Why You NEED To Soak Your Rice, According To Indian Cooking
Experts
A viral egg fried rice video has sparked a big debate:
To soak or not to soak?
By
09/09/2020 05:45am EDT
In July, Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng released a
YouTube video titled “DISGUSTED by
this Egg Fried Rice Video” under his comedic moniker Uncle Roger in which he
slammed Hersha Patel, a BBC Food presenter, for the way she cooked
Chinese-style egg fried rice.
Ng was horrified that Patel boiled
the rice in excess water, much like you’d cook pasta, and then drained the rice
through a colander to wash off the starch, which is known as the draining
method of cooking rice. Uncle Roger expressed comedic horror over what he saw
as Patel’s inability to cook rice, prompting a viral internet storm of
shock, outrage and
charges of a “hate crime” against
the grain.
The ordeal also sparked a larger conversation about
the various methods of cooking rice.
As an Indian, having grown up
eating rice every day cooked by way of the draining method, I’ve personally
always been horrified as to how other cultures simply throw rice and lentils
out of a bag and into a pot, without so much as washing it. More importantly,
without soaking it.
Soaking rice before cooking it
actually assimilates its nutritional
qualities, meaning it helps the
gastrointestinal tract better absorb vitamins and minerals from the rice,
according to renowned Indian nutritionist and advocate of regional indigenous
foods Rujuta Diwekar. Soaked rice also cooks faster and produces a beautiful
bloomed texture, allowing it to retain the aromatic elements of the rice.
Soaking removes phytic acid,
which prevents your body from fully absorbing the nutrients in rice.
Phytic acid is a natural substance found in plant seeds that
impairs the body’s absorption of iron, zinc and calcium. It’s found at
especially high levels in seeds, grains, legumes, beans and nuts.
“Phytic acid is found in plants,
forming the storage unit of phosphorus in seeds,” macrobiotic nutritionist and
chef Shonali
Sabherwal, recently recognized as
the best nutritionist by Vogue India in the Vogue Beauty Awards 2020, told HuffPost. “It
stops absorption of minerals and soaking [rice in water] removes the phytic
acid. Those with zinc and iron deficiency need to be more careful about it.”
Sabherwal pointed out that the
impairment of mineral absorption is limited to that meal and does not affect
any future meals. Nor does it cause any systemic impairments preventing the
body from absorbing nutrition from any other foods after such a meal.
There’s no need to avoid eating
rice, Sabherwal said. “Don’t avoid an entire food group. But use cooking
methods that enhance its nutrition,” such as soaking, which
has proven to be
effective in reducing phytic acid levels and increasing the bioaccessibility of
zinc and iron from food grains, including rice.
Certain types of rice are better
suited for soaking than others.
In India, you will find myriad
varieties of rice, based on the terroir of the region, commonly cooked in a
variety of methods: in pressure cookers, boiled in large pots of salted water
like pasta, and drained or cooked with measured amounts of water per the
absorption method. There is no right or wrong method, but rather a preferred
one.
Whole grain rices
benefit from soaking longer than polished grain rices.
The desired texture and dish you’re
preparing dictates the specific variety of rice and the cooking technique. For
example, pulaos or pilafs, made with long grain basmati or other aged fragrant
rice, tend to use the absorption method, and soaking is avoided to preserve the
integrity of the grain. For plain rice, the boiling and draining
method after soaking the rice is commonly acceptable.
There are as many ways to prep and
cook rice as there are varieties of the grain and the cultures that eat it.
Each variety of rice has a different shape, size (long grain, medium grain or
short grain), starch and fiber content, and all are used in different contexts
and recipes to achieve various textural and flavor outcomes. It is these
factors that determine the amount of liquid and time needed to soak the rice,
and to cook the rice to perfection. Based on the quality and kind of rice, and
depending on whether it is aged or not, the ideal soaking time could be
anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours.
How long to soak rice?
Much of the rice prep in Indian
kitchens typically begins with washing and picking the rice several times,
swirled in water by hand to wash away the starch and any foreign matter.
Every type of rice and recipe calls
for specific instructions, but this is generally how long to soak rice:
·
Unmilled
or unhusked whole grain brown, black, red, wild or other unpolished rice: Soak
6-12 hours
·
Polished
brown rice: Soak 4-6 hours
·
Thai
sticky rice: Soak overnight
·
Basmati,
jasmine and sushi rice: Soak 15-30 minutes, unless the recipe specifically
recommends otherwise
·
Short
grain starchy and glutinous rice (arborio): Don’t soak
·
Ordinary
polished white rice: Soak 0-15 minutes (recommended but not necessary)
More reasons
Indian cooks soak their rice.
The practice of soaking, codified
in ancient culinary texts and through verbal traditions, continues to hold
solid in Indian kitchens.
“The Manasollasa (an early
12th-century encyclopedic Sanskrit text) mentions that one of the ways in which
rice achieves a soft yet open texture is by draining off the excess liquid when
the rice is cooked al dente and keeping the rice covered for a while for the
steam to finish the cooking process,” Saee
Koranne Khandekar, author of the Marathi cuisine cookbook “Pangat,”
told HuffPost. “The text also mentions thorough washing and soaking as
essential steps, again perhaps because in the 12th century, only hand-pounded
rice was being eaten.”
Marina
Balakrishnan, a Keralite food specialty
chef based in Mumbai, explained that grains really cook perfectly to their core
only when well hydrated from a soak. “Soaking speeds up the cooking process,
the grain absorbs the water and the heat softens the grain,” Balakrishnan said.
“My grandmother used to say that soaking rice increases the flavor of the
grain. Also, when it is soaked for less time, I find it tastes a little grainy
even after cooking.”
Sabherwal and Balakrishnan agree
that the types of rice that deeply benefit in texture from a good soak are the
heartier whole grain, brown, black and red rice, along with other unpolished
grains. But since phytic acid is present in all rice, it is only the soaking of
the rice that ensures its removal for optimum absorption of minerals by the
body.
Culinarily and nutritionally, the
arguments certainly fall in favor of this extra labor of love ― so soak your
rice and grains. Think of it as bonus nutrients and minerals, without the
pills.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-you-need-to-soak-rice_l_5f466b5dc5b64f17e136f7d1
Sales of 200,000 Tons of
2020-Harvested Rice to Be Suspended
Tokyo, Sept. 10
(Jiji Press)--The Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, or JA-Zenchu, on
Thursday revealed plans to suspend until autumn 2021 or later sales of around
200,000 tons of rice harvested in Japan in 2020, in a bid to prevent rice
prices from falling.
The nationwide agricultural body explained the plans at a
meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on the day.
The move comes as rice shipments to the restaurant industry
are sluggish amid the coronavirus epidemic.
