Tuesday, December 26, 2017

25th December,2017 daily global regional local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

MoA signed for rice straw based bio-fuel production in Odisha

December 24, 2017

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Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed here today for production of rice straw based bio-fuel in Odisha.

The agreement was inked between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in presence of Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at auditorium of the varsity.

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The proposed ‘Biofuel Chair’ will conduct research for screening of best agricultural crops and develop new agricultural varieties which can yield more cellulose content, tweeted Pradhan.

The move came in view of the rice production in Odisha, where the annual rice production is registered 85 lakh tonne with approximate production of 100 lakh tonne of rice straw. Except use of rice straw as fodder and few domestic purposes, it has no economic utilization.

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BPCL came forward on technology partnership with OUAT for effective utilization of rice straw for bio-fuel production in a bio-chemical enzymatic process with financial support of Rs 5 crore. Out of the total budget allocation, Rs 2 Crore will be used as a corpus for BPCL chair and Rs 3 crore as research contingency for development, establishment and popularization of the bio-fuel production technology. This endeavour is in line with the policy decision for supplementation of 10% straw based ethanol for increasing fuel efficiency and reducing the pressure on fossil fuel.

The OUAT will support BPCL in strengthening technical support for ensuring smooth functioning of 2G Ethanol Bio-Refinery at Bargarh, Pradhan tweeted.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan proposed OUAT to establish an Agri-Business Incubation Centre in the campus to promote students, farmers and young entrepreneurs in Odisha. He urged the State government to extend all cooperation for the establishment of Incubation Centre at OUAT.

http://odishasuntimes.com/moa-signed-for-rice-straw-based-bio-fuel-production-in-odisha/

23 DECEMBER 2017 Last Updated at 1:10 PM

Select edible oils slide on muted demand

New Delhi, Dec 23 Select edible oils softened at the wholesale oil and oilseeds market during the week owing to slackened demand from retailers and vanaspati millers against adequate stocks position.

However, groundnut oil ended up on scattered enquiries.

On the other hand, non-edible oils moved in a narrow range in limited deals from consuming industries and pegged at last levels.

Traders said besides easing demand from retailers and vanaspati millers, ample stocks position on increased arrivals from producing regions mainly led to decline in select edible oil prices.

In the national capital, mustard expeller (Dadri) oil declined by Rs 100 to Rs 7,950 per quintal.

Palmolein (RBD) and palmolein (Kandla) oils also fell by Rs 100 each to Rs 6,200 and Rs 6,250 per quintal, respectively.

Soyabean refined mill delivery (Indore) and soyabean degum (Kandla) too shed Rs 50 each to Rs 7,350 and Rs 6,950 per quintal, respectively.

On the other hand, groundnut oil (Gujarat) oil closed higher by Rs 100 to Rs 9,500 per quintal. Groundnut solvent refined followed suit and edged up by Rs 25 to Rs 1,675-1,775 per tin.

In the non-edible section, castor oil moved both ways on alternate bouts of buying or selling and settled at the previous week's level of Rs 8,500-8,600 per quintal.

Linseed oil also held steady at Rs 8,800 per quintal on lack of buying support from paint industries. (MORE)

grains market during the week on muted demand against against ample stocks position.

Wheat also eased on reduced offtake by flour mills against increased supplies from producing belts.

However, barley ended higher on uptick in demand from consuming industries.

Traders said easing demand from stockists and rice mills against sufficient stocks position mainly attributed the fall in rice basmati prices.

In the national capital, rice basmati common and Pusa- 1121 variety drifted down to Rs 7,500-7,600 and Rs 6,100-6,200 from previous levels of Rs 7,800-7,900 and Rs 6,300-6,400 per quintal, respectively.

Non-basmati rice permal raw, wand and IR-8 also settled lower at Rs 2,300-2,350, Rs 2,350-2,400 and Rs 1,925-1,975 from previous levels of Rs 2,325-2,375, Rs 2,375-2,425 and Rs 1,950-2,000 per quintal, respectively in line with rice basmati trend.

Wheat dara (for mills) too finished weak at Rs 1,770- 1,785 as compared to previous week's close of Rs 1,800-1,805 per quintal. Atta chakki delivery followed suit and eased to Rs 1,780-1,785 against last close of Rs 1,810-1,815 per 90 kg.

Maida shed Rs 10 to Rs 990-1,000 per 50 kg.

On the other hand, barley which remained steady for the major part of week, found fag-end buying support from consuming industries and ended higher by Rs 20 to Rs 1,490-1,500 per quintal.

However, bajra and maize moved in a narrow range in scattered deals from consuming industries and settled at previous levels of Rs 1,215-1,220 and Rs 1,290-1,295 per quintal, respectively. (MORE)

amid hike in import duty on chana and masoor dal.

Marketmen said increased buying by stockists, driven by surge in demand from dal mills against tight stocks position on fall in supplies from growing regions mainly pushed up kabuli gram small variety and other pulses prices.

Besides, government's decision to impose a hefty 30 per cent import duty on chana and masoor dal to curb cheaper shipments, supported the upside, they said.

"To protect interest of farmers, the government has decided to impose 30 per cent import duty on chana and masoor with immediate effect," the finance ministry said.

The production of chana and masoor is expected to be high during this rabi season.

In the national capital, kabuli gram small variety gained the most by surging Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000-9,000 per quintal.

Gram, gramdal local and best quality settled sharply higher at Rs 4,850-5,300, Rs 5,600-6,000 and Rs 6,000-6,100 from previous week's close of Rs 4,200-4,500, Rs 4,600-5,000 and Rs 5,000-5,100 per quintal, respectively.

Besan Shaktibhog and Rajdhani followed suit and quoted higher at Rs 2,300 each instead of Rs 2,100 each per 35 kg bag.

Masoor small and bold also climbed to Rs 4,000-4,100 and Rs 4,050-4,200 from previous levels of Rs 3,500-3,600 and Rs 3,550-3,700 per quintal. Its dal local and best quality surged by Rs 700 each to Rs 4,200-4,700 and Rs 4,300-4,800 per quintal.

Arhar and its dal dara variety too flared up to Rs 4,400 and Rs 6,400-8,300 against last close of Rs 3,850 and Rs 5,600-7,500 per quintal.

In line with the overall trend, moong and its dal chilka (local) rose by Rs 200 and Rs 300 respectively to Rs 4,900- 5,600 and Rs 5,700-5,900 per quintal. Its dal dhoya local and traded higher by Rs 300 each to Rs 6,300-6,800 and Rs 6,800- 7,000 per quintal.

Malka local and best quality gained Rs 300 each to Rs 4,400-4,600 and Rs 4,500-4,800 per quintal.

Urad and its dal chilka (local) shot up by Rs 200 and Rs 400 to Rs 4,150-5,750 and Rs 5,200-5,300 per quintal. Its dal best quality and dhoya enquired higher by Rs 400 each to Rs 5,300-5,800 and Rs 5,700-5,900 per quintal, respectively. (MORE)

market in the national capital during the week under review with prices plunging by Rs 150 per quintal on adequate ready stocks position due to constant supplies from mills amid restricted buying by stockists and bulk consumers.

Marketmen said sufficient ready stocks on persistent supplies from mills due to bumper output this year, triggered by opportunistic buying by stockists and bulk consumers such as ice-cream and soft-drink makers, mainly led to a steep fall in sweetener's prices.

Besides, during the week, the government removed stock holding limit on sugar traders to prevent further sharp downfall in prices, they added.

Sugar ready M-30 and S-30 prices saw a sharp downfall of Rs 150 each to settle the week at Rs 3,500-3,670 and Rs 3,490 -3,660 per quintal, respectively.

Mill delivery M-30 and S-30 prices also tumbled down by Rs 85 each to finish the week at Rs 3,270-3,445 and Rs 3,260- 3,435 per quintal, respectively.

In millgate section, Sugar Mawana and Shamli dipped the most by Rs 105 each and both settled at Rs 3,335 each, while Dorala, Budhana, Thanabhavan, Ramala, Anupshaher and Nazibabad plummeted by Rs 100 each to conclude the week at Rs 3,345, Rs 3,340, Rs 3,335 and rest all at Rs 3,270 each per quintal.

Nanota fell by Rs 95 to Rs 3,270, while Baghpati and Morna shed Rs 90 each to Rs 3,290 and Rs 3,285 per quintal, respectively.

Sakoti, Modinagar and Khatauli declined by Rs 85 each to Rs 3,315, Rs 3,335 and Rs 3,445 per quintal, respectively.

Asmoli and Dhampur eased by Rs 60 each to Rs 3,440 and Rs 3,310 per quintal, respectively. Simbholi and Chandpur drifted lower by Rs 50 each to Rs 3,430 and Rs 3,300 per quintal, respectively. Dhanora weakened by Rs 45 to Rs 3,425 per quintal. (MORE)

Marketmen said adequate stocks position on the back of increased arrivals from producing belts mainly weighed on select gur prices but mild winter season demand helped other prices to end higher.

At Delhi, gur pedi fell by Rs 100 to Rs 3,000-3,100 per quintal.

However, chakku, dhaya and shakkar moved in a narrow range in limited deals and pegged at the last levels of Rs 2,900-3,000, Rs 3,200-3,300 and Rs 3,300-3,400 per quintal, respectively.

At Muzzafarnagar, gur chakku also slipped to Rs 2,600- 2,850 from previous level of Rs 2,625-2,950 per quintal.

On the other hand, gur khurpa and ladoo edged up to Rs 2,650-2,700 and Rs 2,900-2,950 from previous levels of Rs 2,600-2,650 and Rs 2,850-2,950 per quintal, respectively.

In Muradnagar, gur pedi also went up to Rs 2,700-2,800 from previous level of Rs 2,650-2,750 per quintal.(MORE)

dryfruits market during the week with almond and pistachio prices rising, supported by uptick in demand from retailers and stockists, driven by winter season demand.

Tight stock positions following restricted arrivals from producing regions and overseas markets also influenced prices.

Trading sentiment improved mostly on increased offtake by stockists and retailers due to winter season demand.

Almond (California) prices rose by Rs 100 to Rs 17,100- 17,300 per 40 kg, while its kernel went up by Rs 5 to settle at Rs 615-620 per kg.

Almond gurbandi and girdhi also increased by Rs 100 each to conclude at Rs 12,000-12,500 and Rs 5,000-5,100 per 40 kg, respectively.

Chilgoza-roasted rose by Rs 50 to settle at Rs 2,650- 2,750 per kg.

Cashew kernel No 180, No 210, No 240 and No 320 went up by Rs 5 each to conclude at Rs 1,080-1,090, Rs 980-990 Rs 915 -920 and Rs 815-825 and its kernel broken (2, 4 and 8 pieces) also rose up to Rs 15 to settle at Rs 665-770, Rs 645-755 and Rs 550-670 per kg, respectively.

Coconut owder rose by Rs 100 to finish at Rs 4,800-5,500 per 25 kgs.

Kishmish Indian (yellow and green) prices were trading higher at Rs 3,600-4,300 and Rs 6,800-10,400 instead of Rs 3,500-4,200 and Rs 6,200-10,200 per 40 kg, respectively.

Pistachio hairati and peshwari prices also rose by Rs 5 each to end at Rs 1,400-1,475 and Rs 1,565-1,645 per kg, respectively. (MORE)

during the period under review on increased buying by stockists and retailers, supported by rising domestic and export demand.

Market analysts said apart from fall in supplies from producing regions, pick-up in demand from retailers and exporters influenced the trading sentiment.

Black pepper prices traded higher at Rs 500-630 as compared with previous week's closing of Rs 430-600 per kg after the government put restrictions on import of the spice commodity by imposing minimum import price of Rs 500 per kg to protect domestic growers.

Cardamom brown-jhundiwali and kanchicut rose by Rs 10 each to conclude at Rs 550-570 and Rs 630-930 per kg.

Cardamom small varieties such as chitridar, colour robin, bold and extra bold surged up to Rs 25 to close at Rs 950-1,050, Rs 890-900, Rs 910-930 and Rs 1,000-1,020 per kg, respectively.

Chirounji prices increased by Rs 50 to settle at Rs 740-850 per kg.

Coriander prices went up by Rs 100 to finish at Rs 6,200-13,200 per quintal.

Dry ginger and kalaunji prices were trading higher at Rs 12,200-17,200 and Rs 10,500-10,800 as against previous close of Rs 12,000-17,000 and Rs 9,300-9,500 per quintal.

Makhana and nutmeg prices increased up to Rs 40 to conclude at Rs 640-770 and Rs 450-470 per kg, respectively.

Poppyseed (China, U.P and MP-RAJ) higher by Rs 10 each to settle at Rs 560-590, Rs 550-570 and Rs 550-570 per kg, respectively.

Chilli and turmeric prices increased up to Rs 500 to finish at Rs 6,500-14,000 and Rs 9,000-12,200 per quintal.

