the decline in imports is explained almost entirely by price effect, the decline in exports was caused by both lower prices and quantum (Section 5.4).
Worker remittances: Worker remittances posted a growth of only 4 percent YoY during Q1-FY16, compared to 22 percent growth during the same period of FY15. This slowdown basically represents seasonal factor (high base effect): expat Pakistanis typically send higher remittances during the early days of Ramadan for Eid related expenses and Zakat payments; in CY14, most of these disbursements were realised in the month of July (included in FY15), whereas in CY15, these fell in the month of June (also included in FY15). Therefore, remittance inflow posted a YoY decline in July 2015, causing an overall slowdown during Q1-FY16.
Going forward, we expect remittances to comfortably surpass the target set in the Annual Plan for FY16. However, the pace of increase is likely to be much modest compared to last year. Besides seasonal factor, we believe that some slowdown may be driven by the government's decision to cut effective rebate on remittances with effect from July 1, 2015.
Another factor that might weaken remittance inflow is the possible decline in public spending in the GCC that constituted the bulk of increase in remittances last year. In the oil and gas sector, some impact of oil slump is already visible in layoffs and salary cuts. Up till now, Pakistanis are largely unaffected, since most of them work in construction and services sectors; number of Pakistani migrants into this region is still following an upward trend. This is because GCC governments have been able to sustain their fiscal spending with the help of FX reserves and funds mobilized via bond issuances. However, a persistent weakness in oil prices would necessitate heavy fiscal adjustments, especially in those countries where breakeven oil price is much high (like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen).
5.3 Financial account Foreign direct investments Net FDI posted an increase of US $47 million YoY during the first quarter of FY16. This increase was primarily on account of inflows from China in coal-based power projects, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Excluding this, the overall FDI has actually dropped by US $137 million YoY (Table 5.2).
The decline in FDI was attributed to divestment from Pakistan's petro-chemical sector. This divestment mainly represents the decision of California-based Chevron Corporation, to dispose-off its downstream petroleum assets (like lubricants, fuel stations, etc.) from Pakistan, Egypt and Australia. With 538 retail fuel outlets across Pakistan, and a market size of 5 percent, Chevron Pakistan (Caltex) will now be operated by Total Parco.
For the remaining year, more FDI is expected from China under the CPEC: the government has estimated disbursements of Rs 207 billion (around US $2.1 billion) from China in 2015-16 budget; power and construction would be the prime recipients. Other than CPEC, no major activity is in pipeline: uncertainty in the international oil market, and the squeeze in institutional liquidity, has stalled growth in global FDI. Only if the government expedites its privatisation process - and offer its stakes to foreign investors, we should expect more FDI inflows before June.
Portfolio investment Portfolio investments in Pakistan posted an increase of US $257 million YoY during the first quarter of FY16. Most of the activity was seen in the public sector, as the government rolled out a 10-year Eurobond in the international market during the last week of September 2015. This was the third sovereign issue in past 17 months; similar to previous two instances, this was also oversubscribed. However, this time the government preferred to stick to its target of US $500 million, as coupons offered were quite above expectations. A significant improvement in Pakistan's credit worthiness could not trim the spread, as global bond market was facing tight conditions on account of a massive institutional sell-off.
The situation in global equity market was not helpful either. Many emerging economies struggled with turbulent capital markets during the period, as investors turned wary of a slowdown in China and a possible hike in Federal funds rate (Figure 5.5). August was particularly painful, when Chinese stocks tumbled by 13 percent; Hong Kong by 12 percent; and Singapore and Vietnam by 9 percent each.
Although Pakistan's largest bourse had, for long, been insulated from developments in global markets, this time it could not resist the shock: KSE lost nearly 3 percent during the month of August. Both local and foreign investors cut their positions in response to a near-crash in Chinese stocks (Figure 5.6). In dollar terms, there was a net outflow of US $85 million in SCRA during the month of August.
September turned out to be a better month for most Asian markets, but in case of Pakistan, it was no good. In fact, KSE was the worst-performing market in Asia during the month with nearly 9 percent decline in valuations. This was an outcome of rumours prevailing in the market regarding anti-corruption crackdown on major stock brokers. Investors were particularly flustered with regulatory action against certain brokers for not maintaining a clear segregation of own and clients' accounts. Foreign investors pulled away nearly US $46.7 million (or Rs 4.9 billion) from KSE during the month. It was only after the clarification from SECP in the last week of September (strongly dismissing reference of certain cases to NAB) that bulls returned to KSE: the market gained 6.1 percent in the subsequent month.
Going forward, inflows under the portfolio investment would be influenced primarily by developments in the global bond and stocks markets. For instance, we expect the government to wait for better spreads, before it could mobilize another US $500 million via sovereign issuance to meet budgetary targets. On a positive note, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has put Pakistan in its review list for reclassification under 'Emerging Markets'. However, this process will not be completed before June 2016, which means gains from this reclassification would be realised from FY17 onwards.
5.4 Trade account The country's trade deficit shrank during Q1-FY16 (Figure 5.7). Both imports and exports posted a decline, but the fall in exports was more than offset by a sharp decline in imports: global commodity prices, which had been softening since July 2014, led to a greater contraction in the import bill.
Exports Exports declined by 14.1 percent in Q1-FY16, compared to a fall of 10.4 percent in the same period last year. The decline was broad-based, but most prominent in rice, cotton yarn, fabric, bed-wear, leather and cement. Both lower prices and quantum contributed to this trend (Table 5.3).
The current account benefited from the fact that price of commodities which Pakistan imports (like oil, metals, fertilisers and palm oil) fell much steeply than the price of commodities which Pakistan exports (like rice and cotton) (Figure 5.4). Therefore, the decline in imports was much stronger than the decline in exports during Q1-FY16. What concerns us is the fact that while the decline in imports is explained almost entirely by price effect, the decline in exports was caused by both lower prices and quantum (Section 5.4).
Worker remittances: Worker remittances posted a growth of only 4 percent YoY during Q1-FY16, compared to 22 percent growth during the same period of FY15. This slowdown basically represents seasonal factor (high base effect): expat Pakistanis typically send higher remittances during the early days of Ramadan for Eid related expenses and Zakat payments; in CY14, most of these disbursements were realised in the month of July (included in FY15), whereas in CY15, these fell in the month of June (also included in FY15). Therefore, remittance inflow posted a YoY decline in July 2015, causing an overall slowdown during Q1-FY16.