In the year through June 2020, rice demand dropped 220,000
tons from the previous year, twice the initially estimated amount, due partly
to the October 2019 consumption tax hike.
Rice demand is on a long-term downtrend, reflecting the
diversification of what people eat in Japan. Annual demand is now estimated at
about 7.1 million tons, against estimated production of some 7.3 million tons.
(2020/09/10-21:59)
To read a full
story, please click here to find out how to subscribe
Special
Report: Heavy rains and flooding in August affect primary rice producing areas
in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Format
Analysis
Source
Posted
9
Sep 2020
Originally
published
9
Sep 2020
Origin
Attachments
Highlights:
·
The April to
September main cropping season in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
(DPRK) has been one of the wettest rainfall periods since 1981 across the
southern agricultural producing provinces in the country (Figure 1,2). The
majority of this rainfall was received in August (Figure 3), causing widespread
flooding and inundating main season crops ready for harvest starting in September.
·
The main
producing southern provinces have been the hardest hit from the record rainfall
in August (Figure 3), causing flooding across parts of North Hwanghae Province,
South Hwanghae Province, South Pyongan, North Pyongan, and Kangwon Province.
·
In early
August, heavy rainfall from Typhoon 4 followed by additional rainfall through
the first two weeks of the month resulted in landslides and flooding across the
South, damaging 39,296 hectares of farmland, particularly in the North Hwanghae
and Kangwon.
·
On August
27th, Typhoon Bavi made landfall over the coast of North Pyongan province,
bringing further heavy rains and winds to the key rice-producing provinces of
North Hwanghae and South Hwanghae and damaging standing crops.
·
This was
followed by additional rains and damage to eastern coastal areas from Typhoons
Maysak and Haishen at the start of September.
·
Rainfall
totals this season have been higher in some areas than the record 2007 season
when DPRK experienced widespread flooding over the main producing southwest
provinces that make up the country’s “Cereal Bowl” with severe food security
outcomes.
·
Forecasts
indicate above-average rainfall is expected to continue through September which
could increase the risk of further flood events during a time when harvests
should be underway for main season crops.
Provinces asked to buy rice, corn from farmers
September 10, 2020 | 7:50 pm
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PHILSTAR
GOVERNORS of the top rice and
corn producing provinces were encouraged to purchase the staples directly from
farmers in order to help prop up farmgate prices during the harvest, with the
Department of Agriculture pointing to the availability of government credit for
such purchases.
In a statement, Agriculture
Secretary William D. Dar asked Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pangasinan, Cagayan,
Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, North
Cotabato, and Leyte to help normalize prices of the two commodities.
Mr. Dar said the 12 provinces
combined produced more than 9.74 million metric tons (MT) of palay last year,
accounting for 51.8% of national output.
“Their direct procurement will
significantly shore up the national average farmgate price of palay, thus
helping more farmers,” Mr. Dar said.
According to Mr. Dar, provinces
can apply for loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for palay
direct purchases and machinery procurement, including equipment for
post-harvest facilities.
“We have been closely working
with LANDBANK to provide accessible and affordable credit not only to farmers,
fishers, and agripreneurs, but also to LGUs under the bank’s PAlay aLAY sa
Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan) Program,” Mr. Dar said.
The program, which was launched
in 2019, had initial funding of P10 billion and benefited farmers in Isabela,
Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur.
Mr. Dar has directed the National
Food Authority to make its warehouses available for the use of LGUs and
farmers’ cooperatives and associations.
“As the country’s rice farmers
start reaping this year’s main rice crop, we count on the continued support of
our ‘food security czars’ in partnership with farmers nationwide. Directly
buying their palay is a win-win situation — giving them reasonable income for
their harvest and ensuring an adequate supply of rice for consumers in their
localities,” Mr. Dar said.
During the third week of August,
the Philippine Statistics Authority said the farmgate price of palay was at
P18.39, while the farmgate prices of yellow and white corn grain were at P13.03
and P14.44, respectively. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
https://www.bworldonline.com/provinces-asked-to-buy-rice-corn-from-farmers/
Ghana
developing GMOs for cowpea and rice
·
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·
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·
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Farmers have been urged to learn about GMO seeds development
Click to read all about coronavirus →
Ghana
is in the process of developing two Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
varieties for rice and cowpea.
Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw, a Senior Research Scientist at the Science and
Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) of the Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), who announced this said research had proved that
GMO varieties were important in the sustainable production of rice and cowpeas
in the country.
It is therefore important for Ghanaians to accept and embrace GMO technologies
in order to match up with the world’s technological advancement.
Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw was speaking at a training workshop on GMOs for farmers in the
Ejura-Sekyeredumase Municipality.
It was organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana,
in collaboration with the CSIR as part of efforts to educate farmers and
clarify issues and misconceptions on GMOs.
It also created a platform for the farmers to learn about GMO seeds
development, regulation and commercialization in Ghana.
According to Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw, genetically modified technologies had been
identified as one of the safest methods for preventing insect and pest invasion
in rice and cowpeas, while saving farmers from losing their crop fields to
these insects and pests.
Mr Daniel Osei Ofosu, a Research Scientist at the Biotechnology and Nuclear
Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
(GAEC) said insects and pests could make farmers lose about 90 percent of their
crops on the field.
He cited the Maruca pod borer as one that attacked the cowpea plant, sucked the
pod dry, and sometimes, by harvesting time, farmers lose a whole farm to pest
infestation.
Attempts by researchers to use the conventional breeding methods to tackle the
attacks by aphids, thrips and Striga in cowpea have failed.
However, after some trials with GM technology on a cowpea plantation, it
repelled insects from boring and sucking into the plants.
Mr Ofosu said the GM technologies could complement the conventional ways of
breeding to counteract the activities of the pests and cowpea production rate
and planted area had declined in the last decade due to pest and insect
attacks.
Mr Ofosu said regulations would soon be applied on GMO seeds to enable farmers
to plant to increase production.
https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-developing-GMOs-for-cowpea-and-rice-1055929
Brazilian Government Zeroes Tax
on Rice Imports Until December
The reduction is restricted to
400,000 tons of husked and processed rice, according to a decision of the
Foreign Trade Chamber.
By
-
September 10, 2020
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The GECEX (Management Executive
Committee) of the CAMEX (Foreign Trade Chamber) decided to zero the tax rate on
imports of hulled and processed rice until December 31st of this year.
The temporary reduction is restricted to a quota of 400,000
tons, levied on products covered by codes 1006.10.92 (non-parboiled hulled
rice) and 1006.30.21 (semi-milled or milled rice, non-parboiled) of the NCM
(Mercosur Common Nomenclature).