Jeera common and jeera best quality also rose Rs 100 each to end at Rs 21,200-21,300 and Rs 23,600-24,100 per quintal. (MORE)

Bullion: Gold staged a recovery to close at Rs 29,850 per 10 grams at the bullion market during the week amid positive global cues and increased buying by local jewellers.

Silver followed suit and ended higher at Rs 38,660 per kg due to increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.

Marketmen said besides firm trend overseas, increased buying by local jewellers at domestic spot markets led to the recovery in the precious metal prices.

Globally, gold ended the week higher at USD 1,274.50 an ounce and and silver at USD 16.37 an ounce in New York.

In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity commenced the week lower at Rs 29,525 and Rs 29,375 per 10 grams respectively on lack of buying support. Later, it bounced back to close at Rs 29,850 and Rs 29,700 on firm overseas cues, showing a rise of Rs 300 each.

Sovereign also went up by Rs 100 to Rs 24,500 per piece of eight gram.

In volatile movements on alternate bouts of buying and selling, silver ready ended the week higher by Rs 560 to Rs 38,660 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 750 to Rs 37,955 per kg.

On the other hand, silver coins ended flat at Rs 70,000 for buying and Rs 71,000 for selling of 100 pieces in limited deals.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/select-edible-oils-slide-on-muted-demand/1215729

Farmers of Odisha opt for middlemen to skip ordeal

By Express News Service | Published: 24th December 2017 02:11 AM |

Last Updated: 24th December 2017 08:42 AM | A+A A- |

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Tribal women checking their harvested tomatoes before sale in a farm field at Digaput village in Koraput district | PARESH RATH

ROURKELA:Blame it on complexities of the time-consuming procurement process or the dire need for cash. Marginal farmers in Sundargarh opted for selling their crops at local markets or to middlemen, even before the purchase at mandis started on December 15.

After a farmer manages to overcome the vagaries of nature and is finally blessed with good harvest, his real test of patience begins at the time of procurement. Farmers claimed they usually go through a long process to get the MSP for paddy, fixed at Rs 1,550 per quintal for common grade and Rs 1,590 for grade A. Fearing delay, marginal and small farmers started selling paddy crop for Rs 950 to Rs 1,200 per quintal at the village weekly market and to rural traders, middle men and agents of rice mills, sources said.

Farmers save themselves from the long procedure and extra transportation cost as middlemen or agents buy paddy stocks from their doorsteps, offering ready cash.In a vast district like Sundargarh comprising 279 gram panchayats, there are only 116 Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs). Some centres are even 40 km away from villages, farmers said.“It is better to sell paddy privately to avoid the transportation cost,” a marginal farmer, Joseph Xess, said.

According to the approximate estimates of the Agriculture department, out of 2.19 lakh farmers, only 33,000 have registered online.“The ordeal of the farmers starts with online registration at 44 LAMPSs (Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies) and handful of agriculture centres. The farmers often fear having to return empty-handed, if there is no staff or internet disruption at the centre,” sources said.

Not just that, the quantity of paddy that could be sold by a farmer involves a complex calculation by Revenue Inspectors and Civil Supplies Officer concerned. “Before sale of paddy, farmers have to travel long distances to procure tokens in advance from PPCs and each PPC issues 15-20 tokens a day,” sources added. All these complexities had apparently compelled farmers to avoid the procurement process. Another difficulty for the farmers lies in the fact that each PPC buys paddy two to three days a week from 7 am to 1 pm. Moreover, farmers can sell their paddy only on prescribed dates.

“During delivery of crop, agents of rice mills at the PPCs deduct 5-10 per cent citing lack of Fair Average Quality. Moreover, at the PPCs, farmers are forced to offer labour although the rice millers get Rs 9 per quintal as ‘Mandi Labour’ charges,” sources said.Bonai Krushak Sangh president Dambrudhar Kishan claimed about 60 per cent owners of agricultural lands availed online registration. “But, the share-croppers who cultivate their lands manage to get the MSP by selling paddy stocks to unscrupulous middlemen, earning `100 per quintal as commission,” he said.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/dec/24/farmers-of-odisha-opt-for-middlemen-to-skip-ordeal-1735655.html

Nigeria should be self-sufficient in rice production by 2019’

By Risikat Ramoni, Lagos | Publish Date: Dec 24 2017 2:00AM

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Tunji Owoeye, the Managing Director of Elephant Group, was the President of Rice Importers Association of Nigeria (RIAN). He is an investor in the rice value chain. In this interview, he speaks on local rice, ban on importation of rice, the staple food, and how Nigeria can be self-sufficient in its production in the next two years.

Do you think local rice millers can meet the demands of Nigerians?

I think we will appreciate it better if we understand where we are coming from. We are coming from a place where four to five years ago rice production was only between one to two million tonnes a year. It’s roughly eight to 10 million tonnes today. This is harvest time for rice paddy. If we go across the North, everybody is active.

We have seen in recent times that rice farmers have been able to send their children back to school and they have been able to meet their basic needs. There is significant improvement in the availability of paddy and that is why there are more rice milling capacities in the country now.

We have gone very far. If the government says very soon we are going to be self-sufficient in rice, as an investor, I will say emphatically that we will. A lot of work has been done in that regards. For instance, see the efforts of the CBN on the Anchor Borrowers programme. There is a new product that rice farmers association is having with the CBN. The CBN is supporting them with inputs and matching them with input suppliers and millers that are guaranteed off takers.

What they have done in countries like India, Brazil and Vietnam is not more than this and they revolutionised the industry. So, I am looking forward to a revolution in that industry.

There are speculations that government may lift the ban on the importation of rice. What is your view on this?

As investors in the industry, we are not going to encourage the government to lift the ban. There has been a lot of investment that stakeholders and investors have put into the rice value chain. A lot of people have invested in rice production. As a stakeholder, a market operator, I know that presently, everywhere in the North, rice paddy is available. Some people have invested into that chain across the country. Farmers have invested. Government invested indirectly through support of single digit loans to rice farmers. A lot of rice millers have increased their milling capacity. A lot of rice traders that used to be importers have taken long term capital in form of loans from international bodies and it has been invested in the value chain.

I used to be the president of rice importers in those days. Most of our members then are now rice millers and producers.

Government is encouraging food self sufficiency and we don’t expect them to change tomorrow by saying rice importation will continue. I don’t think the government will do that. Government is happy today that a lot of traders have taken position in the value chain and this is good for the country.

Local rice is not common in the market unlike the foreign rice which is readily available. How soon should we expect the local rice to take over the Nigerian market?

It depends on your conception of locally made or packaged rice. The kind of rice that we call locally made rice in those days is not rice that is coming from the integrated rice mills. Now, the rice we see in the market is from the integrated rice mills and they have colour sorters, de-stoner, parboiling facility and many more. Today, it will be hard to differentiate local rice from the imported ones.

In those days, Ebonyi rice and Ofada were the local rice known to all. The integrated rice mills available now are comparable and as good, if not better than the imported rice. That is why many believe the local rice is not available, yet, that is not the case.

The rice that millers now produce in Nigeria is devoid of stones and long grains due to the equipment used in processing them. That is a plus for the government and all stakeholders in the rice value chain.

How long will it take Nigeria to be self-sufficient in rice production?

If there is sustenance of the current move by the Federal Government, in terms of policy and political will, and in terms of support from the banks such as the CBN, Bank of Industry, I don’t see us not being self-sufficient in two years. From what is happening now, it’s remarkable.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/-nigeria-should-be-self-sufficient-in-rice-production-by-2019.html

Mudi: Locally produced rice now hotcake in Kano

By Abba Anwar

24 December 2017 | 4:29 am

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Mudi

What is your assessment of the efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production?
The drive towards self-sufficiency in rice production by the Federal Government has recorded some successes, especially the bold step taken to close the borders, and concentrating on our local farmers. That alone has boosted the morale of our local producers of rice.

It is the outcome of this that has given them the fillip to redouble their efforts by producing beyond what they were producing before the eventful commencement of the policy. Now, rice production has risen from 4.1 million mt at the national level, to about 11million mt. By whatever standard, this is a great improvement.

This did not happen just like that, there is this Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor-Borrowers Scheme that has boosted rice and wheat productions. The scheme was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari, in September 2015 in Kebbi State. This was a momentous development in local rice production in our country, and a big leap for rice farmers.

You by now understand that most of our farmers transited from subsistence farming to commercial farming, and they are doing very fine. This transition, it must be stressed, made tremendous impact on rice production, which will largely help in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production in Kano State and country in general.

How has Kano’s large investment in rice production turned out this year?
Rice harvest this year has been very good for us; we only encountered a little problem caused by the scarcity of water during the dry season rice production. That was when the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin closed the irrigation water for the farmers. This development had a devastating effect on our farmers, and caused serious and monumental damages to our farmers.

But that notwithstanding, in other areas we had a bumper harvest, that much I can say. Farmers are generally happy about the good period we experienced during the harvest.

At the state level, we produced about 900, 000mt last year, and for this year, we produced 1.5million mt.

How is the patronage of our local rice compared to foreign rice?
I can tell you for sure that the patronage that local rice enjoys in Kano State is fantastic, so also across the country. That also is a serious source of encouragement to our local rice farmers, that is, the fact that our rice is accepted by our people.

However, I can even tell you that criminality is beginning to come into rice business. For instance, most of these rice that are called foreign rice are rice produced in Nigeria. Some people are re-packaging our local rice and disguising it to be foreign rice, when in actual fact they are locally produced rice.

For your information also, Nigerian rice is very fresh because we consume it immediately after harvesting. What Nigerians are getting from local rice is fresh and aromatic product.

But the foreign rice they are bringing in here were produced and stored for between three to five years. That on its own shows that it is not fresh rice that is being brought in, but now that many people have tasted Nigerian rice, they are now going for it.

What is actually happening now is that in the country, you can’t store our local rice because the buyers are already there waiting for your product. And you know we have millers that mill local rice to approved international standards. When you see Nigerian rice, you can compare it with any other rice that comes from outside the country.

Nigerian rice is now very competitive, and like I said, many people are going for it than in the past, that is, before this Federal Government policy on self-sufficiency in food production.

With this policy of economic diversification, our local farmers are being encouraged.

What needs to be done to improve rice production in the country?
The Federal Government needs to make available more support for rice farmers, just as it needs to provide an enabling environment for rice production. Let me again point out that closing our borders against importation of rice really encouraged us.

Having said that, government needs to look at the mechanisation aspect of rice farming, so that the production cost can be driven down and the produce made cheaper than it is now. Right now, the process that we are using is very expensive. But things can change for the better if government can intervene through mechanisation. I am sure things will be better and easy afterwards because when the product is cheaper it can compete with all other commodities that are coming from outside.

What led the price of our local rice to soar is nothing more than the high cost of production. That is why we are calling for such interventions from government and other partners.

  What relationship exists between rice farmers and rice millers in the state?
The relationship is very cordial, even though they are in great numbers, which is part of the reasons why our produce sail through without delay.

We don’t really have rice that can be dumped at the market because our rice are precessed whenever we harvest. This shows that the high number of millers is important and useful to us.

But apart from that, rice millers don’t assist farmers in any other way. Unlike wheat millers, flour companies for example, help wheat farmers with implements so that they can have a good farming season. But rice millers are lagging behind and we are not seeing or getting such assistance.

If you look at it critically, you will understand that the Federal Government, through the CBN, helps millers in their businesses. So, we are thinking that millers should do the same to farmers. When government gives support to farmers through Millers, it automatically means the assistance is solely for the millers.

Some people are of the view that government should bring back marketing board for the rice sector. How relevant is this?
I think this issue of marketing boards may not work because of our thinking, that such boards may not be feasible. That is the reason we came up with the Warehousing Finance Receipt System, to cater for farmers, who do not want to sell their produce immediately after harvest.

It is through this system that a farmer can leave his produce until he is ready to sell them. When this happens, his rice becomes collateral for him to get credit commensurate to his product, and when the price of the produce appreciates, he can then sell them off.

So, keeping their produce help the farmers obtain credits that are commensurate to their products.

What we came to realise in the whole issue of marketing board is that some vested interests may not allow it to work the way it should. So, even if you come back with such boards, it will not work well, or will not be in the best interest of our people. To tell you the truth, it is near impossible to think that such boards can bounce back because it seems nobody would even be serious about it.

Sometimes some people don’t even want us to mention it when we attend events that have to do with such things. In fact, nobody will even take you serious these days if you begin to call for the restoration of marketing boards.

With the warehousing system in place in Kano, the state government has approved the sum of N1 billion for this our new scheme, but a dime has not been released yet.

When are we expecting to commence exportation of rice since production has recently improved?
You know we have just started recording significant improvement in the production figures, in other words, we have just started producing at commercial level. That notwithstanding, we are expecting that by June 2018, that is during the next dry season farming, we should be able to do something serious, especially now that we are having many stakeholders coming up to us for one form of collaboration or the other.