Going forward, we expect remittances to comfortably surpass the target set in the Annual Plan for FY16. However, the pace of increase is likely to be much modest compared to last year. Besides seasonal factor, we believe that some slowdown may be driven by the government's decision to cut effective rebate on remittances with effect from July 1, 2015.
Another factor that might weaken remittance inflow is the possible decline in public spending in the GCC that constituted the bulk of increase in remittances last year. In the oil and gas sector, some impact of oil slump is already visible in layoffs and salary cuts. Up till now, Pakistanis are largely unaffected, since most of them work in construction and services sectors; number of Pakistani migrants into this region is still following an upward trend. This is because GCC governments have been able to sustain their fiscal spending with the help of FX reserves and funds mobilized via bond issuances. However, a persistent weakness in oil prices would necessitate heavy fiscal adjustments, especially in those countries where breakeven oil price is much high (like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen).
5.3 Financial account Foreign direct investments Net FDI posted an increase of US $47 million YoY during the first quarter of FY16. This increase was primarily on account of inflows from China in coal-based power projects, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Excluding this, the overall FDI has actually dropped by US $137 million YoY (Table 5.2).
The decline in FDI was attributed to divestment from Pakistan's petro-chemical sector. This divestment mainly represents the decision of California-based Chevron Corporation, to dispose-off its downstream petroleum assets (like lubricants, fuel stations, etc.) from Pakistan, Egypt and Australia. With 538 retail fuel outlets across Pakistan, and a market size of 5 percent, Chevron Pakistan (Caltex) will now be operated by Total Parco.
For the remaining year, more FDI is expected from China under the CPEC: the government has estimated disbursements of Rs 207 billion (around US $2.1 billion) from China in 2015-16 budget; power and construction would be the prime recipients. Other than CPEC, no major activity is in pipeline: uncertainty in the international oil market, and the squeeze in institutional liquidity, has stalled growth in global FDI. Only if the government expedites its privatisation process - and offer its stakes to foreign investors, we should expect more FDI inflows before June.
Portfolio investment Portfolio investments in Pakistan posted an increase of US $257 million YoY during the first quarter of FY16. Most of the activity was seen in the public sector, as the government rolled out a 10-year Eurobond in the international market during the last week of September 2015. This was the third sovereign issue in past 17 months; similar to previous two instances, this was also oversubscribed. However, this time the government preferred to stick to its target of US $500 million, as coupons offered were quite above expectations. A significant improvement in Pakistan's credit worthiness could not trim the spread, as global bond market was facing tight conditions on account of a massive institutional sell-off.
The situation in global equity market was not helpful either. Many emerging economies struggled with turbulent capital markets during the period, as investors turned wary of a slowdown in China and a possible hike in Federal funds rate (Figure 5.5). August was particularly painful, when Chinese stocks tumbled by 13 percent; Hong Kong by 12 percent; and Singapore and Vietnam by 9 percent each.
Although Pakistan's largest bourse had, for long, been insulated from developments in global markets, this time it could not resist the shock: KSE lost nearly 3 percent during the month of August. Both local and foreign investors cut their positions in response to a near-crash in Chinese stocks (Figure 5.6). In dollar terms, there was a net outflow of US $85 million in SCRA during the month of August.
September turned out to be a better month for most Asian markets, but in case of Pakistan, it was no good. In fact, KSE was the worst-performing market in Asia during the month with nearly 9 percent decline in valuations. This was an outcome of rumours prevailing in the market regarding anti-corruption crackdown on major stock brokers. Investors were particularly flustered with regulatory action against certain brokers for not maintaining a clear segregation of own and clients' accounts. Foreign investors pulled away nearly US $46.7 million (or Rs 4.9 billion) from KSE during the month. It was only after the clarification from SECP in the last week of September (strongly dismissing reference of certain cases to NAB) that bulls returned to KSE: the market gained 6.1 percent in the subsequent month.
Going forward, inflows under the portfolio investment would be influenced primarily by developments in the global bond and stocks markets. For instance, we expect the government to wait for better spreads, before it could mobilize another US $500 million via sovereign issuance to meet budgetary targets. On a positive note, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has put Pakistan in its review list for reclassification under 'Emerging Markets'. However, this process will not be completed before June 2016, which means gains from this reclassification would be realised from FY17 onwards.
5.4 Trade account The country's trade deficit shrank during Q1-FY16 (Figure 5.7). Both imports and exports posted a decline, but the fall in exports was more than offset by a sharp decline in imports: global commodity prices, which had been softening since July 2014, led to a greater contraction in the import bill.
Exports Exports declined by 14.1 percent in Q1-FY16, compared to a fall of 10.4 percent in the same period last year. The decline was broad-based, but most prominent in rice, cotton yarn, fabric, bed-wear, leather and cement. Both lower prices and quantum contributed to this trend (Table 5.3).
-- Average share in total exports during FY14 and FY15
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics In our view, exports fell primarily because of global factors: exports of most emerging economies posted YoY declines in July-September 2015. More importantly, Pakistan has been able to increase its share in EU and US markets (Figure 5.8).
Most of the decline was seen in case of textiles, where exports fell by 5.6 percent YoY during Q1-FY16. As mentioned before, shrinking global demand has hurt exports. More specifically, EU's overall import of textile and clothing declined sharply during July-September FY16. In case of clothing, all major countries faced export declines in the EU market, except Pakistan and Bangladesh (Table 5.4 and 5.5).
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics In our view, exports fell primarily because of global factors: exports of most emerging economies posted YoY declines in July-September 2015. More importantly, Pakistan has been able to increase its share in EU and US markets (Figure 5.8).
Most of the decline was seen in case of textiles, where exports fell by 5.6 percent YoY during Q1-FY16. As mentioned before, shrinking global demand has hurt exports. More specifically, EU's overall import of textile and clothing declined sharply during July-September FY16. In case of clothing, all major countries faced export declines in the EU market, except Pakistan and Bangladesh (Table 5.4 and 5.5).
Source: Eurostat:
Source: Eurostat These two countries enjoy duty-free access to this market:
Pakistan via GSP+ and Bangladesh via Everything-But-Arms (EBA). Indonesia,
China and Turkey suffered the most, with notable declines in their respective
shares, whereas, India maintained its contribution in the market. However, in
case of home textiles, export of Pakistan and Bangladesh also suffered
setbacks.