The decision was taken on Wednesday, September 9th, during the
8th Extraordinary Meeting of the GECEX, as proposed by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Livestock . . .
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DA chief sees lesser rice imports
for rest of 2021
September 10, 2020
A stall at the San Andres public market sells assorted varieties
of rice in this Businessmirror file photo.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s
total rice imports this year would decline by nearly a quarter to 2.2 million
metric tons (MMT), from last year’s 3 MMT.
“I think we might have about 2.2 million metric tons of rice imports this
year,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar during the House Committee on
Appropriations hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2021 proposed budget.
Despite lower projected import volume, Dar assured the public that rice supply
would be sufficient as local palay production is estimated to reach about 22
MMT, which would give the country a 93-percent rice self-sufficiency level.
The DA has repeatedly pronounced that they expect the country to end the year
with a rice stock sufficient to last by at least 80 days.
The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642 MMT, about 44
percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the private sector to date, Bureau
of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed.
Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached a two-month
high of 139,706.323 metric tons (MT) as importers used 189 sanitary and
phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.
The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered rice traders,
comprising farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders, companies and private
firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.
The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified” underutilization by
traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an “anomalous” activity
that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.
The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the
underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such reasons as the
lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and export ban in
Vietnam.
Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments, rice suppliers
limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port congestion and
holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice than locally
produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Service Division
(NPQSD).
The United States Department of Agriculture projected that the Philippines
would remain as the world’s top rice importer for the second consecutive year
this 2020 with volume reaching 2.6 MMT.
The country’s rice imports last year reached a record-high of 3.1 MMT,
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.
SEPTEMBER
10, 2020 / 4:27 AM / UPDATED 20 HOURS AGO
UPDATE
1-Brazil food price spike is temporary, pandemic-fueled supply shock -treasury
secretary
2 MIN READ
·
·
(Adds
quote, details)
By
Jamie McGeever and Gabriel Ponte
BRASILIA,
Sept 9 (Reuters) - The recent sharp rise in Brazilian food prices is part of a
temporary global phenomenon caused by a coronavirus pandemic-induced supply
shock, Treasury Secretary Bruno Funchal said on Wednesday, adding it would soon
pass.
Figures
showed earlier on Wednesday that food and drink prices rose 0.78% in August,
one of the biggest drivers of inflation last month, and Brazil eliminated taxes
on some rice imports through Dec. 31 to help combat a steep increase in
domestic prices.
“It
is a temporary shock. This will be reversed soon, but it is a worldwide
phenomenon related to the pandemic,” Funchal said in a live online event hosted
by the FUCAPE Business School.
Government
statistics agency IBGE said on Wednesday that rice prices rose 3% in August and
were up 19% this year. Beans, the other half of the country’s staple diet, were
up as much as 30% this year, IBGE said.
In
a presentation and question-and-answer session, Funchal reiterated the
government’s view that “expansionary austerity” - cutting public spending to
encourage private-sector investment - was the only way to lift productivity,
investment, demand and economic growth.
The
spending splurge to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic, particularly
emergency aid transfers to millions of Brazil’s poorest people, was “necessary,
but temporary,” and fiscal consolidation would resume next year, he said.
“In
2021, we will return to have total control of spending, get debt on a more
sustainable path,” Funchal said, adding that was needed to give investors
confidence and help keep interest rates low.
Funchal
also said the economy was on course to shrink by about 5% this year, less than
many other countries and also recovering faster than many. The government’s
official target is for a decline of 4.7%. (Reporting by Jamie McGeever and
Gabriel Ponte; Editing by Sandra Maler and Peter Cooney)
Our Standards:The Thomson
Reuters Trust Principles.
Prices of rice and other commodities are
expected to increase – Expert
The price of rice is expected to increase as the festive period
draws near.
Published
4 hours ago
on
September 10, 2020
By
Nigeria’s rice production volume
for 2020 is put at 8 million tonnes – with 2.5 million tonnes expected from
Kebbi state. However, that expectation suffered a huge setback with over 2
million tonnes of rice washed away by floods among other factors.
According to the KPMG Rice Industry Review, rice is
the third most consumed staple food in Nigeria (after maize and cassava). With
the festive season fast approaching, the demand for rice is expected to
increase.
Backstory: Nairametrics earlier reported that the recent
floods in rice-producing Kebbi State had destroyed over 25% of Nigeria’s
expected 8 million tons of rice harvests this year. The Kebbi State
Commissioner for Agriculture, Attahiru Maccido, disclosed to newsmen that it
had lost N1 billion worth of rice and other commodities in the state.
READ: Minister of Petroleum explains
reasons for subsidy removal
It also reported that the Pipeline
and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Ibadan depot issued an internal memo on
September 2, 2020, notifying all stakeholders of an increase in the pump price
of petrol to N151.56 per litre.
What to expect
Senior Research Analyst, Financial
Derivatives Company, Temitope Olugbile explained that scarcity of rice is
expected, as 450,000 hectares of rice – 2 million tonnes, were washed away in
Kebbi state out of the expected 2.5 million tonnes this year. This will lead to
a high demand for the scarce commodity, resulting in a price increase.
The new pump price of petrol, which
led to increase in the cost of transporting farm produce to the market will
inevitably cause a price surge for rice.
READ: How State Governments will
become richer without FAAC allocation
Journey to rice sufficiency
Nigeria’s journey to rice sufficiency has been full of ups and
downs, especially with the tough decision of border closure to curb smuggling
and boost local production. According to data from Index Mundi, Nigeria had
a production volume of over 5 million tonnes of milled rice last year.
The current gains in rice
production are evident, as volume increased by 11.06% in 2019. However, it is
noteworthy that the country is still far from being self-sufficient in rice
production.
Way forward
She emphasized that the policies
and programs which the government has implemented from forex restrictions to
border closure and the Anchor Borrowers Program, which provides farm inputs to
farmers, are all impressive.
However, these policies, as a
stand-alone without adequate infrastructures, are not sufficient to combat
exogenous factors like flood, which is beyond the control of the government and
the rice farmers.
She called for proper irrigation
and drainage infrastructure, as this would help to cushion the effects of
water-logging in farms.
Hybrid rice
yield likely to increase by 40-50pc in Sindh, S.Punjab
Share:
Iqtidar Gilani
LAHORE
- Hybrid coarse varieties of rice are
likely to give 40-50 per cent more yield in Sindh and South Punjab this year.