Like foreign development partners, they now believe that our country is serious with improving the agriculture sector. We now have partnership with organisations like Sasakawa Global.

https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/cover/mudi-locally-produced-rice-now-hotcake-in-kano/ The Amosun ‘rice pyramid’ ON DECEMBER 24, 20174:19 AMIN BUSINESSCOMMENTS By Daud Olatunji Ogun State has joined rice producing states with the launch of its Mission To Rebuild Ogun State, MITROS, Ofada rice. Not less than 110,000 bags of Ofada rice from the three mills machines installed across the three senatorial districts of the state were unveiled. The launch attracted the Presidential Task Force on Agricultural Commodities and Production, led by Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, to the Agro Services Centre, Asero, Abeokuta, the state capital. Historically, Ofada rice is exclusively grown in a town called Ofada but abandoned. It has now been revived by Ogun State government to boost food security. The government said the gesture was part of the efforts to achieve its goals in the agricultural sector. Bagudu, while unveiling the rice, commended the state government for keying into the Federal Government’s food security initiatives. According to him, Nigeria can produce rice in large quantities, just as it had achieved so much in oil production, while saving a lot of forex if the people eat what they produce. “For those who are conversant with Nigerian history, particularly at a time when we had the Presidential Committee on the Importation of Rice, this represents such a paradigm shift of government that is visionary and committed to the nation”, he said. “Nigeria is a blessed nation. All the 36 states can produce rice including, of course, the FCT. With rice, I believe we can achieve what we achieved in oil. “Around the world, about 600 million metric tons of rice is produced every year. In Nigeria, we produce a little less than 10 million. Our land size estimates by the Rice Farmers Association indicated that there are about 12 million rice farms suggesting that even if an average yield per farmer is a modest five tons, we should be producing 50 million metric tonnes not under 10 million metric tons that we are currently producing. “Over the last few years, we have seen yields from as low as 1.5 metric tons per hectare per farmer going to as high as nine and 10 tonnes, which is comparable to yields achievable in the best places where rice is produced. That establishes our competitiveness. “People quite often mistake competitiveness as being the lowest cost produced, that is not necessarily so. Nigeria has the ability to produce rice competitively and currently there’s no nation that can produce rice cheaper and deliver it to Nigeria and to be imported properly and compete with that rice produced by Nigerian farmers. “It is important for all of us to mobilise to patronise Nigerian rice and Nigerian commodity because we know how they are produced, we know the safety standard, we know the freshness compared to commodities whose short life is seldom in excess of seven years unlike MITROS Ofada rice, or LAKE rice, Ebonyi rice or any other rice from any state in Nigeria. “The Central Bank of Nigeria identifies that the more we fund agriculture, the more the yield will multiply and achieve the level at per with the best in the world”. In his remarks at the occasion, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, expressed delight at the giant strides recorded by the Ogun government in the production of rice, assuring that CBN would continue to support the agricultural sector to guarantee job creation and enhance the economic growth of the state and country at large. He recalled that, about twelve months ago, himself, the governor of Kebbi State and the Minister of Agriculture went round the country to see what could be done in terms of achieving the agricultural agenda of the Federal Government. He said, “During that visit, the governor took us to the three senatorial districts of Ogun State. We saw the fish ponds, we saw the poultries and we saw some farms for rice but he promised that, in no distance time, he was going to invite us and I am happy to be here today to witness this giant strides demonstrated by the rice pyramid that’s right here. “Ogun State continues to demonstrate the urge to support the focus of the government to create jobs and to grow the economy. A country that doesn’t take agriculture seriously is naturally an unserious country. “I am happy today that under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, we are taking agriculture very seriously and that is the reason, we, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, have made it a responsibility to say that we will continue to support any effort or attempt by anybody to grow our agricultural sector because, in doing his, we produce food for our people; in doing this, we produce jobs for our people; and, in doing this, we grow our economy. “The selfish aspect of this, for me, is that it goes a long way to conserve foreign exchange because we will no longer be spending scare foreign exchange to import agricultural produce, we will now tell ourselves that we will eat what we produce and we will produce what we eat. “Now, having supported thus far what I call primary agriculture to see that we grow rice, we grow cassava, the next phase is to tell ourselves, how do we process these foods, how do we mill the rice, how do we harvest the rice? “We are going to be looking at providing cheap funding at no more than 5% for those who are going to be assessing facilities to acquire agriculture equipment like thrashers, like harvesters, or those who will be going to fish farming, or those who will be going into feed mills. Be rest assured that if you identify yourself, you will be counted and we will support you”. Governor Ibikunle Amosun said the commissioning of the MITROS rice processing factory and formal launch of the rice marked a watershed in the annals of the state. He said the production of MITROS RICE would go a long way to make Ofada rice available, at affordable prices. Amosun said “I am pleased to note that this rice mills will produce not only parboiled rice, but also a vastly improved brand of Ofada. The new Ofada rice will be produced in a hygienic manner, and to high standards; and it will enjoy standardised packaging – in 1kg, 5kg,10kg, 25kg and 50kg bags – and bear the MITROS stamp of quality, signifying goods produced to the highest standards”. According to him, the revolution, which foundations were laid by the sons and daughters of the state, had gathered momentum and been bearing fruits in the last six and a half years of his administration. Amosun said with the milestone, the state had joined the league of rice-producing states in Nigeria, adding that MITROS rice had become part and parcel of the unfolding story of Nigeria’s rice revolution. “Today is, therefore, not just about the commissioning of a new processing factory – and all its benefits: processing capacity, direct and indirect jobs, economic growth, and so on, – it is also about the unveiling of a new narrative for Ofada rice. The new and improved Ofada rice that this Mill will produce will not only feed our people, but we are confident that it will generate foreign exchange for us, as a nation, and to the brand of Sawonjo, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State and that of Nigeria” , the Ogun chief helmsman said. “Indeed, today’s commissioning of our own home-grown rice specie, MITROS Rice, in Ogun State could not have come at a more auspicious time. For one, we are talking about ensuring food sufficiency, and, diversification of the economy from its over-dependence on crude-oil earnings, ensuring not only food sufficiency in Nigeria, but also ensuring a boost in local production of rice. “Being a staple food in the generality of homes in Nigeria, the boost in rice production will not only conserve our hard-earned foreign exchange through less importation, but will further address the balance of trade in favour of our country. “It is interesting to note that our dear State has been home to the massive production of Ofada rice, which has been in high demand, not only by the good people of Ogun State but, also throughout Nigeria, and outside the country. “For the avoidance of doubt, the revolution that is currently taking place in Agriculture, and indeed, all the other sectors of the economy of our dear State is nothing but a result of a careful planning and focused execution. For example, our unwavering commitment to the development of the Agricultural Sector stems from our belief that, food is a basic necessity of life. It is only when man has been fed, that he can start to think of addressing other needs. This is why all Government efforts at improving the lives of the people are better appreciated when provision of basic necessities like food are guaranteed. “One of the biggest tragedies of our nation is our dependence on food imports to feed our population, in spite of our abundant arable land and labour force. The impact of this on our economy has been significant: pressure on our foreign reserves, and by implication the loss in the value of the naira; and the needless outsourcing of agricultural work to distant countries even while large numbers of our people have struggled with unemployment”.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/amosun-rice-pyramid/

Self-sufficiency in rice production, still a long way

By Gbenga Akinfenwa (Lagos), Uzoma Nzeagwu (Awka), Joke Falaju (Abuja), Ahmadu Baba Idris (Birnin Kebbi), Abdulganiu Alabi (Kaduna), Owen Akenzua (Asaba), Emmanuel Ande (Yola), Charles Ogugbuaja (Owerri), Abel Abogonye (Lafia) and Nnamdi Akpa (Abakaliki)

24 December 2017 | 4:18 am

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Despite the much-vaunted strides by the Federal Government towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice production in 2018, it appears the bulk of the so-called successes are on paper, rather than reality.

In fact, even states that made huge budgetary allocations to rice production early in the year, have little or nothing to show at this time of the year, when rice consumption usually tips the scale.

Rice is the most popular staple food in the country, and the world’s second popular crop after maize; hence it’s huge demand.

Annually, Nigerians consume around six million tons of rice, which can be produced locally, but the country is still far from achieving this due to the lip service consistently paid to the growth of the sector.

At least $5m is spent daily in the last few years on importation of rice from Thailand, among other rice producing countries, as disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, recently in Abuja.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who recently claimed the country is inching closer to self-sufficiency in rice production, cited a report by a Thailand Rice Exporters Association, which he said revealed that within the span of two years – from September 2015 to September 2017 – the country’s rice importation dropped from 644, 131mt to just about 21,000mt.

“There is more good news to report: As a result of this administration’s success in local production, some investors from Thailand have shown interest in establishing rice milling plants in Nigeria, and this is sure to further boost rice production in Nigeria.

“The increased rice production has, in turn, led to the establishment of rice mills, including the 120, 000mt WACOT Mill in Kebbi, and the 1, 000, 000mt Dangote Rice Mill,” Mohammed said.

Ogbeh, who corroborated Mohammed’s claim, accused smugglers of sabotaging government’s effort, noting that companies importing rice into the country from Thailand have indicated interest to commence local production of the grain in the country, as a result of drop in volume of rice importation from the country.

Ogbeh said to close the rice-milling gap; the Federal Government has acquired 200 rice mills, some of which are quite small that they could mill only 10-20 tonnes daily, adding that some were still being expected.

Production figures exclusively obtained by The Guardian from the Office of Minister of Agriculture claimed that for 2016, 5.7 million mt of milled rice, which was 79.2 per cent of the total national consumption of 7.2 million metric tons was produced locally.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Dr. Kayode Oyeleye, said a fierce battle is going on to restrict inflow of smuggled rice, which would not only artificially dampened the price of rice in the markets, but also put the local producers and processors in a quandary.

The price of rice, according to him is expected to fall as the paddy harvested during the 2017 wet season is processed into milled rice.

He noted that between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Central Bank on the latter’s anchor borrowers’ scheme, rice production has experienced a quantum leap, but the figures are expected to soon emanate.

However, data obtained from the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), indicates that Nigeria imported 2.330 million mt of rice in 2015 and 2016, which reduced to 2.310 million mt within the period of 2016 to 2017.

From the data, Nigeria’s domestic consumption of rice, stood at 5. 530 million metric tons between 2015 and 2017, while domestic supply stood at 3.850 million metric tons in 2015 to 2016.

The figure reduced to 3.620 million metric tons within the period of 2016 to 2017.

The data also forecast that the country’s rice importation would rise in 2018 from 2.310 million mt in 2017, to 2.830 million mt.

Sadly, a larger chunk of the country’s rice import are smuggled through the country’s porous land borders, which policing them have continued to challenge the nation’s security agencies

A professor of agriculture, Babagana Gambo, who doubles as lead consultant on agricultural matters to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, disclosed in Abuja at a forum that Nigeria can bridge the gap between rice production and its consumption, through three ways: planting of rice in both wet and dry seasons; giving more lands for the production of rice; and non-importation of rice into the country.

He noted that self-sufficiency in rice production, among other food items, is one of the ways the Buhari-led administration has tried to lessen pressure on foreign exchange, by reducing importation, creating jobs and spurring diversified growth.

From the statistics he presented, the professor noted that virtually every state in the country can produce rice, but due to lack of will-power they have failed to do the needful.

According to Audu Ogbeh, there are 12.2m people growing rice in the country, and in Kano State alone, there are over 1, 000 rice mills, while there are large mills in Ebonyi, Enugu, Nassarawa, and Kebbi, among other states.

He, however, accused states of paying lip service to developing agriculture, as there are “states that cannot boast of a single working tractor for farmers.

“Is it because they don’t know that farmers need tractors or they want the President to compel them by law? It’s not their priority. We plead, write, lobby, only a few have responded, I believe the rest would join,” the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party said adding: “Agriculture is gradually becoming a national movement, government does not own a farm and cannot run farms, this whole business belongs to the private sector and that was why in our Agricultural Promotion Policy, agriculture is totally private sector driven, all that government can do is to lay out policies and ensure that the private sector succeed when it gets involved in agric,” he stated.

Efforts had been made by previous administrations to attain self-sufficiency in rice production, but nothing came out of them. The most recent of these being the rice policy introduced by the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration in 2014.

The policy specified that owners of existing rice mills and new investors with verifiable backward integration in the rice value chain, would be allowed to import rice at 10 per cent duty, and 20 per cent levy (30 per cent); while merchants, who have nothing to contribute to local production in the form of rice farms or mills were to be charged 10 per cent duty and 60 per cent levy (70 per cent).

Technically, it was a waiver aimed at building local capacity in rice production. Subsequently, an inter-ministerial committee, which was headed by the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, was meant to work out the national rice supply gap and allocate import licenses with appropriate quotas, in order to bridge the gap, and at the same time, advancing the objectives of the national rice policy.

A total of 26 companies were involved in the deal, two of which were allegedly owned by a former Attorney General of the Federation and a former governor of Kebbi State respectively.