In the US market, the overall import demand for textile and apparel increased during July-September 2015; however, Pakistan has not been able to firm up its exports (Table 5.6 and 5.7).
In the US market, the overall import demand for textile and apparel increased during July-September 2015; however, Pakistan has not been able to firm up its exports (Table 5.6 and 5.7).
Source: OTEXA
Source: OTEXA Following the trend in previous few years, the demand for cotton textile, which constitutes the bulk of Pakistan's exports, continued to decline in the US market. The market for man-made fiber products is expanding at a fast pace, but Pakistan has failed to diversify its product range accordingly. Worryingly, Pakistan has now begun to lose its share even in the cotton apparel market of the US (Table 5.8).
Source: OTEXA Rice exports fell by 7.1 percent YoY in Q1-FY16 - entirely due
to a decline in sales of basmati. This is because of the penetration of Indian
basmati into major markets like UAE and other GCC countries, due to better
marketing and branding strategies. On the contrary, the demand for non-basmati
rice from Pakistan remained strong, as unit values of Pakistani varieties
declined much sharply compared to the declines in unit prices of Thailand and
India.24 Going forward, we expect some recovery in global prices due to subdued
production in major exporting countries. In case of Pakistan also, production
is expected to decline, but carryover stocks would not allow prices of
Pakistan's variety to increase much.
As far as cement is concerned, some decline in exports was expected. South Africa - the 2nd largest buyer of Pakistani cement, had imposed anti-dumping duty on different Pakistani cement companies (ranging from 14.3 percent to 77.1 percent) in May 2015. This decision was taken at a time when Afghanistan, our largest buyer, had already lowered the overall demand for cement because of political instability and deteriorating law and order condition. Imports from Pakistan in this market suffered also because of influx of cheaper imports from Iran (especially in Kandahar region near the Iranian border). Iran enjoys a much lower production cost than Pakistan, and also benefits from proximity to many western and southern parts of Afghanistan.
Imports Imports have declined by 14.7 percent in July-September 2015, compared to a sharp rise of 11.6 percent during the same period last year. This decline is primarily attributed to lower unit prices, as quantum import of most products has increased. As mentioned before, a slump in global prices, particularly POL and palm oil, has helped reduce import values (Table 5.9).
As far as cement is concerned, some decline in exports was expected. South Africa - the 2nd largest buyer of Pakistani cement, had imposed anti-dumping duty on different Pakistani cement companies (ranging from 14.3 percent to 77.1 percent) in May 2015. This decision was taken at a time when Afghanistan, our largest buyer, had already lowered the overall demand for cement because of political instability and deteriorating law and order condition. Imports from Pakistan in this market suffered also because of influx of cheaper imports from Iran (especially in Kandahar region near the Iranian border). Iran enjoys a much lower production cost than Pakistan, and also benefits from proximity to many western and southern parts of Afghanistan.
Imports Imports have declined by 14.7 percent in July-September 2015, compared to a sharp rise of 11.6 percent during the same period last year. This decline is primarily attributed to lower unit prices, as quantum import of most products has increased. As mentioned before, a slump in global prices, particularly POL and palm oil, has helped reduce import values (Table 5.9).
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics A rise in quantum imports for most products was observed along with a decline in prices, eg, palm oil, petroleum products, crude oil, steel, paper, tyers, pulses, fertiliser, and polyester fiber (quadrant A of Figure 5.9). Similarly, the increase in price of milk, rubber, plastic, dry fruits, steel scrap and pharmaceuticals resulted in lower quantum import of these products (quadrant D). Pesticides and tea were few exceptions to this trend: both unit prices and quantum import of these commodities, posted a YoY increase during the quarter.
The demand for petroleum remained strong in the first quarter, as evident in higher sales of POL products in July-September 2015 (up 2.7 percent YoY). Within petroleum products, the demand for petrol was the strongest: according to Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), petrol sales showed a 13-year high YoY growth of 38.7 percent in July-September 2015. This increase can be traced to two factors: first, average petrol prices in July-September 2015 were nearly 30 percent lower than the average petrol prices during July-September 2014 (anecdotal evidence suggests that some CNG consumers have also shifted to using petrol due to low prices). And second, car sales were phenomenally higher in July-September 2015, compared to last year (posting a growth of 61 percent YoY).
Within the metal group, the demand for steel increased further on the back of on-going development projects related to power and infrastructure: PSDP outlay has posted a sharp increase of 57.4 percent YoY during Q1-FY16. Private construction activity has also remained vibrant. However, local steel producers claim that a large chunk of imports is unwarranted, as they have the capacity to meet most of the country's steel demand. They particularly blame dumping from China for pricing them out of the market.
Recall here that Pakistan's steel industry is not the only complainant: over the past few months, steel producers all across India, UK, Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia have been grumbling against dumping from China, which is sitting on massive inventory of raw-material and finished products. Large steel makers in Pakistan have filed petitions with National Tariff Commission (NTC), to impose anti-dumping duty on selected products (eg, cold rolled coils and galvanised steel sheets). Meanwhile, some firms have also claimed that large quantities of flat steel are being imported into the country under the HS code of alloy, which enjoys duty-free status from China under the Free Trade Agreement. The NTC and Customs department are looking into these matters, to ensure a level-playing field to local producers, and curb imports.
Within food, quantum import of palm oil increased during July-September 2015. Taking benefit of 80-month low global prices, local traders are importing mostly ready-to-sell edible oil into the country. Local producers also edged up their production levels with the help of inventories built over the past few months. Analysts are divided over the path of palm oil prices in coming months: while some believe softer trend would prevail, others give much weight to possible damage to yields as a result of drought-like conditions in East Asia, and forest fires in Indonesia that have caused massive haze across the region.
Transport sector imports posted a growth of 3.0 percent over last year. Highest growth was seen in car segment (both CKD and CBUs), as domestic sales firmed up. This trend has puzzled many who believed that continuous fall in agriculture commodity prices and incomes would suppress car purchases. Auto assemblers attribute higher sales to low inflation and interest rates, relative improvement in law and order condition, and a pick-up in auto financing by commercial banks. Continuation of Apna Rozgar scheme of Punjab government was another contributing factor in strengthening demand for certain brands.
