Saturday, May 09, 2020

11th May,2020 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter

Philippines Awaits 400,000 Tons Rice as Vietnam Resumes Export

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Vietnam assured it will deliver 400,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines after it decided to resume exports to Southeast Asian countries starting May 1.

“This means that Vietnamese rice exporters will commence fulfillment of their contracts with Philippine importers, and consider future supply deals under an existing bilateral trade agreement,” Philippine Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement.

The Philippines also sent notices to Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam for its plan to import 300,000 metric tons of rice via a government-to-government transaction as it seeks to boost stocks before the lean months.

Import permits for 2.7 million metric tons of rice have been issued by the Philippine government this year, of which about 1.2 million tons will be delivered this May and 782,000 metric tons in the succeeding months.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-11/philippines-awaits-400-000-tons-rice-as-vietnam-resumes-export

UPDATE 2-PHILIPPINES SEEKS EXTRA 300,000 T RICE IMPORTS AMID PANDEMIC

5/11/2020

* Govt seeks 300,000 T of rice ahead of lean harvest season

* Deal eyed with Vietnam, India, Thailand, Myanmar or Cambodia

* Philippines' 2020 rice imports on track to hit record high

* Rice export prices in Asia at multi-year peaks on high demand (Adds comments from trader in Vietnam, industry official in Thailand)

By Enrico Dela Cruz

MANILA, May 11 (Reuters) - The Philippines, the world's top rice buyer, is seeking to import another 300,000 tonnes of the staple food to boost state stockpiles while battling the coronavirus pandemic and ahead of its own lean season in the third quarter.

The planned government-to-government deal would raise the Southeast Asian country's rice imports so far this year to a record 3 million tonnes, exceeding last year's purchases totalling 2.9 million tonnes.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Monday the government has sent inquiries to Asia's biggest producers Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Cambodia, seeking delivery before the third quarter, when domestic harvesting is usually low.

Fresh demand from the Philippines could boost export prices in Asia that are already at their highest in as much as two years.

Last week, rice export prices from top supplier India held near a nine-month high on strong demand from buyers in both Asia and Africa.

Prices in Vietnam for its 5% broken rice variety stood at the two-year peak of $450 a tonne on Monday, despite weak exports activity as the government's ongoing stockpiling programme kept supply low.

"Supplies are expected to start building up from next month when a small harvest in the country begins," said a trader based in the Vietnamese province of An Giang.

Vietnam, the third-largest rice supplier, fully resumed exports this month, after halting sales from late March and limiting supply in April at 500,000 tonnes to make sure it has sufficient food during the pandemic.

The Philippines, which usually buys most of its rice imports from Vietnam, had a 3.6% year-on-year contraction in its rice harvest in the first quarter.

Thailand, the No. 2 rice exporter, is not optimistic though about securing a deal with the Philippines, as its rice varieties are trading higher than those in Vietnam.

"It depends on whether Vietnam will be willing to supply the full amount. If not, we might be able to make some contribution," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

The association quoted 5% white rice <RI-THWHT5-A> at $539 a tonne, F.O.B. Bangkok, last week, while traders quoted a range between $515–$546 <RI-THBKN5-P1>.

Thailand expects to have a rice surplus of around 8 million tonnes for exports this year, despite an ongoing drought.

Vietnam has committed to start delivering this month the 400,000 tonnes that Philippine traders contracted in April, Dar said in a statement. (Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok; editing by Christian Schmollinger, Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens)

https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/update-2-philippines-seeks-extra-300000-t-rice-imports-amid-pandemic

Expensive Thai rice offers lose out as India gain nine-month high, Vietnam two-year's best

· ASEAN+

· Saturday, 09 May 2020

1:16 PM MYT

HANOI/BANGKOK/BENGALURU: Rice export prices from India held near a nine-month high this week on strong demand from buyers in both Asia and Africa, with Thailand losing out to cheaper grain from the top exporter.

India's 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $378-$383 per tonne, unchanged from last week.

Demand for Indian rice from Asian and African buyers has been slowly improving as New Delhi is offering more competitive prices than Thailand, said an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

A weak rupee also helped, raising exporters' margin from overseas sales, the exporter said.

Thailand's benchmark 5% broken rice prices were quoted at US$515-US$546, down from US$535-US$557 the week before, on easing concerns over domestic supply even as overseas demand remained unchanged, traders said.

"Prices have been high because mills were concerned about possible shortages, but after a spell of rainfall, the mills are starting to sell their stock again," a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

One of the worst droughts in decades earlier this year had put a strain on supply and pushed Thai rice prices to their highest in about seven years in early April.

But the supply concerns have now eased due to recent rains and forecasts for more in the country's rice growing regions.

Lower domestic supplies, meanwhile, pushed rates for 5% broken rice from Vietnam to a fresh two-year peak of US$450 per tonne on Thursday, but activity on the export market remained quiet.

"Not many new contracts have been signed recently as domestic supplies are running low," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.

"Many local firms are focusing on their rice purchase from farmers for the national stockpiling program."

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last week agreed to fully resume the country's rice exports from this month, after banning exports in March and limiting shipments for April to 500,000 tonnes to make sure the country had sufficient food during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's food ministry said on Thursday the country would buy 1.15 million tonnes of rice and 800,000 tonnes of paddy from local farmers in the current harvesting season to secure supplies.

Panic buying has driven domestic rice prices to a two-year high in Bangladesh as the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 10,000 as of Monday. - Reuters

TAGS / KEYWORDS:

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/05/09/expensive-thai-rice-offers-lose-out-as-india-gain-nine-month-high-vietnam-two-year039s-best

Ample supply of rice, fish until yearend; pork enough until Q3–Duterte report

By: Neil Arwin Mercado - Reporter / @NAMercadoINQ

INQUIRER.net / 07:51 PM May 11, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — While there is enough supply of rice, fish, and other commodities until yearend, the supply of pork may register a deficit in the last quarter of the year.

President Rodrigo Duterte bared this on Monday in his sixth report to Congress which details government actions in view of the coronavirus crisis.

According to the report, the Department of Agriculture (DA) projects a surplus stock of 3,326,161 metric tons (MT) of rice; 4,073,451 MT of corn; and 590,627 MT of chicken by the end of the year.

In terms of fish supply, the agriculture department, likewise, projects a surplus ending stock of 16,914 MT, the report states.

However, pork supply is only enough until the third quarter of the year and may register a deficit in the fourth quarter.

DA said there is a projected annual demand of 1,203,827 MT of pork with a projected supply of only 1,118,101 MT.

For sugar supply, the report states that there is available supply of raw sugar for four months, and refined sugar for five months as per the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

“The DILG issued a directive to all LGUs to participate in, and align their actions with, the Rice Resiliency Program of the DA, which seeks to increase food sufficiency and ensure food availability and affordability across the country,” the report states.

In compliance with Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which granted the President additional powers to address the coronavirus pandemic, Duterte is required to submit a weekly report to Congress “of all acts performed pursuant to this Act.”

He is required to submit the report every Monday of the week.

Mekong nations face growing threat to food security amid claims China’s dams exacerbate effects of drought

· Drought, erratic water levels along 4,300km river are disrupting rice yields and fish catches, raising costs for farmers

· Beijing rejects claim Chinese dams behind drought hitting countries downstream

Laura Zhou in Beijing

Published: 12:00pm, 10 May, 2020

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The once mighty Mekong River has been reduced to a thin neck of water across much of northern Thailand. Photo: AFP

Fishermen in northeast Thailand say they have seen catches in the Mekong River plunge, while some farmers in Vietnam and Cambodia are leaving for jobs in cities as harvests of rice and other crops shrink.

The common thread driving these events is erratic water levels in Asia’s third longest waterway.

Water flows along the 4,300km (2,700 mile) Mekong shift naturally between monsoon and dry seasons, but non-governmental groups say the 11 hydroelectric dams on China’s portion of the river – five of them starting operation since 2017 – have disrupted seasonal rhythms. This threatens food security for the more than 60 million people in the Lower Mekong that rely on the river for a livelihood, they say.

“Naturally, Mekong water rises and decreases slowly about three to four months from highest to lowest levels,” said Teerapong Pomun, director of the Mekong Community Institute, an NGO focused on water resource management and based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

“[But now] the water levels fluctuate almost every two to three days all year, and every year, because of the dams.”

Beijing has taken issue with assessments that accused Chinese dams of causing shifts in Mekong water levels, especially a United States think tank report on April 13 that said China was withholding water upstream, citing satellite data. China said the report failed to recognise that low rainfall caused a drought in 2019, the worst to hit the region in 50 years.

Whatever the argument, the food supply and livelihoods for tens of millions of people are at stake. The

coronavirus pandemic

is adding another twist to the troubling dynamic.

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“The situation in the Mekong is worrying as the prolonged drought poses dire threats to regional countries from various aspects, particularly in terms of food security,” said Zhang Hongzhou, a research fellow with Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. “It will certainly adversely affect Beijing’s relations with the Mekong region countries.”

The Mekong River nourishes wetlands known as Asia’s rice bowl thanks to the high nutrient loads the river disperses. Because so many people live off and from the river, disruptions to its water levels can be devastating.

“Farm crop yields decrease, animals die, which has a huge impact on the livelihood of people as their life depends on natural resources,” said Bunleap Leang, the executive director of 3S Rivers Protection Network, an NGO that works to support dam-affected communities in northeastern Cambodia.

The Mekong is a source of food and livelihood for tens of millions of people in Southeast Asia. Photo: AFP

Mekong water levels fell to a record low in July last year, causing Vietnam, the world’s third-largest rice exporter, to

declare a state of emergency

for the five provinces in the Mekong Delta that produce more than half the country’s crop. Local authorities have warned the drought could run into May or longer.

In April, the US Department of Agriculture forecast that 2020 rice yields in Vietnam would fall by 3.3 per cent from the previous estimates because of the drought and subsequent saltwater intrusion, leaving the harvest 0.9 per cent lower for the year.

Farmers are especially hard hit because when the water level falls, they have to buy more fuel for water pumps so their costs increase at the worst time, Pomun said. This is driving farmers from their rice fields to find other work, while Thai fishermen on the Mekong are pulling in empty nets, he said.

Besides the impact on agriculture, the Mekong and its tributaries make up the largest freshwater fishery in the world and catches are a mainstay of the diet for local people. Fish account for as much as 82 per cent of animal protein consumed locally, according to a report by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), an intergovernmental organisation representing Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The inland fisheries of the Mekong basin are a “lifeline” for the people of the region, said the MRC on its website, which warns of “severe” consequences from disruption to the catch, especially as the population of the Lower Mekong is estimated to rise to 100 million people by 2025 from the current 60 million.

Experts say fish stocks in the Mekong and its tributaries are on the verge of collapse. Photo: AFP

Those consequences are already arriving, according to a 2018 report by the MRC, which was updated in January last year.

“Fisheries production is expected to decline substantially upstream because of the hydropower dams and their impacts on migration, habitats and primary production,” it said.

The report looked at different scenarios for fisheries based on water resource projects going out decades. It forecast a possible 40 per cent drop in fish catches through 2020 and as much as 80 per cent less by 2040.

The report shows that as populations are forecast to increase along the Mekong, fish stocks are likely to collapse through a combination of the dams, illegal fishing prompted by shortages, and climate change.

Chinese power along Mekong River pits commerce against conservation

17 Feb 2020

In Cambodia, fish catches have plunged in Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest inland lake that inflates in size with Mekong seasonal flows. The MRC report expected Tonle Sap annual average fish production to fall from 350,000 to 260,000 tonnes by 2020, and to 200,000 tonnes by 2040.

China’s dam-building ambitions on the river, which originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is known as the Lancang in Chinese territory, can be traced back to the 1950s, when engineers conducted surveys of the river in Yunnan province in southwest China.

From the 1980s, China ramped up hydroelectric dam construction on rivers to meet growing power demand as its economy began a blistering period of growth, eventually to unseat Japan in 2010 as the world’s second-largest economy. A total of 14 dams were envisioned for the Lancang and 11 are now in operation with others planned or under construction.

Construction of a new hydropower dam is under way in Laos. Photo: Shutterstock

China also exported its hydropower know-how to developing countries further down the Mekong, especially Laos and Cambodia, where Chinese companies financed and built a number of projects. They include the Nam Ou 1 Hydropower Dam about 40km upstream from the city of Luang Prabang in Laos and the Lower Sesan 2, the biggest in Cambodia.

The damming of the Mekong in recent decades has generated repeated concerns about environmental damage, social upheaval and the value of the economic trade-off.

Concerns about food security in the region moved back into the spotlight last month when research and consulting company Eyes on Earth Inc said satellite data showed China had above-average rainfall from May to October last year, but

withheld the water behind its dams

during the drought.

Citing these findings, Brian Eyler, Southeast Asia programme director of the Stimson Centre, a Washington-based think tank, said China’s dams had effectively “turned off the tap on the Mekong River”.

China and the MRC contested these findings, with Beijing saying it was unjustified to blame its dams for the drought.

In a statement on April 21, the MRC said “more scientific evidence was necessary to conclude that the 2019 drought was in large part caused by water storage in Upper Mekong dams.” It added that water flows “from China were higher than normal for the 2019 and 2020 dry seasons”.

The Mekong body said that while upstream dams had altered seasonal flows of the river, the drought was “due largely to very low rainfall during the wet season with a delayed arrival and earlier departure of monsoon rains, and an El Nino event”.

However, the commission said that more sharing of data and transparency was needed between the four members and its so-called dialogue partners, China and Myanmar.

“A transparent data-sharing arrangement on how water and related infrastructures are operated will help everyone manage risks and avoid misperception,” Dr An Pich Hatda, the MRC secretariat’s chief executive officer, said in the statement.

Experts say the Mekong’s water levels fluctuate every two to three days all year round because of the hydroelectric dams. Photo: AFP

Harris Zainul, an analyst with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in Malaysia, said the coronavirus pandemic could become a factor in the Mekong water disputes. Covid-19 has prompted lockdowns in many countries, which can block farmers from getting food to markets.

“If this were to happen, then countries, including those downstream of the Mekong, would be more sensitive towards the adverse effects arising out of lower water levels on the Mekong,” Harris said, adding that it could cause a public backlash against China in Mekong nations and prompt demands for action.

Beijing has said it works with downstream nations on water management through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) established in 2015 by China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. China is the largest trading partner for the Mekong members.

At an LMC summit in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his counterparts from the five Mekong states that Beijing had increased water outflows from the Lancang to mitigate the drought in the Mekong region.

Thailand nixed China’s Mekong blasting project. Will others push back?

22 Feb 2020

China had suffered, too, he said. In Yunnan province, the local government said the region was hit by the worst drought in a decade, with average rainfall dropping 18 per cent.

Pomun said part of the problem was a lack of transparency and cooperation from China, and that downstream villagers were often caught off guard by an unexpected release of water from China’s dams. When water was released without warning, crops on the riverbanks became flooded, he said.