Favourable weather conditions, good and timely rains, improved seed quality and
proper technical support from seed companies resulted in more yield that would
enhance income of growers. “Hybrid rice is getting good yield. At least 40-50%
more yield is expected this year which means increase in growers income in the
same proportions”, said stakeholders of rice sector. “Coarse varieties like
Superfine is already in the market for the last couple of weeks. New Superfine
is healthy. Same is for hybrid paddy, reaching to peak arrival gradually. Some
farmers have 90/100 maunds paddy output which means a healthy return”, said Guard
Agricultural Research & Services Limited (GUARD) Chief Executive Officer
Shahzad Ali Malik, adding, that an average yield with traditional varieties in
South Punjab was 40-50 maunds per acre which with hybrid seed has improved to
100-110 maunds per acre. “Thus, double the yield means double the income and a
socio-economic change in the life of grower,” he said. He said that only 6-7
per cent area is being cultivated with Hybrid rice in South Punjab and next
year it is expected to reach 15-16 per cent. He said that 30-35 per cent area
in Sindh is already under hybrid seed varieties and it is expected that by next
season the figure may reach 50 per cent in Sindh alone. He said that some 40
companies were dealing in hybrid seed but only a few including their have own
research and development facilities. He proudly disclosed that his company has
lion’s share in the hybrid seed business and about 50 to 60 per cent seed is
being marketed by his company. Referring to last year’s failure of rice crop in
Sindh, Malik said that temperature increase due to climate change had failed
the rice crop last year. This year too rice crop in Larkana district had seen
some difficulties due to high temperature. “For tackling this problem, we have
introduced heat tolerant and drought tolerant varieties and working
continuously on to improve their performance further,” he added. Rice Exporters
Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Shahjahan Malik hoped that Pakistan can
add one million tons of more rice in the next five years thus making more
surplus available for export. However, he said that everyone should not be
allowed to import hybrid rice and sell.
https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2020/hybrid-rice-yield-likely-to-increase-by-40-50pc-in-sindh-s-punjab
Afghanistan- Herat Rice
Production Up 25% This Year: Officials
9/9/2020 2:19:23 PM
·
·
·
·
·
·
(MENAFN - Daily Outlook
Afghanistan) HERAT - Rice production has increased by 25 percent in Herat
province and farmers are expected to harvest over 60,000 metric tons, the Herat
Agriculture Department said on Monday.
A number of farmers in the province have said that sufficient water and reduced
pest problems are among the two key factors which have helped the farmers
harvest a good crop.
'By the grace of Allah, the crops are good now after the establishment of Salma
Dam. Along with wheat, we also grow rice, we have achieved good results with
it, said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer in Herat.
'This year there is sufficient water and there are good crops, said Abdul
Sattar, a farmer in Herat.
'This year's rice has brought good results. In previous years, crops were being
burned because of the lack of water, but this year the crop is good, said
Mohammad, a farmer.
'Our estimate is that around 60,000 tons will be produced in Herat province.
Last year, the figure was around 45,000 tons. Overall, rice is being grown over
11,000 hectors of lands, said Abdul Saboor Rahmani, the head of Herat's
agriculture department.
'Local rice saves its natural taste compared to imported rice, said Jawed
Ghafoori, an agricultural expert.
Herat's rice fields are located mostly along the Harirod river which passes
through Herat's Anjel, Woba, Guzra, and Pashtun Zarghon districts. (TOLO NEWS)
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https://menafn.com/1100771488/Afghanistan-Herat-Rice-Production-Up-25-This-Year-Officials
Rice exporters organize training
to protect rights of agri women’s children
Thu, 10 Sep 2020, 3:49 PM
Rice exporters organize training to protect rights of agri
women’s children
ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP): Top rice exporters of Pakistan Thursday
arranged training workshop to train the women as well as rice millers to
sensitize them regarding basic Juvenile right of the children of female
agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.
“We are providing best facilities for promoting decent working
conditions for the rice transplanter women and their children in rice value
chain from agro-fields to rice mills, said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd
(RPL), a rice exporting and philanthropic organization, addressing the training
workshop here.
The organization including Rice Partners Ltd (RPL) in
collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one day training workshop on
“Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure Sustainable Rice Production”, by
Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation here.
Zafar Iqbal said that at the training workshop they were
engaging the women workers of the rice fields and 40 rice mills coming from
major rice businesses of Punjab province.
He said that the organization had trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters
and also provided them awareness on juvenile rights.
He said that RPL had prioritized to provide awareness for
protection of rice transplanter children, including the families working in whole
rice value chain to provide them decent working environment.
Zafar said RPL was a social impact business that worked with
thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab to provide them with the best
growing practices for enhancing their yields and livelihoods.
He said around 15000 families were engaged only from district
Sheikhupura and more then 100,000 from all over the Punjab.
Usually all members from a family take part in transplanting
work, he added.
Zafar said that children from those families also accompanied
their parents.
While addressing the training workshop, renowned senior child
rights activist and consultant Sadia Hussain said that physical, emotional and
psychological health of children belonging to agriculture workers must be considered
for conducive working environment in rice value chain.
She said that physical and mental torture not badly impacted the
children’s life but also suffered the working condition.
She said that the protection of children and vulnerable adults
was a collective societal responsibility.
Sadia Hussain said that the right to name, health, food,
education, freedom of expression and association children must be protected
besides the right to respect regardless of race, colour and creed.
She such children must be protected against abuses and violence
like forced labor and any physical or emotional torture.
Senior Corporate and Development sector Consultant, Annan Waffi
Qureshi on the occasion said that juvenile right should be prioritized in
every sector including agriculture side.
He highlighted the mode of communication to create the awareness
for children right and their protection, especially who are belongs to the
families working in rice value chain.
On the occasion, Field Manager, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation,
Zahid Rehman said that they were providing these children with the moveable
backpack canopies covered from all sides to avoid the insects and provision of
shelters along with the dry food, repellents, and water coolers in rice
cultivation region of the Punjab.
Zahid Rehman said that working conditions of the farm were
highly hazardous and exposed children to several risks of insect bites,
injuries and infections, exposure to extreme heat and pesticides without any
shelter.
Similarly, for the larger group of families working jointly a
farm level, a bigger shelter tent along with solar plates, fans, air cooler,
water cooler and first aid boxes were provided to keep the children in a
healthy and safe environment at farm level, he said.
More than 40 rice mills including organizations from development
sectors, academia and media personnel participated in the event.