Import of fertiliser posted an increase of 27.2 percent in Q1-FY16, compared with the 33 percent rise in the same period last year. Despite lower off-take and buffer stocks availability, ECC approved the import of 150,000 tons of urea by TCP. This decision was taken to overcome any expected shortage during the rabi 2015-16: the domestic industry might be unable to produce sufficient quantities due to possible gas curtailments in winters (for detail see chapter 2).
All other items, which are not classified elsewhere, posted an increase of 18.4 percent YoY (or US $199.8 million) in July-September 2015. This increase was driven by import of LNG worth US $121.6 million during the period.
For the remaining quarters of the year, we do not expect a major shift in trend in trade values, from what we have seen in the first quarter. Price of oil and other commodities have declined afresh post September 2015, and presently no stability is in sight. Imports have fallen by another 7.4 YoY in October 2015, whereas exports have posted a drop of 11.4 percent. The government has imposed additional regulatory duty on a large number of consumer goods, cotton and cotton yarn, which may further squeeze our import bill. Meanwhile, certain measures have been announced to boost exports, like an increase in credit subsidy for textile sector. Nonetheless, the dominating factor would be how the US economy embraces the increase in federal funds rate (which is due by end-December), and its impact on the global currency market: the demand from EU hinges much on the Dollar-Euro parity. At present, we expect full-year trade values for FY16 to remain less than both the last year, as well as target set for the year
http://www.brecorder.com/articles-a-letters/187/12142/
Can Nigeria be self-sufficient in rice production by 2019?
•A rice farm
To many stakeholders, plans by the current administration to make
the country self-sufficient in rice production by 2019 though ambitious but
doable given the right political will, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf
Rice, yes good old rice is one staple food you can’t miss in any
home. The reason of course, is not far to seek.With an approximate annual
demand of between 5 to 6.4 million metric tons a year, Nigeria ranks among the
top 12 rice consuming countries in the world.However, much of this consumption
capacity is largely catered to by the importation of rice from other
rice-producing countries. Nigeria is currently the second largest importer of
rice in the world, and the largest net importer in Africa.
Nigeria spends an estimated N356
billion on importation of rice annually, the bulk of which comes from Thailand.
Importers are now turning to India for supplies following the recent reentry of
that country into the non-basmati rice trade. But what if any, is responsible for
the nation’s overdependence on import?
Olufemi Amoo, an agric economics
offers a plausible explanation.“The major reason the country is not yet
sufficient in rice production is simply because the poor local production is
not commensurate with the high consumption pattern,” he said.Expatiating, he
said: “For example, Dangote Industries, the largest rice producer in Nigeria,
has a landholding of 100,000 hectares, which barely scrapes the tip of the
iceberg of Nigeria’s rice needs – even if it is assumed that 9 tons of rice is
produced by each hectare of land annually. This means that, although there is a
clear deficiency in Nigeria’s rice-production regime, an opportunity in this
problem can also be found.”
Past experience
Under the Agricultural
Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the previous administration, tremendous
achievement in rice production went beyond what could be wished away as
millions of additional metric tons of food were added to local supplies and
with rice experiencing a significant increase.
Although the Federal Government
also increased the levy paid on imported rice ostensibly to curb importations
with a view to outright ban in a few years, no effort was being made to
encourage or develop local production just as the rice development fund was not
being deployed anywhere.
But despite the positive effects of
the backward integration policy, following the exit of Adesina as minister of
the agric sector, the bureaucrats that took over from him drafted a new
allocation that excluded rice producers, and only favoured rice millers. A
situation, millers considered antithetical to their existence and which they
reckoned could lead to a further decline in Nigeria’s domestic rice production
capacity.
Buhari’s strategic plan for rice
production
The present administration under
President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the nation’s quest for
self-sufficiency in rice production will soon be realised going by the by the
standard and quality of rice locally produced as well as level of commitment
and vision demonstrated by local rice farmers and millers.
Thankfully, the Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said Nigeria will be
self-sufficient in rice production in three years if all hands are on deck.
The minister, who assured that the
Federal Government was committed to ending the importation of rice and other
agricultural products
“This can be made possible only if
Nigerians must recognise that agriculture is no longer a seasonal but an
all-year-round activity which must involve every Nigerian, both during the
rainy and dry seasons.”
The minister lamented the fact that
Nigeria was importing everything and denying employment to the over 100 million
youth population.
“We are importing palm oil,
groundnut oil, fish, and smuggling chicken poisoned with formaldehyde, among
several others. Nigeria directly or indirectly has empowered foreign economies
to take Nigeria hostage; and trying to free ourselves now is a tug of war,” he
said. “Help us tell Nigerians that the time has come for all of us to get
involved.”
Ogbeh expressed delight at the
collapse of oil, saying it would allow Nigeria to focus on sustainable
development.
Ogbeh said, “So we are going to go
through some tough times, but the truth is we must learn to produce or perish;
there is no half way out. We can’t keep shifting things around. Where are the
jobs? Almost 100 million Nigerians are below 50; it’s a young society and when
some of us talk about it, they say we are old and won’t be around, but on the other
hand I have grandchildren and when I am gone, there will be pieces of me left
and I do not want my country to perish because after I have lived my life and
died, I want it to be better.”
Chief Ogbeh assured that there were
to be no policy somersaults in the present government as they were committed to
continuing with the E-Wallet /GES scheme, though he lamented the challenges of
continuing fertilizer distribution as a result of failure of the states to meet
up with the 25 per cent counterpart funding.
Private initiative to the rescue
One of the local companies that is
giving hope to the government’s determined realisation of the self sufficiency
in rice is Pearl Universal Impex Limited, a major importer of rice in the
country that has now invested in local rice production and milling in Niger
state.
The chairman of the company, Pulkit
Jain, disclosed that the company has been a major importer of rice in the
country with imports of 350,000 metric tonnes of rice annually in the past, but
chose to invest in cultivation and milling of scientifically tested, high
yielding varieties of rice in order to achieve the Federal Government’s target
of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.
He said to underline their
commitment that the company in June this year started a pilot scheme to
determine the variety of rice most suitable to the region at a 500 hectares of
land in Saminaka, a community situated around Swashi Dam in Borgu local
council.
The Pearl Universal Impex’s model,
he explained , combines a commercial farm with a programme that works with
nearby farmers, called out-growers,
allowing the company greater control over its product while still leaving room
to foster and train local small-scale farmers in rice production.
