Structural changes in Asian rice
trade: Lessons for Bangladesh
Rice production in
Bangladesh suffers from instability and is highly sensitive to external shocks
created by both natural and manmade factors. Photo: Star/file
The recession of 2007-2008 that
sent rice prices spiralling came as a shock to all rice producing and consuming
countries which prompted many to review their policies related to rice
production towards achieving food self-sufficiency within the shortest possible
time.The world has witnessed how swiftly many countries have changed their approach for rice production from self-reliance to self-sufficiency.
The former policy was adopted when the world economy embraced globalisation and open market systems in the 1990s.
Reversal to the policy of self-sufficiency started giving dividend within three years. Rice production increased in many countries considerably. It happened thanks to increased allocation of resources by the government because of a drastic fall in international supports.
These changes in production have brought structural changes in international rice trade systems. The status of the top rice exporting country changed from Thailand to India through Vietnam within a decade (2007-2017). Cambodia and Myanmar showed their strong presence as rice exporting countries.
In the global rice trade, Thailand dominated until the first decade of the 21st century. The other main rice exporting countries were Pakistan, USA, China and India.
Bangladesh has been able to stop depending on rice import until 2015 and instead it exported 50 000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka in 2014.
However, rice production in Bangladesh is not stable due to recurrence of natural disasters, intensity of which is on the rise.
It was clearly evident in 2017. Vietnam was predicted by many international organisations to emerge as the number one rice exporting country in the world by 2016.
Although it did not entirely happen, the country briefly occupied the top position mainly due to disastrous rice policy undertaken by political government of Thailand.
Thailand has been suffering from this policy setback, although it started recovering gradually. Indian rice export increased rapidly due to the pragmatic programmes in the eastern part of the country under the name of the second green revolution.
Only 8 percent of rice (approximately 35-37 million tonnes) produced globally is traded in international markets. Global annual production in terms of milled rice totals around 450 to 452 million tonnes.
The share of rice export from South Asian (SA) countries has been increasing compared with their South East Asian (SEA) counterparts.
Mainland countries of SEA (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) are rice exporting countries and they export around 16-18 million tonnes of rice annually.
On the other hand, island nations of SEA (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia) import rice, amounting to 5-6 million tonnes annually.
Due to massive policy changes, China is emerging as a major rice importing country of the world. The country imported 5 million tonnes of rice in 2016; the figure is likely to rise by 2020.
If this trend continues, China's rice import figure may reach around 16 to 20 million tonnes by 2030.
In near future, rice production may decrease in Thailand and Vietnam. Main reason behind it is that rice farmers are poorer than farmers growing other staple like wheat and maize.
In order to achieve the status of a wealthy nation, the first task is to pull out rice farmers from poverty. The main concern of these two countries is how to make rice farmers wealthier. Reduction of rice production is one of the ways toward achieving it.
Africa is consuming more rice than its production. Estimates show that Africa's rice consumption will increase 42 percent by 2030.
Nigeria is now the second largest importer of rice after China. Rice production in India increased from 89 million tonnes to 105 million tonnes during the period from 2009–2010 to 2014-15.
Out of 16 million tonnes of additional rice produced, more than 10 million tonnes came from seven eastern states of India which border on Bangladesh. Their contribution to national rice production increased from 51.24 percent to 53.24 percent during the same period.
Rice export has been increasing in Myanmar—another bordering country of Bangladesh—steadily.
It gives us hope that Bangladesh would be able to import rice from its two neighbouring countries when it needs most.
However, the most worrying aspect in global rice economy is the entry of China in the tiny rice market with its large demand of rice.
China will probably try to meet its production shortfall by importing from Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. However, China prefers importing low-quality rice only for production of alcohol, noodles, animal feed and for other industrial uses.
Currently, 47 percent of rice in China comes from Vietnam. It has political implication as Vietnam is one of the strong rivals of China with regard to territorial disputes in South China Sea and has established close friendly relations with India.
Five island nations of Asean also imports around 5-6 million tonnes of rice annually. Rice imports are rising in Indonesia and the Philippines as these two islands are most disaster-prone.
Some countries in the Near East like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are also rice importing countries. Any production disturbance in Iraq and Iran may affect rice trade.
Bangladesh's efforts to increase rice production and productivity are well known which are reflected in the record of its success.
However, rice production in Bangladesh suffers from instability and is highly sensitive to external shocks created by both natural and manmade factors.
In case any major crisis hits rice production, the country may face several problems for importing rice as China and other countries may get priority over Bangladesh.
Indian rice is more likely to go to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and African countries rather than Bangladesh. Rice of Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam may go to China, if China faces any rice crisis internally.
In this context, Bangladesh has to relook at its rice policies and strategies in order to produce sufficient rice taking into account the likelihoods of shocks arising from climate change and also from import difficulties.
ASIA
RICE-INDIA RATES SLIP; NO NEW DEALS FOR TOP EXPORTERS
2/22/2018
By Arpan Varghese
BENGALURU, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Rice
prices in top exporter
India fell for the third consecutive week on sluggish demand,
while the lack of fresh deals weighed on rates for the staple
grain in other major Asian markets.
India fell for the third consecutive week on sluggish demand,
while the lack of fresh deals weighed on rates for the staple
grain in other major Asian markets.
India's 5 percent broken parboiled
rice
prices <RI-INBKN5-P1> fell by $6 to $414-$418 per tonne, after
rising earlier this month to the highest since September 2011.
The rates were also pressured by declines in the local currency,
traders said.
prices <RI-INBKN5-P1> fell by $6 to $414-$418 per tonne, after
rising earlier this month to the highest since September 2011.
The rates were also pressured by declines in the local currency,
traders said.
"Prices are falling across
Asia. Buyers are waiting to see
where they stabilise," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the
southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
where they stabilise," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the
southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The rupee has fallen about 2.3
percent so far this
month, increasing exporters' margins from overseas sales.
month, increasing exporters' margins from overseas sales.
In Thailand, the world's
second-biggest rice exporter,
benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices <RI-THBKN5-PI> dropped to
$404-$410 a tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, versus $400-$419
last week.
benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices <RI-THBKN5-PI> dropped to
$404-$410 a tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, versus $400-$419
last week.
"It's going quiet after the
Indonesia shipments. Buyers
won't need more supply for a while," said a trader in Bangkok.
won't need more supply for a while," said a trader in Bangkok.
Indonesia's state food procurement
agency Bulog said in
early February that it had signed contracts with six companies
for 281,000 tonnes of rice imports, of which 141,000 tonnes was
to be imported from Vietnam, 120,000 tonnes from Thailand and
20,000 tonnes from India.
early February that it had signed contracts with six companies
for 281,000 tonnes of rice imports, of which 141,000 tonnes was
to be imported from Vietnam, 120,000 tonnes from Thailand and
20,000 tonnes from India.
The overall Thai rates, especially
for the parboiled
variety, also took a beating because Bangladesh scrapped a deal
to import Thai rice last week.
variety, also took a beating because Bangladesh scrapped a deal
to import Thai rice last week.
Thailand's commerce ministry said
last week the country
would compete to sell rice to the Philippines, which plans to
import 250,000 tonnes.
would compete to sell rice to the Philippines, which plans to
import 250,000 tonnes.
Thailand's new rice harvest is
expected in the market by
April.
April.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, which has
emerged as a major rice
importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, imported a
record of more than three million tonnes in the July-February
period, data from the country's food ministry showed.
importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, imported a
record of more than three million tonnes in the July-February
period, data from the country's food ministry showed.
Of the total, 2.25 million tonnes
were imported by private
traders, mostly from India.
traders, mostly from India.
Imports will come down as there was
no fresh demand, Badrul
Hasan, head of Bangladesh's state grains buyer, told Reuters.
Hasan, head of Bangladesh's state grains buyer, told Reuters.
Prices were on the downward trend
in Vietnam as well, with
rates of the 5 percent broken variety <RI-VNBKN5-P1> down to
$415-$420 a tonne, from $420-$425 two weeks earlier, following
the Lunar New Year holiday.
rates of the 5 percent broken variety <RI-VNBKN5-P1> down to
$415-$420 a tonne, from $420-$425 two weeks earlier, following
the Lunar New Year holiday.
"Everyone is still in holiday
mood. Market just reopened
yesterday," said a Ho Chi Minh city-based trader, adding that
farmers have started harvesting for the winter-spring paddy,
expected to last until March.
yesterday," said a Ho Chi Minh city-based trader, adding that
farmers have started harvesting for the winter-spring paddy,
expected to last until March.
"There's no buyer for the
moment, as the Indonesian deal is
done, while the Philippines' plan to buy 250,000 tonnes is still
unclear."
(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Patpicha
Tanakasempipat in Bangkok, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mai Nguyen in
Hanoi; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
done, while the Philippines' plan to buy 250,000 tonnes is still
unclear."
(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Patpicha
Tanakasempipat in Bangkok, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mai Nguyen in
Hanoi; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/asia-rice-india-rates-slip-no-new-deals-for-top-exporters
NFA rice: Going, going...
Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News
Ten million Filipinos who consume
subsidized National Food Authority (NFA) rice sold for P27 to P32 per kilo face
a looming shortage in the coming months with NFA's stocks dwindling. The
250,000 metric tons of imported rice recently ordered by the administration
will arrive only in June. There is no shortage, however, of more expensive
commercial rice.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/02/22/18/nfa-rice-going-going
Bangladesh to resume selling rice
at Tk 10 a kg for poor in March
Senior Correspondent,
2018-02-22 20:23:55.0 BdST Updated: 2018-02-22 21:57:19.0
BdST
The government is
resuming a programme for providing the poor with rice at Tk 10 per kilogram in
March.