“That is why we ask for transparency as we need to find out how much per cent of the drought is caused by the dams and how much is caused by climate change.”

Pomun said he was worried the coronavirus pandemic might worsen the situation as countries turned inward to protect their own natural resources.

People would “keep the water to themselves more, to produce electricity for the economy, for their own country”, he said.

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Laura Zhou

Laura Zhou joined the Post's Beijing bureau in 2010. She covers China's diplomatic relations and has reported on topics such as Sino-US relations, China-India disputes, and reactions to the North Korea nuclear crisis, as well as other general news.

Mekong nations don’t blame drought on China’s dams, but ask for transparency

Thailand nixed China’s Mekong blasting project. Will others push back?

China / Diplomacy

China’s dams did not cause our drought, Mekong nations say – but they ask for transparency

· No proof region’s worst drought in 50 years was result of Chinese dam-building, but China provided inadequate water data, neighbours say

· Southeast Asian countries show backing for China as they balance the matter against economic realities, according to observers

Shi Jiangtao

Published: 8:29pm, 27 Apr, 2020

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Water levels in the Mekong River in northern Thailand during last year’s wet season were at their lowest for over 50 years. Photo: Reuters

Shi Jiangtao

A former diplomat, Shi Jiangtao has worked as a China reporter at the Post for more than a decade. He's interested in political, social and environmental development in China.

This Week in Asia / Health & Environment

Asia’s next coronavirus flashpoint? Overcrowded, neglected prisons

· Covid-19 is poised to cut a swathe through Asia’s cramped, underfunded prisons but the true extent of the crisis may never be known

· There have been calls for inmates’ early release amid concerns about the impact of lockdown measures on their well-being and mental health

Raquel Carvalho

Published: 9:15am, 10 May, 2020

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Inmates sleep inside the Quezon City Jail in Manila, in this 2016 photo. Photo: AFP

Raquel Carvalho

Raquel Carvalho is Asia Correspondent for the Post. She joined the newspaper in 2014. Most of her investigative and in-depth stories have been focused on human rights, cross-border security, illicit trade and corruption. She was previously the chief reporter at a Portuguese daily newspaper in Macau, where she moved to from Europe in 2008.

Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

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Coronavirus Philippines

Beijing’s South China Sea fishing ban threatens to raise tensions with rival claimants

· Fishing groups in Vietnam and the Philippines have urged their governments to take firm measures to resist ban, which is intended to preserve fish stocks

· Observers warn that food shortages caused by Covid-19 outbreak will increase risk of confrontation as countries move to protect domestic supplies

Laura Zhou

Published: 8:12pm, 8 May, 2020

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Fishing boats are berthed at the Chinese part of Sanya in the southern province of Hainan at the start of the summer ban. Photo: Xinhua

Laura Zhou

Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

Lifestyle / Arts & Culture

As a baby she was one of 3,628 Vietnamese refugees rescued at sea; 45 years on, she meets air force sergeant who saved her

· The refugees were saved from a ship adrift in the South China Sea in 1975; the daring mission is documented in filmmaker Duc Nguyen’s new project

· A sick baby needed an urgent air pickup; now a successful fashion designer, she recently spoke with one of the rescue crew for the first time

Joseph Lam

Published: 6:45am, 11 May, 2020

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A British RAF helicopter from Hong Kong moves over Danish cargo ship the Clara Maersk to start an airlift on May 2, 1975. Four people, including a sick baby, required urgent air pick up from the ship carrying over 3,000 Vietnamese refugees.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3083523/mekong-nations-face-growing-threat-food-security-amid-claims-chinas-dams

Joint rice farming model brings farmers sustainable income

Cultivating rice without having to pay a lot for different varieties and fertiliser may sound far-fetched. In fact, this cultivation model is providing a sustainable income for many farmers in Binh Dinh province.

VNA Monday, May 11, 2020 08:31

Ninh Thuan: farming stopped on 15,000 ha due to drought

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 15:59

Soc Trang taps efficient farming models to beat climate change

Monday, April 06, 2020 07:26

Programme launched to support organic farming, ecotourism in Mekong Delta

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 11:07

Nguyen Van Nghia has joined another 450 farming households in Phuoc Quang commune, Binh Dinh province, to cultivate rice under a model called “Great paddy field”. The model allows them to plant rice without paying for varieties and fertiliser until harvesting thanks to a loan from a local cooperative.

Nghia and the other farmers cultivating the ‘Great paddy field’ earn an average profit of 1,000 USD per hectare.

Binh Dinh province is now home to 148 “Great paddy fields”, covering an area of 6,800 hectares. 3,400 hectares are under guarantee contracts with enterprises.

With a standard cultivation method and rice varieties, the ‘Great paddy field’ model not only generates high productivity but also improves the environment./

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/joint-rice-farming-model-brings-farmers-sustainable-income/173079.vnp

Why isn't more rice being grown in Queensland, where the water is?

ABC Rural

/ By Tom Major

Posted Yesterday

Description: A farmer stands in a rice paddock

Grower Anthony Emmi is sticking with rice for his town's future, despite only making his money back on the crop.(ABC Rural: Tom Major)

After decades of trial and error, rice production in north Queensland remains a fraction of that grown in the drought-stricken Murray-Darling Basin, but a core of growers are keeping the faith.

Key points:

· Rice growers are still hampered by unreliable varieties

· North Queensland's rice mill is operating below capacity

· Researchers are developing breeds geared for northern Australia's climate

Five years ago rice was tipped to be the next big thing in the banana and sugarcane town of Tully, 130 kilometres south of Cairns, but in the years since production has shrunken tenfold, from 500 hectares to just 50.

Rain-fed Queensland rice became a branded product and consumers approved of the soft cooking long-grain product, before crop failures saw many depart the industry.

Lower Tully farmer Anthony Emmi has stuck with rice, despite surveying a crop with lodged and fallen rice heads in a paddock, only just likely to break even.

"I just think it's the variety, because everyone else's rice has gone over too, it's probably not suited to our climate," he said.

"This is the third [variety] and we still haven't got a good one. If you came here two weeks ago, this was looking magnificent, but it isn't anymore."

"I haven't lost money yet, I'll just keep going until I start losing money, then I might stop."

Description: A sign outside a rice mill says welcome to Brandon Mill

SunRice bought the Blue Ribbon mill in the Burdekin in 2014, but rice tonnage in north Queensland has since plateaued.(ABC Rural: Tom Major)

Repaying the faith

Across north Queensland from Mackay to Cairns, the rice yield remains static as the nation faces domestic shortages of the staple crop, often referred to as the world's most important grain.

Acknowledging the reduction in number of rice growers, Sunrice operations manager Peter McDonnell, based at Brandon in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area, said rice was still a relatively new industry for the tropics.

"Working with growers and researchers to start a new industry takes time," he said.

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We've got a core group of growers now from Gordonvale through to Koumala, [but] the breeding program's a slow, long-burn."

A three-year research project with AgriFutures Australia included a strong focus on tropical adapted long-grain varieties, with new breeds now in the early phase of assessment.

"It's an exciting time, we've been using varieties from the temperate climate regions, and to be honest they haven't been the best varieties from north Queensland," Mr McDonnell said.

"There are four new ones in the ground now and they're looking promising ... we're hoping to roll some of those out to growers in the coming season."

Description: A sign in a supermarket saying rice has run out

Rice has been stripped from shelves by panic-buyers in recent weeks.(ABC Rural: Cara Jeffery)

New crops needed

For agricultural towns along the Queensland coastline, recent years have been difficult financially with the staple crop of sugar selling for below the cost of production.

"I'm all for the community, I think we need new industries, we rely heavily on sugarcane, bananas and cattle, if we could get an industry going it'll create income into the town," Mr Emmi said.

"If we can get a consistent, seven, eight tonnes to the hectare crops people will grow it, but they're not going to grow it when they're getting three to four tonnes to the hectare."

Mr McDonnell said with Australia facing massive shortages of rice, requiring large volumes of imported grain, the north would be important to the future of the national crop.

"We're certainly looking at a staged approach, getting the local mill at Brandon up to capacity with 25,000 tonnes of paddy per year, long-term, the number of 100,000 tonnes is where we want to be," Mr McDonnell said.

"You have to take your hat off to those growers who've hung in there, because they can see the potential for a very viable industry."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-11/rice-queensland-tropical-regional-rural-water-crops-drought/12231916

Philippines Awaits 400,000 Tons Rice as Vietnam Resumes Export

Claire Jiao

May 11, 2020, 9:15 AM GMT+5

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https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-11/philippines-awaits-400-000-tons-rice-as-vietnam-resumes-export

Buy paddy from farmers, not rice from millers

Reaz Ahmad

· Published at 12:07 am May 11th, 2020

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Only 1.34% of the farmers got the government-set price against their produce

Through its food procurement efforts, the government intends to serve two purposes: 1) maintain a stock to ensure food security, and 2) provide the crop growers with price support.

Unfortunately, the price support it offered in Boro season last year benefited the rice millers and traders far more than the paddy growers.

Not that there is no remedy for this.

A study that government itself commissioned last year provided the solution and submitted the policy option to the line ministries -- Ministry of Food and Ministry of Agriculture -- last week, a timely intervention, considering the fact that the government’s food department has just gone to market to buy paddy and rice in the current Boro season.

It advises the government: buy paddy from farmers, not rice from the millers.

If last year’s procurement experience is something to go by, the government would do well to immediately act upon this study advice.

A whopping 98.66% farmers, who had to sell their paddy to middlemen, traders, millers and wholesalers, got an average price of Tk15 for each kilogram of the grain in last Boro season, which was Tk11 less than the floor price of Tk26 set by the government.

Only 1.34% of the farmers got the government-set price against their produce, as they were the only lucky ones who could sell paddy to the government’s food department.

By no means is this sustainable.

If rice farmers in Bangladesh don’t get a fair price for Boro, they can’t make much investment in subsequent important crops of the year -- summer vegetables, Aus and Aman paddy, maize, wheat, and potato.

It has a chain effect on overall productivity in farm sector.

The Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) carried out the study through its USAID-funded Policy Research and Strategy Support Program (PRSSP) in Bangladesh with the Ministry of Agriculture commissioning the task.

The study notes that each year the food department buys far more rice than paddy under its food procurement program.

While its purchase of paddy benefits only a small number of farmers, the lion's share of the government-provided price supports actually end up in the hands of rice millers and by default to traders and middlemen -- all of whom buy paddy from crash-crunched farmers very early in the season, convert the same into rice, and enjoy a hefty profit by selling the same to the food department.

The IFPRI-study shows how a neighbouring Indian state does the public procurement of grains most efficiently -- benefiting the rice growers not, the traders or millers.

Couple of days back, I talked to the lead author of the study Dr Akhter U Ahmed, who served the global food policy think-tank at its Washington DC headquarters for many years and is now heading the IFPRI country operation in Bangladesh.

I asked him what policy change will most help provide needed support to the large base of the country's farming community.

Dr Akhter, who has been assisted in this study, among others, by fellow IFPRI researcher M Mehrab Bakhtiar and deputy research director of the agriculture ministry’s Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Mohammad Mosihur Rahman, said the solution lies with the government’s "will power."

He suggests that if they (government agencies concerned) properly internalize the findings and essence of the study and take move in right direction -- a simple policy shift can make a big difference.

How they do it in West Bengal?

In West Bengal, the state government procures a quarter of the paddy the farmers grow in a year across all rice seasons.

In Bangladesh’s case the procurement volume is less than 10% of the total production.

Since 2016-17, the West Bengal state government has implemented an electronic paddy procurement (e-procurement) system.

From 2017-18 to 2019-20, farmers’ participation in the e-procurement system has increased five-fold, from 465,000 to 2.36 million farmers.

Overall, West Bengal’s paddy procurement was 22% and 24% of total production in 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively.

Paddy is procured from farmers primarily through two approaches. Under the first approach, farmers bring paddy to centralized procurement centres (CPCs), where the Food and Supplies Department assigns one purchase officer and one disbursement officer who purchases paddy from farmers and records these sales in the e-procurement system.

Payments are made via account payee checks under the 'Dhan Din Cheque Nin' program on the same day of receipt of paddy from farmers.

Under the second approach, registered farmers’ cooperatives, self-help groups (SHG), or producers’ organizations, which have applied, been screened, and are registered with the District Food and Civil Supply Department, announce the paddy procurement date in advance in the locality and procure paddy from registered farmers.

The cooperatives then deliver the paddy to state government’s designated custom milled rice (CMR) agencies, which have agreements with select rice mills.

A designated government official certifies receipt of the paddy and farmers’ cooperatives update the sales information on the e-procurement system and notify all registered members about sales via SMS. The state government pays farmers' cooperatives and self-help groups.

In 2019-20, out of the state government’s 5.2 million metric tons target for paddy procurement, the selected state government-designated custom milled rice (CMR) agencies procured the most paddy (46%), followed by the state government-run CPCs (42%) and the Food Corporation of India (that is, the central government) (12%).

Are we moving in the right direction?

Right at the beginning of the Boro harvest season last year, Bangladesh’s food department announced procuring of only 150,000 tons of paddy from farmers but over one million tons of rice from millers.

Two months later, some time in June 2019, when farmers not getting fair prices caused a national outcry, the government reconsidered the paddy procurement volume and increased it from a paltry 150,000 tons to 400,000 tons.

A year later, as another Boro season comes, the government further increased the paddy procurement volume. This time it’s 800,000 tons.

Yet, still the procurement goes in rice’s favour as the government has decided to buy 1.15 million tons of rice from millers as against 800,000 tons of paddy from farmers.

Agriculture Minister Md Abdur Razzaque has said the government is moving in the direction of procuring more paddy directly from the farmers, thereby reaching the price befits to the growers.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, a seasoned rice miller himself, has been talking about introducing e-procurement of paddy in Bangladesh since last year. Unfortunately, this initiative again fell through the cracks at the last moment in this Boro season too.

Dr Akhter and his study states that buying more paddy by the government doesn’t mean millers will be the losers in any way.

As they explain, the food department here would definitely involve the rice millers in the process, like the state government in West Bengal does, even if all the paddy is bought directly from the farmers.