To this end, Jain revealed that $100million
(N200bn) will be committed to the cultivation of 7,500 hectares of rice farm
and construction of two rice mills in the state in the next three years.
He said the move was predicated on
the successful rice yield of seven metric tonnes per hectare at the trial phase
of the project, adding that the company will now move to another 2000 hectares
of land for cultivation this December.
Jain added that the firm’s focus
will be primarily on dry season farming as it was easier to manage, even as the
company intends to grow rice three times a year on the land.
While pointing out that the
equipment for the next phase of the project had already been shipped and would
berth in the shores of Nigeria any time in January 2016, Jain explained that
the company has not spared any effort in training the local farmers on the
scientific method of cultivating rice in order to get a better yield, adding
that at the moment, there were 100 workers in the company’s employ that have
been well trained.
Speaking during a visit to the new
Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sanni, the company’s boss commended the new Emir for
the harmonious relationship between the company and community. Jain informed
the monarch that the local farmers using their leased land for farming purposes
had never been forcefully ejected from the place, but that it was a deliberate
policy of the company to employ and train them instead of out rightly asking
them to give up the land whenever there was the need for the company to use
more land for cultivation.
Jain said the company has
challenges in the areas of access road to its farm and also the near- absence
of network services for effective communication and the technical know-how of
the community.
He therefore called on the
government to intervene adding that a support from government in terms access
to loans from banks like the Bank of Agriculture and the Bank of Industry (BoI)
would greatly help to speed up development in the area.
Reacting, the new Emir of Borgu,
Mohammed Sanni, urged the government to support rice farmers and millers in
order to realise the value chain on the commodity, while commending the PJS for
the project in his domain.
“Many firms came here and indicated
interest in thought commitment. This PJS came and indicated stronger commitment
and went into action immediately. We want the Government to support firms like
PJS that goes out of their way to invest in agricultural backward integration
policy. This place is very remote/far from the city which is more than six
hours drive from Minna and PJS is ready to do business here,” the Emir noted
with delight.
Alhaji Mohammed noted with joy that
the villagers have benefited immensely from capacity building of the firm in
term of knowledge, High tech in advanced rice farming and handling High tech
machines.
“We will support the company to
consolidate in growth. They will not regret coming this way.”
Like Pearl Universal Impex Limited,
Rotimi Williams of Kereksuk Rice Farm, the second largest rice production
company in country is also doing his bit to ensure that becomes more
self-dependent in rice its domestic production capacity.
While commenting on what he
described as the recent ‘rice revolution’ led by Nigeria’s former Minister for
Agriculture and President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi
Adesina, Williams said the initiative
allowed stakeholders in the farming process, from the rice producers to the
millers, to benefit from the 2014/2015 rice allocation.
He is also convinced that the
decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to plug many of the leakages and
loopholes that lead to decreased revenues in the country, especially ban of
rice importers from accessing forex is indeed heartwarming.
This situation, according to
Williams, is meant to encourage more investment and participation in the
domestic production sector. Nevertheless, although such policies are helpful,
Williams states that a more thorough understanding of the rice market would
help Nigeria yield more in that sector.
“The issues of insufficient rice
production in Nigeria cannot simply be narrowed down to rice importation,”
Williams said. “But a failure to fully understand the rice value chain and
address the issues that affect the value chain.”
He also holds the view and very strongly too that opportunities
exists for Nigeria to take charge of its rice consumption capacity, reveals
that if the CBN is willing to address the entire funding of the entire rice
value chain, and not just ban the importation of rice, long-term sustainable
systems can be formed that will contribute to Nigeria’s rice market and the
economy in general.
http://thenationonlineng.net/480372-2/
Farmers should
opt to conserve rainwater: ICRSAT
JAMSHEDPUR January 30, 2016 Desk 0
Comments 6
Jamshedpur, Jan. 29: On the second day of ‘Vaartaa’
– an agriculture meet, farmers benefitted from the interactive sessions
conducted by agriculture experts from International Crop Research Institute for
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR – Central Rainfed
Upland Rice Research Station, Hazaribagh and Central Horticulture Experimental
Station, Bhubaneswar.Talking about climate change and its impact on
agriculture, Dr. Subhas Wani, Director, ICRSAT, Hyderabad, said, “It will take
us nowhere if we blindly follow the traditional agricultural methods in the
wake of climate change. Farmers need to understand the ill-impacts of climate
change on their crops.
As water availability is being adversely affected by climate
change, farmers should go for methods to conserve rainwater.”Stressing upon the
role of soil nutrients for growth of crops, Aarti Ekka, Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
said, “Every crop requires its own composition of nutrients. Farmers should
first get their soil tested. On this basis, farmers should decide the
composition of nutrients that would be added to the soil for a particular
crop.”
Talking about work being done to develop drought resistant
varieties of paddy, Yogesh Kumar, plant breeder; ICAR, said, “Within a year or
two, IR64 variety of rice will be available to farmers. As the variety is
drought resistant, it will greatly help farmers.”During the day-long sessions
held at Vaartaa, being organised at Ganesh Puja Maidan, Kadma, sessions on
climate resilient agriculture, rice-pulse cropping system in Jharkhand, new
technology in vegetable cultivation and wasteland development were
conducted.Partner organizations and staff members of Tata Steel Rural
Development Society were present
http://www.avenuemail.in/jamshedpur/farmers-should-opt-to-conserve-rainwater-icrsat/88169/
UF/IFAS Researchers Find Shallow Flooding
Reduces a Major Rice Pest
University of Florida scientists at
the Everglades Research and Education Center have found an important way to
control the destructive rice water weevil, one of the major pests in rice
production.
Released: 29-Jan-2016 3:05 PM EST
Available for logged-in reporters only
Newswise — BELLE GLADE, Fla. --- University
of Florida scientists at the Everglades Research and Education Center have
found an important way to control the destructive rice water weevil, one of the
major pests in rice production.UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
researcher Ron Cherry and his team discovered that shallow flooding of rice
fields can help reduce rice water weevil populations during Florida’s growing
season, between April and September. Previous studies of the effect of flood
depth on the pest have been inconsistent.