As many as 5 million poor families were supposed to get 30 kg
rice per month from September to November and March and April every year since
2016 under the programme.
Food Minister Qamrul Islam told a news conference at the
Directorate General of Food in Dhaka on Thursday the programme was suspended
for September, October and November last year after the floods damaged crops.
“We have come out of the situation. The programme will resume in
March-April period this year and will continue in the future,” he added.
File Photo.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the project at Chilmari in
Kurhigram on Sept 7, 2016.
A number of agents in the scheme lost dealerships for
irregularities in the distribution, such as providing rice to families that are
not poor.
Hasina also warned against irregularities in the project at the
time.
Qamrul on Thursday said they would not allow any irregularities
or corruption in the programme.
According to him, the government needs 7,500 tonnes of rice
annually for the programme while it has over 1 million tonnes in reserves.
The government has procured 540,000 tonnes rice in the ongoing
Aman crop season while the target is 600,000 tonnes. “We’ll finish the
procurement in time,” Qamrul said.
The government could buy only 250,000 tonnes of food grains
against a target of 1.2 million tonnes after the floods in the Haor or
backswamp region destroyed crops.
“The government food grain reserves had dropped to 130,000
tonnes. It was a huge crisis of rice,” he remembered.
Qamrul also said rice prices should not drop below Tk 40 a kg in
the retail market, echoing Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed who had made the
claim earlier.
Food Secretary Shahabuddin Ahmed and Directorate General of Food
Director General Md Badrul Hasan were also present.
T&T Group seeks to acquire 25% of Vietnam’s rice exporter
Vinafood 2 Quynh Nguyen
February 22, 2018 Vietnam-based multi-sector firm
T&T Group plans to spend approximately $56 million to acquire a 25 per
cent strategic stake in IPO-bound Vietnam Southern Food Corporation
(Vinafood 2). Vinafood 2 is set to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) on
March 14. Despite being a major firm in Vietnam’s agriculture sector, its IPO
has not attracted investor attention due to its poor business performance over
the past several years, according to experts. In a statement, Vinafood 2 said
that T&T Group was the only company to submit a bid to become a strategic
investor so far. Under the equitization approved by Prime Minister, Vinafood 2
will sell nearly 23 per cent of its capital (114.8 million shares) in its IPO,
another 25 per cent to strategic investors, and the remainder to its employees
and workers at a preferential price. With the price for the strategic stake
sale expected to at least match the IPO starting price of VND10,100 ($0.45) per
share, T&T Group may have to pay at least VND1.26 trillion ($56 million) to
purchase the 25 per cent stake. The interest in acquiring a Vinafood 2 stake
comes as T&T Group plans to expand its presence in the agricultural sector.
In 2015, T&T Group and Saigon Hanoi Insurance Corporation, both
wholly-owned by Chairman Do Quang Hien, acquired 35 per cent of the outstanding
shares of Vietnam National Vegetable, Fruit and Agricultural Product
Corporation JSC (Vegetexco), marking a foray into the agricultural sector of
the multi-sector firm. T&T also acquired a 50 per cent stake in Ha Noi
Import Export and Investment Company (Unimex Hanoi), part of Hanoi Trade
Corporation (Hapro), in 2015. Vinafood 2 is one of the largest rice traders in
Vietnam with an annual output of 2.8-3.0 million tons of rice, export
turnover of over $1 billion. The agriculture firm is targeting VND11.89
trillion ($523.1 million) net revenue and VND118 billion ($5.19 million)
after-tax profit in the first year after equitization. Its net revenue in 2016
stood at VND9.95 trillion ($437.8 million), down 36 per cent
year-on-year. By the end of 2016, the company recorded a net loss of
VND798 billion ($35.1 million). By mid-2017, the accumulated loss had increased
to VND912 billion ($40.1 million). T&T Group was established in 1993. It
operates in the fields of finance, industry, minerals, real estate and exports.
Also Read: VN Dealbook: T&T Group to buy more hospitals; Everpia slashes
foreign holding limit
Nagpur
Foodgrain Prices Open- February 22, 2018
Reuters Staff
FEBRUARY 22, 2018 / 1:14 PM / A DAY AGO
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-February 22, 2018
Nagpur, Feb 22 (Reuters) – Gram and Tuar moved down in Nagpur
Agriculture Produce Marketing
Committee (APMC) on lack of demand from local millers amid poor
quality arrival. Fresh fall in
Madhya Pradesh pulses and release of stock from stockists also
pushed down prices here.
About 2,200 bags of gram and 1,200 bags of tuar reported for
auction in Nagpur APMC, according
to sources.
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Desi gram raw showed
weak tendency in open market here on lack of demand from local
traders.
TUAR
* Tuar varieties ruled
steady in open market here but demand was poor.
* Rice BPT and Chinnor
varieties recovered in open market here on seasonal demand from
local traders amid weak
supply from producing regions.
* In Akola, Tuar New –
4,500-4,600, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean)
– 7,200-8,000, Moong
Mogar (clean) 7,000-7,400, Gram – 3,900-4,000, Gram Super best
– 5,400-5,800
* Wheat, other varieties
of rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in
scattered deals and
settled at last levels in thin trading activity.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC
auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 3,200-3,840 3,300-3,970
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 4,000-4,400 4,000-4,460
Moong Auction n.a. 3,900-4,200
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Wheat Mill quality
Auction 1,700-1,796 1,700-1,772
Gram Super Best
Bold 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000
Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.
Gram Medium Best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a
Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,050 3,900-4,050
Desi gram Raw 3,800-3,900 3,850-3,950
Gram Kabuli 12,500-13,100 12,500-13,100
Tuar Fataka
Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800
Tuar Fataka
Medium-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400
Tuar Dal Best
Phod-New 6,000-6,300 6,000-6,300
Tuar Dal Medium
phod-New 5,600-6,000 5,600-6,000
Tuar Gavarani New 4,400-4,500 4,400-4,500
Tuar Karnataka 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700
Masoor dal best 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000
Masoor dal medium 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold
(New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000
Moong dal Chilka 5,800-6,800 5,800-6,800
Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Udid Mogar best (100
INR/KG) (New) 7,500-8,500
7,500-8,500
Udid Mogar Medium (100
INR/KG) 5,600-6,500 5,600-6,500
Udid Dal Black (100
INR/KG) 5,700-6,000 5,700-6,000
Batri dal (100
INR/KG) 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000
Lakhodi dal (100
INR/kg) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Watana Dal (100
INR/KG) 3,100-3,200 3,100-3,200
Watana Green Best (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,300 4,200-4,300
Wheat 308 (100
INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,000
Wheat Mill quality (100
INR/KG) 1,750-1,850 1,750-1,850
Wheat Filter (100
INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350
Wheat Lokwan best (100
INR/KG) 2,200-2,400 2,200-2,400
Wheat Lokwan medium (100
INR/KG) 1,950-2,100 1,950-2,100
Lokwan Hath Binar (100
INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100
INR/KG) 3,200-3,800 3,200-3,800
MP Sharbati Medium (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,700 2,400-2,700
Rice BPT best (100
INR/KG) 3,500-3,800 3,400-3,700
Rice BPT medium (100
INR/KG) 3,000-3,200 2,900-3,100
Rice BPT new (100
INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,400-4,000
Rice Luchai (100
INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700
Rice Swarna best (100
INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800
Rice Swarna medium (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Rice Swarna new (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Rice HMT best (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,500-4,800
Rice HMT medium (100
INR/KG) 3,600-4,000 3,900-4,300
Rice HMT new (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600
Rice Shriram best(100
INR/KG) 5,500-5,800 5,500-5,800
Rice Shriram med (100
INR/KG) 5,000-5,100 5,000-5,100
Rice Shriram new (100
INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500
Rice Basmati best (100
INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500
Rice Basmati Medium (100
INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500
Rice Chinnor best 100
INR/KG) 6,100-6,500 6,000-6,400
Rice Chinnor medium (100
INR/KG) 5,500-5,900 5,400-5,800
Rice Chinnor new (100
INR/KG) 6,000-6,200 5,600-5,800
Jowar Gavarani (100
INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100
Jowar CH-5 (100
INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 33.9 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 14.7 degree Celsius
Rainfall : Nil
FORECAST: Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would
be around and 34 and 15 degree
Celsius respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices,
but
included in market prices)
https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-february-22-2018-idINL4N1QC2EJFEBRUARY
23, 2018 / 12:58 PM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- February 23, 2018
Nagpur Foodgrain
Prices – APMC/Open Market-February 23, 2018
Nagpur, Feb 23 (Reuters) – Gram and Tuar showed weak tendency in
Nagpur Agriculture Produce
Marketing Committee (APMC) on poor buying support from local
millers amid high moisture content
arrival. Easy condition on NCDEX and weak trend in Madhya Pradesh
pulses also pulled down prices
here.
About 2,400 bags of gram and 2,900 bags of tuar reported for
auction in Nagpur APMC, according
to sources.
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram varieties ruled
steady in open market here on subdued demand from local traders.
TUAR
* Tuar gavarani reported
higher in open market on renewed demand from local traders.
* Lakhodi dal recovered in
open market here on seasonal demand from
local traders amid weak
supply from producing regions.