It would be a win-win situation for all.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2020/05/11/buy-paddy-from-farmers-not-rice-from-millers

Rice Prices

as on : 11-05-2020 12:11:31 PM

Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

	Arrivals			Price
	Current	% change	Season cumulative	Modal	Prev. Modal	Prev.Yr %change
Rice
Azamgarh(UP)	140.00	-6.67	3610.00	2560	2550	4.49
Gondal(UP)	100.00	-7.41	4948.00	2400	2400	-2.04
Allahabad(UP)	90.00	28.57	1621.00	2515	2500	9.35
Barhaj(UP)	66.00	10	7586.00	2520	2525	8.15
Ghaziabad(UP)	60.00	-25	1316.00	2700	2700	NC
Naugarh(UP)	50.00	-16.67	3100.00	2535	2520	5.63
Shamli(UP)	40.00	33.33	595.90	2670	2675	-3.26
Beldanga(WB)	40.00	33.33	1010.00	2950	3000	9.26
Firozabad(UP)	37.00	5.71	939.60	2610	2610	-
Jhargram(WB)	35.00	NC	665.00	2300	2700	-20.69
Fatehpur(UP)	29.50	5.36	1773.90	2415	2420	5.00
Dahod(Guj)	27.20	262.67	685.40	4400	4400	4.76
Teliamura(Tri)	25.00	4.17	234.00	2900	3200	NC
Khalilabad(UP)	25.00	NC	1155.00	2530	2550	12.44
Asansol(WB)	24.30	-2.8	742.49	2850	2850	-6.56
Durgapur(WB)	23.60	0.43	656.35	2850	2850	NC
Balrampur(UP)	22.00	15.79	579.00	2400	2400	4.35
Jafarganj(UP)	21.00	-30	749.00	2450	2380	13.43
Haridwar Union(Utr)	18.00	-28	125.00	4630	4625	-
Sitapur(UP)	15.00	-6.25	790.30	2430	2445	2.97
Sirsaganj(UP)	13.50	-10	608.00	2640	2610	-4.00
Muzzafarnagar(UP)	11.00	-8.33	3873.00	2675	2670	-3.08
Soharatgarh(UP)	9.00	-21.74	1342.70	2535	2540	4.75
Karvi(UP)	9.00	50	424.00	2380	2390	4.62
Kannauj(UP)	7.00	-6.67	391.20	2460	2500	-1.60
Mahoba(UP)	6.50	109.68	304.90	2450	2450	8.17
Unnao(UP)	6.50	-9.72	124.50	2450	2450	7.22
Raath(UP)	5.60	24.44	113.10	2150	2150	-
Achalda(UP)	5.00	66.67	207.10	2460	2450	11.31
Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP)	4.20	5	535.80	2450	2450	-5.77
Jahangirabad(UP)	3.50	NC	150.50	2650	2660	1.92
Gadaura(UP)	3.00	-40	210.50	2200	2300	4.76
Mawana(UP)	2.00	NC	102.20	2615	2620	-
Kaliaganj(WB)	2.00	33.33	126.90	3250	3300	-
Charra(UP)	1.80	12.5	76.40	2550	2550	0.20
Panichowki(Kumarghat)(Tri)	1.40	7.69	22.90	2970	2950	-
Lalganj(UP)	1.00	NC	226.00	2300	2300	-
Melaghar(Tri)	0.80	-20	38.50	2800	2800	3.70
Maudaha(UP)	0.80	-33.33	20.00	2360	2325	4.89

Published on May 11, 2020

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article31555385.ece

N.K. paper urges all-out efforts to maximize rice production

All Headlines 08:44 May 11, 2020

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SEOUL, May 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Monday called for all-out efforts to maximize rice production this year, saying sufficient food production is instrumental in achieving a "frontal breakthrough" against challenges confronting the country.

North Korean media outlets have called for a frontal breakthrough by securing "self-reliance" in many areas, including food production, since leader Kim Jong-un called for such efforts late last year in order to brace for a protracted fight against sanctions by the United States.

"Whether to succeed in our frontal breakthrough strategy hinges heavily on how much we could consolidate the achievement we have already made in securing a high yield (of grains)," the paper said.

"Loyalty to the party and patriotism to the nation can be expressed in how much contribution one can make to grains production," it added. "We all should become patriots by devoting all to grains productions."

The paper touted the country's recent development of "scientific" farming techniques and "miraculous" achievements they brought about in the agriculture sector, saying that such continued advance would provide huge support for boosting the country's overall economy.

The paper made the urge as a full-blown rice transplanting season has started in North Korea.

The North has called for increased food production, saying self-reliance in its food supply is instrumental in ensuring the communist state's existence and dignity in the face of "murderous" global sanctions.

North Korea has claimed that it recorded a bumper harvest last year, but outside observers say the North has been suffering from a chronic food shortage.

Leader Kim urged a drastic increase in agricultural production in his speech in late December, saying there is no expectation of the U.S. lifting sanctions against Pyongyang amid a lack of progress in denuclearization talks.

This photo captured from the Rodong Sinmun on May 11, 2020, shows farmers transplanting rice. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

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kokobj@yna.co.kr

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200511000900325

Diversification Plans Dumped?: Punjab Government Prepones Paddy Plantation by 10 Days

May 9, 2020 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

Chandigarh: Punjab has been facing ground water crisis for past few decades. The crisis is largely attributed to ‘wheat-paddy crop circle’.

The government of India had introduced paddy plantation in Punjab while ignoring the fact that Punjab’s whether conditions are not suitable for paddy crop.

The blame of worsen ground water level condition is often put on farmers. The governments do talk about crop diversification but practically work to keep wheat-paddy crop circle.

COVID19 Pandemic and Concerns of Rice Shortage in India:

Concerns regarding possible food scarcity, especially rice shortage, are already in air in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. In Punjab, mainly wheat rotis are eaten in daily meals but in rest of India rice is used in daily meals.

Paddy Nursery Sowing and Paddy Plantation Dates Preponed:

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced advancement in the paddy nursery sowing and paddy plantation dates by 10 days.

$Description: C:\Users\abc\Downloads\Diversification Plans Dumped Punjab Government Prepones Paddy Plantation by 10 Days_files\Amarinder-Singh-Flood-Affacted-survey-2.jpg$

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh [File Photo]

$Description: C:\Users\abc\Downloads\Diversification Plans Dumped Punjab Government Prepones Paddy Plantation by 10 Days_files\image.gif$

The operations will now commence on May 10 and June 10, respectively, instead of the May 20 fixed earlier by the Agriculture Department for sowing of paddy nursery and June 20 for paddy transplantation, during the current Kharif season, reads a release issued by Punjab Chief Minister’s Office.

Reason Tendered by CMO:

CMO maintained that [t]he farmers had raised concerns about meeting the cultivation/sowing requirements in view of the labour shortage resulting from migrant labourers returning to their homes in view of the Covid crisis. Describing these concerns as understandable, the Chief Minister said it was in the interest of the farmers to push the dates ahead by 10 days.

Directions to PSPCL for Electricity Supply:

CM further said that to facilitate the farmers in ensuring timely transplantation of paddy he has also directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to make necessary arrangements for facilitating uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector in this period.

Why Ban on Paddy Plantation Before Stipulated Date Was Introduced?

In 2009, Punjab had introduced ban on sowing of paddy before a stipulated date. The aim was to arrest the fall in water table.

It was said that the start date of paddy plantation was to be ultimately shifted to June end i.e. close to the arrival of monsoon in Punjab.

The date, however, was never shifted to June end. Last year the stipulated date to start paddy plantation was June 20.

River Water Allocated to Non-Riparian States, Preponing Plantation to Burden Ground Water:

As major portion of Punjab’s river water is already allocated to non-riparian state of Rajashtan, Haryana and Delhi; preponing of the date of sowing paddy nursery and paddy plantation is bound to put excessive burden on Punjab’s ground water.

https://sikhsiyasat.net/2020/05/09/diversification-plans-dumped-punjab-government-prepones-paddy-plantation-by-10-days/

Doña Maria donates tons of brown rice

posted May 11, 2020 at 10:10 pm by Charles Dantes

In a bid to help boost Filipinos’ immunity, SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC), the manufacturer of Doña Maria Premium Quality Rice, donated 25,000 kilograms of brown rice to foundations, hospitals, and donation networks.

Description: https://manilastandard.net/panel/_files/image/New_Images/featured_image/2020/May/12/dona_maria_donates.jpg

SL Agritech Corporation donates bags of brown rice to vulnerable communities and frontliners.

SLAC chairman and chief executive Dr. Henry Lim believes brown rice will help improve the health of those on the front lines and in other affected communities, citing a research that brown rice contains essential phytonutrients and vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium which boost the immune system.

In fact, the Philippine Rice Research Institute has campaigned for a change in the Filipino diet staple from white to brown rice given the latter’s health benefits.

Dr. Robert Michael Gan, an internist and endocrinologist from Metropolitan Medical Center and Makati Medical Center, is one of the many medical professionals advocating for the inclusion of brown rice in the Filipino diet.

“There is a good number of articles, both locally and internationally, that underscore the health benefits of eating brown rice. Now that we are up against a pandemic, it is imperative that we have a healthy diet to boost our immune system,” notes Dr. Gan.

Lim, through SLAC, hopes to help secure food for those most impacted by COVID-19: the frontliners and vulnerable communities.

In addition to the sacks of brown rice, the company donated a total of 100,000 kilograms of white rice to its partner organizations. It also gave away 7,000 packs of its snack food product Doña Maria Brown Rice Puff and 3,000 servings of ready-to-eat meals to different hospitals, including COVID-19 referral centers UP-Philippine General Hospital and Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital.

Other SLAC beneficiaries include the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, UERM Memorial Hospital, and University of Sto. Tomas Hospital.

Lim encourages everyone to rise to the occasion and show compassion to each other as members of one global village.

“We at SL Agritech try our best to help alleviate the unfortunate conditions of our countrymen and to provide aid wherever and whenever we can. During these uncertain and challenging times, we remain committed to helping ensure food supply, especially for our frontliners and our fellow Filipinos with scarce resources. Together, we can heal as one,” he shared.

In August 2019, Lim was conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Marangal na Pinuno by President Rodrigo Duterte for his outstanding contributions to the improvement of the country’s economic and civic welfare.

KCR to convene meeting to decide on agriculture policy soon

He discussed what crops should be grown and in how much area and what should be the post-harvest strategy for marketing the produce.

Published: 11th May 2020 09:20 AM | Last Updated: 11th May 2020 09:20 AM | A+A A-

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (File | EPS)

By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday decided to call a meeting soon with all the agriculture officers working at the field level to discuss the policy that he wants to bring forth to help farmers get a better price for their produce.

The Chief Minister, during a review on agriculture with officials and experts at Pragathi Bhavan on Sunday, felt that farmers should go in for diversification of crops instead of cultivating a same crop. “This way, they could avoid incurring losses,” he said.

He discussed what crops should be grown and in how much area and what should be the post-harvest strategy for marketing the produce. The Chief Minister, after his meeting with the agriculture officers at field level, would speak to agriculture extension officers and representatives of Rythu Bandhu committees over video conference for their opinion on evolving the policy.

He expressed confidence that Telangana would rise to a level where it would be able to feed the entire country. Rao wanted the rice millers to augment their capacity since the annual production of paddy would be about 2.7 crore tonnes in the near future in Telangana. The Civil Supplies Department should be able to procure rice at MSP, he said.

Earlier in the meeting, the experts from agriculture sector advised the Chief Minister to ensure that farmers would go in for a crop that the government suggests and that in the extent of area that it decides. If any farmer gives a go by to the government’s direction, action should be taken against him/her in the form of making the person ineligible for Rythu Bandhu subsidy and MSP for his produce, they said. They felt it may not be possible for the government to be as magnanimous in future as it was now in procuring the foodgrains as at present they are going through a difficult phase on account of the lockdown. The farmers should be encouraged to go in for palm oil, which can give yield for 30 to 40 years non-stop

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2020/may/11/kcr-to-convene-meeting-to-decide-on-agriculture-policy-soon-2141800.html

Eatala Rajender inaugurates maize storage centre in Karimnagar

Besides paddy, maize was also produced in record level with the availability of sufficient water, Minister said while inaugurating maize storage centre at Sneha seeds godown in Jammikunta.

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By TelanganaToday | Published: 11th May 2020 8:38 pm

Health Minister E Rajender testing maize after inaugurating maize storage godown in Jammikunta on Monday.

Karimnagar: Health Minister Eatala Rajender on Monday said lands downstream of Lower Manair Dam (LMD) got sufficient water during Yasangi season due to the completion of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Besides paddy, maize was also produced in record level with the availability of sufficient water, Minister said while inaugurating maize storage centre at Sneha seeds godown in Jammikunta. Rajender informed that every day, review meeting has been conducted to discuss the progress of paddy and maize procurement. Officials have also been instructed to purchase each and every grain brought to centers.
Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao appointed special officers for each district to monitor the procurement process and solve the problems of farming community. Since maize was also produced in record level, space problem was developed to store the crop. So, Sneha seeds godown was taken on lease to store the crop. Markfed has taken 22,000 metric tons storage capacity godown on lease.
Two sheds were allocated to Kamalapur mandal, which was developed storage problem after it was merged in Warangal district. Advising the farmers to bring crop to purchasing centers after cleaning it properly, he assured that not a single kilogram would be reduced if a clean and quality crop was brought to centers.
Talking about paddy procurement, Minister asked rice millers to dump the crop immediately without any delay. There was a possibility of socking the crop in hailstorms being experienced in different areas, he said and advised public representatives to cooperate with officials to speed up procurement process.

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Nalgonda tops in paddy procurement

No B-grade crop this season due to quality seed supply, irrigation facility: Officials

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By Srinivas P. | Published: 11th May 2020 11:51 pm

Description: https://cdn.telanganatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/paddy-procurement-NLG-3.jpg

Farmers at IKP paddy procurement centre at Arjalabhavi in Nalgonda district on Monday.

Nalgonda: Nalgonda district has topped the State in paddy procurement this Yasangi, purchasing 5.75 lakh metric tons out of the 6.24 lakh metric tons of estimated crop production by the farmers in the district, which translates into 95 per cent of procurement of the crop.
With the conditions prevailing on account of coronavirus, the number of paddy procurement centres were also increased – 227 main paddy procurement centres and 422 sub-centres in the district. The remaining five per cent of procurement from the farmers would be completed within a week, according to officials.

Also read

Revealing this to Telangana Today, Additional District Collector (Revenue) V Chandrasekhar said the district administration had taken up special measures to ensure smooth business at paddy procurement centres in view of the lockdown that ensure Nalgonda topped the charts in the State in paddy procurement which started on April 7.

No B-grade paddy

He said that all the paddy purchased was A-grade quality and no B-grade paddy had come to the market due to quality seed supplied to the farmers and sufficient irrigation facility in the district. This facilitated the farmers to get good price for their produce, he said.
He said Rs 600 crore od payment had been made to the farmers for the paddy purchased so far and the remaining Rs 1,000 crore of payment would be paid within three days. The farmers get the amount for the paddy they sold within three to four days after getting the confirmation from the millers.

No shortage of gunny bags

The Additional Collector said the district had adopted a strategy which ensured there was no gunny bags shortage at procurement centres in the district. At the time of launching procurement of paddy, only 75 lakh gunny bags were available in the district as against the requirement of 1.5 crore gunny bags. “In a first of its kind exercise, we got 20 to 25 lakh gunny bags from millers who pack the custom milling rice in other bags and supply them to Food Corporation of India. There is a possibility that millers would have used gunny bags of paddy procurement of earlier crop season,” he said, even as he dismissed the reports by a section of the media saying damaged gunny bags were causing delay in procurement of paddy.