On paper, this committee was to determine beneficiaries and allocate quotas based on four key criteria that assess investment of individual companies into local rice production, but many of the beneficiaries were found to have no investment in the rice value chain.

The abandonment of two multi-million naira rice processing plants, built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at Elele Alimini, in Rivers State, and Mbiabet-Ikpe, in Akwa Ibom State, is also representative of failed government efforts at boosting rice production.

among other such projects, has set the interventionist agency apart as a swirling cesspool of waste of public funds. The two abandoned rice processing plants, have a combined capacity of 210 metric tonnes per day.

But how have the states fared in 2017 after quite a number of them promised to flood the country with locally produced rice?

ON paper, some state governments have good plans for the massive production of rice this year, which they promised to actualise before the year ends. They made budgetary allocations to that effect. However, only few states have so far fulfilled the promise of providing local rice, especially for the Yuletide.

LAGOS
The state, which is in its second year of successful collaboration with Kebbi State, which led to the birth of LAKE Rice, is already a trailblazer, among its counterparts across the country.

Ahead of the festive season, more trailer loads of the rice arrived the state from Kebbi, and have been distributed to designated sales centres, where they are to be sold at a very competitive rate.

Aside making the product available to citizens, to attain food sufficiency, its affordability has contributed to forcing down the price of foreign rice in the market, which were sold for as high as N20, 000 early this year.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, while reviewing report of sales of the rice said the produce always goes through different quality analysis assessment before being released to the market for consumption.

“Our LAKE Rice is of good quality. The difference between LAKE Rice and imported rice is just that the imported has a minimum storage of five to six years storage life span, but LAKE Rice is fresh.

“Food production and self-sufficiency have been given priority attention at the state’s policy and strategic levels, this is aimed at sustaining Lagos because our state is the largest consumer of food commodity in Nigeria,” he noted.

Suarau explained that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s directive on the non-stop sale of the product is part of the strategy aimed at increasing access to the product and ensuring effective distribution of the rice across the state.

He noted that a 32 metric tonne-per-hour rice milling plant, which will become operational next year has been acquired by the state government to ensure that Lagos meets up with the demand of LAKE Rice production.
Suarau added that Lagos is also collaborating with Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, to ensure that adequate paddy rice is supplied to the 32 metric tonnes per hour rice mill.

KEBBI
The N14b Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Rice Programme, flagged off by President Muhammad Buhari on December 15, 2015 in Kebbi State, has led to massive production of rice, because of its impact in reducing cost of production.

A rough estimate of what The Guardian observed during a visit to some rice farm markets, indicated that between WACOT, and Labanan Rice Mills, more than one million metric tonnes of rice have so far been produced this year.

This was confirmed by acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Lawal Mohammed Shehu, on a visit to Labana Rice Mill, where he noted that this year, Kebbi State has produced over 1.1million mt of rice, while using 7.5kg paddy rice.

He said the variety of rice that was used this year is Faro, which is the local variety.

Shehu said the state was able to achieve the feat due to two rice milling machines it acquired, which have positioned the state high among rice producing states in the country.

For now, a 50kg bag of local rice is sold for between N8, 000 and N9, 000 in the market, as against N16, 000 for same size this time last year. Due to the difference in prices, compared to the foreign rice presently sold for between N13, 000 and N14,000, the local rice is enjoying more patronage, coupled with its nutrition advantage.

OGUN
Ogun State government is the new entrant into the league of rice producing states. The state is known for its Ofada Rice specie, which comes highly recommended because of its nutritious value. Before now, only individuals and corporate farmers were involved in rice cultivation in the state.

To encourage the restoration of culture and heritage of its people, the state is leaving no stone unturned in promoting and improving the production of Ofada, which has become the state’s brand. It has also promoted the cultivation of varieties such as Nerica 8 and Faro, which are short and long grain rice respectively, to further boost the “eating what we grow” of the Federal Government is sustained.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Peju Adebajo, said through the state direct intervention and the various development partners, such as the World Bank through FADAMA and IFAD-VCDP, has recorded a leap in the quantum of rice it is producing.

She noted that through the various interventions, over N4.0b has been invested from the public sector, noting that the catalytic effort had assisted smallholder farmers in the private sector to increase their investment in the last three years with 2017 being very significant.

While noting that the patronage is high because the people have showed a lot of enthusiasm, she said the move couldn’t be farfetched in the sense that the MITROS Rice (as it is christened) has guaranteed quantity traceability and market for the teeming smallholder producers.

“Prior to this period, there was not much rice processing mills in the state. Farmers had to travel long distances to access the few old equipment, which hinders quality. The establishment of processing mills, with at least one in each senatorial district, will ensure easy access by farmers; ensure quality assurance and traceability of products.

“In addition, the technology installed at the processing mills is cottage, which can be easily managed and maintained by smallholder farmers/processors. Moreover, the products that will emanate from the mills are of high quality and will meet Ogun standard.”

ANAMBRA
Despite allocating N5.4b to agriculture in 2017, to boost rice and cassava production, a 500 per cent increase, compared to that of 2016, Anambra State appears to be at effort level.

The state, with 300mt for its annual consumption requirement, claims it has made lots of investments in rice production across the state, to produce surplus for food, and provide employment. One of such is collaboration with individuals, and international investors.

It recently commissioned the JOSAN Integrated Rice Farms and Mills, located at Enugwuabo, Ufuma in Orumba North Local Council, which is expected to add 90 metric tonnes to the existing 250 metric tonnes currently produced in the state.

Governor Willie Obiano, said his administration has made great impact within three years, revealing that the total production of rice when he assumed office was 80mt, which has hit 250 metric tones today, adding that with JOSAN’s production of 90mt, the state’s annual consumption requirement would be surpassed by 40mt before the year runs out.

Chairman of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection (ANSIPPA), Igwe Enweze of Umuoji, said with the state’s share of 10 per cent in the project, and investors’ 90 per cent, while three per cent of the profit goes to host community for corporate social responsibility, the project has already created 130 direct and 410 indirect jobs, while 7, 000 direct and 10, 000 indirect jobs would be available when operating in full capacity.

A government source said, Anambra Rice is now in circulation in Awka Market, Onitsha, Aba, Abakaliki and Uyo, selling at N17, 000 per bag

In terms of patronage, Madam Grace Ahalianya, a trader at Eke Awka Main Market, who deals on Anambra Rice, said the demand is encouraging, and it has helped families, especially civil servants, who benefit from government largesse. She, however, argued that the price of N17, 500 was still on the high side.

KADUNA

It is a different scenario in Kaduna State, as little or nothing is done in the area of rice cultivation.

Smallholder farmers in the state revealed that neither the state, nor the Federal Government has invested in the local production of rice. Rather, it’s the farmers, who have all along been responsible for production and cultivation of rice in Kaduna.

They argued that despite having an array of land and resources to feed almost the whole of Nigeria, Kaduna State government has not been judiciously making use of it.

A rice farmer in the state, Abdulrahman Musa, said individual farmers have been responsible for making local rice available in the state without any assistance from government.

Musa, who doubles as the state Coordinator of Fehdon Seed Organisation, said “Kaduna State Government has failed to own up to its responsibilities by subsidising agricultural inputs.”

He said this year, Fehdon Seeds Organisation has been able to produce 43 tons of rice through individual efforts. “The local rice you have been seeing in the market was cultivated by smallholder farmers and not the government. Not even the distribution of fertiliser was made to the farmers by the government. The government at various levels has failed to own up its responsibilities.

“Even the entire northern region has no standard grain processing plant, despite the recognition given to it as an agriculture- based region,” he concluded.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Dahiru Abdu confirmed to The Guardian that the state has not invested in rice production, but has been intervening in agriculture in the state, through the supply of fertiliser to farmers at subsidised rate.

Meanwhile, the price of local rice in Kaduna has increased tremendously. At the Chechenia market, The Guardian observed that a bushel of local rice cultivated in Kaduna, prominently know as ‘Jamila rice’ has increased from N400 to N550, while a big sack, normally sold for N30, 000 has increased to N35, 000.

A retailer in the market, Musa Ibrahim linked the increase to continuous demand of the local rice over foreign type, especially at Christmas.

DELTA
Efforts of the Delta State Government in the area of rice production in 2017 were wasted due to natural disaster. The state recorded a loss of over 1,044 mt expected rice yield from 261 hectares of farmland estimated at N18om to flooding.

The breakdown indicates that 162 hectares of rice under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme, 25 hectares under the state supported rice programme, and 74 hectares under the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurial Programme, were lost to the flood menace.

Expectedly, frontline rice farmer and producer of Unity Rice in the state, Mr. Raymos Guanah, who confirmed this to The Guardian, blamed the loss on late forecast by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), adding that the expected yield was pegged at a minimum of four metric tons per hectare with the total yield at 1,044 metric tons.

Guanah, a former commissioner, however, described the loss as immense and unfortunate, stating that all the rice farms in the state were submerged by flood.

He said: “True to type, the NIMET forecast came to pass, all the rice farms in Delta State have been submerged by flood, my only worry is that NIMET didn’t give us the prediction as early as January or February.

“The prediction came about three months to the flooding, and my position is that if NIMET had given us early warnings, we may not have gone into cultivation, or do those quick maturing crops, but here we are, our rice farms are completely gone, it is very unfortunate situation.”

It was gathered that the value of the loss was approximately N180m at the sale rate of N170, 000 per mt. The incident has dealt hard blows on the state’s rice production efforts.

Noting that a letter had been forwarded to the National Agricultural Insurance Company (NAIC), and the state government, Guanah expressed hope that the affected farmlands would be assisted by way of providing necessary incentives to assist them.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Austine Chikezie, said government was committed to ensuring adequate production of rice for Deltans before the year runs out.

Speaking with The Guardian, Mr. Emeka Okolie, a local rice farmer in Asaba, whose farm was spared the flood disastersaid, “I went into rice farming instead of waiting for a white-collar job. Since then, I have been producing not less than 20,000 bags of rice, but the labour is very difficult. So, we want the state/federal governments to always assist us.”

Elder Francis Tolafe, another rice farmer in Asaba, said: “What I get from my farms at present will take care of all I want to survive till I die, rice farming is difficult but the harvest is good.”

Chiekezie said the state had acquired vast hectres of land in Ogwashi-Uku Obior communities, where rice farming would be enhanced.

He said: “The state government is totally committed to rice production, and has committed sums of money to it, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to assist the farmers, with over N460m spent on rice cultivation this year, and we are expecting harvest soon with over 60, 000 mt, and they would be on sale at low prices as subsidised by the state government. We expect large patronage.”

ADAMAWA
The several paper policies announced by the Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow on rice production have been of no consequence, as there are no signs on ground for dry season farming, or commencement of rice production in the state

A seasoned rice farmer, Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano Tafida, told The Guardian in Yola, that the state’s rice farming programme has not received serious attention from the government. He lamented that since the programme was flagged off last year by Governor Bindow, there is no sign on ground to prove that the scheme is still alive.

“As a seasoned farmer, especially rice, I feel ashamed that majority of our state governors are not taking food production seriously, since our governor in Adamawa flagged off this scheme up till now, there is no practical sign that this programme will become a reality in the state.

“For this year, it is already late to start dry season farming in Adamawa, there are no chemicals distributed to dry season rice farmers to clear the bushes, if you spray the chemicals for clearing the bushes it takes you two weeks to start working on the land. There are no seeds distributed to farmers for seeds broadcasting and this process takes one month; that means February is already finished. It takes 45 days for rice to mature for transplanting, that means in April. Rain starts in Adamawa in May and you must wait for another 60 days for you to start applying fertilisers, which is not even available to dry season farmers in the state,” Tafida said.

He noted that the implication of the governor’s lack of concern is that people of the state may face famine, as being predicted by reputable international organisations like United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Tafida said despite the fact that the governor sacked the former leadership of the Anchor Borrowers Scheme in the state because of poor performance and appointed a new leadership headed by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Bindir Umar, the step has not changed the situation positively.

“When Bindir took over we expected him to maintain those contractors that were accredited to supply farm inputs, but he sacked them and started a new process that we don’t know when the rice scheme will take off in the state. The truth of the matter is that this government needs serious minded farmers and not air conditioner farmers to head farmers programmes. It is a shame that with all the rivers and rich land that we have in this country, government cannot provide a conducive environment for farmers to feed the country.”

“Since 1980 when the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, started irrigation farming in Yola-North Local Council, no other government has done anything spectacular to improve on that project, and that scheme is the best for this country, but today our leaders have allowed it to rot away. To be sincere our leaders are yet to show commitment to agriculture,” he stated.

The Guardian investigation revealed that cattle breeders have also constituted a major problem to rice production efforts in the state due to absence of law proscribing anti-open grazing and ranching in the state. Majority of rice farmers have abandoned their farms, as herdsmen continue to destroy them without compensation from government.

State chairman, rice farmers, Mr. Daware Comsina, was not available for comments.

