Bilateral trade:
Faisalabad under the radar of investors
By Imran
Rana
Published: March 30, 2016
FAISALABAD: The economic
potential of Pakistan and Brunei will be reassessed to attract investors from
Brunei and make the textile sector of Faisalabad more attractive and profitable
for them, said Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner Dato Mahmud Saidin. During
his address to businessmen and industrialists the Faisalabad Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (FCCI), he said Brunei was a very small country and its
economy depended on oil and gas. About 70% area of Brunei consisted of forests
and the remaining was utilised for agriculture and industry.“The area is
insufficient to fulfil the country’s food requirements and hence we have to
import food items from neighbouring ASEAN countries,” he said. “We import
basmati rice and mangoes from Pakistan, which are very popular in Brunei.”
Saidin identified “heavy expenditures on
transportation” as the main reason for low trade volume between the two
countries and said the only objective of his visit was to explore opportunities
for the enhancement of bilateral trade between the two countries.He said the
Pak-Brunei Investment Company in Karachi was making efforts to promote trade.“The
Brunei Investment Agency is working on diversification of its exports and has
been investing in real estate and the hotel industry in various countries. It
will assess Pakistan’s economic potential as well to explore opportunities.”Concerning
textiles, he said it was necessary to make local textile products competitive
compared to similar products from China and Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner also paid a visit to
the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and stated that his country
intended enhancing productivity of its rice crop without bringing more land
under plough.
Earlier, in his welcome address, FCCI Senior
Vice President Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain said that CPEC had turned Pakistan into
a land of opportunities and investors from Brunei should also take advantage of
it.He said FCCI was the third largest chamber in Pakistan and contributed more
than 50% towards total textile exports of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th,
2016
Pak-Brunei economic potential to
be reassessed: HC
March 30, 2016
The economic potential of Pakistan and Brunei will be reassessed
particularly to make textile sector of Faisalabad more attractive and
profitable for the investors of Brunei, said Dato Mahmud Saidin High
Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam. He was addressing a meeting of businessmen
and industrialists at FCCI here on Tuesday. He said that Brunei is very small
country while its economy is totally dependent on oil and gas. He said that 70 percent area of Brunei
is consistent of forests and only remaining 30 percent is utilised for
agriculture and industry. "This area is insufficient even to fulfil its
food requirements and hence we have to import food items from neighbouring
Asian countries", he said and added that Brunei is also importing Basmati rice
while Pakistani mango is also very popular in Brunei. However, he identified
heavy expenditures of transportation as main cause of low trade volume between
the two countries.
He said that ultimate objective of his visit is to explore the
opportunities for enhancement of bilateral trade between the two countries. He
further said that Pak-Brunei Investment Company based in Karachi is working for
the promotion of bilateral trade. Regarding textile, he said that we have to
take measures to make local textile products competitive as compared to the
similar products from China and Bangladesh. Dato Mahmud Saidin further said
that he has also visited University of Agriculture to develop the agriculture
of his country on modern scientific lines. He also pointed out that Brunei
intends to enhance the productivity of its rice crop without bringing more land
under plough. He further told that Brunei Investment Agency was also working on
diversification of its exports. "It has been investing in real estate and
hotel industry in various countries and certainly it will assess the economic
potential of Pakistan to explore the opportunities for future investment",
he added. This study, he said,
will help it to take prudent decisions for investment or launching joint
ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs.
Earlier, in his welcome
address, Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain Senior Vice President Faisalabad Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (FCCI) said that CPEC has turned Pakistan into land of
opportunities and the investors of Brunei should also get benefit out of it. He
said that FCCI was the third largest chamber of Pakistan while it was also
contributing more than 50 percent towards total textile exports of the country. A documentary on Faisalabad and FCCI
was also screened to highlight the importance of this agro-industrial city.
Chaudhary Muhammad Asghar, Chaudhary Talat Mahmood and Sanaullah Khan Niazi
took part in the question answer session while Mr Ahmad Hasan executive member
FCCI paid vote of thanks to the High Commissioner of Brunei. Later, Syed Zia
Alamdar Hussain along with Sanaullah Khan Niazi and Rana Sikandar-e-Azam
presented FCCI memento to Dato Mahmud Saidin. Later, the Brunei High
Commissioner also presented a crest of the embassy of Brunei to SVP Syed Zia
Alamdar Hussain.
German envoy urges REAP to play role in
promoting trade
March 30, 2016
German
ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel has called upon the rice exporters to play
their role in promoting the bilateral trade and further strengthening the
economic relations between Pakistan and Germany. 'We have good economic
relations but there is more room to further enhance the bilateral trade as
Germany has more trade with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Malaysia as compared to
Pakistan,' Ina Lepel said while speaking at a reception arranged by the Rice
Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) here on Tuesday.
Those who spoke on this occasion included Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq, Group leader and former chairman Shahzad Ali Malik, Pir Nazim Hussain Shah and REAP Secretary General Kashif ur Rehman. REAP Treasurer Ali Hussam, former Vice Chairman Taufiq Ahmad Khan and a large number of exporters were also present on this occasion. Ina Lepel also expressed her sorrow and grief over the tragic Lahore incident which claimed over 70 lives and said that the German government strongly condemned such incidents and fully support the efforts of the Pakistan government to confront the evil of terrorism.
Regarding
exchange of business delegations, she said that lots of business delegation
from Germany visited Pakistan including a business delegation last June while
another is coming in the second half of the current year. To a demand of
issuing visa to businessmen, she said that letter from an association is
considered as an additional support while deciding on a business visa. However,
she said that visas are issued only to genuine businessmen and letter of
support is no guarantee.
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq in his address said that during the year 2012-13 Pakistan exported 127,953 metric tons of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice varieties to EU countries which comes to 111.812 million US dollars while current export to EU countries stands at 206,000 metric tons per annum. Whereas export to Germany in the year 2013-14 was 9393 metric tons which rose to 11,986 metric tons in year 2014-15. He requested the German ambassador to relax visa policy for genuine businessman and upon the recommendation of the association so the rice exports to Germany could be increased.
http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/30633/
Severe
drought, salinization forecast to continue in April
Tuoi Tre
News
Updated
: 03/30/2016 16:09 GMT + 7
Heat and
severe saltwater intrusion look set to continue to dominate Vietnam’s weather
conditions next month, given the current impact of El Niño.The prediction by Vietnam’s National Center for
Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) was quoted by Nguyen Dang Quang,
deputy chief of the Medium and Long Term Meteorological Forecasting Division of
NCHMF at El Niño Outlook Forum 2016 on Monday.Although the phenomenon is
expected to gradually recede this fall, average temperatures in northern Vietnam
will be 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius higher than over the same period in previous
years, Quang said at the forum, held by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
(ADPC) and NCHMF.