Farmers turn hamalis

In view of shortage of hamalis at some procurement centres, farmers themselves came forward to help in weighing and packaging of paddy at the centres, which solved the problem, he said. “It indicates the commitment of farmers in supporting the government. We paid wages to farmers for their help. Hence, shortage of hamalis did not have any impact on paddy procurement at the purchasing centres,” he asserted.

https://telanganatoday.com/nalgonda-tops-in-paddy-procurement

COVID-19 | How to maximise food security in post-COVID India

India must revamp its food grain storage techniques, modernise its mandis and expand the capacity of cold chains without any further delay

Siraj Hussain

Representative Image

Originating from the seafood and wild food wet market in Wuhan, China, coronavirus has already reached more than 180 countries and caused 110,000 deaths.
The world will never be the same again.
That said, there are a few positive signs. On April 8, the Saudi Arabia-UAE coalition announced a unilateral ceasefire in the five-year-old attack against Yemen. The Iranians were not so lucky, as US sanctions on Iran are continuing despite the death of more than 4,100 persons from COVID-19 as of April 10. COVID-19 has not been able to persuade the United States to lift the 60-years-old trade embargo on Cuba. In India, sections of the electronic and social media have been spreading communal virus, which is as deadly as coronavirus.
The Indian agriculture and food processing sector has so far ensured that staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, pulses, edible oils, and fruits and vegetables are largely available across India. In most parts of India, urban centres have also not experienced any serious shortage of food items.

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However, despite abundant production and availability of fruits and vegetables, there has been a price rise due to restrictions on mandi operations and movement from villages. At several places, there are reports of distress sale of vegetables and fruits by farmers. Despite the Union government’s clear instructions, police have been restricting movement, due to which farmers are selling in distress and consumers are paying 15-20 percent higher prices.
According to the Solvent Extractors Association, India consumes about 23 million tonnes of edible oils, out of which only about 8 million tonnes is produced domestically and the remaining 15 million tonnes is imported. An efficient global supply chain has ensured that Indian consumers have so far not faced any shortage, nor any price rise.
However, exports of agricultural commodities from India have been adversely affected. About 400,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice and 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice meant for export in March and April is stuck in the supply chain. India’s non-basmati rice is exported primarily to Bangladesh, Nepal, Benin and Senegal, etc. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran are major importers of more expensive basmati rice. The prices in these countries would increase if the supply chain in India remains broken due to the lockdown. There is also a risk of other countries capturing India’s export market if the lockdown continues to hamper the supply chain.
The Government of Karnataka had closed the roads connecting Kasaragod in Kerala and Mangaluru in Karnataka. There were media reports that movement of vegetables from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to Kerala was also affected. There is a growing realisation that Kerala should make efforts to become self-sufficient for its food requirement.

Description: world-after-covid-19-option3-revised

Whenever the threat of large scale deaths due to COVID-19 subsides, governments across the world may decide to build sufficient domestic capacity to grow (if possible) and store enough food to meet its requirement for at least six months. Food importing countries may realise that they need to invest large sums of money in creating modern infrastructure at ports.
In India also, there is likely to be a greater realisation to modernise supply chains of agriculture and food.
For holding government stocks of food grain, India has a silo capacity of just 6.6 lakh tonnes. The storage and movement of food grains, whether by railway rakes or by trucks, is in gunny bags which results in losses. As of January 31, about 13.2 million tonnes of wheat was stored in covered and plinth storage (CAP) in open fields, mostly in Punjab. By the time Rabi procurement ends in June, there could be much more wheat in CAP storage, some on totally unscientific and ‘kutcha’ plinths. India must quickly invest in modern steel silo storage capacity in major procuring states so that wheat procured by the government is not required to be stored in CAP.
Most of the mandis in India do not have facilities for assaying and grading. The commission agents decide the price on the basis of smell and physical examination of produce. Mandis can easily be equipped with modern equipment for testing.
India also needs to invest in setting up modern abattoirs so that people can get hygienically slaughtered poultry and meat. Similarly, cold chain capacity (including reefer trucks), for perishable food, medicines and vaccines etc. needs to be expanded.
Delhi needs to act decisively and fast as once the world puts the pandemic behind it, the government must not only ensure that there is self-sufficiency back home, but also be prepared to expand its agriculture exports to meet demands in foreign markets.
Finally, a question can be asked: how to raise money for this much-needed investment in agriculture, food and health infrastructure? The government can begin by abandoning the central vista redevelopment project in New Delhi. This can provide Rs 20,000 crore.
Siraj Hussain retired as Union Agriculture Secretary, and is currently Visiting Senior Fellow, ICRIER. Views are personal.

This is the third article in a multi-part series, World After COVID-19, which looks at the probable developments in various sectors: macro economy, trade, healthcare, agriculture, judiciary, international politics and sports.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-how-to-maximise-food-security-in-post-covid-india-5137821.html

UPDATE 2-Philippines seeks extra 300,000 T rice imports amid pandemic

5/11/2020

* Govt seeks 300,000 T of rice ahead of lean harvest season
* Deal eyed with Vietnam, India, Thailand, Myanmar or Cambodia
* Philippines' 2020 rice imports on track to hit record high
* Rice export prices in Asia at multi-year peaks on high demand (Adds comments from trader in Vietnam, industry official in Thailand)
By Enrico Dela Cruz
MANILA, May 11 (Reuters) - The Philippines, the world's top rice buyer, is seeking to import another 300,000 tonnes of the staple food to boost state stockpiles while battling the coronavirus pandemic and ahead of its own lean season in the third quarter.
The planned government-to-government deal would raise the Southeast Asian country's rice imports so far this year to a record 3 million tonnes, exceeding last year's purchases totalling 2.9 million tonnes.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Monday the government has sent inquiries to Asia's biggest producers Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Cambodia, seeking delivery before the third quarter, when domestic harvesting is usually low.
Fresh demand from the Philippines could boost export prices in Asia that are already at their highest in as much as two years.
Last week, rice export prices from top supplier India held near a nine-month high on strong demand from buyers in both Asia and Africa.
Prices in Vietnam for its 5% broken rice variety stood at the two-year peak of $450 a tonne on Monday, despite weak exports activity as the government's ongoing stockpiling programme kept supply low.
"Supplies are expected to start building up from next month when a small harvest in the country begins," said a trader based in the Vietnamese province of An Giang.
Vietnam, the third-largest rice supplier, fully resumed exports this month, after halting sales from late March and limiting supply in April at 500,000 tonnes to make sure it has sufficient food during the pandemic.
The Philippines, which usually buys most of its rice imports from Vietnam, had a 3.6% year-on-year contraction in its rice harvest in the first quarter.
Thailand, the No. 2 rice exporter, is not optimistic though about securing a deal with the Philippines, as its rice varieties are trading higher than those in Vietnam.
"It depends on whether Vietnam will be willing to supply the full amount. If not, we might be able to make some contribution," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
The association quoted 5% white rice <RI-THWHT5-A> at $539 a tonne, F.O.B. Bangkok, last week, while traders quoted a range between $515–$546 <RI-THBKN5-P1>.
Thailand expects to have a rice surplus of around 8 million tonnes for exports this year, despite an ongoing drought.
Vietnam has committed to start delivering this month the 400,000 tonnes that Philippine traders contracted in April, Dar said in a statement. (Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok; editing by Christian Schmollinger, Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens)

https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/update-2-philippines-seeks-extra-300000-t-rice-imports-amid-pandemic

Philippines seeks extra 300,000 tonnes of rice imports amid pandemic

05/11/2020 | 04:29am EDT

By Enrico Dela Cruz
The Philippines, the world's top rice buyer, is seeking to import another 300,000 tonnes of the staple food to boost state stockpiles while battling the coronavirus pandemic and ahead of its own lean season in the third quarter.
The planned government-to-government deal would raise the Southeast Asian country's rice imports so far this year to a record 3 million tonnes, exceeding last year's purchases totalling 2.9 million tonnes.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Monday the government has sent inquiries to Asia's biggest producers Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Cambodia, seeking delivery before the third quarter, when domestic harvesting is usually low.
Fresh demand from the Philippines could boost export prices in Asia that are already at their highest in as much as two years.
Last week, rice export prices from top supplier India held near a nine-month high on strong demand from buyers in both Asia and Africa.
Prices in Vietnam for its 5% broken rice variety stood at the two-year peak of $450 a tonne on Monday, despite weak exports activity as the government's ongoing stockpiling programme kept supply low.
"Supplies are expected to start building up from next month when a small harvest in the country begins," said a trader based in the Vietnamese province of An Giang.
Vietnam, the third-largest rice supplier, fully resumed exports this month, after halting sales from late March and limiting supply in April at 500,000 tonnes to make sure it has sufficient food during the pandemic.
The Philippines, which usually buys most of its rice imports from Vietnam, had a 3.6% year-on-year contraction in its rice harvest in the first quarter.
Thailand, the No. 2 rice exporter, is not optimistic though about securing a deal with the Philippines, as its rice varieties are trading higher than those in Vietnam.
"It depends on whether Vietnam will be willing to supply the full amount. If not, we might be able to make some contribution," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
The association quoted 5% white rice <RI-THWHT5-A> at $539 a tonne, F.O.B. Bangkok, last week, while traders quoted a range between $515-$546 <RI-THBKN5-P1>.
Thailand expects to have a rice surplus of around 8 million tonnes for exports this year, despite an ongoing drought.
Vietnam has committed to start delivering this month the 400,000 tonnes that Philippine traders contracted in April, Dar said in a statement.
(Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok; editing by Christian Schmollinger, Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens)

https://www.marketscreener.com/RICE-3881394/news/Philippines-seeks-extra-300-000-tonnes-of-rice-imports-amid-pandemic-30577572/

Rice supply adequate for 2020

05/11/2020 | 10:49pm EDT

Author: DA Communications Group | 12 May 2020

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reassures the public that the country's rice supply is adequate for the entire year with a comfortable level of inventory.

'Going into the lean months and onto December 31, 2020, we have enough supply of food, and that includes our major staple - rice,' Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

'We remain consistent that our total projected supply of rice by end of December 2020 would be 17.994 million metric tons (MMT), while our total projected demand would be 14.668 MMT, leaving a year-end inventory of 3.326 MMT,' said the DA chief.

'This, in turn, serves as our beginning inventory in January 2021, which is good for 94 days' supply,' he added.

The DA estimated the projected 2020 year-end supply using three components, namely:

Beginning stock in January 2020 or the surplus in December 2019;
Total domestic palay production, from January to December 2020; and
Total rice imports, January to December 2020, including the 300,000 MT to be imported by the DTI's Philippine International Trading Corp. under a government-to-government arrangement.

The respective figures are gathered by the DA's Field Operations Service (FOS) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) on rice imports, other relevant government agencies, and DA regional field offices (RFOs) in tandem with local government units (LGUs), on palay production.

The PSA's supply utilization accounts of selected agricultural commodities showed that, of the total rice demand, an average of only 88 percent (%) serves as food or what is actually eaten, the remaining 12% is alloted for seeds, feeds and industrial uses.

Hence, of the total projected demand of 14.488 MMT, the actual rice that would be consumed as food would only amount to 12.9 MMT.

Further, the PSA reported that on average, a Filipino consumes a total of 118.81 kilograms (kg) annually. This is equivalent to 325.5 grams of milled rice daily.

With a current population of 108.66 million Filipinos, the country's total annual consumption would amount to 12.9 MMT.

'We hope this will clarify issues on our rice supply, demand, and consumption situation. Again, we assure the nation that the DA is doing its best to secure the country with enough and affordable food for all. Our programs to make this happen are already in place to help our farmers and fisherfolk,' Secretary Dar concluded. ### (Myriam Layaoen, DA StratComms)

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Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines published this content on 12 May 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 12 May 2020 02:49:03 UTC

https://www.marketscreener.com/news/Rice-supply-adequate-for-2020--30585058/

India Grain: Basmati prices up on firm demand; maize dn on weak buys

Monday, May 11

By Sampad Nandy

NEW DELHI – Prices of Pusa 1121 basmati paddy continued to rise across key spot markets today as bulk demand from millers remained firm amid limited supply, traders said.

Arrivals are usually lower at this time, as farmers and stockists exhaust their stocks. This year, lockdown restrictions are also limiting supply, Amritsar-based trader Ashok Sethia said.

Expectation of further extension in the nationwide lockdown is also seen pushing demand from millers to procure stocks in advance, he said. India has so far reported 67,152 COVID-19 cases, with 2,206 deaths.

However, any sharp rise in prices of the premium-quality rice is unlikely as a decline in import demand from West Asian countries is seen in the coming days despite Ramzan, Delhi-based trader Anand Goyal said.

Restrictions on movement due to the lockdown and recent steps by Iran to withdraw subsidy on rice imports could also hit exports, Goyal said.

On the Indian Commodity Exchange, the May basmati paddy contract ended at 3,364 rupees per 100 kg, up 3%. The contract is seen between 3,321 rupees and 3,384 rupees per 100 kg during the next few sessions, Acumen Capital Managing Director Akshay Agarwal said.

Prices of maize declined further across key spot markets as bulk purchases by feed makers and other consumers remained subdued, traders said.

Arrivals in Nashik were pegged at 700-800 bags (1 bag = 100 kg) and in Nizamabad, supply was at 700-800 bags.

Demand from bulk buyers such as the poultry indutry and animal feed makers has been hit as the consumption of poultry products fell on rumours that broilers and eggs are carriers of COVID-19, Nizamabad-based trader Amrutlal Kataria said.

An outbreak of African Swine Fever in Assam is also seen hitting demand in the northeastern states as culling pigs is the only option, he said.

A decline in feed consumption due to the virus may also hit demand for maize which is a key component of animal feed, Patna-based trader Avinash Kumar said. So far, over 13,000 pigs have died due to the virus in Assam.

On the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, the most active June contract ended 3.9% lower at 1,210 rupees per 100 kg.

Prices of mill-quality wheat in Jaipur were unavailable today as spot markets are shut in Rajasthan. Traders in Rajasthan are protesting the state government's decision to impose 2% farmers' welfare fee on the purchase of agricultural produce, particularly grains.

Markets of Indore and Kanpur were shut because of the lockdown.

Prices of the staple foodgrain are seen declining further in coming day since a slower pace of government procurement is exerting supply pressure on spot markets, Kota-based trader Aniket Mehta said.

In Jaipur, prices of bajra were largely steady due to lack of triggers, traders said.

Following are today's prices of wheat, maize, paddy, and bajra in rupees per 100 kg, in key wholesale markets, and the change from the previous day of trade:

Commodity	Market	Price	Change
Wheat	Indore	1,830-1,860*	—
Wheat	Jaipur	1,700-1,720	—
Maize	Nashik	1,420-1,470	(-)20-30
Maize	Nizamabad	1,430-1,470	(-)20-30
Pusa 1121 basmati paddy	Amritsar	2,950-3,000	30-50
Bajra	Jaipur	1,750-1,800	—

*Spot markets for wheat in Indore were shut today

End

Edited by Nidhi Chugh

Cogencis Tel +91 (11) 4220-1000

Send comments to feedback@cogencis.com

This copy was first published on the Cogencis WorkStation

http://www.cogencis.com/newssection/india-grain-basmati-prices-up-on-firm-demand-maize-dn-on-weak-buys/

If you can't drink cow's milk, what's the healthiest alternative?