* In Akola, Tuar New –
4,500-4,600, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean)
– 7,200-8,000, Moong
Mogar (clean) 7,000-7,400, Gram – 3,900-4,000, Gram Super best
– 5,400-5,800
* Wheat, rice and other
foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in
scattered deals and
settled at last levels in thin trading activity.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC
auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 3,300-3,930 3,300-3,950
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 4,000-4,290 4,000-4,400
Moong Auction n.a. 3,900-4,200
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Wheat Mill quality
Auction 1,700-1,796 1,700-1,772
Gram Super Best
Bold 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000
Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.
Gram Medium Best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a
Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,050 3,900-4,050
Desi gram Raw 3,800-3,900 3,800-3,900
Gram Kabuli 12,500-13,100 12,500-13,100
Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800
Tuar Fataka
Medium-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400
Tuar Dal Best
Phod-New 6,000-6,300 6,000-6,300
Tuar Dal Medium
phod-New 5,600-6,000 5,600-6,000
Tuar Gavarani New 4,450-4,550 4,400-4,500
Tuar Karnataka 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700
Masoor dal best 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000
Masoor dal medium 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold
(New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000
Moong dal Chilka 5,800-6,800 5,800-6,800
Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Udid Mogar best (100
INR/KG) (New) 7,500-8,500
7,500-8,500
Udid Mogar Medium (100
INR/KG) 5,600-6,500 5,600-6,500
Udid Dal Black (100
INR/KG) 5,700-6,000 5,700-6,000
Batri dal (100
INR/KG) 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000
Lakhodi dal (100
INR/kg) 2,500-2,600 2,400-2,500
Watana Dal (100
INR/KG) 3,100-3,200 3,100-3,200
Watana Green Best (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,300 4,200-4,300
Wheat 308 (100
INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,000
Wheat Mill quality (100
INR/KG) 1,750-1,850 1,750-1,850
Wheat Filter (100
INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350
Wheat Lokwan best (100
INR/KG) 2,200-2,400 2,200-2,400
Wheat Lokwan medium (100
INR/KG) 1,950-2,100 1,950-2,100
Lokwan Hath Binar (100
INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100
INR/KG) 3,200-3,800 3,200-3,800
MP Sharbati Medium (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,700 2,400-2,700
Rice BPT best (100
INR/KG) 3,500-3,800 3,500-3,800
Rice BPT medium (100
INR/KG) 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200
Rice BPT new (100
INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000
Rice Luchai (100
INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700
Rice Swarna best (100
INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800
Rice Swarna medium (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Rice Swarna new (100
INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Rice HMT best (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,500-4,800
Rice HMT medium (100
INR/KG) 3,600-4,000 3,900-4,300
Rice HMT new (100
INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600
Rice Shriram best(100
INR/KG) 5,500-5,800 5,500-5,800
Rice Shriram med (100
INR/KG) 5,000-5,100 5,000-5,100
Rice Shriram new (100
INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500
Rice Basmati best (100
INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500
Rice Basmati Medium (100
INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500
Rice Chinnor best 100
INR/KG) 6,100-6,500 6,100-6,500
Rice Chinnor medium (100
INR/KG) 5,500-5,900 5,500-5,900
Rice Chinnor new (100
INR/KG) 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200
Jowar Gavarani (100
INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100
Jowar CH-5 (100
INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 34.8 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 16.2 degree
Celsius
Rainfall : Nil
FORECAST: Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would
be around and 35 and 16 degreeCelsius respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices,
butincluded in market prices)
https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-february-23-2018-idINL4N1QD35S
Bar private
traders from importing rice–solon
February 22, 2018
A lawmaker on Thursday called on
the National Food Authority Council (NFAC) to disallow private traders from
importing rice and to set a ceiling on the retail price of the staple.
Amid the current “artificial”
supply problem, Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. of the Second District of
Camarines Sur said the NFAC should consider setting up a separate body that
would monitor the supply and prevent the retail prices of rice from spiraling
out of control. This, he added, is similar to the government’s regulatory
control over vital services like electricity, to protect consumers.
“In the same way that there
exists regulatory control on the cost of electricity, there should also be
regulatory control on the price of rice to prevent the profiteering schemes of
unscrupulous traders from upsetting the supply of the staple in the domestic
market,” Villafuerte said in a statement.
Villafuerte filed House
Resolution 993 last year, amid the then-unstable rice price and supply scenario
in his province, several months before the current situation has become a
nationwide problem.
“We need to fix the existing
system to shield both farmers and consumers from the shady practices of private
traders that have left the National Food Authority [NFA] helpless in carrying
out its primary task of ensuring the stability of the price and supply of rice
in the market,” he added.
“Clearly, the present setup
doesn’t work, as greedy grains traders have managed to game the system by
cornering domestic supply through imports and heavy purchases of locally
produced stocks and, in the process, managing to influence and dictate retail
prices through a seemingly ‘artificial’ supply deficit,” he said.
Under the current system, the NFA
has the sole authority to import rice, but the NFAC allows private traders to
similarly purchase stocks from abroad through the food agency attached to the
Office of the President.
Villafuerte said the NFAC, the
highest policy-making body of the NFA chaired by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio B.
Evasco Jr., should do away with the current system of allowing private traders
to facilitate rice importation.
“This setup obviously does not
work in the face of the recent price spike of the grain in the retail market,
which could apparently be traced to the hoarding done by unscrupulous
businessmen that has created an artificial supply shortfall,” he said.
He added the rule of thumb is
that unmilled rice bought from farmers should only have a 100-percent markup once
milled and sold as rice in retail outlets.
“At the current average farm-gate
buying price of P20 per kilogram [kg] of palay, regular-milled rice should be
sold at around P40 per kg only. But right now you can see that regular-milled
commercial rice sells for around P43 to P50 per kg in retail outlets,” he
added.
Based on the NFA’s presentation
during the recent House hearing on the rice-supply situation, as of February
14, the total remaining NFA rice stock is equivalent to only 1,122,376 bags.
This consists of 90,253 bags of palay in rice, 52,697 bags of local rice and
979,426 bags of imported rice.
At a daily consumption rate of
640,260 bags, the NFA’s stockpile would be enough for only 1.7 days.
“Although belatedly the NFAC
authorized the NFA to import 250,000 metric tons of rice, this is already too
late to influence price movements in the market because the stocks would arrive
only in July,” Villafuerte said.
NFA support price
The National Movement for Food
Sovereignty (NMFS) said the government should hike the buying price of the NFA
for palay to P22 per kg, from the current P17 per kg, so it could buy more
paddy from local farmers in the coming harvest.
The NMFS, a coalition of local
farmers’ federations, non-governmental organizations and consumer groups,
said this would allow the NFA to resume selling government-subsidized rice in
the market.
“Many have expressed alarm on how
rice prices could go up suddenly despite the record bumper harvest in December
that until now has left more than 3 million tons still being kept in private
warehouses and households, even as the harvest season in March is fast
approaching,” the NMFS said in a statement on February 22.
“What has been depleted according
to the NFA is its 15-day rice buffer stock, which constrained it from
continuously downloading cheap rice to the local market. The NFA should raise
its buying price of palay to P22 per kg in order to get a bigger chunk of the
coming harvest,” it added.
However, the NMFS argued that the
food agency’s low buying price for palay is not a justification for the NFA not
to fulfill its mandate of stabilizing the price of rice in the market.
“While partly true, the NFA’s
claim that it cannot procure from local farmers because of its low buying price
of P17 per kg of palay cannot be an argument coming from an institution
mandated to stabilize rice prices and supply,” it said.
“In fact, the NFA’s history shows
that there have been years in the mid-1980’s and 1990’s when its domestic palay
procurement had reached as high as 10 percent to 15 percent of total palay
production and which evidently improved farmers’ income and enabled the agency
to distribute cheap rice to the market,” it added.
NMFS also said the government
should be designated as the sole importer of rice even after the quantitative
restriction on the staple has been lifted. The group added that it opposes any
executive or legislative actions that seek to privatize the NFA.“So long as the
government is bent on further stripping the NFA of its functions that could
strengthen its intervention in the market, the danger of price volatility and
speculation remains. Far worse scenarios maybe expected if the government
persists on adopting its free market policies,” the NMFS said.
“Stable rice prices are crucial,
especially in a country like the Philippines where rice is the primary staple
food and where tens of millions still live in abject poverty. It cannot be
understated that the stability of rice prices can directly affect whether a
family goes hungry or not,” it added.
Asia Rice-India rates slip; no
new deals for top exporters
Kitco News
Share this article:
By Arpan Varghese
India's 5 percent broken parboiled
rice prices fell by $6 to $414-$418 per tonne, after rising earlier this month
to the highest since September 2011. The rates were also pressured by declines
in the local currency, traders said.
"Prices are falling across
Asia. Buyers are waiting to see where they stabilise," said an exporter
based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The rupee has fallen about 2.3
percent so far this month, increasing exporters' margins from overseas sales.
In Thailand, the world's
second-biggest rice exporter, benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices dropped to
$404-$410 a tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, versus $400-$419 last week.
"It's going quiet after the
Indonesia shipments. Buyers won't need more supply for a while," said a
trader in Bangkok.
Indonesia's state food procurement
agency Bulog said in early February that it had signed contracts with six
companies for 281,000 tonnes of rice imports, of which 141,000 tonnes was to be
imported from Vietnam, 120,000 tonnes from Thailand and 20,000 tonnes from
India. The overall Thai rates, especially for the parboiled variety, also took
a beating because Bangladesh scrapped a deal to import Thai rice last week.