The
situation is the same in the Central Highlands and the southern region, he
said, adding that Vietnam has experienced heat waves sooner but less intensely
than last year.Quang noted that drought conditions along with salinization in
the south-central, Central Highlands, and southern regions show no sign of
declining but rather of being more severe in April. Thanks to El
Niño, Vietnam will see fewer tropical cyclones this year compared to those in
previous years, he added.Trinh Thu Phuong, deputy chief of the Hydrological
Forecasting Division N1, said that water volume in rivers in central Vietnam
will decline by 30 to 50 percent, potentially leading to a scarcity between
April and June.Salt intrusion and water shortage could worsen as larger areas
in the region are expected to be exposed to the conditions in comparison with
the same period last year, while salinization is anticipated to penetrate
further in southern areas during this coming dry season compared to the same
period of last year.
Southern
river salinity during late March is forecast to be the highest of the year, at
4g per liter on average, which is higher than the level it reached in 2015,
Phuong added.Lots of nations in Southeast Asia have suffered from extreme
climate conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon, Atiq Kainan Ahmed, ADPC’s
program manager, stated at the forum.El Niño is characterized by unusually warm
ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, according to the Pacific Marine
Environmental Laboratory of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA).El Niño events occur irregularly at intervals of 2-7 years, although the
average is about once every 3-4 years, lasting 12-18 months, NOAA said on its
website.In 2016, the phenomenon is predicted to be the strongest ever recorded,
and is likely to cause extreme weather conditions across the globe, APDC’s News
reported.Communities in nations of the Asia-Pacific region are expected to be
exposed to extreme heat, water shortages and the potential of disease, it
added.With regard to the incoming El Niño, Quang said that the effects of the
phenomenon will gradually reduce, likely following a cold spell at the end of
this year, which could potentially cause La Niña to occur.Compared to El Niño,
its counterpart, La Niña, is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures
in the Equatorial Pacific, said NOAA.Previously, to tackle drought and
salinization in the Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s rice powerhouses, Laos and China agreed to discharge water from their dams to
assist.
http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/34026/severe-drought-salinization-forecast-to-continue-in-april
Giant snail poses danger to
Louisiana rice farmers
Source: WBRZ
By:
BATON ROUGE -Scientists fear the Giant Apple Snail could destroy
rice crops in west Louisiana. The snail is an invasive species from South
America that is slowly eating up aquatic plants across the southern part of the
state."They're considered one of the worst invasive species in the
world," Jacoby Carter with the US Geological Survey says. "They
are in the top 100 list of bad invasive species," he added.The snails live
in fresh water and can grow as large as a person's fist. Right now,
they're primarily found in eastern and coastal parishes but
may eventually end up in western waters where farmers grow rice.Carter
said they've been a problem in Asian rice paddies but haven't had much affect
in East Texan fields, probably because farmers there keep the water levels
much lower.
Louisiana rice farmers might not be so lucky because many
also raise crawfish in the fields so they keep the water level much
higher."It may force a management change or pose a problem for those
systems where they're managing for both rice and crawfish," Carter said.Scientists
have yet to discover a safe way to eradicate the snails without also destroying
other species.The snails lay clusters of bright pink eggs, up to 7000 at a
time. Carter said if you notice an egg cluster, take a picture and email him
with the eggs location at carterj@usgs.gov.
Texas farmer's rice donation
keeps many in Chattanooga from going hungry
TUESDAY, MARCH 29TH 2016
The Food Bank says over the duration of six months, hundreds of
volunteers including local students, corporate teams, and families repackaged
the commodity product into both one and five pound containers. The rice was
then redistributed through Food Bank mobile pantries and local hunger relief
organizations to thousands of area children, seniors, and families. Photo
provided by the Chattanooga Food Bank.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank has been able to provide
literally tons of rice to those families who need it in Chattanooga for the
past six months, thanks to the generous donation of a farmer in Texas.The Food
Bank says back in October, it received an entire truckload of 44,000 pounds in
rice from a farmer in Texas.The Food Bank says this donation was organized and
underwritten by a generous local individual who believes that everyone in the
Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia region should have access to the
healthy diet staple.The farmer donated the production of seven acres of prime
flooded rice land and then harvested and delivered the crop to a processor who
dried, milled, and bagged the rice.The rice was then delivered in 20lb bags at
cost by tractor trailer to Chattanooga.
The Food Bank says over the duration of six months, hundreds of
volunteers including local students, corporate teams, and families repackaged
the commodity product into both one and five pound containers. The rice was
then redistributed through Food Bank mobile pantries and local hunger relief
organizations to thousands of area children, seniors, and families.
"We're so grateful for wonderful community partners who
recognize specific needs here at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. This generous
donation of rice has allowed us to provide families in our region with one of
the most basic dietary staples. In addition, it's been a fantastic teaching
tool as so many of our volunteers have learned about families in need through
the opportunity to repack rice," said Marisa Ogles, Chattanooga Area Food
Bank Director of External Relations.Thousands of area residents have benefitted
from the charitable rice donation. Since it arrived, the Food Bank says rice
has been distributed to families through our direct to client mobile pantries
and Food Bank agency partner organizations. Morton Memorial UMC Food Ministry
(Food Ministry), a longstanding partner of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, is
one of the agencies who have benefitted from the rice.
The Food Ministry annually distributes more rice to its clients
than any other Food Bank partner. Located on the border of Marion and Grundy
counties, Morton Memorial UMC Food Ministry serves residents who are among the
poorest in the state of Tennessee, as measured by U.S. Census data. Feeding
America research estimates that 18% of Grundy County residents are considered
food insecure, meaning they don't know where their next meal will come from. The
Food Ministry is committed to providing food to its clients that not only meets
caloric needs, but also provides nutritional benefits. And rice plays a huge
role in those efforts. Last year, the organization distributed over 3,000
pounds of rice to its clients."We truly appreciate all the volunteer hours
that have gone into repacking bulk rice at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
We're grateful for their efforts to ensure that rice is repackaged and ready to
go to the 150 families that we walk with on a monthly basis.
" Amy Wilson, Director of Morton Memorial UMC Food
Ministry.Over a hundred Food Bank volunteers have spent time repacking rice
into one pound containers for redistribution to area residents. Among the teams
who have spent time repackaging rice: Kenco Group, Walmart Superstores, South
Cumberland Plateau Americorps VISTA Project, Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Tennessee and more. All rice repacking has been done in a food safe environment
with processes that align with USDA guidelines."My daughter and I
volunteered packaging rice at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. It was a great
bonding experience. Opportunities such as this instill great values in our
youth. After learning about people in our own community who don't have access
to such a basic food item, we were grateful to make a big impact in the lives
of our others through such a simple task," said Amanda Krause-Webster, a
Kenco Group volunteer.