Rice Prices
as on :
10-09-2020 07:31:09 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in
Rs/quintal in domestic market.
|
Arrivals |
Price |
|||||
|
Current |
% |
Season |
Modal |
Prev. |
Prev.Yr |
|
|
Rice |
||||||
|
Shahjahanpur(UP) |
280.00 |
12 |
9151.00 |
2615 |
2605 |
NC |
|
Varanasi(Grain)(UP) |
140.00 |
16.67 |
3289.00 |
2630 |
2685 |
10.27 |
|
Gondal(UP) |
125.00 |
13.64 |
10060.50 |
2400 |
2400 |
-3.23 |
|
Utraula(UP) |
115.00 |
827.42 |
927.10 |
2400 |
2400 |
- |
|
Barhaj(UP) |
100.00 |
42.86 |
12155.00 |
2530 |
2530 |
4.12 |
|
Dadri(UP) |
90.00 |
-10 |
3195.00 |
5960 |
5960 |
- |
|
Bindki(UP) |
90.00 |
-10 |
6570.00 |
2440 |
2470 |
1.67 |
|
Kalipur(WB) |
88.00 |
4.76 |
3911.00 |
2400 |
2400 |
2.13 |
|
Mandya(Kar) |
79.00 |
-77.87 |
8535.00 |
2300 |
2300 |
- |
|
Azamgarh(UP) |
75.00 |
-42.31 |
6856.70 |
2545 |
2540 |
3.46 |
|
Sainthia(WB) |
68.00 |
-1.45 |
569.00 |
2610 |
2610 |
6.10 |
|
Kasimbazar(WB) |
66.00 |
NC |
2045.00 |
2675 |
2650 |
-3.78 |
|
Hapur(UP) |
60.00 |
NC |
1672.00 |
2770 |
2820 |
-2.81 |
|
Kanpur(Grain)(UP) |
60.00 |
-14.29 |
6240.00 |
2150 |
1900 |
-7.53 |
|
Choubepur(UP) |
52.50 |
-7.57 |
2888.25 |
2400 |
2425 |
-10.11 |
|
Kopaganj(UP) |
52.00 |
-14.75 |
2233.00 |
2550 |
2545 |
3.66 |
|
Ghaziabad(UP) |
50.00 |
42.86 |
3335.00 |
2860 |
2850 |
-2.22 |
|
Sealdah Koley Market(WB) |
50.00 |
-9.09 |
757.20 |
2700 |
2700 |
- |
|
Aligarh(UP) |
45.00 |
12.5 |
5092.00 |
2540 |
2540 |
NC |
|
Pandua(WB) |
45.00 |
-13.46 |
2048.00 |
3250 |
3250 |
10.17 |
|
Kandi(WB) |
43.00 |
-28.33 |
1988.50 |
2720 |
2640 |
6.67 |
|
Allahabad(UP) |
40.00 |
NC |
2982.50 |
2315 |
2500 |
-9.22 |
|
Ballia(UP) |
40.00 |
-33.33 |
3543.00 |
2640 |
2650 |
9.54 |
|
Saharanpur(UP) |
40.00 |
NC |
3259.50 |
2810 |
2825 |
-1.06 |
|
Memari(WB) |
37.00 |
37.04 |
208.00 |
2550 |
2550 |
13.33 |
|
Shamli(UP) |
36.00 |
20 |
1632.40 |
2825 |
2810 |
2.36 |
|
Beldanga(WB) |
35.00 |
16.67 |
1870.00 |
2700 |
2700 |
3.85 |
|
Sangli(Mah) |
33.00 |
57.14 |
74.00 |
4550 |
4000 |
- |
|
Mainpuri(UP) |
33.00 |
10 |
4526.50 |
2650 |
2600 |
NC |
|
Lakhimpur(UP) |
32.00 |
-8.57 |
3400.00 |
2430 |
2440 |
-0.41 |
|
Basti(UP) |
31.50 |
-10 |
2093.00 |
2540 |
2550 |
3.67 |
|
Firozabad(UP) |
31.00 |
14.81 |
2152.60 |
2550 |
2590 |
- |
|
Asansol(WB) |
31.00 |
-3.12 |
1466.01 |
3100 |
3100 |
6.90 |
|
Manvi(Kar) |
30.00 |
-72.73 |
1311.00 |
2350 |
1936 |
- |
|
Khalilabad(UP) |
30.00 |
-33.33 |
2382.00 |
2550 |
2550 |
7.37 |
|
Lalitpur(UP) |
30.00 |
-11.76 |
1995.50 |
2510 |
2485 |
-4.20 |
|
Sehjanwa(UP) |
30.00 |
-33.33 |
3292.50 |
2540 |
2520 |
17.59 |
|
Bankura Sadar(WB) |
28.00 |
NC |
2607.00 |
2500 |
2500 |
4.17 |
|
Katwa(WB) |
27.20 |
-0.73 |
538.90 |
2550 |
2500 |
- |
|
Muzzafarnagar(UP) |
26.00 |
18.18 |
4883.00 |
2810 |
2825 |
-1.40 |
|
Mathura(UP) |
26.00 |
NC |
3481.50 |
2580 |
2550 |
-0.77 |
|
Guskara(Burdwan)(WB) |
26.00 |
-3.7 |
589.00 |
2550 |
2500 |
- |
|
Sindhanur(Kar) |
25.00 |
-63.77 |
848.00 |
1400 |
1400 |
-22.22 |
|
Muradabad(UP) |
25.00 |
-19.35 |
2236.00 |
2590 |
2600 |
0.78 |
|
Agra(UP) |
25.00 |
13.64 |
3807.00 |
2635 |
2640 |
-0.57 |
|
Madhoganj(UP) |
25.00 |
25 |
3949.00 |
2430 |
2430 |
4.74 |
|
Balrampur(UP) |
25.00 |
4.17 |
1404.00 |
2400 |
2400 |
6.19 |
|
Gorakhpur(UP) |
24.50 |
-23.44 |
1853.70 |
2540 |
2530 |
- |
|
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB) |
24.00 |
NC |
354.00 |
2500 |
2400 |
-7.41 |
|
Durgapur(WB) |
21.00 |
-4.55 |
1333.25 |
2900 |
2850 |
8.21 |
|
Kolaghat(WB) |
21.00 |
-8.7 |
319.00 |
2500 |
2400 |
-7.41 |
|
Partaval(UP) |
20.00 |
-11.11 |
1013.00 |
2665 |
2540 |
13.40 |
|
Vilaspur(UP) |
20.00 |
-4.76 |
1998.20 |
2590 |
2580 |
3.19 |
|
Paliakala(UP) |
19.00 |
11.76 |
977.00 |
2410 |
2425 |
4.33 |
|
Jaunpur(UP) |
18.50 |
-38.33 |
1818.00 |
2630 |
2600 |
11.91 |
|
Sirsaganj(UP) |
16.50 |
10 |
1413.00 |
2600 |
2630 |
-2.62 |
|
Dahod(Guj) |
16.20 |
-66.46 |
1179.20 |
4325 |
4300 |
8.13 |
|
Raath(UP) |
16.00 |
128.57 |
345.20 |
2375 |
2350 |
- |
|
Kolar(Kar) |
15.00 |
87.5 |
410.00 |
5091 |
5073 |
0.37 |
|
Banda(UP) |
15.00 |
36.36 |
480.50 |
2420 |
2415 |
1.47 |
|
Pukhrayan(UP) |
15.00 |
50 |
743.00 |
2200 |
2400 |
-6.38 |
|
Chorichora(UP) |
15.00 |
-11.76 |
1805.50 |
2500 |
2510 |
2.46 |
|
Chintamani(Kar) |
14.00 |
-17.65 |
687.00 |
2200 |
2200 |
-2.22 |
|
Farukhabad(UP) |
14.00 |
12 |
1410.00 |
2475 |
2450 |
-6.60 |
|
Bharthna(UP) |
14.00 |
21.74 |
2457.00 |
2500 |
2515 |
-5.30 |
|
Etawah(UP) |
12.00 |
9.09 |
2729.50 |
2460 |
2455 |
-6.46 |
|
Mawana(UP) |
12.00 |
NC |
488.20 |
2800 |
2800 |
- |
|
Jafarganj(UP) |
12.00 |
71.43 |
1254.00 |
2410 |
2420 |
-0.41 |
|
Rasda(UP) |
12.00 |
-25 |
742.50 |
2560 |
2550 |
1063.64 |
|
Champadanga(WB) |
12.00 |
-33.33 |
904.00 |
3150 |
3250 |
5.00 |
|