IMO
Imo State government said it has produced 12,000 bags of “Imo Rice.” This was launched, last Friday, December 22, by the state governor, Rochas Okorocha.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, who disclosed this to The Guardian in Owerri, listed 12 local councils-Okigwe, Onuimo, Ideato North, Ngor Opkala, Ohaji/ Egbema, Oguta, Orlu, Nwangele, Aboh Mbaise, Ihitte Uboma, Ehime Mbano and Owerri North, as the source of the rice.

She, however, expressed regrets that herdsmen in Owerri North local council, disrupted the production of rice in various parts of the council.

According to her, production activities, which had been going on in the last one year, were made possible due to collaborative work between the state government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), via the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and supporting resources from the state government.

The commissioner disclosed that in line with agreement, the state and CBN had an understanding with the off-takers and the farmers, to ensure that farmers are not cheated, as the product is transported to the mills.

As at the time of filing this report, the commissioner was yet to respond to the question on the amount disbursed and number of farmers from the state, who have accessed the funds.

While Nnanna- Okoro also assured that the quality of Imo Rice was of international standard, Godwin Igwe, a farmer, regretted he was not availed the opportunity to access loan for rice production.

EBONYI
The 2017 harvest season in Ebonyi State witnessed high yields, as against what was witnessed in 2016. Farmers attributed this to government policies on agriculture, as many of them got assistance to improve their productivity.

To diversify the economy, the state government launched a one-man, one-hectare scheme with the target of capturing 80, 000, 00 farmers. It also secured a N2b Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers Scheme support, which was given to farmers and those desirous of going into farming.

 A farmer Mr. Chukwu Ude said that government’s policy on rice production has helped them immensely, stressing that this year farming season was favourable to Ebonyi rice farmers.

Moreover as majority of the people are complaining about recession, rice farmers and rice dealers in the state are celebrating the recession following the high demand for rice.

Due to the demand for rice in the state many have gone into its production and processing. The three giant rice processing mills located in each of the three senatorial zones, aside local mills scattered throughout the state, make for the availability of the product.

https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/cover/self-sufficiency-in-rice-production-still-a-long-way/ Nigeria should be self-sufficient in rice production by 2019’

By Risikat Ramoni, Lagos | Publish Date: Dec 24 2017 2:00AM

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Do you think local rice millers can meet the demands of Nigerians?

What they have done in countries like India, Brazil and Vietnam is not more than this and they revolutionised the industry. So, I am looking forward to a revolution in that industry.

There are speculations that government may lift the ban on the importation of rice. What is your view on this?

I used to be the president of rice importers in those days. Most of our members then are now rice millers and producers.

Local rice is not common in the market unlike the foreign rice which is readily available. How soon should we expect the local rice to take over the Nigerian market?

How long will it take Nigeria to be self-sufficient in rice production?

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/-nigeria-should-be-self-sufficient-in-rice-production-by-2019.html

The Ogun Rice Revolution ON DECEMBER 24, 20174:28 AMIN BUSINESSCOMMENTS By Soyombo Opeyemi Thursday, 21st December, 2017 was another red-letter day in Ogun State. In one iconic gesture, unprecedented in the annals of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor of Ogun State, unveiled the MITROS Rice Processing Factory and MITROS Rice. Against the backdrop of the role rice plays in the lives of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians and that close to one trillion naira (N1 trillion) of our money is expended annually on importation of the commodity, one cannot but agree with Governor Amosun that the inauguration of MITROS Rice Mill and MITROS Rice was a “watershed”. This water should now flow over the arable land across the country with rice pyramids levitating in every nook and cranny till we the nation achieves zero rice importation. Rice is like water in Nigeria. To appropriate the inimitable Fela Anikulapo Kuti, “Raisi, e no get enemy!” (Rice has no enemy). Tell me one house where rice is not a staple food and I will tell you no such home exists in Nigeria. It’s quite possible, but I’m yet to encounter a child who does not like rice. Fried, jollof or white, rice it is for millions of Nigerians! Ogun Rice Pyramid How rice became a staple food, attained a larger than life image in our country, is outside the scope of this exercise. It suffices to emphasize that a situation where humongous part of our scarce Forex is expended on importation of rice is not sustainable. The current Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, once lamented the culture of rice importation: “We cannot afford $5m a day for rice shipments in this country. It has gone on for 40 years. And I assure you that it is our reckless policy of importation that has brought Nigeria down to where she is now. Those who keep talking of imports either do not mean Nigeria well or simply refuse to recognise the fact that we cannot afford the imports.” It is even more embarrassing that we import this staple from the strategic reserves of developing countries. Most of the imports are of doubtful nutritional value, some of the grains having been stored for upward of ten years. Why should Nigeria with unemployment problem continue to create millions of jobs for other countries through mindless imports? Why should we continue to put pressure on our foreign exchange by expending two billion dollars ($2 billion) yearly on rice importation? Can’t we eat what we grow? Can’t we grow what we eat? What about the vast hectares of God-given arable land to this country? President Muhammadu Buhari would no longer stomach the abnormal situation, hence the setting up of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) on November 17, 2015 and later Presidential Task Force on Agricultural Commodities and Production. Governor Amosun as well recoils at this gargantuan amount of money used to fund the economies of other nations, hence his indefatigable commitment to break the jinx and ensure we plant, process and package what we consume. According to Amosun, “Our past efforts at tackling poverty in all ramifications will amount to nothing if concerted efforts are not taken to ensure food security to people at all income levels. This is why today is a significant day, not just for Ogun State, but for Nigeria as well. The MITROS Rice Mill, the first of its kind in Ogun State, will create jobs for our farmers. From now on they will no longer need to travel far and wide in search of milling facilities.” The MITROS Rice, especially the popular Ofada rice, is of better quality, hygienic and fresh in comparison to imports of contentious nutritional value. The MITROS rice, apart from creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, costs less than the imported ones and has been bagged for the benefit of every segment of the society – 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg and 50kg. “Ladies and Gentlemen,” enthused Amosun at the landmark event, “this is a day of great pride for our State. Today, Ogun State joins the proud league of rice-producing States in Nigeria, and MITROS Rice becomes part and parcel of the unfolding story of Nigeria’s rice revolution. The journey of a thousand miles, it is said, begins with a single step. Today, we take that step, confident that the journey ahead of us will yield results and impact our people beyond our most ambitious expectations. We will be keen learners, and strive to get better with each passing day, and each planting season. And, we are extending our hand of partnership to the private sector; we welcome you to take the lead in this agricultural revolution that is unfolding in Ogun State.” The Amosun administration has now blazed a trail in rice revolution. Big (and small businesses) should now take advantage of the enabling environment created by the current government by investing massively in rice plantation, processing and packaging in Ogun State. The Governor of the Central Bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said the apex bank would give credit facility to farmers at five per cent interest rate as part of the Muhammadu Buhari government’s strategy to increase food production and self-sufficiency in the country. We congratulate Senator Ibikunle Amosun for another feather in his cap. President Muhammadu Buhari deserves all plaudits for walking the talk in agriculture. Things can only get better in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/ogun-rice-revolution/

Use Leftovers to Make Eggnog Rice Pudding

By ADRIANNA ADARME

Posted December 23, 2017

Stuck with leftover eggnog? Make eggnog rice pudding to use up all of your ingredients.

Photo: Adrianna Adarme/PBS Food

Whip up this warming dish for a festive breakfast or server it for dessert.

Holiday people are broken into two types of humans: eggnog people and people who hate eggnog. I understand the latter. In fact, I’m probably in that category. I’m not sure I can stomach the richness of eggnog. It’s a bit too thick and really does feel like I’m eating ice cream.

But somehow whenever I have people over, I end up with a pint of eggnog in the fridge and I’m not sure what to do with the leftovers. Well, this is a good option. Make it for Christmas breakfast or day after breakfast. It’s slightly sweet and delicious. It’s warming and uses up all that leftover eggnog that you’ll never ever drink.

http://indianapublicmedia.org/eartheats/leftovers-eggnog-rice-pudding/

Mainstream, VOL LVI No 1 New Delhi December 23, 2017 - Annual Number

In Search of Lost Seeds

Sunday 24 December 2017

by Bharat Dogra and Madhu Dogra

The steep trek to the home of Kunwar Prasun in a Himalayan village had been difficult to negotiate but once we reached there a cool breeze and beautiful surroundings quickly made us forget all the tiredness. We walked to a field where Prasun and his wife, Ranjana, had been trying to grow some traditional varieties of rice which he had searched and found with a lot of difficulty. He intended to share these seeds with other farmers so that they can also grow these varieties and these can be saved in the fields of farmers.

“Seeds cannot be saved by just keeping them in gene banks,” Prasun told us. “The most sustainable and trusted solution is to make them available in the fields of farmers so that these are saved on farms and farmers also benefit.”

We were standing near a small terraced farm in Rampur village of Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Prasun explained that here, as in other villages, the diversity of traditional seeds had eroded rapidly as the government policy in recent years had favoured exotic varieties with a narrow genetic base. Hence there were concerns that many traditional varieties which had evolved for their special suitability for this region may be lost for ever.

This valley of Henval river is well known as an important action scene of the Chipko movement for saving trees. Some of the senior activists of this movement like Kunwar Prasun, Vijay Jardhari and their teacher, Dhum Singh Negi, got together to start the Save the Seeds Movement (Beej Bachao Aandolan). They organised foot-marches to several remote villages. These helped to spread the message of saving threatened seed varieties. Some seeds were shared with local farmers and the seeds found here were collected.

Back at his home, after a delicious meal of red beans and rice, we sat down to study the careful documentation of nearly 300 rice varieties of Uttarakhand which Prasun had prepared after visiting very remote villages and talking to countless farmers, including a large number of women farmers. This included information about special merits and other characteristics of these varieties. Clearly this information was very important for saving threatened seeds. We later helped to publish this documentation so that it could become more accessible to people. Prasun told us that in some remote villages he had found farmers cultivating very delicious and nourishing varieties while in some places the yield was found to be exceptionally high without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Early next morning we left for Nagni village which is close to the Jardhar village of Vijay Jardhari. Here Vijay with his wife, Kamla, had been trying to grow several threatened traditional varieties of various crops. They told us that traditional varieties of as many as a dozen crops are sown together in an intricate mixed cropping system which has evolved over several generations in keeping with the nutritional needs as well as the soil, water and climate situation.

One crop which takes nutrients from the soil is complemented by another one which gives nutrients to the soil. Many types of highly nutritious foods become available from a small plot of land. The creepers of some of the crops can get the support of tall stalks of some other crops.

Despite the great utility of such a system, some officials were insisting that this should be given up in favour of the monoculture cropping pattern. This would have led to heavy erosion of diverse traditional crops and their numerous varieties. Understandably, this official stand was strongly resisted by the Beej Bachao Aandolan. Subsequently the government also accepted the stand of the Save the Seeds Movement to a considerable extent but initially the conflict of the two views was sharp.

When we researched this issue in detail we found that while overall government policies in many countries including India are not helpful for onfield protection of diversity of traditional seeds, several scientists have been raising their voice to warn about the dangers of rapid erosion of seed diversity. They have said that if this continues then one day genetic diversity, most needed for ensuring food security, will simply not be available, or else will be available only in corporate controlled gene banks which will use this with a heavy profit-orientation to suit their narrow ends.

Dr R.H. Richaria is one such scientist who has increasingly emphasised the importance of saving diverse traditional varieties of rice as well as expressed concern over their rapid erosion and loss to narrow control by a few international agencies, in turn linked to corporate control. He was earlier the Director of the Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, and later the Director of the Madhya Pradesh Rice Research Institute, Raipur.

After losing both his senior jobs due to his spirited stand on protecting the interests of farmers based on protecting the seeds evolved by several generations of farmers, this never-to-be-defeated scientist has continued his research efforts at his own farm near his home in Bhopal and in addition he is trying hard to complete his documentation of over 17,000 varieties and cultivars of rice mainly of Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and nearby areas.

Visits to his home and farm were invaluable for understanding the importance of saving seed-diversity, and when he honoured us with a return visit, we could add further to our understanding of this important issue. Briefly the conclusion of this eminent scientist, who was amongst the first and the youngest to get his doctorate in Botany from Cambridge in record time, was that in keeping with diverse conditions very diverse varieties of rice have evolved over many generations thanks to the efforts of many experienced and committed farmers with a lot of knowledge of local seeds. It is this indigenous germ plasm which should be used for ensuring good and secure rice cultivation.

On the other hand, most problems in rice cultivation have arisen, this eminent scientist said, because this advice has been ignored time and again. He said that farmers having good knowledge of these indigenous seeds should be involved to work closely with farm scientists in a highly decentralised system of agricultural development in which scientists are very close to farmers and there is mutual learning particularly with respect to local seed diversity.

In this system the work of saving seed diversity for now and for future generations is very well integrated with the overall agricultural development effort and there is a lot of scope of utilising and benefiting from the knowledge of local villagers. After some time we could put his ideas and experiences in the form of a book so that these can be accessed conveniently by more people.