“Application of this permanent flood is the
most important external influence on the interaction between the rice water
weevil and rice,” said Cherry, a professor of entomology and nematology.As they
feed, rice water weevils create translucent scars on rice plant leaves. Those
scars predict future larval infestations (grubs) feeding on the roots, which
damage the rice plant.On April 14, 2014, Cherry and the team planted eight
research plots, half with the Taggert variety of rice and the other half with
Cheniere. All plots were flooded on May 5; four were continuously flooded at a
depth of 15 centimeters (nearly six inches) and four plots were flooded at a
depth of 5 centimeters (nearly two inches). Leaf scar samples from randomly
selected plants were then taken every two weeks from May 7 to June 17.“There
were significantly fewer leaf scars in the shallow flood than deep flood,”
Cherry said. “This shows that shallow flooding reduced rice water weevil
populations, a significant find that suggests rice farmers could use water
depth as a cultural control technique.
”Their finding could also impact rice
growers in other states.The group also tested for populations of damselflies,
leafhoppers, spiders and stink bugs and found water depth had no significant
effect.The study was published recently in the Journal of Entomological
Science. Other members of the research group are: Mohsen Tootoonchi, a UF graduate
research assistant; Jehangir Bhadha, a UF post-doctoral associate ; Tim Lang, a
UF graduate research associate ; Michael Karounos, a UF biological scientist;
and Samira Daroub, a UF professor of soil and water science.
By Kimberly Moore Wilmoth, 352-294-3302,k.moore.wilmoth@ufl.edu
-30-
http://newswise.com/articles/uf-ifas-researchers-find-shallow-flooding-reduces-a-major-rice-pest
New rice with 10% protein developed
Fri,29 Jan 2016
Summary: Bhubaneswar:
The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack has developed a rice
variety that has over 10% protein content. "Once approved, it will be sent
for large seed production," Nayak said.The new variety has been developed
by crossing Assam rice collection - a high protein and low yielding variety
with Naveen - a high yielding variety. Generally rice varieties have around 7%
protein," said Nayak.He said the variety is awaiting approval of the
Central Variety Releasing Committee, the apex body of releasing varieties in
India. "This is a major breakthrough in the field of rice research.
"The new variety will help in reducing malnutrition," said director
of NRRI A K Nayak.
Bhubaneswar: The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI),
Cuttack has developed a rice variety that has over 10% protein
content."The new variety will help in reducing malnutrition," said
director of NRRI A K Nayak. "This is a major breakthrough in the field of
rice research. Generally rice varieties have around 7% protein," said
Nayak.He said the variety is awaiting approval of the Central Variety Releasing
Committee, the apex body of releasing varieties in India.
"Once approved, it will be sent for large seed production," Nayak said.The new variety has been developed by crossing Assam rice collection - a high protein and low yielding variety with Naveen - a high yielding variety. NRRI has been doing research on the variety for the last 4 to 5 years. The variety will yield at least five tonnes a hectare, he added.Nayak was here to attend the fourth interface meet of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, State Agriculture University (SAU) and state
"Once approved, it will be sent for large seed production," Nayak said.The new variety has been developed by crossing Assam rice collection - a high protein and low yielding variety with Naveen - a high yielding variety. NRRI has been doing research on the variety for the last 4 to 5 years. The variety will yield at least five tonnes a hectare, he added.Nayak was here to attend the fourth interface meet of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, State Agriculture University (SAU) and state
http://www.nyoooz.com/bhubaneswar/336761/new-rice-with-10-protein-developed
Philippines to delay rice imports amid ample stocks
January 30, 2016
The Philippines, one of the world's top rice importers, could
delay its planned additional purchase of up to 400,000 tonnes of the staple
food as local supply remains adequate, the state grains stockpiler said on
Wednesday. The Southeast Asian nation's rice stocks stood at around 900,000
tonnes as of last week, enough to cover 29 days of local consumption, with an
additional 500,000 tonnes of grain imports from Vietnam and Thailand expected
to arrive within the first quarter, the National Food Authority (NFA) said.
The NFA Council, a panel composed of government economic managers that approves rice importation, met on Tuesday to discuss the country's rice purchases but did not finalise the volume and timing of the next deal. "There is no decision yet because there is no urgency to import. We have sufficient supply," an aide of NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay told Reuters. The Philippines was looking to buy up to 400,000 tonnes of the grain for delivery in the second quarter, and may need an additional 800,000 tonnes to cover this year's requirements, Dalisay said in a January 12 interview with Reuters.
On Monday, the statistics agency said paddy harvest in the first
quarter is likely to be more than 5 percent lower than a previous forecast due
to a crop-damaging dryness linked to the El Nino weather pattern. Crop losses
last year due to El Nino turned out much smaller than expected. Rice demand
from the Philippines is keenly watched by traders as it could underpin export
prices of the grain from Vietnam and Thailand, the country's main suppliers and
the world's third- and second-biggest seller respectively.
http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/11982/
Two held on extortion charge
A former militant, Venka Goud,
and a naxalite sympathiser, Sidhiramulu, were arrested on Friday at Kondapur in
Tadwai mandal on a tip-off that they were trying to threaten rice millers and
businessmen for money.The police led by Sub-Inspector of Police K. Nagaraju
arrested them with a DBBL weapon, 20 live bullets and one motorbike.They were
remanded in court in Kamareddi.
Unlicensed weapon
Mr. Nagaraju said that the duo,
with the weapon belonging to one Ravinder, brother-in-law of Sidhiramulu, went
to a rice-mill at Vadi on the border of Medak district on a night with a plan
to threaten and collect Rs.10 lakh from the mill owner.With the mill owner
being unavailable, they returned.Again today, when they were on way to the
mill, the police arrested them. Since the licence period of the weapon expired,
necessary action would also be taken against the weapon holder, he said
Imperial Couple's visit underscores Japan's
commitment to world food security
 |
|
Their
Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
at the LTCCE view deck with IRRI scientist Yoichiro Kato, (Photo: IRRI/Isagani Serrano) |
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines – Their Majesties Emperor
Akihito and Empress Michiko received an overview of the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI)
and the institute’s vibrant partnership with Japan during a short visit to the
IRRI headquarters on Friday afternoon (29 January).IRRI Director General Matthew Morell presented the institute's goals, financial supporters,
and some prominent Japanese scientists who have been associated with the
institute.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were briefed by V. Bruce J. Tolentino, deputy director general for communication and partnerships, on some of the improved rice varieties developed at IRRI. "Their Majesties expressed special interest in IRRI's work on climate-ready rice, particularly submergence-tolerant rice," Tolentino reported. "They also seemed pleased about the long-term relationship IRRI has had with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), and that the institute has always had a Japanese national on its board of trustees since its founding in 1960."