Over the past three years, the Food Bank has aggressively
increased its commitment to promoting better nutrition throughout its 20-county
service area. With more than 15 vitamins and minerals and beneficial
antioxidants, rice plays an important role in maintaining food security for
Food Bank clients. Last year alone, the Food Bank purchased over 60,000 pounds
of rice at a discounted rate and redistributed it. This year, by way of the
generous donation, the Food Bank was able to reallocate those funds to other
critical hunger relief efforts.Rice is the most consumed commodity in the world
and is a basic staple in many Food Bank clients' diets. Research from USA Rice
Federation reveals that consumption of rice in the USA has grown over the past
few years. From 2013 to 2014, Americans consumed 26 pounds of rice per capita,
a one-pound increase over the prior year. Recognizing the need for food
security in the region, the local individual, who prefers to remain anonymous,
generously purchased rice on behalf of Food Bank clients. Rice offers not only
the calories required for food security, but also the nutrients necessary for
maintaining optimal health
Wheat remains
weak on supply pressure
PTI | Mar 30, 2016, 02.30 PM IST
On the other hand, bajra inched up by Rs 20 to Rs 1,590-1,595
per quintal.
Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):
Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,015-2,620, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs
1,650-1,655, Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,655-1,660, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs
230, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 230, Roller flour mill Rs 855-865 (50 kg), Maida Rs
940-950 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 1,010-1,025 (50 kg).
Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300,
Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,700, Basmati common new Rs 5,500-5,600, Rice Pusa
(1121) Rs 4,250-5,200, Permal raw Rs 1,850-1,900, Permal wand Rs 2,050-2,100,
Sela Rs 2,200-2,300 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,600-1,620, Bajra Rs 1,590-1,595, Jowar
yellow Rs 1,800-1,900, white Rs 3,400-3,500, Maize Rs 1,690-1,700, Barley Rs
1,300-1,310. SUN KPS PRB ABK
(This story has not been edited by timesofindia.com
and is auto–generated from a syndicated feed we subscribe to.
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This Program
Will Make Cutting Carbon Emissions Lucrative For Farmers
CREDIT: MARK ISBELL
When Mark Isbell, a third-generation rice farmer in central
Arkansas, tallies up his profits for this year, he’ll count a few extra dollars
from a unique source: the greenhouse gases that his 3,200-acre farm didn’t
emit.Isbell is part of a small group of farmers participating in a new project
piloted by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in conjunction with the USDA,
and approved by the American Carbon Registry.
The program encourages rice farmers in California and the Mid-South
to adopt a series of greenhouse-gas mitigating practices on their fields by
allowing them to cash in on the carbon emissions that they offset using
California’s carbon market.“You always have to be looking forward,” Isbell told
ThinkProgress. “It seems like this is the direction everything is going. We’ve
always focused on efficiency and trying to take advantage of new opportunities.
Though there is a small amount of risk, we felt like the potential reward
outweighed that. We thought that we might as well go on the adventure and give
it a try.”
Isbell is participating in the project along with 20 other farmers
who collectively cultivate 22,000 acres of rice across the United States.
According to Robert Parkhurst, director of agricultural greenhouse gas markets
for the Environmental Defense Fund, that participation is equal to just under
one percent of all rice farmers in the United States — and while that seem like
a small slice of agriculture’s addition to greenhouse gas-fueled global
warming, Parkhurst sees it as a meaningful first step towards getting farmers
to adopt practices that could help stave off the worst of climate change.“Having
just shy of one percent of all rice growers in the U.S. say I’m interested in
participating is huge,” he said. “We’re looking at doing this with fertilizer
across the U.S. We’re looking at doing this with range land. At some point we
might be able to do this with enteric fermentation. This is the thin edge of
the wedge, if you will.”
Creating a
market for carbon
Emissions by sector, 2013
CREDIT: CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD
Between 2000 and 2013, agriculture accounted for about 8 percent of California’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Of those
emissions, most are either methane — from livestock production or
methane-producing crops like rice — or nitrous oxide, from fertilizer.
Parkhurst knew that California rice farmers had a reputation for
being forward-thinking environmentalists; the tagline for the California Rice
Commission is “The Environmental Crop.” In the 1990s, the California Rice
Commission supported a bill that phased out the burning of rice straw,
which was degrading air quality in the Central Valley. In the Rice Commission,
Parkhurst hoped that he would find allies in the fight to bring agriculture
into California’s new carbon market.
Growing rice,
mitigating carbon
Measuring methane reductions on Isbell’s field.
CREDIT: MARK ISBELL
That’s because when rice is grown, its root systems secrete
carbohydrates created by photosynthesis. Traditional rice farming calls for
flooding rice fields after the spring planting until harvest, which creates an
oxygen-devoid environment perfect for bacteria that break down the root
system’s carbohydrates, emitting methane in the process.Working with scientists
and farmers, EDF was able to calculate reductions in methane achieved when
farmers adopted certain techniques, such as sowing rice seeds into dry soil,
draining rice fields a few days earlier than normal, or alternating wetting and
drying the fields, rather than keeping them wet for the entire season.“The
science wasn’t there in the past,” Parkhurst said, explaining that the program
needed a concrete basis in science before it could be incorporated into
California’s carbon market. “We didn’t know that these practices would actually
decrease greenhouse emissions.”
But some scientists still worry that the science might not quite
be at the level needed to consistently and accurately estimate the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions offset by adopting different farming techniques. In a January interview with E&E News, Bruce Linquist, an
assistant cooperative extension specialist at the University of California,
Davis, expressed skepticism that the science could totally back up the offset
program.“Fields are also very different from each other, some are flat and some
are sloped so water can saturate one part, and the [other] part is dry. How do
you measure and quantify that? It’s a big challenge,” Linquist said, adding
that he thought the project had moved “a bit fast.”
Implementing the
project in the fields
After nearly two years spent working on the project with
scientists, farmers, and the EDF, the California Air Resources Board — which
enforces California’s cap-and-trade program — approved the carbon offsets for
rice production in June of last summer, and farmers currently participating in
the program will start to see the money from their carbon offsets in the coming
months.
I think farmers are by their very
nature pioneers in a lot of things
The offsets are modest — tangible, but not nearly enough to offset
the intrinsic risk inherent in switching to more unpredictable methods. As of
publication, a ton of carbon was trading in California for a little under $13. The average rice farmer
participating in the program can expect to see a half a ton to a ton and a half
of carbon offset per acre — after administrative fees, Isbell estimates that
he’ll probably pocket between$8 and $10 per acre. As a crop, rice is highly
sensitive to moisture. Dry seeding, for instance, can make a rice crop more
susceptible to weeds, disease, or pests. Alternate wetting and drying, in the
same vein, can leave a rice crop open to reduced yields.