Thailand's commerce ministry said
last week the country would compete to sell rice to the Philippines, which
plans to import 250,000 tonnes. Thailand's new rice harvest is expected in the
market by April.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, which has
emerged as a major rice importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops,
imported a record of more than three million tonnes in the July-February
period, data from the country's food ministry showed.
Of the total, 2.25 million tonnes
were imported by private traders, mostly from India.
Imports will come down as there was
no fresh demand, Badrul Hasan, head of Bangladesh's state grains buyer, told
Reuters.
Prices were on the downward trend
in Vietnam as well, with rates of the 5 percent broken variety down to
$415-$420 a tonne, from $420-$425 two weeks earlier, following the Lunar New
Year holiday.
"Everyone is still in holiday
mood. Market just reopened yesterday," said a Ho Chi Minh city-based
trader, adding that farmers have started harvesting for the winter-spring
paddy, expected to last until March.
"There's no buyer for the
moment, as the Indonesian deal is done, while the Philippines' plan to buy
250,000 tonnes is still unclear."
(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in
Mumbai, Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mai Nguyen
in
Hhttp://www.kitco.com/news/2018-02-22/Asia-Rice-India-rates-slip-no-new-deals-for-top-exporters.html
Stay open till prescribed timings, Prathipati
warns ration dealers
TNN | Feb 23, 2018, 02:24 IST
Guntur: Expressing his displeasure at dealers of fair
price shops not following the prescribed timings, civil supplies minister
Prattipati Pulla Rao warned the PDS dealers that
nobody will be spared if they did not open the shops as per the schedule fixed
by the government.
The minister asked the district civil supplies officers to closely monitor the performance of the dealers and remove those who did not follow instructions. The minister reviewed the performance of the department with district officials through a video-conference from the district collectorate here on Thursday.
The minister asked the district civil supplies officers to closely monitor the performance of the dealers and remove those who did not follow instructions. The minister reviewed the performance of the department with district officials through a video-conference from the district collectorate here on Thursday.
Speaking to officials, the minister said they have been receiving complaints about the dealers not keeping the shops open to distribute rice and other essential commodities.
“Make it clear to the dealers that they should keep the shops open from 8 am-12 noon and 4pm-8pm. We can’t allow people to suffer due to errant dealers,” he said. Pulla Rao asked joint collectors and revenue divisional officers to supervise the functioning of PDS shops.
He directed district officials to expedite the measures to convert PDS shops into Chandranna Malls. He said at least 1,500 shops should be converted into Chandranna Malls by March-end and 6,500 shops by June. He said Chandranna Malls were set up to supply more essential commodities and other consumer goods at cheaper prices.
The minister asked officials to take steps to prevent the recycling of PDS rice by rice millers and ration dealers and said surprise inspections by joint collectors and RDOs would keep the dealers and rice millers on a tight leash. He said social audits should be made mandatory at all PDS shops to ensure transparency. Civil supplies principal secretary B Rajasekhar, civil supplies commissioner Ravi Babu, and civil supplies corporation managing director Ramgopal were present.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/stay-open-till-prescribed-timings-prathipati-warns-ration-dealers/articleshow/63034893.cms
Appoint regular Collector
THE HANS INDIA | Feb 23,2018 , 02:43 AM IST
T MASS Forum chairman A Venugopal Rao speaking at the
round table meeting in Jangaon on Thursday
Jangaon: The
public in the district were gearing up for staging a series of protests
demanding appointment of regular District Collector to Jangaon.
A round table meeting under the aegis of Telangana Mass and Social
Organisations Forum (T MASS Forum) was conducted here on Thursday to discuss
the problems arising out of transfer of previous Collector and non-appointment
of a regular one.
The forum district chairman A Venugopal Rao, Rice Millers Association
president P V Naranayana Goud, District Writers Association leader R Ratnakar
Reddy, OU JAC leader Bala Lakshmi, TJAC leader A Sathish, Chamber of Commerce
and Industry leader R Sudhakar and others spoke at the meeting.
They alleged that the first District Collector A Devasena was
transferred at the behest of the local MLA M Yadagiri Reddy. As a result, the
progress of many development projects was affected severely.
It was shameful that the State government was not able to appoint
a regular Collector even after 50 days passed by since the previous Collector
was transferred. There were four MLAs and an MP belonging to the district in
the ruling party, but they failed to address the issue, said Venugopal Rao.
It was not proper to target the officials, who were working
honestly, he added.There were apprehensions that the State government might
cancel district status to Jangaon, given its negligent attitude in appointing a
regular Collector. The public had great hopes on the development of Jangaon district
as they staged series of agitations for its formation, said Ratnakar Reddy.
It was decided to stage dharnas, rasta-rokos across the district
and passing of resolutions by municipal council and gram panchayats. Md Sadik
Ali of Jangaon Adhyayana Vedika, CPM leader M Kanaka Reddy, Congress leader C
Srinivas Reddy and others were present.
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2018-02-23/Appoint-regular-Collector/360997anoi;
Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
First Pakistani
1121 Basmati and Paraguayan price assessments
Following the feedback periods for the proposed Pakistani 1121
Basmati and Paraguayan Methodologies, the LRI will make its first price
assessments for these varieties next Friday (2 March). These Methodology
documents will be published on the LRI website on Monday (26 February). Please
note that the Paraguayan Methodology will be incorporated into the South
American white rice Methodology.
Liver Index
Three Rice
States in Three Days - Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana
By Deborah Willenborg
JONESBORO, AR; CLEVELAND, MS; BUNKIE and JENNINGS, LA -- As the
2018 planting season approaches, rice state meetings are in full swing and USA
Rice is on the road listening to growers and sharing planned activities and
success stories.
The jam-packed schedule included stops on Monday at the Arkansas
Rice Council and Arkansas Rice Farmers annual meeting, Tuesday at the
Mississippi Rice Council annual meeting and Mississippi Rice Research and
Promotion Board meeting, and yesterday at the Central Louisiana Rice Growers
meeting and the Louisiana Rice Council and Rice Growers Association annual
joint meeting.
At each stop on the road tour, USA Rice President & CEO Betsy
Ward thanked attendees for their support for USA Rice and reminded them of
their state volunteer representatives in the member-driven organization. She also gave an industry update that focused
on international trade including the renegotiation of NAFTA, a report on
current export markets, and what USA Rice is doing to combat unfair competition
in global markets. She also talked about
the continued success of the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship
Partnership and how that effort has generated financial assistance of more than
$75 million specifically for rice farmers to support implementation of
conservation practices.
Count on Randy Jemison
to be the center of attention
Ben Mosely, vice president of government affairs for USA Rice,
showcased the organization's legislative advocacy efforts as he reported on
last week's successful Government Affairs Conference (see USA Rice Daily,
February 16, 2018) and shared his perspective on the coming Farm Bill and rice
priorities.
USA Rice Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Domestic
Promotion Michael Klein discussed the challenges of telling the rice story
using social media and partnering with important influencers and other
supporters who help amplify the rice message.
Several videos were shared with the crowds, including a Nestlé
Purina/USA Rice/DU video about sustainable rice farming in Mississippi and
Arkansas, a National Rice Month Video Scholarship winner, highlights from
Arkansas rice farmer Eric Vaught's appearance on celebrity TV chef Sara
Moulton's cooking show, Sara's Weeknight Meals, and USA Rice videos showcasing
Louisiana's annual Yellow Rails & Rice Festival and the group's Foodservice
Farm & Mill tours.
LA Lt Governor
Nungesser (left) is sure to Think Rice
Other speakers at the Louisiana annual meeting included Lieutenant
Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Commissioner Mike Strain. Also at the
meeting, long time USA Rice employee Randy Jemison was presented with the
Distinguished Service Award and rice farmer Kevin Berken was honored for his
many years as chairman of the Louisiana Rice Political Action Committee.
"We are a member driven organization and though the focus of
much of our work is in Washington, DC, it is vital we stay in close contact
with what is happening in rice country - these tours are an important part of
that," said Ward.
USA Rice Meets with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries
"We welcome the regular visits from MAFF, which provide both sides the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and build on U.S.-Japan rice trade," said USA Rice COO Bob Cummings.
The government of Japan is the sole importer of rice under Japan's market access commitment to members of the World Trade Organization. To date, Japan has purchased just under 550,000 metric tons of rice, of which 260,000 MT is from the United States. Japan's total import commitment each JFY is 682,200 MT (milled basis).
USA
Rice Daily
CPEC
Silent Pakistan agriculture says PARC Chairman
FEBRUARY 22, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Agriculture
Research Council (PARC) chairman Dr. Yousaf Zafar said on Wednesday that modern
technology had a pivotal role in the future of agriculture sector in Pakistan.
However, a lack of awareness and proper understanding of new
technological advancements in this field continues to impede adoption.
Therefore, the role of the media, both electronic and print, was even more
important in terms of carrying a pro-technology message to the farmers, policy
makers and the citizenry.
The PARC chairman expressed these views while addressing
journalists at a workshop organised by the CropLife Pakistan.
The main objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of
mainstream media in understanding and articulating technological advancements
in agriculture together with the potential benefit that could be gained from
their adoption.
“Despite much hype, proper importance had not been given to
agriculture sector in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” said PARC
chairman, adding that the CEPC was silent on the agriculture sector of
Pakistan. However, the National Agriculture Research Centre had given some
proposals regarding setting of agriculture zones in CPEC which were under
consideration, he added.