A lot of the exciting research work of Dr Richaria had taken place in Chhattisgarh. Later an organisation, Rupantar, tried to implement a seed conservation and farm development effort based on his ideas in the Nagri Sihwa region of Chhattisgarh. Two demonstration-cum-seed multiplication farms were set up here. Nearly 270 varieties of rice were being grown here. By pure line selection good quality seeds were obtained so that farmers in several villages could be self-reliant in good quality seeds.

This work was being taken forward by Dr Binayak Sen and Dr Ilina Sen helped by a young botanist, Suresh Sahu. A visit to this site revealed that it was progressing very well up to a point but when the authorities became very unhelpful towards Rupantar, this work could not progress beyond a point.

However, in recent times more efforts of saving traditional seeds are being made as consciousness about the need for such efforts has increased. Some encouraging efforts from Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and other parts of the country have been reported.

There was ample evidence of this at the recently organised Organic World Congress at greater NOIDA near Delhi. It was the first time that this important international event on organic farming was organised in Delhi. Many visitors said that the most vibrant part of this event was the section on seed conservation and protection efforts. Several organisations which are engaged in this work in various parts of the country had set up their stalls here and they attracted a lot of attention and there took place interactions with visitors. The participants could also learn much from each other’s experience.

Many of them are members of the Beej Swaraj Manch, an alliance of several such seed protectors in different parts of the country. This alliance brings together the interests of seed conservation and protection, farmer rights over seeds and seed exchange, eco-friendly and self-reliant farming.

Such alliances and organisations of seed diversity protectors will be called upon to play an increasingly important role as at the international level the seed industry is getting more and more concentrated and only stronger mobilisation of farmers and seed protectors at the grassroots can salvage the cause of protecting and saving traditional seed diversity and free access of farmers to this diversity.

The authors are freelance contributors with a special interest in development and social issues.

http://www.mainstreamweekly.net/article7676.html

DECEMBER 23, 2017 BY ARUN PATIL

Rice Flour Market Trends & Forecast by 2022- Industry Analysis by Geographical Regions, Type and Application

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DECEMBER 23, 2017 BY ARUN PATIL

Rice Flour Market Trends & Forecast by 2022- Industry Analysis by Geographical Regions, Type and Application

Global Interactive Voice Response Software Industry is essentially classified based on leading marketing players, product types, applications and regions.

Manufacturers of Interactive Voice Response Software market (Company and Product introduction, Interactive Voice Response Software Sales Volume, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin):

Burapa Prosper, Thai Flour Industry, Rose Brand, Cho Heng, Koda Farms, BIF, Lieng Tong, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Pornkamon Rice Flour Mills, Huangguo

Interactive Voice Response Software Market by Product Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend):

Rice Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Glutinous Rice Flour, Others

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Rice Noodle and Rice Pasta, Sweets and Desserts, Snacks, Bread, Thickening Agent, Others

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DECEMBER 23, 2017 BY ARUN PATIL

Rice Flour Market Trends & Forecast by 2022- Industry Analysis by Geographical Regions, Type and Application

Global Interactive Voice Response Software Industry is essentially classified based on leading marketing players, product types, applications and regions.

Manufacturers of Interactive Voice Response Software market (Company and Product introduction, Interactive Voice Response Software Sales Volume, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin):

Burapa Prosper, Thai Flour Industry, Rose Brand, Cho Heng, Koda Farms, BIF, Lieng Tong, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Pornkamon Rice Flour Mills, Huangguo

Interactive Voice Response Software Market by Product Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend):

Rice Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Glutinous Rice Flour, Others

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Rice Noodle and Rice Pasta, Sweets and Desserts, Snacks, Bread, Thickening Agent, Others

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· What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?

· What are the key market trends in Interactive Voice Response Software Industry?

· Where is the largest and fastest growing market for Interactive Voice Response Software?

· How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets?

· What forces will shape the market going forward?

· What are the challenges to market growth?

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http://www.satprnews.com/2017/12/23/rice-flour-market-trends-forecast-by-2022-industry-analysis-by-geographical-regions-type-and-application-2/

Rice sector strives for recognition as industry

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December 23, 2017

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The second largest export-oriented sector of rice, with its more than $2 billion annual export, is still striving for its recognition as an industry .

The fragmentation in supply chain partners, including farmers, millers and exporters poses a bigger challenge. The issue at farm levels poses threat for export destinations while the local millers that handle 70 percent of paddy, are ignorant of good milling and storage practices which deteriorates the grain quality and add pain to the agony.

This was stated by Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Chaudhry Sameeullah in a presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by the Standing Committee Chairperson Shaza Fatima Khawaja, REAP SVP Rafeeq Suleman, Secretary Kashifur Rehman, representatives of Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Food Security, TDAP and Ministry of Industries.

REAP chairman observed that the competing countries, including Thailand, India, USA, Brazil, had recognised their rice sector as an industry that benefitted with the formulation of policies to increase yields at farm levels and improvement the quality for exports.

“The current fragmentation of sector is a barrier to development.

Declaration of rice sector as an industry would help in the formation of consolidated policy that will help in the integration of all supply chain stakeholders into one chain,” he said, and added, “The Ministry of Industry would in turn help government with relevant policies to add value to rice supplies from farms till forks. The step to declare rice sector an industry would benefit with 30% higher exports (Additional $500 million) by saving Post-Harvest Losses (20%) and increasing exports to high-valued destination by 30 percent.”

The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Food Security officials supported REAP stance. In a bid to address the body’s concern, Shaza Khawaja assured the delegates of her fullest support for the sector to be recognised as an industry .

Others matters, including inclusion of Rice in Chinese FTA, Release of Funds from EDF Board for Rice Technical Training Institute, Reap stance of Zero Tolerance on Mandatory Pre-shipment Inspection were also discussed. The committee will submit its proposals to Minister of Commerce, Pervaiz Malik for due implementation for increasing rice exports.

http://riceoutlook.com/myanmar-eyes-pakistan-to-reduce-dependence-on-china-for-its-rice-exports/

OUAT to have chair for research on rice straw-based biofuel production

Hemanta Pradhan| TNN | Updated: Dec 24, 2017, 18:48 IST

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state agriculture secretary Saurabh Garg and OUAT vice chancellor Surendranath Pasupalak.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state agriculture sec... Read More

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) on Sunday signed a memorandum of agreement with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to conduct research on effective utilization of rice straw for bio-fuel production in the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state agriculture secretary Saurabh Garg and OUAT vice chancellor Surendranath Pasupalak.

According to the agreement, a total of Rs 5 crore will be spent for the technology partnership project. The oil company will provide Rs 2 crore for setting up of BPCL Chair and Rs 3 crore as research contingency for development, establishment and popularization of the bio-fuel production technology.

The union minister said that rice is grown across the state. "Odisha produces 85 lakh tonnes of rice every year. We also get around 100 lakh tonnes of rice straw annually as agricultural byproduct. Normally rice straw is used as fodder or other domestic purposes. But now it will be used for production of bio-fuel," he added.

He said there is almost no economic utilization of rice straw. "If we set up ethanol plant to produce bio-fuel, farmers can sale these straws to the plant. It will increase their income. It will motivate the farmers of north India not to burn the stubble or straw after harvesting paddy. It will create positive impact on environment," he added.

The Centre is going to set up an ethanol plant at Bargarh with an estimated cost of Rs 750 crore. Main raw material of the plant is rice straw. This project will not only increase income of farmers, it will reduce the pressure on fossil fuel, said the minister.

This agreement has a direct link with the Bargarh project. The BPCL Chair and a state-of-the-art laboratory at the OUAT will conduct research on different varieties of rice or other crops to know whether its byproducts help in producing quality ethanol or not. It will also select the crops which can become ideal raw material for ethanol. "Rice straw predominantly contains cellulose. We can produce ethanol from the cellulose in a bio-chemical enzymatic process. A professor will lead the BPCL Chair to conduct study on extraction of quality ethanol from best varieties of crops including cereals," said Pasupalak.

Pradhan also said the Centre is interested to set up an incubation centre at the OUAT to help the agriculture entrepreneurs of the state. The students of the university or other interested youths can take the help of the centre to work on their business ideas in the field of agriculture. "We can fund around Rs 15 crore for the incubation centre, if the state government comes forward to start it," he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/ouat-to-have-chair-for-research-on-rice-straw-based-biofuel-production/articleshow/62232170.cms

So, The UPA Government Was Scam-Free, You See

by Sanjeev Nayyar

- Dec 25, 2017, 1:05 pm

Congress president Rahul Gandhi with former prime minister Manmohan Singh (Ajay Aggarwal/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Snapshot

· The Congress party might, on the strength of the court order on the 2G spectrum case, argue that there were no scams in the first place.

So, allow us to jog your memory.

All those involved in the 2G spectrum scam are celebrating after being exonerated of any criminality by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court last week. The Supreme Court must now be wondering whether its order on the cancellation of telecom licenses was wrong!

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is on the defensive and being criticised for letting the CBI botch up the case, that too in a matter where the alleged wrongdoings were written about in great detail by numerous journalists.

The Congress party and their supporters are rejoicing – we told you the scam was a figment of the CAG’s imagination!

This tweet by Shankar Sharma goaded me to compile this piece. He tweeted on 21 December that:

This article is not about how the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government managed India’s economy. Instead, it recaps some of the biggest scams under UPA because of which the alliance was known as the most corrupt government in post-independent India’s history. Let’s go.

1. Air India scam

Have you heard of a company that makes a financial commitment of Rs 55,000 crore for purchase of 111 aircraft on an equity base of Rs 145 crore and carry-forward losses of Rs 776 crore (Indian Airlines loss of Rs 957 crore less Air India profit reserves Rs 181) as on 31 March 2006?

One does not need to be an astute businessperson or a banker to know that a company whose net worth has eroded is bound to run out of cash in due course even if aircraft orders were not placed.

As published here, “It is now clear the Air India’s financial problems began in 2004 when Praful Patel chaired a meeting of the board in which the airline suddenly inflated its order for new aircraft from 28 to 68 without a revenue plan or even a route-map for deploying the aircraft.”

One can argue that Praful Patel was not the managing director of Air India, but as then minister for civil aviation, Patel has to accept full responsibility.

2. Coalgate, 2012

According to a Times of India report, “In 2004 UPA govt realised that Coal India wouldn’t produce enough to meet demand so it decided to allot more captive mines to private and state-owned players. During 2006-2009 licenses for 75 blocks went to private firms and 70 to govt cos.”

Since coal blocks were not auctioned and allotted in a non-transparent basis, “CAG felt guidelines allowed “windfall gain” to firms that got captive blocks. CAG said “substantial difference” between high market price of coal, sold by CIL and lower cost of coal produced by captive blocks”.

It is important for the CAG to defend its report on the 2G spectrum scam if the institution has to retain its credibility. This is something that the government and the current CAG, Rajiv Mehrishi, must work on.

3. Commonwealth scam, 2010

According to an NDTV report, “The Games spawned a maze of corrupt deals, most of them involving inflated contracts. Instead of selecting companies who offered the best prices, equipment and services were hired from firms who over-quoted. Often, companies who offered better deals were disqualified for inexplicable reasons.”

For example, reports of the Central Vigilance Commission revealed that Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the organising committee of the Games, offered a contract of Rs 141 crore to Swiss Timings for its timing equipment, which was higher by Rs 95 crore.

One cannot forget the organisational mismanagement back then, which could have become a national embarrassment.

4. Cash-for-votes scam, 2011

According to an India Today cover story during the Nuclear Vote Bill of 2008, “The Delhi Police officers said they had statements from the BJP MPs to this effect, that Amar Singh had promised them Rs 3 crore each to go against the BJP whip and vote for the motion triggered by a split in the government over the Indo-US nuclear deal.”

The entire operation “was to be broadcast on CNN-IBN whose editor in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai went on air outside Parliament on July 22, 2008, announcing the impending telecast of his scoop. The sting was not shown that day. In the evening, Sardesai went on air again saying he had withdrawn the broadcast in the ‘national interest’”.

It is convenient to forget the past, but can the Congress come clean on this issue?

5. Payment irregularities in rice milling charges, 2015

According to a Business Standard report, “the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has found procedural irregularities in payment of paddy milling charges by the Centre to rice millers across the country between 2009-10 and 2013-14”.

Further, the report showed that “Rs 17,985 crore was paid as minimum support price to farmers during 2009-10 to 2013-14, without verifying whether the same amount was actually transferred to them by the millers, Food Corporation of India (FCI) or state agencies.”

6. Inordinate increase in bilateral flying rights to the UAE and the Jet-Etihad deal, 2013

According to an April 2013 Mint editorial, “That the Indian government was willing to approve an inordinate increase in bilateral flying rights to United Arab Emirates seems to indicate that not much has been learnt from the trenchant criticism by the national auditor of a previous such decision. At that time, the beneficiary of the award of flying rights was Dubai’s Emirates. This time around, Jet Airways and Etihad are the ones with the most to gain.