A study from India looks at how well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk. (Foodcollection/Getty Images)

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The science is in. Here's how soy, rice, almond and coconut milks compare, nutritionally, to cow's milk.

Yasmin Noone

11 May 2020 - 11:02 AM UPDATED YESTERDAY 11:24 AM

Once upon a time, in simpler days, the question ‘do you want milk with that’ yielded a yes or no answer.
Currently spoilt for choice, asking that question today may elicit another more complicated question in response: what kind of milk?
You can try cow’s milk. It may be retro but it's a great source of calcium, is high in protein and contains vitamin A, D, B2, B12 and minerals like zinc and iodine. Yet people who are vegan or vegetarian; have a dairy or cow’s milk allergy; are lactose intolerant or sensitive to cow's milk be unable to drink the animal product.
As an alternative, they can drink soy, almond, rice, coconut, macadamia, cashew and even hemp milk. But how do these plant-based milk alternatives nutritionally compare with good old fashioned cow’s milk?

Description: There are so many ways to eat/drink soy. But does it cause or prevent cancer?

The results are in

An Indian study, published in Journal of Food Science and Technology in late 2017, investigated the nutritional differences between cow’s milk and four popular plant-based milk alternatives across the world: almond, soy, rice and coconut milk.
Which one fared best? According to this study, soy milk – by a long shot. The authors rated it top, on the whole, because it is so rich in protein and can help drinkers maintain a balanced diet.
“It is quite clear that nutritionally soy milk is the best alternative for replacing cow’s milk in the human diet,” the study says, conclusively.
So why didn’t the study’s authors rate the other three types of cow’s milk alternatives as high as soy milk? Given the point of the study was to evaluate how each compares to cow’s milk, the four alternatives were evaluated according to their suitability as a near-perfect replacement for the animal product. In other words, the study's authors asked, which plant-based milk can give you the same - or similar - nutrients to cow's milk?

Description: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/sites/sbs.com.au.food/files/styles/thumb_small/public/camel-milk-chocolates.jpg?itok=dhSQjq5M&mtime=1519940048

And now for something completely different: camel-milk chocolate

Camels put the ‘desert’ in dessert for this Queensland farming family.

Almond milk was regarded as a suitable alternative for people who couldn’t drink cow’s milk and didn’t like the “beany flavour” of soy milk or had a soy allergy.
The study rated almond milk as being tasty and low in calories. “[But] the nutrient density and the total number of calories [of almond milk] are not as rich as that of cow’s milk,” the study reads. A big disadvantage is that people may also be allergic to almond milk.
“It is quite clear that nutritionally soy milk is the best alternative for replacing cow’s milk in human diet."
Rice milk got one big tick – it’s got comparable calories to cow’s milk. However, it is rich in sugar and may promote an unbalanced diet if consumed regularly. The study’s authors also called rice milk a “very bad source of proteins and fat as starch is the main source of almost all of its energy”.
As for coconut milk, it was rated as being low in calories and high in taste. But it lacks protein and is rich in saturated fats.
“Rice milk and coconut milk cannot act as an ideal alternative for cow’s milk because of limited nutrient diversity, but they are the options for consumers that are allergic to soybeans and/or almonds.”

Description: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/sites/sbs.com.au.food/files/styles/thumb_small/public/trustmeimadoctor_s07_02_005.jpg?itok=-HxXuNOC&mtime=1519597669

Why Dr Michael Mosley now thinks that coconut oil may be good for you

We know coconut oil is laden with saturated fat but a new test, conducted by the 'Trust Me I'm A Doctor' team, shows that it could be good for your cholesterol levels and heart health.

Accredited Practising Dietitian, Lauren McGuckin, tells SBS that although coconut and almond milk may suit people’s taste profile, “there may not be a lot of substance in it beyond filtered water”.
McGuckin, a spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, reads the details of the nutritional panel of a carton of almond milk and coconut milk over the phone to SBS.
She says: “the almond milk has 2.5 per cent ground almond in the [whole carton] and the main ingredient in it is water. For the coconut milk, it’s nine per cent coconut milk”.
So although nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats and good for the heart when you eat them, McGukin says their benefits don’t necessarily transfer to their milk varieties.
“With nuts or coconut being less than 10 per cent of the product, I’m not sure of the overall benefit.”
The study also states that coconut milk is very high in saturated fat, which could cause cardiovascular issues.
“With nuts or coconut being less than 10 per cent of the product, I’m not sure of the overall benefit.”

What’s so great about soy?

Due to its nutrient content, soy milk has been used as a substitute for cow’s milk in the west for over four decades. Meanwhile, soy has been a strong part of the South Asian diet for hundreds of years.
According to research from the Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India), soy is a unique dietary source that is very rich in proteins and fat.
The study states that soy seeds contain up to 35–45 per cent protein and 20 per cent fat, which is why soy milk is an important source of protein for vegetarians.
“...soy milk is the next best thing."
“Cow’s milk is also a very important source of protein (8.11 g) in the human diet and only soy milk is comparable in providing with the same amount of proteins (8.71 g) to the human body.”
Senior nutritionist at Nutrition Australia, Aloysa Hourigan, agrees that if you can’t consume cow’s milk for whatever reason, “soy milk is the next best thing”.
But no matter the cow’s milk alternative adopted, Hourigan recommends shoppers choose a variety that is calcium-fortified.
“Even the same brand of, say almond or soy milk, will have products that are and aren’t calcium fortified,” says Hourigan. “So always opt for the calcium fortified milk alternative. I think it is a good idea to also go for the unsweetened varieties.”

DA backs ANI, IP groups tie-up for rice-corn project

By Lilybeth Ison May 10, 2020, 2:23 pm

Description: https://files.pna.gov.ph/category-list/2020/05/10/img-ec69dcc96f62869cf44267a3b808d45d-v.jpg

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is supporting the "BigMa" (Bigas-Mais) rice-corn blending initiative of listed firm AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) and groups of indigenous peoples (IPs) in Mindanao to devote vast tracts of idle land for planting white corn as an alternative to reduce dependence on imported rice.

In a virtual presser over the weekend, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the DA is allocating some PHP230 million for the development of IP lands plus the initial seed requirements for the "BigMa" project.

"We have (an) additional PHP230-million fund to provide livelihood opportunities for IPs in partnership with the NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples)," he said.

ANI will shoulder additional investments to ensure the project’s success from planting up to commercialization.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with DA and our IP partners to help produce alternative staple food like the rice-corn blend to ensure food security," Anthony Tiu, president and chief executive officer of ANI, said in a statement.

Tiu said ANI also committed its technical expertise and resources to “see to it that this project succeeds from inception to full commercial operations.”

The Philippines is currently the world's biggest rice importer, and some Southeast Asian nations have started to put a cap on their rice exports.

Citing the rice-corn blend as a healthier alternative, Dar said ANI is planning to commercialize "BigMa" and is eyeing the initial development of 20,000 hectares in Mindanao for white corn production.

"Nagpaplano na mag-commercialize yung blending ng bigas at mais (ANI is planning to commercialize the blending of rice and corn). They are planning to produce white corn in one or two regions in Mindanao," he said.

He added ANI has also committed to buy rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) to be used for blending purposes.

"Almost 20,000 hectares (of land is needed for white corn production)," Dar said, adding that ANI will partner with NCIP "so they can work out an arrangement with the indigenous peoples."

He, however, clarified that only certain areas of IP lands will be used for food production.

NCIP data shows that about 7.7 million hectares are occupied by IPs, or 26 percent of the country's total land area of 30 million hectares.

Annualized rice field is only about 4.5 million hectares yielding less than 4 metric tons of wet paddy per hectare on average. Water footprint per kg of paddy is more than 3,000 liters while corn is less than 1,000 liters.

As of 2019, the NCIP issued 243 certificates of ancestral domain titles (CADTs), with a total land area of 5.7 million hectares and a total of 1.3 million IPs as rights holders.

The project will prioritize employment of idle IP workforce.

Earlier, Dar lauded ANI’s initiative to promote the "BigMa" rice-corn blend in the Visayas and Mindanao areas, and eventually in other regions of the country.

He considered the project a “timely initiative” as a food resiliency intervention amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) period and beyond.

"In this time of crisis, we need practical strategies that can produce immediate results. Thus, we are calling on our fellow countrymen, the indigenous peoples or IPs, to transform part, if not most, of their idle ancestral lands into vegetable and high value crop farms," Dar said. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102402

North Korea’s Trade With China Continues Rapid Decline

The COVID-19-induced border closure continues to wreak havoc on North Korea’s trade with China.

By Troy Stangarone

May 09, 2020

This article is free

The Diplomat has removed paywall restrictions on our coverage of the COVID–19 crisis.

Description: North Korea’s Trade With China Continues Rapid Decline

Credit: Flickr/ Prince Roy

Efforts to combat COVID-19 have taken a toll on trade and economic growth worldwide, but North Korea’s decision to close its border to prevent the spread of COVID-19 domestically has essentially brought its trade with China to a halt.
After shutting its border with China in late January, North Korean exports to China declined by 71.9 percent in the first two months of the year. The full extent of the damage was unclear at the time, however, because China changed its reporting to include January and February data in a combined period rather than as individual months.
New data for March paints a clearer picture of the damage the closure is causing to trade. As a result of the shut border, North Korean exports to China have virtually ceased, declining by 96 percent compared to March 2019 to a mere $616,000. Exports to China for the first quarter of 2020 were down 79 percent compared to the first quarter in 2019.
There was also a sharp shift in the composition of North Korea’s exports to China. Electricity was North Korea’s top export to China in March, accounting for 56 percent of exports. The rest of North Korea’s exports to China consisted of miscellaneous chemicals, iron and steel ingots, and a small amount of textiles. Previously, wigs and other false facial hair were among North Korea’s top export items to China, along with watches, toys, and sporting equipment. Exports of these and other items came to a halt in March.
Imports from China also fell significantly in March. After seeing a relatively small decline in the first two months of the year, North Korean imports from China in March declined by nearly 91 percent year-on-year to $18 million. In contrast, North Korea imported $197.4 million in goods over the first two months of the year from China. For the first quarter, imports from China were down 53 percent compared to the same quarter in 2019.
Imports of soybean oil and palm oil remained relatively stable despite the overall decline in imports, while imports of electricity were one of the few items up for the month. However, there were sharp declines in imports of consumer goods such as lamps, furniture, tobacco products, and soap, while imports of items such as beer and spirits, umbrellas, clothing, toys, games, pianos, and fishing equipment came to a halt in March. Inputs for North Korean industry were also impacted, as imports of watch parts for assembly fell to zero.
Of more concern is the impact the closure has had on imports of food and inputs for agriculture. The UN estimates that 10 million North Koreans are food insecure and in March there were sharp declines in imports of plastic sheeting used in agriculture and fertilizer.
In recent years, North Korea has maintained relatively stable levels of food imports, but in March imports of sausages, sugar, and flour declined significantly. North Korea also stopped importing rice, corn, chicken, onions, garlic, edible fruits and nuts, and confectionery items, among other food products.
While there have been periods where North Korea did not import a commodity such as corn for an extended period of time, it is the totality of the decline that is concerning.
With imports at minimal levels there have been signs of price increases in North Korean markets, especially in Hyesan. Of the three main food commodities that DailyNK tracks – rice, corn, and pork – all three have increased in price since the closure of the border, with the exception of pork prices in Pyongyang. A government decision in mid-April to stop the import of “unnecessary” items has also reportedly resulted in price increases for foreign goods.
March saw a staggering decline in North Korea’s trade with China. While there have been signs in April that trade may be slowly resuming, it is unclear how long trade will remain at depressed levels due to Pyongyang’s efforts to contain COVID-19. While the containment measures will limit North Korea’s ability to earn hard currency through legal trade and smuggling, it is also impacting North Korea’s ability to import food, which could result in a crisis of a different nature in the months ahead.

https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/north-koreas-trade-with-china-continues-rapid-decline/