He said Pakistan’s agriculture sector had great potential and at
the time of independence, Pakistan was mainly an agrarian economy. The total
share of agriculture in the GDP in 1950-55 was 51 percent, but in 2015-16 it
declined up to 19.8 percent due to lack of interest of successive governments,
he said, adding that Pakistan’s agriculture sector was running through borrowed
money since 1950.
The PARC chairman said that the share of the agriculture sector
in exports was 57 percent. He also said that Pakistan had surplus stock of
wheat, rice, sugar, maize and potato as the country had produced 25 million
tons of wheat, 6.85 million tons of rice, 5.6 million tons of sugar, 6.13
million tons of maize and 3.8 million tons of potatoes during the year.
Dr Waseem-ul-Hassan, the director general (DG) of the Department
of Plant Protection (DPP), said that China and United States were not ready to
import Pakistani agriculture produce just to protect their own farmers. Due to
a ban on tomato imports last year, Pakistan had saved Rs12 billion which had
benefited growers to a large extent. “Pakistan had also imposed a ban on onion
import and now we have become onion exporting country. The chairman also
claimed that during the last four years, Pakistan has not imported fresh fruit
and vegetable and expressed the hope that the trend would continue in future,”
he said.
In his introductory presentation, Dr. Muhammad Afzal, the
executive director of CropLife Pakistan, explained that growing population,
climate change, scarcity of water and changing lifestyles continued to pose
challenges to food security. Therefore, in order to address this emergent
challenge, ‘we need to promote sustainable means to grow food and embrace
technological innovations that enable the same’. “This workshop for media
professionals is part of CropLife Pakistan’s broader effort to create awareness
and understanding of agriculture technologies. We hope this interaction
provides the participants a fresh perspective and adds to their knowledge”, he
said further.
The workshop covered a wide array of technological developments,
including those in crop biotechnology, robotics in precision agriculture and
ICT integrated solutions for farmers. The speakers and experts on the occasion
comprised the keynote speaker, Dr. Yousaf Zafar, the PARC chairman, Dr. Muhamad
Awais, professor of Computer Science at LUMS, Sharjeel Murtaza, the project
director at Government of Punjab’s Agriculture Delivery Unit, and Dr. Waseemul
Hassan, the director general Department of Plant Protection.
Published in Daily Times, February 22nd 2018.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/205767/cpec-silent-pakistans-agriculture-says-parc-chairman/
Food Commodities Worth US$ 2.395 Billion Exported In Seven Months
Country earned US$ 2.395 billion by
exporting different food commodities during last seven months of current
financial year as compared the exports of US$ 2.016 billion of the
corresponding period of last year.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan
Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ):Country earned US$ 2.395 billion by exporting
different food commodities during last seven months of current financial year
as compared the exports of
US$ 2.016 billion of the corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-January,
2017-18, food group exports from the
country grew by 18.83 percent as against the exports of same period
last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau
of Statistics.
About 2,292,348 metric tons of rice
worth US$ 1.061 billion exported in last seven months as compared the exports of
2,048,037 metric tons valuing US$ 876.745 million of same period
last year, it added.
Exports of rice during the period
under review increased by 21.7 percent as compared the exports of same period
last year ,the data added.
Meanwhile, 213,460 metric tons of
basmati rice valuing US$ 222.365 million exported in last seven months as
compared the exports of
221.785 metric tons worth US$ 208.145 million of same period
last year, showing an increase of 6.83 percent, it added.
Country earned US$ 839.136 million
by exporting about 2,078,888 metric tons of rice other then basmati rice as
compared the exports of
US$ 666.600 and 1,826,939 metric tons of same period
last year.
On the other hand food commodities
imports into the country during the period under review grew by 9.77 percent
and stood at US$ 3.777 billion as against US$ 3.441 billion of same period
last year.
However, on month on month basis,
imports of food croup decreased by 7.21 percent as it was recorded at US$
535.339 million in January, 2018 as
against the imports of US$ 576.883 million of same month
of last year.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/food-commodities-worth-us-2395-billion-expo-266148.html
Australia, New
Zealand approval of GM rice questioned
Golden rice seedlings in test tubes at the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines Copyright: Panos
Speed read
·
Genetically-modified
golden rice gains approval of Australia and New Zealand
·
A
Munich-based institute has questioned the basis for the approval as inadequate
·
The
institute recommends more rigorous tests to ensure public safety
By: Prime
Sarmiento
[MANILA] While the decision by Australian and New
Zealand authorities to allow the commercial sale of food derived from the
pro-vitamin A rice line, GR2E, has given pro-genetically modified (GM) rice scientists
hope that other countries in the Asia-Pacific region would soon follow, one independent
body has questioned the basis for the approvals.
A report published on February 5 by the Munich-based Institute for Independent Impact Assessment of Biotechnology (Testbiotech) said that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) risk assessment process was not “sufficient to demonstrate safety of food derived from GR2E" without the toxicology report.
A report published on February 5 by the Munich-based Institute for Independent Impact Assessment of Biotechnology (Testbiotech) said that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) risk assessment process was not “sufficient to demonstrate safety of food derived from GR2E" without the toxicology report.
“The assessment
of FSANZ might be used in the countries to claim food safety to get quicker
approval”
Christopher
Then, Testbiotech
"It is self-evident that food products with no history of
safe use must be subjected to the highest standards of risk assessment before
the most vulnerable groups of the population are exposed to it. However, no
toxicological studies were performed with the rice. In the light of the
humanitarian claims made in the context of GR2, it is surprising that this
application is not based on a full set of data to establish high safety
standards," the Testbiotech report said.
Testbiotech executive director Christoph Then warns that FSANZ’s decision to approve the application may influence countries that are either field testing or importing GM rice. "The assessment of FSANZ might be used in the countries to claim food safety to get quicker approval," Then tells SciDev.Net.
GR2E or rice genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, the vitamin A precursor, is meant to be a fortified food for countries where rice is a staple food and vitamin A deficiency is rampant. It has been field tested in several countries around the world including Bangladesh and the Philippines. But its testing has been controversial due to concerns that the rice variant could endanger human health, local biodiversity, and farmers' livelihoods.
Lorraine Haase, FSANZ's manager for communication and stakeholder engagement claimed that the agency's decision was based on "rigorous and transparent" assessment. On November 16, 2016, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) applied for the market approval of the GR2E line from FSANZ, which was subsequently approved. In its report issued on December 20, 2017, FSANZ said: "Based on the data provided in the present application, and other available information, food derived from line GR2E is considered to be as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional rice cultivars."
"Since both Australia and New Zealand have robust national health and environment regulatory systems, this development should allay fears of risks posed by these specific GM products," Emil Javier, member of the National Academy of Science and Technology and former Philippine science minister, tells SciDev.Net.
Javier adds FSANZ would not have approved the sale of GM rice "if they were not benign to their people and environment".
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Asia & Pacific desk.
Testbiotech executive director Christoph Then warns that FSANZ’s decision to approve the application may influence countries that are either field testing or importing GM rice. "The assessment of FSANZ might be used in the countries to claim food safety to get quicker approval," Then tells SciDev.Net.
GR2E or rice genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, the vitamin A precursor, is meant to be a fortified food for countries where rice is a staple food and vitamin A deficiency is rampant. It has been field tested in several countries around the world including Bangladesh and the Philippines. But its testing has been controversial due to concerns that the rice variant could endanger human health, local biodiversity, and farmers' livelihoods.
Lorraine Haase, FSANZ's manager for communication and stakeholder engagement claimed that the agency's decision was based on "rigorous and transparent" assessment. On November 16, 2016, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) applied for the market approval of the GR2E line from FSANZ, which was subsequently approved. In its report issued on December 20, 2017, FSANZ said: "Based on the data provided in the present application, and other available information, food derived from line GR2E is considered to be as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional rice cultivars."
"Since both Australia and New Zealand have robust national health and environment regulatory systems, this development should allay fears of risks posed by these specific GM products," Emil Javier, member of the National Academy of Science and Technology and former Philippine science minister, tells SciDev.Net.
Javier adds FSANZ would not have approved the sale of GM rice "if they were not benign to their people and environment".
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Asia & Pacific desk.
https://www.scidev.net/asia-pacific/gm/news/australia-new-zealand-approval-of-gm-rice-questioned.html
These are just a few of the menu
items that caught our attention
Inlander
Restaurant Week 2018
Clover's mushroom and
winter squash chilaquiles
FOR MEAT LOVERS
PORK TENDERLOIN AU POIVRE
Wild Sage ($31)
Menu says: "Pepper-rubbed
kurobuta pork tenderloin, brandy-green peppercorn veal demi, mashed Yukon
potato, roasted sweet onion, apple chip."
We say: If you've never heard of
kurobuta pork, just know that it takes the already delightful flavor of pork
you know and love, and amps up the deliciousness. Add in the comforting flavors
Wild Sage builds around it, and this is a pork-lover's must-try.
BISON RIBS
Sweet Lou's Restaurant and Taphouse
($21)
Menu says: "Fred Flintstone is
impressed with this dish! Three tender ribs glazed with bourbon barbecue sauce.
Choice of one side."
We say: Ribs, you say? Bison-sized ribs?
We love even the baby-back-sized ribs, but three big ol' suckers with bourbon
barbecue sauce sounds like a dream. Any rib that genuinely takes two hands to
eat — or even lift — is OK in our book.
ELK MEATLOAF
Durkin's Liquor Bar ($31)
Menu says: "Traditional
grilled meatloaf, celery root, apple and smoked Gouda whipped potatoes,
chipotle blackberry ketchup, micro green salad."