“Jet Airways had sought additional rights for the next three years to fly 41,600 seats a week to Abu Dhabi, ahead of the deal to sell a stake to United Arab Emirates’ national airline Etihad Airways PJSC, which operates out of Abu Dhabi airport. Following the announcements on the Jet-Etihad deal, the Indian government said late on Wednesday that seats would increase by 36,670 until 2015.”

It might be correct to assume that grant of additional rights was a precursor to the Jet-Etihad deal, one between two private companies.

7. Bandra plot allotment for National Herald was full of violations, according to a Maharashtra government report, 2015

According to a December 2015 report, “A recent report on the allotment of a prime Bandra property to the Associated Journals Limited (publishers of the now defunct National Herald) in 1983 has said rules that required the property to be sold in open auction were violated. Listing at least eight violations, the contents of the report suggest a consistent abuse of discretionary powers in the allotment of the plot.

“The assessment report has been prepared by the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office after it came to light that this land, measuring 3,478 sq metres, was part of the assets of AJL that have been transferred to Young Indian, the section 25 company owned largely by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi (38 percent each).”

“The instant plot at the time of allotment was shown in residential reservation in the Development Plan. Ignoring this fact, the plot was allotted for commercial purpose.”

To these scams, feel free to add deals pertaining to Tatra trucks, the Scorpene submarine, and Augusta Westland, resignation of former railway minister Pawan Bansal in 2013 due to railgate, and Adarsh society, among others.

As the Congress president, will Rahul Gandhi explain his party’s stand on each of these scams?

This BJP government can be faulted for not getting the guilty convicted. If they do not move quickly, the Congress might, on the strength of the court order, argue that there were no scams in the first place.

Aggression is the new form of defence, so unable to pin the government on corruption charges, the Congress party is alleging a scam in the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft, as against an earlier figure of 126, and claims that a disproportionately higher price per piece of equipment is being paid.

Air Marshal Anil Chopra has written, “The package cost of 126 or 36 Rafale cannot be directly compared as the deliverables in the two cases are different and the final negotiated price for 36 Rafales package along with initial consignment of weapons, simulators, ground infrastructure and services.”

The Congress party has to work a lot harder if it wants the BJP to be tainted with corruption. So far, the party’s claims lack punch. The Modi government too has not obliged.

The writer is an independent columnist, travel photojournalist and chartered accountant, and founder of www.esamskriti.com. Professionally he is a Life Coach, Cross Cultural Trainer and Corporate Consultant. He tweets at https://twitter.com/sanjeev1927

https://swarajyamag.com/politics/so-the-upa-government-was-scam-free-you-see

TRAIN won’t raise inflation — DBCC

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Published December 24, 2017, 10:00 PM

By Chino S. Leyco

The rate of increase in consumer prices will remain subdued next year despite the expected impact of the recently enacted tax reform law on purchasing power, the Duterte administration’s economic team said.

As the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) would raise inflation by one percentage point in 2018, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) believes the government has an offsetting measure.

Monetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla, who attended last Friday’s DBCC meeting, noted that the removal of quantitative restriction on rice imports would drag-down inflation by around one percentage point.

Based on the BSP’s preliminary estimates, the TRAIN law would raise inflation by up to one percentage point next year and by less than half percentage point in 2019.

“The government itself has prioritized the elimination of QRs rice in replacement by a 35 percent tariff. With that calculation, prices will lower by seven percent, so rice alone will more than offset the negative effects of TRAIN,” Medalla said.

The inter-agency DBCC maintained last week its inflation target at a range of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent from next year until 2022.

“You must remember, the long-term effects of TRAIN are different from short-term effects. The long-term effects are anti-inflation, to the extent that infrastructure will reduce transportation cost, increase productivity,” Medalla said.

“Initially you will have cost-push effect in the higher indirect taxes. If an increase in inflation is transitory, no need for a monetary policy response because after all eventually inflation will settle down,” he added.

Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, meanwhile, said the reduction in withholding tax rates will put less pressure on higher wages, which should somehow temper inflation.

Earlier, Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran said the lifting of the quantitative restrictions on rice imports in favor of tariffs will result in the reduction in the retail price of the food staple by as much as R7 a kilo and help free some 730,000 Filipinos from poverty.

Beltran expounds a 35-percent import tariff on rice in lieu of restricting rice import volumes would encourage private traders to bring in the staple into the country, which would, in turn, allow the influx of cheaper rice in the domestic market.

The finance official said a reduction in rice prices would be beneficial to the majority of poor households that spend at least 20 percent of their budget for rice, citing recent studies done by the National Economic and Development Authority.

To ultimately remove the QR, the over one-decade-old Republic Act No. 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, which had put the rice import quota in place, must be amended.

Since the government imposes a quota on rice imports, domestic prices are vulnerable to shocks resulting from meager supply.

The QR puts the burden of rice supply and demand to the government, whereas the market forces are being limited by the quota system.

Tags: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, DBCC, Development Budget Coordination Committee, Member Felipe M. Medalla, percentage point, rice import

https://business.mb.com.ph/2017/12/24/train-wont-raise-inflation-dbcc/ 12:00 AM, December 25, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 11:55 AM, December 25, 2017

Amosun, like Bagudu, Ambode, launches local rice

Dec 24 2017 - 2:27pm

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Ibikunle Amosun MissionTo Rebuild Ogun State(MITROS) rice ofada rice Ogun State

Mitros rice

Adejoke Adeleye

Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, recently launched Ogun Ofada rice named MissionTo Rebuild Ogun State(MITROS) rice.

Ofada rice is a local variety of uniquely processed brown rice that is produced in a town in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State.

Ofada rice is a member of the Oryza Glaberrima species of rice, also known as African Rice. Ofada comes in two types, the white and brown, based on the unmilled seed colour.

Gov Amosun in his remark at the launching held at Ministry of Agriculture Asero Abeokuta,tagged “The Presidential Task Force on Agricultural Commodities and Production” said the rice was planted, produced and packaged in Ogun State.

Amosun also made it known that 110,000 of 50kg of the ofada was being launched with smaller sizes like 25kg,10kg,5kg and the smallest pack of about #200.

“Our major problém is unemployment, it is gradually coming to an end”.

“The unavailability of food is coming to an end in Ogun state. There is creation of jobs for our unemployed youths. Our farmers will benefit from it”.

Also Governor Kebbi, another rice producing state, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said he was glad that governor Amosun was able to deliever on the promise he made three months ago concerning being part of rice producing states.

“Also Federal Government recongises that we should do things differently.”
“With rice we can achieve what we have achieved with crude oil.”
“Even President Muhammad Buhair also approved the task force on rice commodity”

“Nigeria has ability to produce rice competitively. It is important for us to patronise Nigeria commodity.”

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele said “a country that does not take agriculture seriously is nowhere to be found. We’ll continue to support anybody who does agriculture.We will no longer sell products in foreign exchange to produce in agriculture.

We’ll also look at how to produce fish ponds at the rate of 5 per cent for those that are intereseted in farming.

“We will support fish ponding as a means to produce and generate funding for the country.”

The newly selected Akarigbo of Remoland Oba Babatunde Ajayi in his remark said “l looked at the ofada producing areas and I cán’t find Remoland on the list.”

He therefore pleaded with the government to come and develop Remoland too.

The chairman of rice farmers, Segun Ogunkoya implored the government to support rice farmers in Ogun State.

“We support what the Governor is doing today he should please continue to support rice farmers.”

http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2017/12/amosun-like-bagudu-ambode-launches-local-rice/

Pakistan casts its eye on Africa to push for enhanced trade engagement

December 23, 2017

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ISLAMABAD: In order to tap the potential of trade with African countries, Pakistan has adopted an aggressive trade diplomacy by increasing the strength of commercial councilors in Africa from 4 to 12.

Official sources here say that additionally, 20 local trade development officers (TDOs) have been hired under the ‘Look Africa Plan’ and to this effect the commerce ministry has sent a summary to the PM Secretariat for approval.

“There is a mammoth potential to explore the market for Pakistan’s goods, commodities and services in African countries and the Government of Pakistan intends to increase bilateral trade with them up to $5 billion in five years span from the existing $ 1 billion,” an official said.

The Commerce Ministry on August 17, 2017 approved ‘Look Africa Plan’ with stringent measures to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and Africa in the upcoming years.

To this effect, the official said the commerce ministry had planned to extend stimulus to its trade diplomacy to exploit the trade potential in Africa at the maximum.

“We have our four commercial councilors’ offices in Africa and have decided to increase commercial councilors up to 12 with increase of 8.

Four commercial councilors will be relocated to the 10 African countries and four will be appointed by the Government of Pakistan.

Since in Africa, French and local languages are used and English language is rarely spoken there, that’s why 20 local educated youth will be hired as trade development officers for marketing Pakistan products there.

Currently, Pakistan has only 13 joint ministerial commissions with African countries that are not sufficient for institutional strengthening of both sides.

The JMCs are only with Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Even the meetings of the JMCs take place after a gap of 5 to 10 years.

Pakistan has never been in trade with Africa at larger scale since long but after studying the said continent’s potential, the top mandarins have felt that the mammoth potential for export of Pakistan products lies in Africa.

China has also succeeded to make inroads in Africa’s market but still there is a lot of room for Pakistan. Africa is also more important to Pakistan for imports. Pakistan has so far imported coal valuing $650 million for Port Qasim and Sahiwal power plants for power generation.

Pakistan has already prioritized six sectors to promote its exports to African countries - pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments, electrical appliances, rice, wheat, corn, textiles, cement and construction materials and services.

Pakistan’s share in total trade of African countries stands at 0.3 per cent, as against the Africa’s total trade volume of $3 trillion.

Under the policy, top 10 countries out of the 54 African nations selected trade promotion include Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

All these countries constitute 78pc of the total African gross domestic product (GDP). Pakistan plans to offer to negotiate a preferential trade agreement with three African trading blocs Southern African Customs Union (SACU), East African Community (EAC), and Economic Community of West African States that constitute (ECOWAS).

Inflation on the rise in Pakistan

December 22, 2017

By:Samaa Web Desk

Published in Economy

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ISLAMABAD: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based weekly inflation for the week ended on December 21 for the combined income groups increased by 0.16 percent as compared to the previous week.

The SPI for the week under review in the above mentioned group was recorded at 226.00 points against 225.65 points last week, according to the latest data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday.

As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined group in the week under review witnessed increase of 3.46 per cent.

The weekly SPI has been computed with base 2007, 2008=100, covering 17 urban centers and 53 essential items for all income groups.

Meanwhile, the SPI for the lowest income group up to Rs 8,000 witnessed nominal increase of 0.05 percent as it went up from 215.56 points in the previous week to 215.67 points in the week under review.

As compared to the last week, the SPI for the income groups from Rs 8001 to 12,000, Rs 12,001 to 18,000, Rs 18,001 to 35,000 and above Rs35,000, also increased by 0.10 percent, 0.13 percent, 0.16 percent and 0.19 percent respectively.

During the week under review, average prices of 8 items registered decrease, while 12 items increased with the remaining 33 items’ prices unchanged.

The items, which registered decrease in their prices during the week under review included potatoes, eggs, onions, sugar, mash pulse, chilly, mustard oil and wheat flour.

The items, which registered increase in their prices included chicken, tomatoes, bananas, LPG cylinder, garlic, firewood, gur, moong pulse, masoor pulse, gram pulse, rice (basmati broken) and wheat.

The items with no change in their average prices during the week under review included rice (irri-6), bread, beef, mutton, milk (fresh), curd, milk (powdered), cooking oil (tin), vegetable ghee (tin), vegetable ghee (loose), salt, tea (packet), cooked beef, cooked daal, tea (prepared), cigarettes, long cloth, shirting, lawn, cigarettes, gents sandal, gents chappal, ladies sandal, electricity charges, gas charges, kerosene oil, electric bulb, washing soap, match box, petrol, diesel, telephone local call and bath soap. – app

Rice price hike makes half a million more people poor

Staff Correspondent | Update: 18:34, Dec 24, 2017

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More than half a million Bangladeshis have been poor once again due to rise in rice price in recent months, says an economic review report.

The 520,000 people, according to the report, have gone back to 'below poverty line' in the past several months for the rice price-hike.

Floods and supply shortfall as a restult of inadequate imports have triggerred the rise in rice price by more than 30 per cent during the period, the report mentioned.

And the price-hike caused increase in poverty by 0.32 per cent, found the review by South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).

"It is a matter of concern that rice price rose despite imports of rice. After the recent floods, the poor did not get the scope to adjust with the rice price hike by raising their income," SANEM's executive director Selim Raihan said while presenting the report at a press conference at BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka on Saturday.

SANEM's analysis of rise in povery was based on the poverty estimate by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics that showed the rate of poverty in the country was 24.3 per cent in 2016.

Without directly rejecting the SANEM analysis, member of the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission Shamsul Alam said some 500,000 people are not a big figure in the army of 38 million poor in the country.

"it's not a matter of concern," he said.