Furore over weevil-infested rice

May 11, 2020

in Agric, Featured, News Update

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The dust is yet to settle over the 1,800 bags of rice which the Oyo State government received from the Federal Government and attempted to return without success. While the state described the rice as weevil-infested and unfit for human consumption, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) which supplied the rice insisted that the rice supplied was good and so could not be the one being showcased by the state as weevil-infested. Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE examines the facts and the fiction surrounding it.
Nigerians were surprised on Friday, April 24 when officials of the Oyo State government showcased plenty of weevil-infested bags of rice which they insisted were supplied them by the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of the palliatives being given to states by the Federal Government.
A lot of people have many questions on the dispute. What could have made the NCS supply weevil-infested rice to Oyo State which is its host or landlord as is fondly described? Did the state government inspect and certify the rice before fetching the 1,800 bags from the NCS warehouse? If so, who signed for the collection? If the rice was truly later found out to be unfit for consumption, why did the state government choose the media as the channel of complaint? Did communication between the two institutions break down thereby necessitating exposing the alleged evil through the media? These are some of the questions being asked by observers and analysts whose answers are not yet fully unveiled.
Though the NCS is a federal agency, it operates in states and the Federal Capital Territory like others. The Oyo/Osun Area Command has operated from its Agodi, Ibadan headquarters for ages.
The Area Comptroller is a member of the state security council. The office is only about 800 meters away from the state secretariat where Oyo State Governor sits to pilot the affairs of the state. This means that both of them are within each other’s stone throw and also work together for the security of lives and property in the state.
But things went sour between the two on April 24 when the state government announced to the world with evidence that it received weevil-infested rice from the command. It released videos and photographs of the rice to back its decision to return the commodity.
Following the announcement, Nigerians were taken aback, wondering why the Federal Government gave out such alleged dangerous products to the people of an entire state. While Governor Makinde and his team attracted sympathy and applause, the Federal Government and NCS got knocks from concerned citizens, further deepening the already existing distrust. But from the same warehouse, Ekiti and Osun states got 1,800 bags each. Neither of the states complained about what they received.
The NCS’ response to the announcement showed it was embarrassed by the claim that the rice was unfit for human consumption. It expressed surprise that the release of the rice followed due process as officials of the state government led by the Commissioner for Agriculture inspected the rice on Monday, April 20, certified it okay and actually picked the ones they preferred the following day.
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mr. Abiola Abdullahi-Lagos, the NCS also denied the photos of the said contaminated rice, insisting that it supplied fit-for-consumption commodity. It added that the rice received in good condition could not have suddenly gone bad within three days. It, therefore, urged Governor Makinde to dig deeper to unravel the facts around the rice.
The statement read: “The attention of the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to some mischievous and deliberate falsehood being circulated in the media for reasons best known to their author(s) concerning the Federal Government’s palliatives given to Oyo State, among other states.
“As a responsible agency of government whose functions include ensuring that nothing that could compromise the security, economy and general well-being of Nigerians are allowed into the country, we cannot turn round and be associated with giving anything that will negatively affect our people. We, therefore, wish to state as follows:
“That in line with the Federal Government’s effort to cushion the hardship in the country, the CGC had directed the distribution of relief items, including bags of rice across the country through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management as palliatives to the vulnerable in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
“As instructed, on April 20, 2020, the Oyo/Osun Area Command received high ranking members of the Oyo State government in the persons of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Jacob Ojekunle; the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Saidat Bolatumi Oloko; Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, Debo Akande; the representative of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development in Oyo, Mrs. M. O. Lasisi and other members.
“They visited the command twice on the same day to inspect the bags of rice that were available for allocation.
“The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller, H. U. Ngozi led them to the warehouses where they inspected the bags of rice, checked expiration dates and expressed satisfaction and readiness to evacuate their allocation.
“Before leaving the command on their second visit, they pleaded to be given those from a section of one of the warehouses they considered “fresher” and this was granted.
“Subsequently, on April 21, 2020, the Oyo State government’s team came with their vehicles under the supervision of Mr. Jacob Ojekunle, Mrs. Saidat Oloko, Mrs. M. O. Lasisi and other top officials, in the presence of the Customs Area Controller, other officers and members of the press to witness the loading and exiting of the 1,800 bags of parboiled rice allocated to their state as palliatives to the vulnerable.
“Incidentally, in the process of loading, few bags fell at different times and burst open in the presence of Mr. Ojekunle and Mrs. Lasisi and there was no time that any of the burst bags of rice had weevils in them.
“The warehouse had no signs of weevils, neither were there signs of weevils on the loaders or on the trucks under the scorching sun.
“The three states: Oyo, Osun and Ekiti took delivery of the bags of rice allocated to them, returned their landing certificates to show delivery to its final destinations. They also showed appreciation to the CGC for his magnanimity.
“Contrary to allegations by Oyo State government, Osun and Ekiti states have not complained about their allocations.
“The command is, therefore, surprised, even embarrassed to hear, three days later, that the rice allocated to them was infested with weevils and unfit for human consumption.
“The command wishes to reiterate that weevils do not hide, and in the process of loading the vehicles, traces of weevils would have been noticed on the floor, on the bags, on the loaders or on the trucks bearing in mind that the entire process was in the presence of the CAC, Oyo State government’s high ranking team and men of the press with full video camera coverage.
“The command is also aware that for whatever reason, some pictures of bad rice have been circulating the social media. We disassociate ourselves from such false images and we suspect foul play on the part of the handlers of these allocated 1,800 bags of rice. The state government may wish to dig deeper.
“It is surprising how bags of rice that exited the command headquarters in good condition suddenly became so bad after three days as being circulated on the social media.”
But the state government stuck to its gun. It said the NCS misrepresented facts in its statement because it was impossible for anyone to play pranks with the rice between the command headquarters and the food bank which is about only 2,000 meters distance.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor Mr. Taiwo Adisa, told The Nation that the officials that inspected the rice were not members of the technical sub-committee which tests and certifies items and all products donated to the state. He said the officials only inspected to confirm that the said rice was available at the command, adding that it was the technical committee that detected the status of the rice after conducting a test on it.
On whether the state government contacted the NCS to inform it of its discovery, Adisa explained that there was no need for any informal communication, stressing that the decision to return the rice was conveyed in a letter to the NCS on Friday morning before an open announcement was made later that day.
The CPS further explained that only the committee was in the position to communicate to the Customs since it is the one in charge of the gift, not the governor. Besides, it was not a security issue on which the Customs Comptroller and the governor relate.
Adisa said: “We did not have any communication before the letter and announcement that Friday. The communication has to be in writing because there is a department that handles the rice distribution. That’s why we sent the letter on Friday morning. So, the issue is not a direct relationship one.
“Inspection is different from examination. They only ascertained that the rice was there and where they would take it to. It is not their business to technically inspect the rice. Only people with the technical knowhow did it and found out it was not fit for consumption.
“It is our procedure that any food taken to food bank is examined by the technical committee which declares it fit or unfit. Some other foods would have fallen into this trouble but the committee on food security prevented it.
They expected the NCS would have done the technical testing and certified it. So, they only went there to see and receive what was given. It is not their business to undertake technical test.”
The rice was eventually returned last week but the Customs refused the lorries entry into its premises. Abdullahi-Lagos said the command would only take delivery of the rice if it receives a directive from the national headquarters to do so. The decision to release the rice, he said, came from its headquarters; hence its collection can only be directed by the headquarters.
That some bags broke during loading and weevils were not seen in them and that the state officials inspected the warehouses without sighting weevils may have strengthened the Customs’ position.
Now that the rice has been returned to the food bank of the state government, it is not yet known what action will follow. But the good news is that weevil-infested rice from whatever source is not being distributed to the public

https://thenationonlineng.net/furore-over-weevil-infested-rice/

Farmers must grow what Telangana govt tells: Experts

Roushan Ali | TNN | Updated: May 11, 2020, 11:36 IST

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<p>A study was conducted on what crops, to what extent should be cultivated in the state<br></p>

HYDERABAD: Experts from agriculture, agri-business and related fields have firmly suggested to chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao that farmers should cultivate only those crops suggested by the government and those not following government directions must not be given Rs 10,000 per acre per annum Rythu Bandhu sop and their agriculture produce should not be procured by paying minimum support price.
Experts said the government should also make sure that only seeds of the crops suggested by the government are available in the market. Put an end to the practice of seed traders offering seeds on their own to farmers. There should be a total regulation on this matter.
Farmers who follow the government’s policy on crop pattern should be paid the Rythu Bandhu benefits and MSP to their produce, they said.
Responding to suggestions from experts at a high-level review meeting on a comprehensive agriculture policy for Telangana to make agriculture a profitable sector, the chief minister said he will directly meet the field level agriculture officers on the comprehensive agriculture policy to be implemented in the state.
However, the CM did not announce any decision on stopping Rythu Bandhu and not procuring at MSP the agriculture produce of farmers not following government directive.
But the CM said he was of the firm opinion that farmers should get good price for their agriculture produce, and decided that all the farmers should not go in for a single crop and incur losses. Instead, they should go in for the cultivation of variety of crops. The CM discussed with this at length with agriculture experts, scientists and officials.
A study was conducted on what crops, to what extent should be cultivated in the state, and what strategy to be followed to sell the crops. As an extension to this, the CM wanted to discuss the matter directly with the district and mandal agriculture officers. This meeting will take place soon.
Later, the CM will speak to agriculture extension officers in mandals, representatives of Rythu Bandhu Samithis through a video-conference. The CM said the government had taken several measures for development of agriculture sector in the state, and through construction of irrigation projects, the problem of water for irrigation would be solved forever. In Telangana, in the days to come, paddy will be cultivated in 90 lakh acres every year. About 2.7 crore tonnes paddy will be cultivated. The rice millers should enhance the capacity of their mills to mill this huge quantity of paddy into rice, the CM said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/grow-crops-as-per-eating-habits-analysts/articleshow/75666122.cms

Expert panel to study market conditions mooted

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD , May 10, 2020 23:47 IST

Updated: May 10, 2020 23:48 IST

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Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday instructed the officials to form a committee of experts to study agriculture-related market conditions in the State, country and the world from time to time and give guidance for the development of the farm sector.
After meeting the officials, scientists and experts here on Sunday, he also decided to have a direct interaction with field-level officials of the Agriculture department working at the mandal and district levels to discuss the comprehensive farm policy being drafted by the State government.
The meeting would be organised soon and later he would also speak to agriculture extension officers and Rythu Bandhu Samithi representatives on the issues, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The Chief Minister suggested that rice mill owners increase the capacity of their mills since about 2.7 crore tonnes of paddy would be produced in the State every year from now.
At a meeting held on the comprehensive farm policy on Saturday, the Chief Minister had instructed the Agriculture department officials to prepare an inventory of the department, including assets and buildings, availability of agricultural tools, machinery, harvesters, tractors and other farm-machinery.
It would help the government assess the requirement for farm mechanisation with proper planning.

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/expert-panel-to-study-market-conditions-mooted/article31552923.ece

KCR to convene meeting to decide on agriculture policy soon

He discussed what crops should be grown and in how much area and what should be the post-harvest strategy for marketing the produce.

Published: 11th May 2020 09:20 AM | Last Updated: 11th May 2020 09:20 AM | A+A A-

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (File | EPS)

By Express News Service

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2020/may/11/kcr-to-convene-meeting-to-decide-on-agriculture-policy-soon-2141800.html

AP: 4th Phase Of Ration Distribution From May 16

Andhra pradesh May 10, 2020, 3:10 pm Updated: May 10, 2020, 3:13 pm

VIJAYAWADA: Krishna District Joint Collector Dr K Madhavi Latha said that the fourth phase of ration distribution to the poor would commence from May 16, as per the orders of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, she said that delivery of essential goods would commence from the 16th of this month, where white ration cardholders will be given 5 kg of free rice to each member of family.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana card holders will be given 35 kg of free rice and 10 kg of free rice for Annapurna cardholder will be given, she said. Each card holder will be given one Kg of dal free along with the rice.

The Collector stated that beneficiaries must adhere to government regulations at the time of availing ration. Precautionary measures of wearing face masks and following the six-foot distance in the queue as part of social distancing must be followed, she said. Sanitisers will be set up at all Fair Price Shops as the bio-metric fingerprint is mandatory while taking ration from the dealers, she said.

The Joint Collector said that the essential goods would also be distributed to the poor who do not have a ration card as per the Chief Minister's orders. Special vehicles are also being arranged to deliver ration for beneficiaries during the next phase of distribution, which will commence from September 1, she said.

A total of 1,47,24,017 families with white ration cards across the state received essential supplies as part of the third phase which was held on April 29th.

Also Read: COVID-19: India Records 20,000 New Cases In One Week

https://english.sakshi.com/andhrapradesh/2020/05/10/4th-phase-of-ration-distribution-from-may-16-in-andhra-pradesh

Philippines ramping up rice imports to boost stockpile amid pandemic

1 Min Read

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines government is seeking a 300,000-tonne rice supply deal from Asia’s biggest grain producers to boost state stockpiles while battling the coronavirus and ahead of the lean domestic harvest season, a senior official said on Monday.

The government-to-government deal will bring the Philippines’ total rice imports this year to a record-high 3 million tonnes, including the 2.7 million tonnes already contracted since January.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the Philippine government has already sent communications to Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Cambodia, seeking availability of a 300,000-tonne rice supply.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-philippines-rice/philippines-ramping-up-rice-imports-to-boost-stockpile-amid-pandemic-idUSKBN22N02P

Falsehoods being paddled by Pakistan

Sant Kumar Sharma

May 10, 2020

167

Description: https://thedispatch.blob.core.windows.net/thedispatchimages/2019/08/ps-696x391.jpg

Description: https://thedispatch.blob.core.windows.net/thedispatchimages/2020/02/googledispatchnews-300x93.jpg

Pakistan’s SAMAA had reported two days ago that India has stopped

14,000 cusecs of water flowing into the country. The report is credited to someone named Wahab Kamran. It used a file picture with the story that was posted online on May 6.

The report reads: “India has stopped 14,000 cusecs of water flowing into Pakistan via River Chenab, officials at the Pakistani Ministry of Water Resources said (on) Wednesday.

“The flow of water in Chenab has been reduced to 18,000 cusecs, the officials said. It was at 31,800 cusecs on Tuesday.

“Due to this, the rice crop is feared to be affected in areas stretching from Marala to Panjnad headworks in Punjab.

“India has diverted this water to Baglihar and Ratle dams, the officials added.

That’s all there is given in the story put out by SAMAA TV.

The Pakistani story has apparently been put out on various social media platforms including FaceBook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc. At a very first casual glance, the story seems blatant propaganda, a paddling of falsehood to those who are familiar with Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) that governs the division of rivers between the two countries.

Under the Treaty, the six rivers of Indus basin, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Indus, have been divided between India and Pakistan.

The first three, called Eastern Rivers, have been allotted to India. The other three, known as Western Rivers, have been allotted to Pakistan, with India having limited rights of agricultural use and hydropower generation.

Of late, Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of stopping it’s water.

India has never violated IWT and there is a well established mechanism to deal with any differences that may arise between them. The two countries have their respective Indus Commissioners and together they constitute Permanent Indus Commission (PIC).

In the Pakistan report, no officials have been named.

That appears to deliberate obfuscation. If the report has any substance, the Indus Commissioner of Pakistan has to approach his Indian counterpart. This has not happened and it appears that all of the narrative being built by Pakistan is aimed at something much deeper planning.

So far, two ministries of the Indian government, the Jal Shakti ministry and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), have not responded to Pakistan’s allegations, made through a TV channel. In the near future, either or both of these ministries may respond.

https://www.thedispatch.in/falsehoods-being-paddled-by-pakistan/

Falsehoods being paddled by Pakistan

Sant Kumar Sharma

May 10, 2020

166

Shares

Pakistan’s SAMAA had reported two days ago that India has stopped

14,000 cusecs of water flowing into the country. The report is credited to someone named Wahab Kamran. It used a file picture with the story that was posted online on May 6.

The report reads: “India has stopped 14,000 cusecs of water flowing into Pakistan via River Chenab, officials at the Pakistani Ministry of Water Resources said (on) Wednesday.

“The flow of water in Chenab has been reduced to 18,000 cusecs, the officials said. It was at 31,800 cusecs on Tuesday.

“Due to this, the rice crop is feared to be affected in areas stretching from Marala to Panjnad headworks in Punjab.

“India has diverted this water to Baglihar and Ratle dams, the officials added.

That’s all there is given in the story put out by SAMAA TV.

Under the Treaty, the six rivers of Indus basin, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Indus, have been divided between India and Pakistan.

Of late, Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of stopping it’s water.

In the Pakistan report, no officials have been named.

https://www.thedispatch.in/falsehoods-being-paddled-by-pakistan/

ARS working to create rice under reduced water use

Photo: Adobe stock

05.08.2020

By Holly Demaree-Saddler

WASHINGTON, DC, US — The Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture in partnership with university scientists are hoping to identify US rice varieties with genetic markers for coping with reduced water use.

Their research is in line with the water saving trend that US rice growers are implementing.

According to the ARS, rice traditionally is grown in leveed sections of fields called paddies that can be flooded with water pumped in from rivers, alluvial aquifers, on-farm reservoirs, and other sources. Such flooding helps control weeds and ensures the rice crop can attain its maximum yield potential.

But with issues such as water availability and climate change, Jai Rohila and Anna McClung, both with the ARS Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center as well as Christopher Henry with the University of Arkansas and Argelia Lorence with Arkansas State University are looking to identify traits that can help the grain crop cope with reduced water.