We say: Our mama didn't use elk in
her meatloaf, so the chance to experience a favorite dish with an unexpected
meat source is one that needs to be taken advantage of. And smoked gouda
whipped potatoes and chipotle-blueberry ketchup to sop up with every bite? Yes,
please.
FOR VEGETARIANS
ROASTED AVOCADO NACHOS
Republic Kitchen & Taphouse
($21)
Menu says: "Potato chips,
house beer cheese, goat cheese, charred corn salsa, Anaheim chili, cilantro
chutney and pickled jalapeños"
We say: Look at that array of
toppings and gooey cheeses and tell me you would really miss having beef or
chicken in the mix. Anaheim chiles bring some sweet flavor, as does the corn
salsa, but let's not kid ourselves — that beer cheese is the star of the show.
BEYOND BURGER
Lantern Tap House ($21)
Menu says: "The first of its
kind in Spokane, the Beyond Burger is a vegan burger made out of pea protein,
created to taste and look just like a traditional burger patty."
We say: If you've been skeptical of
trying a vegan burger, now is the time to change your mind. Beyond Meat is one
of the two leading plant-based meat substitutes that taste incredibly like the
real thing. And you know the Lantern knows how to treat a burger right — vegan
or otherwise.
STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
Scratch ($31)
Menu says: "Roasted acorn
squash, caramelized onion, wild mushrooms, smoked blue cheese, basmati rice,
garlic, toasted pumpkin seeds, orange molasses reduction."
We say: A good squash dish relies
on the chef's creativity to bring an otherwise simple food to life, and there's
no question this is one of the more creative approaches you'll see on this
year's menus. The smoked blue cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds are enough to
pique our interest; the orange molasses sauce puts this dish over the top.
FOR THE ADVENTUROUS
CRACKLINS AND PEPPER JELLY
Casper Fry ($31)
Menu says: "Smoked and
deep-fried pork belly cracklins, housemade pepper jelly."
We say: Cracklins aren't for the
faint of stomach. Not everyone has a hankering for the combination of pig skin,
fat and meat, but for anyone with a love of genuine Southern flavor, cracklins
are little tastes of heaven. And you know the Casper Fry pork belly version
will hit that sweet spot that's a perfect match for the spice of the pepper
jelly.
ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE HUSH PUPPIES
Timber Gastropub ($21)
Menu says: "Southern-style
hush puppies filled with Andouille sausage and aged cheddar. Served with Old
Bay caramelized fennel dip."
We say: Hush puppies by themselves
are enough to get us excited. When you start talking about stuffing them full
of spicy andouille sausage and cheese, you've taken the hush puppies from a
comforting side dish to the potential star of the night.
SWEET AND SPICY CHEESE CURDS
Palouse Bar & Grill ($21)
Menu says: "Flash-fried cheese
curds tossed in salted caramel, topped with sauteed bacon and jalapeños,
finished with sriracha."
We say: We love cheese curds, you
love cheese curds, who doesn't love cheese curds? We can safely say we've never
seen cheese curds served up quite like this, though. Salted caramel playing off
the smokey sauteed bacon and some spicy jalapenos? That's a cheese curd party,
people. Top it off with sriracha and you're going to need something to cool
your jets afterward.
FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS
Seafood paella from
Barrel Steak & Seafood
SMOKED SALMON TORTELLINI
Europa ($31)
Menu says: "Fresh-made
tortellini filled with house-smoked salmon, tossed in a lemon and butter
sauce."
We say: You'll find a lot of
seafood on the Inlander Restaurant Week menus, prepared myriad ways, but
sometimes the simple things are best. It doesn't get much more simple than
freshly made pasta filled with salmon and tossed in lemon and butter. Simple
food done well by people who know what they're doing.
NORTHWEST BOUILLABAISSE
The Bluebird ($31)
Menu says: "Halibut, clams,
mussels and shrimp simmered in a rich tomato broth. A menu favorite from the
start."
We say: Why settle on just one kind
of fish? If you're a seafood lover, a hearty stew like this one, full of
halibut, clams and more, is a godsend. Be sure to ask for some bread to soak up
every last bite of that broth, too.
COULIBIAC
Fleur de Sel ($31)
Menu says: "Wild Alaskan coho
salmon baked in puff pastry with a duxelle of mushroom and spinach served with
a lobster cream sauce."
We say: We've never had this dish,
but we trust Fleur de Sel with every ounce of our being to create something
amazing with everything they do. This combination of vegetables, wild Alaskan
salmon and a creamy lobster sauce is tantalizing, to say the least.
GLUTEN-FREE
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
The Cork House ($31)
Menu says: "Two enchiladas
stuffed with a blend of chicken, zucchini, yellow squash, spinach, quinoa and
cotija cheese, simmered in our fire roasted pasilla cream."
We say: Not being able to eat gluten
becomes the least of concerns when you order this south-of-the-border,
veggie-heavy dish. Even wheat-eaters won't miss the carbs here. A perfect
melding of flavors and textures all wrapped in a corn tortilla make this a
tasty treat for diets of any kind.
ROASTED GARLIC &
CHICKPEA STUFFED MINI-PEPPER
Dockside ($21)
Menu says: "Palouse-grown
chickpeas mashed with roasted garlic and stuffed in mini bell peppers, oven
roasted and served over wilted spinach, balsamic caramelized onion, and drop
peppers."
We say: You had us at chickpeas and
garlic, the basis of everyone's favorite Mediterranean dip, hummus. The deal
was sealed by that mention of balsamic caramelized onion.
CHOCOLATE SIN
Hills' Restaurant ($31)
Menu says: "A rich flourless
chocolate cake served with raspberry sauce and Chantilly cream."
We say: Gluten-restricted chocolate
cake lovers can still get theirs and eat it, too. The figurative and literal
icing on this cake is that sweetened whipped cream, and of course generous
drizzles of tart berry sauce.
DESSERTS
Maple creme brulee
from Twigs
OLD FASHIONED
Gilded Unicorn ($31)
Menu says: "Warm orange coffee
cake, housemade bourbon ice cream and cherry whipped cream."
We say: You could order a drink for
dessert. You could. But this edible take on one of the most popular craft
cocktails is just as tempting as its spirits-based namesake. Orange bitters
become orange coffee cake; the bourbon evolves into ice cream, and a
liqueur-soaked garnish pairs with a splash of sugar to become cherry whipped
cream. It's not over the top if you order the actual cocktail to pair with
this, too.
BRIGADEIRO
Grille from Ipanema ($31)
Menu says: "A famous Brazilian
chocolate candy, and a favorite for all! The Brigadeiro is made from condensed
milk, cocoa powder, butter and chocolate sprinkles."
We say: With plenty of dessert
classics, from chocolate mousse to creme brulee galore, filling the third
course lists of many Inlander Restaurant Week menus, step outside the box and
sample this Brazilian delicacy, comparable to a bon bon or a truffle.
FRY BREAD SUNDAE
Red Tail Bar & Grill ($21)
Menu says: "Traditional Native
American fry bread with vanilla ice cream, honey, and huckleberry syrup topped
with whipped cream."
We say: Enjoy this culturally
significant dish, a simple staple made from flour, water and salt, then fried
in oil, served in an ultra-decadent way, warm and topped with regionally
appropriate huckleberries, as well as honey and ice cream.
COMFORT FOOD
ADULT MAC N CHEESE
Collective Kitchen Public House
($21)
Menu says: "18-hour smoked
beef brisket + four cheese béchamel + baby spinach."
We say: You can eat your cheese,
and veggies, too, with this concoction making a decadent twist on the
pasta-from-the-box staple.
HAND-CUT BEEF STROGANOFF
Barlows at Liberty Lake ($21)
Menu says: "Local choice
sirloin steak sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a rich beef sauce
topped with creme fraiche over egg noodles."
We say: Hamburger Helper, nor your
grandmama's recipe, got nothin' on this gourmet take of the family dinner
staple. If beefy noodles aren't your favorite, also consider another comfort
food favorite featured on Barlows' Restaurant Week menu, the house-made
meatloaf.
HONEY STUNG FRIED CHICKEN
1898 Public House ($31)
Menu says: "Yukon mashed
potatoes, rich chicken gravy, scratch-made buttermilk biscuit with honey
butter."
We say: Fill your belly until it's
about to burst with this ultra-hearty portion of Southern comfort goodness.
Chef Tyler Schwenk and team's honey butter is truly a thing to die for, and
you'll find yourself soaking up every last drop, along with that chicken gravy,
using every last crumb on your plate.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
SANTÉ RESTAURANT &
CHARCUTERIE
$31
Menu highlights: Country pâté,
chicken confit, braised beef, brie plate
We say: On the rare chance you've
yet to experience the upscale European dining experience that is Santé, we must
recommend a stop during Restaurant Week. Owners Jeremy and Kate Hansen don't
lessen the quality of their scratch-made ingredients, or the dining experience
itself, when diners are getting a meal for about half the price of what those
dishes might be any other time. We hope you'll be impressed, too.
ITALIA TRATTORIA
$31
Menu highlights: Grilled mackerel,
"strata" savory bread pudding, grilled pork steak, Italia tiramisu
We say: Restaurant Week is the
perfect time to visit a new-to-you fine dining spot, or simply return to one of
your favorites for a special treat, like Browne's Addition neighborhood gem
Italia Trattoria. This year, owners Bethe Bowman and Anna Vogel are treating
diners to several specials and a few house favorites, including the Italian
ricotta and spinach dumplings as a starter, and three dessert menu mainstays.