He also acknowledged that rice price hike deals a big blow to the lower income group of people, as they spend 80 per cent of their income to buy foods.

The Planning Commission member, however, expressed his confidence that those who came back below the poverty line would be able to overcome the situation once the prices are adjusted.

Market sources said the rice price rose by Tk 2-3 a kilogram only in the past two weeks.

The country's rice import bill increased five times.

http://en.prothom-alo.com/economy/news/168448/Rice-price-hike-increases-poverty

Okorocha Launches Indigenous ‘Imo International Rice’

Eyitope Kuteyi
Updated December 23, 2017

File photo

The Imo State government has launched its first indigenous rice called ‘Imo International Rice’ for consumption of residents and Nigerians in general.

This follows the partnership between the state government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Rice Anchor Borrowers’ Programme of the Federal Government.

The 50kg-bag of rice was officially unveiled on Saturday by the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, at the Imo International Conference Centre in Owerri, the state capital.

Governor Okorocha, in his address, said the decision to start the production of an indigenous rice was borne out of his administration’s commitment to providing sufficient food for the people.

He added that it was also part of his resolve to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths and complement the Federal Government’s effort in promoting local rice production in Nigeria.

Okorocha described the feat as ‘a dream come true’, saying it would go a long way to support the efforts of the Federal Government in abolishing sales of foreign rice and promoting local rice production in the country.

On her part, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, Mrs Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, informed the gathering that the Federal and state government collaborated to train and empower a total of 3,242 farmers in rice farming.

She added that the performance of the farmers in one year has resulted in the production of more than 2,000 metric tons of packaged and processed stone-free parboiled rice.

Also at the event, the state government also showcased the locally-processed and packaged Imo smoked catfish.

According to the government, pilot rice farms have been established in 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state and plans are ongoing to create more in the remaining 15 LGAs while a bag of rice is to be sold at a discounted rate of N14,500.

In October 2016, Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Rice Production and Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu, visited Imo State alongside some CBN top officials to launch the Rice Anchor Borrowers’ programme.

One year and two months down the line, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and indigenes of the state gathered to witness the product of the programme launched – the official unveiling of the first ever indigenous rice solely produced by farmers in the state.

https://www.channelstv.com/2017/12/23/okorocha-launches-indigenous-imo-international-rice/

Pak businessmen invited to tap huge trade potential of Nigeria

December 24, 2017

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Pak businessmen invited to tap huge trade potential of Nigeria

Our Staff Reporter

LAHORE - High Commissioner of Nigeria Maj General (r) Ashimiyu Adebayo Olaniyi has said that huge untapped potential of Nigeria can be explored though joint ventures between the private sectors of the two countries. Nigerian government would extend maximum cooperation to achieve the goal of economic prosperity.

He was talking to LCCI president Malik Tahir Javaid, Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid and Executive Committee members here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Awais Saeed Piracha, Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh, Zafar Mahmood and Mian Zahid Javed were also present.

Nigerian High Commissioner said that low volume of the bilateral trade demands extra ordinary efforts from the businessmen of the two countries. He invited the Pakistani businessmen to enter into joint ventures with their Nigerian counterparts in the fields of agriculture, textile and manufacturing.

He said that easing of visa process between the two countries could increase the bilateral trade in shortest possible time.

LCCI president Malik Tahir Javaid said that Pakistan does consider the value of strengthening the trade and economic relations with Nigeria keeping in view the big market of Africa. He said that Pakistan and Nigeria are also members of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and have friendly and strong diplomatic relations. Other than maintaining steady trade relations, Pakistan has been greatly contributing in fulfilling the defence requirement of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is one of the major member states of African Union. It is classified as an emerging market rapidly approaching to middle income status”, the LCCI president added. However, this relationship has not been translated into tangible economic ties because Nigeria unfortunately does not figure prominently among the trading partners of Pakistan.

“Nigeria and Pakistan share a lot of commonalities. The two countries enjoy unique geographical locations which are strategic in their respective continents. Both also share other things in common, including the population and its diversity. However, in spite of these commonalities the economic relations between Nigeria and Pakistan is low compared with the size and endowments both countries possessed in terms of human and natural resources. The current trade volume between Nigeria and Pakistan is about $ 500 million USD”, Nigerian High Commissioner concluded.

Malik Tahir Javaid said that the downward trend in exports of Pakistan to Nigeria and overall downfall in bilateral trade is a matter of concern. “We need to find reasons of this trend and also take measures to turn around the situation”, he added.

Major export items from Pakistan to Nigeria are medicament mixtures, cotton fabrics, woven fabric of synthetic fiber, tractors, garments, and electro-medical apparatus etc.

Items of imports from Nigeria to Pakistan comprise cotton, raw hides & skins, pharmaceutical products and articles of rubber etc.

The LCCI president said that Pakistan is capable of facilitating Nigerian market with better quality products at competitive rates. Pakistan can export rice, electrical appliances, auto-parts etc. even at much competitive rates. He said that there is a dire need to identify more tradable products to enhance mutual trade. Likewise, sharing of expertise in oil and gas sector can also be initiated on priority.

He said that Pakistan is known around the globe for its textile products, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice, carpets, footwear and so many other consumable items, which still need to be properly introduced in African markets. He said that market research should be conducted regarding the range of products and priority may be given to each other for import of products. The LCCI president said that frequent exchange of trade delegations, continuous liaison and exchange of information can prove important instruments to strengthen our trade and investment relations.

http://nation.com.pk/24-Dec-2017/pak-businessmen-invited-to-tap-huge-trade-potential-of-nigeria Paddy under pest attack in Kuttanad

Sam Paul A.

ALAPPUZHA, DECEMBER 23, 2017 23:29 IST

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Infestation primarily in fields that saw delayed sowing

Attack by pests rice thrips and stem borer on paddy crops has been reported from places such as Thakazhi, Champakulam, and Veeyapuram in Kuttanad.

The rice thrips attack was noticed nearly a week ago and the pest has been spreading to new areas, threatening the crop in its early stage of growth.

Infestation reported

Officials with the Rice Research Station, Moncompu, said infestation of rice thrips was reported from paddy fields which had witnessed delayed sowing.

“The rice thrips attack has been reported from fields where sowing was carried out as late as December 15. Stem borer attack was also reported from a few places. However, there is no need to panic,” said an official.

Thrips causes leaf curling and discoloration.

Stem borers can destroy rice at any stage of the plant’s growth from seedling to maturity.

They attack tillers, leading to drying of the central tiller during vegetative stage and cause whiteheads at reproductive stage.

Biopesticides

Agriculture Department officials said directions had been issued to agricultural officers to curb the spread of pests.

The department is also helping the farmers in pest management and preventive measures. Farmers have been asked to use biopesticides to control pests.

The department is reaching out to farmers through campaigns, community radio, etc.

They will help farmers implement automation in spraying operations, popularisation of seed drum, production of biopesticides, biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, tricho cards, drones and light traps.

Climate change

Officials say one of the main causes for increase in pest attack is climate change and warn that damage could be massive in future.

Daily monitoring and implementation of preventive measures are needed to avert the attack, they add.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/paddy-under-pest-attack-in-kuttanad/article22268820.ece What is Forbidden Rice and Is It Healthy?

https://dingo.care2.com/pictures/greenliving/1417/1416137.large.jpg

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· By: Michelle Schoffro Cook

· December 23, 2017

· About Michelle

· Follow Michelle at @mschoffrocook

It’s believed that in ancient China, black rice was revered but only the emperor was allowed to eat it, resulting in its name “forbidden rice.” In modern times, black rice, or purple rice as it is also called, is one of over 40,000 varieties of rice, but is now readily available in most grocery or health food stores. Why is this rice growing in popularity? Here’s what you need to know about this deeply-hued grain alternative.

First, like its counterpart brown rice, black rice is gluten-free and tends to be low-allergenic, so most people with food sensitivities or allergies can handle it. Technically black rice, like other types of rice, is a seed not a grain, so it can be eaten even on most grain-free diets. It has a slightly chewy texture and a delicious nutty flavor.

How do black and brown rice nutritionally compare? One hundred milligrams of uncooked black rice compared to the same amount of brown rice:

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Black Rice Brown Rice White Rice

8.5 grams protein 7.9 grams protein 6.8 grams protein

4.9 grams fiber 2.8 grams fiber 0.6 grams fiber

Additionally, black rice contains 3.5 milligrams of iron compared to brown rice’s 2.2 milligrams, and only 1.2 milligrams in white rice.

Black rice contains anthocyanins which are not found in brown or white rice. Anthocyanins give foods like black rice and blueberries their signature color, but are also packed with health benefits including: heart disease and cancer prevention, as well as improving cognitive function.

That’s because anthocyanins help with a wide variety of cellular and biological functions, including regulating the destruction of cancer cells in the body and quelling inflammation, according to research published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. Anthocyanins also help to regulate inflammation by regulating the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response. Anthocyanins’ ability to control inflammation is showing promise in the treatment of arthritis as well.

Research in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine found that anthocyanins found in black rice could prevent the spread of breast cancer in a laboratory setting. While the research is in the early stages, anything that halts the metastasis of such a common form of cancer is certainly promising. Anthocyanins like those found in black rice are not just showing promise for breast cancer. Other research that will be published in the upcoming March 1, 2018 edition of Food Chemistry shows that black rice and other anthocyanin-rich foods show promise in the treatment of colon cancer as well.

The antioxidants found in black rice have been shown to help restore the health of the liver, and may even help with doing so after it has been damaged by alcohol consumption. Black rice is also showing promise in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders caused by Helicobacter pylori, which include ulcers, according to research published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

So if you’re going to choose between black, brown and white rice, the best nutritional choice is fairly clear: black rice is anything but forbidden when it comes to healthy eating.

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74 comments

Mia Gabout an hour ago

thanks

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Rosslyn O4 hours ago

To be honest I had not heard of forbidden or black/purple rice either until another article on Care2 the other evening. Michelle could you let us know if it is as good or better than black quinoa? As I do know we can purchase that in Australia.

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Jetana A15 hours ago

Forbidden on my budget!

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Marc P15 hours ago

Thank you for sharing.

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Janet B16 hours ago

Thanks

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Winn A16 hours ago

Thanks

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Winn A16 hours ago

:-)

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Janis K16 hours ago

Thanks for sharing.

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Dennis Hall18 hours ago

thanks

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Clare O19 hours ago

Happy Christmas!

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https://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-is-forbidden-rice-and-is-it-healthy.html

Rice exports beat low expectations in 2017

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the level of rice exports in December was estimated at around 400,000 to 450,000 tonnes, bringing the total export volume for the entire year to 5.9 to 6 million tonnes, over 1 million tonnes higher than last year’s figure. A recent update from the General Department of Customs showed that as of 15th December, the level of rice exports reached 5.66 million tonnes, worth around 2.6 billion USD. This figure represents a rise of 20.9 percent in volume and 23.8 percent in value over the same period last year. In 2016, the level of rice exports was only 4.9 million tonnes, worth 2.2 billion USD. After disappointing results in 2016, the sector has set a modest target to export 5 million tonnes of rice in 2017, due to an anticipated decline in demand and changes to the rice import policies of destination markets. However, the demand for rice in many markets, such as China, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, increased significantly in 2017, which, together with the efforts to penetrate new markets, such as Bangladesh and Iraq, have helped to improve the country’s level of rice exports, experts have said. Rice import companies also saw a successful year. Nguyen Van Don, director of Viet Hung Company Limited, stated that the increase in rice exports was largely due to China, the largest market for Vietnam. Don added that rice exports to China are expected to help boost his company’s value of exports by 20 per cent, compared to 2016. Rice exports to other markets, such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Iraq, the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia, also saw a significant increase. Dang Thi Lien, director of the Long An Foodstuff Limited Company, forecasted a positive outlook for rice exports, as there are many orders from the Philippines and China. According to Nguyen Thanh Long, director of the Gao Viet Limited Company, the level of rice exports will continue to improve in the first quarter of 2018, if supply is ensured. Many forecasts highlight an improved global rice market in 2018. According to a report by the United States (US) Department of Agriculture, global rice trade is projected to grow by 1 percent in 2018, to reach 42.3 million tonnes. Vietnam’s rice exports could increase by 400,000 tonnes in 2018, due to higher demand from Southeast Asian markets. Vietnamese rice is now exported to over 130 markets. However, experts are still calling for quality to be improved, to enhance competitiveness. In October, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced its rice export strategy for the 2017 to 2020 period, which aims to decrease export volume but increase value. Accordingly, the country’s average rice export volume was set at 4.5 to 5 million tonnes per year to 2020, at an average value of 2.2 to 2.3 billion USD. Between 2021 and 2030, Vietnam plans to export 4 million tonnes per year on average, worth around 2.3 USD to 2.5 billion USD.-VNA

Author Name: http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/192716/rice-exports-beat-low-expectations-in-2017.html

Date: 25-Dec-2017

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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

25th December,2017 daily global regional local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

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