“Reducing water use, which is currently about 30 inches per acre over the season for Arkansas-grown rice, is a necessary step toward sustainable production of rice and food security,” said Rohila, an agronomist. “About 80% of the irrigation water for the Arkansas rice crop is pumped from the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer.”

Over the past four decades, however, the aquifer’s water levels have dropped at the rate of 12 to 18 inches per year, Rohila said. Alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, land leveling, tailwater recovery and multiple-inlet irrigation are some of the strategies that growers are investigating or already using to conserve water, in some cases by 20%.

But there is a genetic hiccup that can lead to grain yield reductions under such measures.

“All current rice varieties in the United States were essentially developed for production under continuous flood irrigation management systems,” said McClung, a supervisory geneticist who directs the ARS center. “We conducted this research to determine what are the traits and genetic resources that can be used to develop new rice cultivars that will have high grain quality and yield under reduced irrigation inputs.”

Toward that end, the team designed a series of field experiments in which they subjected 15 different rice cultivars (conventional medium- and long-grain varieties as well as specialty rice) to sub-surface drip irrigation regimens based on one of four soil-moisture scenarios, or volumetric water contents (VWCs).

The first scenario was comparable to conventionally flooded field conditions with a VWC of 30%. The fourth mimicked a severe water-deficit scenario (VWC 14%) capable of triggering catastrophic wilting from which the rice crop cannot recover. In between these extremes were two moderate water-deficit scenarios with VWCs of 24% and 20%.

“This gradient of soil moisture regimes in our study allowed us to assess how well the varieties can respond to varying degrees of water deficit,” Rohila said.

Among the results, the researchers reported that:

Of 10 total traits (e.g., plant height, flowering time/duration, and grainfill) they examined, six traits accounted for 35% of the variability in the varieties' physiological responses to water stress, including their ability to produce grain.
Plant height was generally greatest in the first soil-moisture scenario (mimicking flooded fields), except for five of the varieties tested. Grain yields were also highest in the first scenario, except for seven varieties, which performed better in scenarios two and three.
Varieties with higher leaf canopy temperatures tended to produce the most grain under water-stress conditions.
Those same varieties also had genetic origins in tropical or subtropical regions of the world, where heat stress conditions are common, another form of physiological stress.
One top contender that performed well under water-stress conditions is a tropical japonica-type rice from the Philippines known as PI 312777. Other top performers were Francis and Mars from the United States and Zhe 733 from China. Among the cultivars tested, 10 have been used to develop populations of offspring displaying different stress-coping traits that can be used with genomic mapping techniques, which according to the researchers can help identify the genes that control these traits and potentially use them in rice breeding and improvement programs.

McClung said they aim to provide rice breeders with DNA markers associated with the genes and alleles (alternate copies) for these traits so that they can be passed into elite rice varieties more quickly, efficiently and with less cost.

The researchers indicate that this is the first step in adapting rice varieties to production systems that use a minimum amount of irrigation.

“We understand our vision is ambitious," Rohila said. “But the goal is to have both food and natural resource (water) security for society and our future generations.”

To read more about the research visit Agronomy and take a look at the findings

https://www.world-grain.com/articles/13670-ars-working-to-create-rice-under-reduced-water-use

Why isn't more rice being grown in Queensland, where the water is?

ABC Rural

/ By Tom Major

Posted Yesterday

Grower Anthony Emmi is sticking with rice for his town's future, despite only making his money back on the crop.(ABC Rural: Tom Major)

After decades of trial and error, rice production in north Queensland remains a fraction of that grown in the drought-stricken Murray-Darling Basin, but a core of growers are keeping the faith.

Key points:

Rice growers are still hampered by unreliable varieties
North Queensland's rice mill is operating below capacity
Researchers are developing breeds geared for northern Australia's climate

Rain-fed Queensland rice became a branded product and consumers approved of the soft cooking long-grain product, before crop failures saw many depart the industry.

Lower Tully farmer Anthony Emmi has stuck with rice, despite surveying a crop with lodged and fallen rice heads in a paddock, only just likely to break even.

"I just think it's the variety, because everyone else's rice has gone over too, it's probably not suited to our climate," he said.

"This is the third [variety] and we still haven't got a good one. If you came here two weeks ago, this was looking magnificent, but it isn't anymore."

"I haven't lost money yet, I'll just keep going until I start losing money, then I might stop."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-11/rice-queensland-tropical-regional-rural-water-crops-drought/12231916

Rice millers duping farmers: Uttam Kumar Reddy

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By TelanganaToday | Published: 8th May 2020 9:10 pm

Karimnagar: TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy said paddy farmers were facing severe hardships due to what he termed as “inefficient and corrupt” policies of the State government. Some of the ruling party leaders from the district have colluded with rice millers and were duping farmers in the name of substandard crop. There were clear instructions to paddy purchasing centres from higher officials that only 42 kg paddy should be weighed in each gunny bags, he alleged at a press conference here on Friday.
While the process of paddy procurement has been done in a peaceful manner across the State, why problems have developed in erstwhile Karimnagar district alone, he questioned.
In the entire State, Karimnagar was the highest paddy producer. So, some of the local ruling party leaders were trying to dupe farmers by colluding with rice millers, he said. He found fault with the government for abolishing weighing paddy at dharma kanta before entering into rice mills. As a result, millers were giving receipts by reducing 2 kg paddy on each bag.
He said the government had failed to arrange enough number of gunny bags and tarpaulins. Though 20 crore gunny bags were required for procurement of crops, the government did not arrange required bags well in advance. During their visit to PPCs, they found five-year-old and damaged gunny bags were supplied to centres, he alleged.
IKP women groups, which were engaged in procurement, have been paid Rs 32 per quintal of paddy. Unfortunately, they have not been paid the amount of the last three seasons. Not only paddy, redgram, maize, orange and turmeric farmers were also facing problems due to the indifferent attitude of the government. The TPCC president said the Congress would fight for the rights of farmers and mount pressure on the government to solve their problems.
He asked the Congress workers to visit procurement centres and question the injustice being done to farmers. He wanted the farmers not to accept irregularities. Earlier, Uttam Kumar Reddy along with MLC T Jeevan Reddy, TPCC working president Ponnam Prabhakar, AICC Secretary Sampath Kumar and others examined procurement process in Husnabad, Huzurabad and Manakondur Assembly segments.

https://telanganatoday.com/rice-millers-duping-farmers-uttam-kumar-reddy

Buy paddy from farmers, not rice from millers

Reaz Ahmad

Published at 12:07 am May 11th, 2020

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Only 1.34% of the farmers got the government-set price against their produce

Through its food procurement efforts, the government intends to serve two purposes: 1) maintain a stock to ensure food security, and 2) provide the crop growers with price support.

Unfortunately, the price support it offered in Boro season last year benefited the rice millers and traders far more than the paddy growers.

Not that there is no remedy for this.

It advises the government: buy paddy from farmers, not rice from the millers.

If last year’s procurement experience is something to go by, the government would do well to immediately act upon this study advice.

Only 1.34% of the farmers got the government-set price against their produce, as they were the only lucky ones who could sell paddy to the government’s food department.

By no means is this sustainable.

It has a chain effect on overall productivity in farm sector.

The study notes that each year the food department buys far more rice than paddy under its food procurement program.

The IFPRI-study shows how a neighbouring Indian state does the public procurement of grains most efficiently -- benefiting the rice growers not, the traders or millers.

I asked him what policy change will most help provide needed support to the large base of the country's farming community.

How they do it in West Bengal?

In West Bengal, the state government procures a quarter of the paddy the farmers grow in a year across all rice seasons.

In Bangladesh’s case the procurement volume is less than 10% of the total production.

Since 2016-17, the West Bengal state government has implemented an electronic paddy procurement (e-procurement) system.

From 2017-18 to 2019-20, farmers’ participation in the e-procurement system has increased five-fold, from 465,000 to 2.36 million farmers.

Overall, West Bengal’s paddy procurement was 22% and 24% of total production in 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively.

Payments are made via account payee checks under the 'Dhan Din Cheque Nin' program on the same day of receipt of paddy from farmers.

The cooperatives then deliver the paddy to state government’s designated custom milled rice (CMR) agencies, which have agreements with select rice mills.

Are we moving in the right direction?

A year later, as another Boro season comes, the government further increased the paddy procurement volume. This time it’s 800,000 tons.

Yet, still the procurement goes in rice’s favour as the government has decided to buy 1.15 million tons of rice from millers as against 800,000 tons of paddy from farmers.

Agriculture Minister Md Abdur Razzaque has said the government is moving in the direction of procuring more paddy directly from the farmers, thereby reaching the price befits to the growers.

Dr Akhter and his study states that buying more paddy by the government doesn’t mean millers will be the losers in any way.

It would be a win-win situation for all.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2020/05/11/buy-paddy-from-farmers-not-rice-from-millers?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=8b325febac93bec12366d110eef2efd8ff755d10-1589283501-0-AXSNeLNOhyL6wR3X85_YnGMcsrdJtKTPIgFluFrxmJHWTPFm4eK4vgLzVn5RCu1dwVVgKJRy1nBAU_SGP9UlI6kUxG6coCBUK4xnwAaDQpnK3wAff3Ydsn1_UkrihpbgidvspYccmxWvbNKS8qW0KGK7wp6s7xVe3kxIlcL77fBFx_A5gZAx6YshNPOdBfLi0k1YqttBxw5iZ0VakPqceLMrsHuxEZ-J0cSLybarTD_3JzxDOqQrJTizs1h22g9IQlhclyFS9OPW8x56Nvw04OwrxQUv6GJ_uou5O9jCv0rF3OZhPJCMlfDHMxXnXcxa6Yw4PJjkpk8INihEiTqlYrvQzTH5ANoe6M31yd4UCrmKGqnYMiw36_JwxwQ_gmQIUA

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The News Scroll 09 May 2020 Last Updated at 4:33 pm | Source: IANS

Amid labour shortage, Punjab advances paddy sowing date

Chandigarh, May 9 (IANS) Responding to concerns expressed by farmers with respect to labour shortage, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced advancement in the paddy nursery sowing and transplantation dates by 10 days.
The operations will now commence on May 10 and June 10, respectively, instead of the May 20 fixed earlier by the Agriculture Department for sowing of paddy nursery and June 20 for paddy transplantation, during the current Kharif season as recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
The farmers had raised concerns about meeting the cultivation and sowing requirements in view of the labour shortage resulting from migrant labourers returning to their homes following the Covid-19 crisis.
Describing these concerns as understandable, the Chief Minister said it was in the interest of the farmers to push the dates ahead by 10 days.
Underlining the need to adopt the latest practice of direct seeding of rice (DSR), as well as mechanized paddy transplantation, the Chief Minister directed Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Viswajeet Khanna to harness the services of the extension staff of the Agriculture Department to provide all technical support to the farmers.
The farmers should be helped in making effective use of paddy transplanters and DSR machinery, he said, adding that this advanced technology would be instrumental in filling the gap created by shortage of migrant labour.
Further, to facilitate the farmers in ensuring timely transplantation of paddy, Amarinder Singh directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) to make necessary arrangements for facilitating uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector during this period.
According to Khanna, since farmers had adopted short duration varieties, which mature in about 100 days, shifting transplantation to before mid-June would lead to very early maturation of the paddy crop, thus exposing it to the vagaries of the receding monsoon in the second half of September.
Excessively early transplantation of paddy also leads to depletion of the already precarious water table, he added.
Khanna said that local labour was expected to come forward to take up farm jobs during paddy transplantation, as had been the case also in the wheat procurement operations.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/amid-labour-shortage-punjab-advances-paddy-sowing-date/1829110

Kano Government, rice processors agree to crash price

By Murtala Adewale, Kano

10 May 2020 | 11:31 am

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COVID-19: Kano extends lockdown by one week

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Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has reached an agreement with Integrated Rice Millers to make local rice affordable and accessible for consumers in Kano.
Part of the agreement is to ensure consumers buy 50kg of rice at a control price of not more than N16,000 in market.
Chairman of the commission, Muhuyi Magagi Riminga announced the agreement after meeting with the Integrated Rice Millers Association of Nigeria at his office.
Riminga revealed that the millers have agreed to release 30 trucks of rice at the rate of N15,500 per 50kg bag to dedicated supermarkets who will not sell above N16,000 to consumers.
The chairman, who regretted the high cost of rice during the lockdown, noted that the commission received the mandate of the government to check unduly hoarding and rise in the cost of food items in the state.
According to him, “We had a meeting with the Rice Processors Association to see how to resolve the artificial inflation in the price of the product in the state.
“Because of this COVID-19, they will be giving out 30 trailers of rice to supermarkets in the state.

https://guardian.ng/news/kano-government-rice-processors-agree-to-crash-price/

Farmers incur loss amid fall in rice, paddy prices

Traders, millers to make profit amid pandemic

Yasir Wardad | Published: May 09, 2020 09:51:20 | Updated: May 10, 2020 21:19:01

- File photo

The country's farmers have plunged into a deep despair, as prices of both rice and paddy have started declining with the beginning of Boro harvest in full swing.
Millers and traders are now on the prowl to take hold of the rice market during this pandemic, which is causing the recent price decline, said market observers.
They said the government should introduce a market mechanism, so that the farmers can make profit and continue farming, which is now obligatory for ensuring the country's food security.
All the rice varieties witnessed a Tk 150-160 price fall (per 50 kg sack) in Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura, Naogaon, Pabna, Kushtia and Jashore milling hubs in last one week, according to the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM).
Prices of paddy also showed a notable decline, as older paddy of last season was selling at Tk 780-1,250 a maund, based on varieties, showing Tk 200-250 decline at per maund, DAM data showed.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) also recorded a Tk 2.0-3.0 a kg price fall in Boro season rice varieties, like Miniket and Brridhan-28, in last one week in the city.
However, newly harvested paddy is yet to hit local agricultural market across the country in a large volume, except in haor and other lowland regions.
The government's Boro crop procurement drive started two weeks back. But paddy prices fell to just Tk 620-680 a maund in haor region against the government set price of Tk 1,040 (Tk 26 a kg) a maund.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) data showed production cost of paddy was Tk 820-900 a maund in haor areas in this Boro season.
Harvest of 95 per cent of land, out of 0.9 million hectares, in the haor region under five districts, have completed.
The overall harvesting in the country was 28 per cent until May 07, according to DAE.
In other regions, paddy harvest has just begun, and the new crop is selling at Tk 720-750 a maund, much below the production cost of Tk 850-960 a kg, according to DAM.
The government's paddy, rice and wheat procurement has started in the country with an aim to purchase 2.04 million tonnes of grains from farmers and millers.
Paddy weighing 800,000 tonnes and wheat 750,000 tonnes will be bought directly from the farmers, while 1.15 million tonnes of rice from the millers between April and August.
Md Shakil, a farmer at Charaikhola union in Nilphamari sadar, told the FE that he has harvested paddy on his five bighas of land.
"I have spent Tk 105,000 so far to grow paddy on my five bighas of land amid surge in labourer and irrigation costs."
The total harvest will be completed by May 20, and he is expecting 125-130 maunds of paddy.
He also said prices of paddy and rice have started falling in his area, raising concern among farmers.
They need at least Tk 880 for per maund of paddy, which could give them some profit.
They need money immediately after the harvest to pay back their dues to sellers of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides as well as to NGOs.
"If this falling trend in paddy prices continues, we will incur loss and many of us will not go for Aman cultivation," he added.
Monowar Hossain, a farmer at Tegulia Beel under Nikli upazila in Kishoreganj district, said he sold paddy, produced on his three bighas of land, just at Tk 640 a maund last week after failing to register himself in the government procurement list.
He also said 8-10 per cent (of the total) lucky farmers were included in the list. The rest of the farmers are forced to sell paddy at low rates, as they need money now.
Asked, K M Layek Ali, secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association, said prices of Boro season rice have declined to some extent following normal market trend, as big farmers and traders are releasing their stored crops.
"But it is still 15-20 per cent higher than that of last season."
He also said coarse rice is selling at Tk 33-34 a kg at mill gates, Boro season variety Brridhan-28 at Tk 41-42 a kg, and Minket at Tk 48-52 a kg.
He claimed that the farmers will make good profit in this season, as overall acreage has declined as per calculation.
The government is expecting 20.04 million tonnes of rice in this Boro season from 4.75 million hectares of land.
Last year, the production was 20.03 million tonnes from 4.82 million hectares, according to DAE.
Chairman of Agrarian Research Foundation, Bangladesh (ARF) Dr Abdul Hamid said big millers and traders are now desperate to take hold of rice market during this pandemic to make windfall profit.
The farmers have completed their job by producing a huge volume of rice despite having all odds.
Now it is the time for the government to ensure their profit, so that they can continue farming, which is now obligatory during the pandemic, he opined.
The government should declare procurement of 10.0 million tonnes of grains this year from farmers instead of 2.0 million tonnes to tackle any possible food crisis, following rocketing prices of rice and wheat in the global market, induced by the coronavirus pandemic.
In that case, the farmers themselves can store crops at their homes amid lack of enough storage capacity of the government, in line with a mechanism practiced in some provinces of neighbouring India, he noted.
Tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/farmers-incur-loss-amid-fall-in-rice-paddy-prices-1588996280