Steelhead's Thai
glazed duck breast
CEDARS FLOATING RESTAURANT
$31
Menu highlights: Cedar planked
salmon, steak oscar, huckleberry ice cream sundae
We say: Make your reservations
early for a Restaurant Week dinner at one of the most romantic spots in North
Idaho, and that's literally floating on the waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Featured on this year's menu is the restaurant's house favorite cedar-planked
salmon (normally priced at $27 per plate). Truly, you'll be dining like royalty
for nearly half the price at this upscale locale. Keep in mind, as with all
Restaurant Week dining experiences, to tip generously, and to plan ahead by
making reservations. It'll be much smoother sailing — or floating — for all.
https://www.inlander.com/spokane/we-combed-through-107-menus-something-everyone-should-do-and-these-are-just-a-few-of-the-items-that-caught-our-attention/Content?oid=8265630
Rice exports surge on strong demand, dip in Thai stocks
BL14_RICE_EXPOR+BL14_RICE_EXPORT.jp.jpg
Non-basmati shipments up 40% in
April-December; may top 8 million tonnes for 2017-18
BENGALURU, FEBRUARY 20
Strong demand from neighbours
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and steady off-take from traditional buyers in Africa
has led to a surge in the country’s non-basmati rice exports, which are likely
to rise to new highs this financial year.
Besides, the depleted stock levels
in Thailand — a major exporter — has helped India gain and consolidate its
share in the global market, trade sources said.
Shipments soar 40%
For the first nine months of the
current fiscal, the non-basmati exports have registered a growth of 40 per cent
in volumes at 63.38 lakh tonnes (lt) and 46 per cent increase in value terms
at ₹16,803 crore over corresponding period last year.
Non-basmati rice shipments, after
reaching a record 82.74 lt in 2014-15, had dropped in the subsequent year to
around 64.64 lt. However, over the past couple of years, the Indian shipments
have staged a rebound. Steady growth in domestic output of over 100 million
tonnes annually, has resulted in a surplus aiding the shipment trend since
2011-12, when the exports curbs were removed.
Output, stocks
For the current 2017-18 year, the
government is targeting a rice production of 108.5 mt , marginally lower than
the fourth advance estimates of 110.15 mt during 2016-17. Rice stocks with the
Food Corporation of India stood at 198.93 lt as on February 1 this year against
170.28 lt in the corresponding period last year.
Similarly, the unmilled paddy
stocks in the Central pool stood at 210 lt as on February 1 this year (183.14
lt).
“The liquidation of old stocks by
Thailand has led to the increased demand for Indian white rice. As a result, we
expect the shipments to be over 8 million tonnes this year,” said BV Krishna
Rao, President of the Rice Exporters Association. Further, the decline in Thai
rice stocks has led to a firming trend in prices, resulting in better
realisation for the Indian exporters.
Prices have moved up by around
$100 per tonne as compared to a year ago, Rao said. The average prices realised
by the Indian exporters stood at $411 per tonne for April-December this year,
as against last year’s $378 per tonne.
Bangladesh buying
Bangladesh, which bought aggressively
during April-October period, has slowed down a bit in the past three months
with the arrival of domestic crop. Rao estimates that Bangladesh could have
bought up to 2 million tonnes of rice, while close to a million tonnes would
have been purchased by Sri Lanka, while demand has been steady from African
nations.
“The average exports during
January-March period over the past five years stood at around 1.84 million
tonnes. Assuming this is achieved this year too, the total exports would be
over 8 million tonnes. The shipments may touch the historic high or near to
historic highs, if there are no more surprises from Bangladesh during this
period,” said Amit Bharadwaj, CEO of Level A Commodities.
Basmati exports for
April-December stood at 2.9 million tonnes valued at $2.9 billion or ₹18,758 crore.
Couple Share Cultures on the Dinner Table
By Raymonda Furness raymonda@uvsj.com
Feb 21, 2018
Eating a favorite Pakistani dish are Kevin Roeser, holding son,
Dawoud and wife, Hiba, who is of Pakistani heritage. Both Kevin and Hiba are
wearing authentic dress of Pakistan. Many of their meals are related to
Pakistan; however, they enjoy American cuisine too. Hiba has shared several of
their favorite Pakistani recipes in today’s Food Stuff.
When two cultures combine to make
a family, many times the food is a big factor in that culture. Our featured
family today is a family where two cultures are combined and much of it shows
on the dinner table.
Hiba and Kevin Roeser of Rexburg
are from Texas. Hiba was born in Plano, Texas but left Texas at the age of four
months when her family moved to Pakistan. They were immigrants to America but went
back and lived there until Hiba was 12. They are now residents of McKinney,
Texas.
Hiba and Kevin met as both are
from McKinney. They have been in Rexburg for three years where Kevin is a
student at Brigham Young University-Idaho, majoring in mechanical engineering.
Hiba is a homemaker and mother to two year old, Dawoud.
Hiba enjoys cooking and is a good
cook. She watched her own mom cook many Pakistani foods and also loves American
food. She and Kevin probably eat Pakistani food at many of their meals. Both
Kevin and Hiba would choose Pakistani Pork Biryani (rice and chicken dish) as a
favorite while Kevin also likes beef fajitas and Hiba likes steak and Mexican
food. Their son, Dawoud loves spicy food and is obsessed with sucking on lemon
wedges.
The Roeser family enjoys people.
These friends and neighbors have made Rexburg a happy place to be. They enjoy
gardening and raise a large garden which helps to keep fresh food on their menu
through the garden time and into the winter where they store and bottle much of
the produce for winter eating. Some of their favorite garden foods include
spaghetti squash, zucchini, green beans and onions.
Hiba is always up for a challenge
in cooking and will try new recipes and change ones to fit the tastes of her
family. She cooks mainly from scratch. Her one specialty is her bread making.
She uses a natural yeast (sour dough) and produces a variety of breads. Popcorn
is also another favorite food for the Roeser family. They find it nutritional
and they enhance it with various seasonings. A favorite is a yeast seasoning
which is available at the grocery store.
Kevin found that a Pakistani
class was held on the BYU-I campus each semester and he enrolled in it to learn
more about the culture of his wife so that he could help keep it active in the
family. Now he and Hiba are helpers with the class in the way of food and
culture on occasion. They love to share the Pakistani culture with others.
For hobbies, Hiba enjoys her
gardening, canning, cooking and crocheting. Kevin likes to garden also and
works on various projects and likes to problem solve. He is a handyman around
the house and keeps things in working order. Together with Dawoud they enjoy
hiking and being outside. When possible, they enjoy a trip to Texas to see family
and are always excited when family comes to see them.
This past summer, Kevin and Hiba
hosted a block party which was attended by many and it was held on August 14,
which is Pakistani Independence Day. They cooked authentic Pakistani foods for
a bunch and many contributed other food to the event which made it a fun time.
When the Roesers get to
retirement, their dream is to travel to “food destinations” and enjoy food from
all “corners of the world”. That is far into the future but for now, they are
enjoying Rexburg, the people, and a variety of food cooked in their own home.
They have shared Pakistani recipes that are some of their favorites.
FROM RAYMONDA
Remember to always wash fresh
fruit. Lemons and Limes are fruits that should be washed, even though you don’t
always use the peel. Zest from the citrus is where the flavor lies and should
be used with the juice for flavor. Washing is essential in any fresh vegetable
or fruit.
Salsa Chicken (Hiba Roeser)
1 jar salsa
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
2 to 3 chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
Dump all ingredients into slow
cooker. Set to high for four hours. At 3-1/2 hours, take chicken out and shred
it. Put the chicken back into the slow cooker once it is shredded and let sit
for another 30 minutes. After 30 minutes serve on rice and enjoy.
Sooji Ka Halwa (Semolina Dessert)
(Hiba Roeser)
1 cup Semolina flour
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
4 tablespoons butter
First dry roast Semolina flour
until it turns light brown. Be careful not to burn it. Once the flour is
roasted, add the water and sugar and keep stirring until the flour absorbs the
water and everything is incorporated. (Do not stop stirring because it can burn
quickly.) Then add the butter and stir to combine. Serve warm with deep fried
tortillas.
Haleem (Hiba Roeser)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
(use less if using powers)
½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon Garam masala (a spice
blend)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½ cup yellow split peas
1/4 cup mixed lentils (white,
yellow, orange)
1 cup Pearl barley
1 cup old fashioned oats
12 to 13 cups water
1 pound stewing beef
Olive oil
For serving: French fried onions
Chopped cilantro
Lemon juice
Ginger slivers
Start by heating a skillet on
medium high heat. Pour enough olive oil into the pan to cover the bottom of it.
Add the cumin seeds into the oil and stir until they become fragrant. Then add
the meat, salt, ginger/garlic paste and all spices. Stir-fry until meat turns
brown; then take off the heat. Dump the meat into a slow cooker. Rinse the
yellow split peas, lentils and barley and dump them in as well. Then add old
fashioned oats and the water. Set the slow cooker on low for eight hours. After
eight hours, use a stick blender to mash everything up in the slow cooker. You
can also use a potato masher to do this. It will be a bit more chunky but it
will still be great. Serve with French fried onions, chopped cilantro, lemon
juice and ginger slivers. Enjoy!