“It’s part of the overall story and we hope it leads to other
opportunities, but in and of itself the monetary reward is not where it would
need to be to draw the adoption of those techniques,” Isbell said. He hopes
that the program could also open up marketing opportunities for their farm, if
customers show an interest in rice grown in an environmentally-conscious way
and are willing to pay a premium for that product.But even with the risks involved,
Isbell thinks that sustainability-minded rice farmers will show interest in the
project.“I think farmers are by their very nature pioneers in a lot of things,”
he said. “If an opportunity presents itself and it seems to be a good thing
that could help others and also present an opportunity to profit, then it’s a
win-win.”
Isbell, who has been implementing these techniques at his farm
since 2013, hasn’t seen any marked reductions in yields. In fact, when he
compared a field of rice grown using traditional techniques with a field using
methane-reducing techniques, he actually found that the field with the
methane-reducing techniques produced a slightly higher yield, though he notes
it was within the margin of error. Still, he cautions that his experience is
largely anecdotal.
“We did not see an impact, but if you weren’t careful, it
definitely could impact the yield,” he said.
Moving beyond
rice
The 21 participating farmers represent the first group of American
land-crop farmers that will be paid to offset carbon in their fields. But, if
Parkhurst gets his way, they will be far from the last.
Rice, while a significant producer of methane, is far from the
most egregious agricultural greenhouse gas producer. As E&E News pointed
out in January, according to EPA estimates, rice accounted for a little more
than one percent of the United States’ overall greenhouse gas emissions in
2013. Even if every single rice producer in the United States participated in
the program, it would be but a small dent in agriculture’s overall contribution
to climate change.
But Parkhurst hopes that now that the California Air Resources
Board has approved one offset project, it will be open to trying more.
Specifically, Parkhurst has his sights set on things like fertilizer, which
produces nitrous oxide, and the conversion of grassland to farmland, which can
release carbon stored in both the grass and the soil.“With 400 million acres of
cropland out there, there’s a huge opportunity,” Parkhurst said, explaining
that California can meet up to 8 percent of its carbon-cutting obligations
through its carbon market, meaning that some 200 million tons worth of carbon
credits can be traded by 2020.“We’re currently not on a path to generate that
full 200 million tons,” Parkhurst said. “I want to change that. I want to
change it so that we reach that 200 million ton mark, and I think agriculture
is the biggest opportunity to do that. It is the biggest uncapped sector of the
economy, and it’s the place where the research is going on right now.” http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/03/30/3764290/carbon-trading-rice-methane-reductions/
Long term solution needed for
Mekong drought
Update: March, 31/2016 - 09:00
View of the Plain of Reeds, an important natural reservoir, in Đồng
Tháp Province. — VNS Photo Phước Bửu
Phước
Bửu
Việt
Nam’s Mekong Delta is facing severe drought and critical inland salination at
the same time. El Nino and the shortage of water to the delta due to dams built
by countries in the upper Mekong mainstream are the main causes; however,
Vietnamese water reserve policies are also part of the story.The Mekong River
enters Việt Nam’s territory in two big tributes of the Tiền and Hậu rivers
before it ends in the sea through nine estuaries. The delta has thousands of
inland canals, and for centuries, it seemed hard to believe that the delta
would face a water shortage.But this year, drought has occurred in many delta
provinces and low levels of fresh water in the canals have facilitated the
intrusion of salty water, which is said to be the strongest in 100 years now.As
many as 180,000 hectares of farm land has been affected, destroying crops and
causing critical shortages of water for delta residents.
Local
governments in the affected provinces of Long An, Tiền Giang, Bến Tre, Sóc
Trăng, Trà Vinh, Hậu Giang, Bạc Liêu and Kiên Giang have attempted to source
water from neighbouring, less affected provinces.The central government has
delivered the provinces a relief package of VNĐ650 billion (US$29 million) for
dealing with salination and drought. At the same time, the Vietnamese
government asked countries that own power dams on the upper Mekong mainstream
to release water from their reservoirs to water the dried-up rice paddies.Scientists
have argued that this will not solve the long-term problem. They urged that the
practical situation in Việt Nam be looked into.First, the country needs to find
a fair mechanism of water sharing on the Mekong mainstream, with strong
commitments from dam operators on when and how much water will be released.The
country must also find the exact cause to water shortage in the tributes’
basin, not on the river.
The
delta has two wetland zones, 489,000ha Long Xuyên Quadrangle and 697,000ha
Plain of Reeds, which serve as natural reservoirs, taking water from Mekong
floods and holding it to supply canals in dry season, as underground water
sources.However, the closed system of earthen embankment circling wide areas of
rice paddies and orchards has prevented water from annual Mekong floods
entering the quadrangle and the Plain of Reeds for almost a decade now. Both
natural reservoirs face a critical shortage of water.
Scientists
have also called for reconsidering the country’s development mindset; they want
a policy switch from change and prevention to adaptation. The country should
also stop chasing the title of world’s top rice producer.High concentration on
rice production has resulted in the embankment system, which allows farmers
a third crop of rice in a year, during the Mekong floods. Experts said annual
floodwater helps clean the paddies by washing insects, rats and chemical
residue away. Without the floods soil has become polluted and pests have
spread, which means more chemical use and more pollution year after year.Scientists
also suggested policy of switching canals with bracket water into fresh water
for the aquaculture sector. Scientists said any move against nature would
result in negative outcomes from the changed natural conditions. Countries
should develop or select aquaculture species that can live in bracket water for
the delta breeding industry.
Notable
Prof Võ Tòng Xuân of An Giang University once said the real problem to the
delta is the over concentration on rice production. Meanwhile, Associate Prof
Lê Anh Tuấn of Cần Thơ University called for the return of natural delta
features, which means flooding should happen naturally in the region and canals
with bracket water should remain its status quo.Water from Chinese and Lao
power dams could help temporarily, but only Việt Nam can save itself, by
changing the policies affecting water reserves and the canals in the Mekong
Delta, with a long-term vision. — VNS
Amidst GMO Labeling Confusion, Rice Giant Gets Certified
WASHINGTON, DC -- A Vermont law,
passed two years ago, requires all genetically engineered food sold in the
state to be labeled by July 1, 2016. Last week, Congress failed to pass a
measure that would have created a voluntary national standard for labeling -
and also would have preempted Vermont's law.
Since it is difficult for food
companies to create different packaging just for one state, the Vermont law has
in effect created a national labeling standard and companies, including General
Mills, Mars, and Kellogg, have announced plans to label their products to
provide consumers with up-to-date product information identifying ingredients
that may be genetically engineered.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require
labeling of genetically engineered foods or food products containing
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) because the agency has determined that
the nutritional quality and safety of genetically modified ingredients are no
different from the same ingredients derived from conventional crops.In response
to consumers' desire to make more informed choices about the food they eat,
Riviana Foods Inc. announced last week that its leading rice brands have earned
the Non-GMO Project Verification and will display the Non-GMO Project logo on
appropriate products. "Consumers want to know not just what's in
their food but also where it comes from," said Paul Galvani, Riviana's
senior vice president of marketing.