AP CM asks officials to start door delivery of rice from Sep 1

Vijayawada, May 8 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday instructed the officials to door deliver quality rice to all the beneficiaries starting from September 1, 2020.
At a review meeting with the officials at the CM’s camp office at Tadepalli near here, the Chief Minister directed the Civil Supplies Department to make preparations to door deliver quality rice to all the beneficiaries.
Briefing the door delivery of quality rice, Civil Supplies Commissioner Kona Sasidhar apprised the Chief Minister that the pilot project was started on September 6, 2019, in Srikakulam district. With experience from this pilot project, considering environmental factors, quality rice will be door delivered in the entire state from this September.
''For door delivery of the rice, about 13,370 mobile units are being set up with electronic weighing machines. The seal will be opened in front of the beneficiary and distributed after weighing. The strip seal system is to ensure transparency in the distribution by avoiding adulteration and irregularities during transportation. About 2.3 lakh MT of rice will be distributed every month in the state'', he informed the Chief Minister.
The rice cards system was introduced and the beneficiary list is being displayed at village or ward secretariats. Those who have not listed on the beneficiaries list can apply for the rice cards.
''Moreover, the ration will be distributed to those who have applied for the rice cards after verifying their details. To ensure that every eligible candidate should receive the quality rice, the government has made issuing the rice cards a continuous process'', the Commissioner said.
UNI DP JTS 2217

Relief for Telangana farmers as state procures 36 lakh MT paddy

Roushan Ali | TNN | Updated: May 10, 2020, 08:47 IST

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HYDERABAD: Amidst complaints and allegations of rice millers harassing farmers on the pretext of discolouration and increase in moisture content in paddy due to unseasonal rains, the Telangana government has procured nearly 35.74 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers in the last one month.
It is for the first time that the state government has decided to procure 1 crore metric tonnes of paddy, but also sun flower, jowar, bengal gram and maize produced by farmers in Telangana.

Normally, the government procures certain percentage of paddy for distribution through fair price shops. Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced the procurement of these agriculture products to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen offering low prices as there are no marketing facilities for the farmers due to lockdown. As on date, the government has established 6,262 paddy procurement centres near the villages in the state as against the target of setting up of 6,570 centres. With the arrival of hamalis and work force from other states, the procurement of paddy and other agriculture products has been expedited and will be completed by the month’s end.

Telangana dials Bihar for 20,000 workers

Roushan Ali | TNN | Updated: May 11, 2020, 14:42 IST

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HYDERABAD: Though reverse migration of workers has begun from other states, the requirement is far higher than the number of persons who have arrived in the state.
Rice millers and the agriculture sector alone need at least 20,000 hamalis (labourers), particularly those who specialise in loading and unloading paddy and rice and doing other chores at rice mills and paddy procurement centres.

Less than 500 hamalis, who specialise in loading and unloading of paddy and rice, have arrived from Bihar against the requirement of 20,000 persons. The state government has taken up the matter with the Bihar administration as thousands of hamalis who are in touch with rice millers in Telangana have expressed their willingness to come and work in the state.
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates
The crisis being faced by rice millers and agriculture sector presently is shortage of labour, particularly hamalis.
A majority of some 30,000 hamalis who had come from various states were now returning home.
The Telangana government has requested the Bihar government to give permission for the workforce to be transported to Telangana in special Shramik Special trains after conducting Covid-19 tests and maintaining social distancing norm during travel.
Coronavirus outbreak: Complete coverage
Chief secretary Somesh Kumar has also sent a list of workers (hamalis) who are staying in various districts of Bihar and who have given their consent to come to work if provided transportation facility.
A member of the Rice Millers’ Association said the paddy procurement would have been completed by now if hamalis were there.

Wellington businessman donates 22 tonnes of rice to charities

Piers Fuller16:18, May 11 2020

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Tulsi restaurant owner Monty Patel has donated 22 tonnes of rice to charity.

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When Wellington businessman Monty Patel heard that foodbanks across the region were crying out for supplies, he knew he was in a position to help.

His donation of more than 22 tonnes of brown basmati rice has the potential to be the staple ingredient of tens of thousands of meals for hungry families across the region.

Patel owns the Tulsi Indian restaurant chain and a Wellington-based food manufacturing business and said he "felt in his heart" that this was the right time to give back.

“I thought as a Kiwi and someone who always wanted to do something for my community, this was a good opportunity to do something as this was a bad time for people who needed help."

He heard through one of the charities that some families were trying to squeak through the weekend with no food and their food parcels were sorely appreciated when they came at the start of the week.

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Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor with some of the tonnes of rice donated by Monty Patel and distributed by Challenge 2000 youth organisation.

It really touched him, and he encouraged other Wellington companies to reach out to charities.

The rice would be worth more than $100,000 if purchased at the supermarket and was distributed into approximately 40,000 food parcels.

With the help of Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor the rice has been finding its way into the hands of charities across the Wellington region.

"I took it upon myself to call up the agencies and foodbanks in Wellington and got it out."

When Wairarapa-based Labour MP Kieran McAnulty heard there was some rice going he put his hand up for foodbanks in his area.

"I was sort of like a kid at a party who had nothing and noticed another kid who had a bag of lollies and just flogged some for himself."

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Elise Sadler and Lyn Tankersley of Masterton Foodbank gladly receive a tonne of rice transported free of charge by Reisima Haulage to Wairarapa.

Masterton Foodbank co-ordinator Lyn Tankersley said the donation came at just the right time because they had always received a lot of support from local supermarkets but pasta supplies were low over lockdown.

"The rice has been fantastic and so needed at this time.

"As we have been distributing a lot more parcels we are getting more feedback and people have been so appreciative. Some have told us they just wouldn't have been able to get through without it."

The foodbank volunteers take a couple of cups of rice from the 20-kilograms sacks and put around 500g in a bag to go into each food parcel.

Through the Wairarapa network they have managed to get the rice bags to all the towns and have some going to Eketahuna soon.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121471636/wellington-businessman-donates-22-tonnes-of-rice-to-charities

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CMCO food delivery: How about some biryani rice from Masala Wheels to celebrate the weekend?

Friday, 08 May 2020 10:46 AM MYT

By Lee Khang Yi

Description: It's Sunday, relax at home and eat fragrant biryani rice with chicken, hard boiled egg and cucumbers in yoghurt – Pictures by Lee Khang Yi

It's Sunday, relax at home and eat fragrant biryani rice with chicken, hard boiled egg and cucumbers in yoghurt – Pictures by Lee Khang Yi

PETALING JAYA, May 8 -- Phew! We made it through another week under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
It's strange how even the body clock can differentiate that it's the weekend, despite all that work from home.
The weekends are perfect to just chill and eat your favourite meal. In my case, I've been looking for a good biryani I can get delivered to my doorstep.
Since the lockdown started, I've been cracking my head over which Indian restaurant to order from. Sure, I live next to a handful of popular Northern Indian restaurants but I just wanted something simpler like banana leaf rice or biryani rice.
I did try one popular place in Petaling Jaya. Sadly, the food was dismal, despite all the online raves. It was probably living off its past glory.
I asked around for recommendations and settled for Masala Wheels. The eatery is a social enterprise set up to help marginalised communities.
They also allow you to sponsor suspended meals for the needy, which is delivered via their volunteers. If you prefer, you can also sponsor provisions that are packed in a bundle which will be delivered to those in need.
I have eaten there once before... fond memories of the fragrant biryani rice served only on Sundays. It was my only visit there as when I returned a few times, I would face a long queue of customers trying to get their biryani rice fix too.
Well, the good thing about the lockdown is I can get my meal delivered!
You can find the restaurant on Oddle. Their page shows the suspended meals, sponsored provision packs and a rather limited menu.

Order the chicken 'peratal' that is packed with flavour

You can have their vegetarian banana leaf rice for RM10 on a daily basis. There's also add-ons for mutton or chicken, with a choice of peratal or varuval cooking styles.
Sadly, there's no way to indicate which style you want so it's up to the restaurant to decide. The focus is really on their signature Chatti biryani rice, served only on Sundays.
There's a vegetable biryani for RM11, chicken biryani for RM14 and mutton biryani for RM17.
The biryani rice is on a pre-order basis. I managed to place my order on Saturday night and it was delivered on Sunday morning, about 11.30am, as requested.
Since it was my first time ordering via Oddle, I was happy to get an email confirmation for my order the night before. You also receive an email from the restaurant to confirm they got your order.
The next day, the restaurant will email you again to inform you that the food is being delivered to you.

Your biryani meal comes packed in a box with compartments. My add-on chicken and mutton were placed in separate plastic bags

My chicken biryani arrived in a plastic box with compartments. There was a mountain of rice with a piece of chicken, one whole hard boiled egg, a fragrant curry and chopped cucumber with yoghurt.
While the rice isn't the long, fluffy Basmati type, what made this incredibly great was the aroma from the spices. I like how it arrived still hot so it is best to eat it as soon as possible.
The portion was huge so I ended up splitting it into two meals. While the chicken wasn't very flavourful probably because its essence had been absorbed by the rice, the curry gave it flavour.

It may look unappetising but the mutton 'varuval' is flavourful and tender

I also had a chicken peratal and mutton varuval as add-ons. The chicken dish is RM7 while the mutton dish is RM10. Both were good stuff.
Each piece of the chicken with the curry gravy was flavourful. The mutton may look dry and unappetising but it was tender. There's a mild flavour of spices too as you chew on the meat.
Masala Wheels, 2, Jalan 1/3, Section 1, Petaling Jaya. Order through https://masalawheels.oddle.me/en_MY/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masalawheels/

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Covid-19 to structurally change collection of data for official statistics

The National Statistics Office is exchanging ideas with international agencies about handling data and statistics amid the pandemic situation

Topics
Coronavirus | Statistics | Data centre

Dilasha Seth | New Delhi Last Updated at May 10, 2020 23:00 IST

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Description: A start-up is helping B-schools manage their placement process

In retail inflation, data comparability is the key

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The pandemic may structurally change the way data is collected for official statistics. The government is examining options, including the use of mobile applications for reporting price data to compute retail inflation.

Through an application-based system, shopkeepers will be able to update price information in a format every month, partly doing away with the need for visits by field investigators.

The objective is to ensure sustained data quality and collection amid a lockdown or a pandemic-type of situation in the future as well.

With closed shops and markets, field officers worked remotely and collected information on the telephone in April for the consumer price index, raising concern on data accuracy.

Chief Statistician Pravin Srivastava said alternative methods of data collection such as telephone or mobile applications would need to be institutionalised.

“We used the telephonic way of price reporting, but in an informal manner, in April. We will start working to institutionalise alternative data collection,” he said.

ALSO READ: Lockdown 3.0: Elders going big on e-commerce and use of digital wallet

Despite a telephone- or app-based system, one may need to follow it up with the shopkeepers to upload correct data.

Monthly price data is collected from 1,114 markets in 310 select towns by the field operations division of the statistics ministry and the specified state/union territories’ directorates of economics and statistics.

Apart from this, the department of posts collects data from 1,181 select villages.

As for challenges related to the telephonic method, Srivastava said it was possible that a shopkeeper might not respond during the peak time and hence correct information might not be available.

The National Statistical Office is exchanging ideas with international agencies about handling data and statistics amid the pandemic situation.

Pronab Sen, former chief statistician, who is heading a committee to improve data quality, said telephonic- or app-based collection would become a norm.

“An application-based data collection will work as you can pick up specific shops or data outlets and give price data in a standard format. But the problem will arise if there is confusion about the product itself,” he said.

On retail inflation, data comparability is the key. If the category is basmati rice, you need to gather price for only the specific quality of it; if it is 100 gm of Colgate, the data input cannot be for 100 gm of Pepsodent, Sen said.

ALSO READ: Centre not cutting flagship schemes but won't take over states' burden

The telephonic system may be problematic because shopkeepers may be wary of providing data if they do not know the field officers.

“They may think the data may be used by their competitor, and that will affect their response. So initially, it will be important to build contacts with the data source,” Sen said.

Alternative sources of data will need to be looked at to see whether the data is in the same range or not. It may be by way of looking at administrative data related to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) or as part of the monitoring exercise of ministries.

Sample surveys will be an issue, with telephonic reporting not possible in that.

“There are going to be data gaps throughout the world. The problem is not unique to India. This is a global problem and we are in touch with all the international agencies to evolve the way and how we can address it,” Srivastava said.

https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/covid-19-to-structurally-change-collection-of-data-for-official-statistics-120051000620_1.html

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Saturday, May 09, 2020

Expensive Thai rice offers lose out as India gain nine-month high, Vietnam two-year's best

Ample supply of rice, fish until yearend; pork enough until Q3–Duterte report

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1273201/ample-supply-of-rice-fish-until-yearend-pork-enough-until-q3-duterte-report#ixzz6MDz8lcCL Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

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