Bahraich(UP) |
11.80 |
-18.62 |
1354.90 |
2400 |
2400 |
-1.64 |
|
Pratapgarh(UP) |
11.00 |
NC |
579.50 |
2400 |
2410 |
7.38 |
|
Rampurhat(WB) |
10.80 |
-6.09 |
294.30 |
2610 |
2610 |
8.75 |
|
Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB) |
10.80 |
-16.92 |
178.40 |
3400 |
3400 |
13.33 |
|
Sheoraphuly(WB) |
10.70 |
2.88 |
236.40 |
3100 |
3200 |
NC |
|
Kalna(WB) |
10.50 |
-16 |
961.50 |
2800 |
2850 |
-2.44 |
|
Nawabganj(UP) |
10.00 |
-16.67 |
937.00 |
2400 |
2400 |
50.00 |
|
Kayamganj(UP) |
10.00 |
NC |
2169.00 |
2460 |
2490 |
-7.17 |
|
Jhijhank(UP) |
10.00 |
25 |
533.50 |
2380 |
2430 |
- |
|
Kalyani(WB) |
10.00 |
185.71 |
123.00 |
3400 |
3400 |
NC |
|
Mahoba(UP) |
9.00 |
-3.23 |
527.90 |
2450 |
2460 |
6.75 |
|
Soharatgarh(UP) |
9.00 |
-5.26 |
1793.20 |
2530 |
2530 |
2.43 |
|
Sahiyapur(UP) |
8.00 |
-20 |
2873.50 |
2550 |
2540 |
4.29 |
|
Ajuha(UP) |
8.00 |
-11.11 |
524.00 |
2450 |
2460 |
-4.30 |
|
Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB) |
8.00 |
-20 |
1287.00 |
2800 |
2800 |
1.82 |
|
Bijnaur(UP) |
7.50 |
-6.25 |
303.50 |
2590 |
2600 |
9.28 |
|
Amroha(UP) |
7.00 |
27.27 |
149.50 |
2580 |
2590 |
-0.77 |
|
Etah(UP) |
7.00 |
-12.5 |
572.00 |
2600 |
2600 |
0.58 |
|
Raibareilly(UP) |
7.00 |
16.67 |
1811.00 |
2320 |
2310 |
-2.11 |
|
Mohamadabad(UP) |
6.50 |
-7.14 |
976.60 |
2460 |
2460 |
- |
|
Kannauj(UP) |
6.00 |
-7.69 |
529.60 |
2400 |
2450 |
-7.69 |
|
Kasganj(UP) |
5.00 |
NC |
581.50 |
2610 |
2610 |
2.35 |
|
Mirzapur(UP) |
5.00 |
NC |
363.50 |
2670 |
2665 |
9.65 |
|
Auraiya(UP) |
4.50 |
NC |
288.10 |
2470 |
2480 |
-3.14 |
|
Devariya(UP) |
4.50 |
-30.77 |
1200.50 |
2530 |
2540 |
2.85 |
|
Atarra(UP) |
4.00 |
14.29 |
954.50 |
2380 |
2410 |
0.21 |
|
Fatehpur Sikri(UP) |
4.00 |
-4.76 |
190.90 |
2570 |
2560 |
-2.28 |
|
Achalda(UP) |
4.00 |
NC |
419.90 |
2470 |
2500 |
11.76 |
|
Tulsipur(UP) |
4.00 |
300 |
118.10 |
2400 |
2420 |
- |
|
Naanpara(UP) |
4.00 |
122.22 |
728.20 |
2400 |
2400 |
NC |
|
Nadia(WB) |
4.00 |
-20 |
307.00 |
3400 |
3200 |
-10.53 |
|
Unnao(UP) |
3.50 |
-12.5 |
343.00 |
2445 |
2435 |
-8.60 |
|
Lucknow(UP) |
3.50 |
-16.67 |
5020.90 |
2450 |
2480 |
-13.43 |
|
Pilibhit(UP) |
3.50 |
40 |
46992.00 |
2560 |
2610 |
-2.29 |
|
Chitwadagaon(UP) |
3.50 |
NC |
511.80 |
2620 |
2620 |
24.76 |
|
Vishalpur(UP) |
3.00 |
-70 |
551.20 |
2580 |
2650 |
-2.09 |
|
Uluberia(WB) |
2.80 |
NC |
69.50 |
2600 |
2600 |
-10.34 |
|
Kosikalan(UP) |
2.50 |
-16.67 |
290.00 |
2540 |
2560 |
-2.31 |
|
Tundla(UP) |
2.50 |
-61.54 |
339.50 |
2630 |
2620 |
-0.38 |
|
Bishalgarh(Tri) |
2.20 |
NC |
2740.00 |
3600 |
3600 |
- |
|
Muskara(UP) |
2.00 |
11.11 |
104.30 |
2375 |
2400 |
-0.21 |
|
Charra(UP) |
1.60 |
-33.33 |
149.70 |
2550 |
2550 |
0.39 |
|
Shikohabad(UP) |
1.50 |
50 |
294.00 |
2625 |
2625 |
-11.32 |
|
Puranpur(UP) |
1.50 |
-25 |
2196.00 |
2590 |
2600 |
-0.38 |
|
Garbeta(Medinipur)(WB) |
1.50 |
NC |
37.00 |
2800 |
2800 |
-26.32 |
|
Panichowki(Kumarghat)(Tri) |
1.40 |
7.69 |
84.90 |
2930 |
2850 |
- |
|
Baberu(UP) |
1.30 |
-18.75 |
105.30 |
2400 |
2410 |
3.23 |
|
Maudaha(UP) |
1.20 |
NC |
42.90 |
2420 |
2370 |
2.11 |
|
Bishnupur(Bankura)(WB) |
1.20 |
-42.86 |
215.00 |
2600 |
2600 |
NC |
|
Alibagh(Mah) |
1.00 |
NC |
113.00 |
2200 |
2200 |
NC |
|
Devala(Mah) |
1.00 |
NC |
2.00 |
1370 |
1365 |
- |
|
Murud(Mah) |
1.00 |
NC |
111.00 |
2200 |
2200 |
NC |
|
Bareilly(UP) |
1.00 |
-50 |
2058.00 |
2595 |
2590 |
-2.08 |
|
Khair(UP) |
1.00 |
NC |
86.60 |
2580 |
2580 |
-0.39 |
|
Lalganj(UP) |
1.00 |
25 |
294.80 |
2300 |
2300 |
31.43 |
|
Milak(UP) |
1.00 |
-71.43 |
160.00 |
2600 |
2630 |
- |
|
Anandnagar(UP) |
0.90 |
NC |
239.70 |
2520 |
2510 |
5.00 |
|
Atrauli(UP) |
0.70 |
NC |
18.50 |
2550 |
2550 |
- |
|
Khatra(WB) |
0.70 |
-22.22 |
113.60 |
2600 |
2600 |
-1.89 |
|
Achnera(UP) |
0.60 |
NC |
47.00 |
2620 |
2620 |
2.75 |
|
Gurusarai(UP) |
0.60 |
NC |
26.20 |
2450 |
2485 |
-2.00 |
|
Kasipur(WB) |
0.58 |
13.73 |
6.31 |
2500 |
2560 |
-6.02 |
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Published on September 10, 2020
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article32573532.ece
Rice Prices Hit 18 Months Peak As Virus Strains Export Logistics
India's 5 per
cent broken parboiled rice prices climbed to $387-$394 per tonne from last
week's $384-$390.
EconomyReutersUpdated: September 10, 2020 7:23 pm IST
Rice export prices in top hub
India rose to their highest in nearly 18 months this week as supplies remained
constrained due to pandemic-induced disruptions, while Bangladesh may have to
import the staple after natural calamities damaged crops.
India's 5 per cent broken
parboiled rice prices climbed to $387-$394 per tonne from last week's
$384-$390.
With the top exporter now behind
only the United States in the tally of COVID-19 cases, exporters have been