"In the future, companies will succeed by having full
ingredient transparency, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Brands that are silent on the issue run a risk of losing consumer trust."There
are currently more than 34,000 Non-GMO Project Verified products from nearly
2,400 brands, representing more than $16 billion in annual sales, and Riviana
joins other U.S.-grown rice brands in using the non-GMO label. The
Non-GMO Project Verified logo is currently one of the fastest growing labels in
the natural food sector and the project is the only entity in North America
that offers third-party verification for products made according to best
practices for GMO avoidance.
USA Rice Daily, Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Fed Govt plans self-sufficiency in rice
production for 2018’
Yusuf Alli, Tony Akowe, Dele
Anofi, and Augustine Ehikioyaon: March 30, 2016In:
The
colloquium was held to mark his 64th birthday. He said the Buhari government will return the country to the path of
greatness.He described Buhari’s victory at the poll on March 28, last year as a
birthday wish which God and the people of Nigeria granted him.The ex- Lagos
State Governor said with the commitment of the APC government and its governors
to agriculture, the nation will never go hungry.He said: “It is a commitment
and this nation will not go hungry. Those who are thinking that our common
sense revolution is not realizable should realize that they are the greedy
ones. They are the ones that failed because they are always playing to the
last.“The future is brighter, Nigeria is better, our hope is brighter and our
determination is stronger. We will make this country great”.
The APC
leader who was full of appreciation to those who came for the colloquium said
the promise by the President to ensure that Nigerians are able to feed
themselves is yet another birthday present to him.He recalled how Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo spearheaded the commencement of the Bola Tinubu Colloquium eight
years ago and expressed appreciation to him for the efforts.He also expressed
appreciation to many traditional rulers, including the Oba of Lagos, the Ooni of Ife, Emirs
and other traditional rulers, for
providing spiritual support for the country.Turning to the APC governors, he
said “For what we have used this platform to do today, I want to thank all of
you. Your presence here is very emotional for me. The presence of all of you
energizes me to continue.
“I want
to thank our governors for their commitment to agriculture and redirecting our
economy and bringing life back to Nigeria is more critical and more important
to me.The Agriculture minister said the government is committed to improving
the quality of yield by Nigerian farmers.He said the government plans to take
over about 15 per cent of the export market in Europe with its quality fruits
and vegetables.The Minister said the government has already developed a roadmap
for the development of agriculture in the country.He also said the government
is targeting self-sufficiency in rice and maize production by the end of 2018.
Self-sufficiency in wheat production is slated for 2019.He said: “One of the
strategies to achieving this is soil map which has been distributed to all
states of the federation. It is worth noting that before now, fertilizer
application has no real direction as to the end user.
“When he
assumed office, Mr. President was very equivocal in advising all Nigerians to
return to the farm. It was born out of the unique sense of history and good
common sense. Certainly, there was a time in Nigeria when Agriculture was the
main stay of our economy. It was naturally sustaining us.“Regrettably, over the
last 30 years, we have allowed agriculture to descend into a state of
disorientation. The inappropriateness of our own choices has been steering us
in the face as we grapple with the excruciating pain of economic meltdown
because of our over dependence on oil.“This situation we could have avoided.
The good
news however is that we have resolved that the only good thing to do now is to
get out of this situation. The hard way to restoring agriculture to its pride
of place as the engine of growth is the roadmap to self-sufficiency in
agriculture which we have articulated.Turning to the Colloquium, Ogbeh said:
“The fact that the president is chairing this event underscores the importance
of this colloquium as a befitting tribute to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a great
leader of Nigeria and a great leader of Africa. There is agriculture as a means
of transformation for the promotion and sustain acne of democratic
governance in Nigeria.“Without
controversy, Bola Tinubu is a great son of our nation who was at the forefront
of the battle to rescue our nation during the darkest moments in our history.“He
is truly the Jagaban of our time. He is a bridge builder, a dogged fighter, a
strategist and a tactician per excellence.
I believe Asiwaju deserves all the honour of
this day as one of the Irokos of our hard-won battle.Kebbi State Governor Atiku
Abubakar Bagudu said Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency in food production
only if the right investments aremade in agriculture so as to improve yield.Bagudu
said global trade institutions have not been fair to developing nations like
Nigeria in the promotion of their agricultural produce because of hostile
policies which make it easier and more lucrative for advanced economies to
trade with themselves.
“Financiers
are not interested in investing in agriculture because they don’t understand
the business model of the farmers. They see farmers as people with seasonal
activities and not people who have production units that exits year after year.“Most
of the intervention programmes of government, like Operation Feed the Nation,
Green Revolution among others, have fallen short of their objectives by
not seeking the quantum of money
required to put agriculture on a sustainable level.“Currently, Nigeria has over
three million hectares of land for rice farming but less than five per cent is
utilized for that purpose. I urge the states to increase by 30 to 40 per cent
production processes toward national self-sufficiency in rice production.
About
N500 billion is required to sufficiently finance the three million hectares of
rice farmland for the expected output. It is quite encouraging the stories
coming from the Central Bank, Bank of Agriculture about the response from rice
farmers.“It shows that Nigerian farmers are not looking for subsidy, what they
are after is the availability input as and when they need it. That is very
important in the national value chain in rice self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria
can still do better with its current insufficient rice production with her
three million hectares of farmland. We can do more locally. So, I urge States
to trade more with each other while the Federal government should encourage
more trade with the countries in West Africa.“That is why Kebbi and Lagos
signed an agreement on national value chain for food sufficiency. It is a fact
that many countries in the sub region are import-dependent, because subsidy
regime in Europe and America is limiting our capacity to export while
encouraging us to import. So, Nigeria will do better to take advantage of the
sub regional trade if we fix our agriculture”.
http://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-plans-self-sufficiency-rice-production-2018/
Gov’t vows to monitor borders to stop illegal
rice
Thu, 31 March 2016
The government has decided to strengthen entry points along
Cambodia’s borders to block illegal rice imports, while promising to dissolve
any company’s certificate of origin that is caught mixing contraband rice for
export, Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) president Sok Puthyvuth announced
following a meeting yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister Kheat Chhon.
Additionally, the government will scrap the value added tax
(VAT) on imports of rice milling machinery – a move aimed at reducing millers’ high
capital costs.“As result of the meeting, the government has decided to drop the
VAT on milling machines for the rice industry,” Puthyvuth said.
Members of a government task force attending the closed-door
meeting also considered a request by the CRISIS (Cambodian Rice Industry
Survival Implementation Strategy) initiative for the government to facilitate
$250 million in soft loans to rice millers.The funding package aims at reducing
the financial burden on millers, who typically have to take loans out at 8 to
10 per cent interest from commercial banks or 20 to 30 per cent interest from
microfinance lenders.