JIRCAS has through the years sent several Japanese scientists to work on collaborative projects at IRRI, under a special contribution from the Japanese government.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were briefed by V. Bruce J. Tolentino, deputy director general for communication and partnerships, on some of the improved rice varieties developed at IRRI. "Their Majesties expressed special interest in IRRI's work on climate-ready rice, particularly submergence-tolerant rice," Tolentino reported. "They also seemed pleased about the long-term relationship IRRI has had with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), and that the institute has always had a Japanese national on its board of trustees since its founding in 1960."
JIRCAS has through the years sent several Japanese scientists to work on collaborative projects at IRRI, under a special contribution from the Japanese government.
Japanese scientists on the IRRI staff interacted with
the Imperial Couple.
Takashi Yamano discussed the institute’s contributions to the Green Revolution. “They asked many questions about rice production and our contribution to increasing rice seeds and reducing rice prices,” Yamano said. “They were very interested in our work.”
Takashi Yamano discussed the institute’s contributions to the Green Revolution. “They asked many questions about rice production and our contribution to increasing rice seeds and reducing rice prices,” Yamano said. “They were very interested in our work.”
 The Japanese
Imperial Couple at IRRI.(Photo: IRRI/Isagani Serrano) |
Keiichi Hayashi showcased Japan’s contributions to
IRRI over the past decades. “They were curious about various stresses being
caused by climate change that affect rice,” Hayashi said.
The Imperial Couple visited the Long-term Continuous
Cropping Experiment (LTCCE) where Yoichiro Kato explained the importance
of the world's longest-running rice research project. “They were quite
surprised that we have been planting rice at the LTCCE three times a year,”
Kato said. “In Japan, farmers usually plant only one crop a year. They were
very interested in the different effects of fertilizer and pests on rice
plants. Her Majesty was particularly keen on salt-tolerant rice."
Rice played a significant role in the creation of
Japan. According to Japanese mythology, Amaterasu, a major deity of the Shinto religion and the Sun Goddess and the universe gifted one
of her descendants with rice. That descendant was Jinmu, the legendary first
emperor of Japan. Emperor Jinmu was tasked with turning Japan into a land of
rice.
Japan’s creation myths were about “the transformation
of a wilderness into a land of abundant rice at the command of the Sun Goddess,
whose descendants, the emperors, rule the country by officiating at rice
rituals,”said
Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, a Japanese anthropologist and authority on its rice. Japan’s emperors became priest-kings whose functions
revolved around the rice crop.
As Jinmu's 125th direct heir, Emperor Akihito is
currently Japan's rice-farmer-in-chief, according to Ohnuki-Tierney. Emperor
Akihito has maintained his ties to rice. Every year, he plants and harvests
rice at the paddy on the Imperial Palace grounds, a tradition started by his
late father, Emperor Showa, in 1927.
The Japan-IRRI partnership dates back to 1960 when IRRI was established. Since then, Japan has
provided leadership to IRRI with a representative on the IRRI board of
trustees. The government of Japan has been one of IRRI’s most generous
financial supporters, having given a total of more than USD 211 million since
1971.Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on the social media and networks (all
links down the right column).
http://irri-news.blogspot.com/2016/01/japans-imperial-couple-tours-irri.html
AKIHITO, RICE FARMER-IN-CHIEF |
Emperor's IRRI visit and Japan's stake in world food security
President Aquino and his sister Pinky Abellada give
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko a warm send-off Saturday as they wrap up a
five-day visit to Manila. PNA PHOTO
LAGUNA,
Philippines - Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko's visit to
the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which has had a vibrant
partnership with Japan for decades, underscored the Asian giant's commitment to
food security. It also drew from Japan's creation mythology that makes Emperor
Akihito heir of the legendary first emperor who made Japan into a land of rice,
making Akihito now the "rice farmer in chief."Akihito and Empress
Michiko, who visited the Philippines for five days, paid a short visit to the
IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on Friday afternoon, the day before
departing for Tokyo.IRRI Director General Matthew Morell presented the
institute's goals, financial supporters, and some prominent Japanese scientists
who have been associated with the institute.V. Bruce J. Tolentino, deputy director general for communication and partnerships, briefed the Japanese imperial couple on some of the improved rice varieties developed at IRRI."Their Majesties expressed special interest in IRRI's work on climate-ready rice, particularly submergence-tolerant rice," Tolentino reported. "They also seemed pleased about the long-term relationship IRRI has had with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), and that the institute has always had a Japanese national on its board of trustees since its founding in 1960."
JIRCAS has through the years sent several Japanese scientists to work on collaborative projects at IRRI, under a special contribution from the Japanese government.Takashi Yamano discussed the institute’s contributions to the Green Revolution.“They asked many questions about rice production and our contribution to increasing rice seeds and reducing rice prices,” Yamano said.“They were very interested in our work,” he added.
Japan and IRRI
Keiichi Hayashi showcased Japan’s contributions to IRRI over the past decades.
“They were curious about various stresses being caused by climate change that affect rice,” Hayashi said.The imperial couple visited the Long-term Continuous Cropping Experiment (LTCCE), where Yoichiro Kato explained the importance of the world's longest-running rice research project.“They were quite surprised that we have been planting rice at the LTCCE three times a year,” Kato said. “In Japan, farmers usually plant only one crop a year. They were very interested in the different effects of fertilizer and pests on rice plants. Her Majesty was particularly keen on salt-tolerant rice."
Rice played a significant role in the creation of Japan. According to Japanese mythology, Amaterasu, a major deity of the Shinto religion and the Sun Goddess and the universe gifted one of her descendants with rice. That descendant was “Jinmu”, the legendary first emperor of Japan. Emperor Jinmu was tasked with turning Japan into a land of rice.Japan’s creation myths were about “the transformation of a wilderness into a land of abundant rice at the command of the Sun Goddess, whose descendants, the emperors, rule the country by officiating at rice rituals,” said Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, a Japanese anthropologist and authority on its rice. Japan’s emperors became priest-kings whose functions revolved around the rice crop.