grappling with limited availability of containers and mill workers at its
biggest rice handling port of Kakinada on the east coast.
"Coronavirus outbreak has
affected rice milling in Andhra Pradesh and loading operations at Kakinada.
Limited supplies are available for exports though demand is robust," said
a Kakinada-based exporter.
In Bangladesh, domestic prices
have risen up to 20 per cent over a month amid fears of a production shortfall.
Excessive rainfall in
March-April, cyclone Amphan in May and three spells of floods in June-July
damaged most crops, of which 70 per cent was paddy, according to agricultural
ministry officials.
Bangladesh needs to start
importing rice without any delay, sources familiar with the matter said.
ALSO READ
·
Rice Export Price Dips As
Rupee Fall Fails To Boost Demand
·
'Tough EU Norms On India's
Basmati Rice To Shift Trade To Pakistan'
·
Rice
Prices In India Up As Demand Revives
In Vietnam too, low domestic
supplies pushed prices for 5 per cent broken rice to $490-$495 a tonne on
Thursday from $490 last week.
"Domestic supplies are very
low at the moment, while some exporters continue to fulfill their contracts
signed earlier with customers from Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Africa," a
trader in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang said.
Traders expect prices to come
down in the coming weeks ahead of the autumn-winter harvest.
Adding to demand woes, another
trader said the Philippines could suspend rice purchases at least until
November to support domestic prices of an ongoing harvest there.
In Thailand, benchmark 5 per cent
broken rice prices eased to $487-510 per tonne on Thursday from $500-$513 last
week amid muted demand.
Vietnam increases revenues from rice sales with equal volumes
Hanoi, Sep 9 (Prensa Latina) Vietnam exported 4.5 million tons of
rice in the first eight months of 2020, as much as in the same period last
year, but revenues increased considerably, local experts said on Wednesday.
Sales until August totaled 2.2 billion dollars,
accounting for a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, thanks to the recovery of
international prices and the improved quality of Vietnamese rice, they pointed
out.
The average price of exports grew 12.4% from last year, so a ton is quoted at
489 dollars, as a result of a higher demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the
experts explained.
The Philippines was Vietnam's major buyer until August, acquiring nearly 40% of
that volume, while the largest increases in exports were to Senegal (18 times
more), Indonesia (18 times more) and China (more than twice).
According to local exporters, the recent activation of the free trade agreement
with the European Union will allow Vietnam to increase rice exports
substantially.
The country gained great access to the international market after signing the
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Vietnam is the world's third major rice supplier, after India and Thailand, but
experts think that it will move up to the second place in relatively soon.
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the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States that
launched the world’s first-ever cannabis-derived nutraceutical products, brands
and supply chain, announced today that its subsidiary Kannaway® has signed a Trademark License and Royalty
Agreement with direct selling company The Best Friend (“TBF”).
As a part of the agreement, the
new venture, TBF by Kannaway®, will sell a super-premium line of
veterinarian-developed pet food products, as well as a line of cannabidiol
(CBD) tinctures designed for pets, throughout Europe.
These pet food products are
created by a research and development team composed of world-renowned premium
dog breeders, scientists and veterinarians. They have been designed to meet the
strictest requirements for quality, nutritional value, consistency,
digestibility, and have a low risk of allergy reactions. The new line of TBF
best-selling super-premium feeds includes:
• Beef & Rice 3kg
• Lamb & Rice 3kg
• Junior Complex 3kg
“CBD hemp oil has been researched
by top veterinarians to improve cardiovascular, orthopedic and mental animal
health,” said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. “We’re excited to
be able to offer some of the highest-quality pet food products in Europe and
soon launch a new line of CBD products that can nicely supplement them.”
Brand ambassadors who were
previously selling TBF products exclusively will now market and sell The Best
Friend by Kannaway® as well as other CBD products through Kannaway®’s expansive
direct selling network.