While Puthyyuth said nothing concrete had been decided about
issuing soft loans, a recommendation to reduce logistics costs by facilitating
access to Laem Chabang port in Thailand was also discussed during the meeting.The
request to reduce electricity tariffs to about 400 riel per kilowatt hour, was
also broached.“The result of meeting was very productive, and rice millers and
members of committee are happy with the results”, said Moul Sarith, acting
secretary-general of the CRF. “With the VAT dissolved, it will motivate rice
millers to stay in the industry.”According to Sarith, the government will
implement the new requirements after Khmer New Year in mid-April.The CRISIS
group produced a nine-point action plan to address what some described as a rice industry on the brink
of collapse. Commerce Minister Sun Chanthol submitted a report that mirrors four urgent measures outlined in this plan to Prime
Minister Hun Sen on March 10.“Out of the four issues under discussion, some are
difficult to deal with,” Chhon said, adding that they only dealt with the ones
that are possible
A Thai truck in Pailin transports Cambodian rice. AFP
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/govt-vows-monitor-borders-stop-illegal-rice
Weather forecast to impact Colombia's grain
production
3/30/2016 - by World Grain
Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Colombian grain production could be
impacted in 2016 as the period of drought from the El Niño weather phenomena
transitions to rainier conditions of La Niña, U.S. Department ... [read more]
http://www.world-grain.com/articles/news_home/World_Grain_News/2016/03/Weather_forecast_to_impact_Col.aspx?ID=%7B5F266C11-2812-4D77-806D-F5DE59D280EA%7D
Crop painting’
makes farming cool
By: Ronnel W. Domingo
@inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:38 AM March
30th, 2016
No, aliens or any mysterious forces have not been visiting the
rice fields of Nueva Ecija. And those are not mind-boggling patterns impressed
on the crops.But yes, these may be “Signs” (to borrow a title from Hollywood
movie about crop circles) that portend well for the Philippine agriculture
sector.What people, both locals and visitors alike, have been flocking to in
the past two weeks—at the main experiment station of Philippine Rice Research
Institute in Science City of Muñoz—is a newfound art taking root in Philippine
soil, that is paddy art which turns the rice field into a canvas.The entire
staff of PhilRice’s 30-strong genetic resources division “planted and painted”
the faces of “AlDub” stars Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza into a
1,600-square-meter plot using two rice varieties.
“We used the modern or inbred rice variety NSIC Rc360 which is
the usual green color and also a traditional or heirloom purple rice (the
entire plant, including stalks and leaves, is purple) variety to provide the
contrast and make the image,” PhilRice deputy executive director Roger F.
Barroga tells Agri Matters.Barroga says that since viewing was opened to the
public on March 15, more than 2,000 people have come to view the paddy art.Barroga
learned about paddy art in April last year during a study tour in Taiwan. It is
also being done in South Korea but the art started in Japan, in Inakadate
village of the Aomori prefecture—the northern tip of the main and largest
island of Honshu.Inakadate took up rice paddy art in 1993 as part of efforts to
revitalize the village, which has a population of about 8,000 and where rice
farming has been a tradition for the past 2,000 years.
This year, the latest artwork in Inakadate depicts the droids of
“Star Wars” as well as a reproduction of the poster for the 1939 movie “Gone With
the Wind.”In past artworks, the Inakadate villagers have reproduced Leonardo’s
“Mona Lisa,” Marilyn Monroe in the famous billowing white dress from “The Seven
Year Itch,” “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” by Jacques-Louis David, traditional
Japanese artworks depicting samurai and ocean waves, and Japanese TV characters
Ultraman and Naruto.In the Philippines, PhilRice started doing paddy art with a
portrait of Jose Rizal in last year’s wet-season cropping.“We used the same two
rice varieties,” Barroga says. “Our ICT specialist Nehemiah Caballong designed
the artwork in the computer using programs that include Photoshop. Plotting the
design is like doing cross stitching.”In a publicity statement, Caballong
describes art technique as using the anamorphosis principle, involving a
distorted image that will only appear normal when viewed from a certain angle.“It
is the same principle used in 3D street and room art,” Caballong says.
“We adjusted the image to
the vantage point of the viewing area. Then, we processed it into grids to
determine where to plant the rice varieties on a certain coordinate in the
field.”Barroga says the public’s response was “overwhelming.” Many locals come
early in the day, some still in their pajamas, carrying babies and enjoying the
morning sun. But visitors arrive all throughout the day, taking the opportunity
to view the paddy art while there is still light.“And with our kayaking
facility nearby, the viewing turns into a full-blown excursion,” Barroga says.
“We’ve overheard a visitor exclaiming that, because of the paddy art, the farm
turned into a park.”“Novo Ecijanos feel very proud of the rice field painting,
especially with out-of-towners including TV crews coming over to check it out,”
Barroga adds. “And overall, people have found a new appreciation of rice
farming in particular and agriculture in general.”He says the creation of the
rice paddy art fits well with PhilRice’s efforts to raise the awareness of
young people—the so-called “millennials”—on rice farming and agriculture.
The novelty of paddy art rides well with PhilRice’s various
programs like Infomediary Campaign, which mobilizes young people to serve as
information providers in the rice-farming communities. The campaign operates in
108 high schools nationwide in collaboration with the Department of Education
and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research on Climate
Change, Agriculture and Food Security.There is also PhilRices’ Rice Boot Camp,
a training program that helps enhance the capacity of fresh graduates in
agriculture and related sciences on the latest rice production technologies.
Further, the institute also has an initiative for the
out-of-school youth through the AgRiDOCs or Agricultural Development Officers
of the Community. This seven week-long training equips OSYs with both technical
knowledge and a positive mindset toward farming and agriculture.“Now,
youngsters feel excitement about farming,” Barroga says. “Farming in their eye
used to be something that involves hardship and getting dirty, something to be
avoided. Now they think farming is cool.”The current rice paddy art—called
“AlDub rice”—is available for viewing until April 3. Barroga explains that,
with the rice plants bearing fruit over the next few weeks, the green variety
would grow over and practically cover up the purple variety. This means that
the AlDub faces would no longer be visible.“We plan to keep this up in future
cropping cycles and the next one will be planted in July,” Barroga says. “We
will experiment with other colors like red. For now, we are deciding what image
would come alive next in the paddy.
Qatar interested in building power plants in Pakistan
Published: March 30, 2016
Qatari and Chinese companies are
working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan, said the envoy. PHOTO:
FILE
ISLAMABAD: The Qatar
government has expressed its interest in building two power plants in Pakistan
for which the initial feasibility study is in progress, said Ambassador of
Qatar to Pakistan Saqr Bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri while talking to members of the
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).“Qatari and Chinese companies
are already working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan. The
construction of these plants would go a long way in reducing Pakistan’s energy
problems,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.