Tandoori Chicken (Hiba Roeser)
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 to 2 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon Cumin power
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups yogurt (whipped)
2 tablespoons ginger/garlic paste
(or a lesser quantity of powdered)
3 to 4 chicken breasts
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 dash cinnamon
Wash and cut chicken breasts into
one-inch pieces and place in a bowl. Add all remaining ingredients except the
onion. Mix to combine. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least two
hours and up to overnight. When ready to cook, turn the stove to medium high
heat and cover the bottom of the pot with olive oil. Once heated, add the
chopped onion and cook until golden brown. Then add the chicken into the pot
and cook until all the liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat and serve with
fresh or deep fried tortillas, raita, cilantro chutney, lemon wedges and sliced
onions.
Cilantro Chutney (Hiba Roeser)
2 bunches cilantro, washed
2 Jalapenos (de-seeded)
4 garlic cloves
Couple dashes of cumin
2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
Place all ingredients in a
blender and blend until it becomes a smooth sauce. Serve with Tandorri chicken,
various bar-b-que, in tacos, on burgers or even rice.
Raita (Hiba Roeser)
2 cups yogurt
Hand full of cilantro leaves
Dash of cumin
Place all ingredients in a
blender and blend to combine until all the cilantro leaves are minced and
combined in with the sauce. Serve with Tandorri Chicken, various barbecue, in
tacos, on burgers or on rice.
Adam Henson challenges public to
eat only food they can trace for one week
BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is
encouraging the public to eat only food they know the origin of for one week as
part of the Live Happerley Challenge.
Share This
Adam Henson challenges public to
eat only food they can trace for one week
Happerley is an organisation which works to
ensure shoppers know the journey of their food. Businesses which join the
network publish their entire food supply chain, right back to primary
producers, providing full transparency for consumers.
Other celebrities taking part in the
challenge include ‘Baker Boy’ Henry Herbert and MTV’s Melissa Reeves, who
starred in popular TV show Ex On The Beach.
The challenge, which kicks off on Monday
February 26, has been designed to show how little shoppers know about where
food comes from and how difficult it is to consume only food and drink which
can be traced back to seed or birth.
https://www.fginsight.com/news/adam-henson-challenges-public-to-eat-only-food-they-can-trace-for-one-week--53940
Structural changes in Asian rice
trade: Lessons for Bangladesh
Rice production in
Bangladesh suffers from instability and is highly sensitive to external shocks
created by both natural and manmade factors. Photo: Star/file
The recession of 2007-2008 that
sent rice prices spiralling came as a shock to all rice producing and consuming
countries which prompted many to review their policies related to rice
production towards achieving food self-sufficiency within the shortest possible
time.The world has witnessed how swiftly many countries have changed their approach for rice production from self-reliance to self-sufficiency.
The former policy was adopted when the world economy embraced globalisation and open market systems in the 1990s.
Reversal to the policy of self-sufficiency started giving dividend within three years. Rice production increased in many countries considerably. It happened thanks to increased allocation of resources by the government because of a drastic fall in international supports.
These changes in production have brought structural changes in international rice trade systems. The status of the top rice exporting country changed from Thailand to India through Vietnam within a decade (2007-2017). Cambodia and Myanmar showed their strong presence as rice exporting countries.
In the global rice trade, Thailand dominated until the first decade of the 21st century. The other main rice exporting countries were Pakistan, USA, China and India.
Bangladesh has been able to stop depending on rice import until 2015 and instead it exported 50 000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka in 2014.
However, rice production in Bangladesh is not stable due to recurrence of natural disasters, intensity of which is on the rise.
It was clearly evident in 2017. Vietnam was predicted by many international organisations to emerge as the number one rice exporting country in the world by 2016.
Although it did not entirely happen, the country briefly occupied the top position mainly due to disastrous rice policy undertaken by political government of Thailand.
Thailand has been suffering from this policy setback, although it started recovering gradually. Indian rice export increased rapidly due to the pragmatic programmes in the eastern part of the country under the name of the second green revolution.
Only 8 percent of rice (approximately 35-37 million tonnes) produced globally is traded in international markets. Global annual production in terms of milled rice totals around 450 to 452 million tonnes.
The share of rice export from South Asian (SA) countries has been increasing compared with their South East Asian (SEA) counterparts.
Mainland countries of SEA (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) are rice exporting countries and they export around 16-18 million tonnes of rice annually.
On the other hand, island nations of SEA (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia) import rice, amounting to 5-6 million tonnes annually.
Due to massive policy changes, China is emerging as a major rice importing country of the world. The country imported 5 million tonnes of rice in 2016; the figure is likely to rise by 2020.
If this trend continues, China's rice import figure may reach around 16 to 20 million tonnes by 2030.
In near future, rice production may decrease in Thailand and Vietnam. Main reason behind it is that rice farmers are poorer than farmers growing other staple like wheat and maize.
In order to achieve the status of a wealthy nation, the first task is to pull out rice farmers from poverty. The main concern of these two countries is how to make rice farmers wealthier. Reduction of rice production is one of the ways toward achieving it.
Africa is consuming more rice than its production. Estimates show that Africa's rice consumption will increase 42 percent by 2030.
Nigeria is now the second largest importer of rice after China. Rice production in India increased from 89 million tonnes to 105 million tonnes during the period from 2009–2010 to 2014-15.
Out of 16 million tonnes of additional rice produced, more than 10 million tonnes came from seven eastern states of India which border on Bangladesh. Their contribution to national rice production increased from 51.24 percent to 53.24 percent during the same period.
Rice export has been increasing in Myanmar—another bordering country of Bangladesh—steadily.
It gives us hope that Bangladesh would be able to import rice from its two neighbouring countries when it needs most.
However, the most worrying aspect in global rice economy is the entry of China in the tiny rice market with its large demand of rice.
China will probably try to meet its production shortfall by importing from Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. However, China prefers importing low-quality rice only for production of alcohol, noodles, animal feed and for other industrial uses.
Currently, 47 percent of rice in China comes from Vietnam. It has political implication as Vietnam is one of the strong rivals of China with regard to territorial disputes in South China Sea and has established close friendly relations with India.
Five island nations of Asean also imports around 5-6 million tonnes of rice annually. Rice imports are rising in Indonesia and the Philippines as these two islands are most disaster-prone.
Some countries in the Near East like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are also rice importing countries. Any production disturbance in Iraq and Iran may affect rice trade.
Bangladesh's efforts to increase rice production and productivity are well known which are reflected in the record of its success.
However, rice production in Bangladesh suffers from instability and is highly sensitive to external shocks created by both natural and manmade factors.
In case any major crisis hits rice production, the country may face several problems for importing rice as China and other countries may get priority over Bangladesh.
Indian rice is more likely to go to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and African countries rather than Bangladesh. Rice of Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam may go to China, if China faces any rice crisis internally.
In this context, Bangladesh has to
relook at its rice policies and strategies in order to produce sufficient rice
taking into account the likelihoods of shocks arising from climate change and
also from import
www.thedailystar.net/business/structural-changes-asian-rice-trade-lessons-bangladesh-1538269+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk
Fields On
Fire Topic On The Table At Rice Federation Meeting
By ANN
KENDA • FEB 21, 2018
Fire smolders near Osceola following the fall harvest in
2017.
ANN KENDA / ARKANSAS
PUBLIC MEDIA
That concern
was one of the leading issues at the Arkansas Rice Federation's annual meeting
this week in Jonesboro. Most farmers, according to Jeff Rutledge with the
Arkansas Rice Council, want to be good neighbors.
“Our
families are raised here, and we breathe this air, too,” he said.
Rice farmer
Dan Hosman said he often has to burn fields in Cross and Poinsett counties for
environmental and cost-saving reasons but agreed that more control can help
reach a fair solution for everyone.
“I can see
where it’s not pleasant, and people don’t want to go outside and smell like
smoke,” he said.
The voluntary guidelines aim to minimize the effects
of the smoke by offering a checklist for conditions that should be met before
farmers burn field. It encourages farmers to take turns burning (and, thus,
communicate with one another) and identify locations deemed smoke-sensitive,
such as outdoor recreational areas, schools and nursing homes.
The
voluntary guidelines got a thumbs up from Dr. Warren Skaug, a Jonesboro
pediatrician who has been outspoken about the harmful effects of the smoke on
his young patients’ lungs. He sees a spike in respiratory illnesses every
fall when burning season is underway.
Pediatrician Dr. Warren Skaug
with the air quality machine he uses to log the effects of agricultural smoke.
CREDIT
ANN KENDA / ARKANSAS PUBLIC MEDIA
“It is a
meaningful first step,” Skaug said.
He said more
may need to be done in the future to further reduce the health effects of
agricultural smoke, but he’s impressed by the work done by the task force
formed by rice industry leaders seeking more controlled conditions for field
burns.
Skaug said
he will continue to take measurements with an air quality machine outside the
Children’s Clinic in Jonesboro.
“There were
many good days in Jonesboro through the fall, with very clean air. But on
the days of uncoordinated burning, those levels got to potentially toxic and
dangerous levels and we see the fallout,” he said.
Skaug added
that it would be a “great pleasure” to see those numbers improve and is hopeful
that the new guidelines can make that difference.
This story
is produced by Arkansas Public Media. What's that? APM is a nonprofit
journalism project for all of Arkansas and a collaboration among public media
in the state. We're funded in part through a grant from the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting, with the support of partner stations KUAR, KUAF, KASU
and KTXK. And, we hope, from you! You can learn more and support Arkansas
Public Media's reporting at arkansaspublicmedia.org.
Arkansas Public Media is Natural State news with context.
http://ualrpublicradio.org/post/fields-fire-topic-table-rice-federation-meetingort
difficulties.