As Jinmu's 125th direct heir, Emperor Akihito is currently Japan's rice-farmer-in-chief, according to Ohnuki-Tierney. Emperor Akihito has maintained his ties to rice. Every year, he plants and harvests rice at the paddy on the Imperial Palace grounds, a tradition started by his late father, Emperor Showa, in 1927.
The Japan-IRRI partnership dates back to 1960 when IRRI was established. Since then, Japan has provided leadership to IRRI with a representative on the IRRI board of trustees. The government of Japan has been one of IRRI’s most generous financial supporters, having given a total of more than USD211 million since 1971.
http://www.interaksyon.com/business/123487/akihito-rice-farmer-in-chief--emperors-irri-visit-and-japans-stake-in-world-food-security
News in numbers | India becomes world’s largest rice exporter, as
Thailand declines
India’s
total rice shipments saw a 7.3% decline in volumes and an 18% fall in value in
the April-November period of the current fiscal. Photo: Hemant Mishra/Mint
800,000
What is it? The number of iPhones sold
by Apple in India in the last three months of 2015, according to Counterpoint
Technology Research.
Why is it important? This is the highest ever sales recorded in the country, a 76%
growth from a year ago. However, this is less than 3% of the total smartphones
sold in India during the period. Globally, Apple reported flat sales of
its flagship smartphone, which accounts for over two-thirds of its revenue, in this period, a
reason it’s turning its attention on India. The company said it is
“increasingly putting more energy” into the country’s youth and their rising
disposable income. Recently, it sought the government’s approval to open its
own retail stores in India.
Tell me more: Analysts are worried that China’s economic slowdown (it
reported the lowest numbers in 25 years) might impact Apple’s growth. Greater
China accounted for nearly a fourth of Apple’s fourth quarter revenue.
76
What is it? India’s ranking in
2015’s global corruption index (out of 168 countries) by Transparency
International.
Why is it important? It has moved up nine positions from the previous year’s 85th
ranking. Its grade index score of 38 out of 100 (100 is the least corrupt)
compares poorly with Denmark’s 91, the top country in the index. This shows
India has a long way to go in weeding out corruption. One of the key promises
by the National Democratic Alliance government has been to improve India’s
ranking in the ease of doing business index and position it among the top 50 countries. To do so, India would
have to tackle corruption quickly, which has been cited as the main obstacle in doing
business in the
country by a 2014 KPMG report.
Tell me more: Brazil reported the worst decline in rankings, down seven positions
to the 76th position, as a massive scandal erupted at its state-run companies.
Rs.6 trillion
What is it? The amount the Indian government could earnbased on the telecom
regulator’s recommendations on
the reserve price for spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100
MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands.
Why is it important? This would be the highest-everamount earned by the government from
spectrum auction, if it accepts the regulator’s recommendations. The 700 MHz
band, which is known to be the best for offering mobile broadband and 4G services and is being offered under the auction
for the first time, could alone contribute to aroundRs.4
trillion. The telecom companies are reeling under massive debt (Rs.3.5 trillion as of April 2015) and it remains
to be seen how far they are willing to stretch their balance sheets to
participate in the next round of auction.
Tell me more: Telecom operators, including Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular, have
opposed the sale of spectrum in the 700 MHz band, saying it should be done only
when the operators are ready with the devices and equipment to operate the
airwaves.
$3 billion
Why is it important? The Indian government is seeking to not only become
self-sufficient in the defence sector but also to become one of the world’s
biggest arms exporters. If India achieves the $3 billion target, it would
transform the country from an arms importer to a major seller. In 2014-15, it
sold defence equipment worth around $150 million to other countries, a mere
0.25% of the $64 billion global defence trade. In contrast, India’s arms imports totalled to
$5.57 billion in 2014.
Tell me more: According to Anurag Garg, director of defense at Strategy&, a
consulting group of PwC, state companies account for 80% of defence production
and there is heavy reliance on the private sector to design military hardware,
which is “no easy task”.
10.23 million tonnes
Why is it important? This makes India the world’s largest rice exporter, beating
Thailand. India’s top position comes not from its scaling up, but by Thailand’s
decline. Thailand’s rice exports were down by 10.8% to 9.8 million tonnes on a
year-on-year basis. The Southeast Asian country attributed this to global
economic slowdown, particularly in countries with high rice demand and decrease
in purchasing power of nations due to falling oil prices. India’s total rice
shipments saw a 7.3% decline in volumes and an 18% fall in value in the
April-November period of the current fiscal. It is likely to post lower export
figures in 2015-16 than the 11.92 million tonnes shipped in 2014-15.
Tell me more: Fall in shipments of the basmati rice variety to Iran, one of the
largest buyers from India, and tepid demand from African countries (mainly
Nigeria) are the main reasons for the fall in India’s rice exports.
live mint
Emphasis on enhancing cultivation of zinc-enriched rice
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has taken a plan for
enhanced cultivation of zinc-enriched rice BRRI dhan-64 to meet the necessary
requirement of micro-nutrients for a human body and increase disease resistant capacity
of children. Deputy Director of DAE Latafat Hossain said zinc is one of the
vital micro-nutrient. Deficiency of zinc hampers normal growth of children and
it also decreases the disease prevention capacity of poor and vulnerable people
and the pregnant women.
He also said to enhance the cultivation of the new zinc-enriched
rice in the district, DAE organized training to inspire the farmers to
cultivate the new devised zinc-enriched BRRI dhan-64. The farmers have also
given knowledge on seed production, processing and storing of the paddy. He
said the department put special emphasis on enhancing cultivation of the
zinc-enriched BRRI dhan-64, a short duration rice variety which can be
harvested within 100 days after plantation and this variety may give yield up
to 5.5 to 6 tonnes per hectare. He said DAE has taken four demonstration plots
on four bighas of land at Belabo upazila of the district during the last Boro
season collected 40-kg seed of zinc-enriched BRRI dhan-64 from Bangladesh Rice
Research Institute, Gazipur.
He said the whole
production of the paddy was preserved as seeds for enhanced cultivation of the
rice in the district in current season. The farmers during the current Boro
season are cultivating more land of zinc-enriched rice BARRI dhan-64 in the
district. DAE also has taken a number of demonstration plots on BARRI dhan-64
this season in the district, according to BSS. - biplab
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2016/01/31/13384
APEDA Rice
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