“Qatar also
plans to import more manpower from Pakistan for various on-going projects.”Al-Mansouri
was of the view that exchange of trade delegations was an effective tool to
explore new areas of trade promotion.The country already imports many products
from Pakistan including rice, medical equipment, medicines, sports goods, dry
fruits, leather products and fish. “Qatar has allowed foreign investment in
specific sectors and Pakistani investors should take advantage of such
incentives,” said the ambassador.“Both countries have great potential to
enhance cooperation in many fields and the Qatari embassy is ready to cooperate
with Pakistani entrepreneurs in finding out new avenues in our country,” he
added.
“The current
bilateral trade between Qatar and Pakistan stands at $300 million, much below
actual potential,“said ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh.
He said ICCI
was interested in signing a MoU with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce to improve
business linkages.
Published in The Express
Tribune, March 30th, 2016
http://tribune.com.pk/story/1075185/qatar-interested-in-building-power-plants-in-pakistan/
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Rice Prices
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in
domestic market.
|
Arrivals
|
Price
|
|||||
|
Current
|
%
change |
Season
cumulative |
Modal
|
Prev.
Modal |
Prev.Yr
%change |
|
|
Rice
|
||||||
|
Bazpur(Utr)
|
1705.00
|
-43.17
|
32613.41
|
1835
|
1900
|
-18.19
|
|
Gadarpur(Utr)
|
908.00
|
-39.39
|
93982.00
|
2128
|
2083
|
23.86
|
|
Billsadda(UP)
|
850.00
|
-
|
4050.00
|
2185
|
-
|
-
|
|
Bahraich(UP)
|
168.50
|
-3.71
|
3567.00
|
2075
|
2075
|
-0.24
|
|
Sitapur(UP)
|
134.00
|
-0.74
|
6146.00
|
2220
|
2200
|
8.56
|
|
Lucknow(UP)
|
114.00
|
18.75
|
3304.50
|
2170
|
2180
|
3.33
|
|
Fatehabad(UP)
|
109.00
|
319.23
|
195.00
|
2020
|
2100
|
-0.98
|
|
Thodupuzha(Ker)
|
70.00
|
NC
|
1960.00
|
2650
|
2650
|
8.16
|
|
Coochbehar(WB)
|
67.00
|
-1.47
|
1118.00
|
2050
|
2050
|
-4.65
|
|
Goalpara(ASM)
|
50.30
|
-19.52
|
389.40
|
1800
|
1800
|
-
|
|
Ghaziabad(UP)
|
50.00
|
-28.57
|
2120.00
|
2140
|
2145
|
1.42
|
|
Ghiraur(UP)
|
43.00
|
-
|
43.00
|
2020
|
-
|
4.66
|
|
Beldanga(WB)
|
40.00
|
-9.09
|
1491.50
|
2280
|
2290
|
-8.80
|
|
Koderma(Jha)
|
36.00
|
-26.53
|
331.00
|
3300
|
3500
|
-8.33
|
|
Fatehpur Sikri(UP)
|
34.00
|
-
|
55.00
|
2060
|
-
|
5.10
|
|
Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)
|
30.00
|
NC
|
1290.00
|
3200
|
3100
|
-
|
|
Lakhimpur(UP)
|
25.00
|
66.67
|
398.50
|
2130
|
2160
|
0.24
|
|
Udala(Ori)
|
24.00
|
41.18
|
744.00
|
2800
|
2800
|
12.00
|
|
Muzzafarnagar(UP)
|
24.00
|
-35.14
|
1046.00
|
2180
|
2180
|
5.06
|
|
Jalpaiguri Sadar(WB)
|
23.00
|
4.55
|
699.00
|
2750
|
2750
|
1.85
|
|
Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB)
|
21.50
|
-3.59
|
881.60
|
2300
|
2300
|
-11.54
|
|
Mekhliganj(WB)
|
20.50
|
-6.82
|
555.50
|
2050
|
2050
|
10.81
|
|
Sirsa(UP)
|
18.00
|
5.88
|
399.50
|
2075
|
2085
|
0.73
|
|
Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori)
|
14.60
|
165.45
|
204.20
|
3250
|
3250
|
NC
|
|
Dibrugarh(ASM)
|
12.00
|
-36.84
|
935.30
|
2400
|
2400
|
-
|
|
Pundibari(WB)
|
10.00
|
-23.08
|
165.50
|
2050
|
2050
|
-3.53
|
|
Muradabad(UP)
|
9.20
|
2.22
|
414.70
|
2270
|
2280
|
12.38
|
|
Mirzapur(UP)
|
9.00
|
5.88
|
1162.50
|
1950
|
1945
|
-1.02
|
|
Chengannur(Ker)
|
8.00
|
33.33
|
432.50
|
2400
|
2500
|
-4.00
|
|
Khairagarh(UP)
|
8.00
|
-5.88
|
291.00
|
2100
|
2100
|
6.60
|
|
Ranaghat(WB)
|
8.00
|
-11.11
|
50.00
|
2100
|
2050
|
-10.64
|
|
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
|
7.80
|
-48
|
1184.50
|
1900
|
1900
|
-
|
|
Chandoli(UP)
|
7.50
|
-6.25
|
38.50
|
1890
|
1870
|
1.89
|
|
Bohorihat(ASM)
|
6.50
|
-67.5
|
237.90
|
2100
|
2100
|
-8.70
|
|
Imphal(Man)
|
3.40
|
-2.86
|
161.70
|
2900
|
2900
|
NC
|
|
Alibagh(Mah)
|
3.00
|
NC
|
99.00
|
4000
|
4000
|
150.00
|
|
Murud(Mah)
|
3.00
|
NC
|
171.00
|
3000
|
2500
|
87.50
|
|
Bharuasumerpur(UP)
|
2.50
|
150
|
8.00
|
1880
|
1860
|
4.44
|
|
Balarampur(WB)
|
2.10
|
NC
|
47.80
|
2130
|
2130
|
-11.25
|
|
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)
|
2.00
|
NC
|
89.10
|
2000
|
2000
|
-9.09
|
|
Melaghar(Tri)
|
2.00
|
-33.33
|
95.80
|
2250
|
2250
|
-4.26
|
|
Siyana(UP)
|
1.50
|
-25
|
59.50
|
2040
|
2060
|
-0.97
|
|
Sardhana(UP)
|
1.20
|
20
|
66.00
|
2165
|
2160
|
4.34
|
03/30/2016 Farm
Bureau Market Report
Rice
|
High
|
Low
|
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Rice Comment
Rice futures
were mostly lower again today. A marketing year low of just 14,500 MT of rice
were sold last week, which was down 32-percent from last week and 82-percent
from the previous 4-week average. Overall rice exports are up slightly year-to-date
compared to last year; however the market still needs additional sales to
materialize as outstanding sales remain well below year ago levels. At the same
time, though, Vietnam's 1st qtr. 2016 rice exports were up 30.1% over a year
earlier at 1.46 MMT. May set a new contract low for the second day in a row,
with support at $9.97 on the monthly continuation the next target for bears
Pantry 101:
Long grain vs. short grain rice
Demystify one of the world’s most common grains — while adding a
little variety to the pantry.
Heather MacMullin 0
Illustration, Casie Wilson.
White, long-grain rice is a
staple of the pantry cupboard, but the varieties of rice you can be using are
many — as are the lengths. Each adds a different flavour, texture or
nutritional element to your cooking, so it’s important to have an idea of
what’s what when you’re in the dry goods aisle. Here’s the long and short of
it:
Long-grain rice
About three times longer than
it is wide, these grain varieties hold their shape well after cooking, with the
softened grains remaining relatively separate. Depending on the variety, they
can be milled to remove the entire germ and bran layers (white rice), or less
processed to maintain a higher nutrient value (brown rice).
Varieties
White: Refined during the milling process to remove outer germ and bran,
this is your standard rice.
Try it: Tangy fried rice.
Try it: Tangy fried rice.
Jasmine: Largely produced in Thailand, this long-grain rice has a naturally
occurring floral aroma. Slightly stickier in texture when cooked than
regular white rice, it is perfect for stir-fries, as well as pairing with many
Thai and Chinese dishes.
Try it: Pork adobo with jasmine rice.
Try it: Pork adobo with jasmine rice.
Basmati: This long grain variety is another aromatic rice, often aged to
further develop its distinct flavour (it has a nutty rather than floral scent).
Largely produced in India and Pakistan, the name originates from the Sanskrit
word vasmati, for “fragrant”.
Try it: Artichoke and shrimp pilaf.
Try it: Artichoke and shrimp pilaf.
Brown: This whole-grain variety is found in both long and short lengths,
and is milled to remove only the outer hull, leaving the germ and brown bran
layers.
Cooking tip: Brown rice typically takes two to three times longer to cook than white rice.
Try it: Ginger-shrimp brow rice bowl.
Cooking tip: Brown rice typically takes two to three times longer to cook than white rice.
Try it: Ginger-shrimp brow rice bowl.
Parboiled: Partially boiled in the husk, this rice is processed so it will
cook more quickly while remaining firmer and less sticky. Generally felt to be
less flavourful, with different texture.
Instant/Quick rice: Cooked and dehydrated before purchase. While it decreases cook
time significantly, like parboiled rice, many feel it
loses flavour and firmness as a result of extra processing.
Short-grain rice
As the name implies, these
grains are shorter, with a slightly rounded kernel. When cooked, they often
have a sticky (rather than fluffy and separate) texture. They’re the
preferred choice for risottos, sushi rice and rice puddings.
Varieties
Arborio rice: These short, round grains are Italian in origin. When cooked, they
become creamy and soft, making them an ideal choice for savoury risottos and
sweet puddings.
Try it: Classic risotto with shrimp and sweet peas.
Try it: Classic risotto with shrimp and sweet peas.
Sushi or ‘sticky’ rice: A more glutinous rice, the sticky nature of these grains
(when cooked) allows for manipulation and shaping — making it ideal for
homemade sushi rolls or wraps.
Cooking tip: To preserve shape, this rice is best when steamed, rather than boiled.
Try it: Sushi pizza.
Cooking tip: To preserve shape, this rice is best when steamed, rather than boiled.
Try it: Sushi pizza.
Black grain rice: A short to medium-grain rice with a black outer bran layer. High
in fibre and antioxidants, it has a similar flavour to brown rice and turns to
dark purple when cooked.
Try it: Black rice pudding.
Try it: Black rice pudding.
Rice Leadership Class Session No.
1: The Gulf Coast
Session No. 1
is also the class icebreaker as it's the first time members spend quality time
together since the announcement of their selection at the USA Rice Outlook
Conference a few months before.
Photo SubmittedThe Rice Leadership Development
2016 Class tours RiceTec, Inc.
By Chuck Wilson
USA Rice Federation
USA Rice Federation
Posted Mar. 29, 2016 at 11:13 AM
STUTTGART —
Traditionally the Rice Leadership Development program's first
session occurs in the spring and begins with a tour through rice-producing
areas of the Gulf Coast. Stops in Texas and Louisiana include examination of
rice production, milling, marketing, research, and other aspects of the U.S.
rice industry.Session No. 1 is also the class icebreaker as it's the first time
members spend quality time together since the announcement of their selection
at the USA Rice Outlook Conference a few months before.On day one of the
inaugural session earlier this month, class member Michael Bosworth, a rice
farmer from Olivehurst, California, said, "From the outset, we appear to
have a really strong group and we're eager to get to know each other and start
taking advantage of the unique opportunities the Leadership Class
presents."In addition to Bosworth, class members are: Imran Khan, Chico,
California; Allen McLain, Abbeville, Louisiana; Sidney Robnett, Stuttgart;
Brandon Truax, Gillett; Sunny Bottoms, Dumas, with Horizon Ag; and Kris Riggs,
Jonesboro, with Anheuser-Busch.In Texas the class visited Riviana Foods;
RiceTec, Inc.; the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA); Doguet Rice Milling
Company; Rice Belt Warehouse, the state's largest storage facility; and several
rice farms.
Rice farmer Imran Khan was struck by the differences in farming
practices in the south because "coming from California, with our specific
cultural practices and varieties we plant, it's been eye-opening to see the
same crop done in a different way."What impressed Sunny Bottoms most
during the Texas leg of the session was, "the reservoir being constructed
by the LCRA near Lane City, Texas. Being from Arkansas I've never had to worry
that much about water availability, although it is a growing concern, and our
issues are typically with groundwater availability, not surface water and urban
sprawl."
Bottoms continued, "[The reservoir] is a massive
undertaking: five miles in perimeter and 42 feet high. We learned about many of
the issues that had to be taken into consideration before building something of
this magnitude; for instance, the seep wall that was being constructed
underground before the levee could be built on top of it. They were able to use
the native soils at the site for much of the construction and only had to bring
in some key ingredients."During their three-day visit to Louisiana, the
class met with Farmers Rice Milling Company and toured the bioenergy plant that
supplies the company's electricity. At the South Louisiana Rail facility in
Lacassine, the group met Mark Pousson, an alumnus of the program, and toured
their state-of-the-art rail facility.
Following a tour of the bagging facility at Crowley's JohnPac,
Inc., the group met with Dr. Steve Linscombe from the Louisiana State
University Rice Research Station, also an alumnus, to review the latest rice
research information."One of the great things about this Leadership
Program is seeing aspects of our industry that are important but we just don't
think about, like JohnPac manufacturing bags for the rice industry," said
rice farmer Sidney Robnett.
http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/article/20160329/NEWS/160329582