“According to Grandview Research, Europe’s market for pet food in
2018 was the largest pet food market in the world and that growth only
continues with a global pet food market that is expected to reach $113.08
billion by 2025,” said Kannaway® CEO Blake Schroeder. “Joining forces with TBF
will not only allow us to expand our product offering and gain an entirely new
subset of customers, but it will also allow TBF distributors to earn another
source of revenue.”
TBF was founded just 13 months
ago by Tobias Sukenik, Michal Kyselica and Michal Prazenica, and has already
achieved tremendous growth. Currently, TBF has over 10,000 registered partners
in 6 countries, making it one of the fastest-growing pet direct selling
companies in Europe.
To learn more about The Best
Friend by Kannaway®, please visit http://www.kannaway.com and attend the upcoming Kannaway® Europe webinar on September 10.
About Kannaway®
Kannaway® is a network sales and marketing company
specializing in the sales and marketing of hemp-based botanical products.
Kannaway® currently hosts weekly online sales meetings and conferences across
the United States, offering unique insight and opportunity to sales
professionals who are desirous of becoming successful leaders in the sale and
marketing of hemp-based botanical products.
About Medical Marijuana, Inc.
We are a company of firsts®. Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA) is a cannabis company with three distinct business
units in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid space: a global portfolio of
cannabinoid-based nutraceutical brands led by Kannaway® and HempMeds®; a pioneer in sourcing the highest-quality legal
non-psychoactive cannabis products derived from industrial hemp; and a
cannabinoid-based clinical research and botanical drug development sector led
by its pharmaceutical investment companies and partners including AXIM® Biotechnologies, Inc. and Kannalife, Inc. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was named a
top CBD producer by CNBC. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was also the first company to
receive historic import permits for CBD products from the governments of
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay and is a leader in the development of
international markets. The company’s flagship product Real Scientific Hemp Oil has been used in several
successful clinical studies throughout Mexico and Brazil to understand its
safety and efficacy.
Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s
headquarters is in San Diego, California, and additional information is
available at OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana,
Inc.’s corporate video, click here.
Shareholders and consumers are
also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s
shop.
FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain
certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by
those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events
and/or financial
results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and
uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks,
uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially
different from the statements made herein.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not
sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States
Controlled Substances Act.
CONTACT:
Public Relations Contact:
Andrew Hard
Chief Executive Officer
CMW Media
P. 858-264-6600
andrew.hard@cmwmedia.com
www.cmwmedia.com
Investor Relations Contact:
P. (858) 283-4016
Investors@medicalmarijuanainc.com
Attachment
CATCH-UP GROWTH CANNOT UNDO DAMAGE
FROM UNDERNUTRITION
by
Jef L. Leroy, Edward A. Frongillo, Pragya Dewan, Maureen M. Black and Robert A.
Waterland | September 10, 2020
Linear growth retardation is a
widely used marker of undernutrition. While the development community has long
worked to reduce the worldwide prevalence of stunted linear growth, in recent
decades the possibility of reversing growth retardation has attracted
increasing interest. Although helping stunted children achieve “catch-up
growth” seems a worthwhile aim, it is one that begs several questions.
In particular, we must ask if
catch-up growth is actually possible, and if so, does it necessarily translate
into recovery from the broader consequences of undernutrition, such as delays
in neurocognitive development, increased risk of chronic disease and death,
lower educational attainment, and reduced earnings in adulthood? The answers to
these questions will have important implications for the design and evaluation
of nutrition interventions and policies. In a new paper in Advances
in Nutrition, we delve into these questions by examining the
potential to recover from undernutrition in three domains: linear growth,
developmental epigenetics, and brain and neurocognitive development.
What is catch-up growth?
Broadly, catch-up growth is a
reversal of growth retardation. But varying criteria and methodologies for
determining catch-up growth abound in the literature, creating confusion about
how to identify and study it. Four criteria must be met to demonstrate catch-up
growth:
1.
A
growth-inhibiting condition,
2.
A resultant
period of lower-than-normal linear growth velocity,
3.
Alleviation of
the inhibiting condition, and
4.
A subsequent
period of faster-than-normal growth.
The only way to reduce the height
gap accumulated during the period of lower-than-normal growth velocity is for
children to subsequently gain length or height in absolute terms faster than
the expected linear growth velocity for their age and sex. Just like a lagging
cyclist in a race must pedal much, much faster to catch up to a rider ahead, a
child must grow at a much faster rate to catch up to where he or she would have
been had there been no period of lower-than-normal growth.
Only absolute height velocity—the
change in height in cm with age—can be used to study catch-up growth. The
common use of height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ), a relative measure of child
growth, is incorrect. First, they are constructed using cross-sectional
standard deviations and are thus inappropriate to
study longitudinal changes in height with age. A second reason is that
absolute height velocity directly relates to the consequences of linear growth
retardation. Contrary to what is commonly believed, only two sets of
outcomes are caused by linear growth retardation: obstructed labor and poor
birth outcomes, both of which are more common in mothers who are short due to
linear growth retardation during childhood. What matters for these outcomes is
the absolute
height of the mother, not her relative size. Other outcomes
like child development, work capacity, and noncommunicable disease risk at
adulthood are associated with linear growth retardation but not actually caused by it. So catch-up growth will not
improve them.
To find out if catch-up growth is
possible, we reviewed a set of 13 studies on adopted children under the age of
five. Since adoptions provide radical improvements in a child’s
environment—including diet, water, sanitation, hygiene, and caretaking—they
fulfill the first three criteria for catch-up growth and allow for assessing
the fourth. We found evidence of catch-up growth in nine of the studies. This
suggests that catch-up growth is biologically possible when children’s home
environments radically improve. But what is the relevance of this finding for nutrition
policies and programs? Nutrition interventions can improve linear growth, but
the size of the improvement is typically a fraction of what is found in the
adoption studies and thus insufficient for catch-up growth. In addition, the
direct benefits of
increasing height early in life are limited to women, as noted above. We must
therefore ask whether children can recover in other domains after suffering
from undernourishment. To answer this question, we reviewed evidence from
developmental epigenetics and child development.
Developmental epigenetics
Epigenetics is the study of
mitotically heritable changes in how genetic information is ultimately
expressed in an organism. Environmental exposures during critical windows of
development can have lifelong metabolic consequences. Nutritional influences on
developmental epigenetics have been studied extensively over the past decade. A
prime example is DNA methylation, which modulates gene expression potential;
pro-methylation dietary supplementation in mice before and during pregnancy has
been shown to change the coat color and tail kinkiness of their offspring.
It is hard to study some of these
mechanisms in humans. But the Gambia’s single annual rainy season, which
results in dramatic seasonal variation in energy expenditure and availability
of specific foods, provides a natural experiment. A recent study of
subsistence-farming communities there found that maternal nutrition around the
time of conception influenced DNA methylation in their children. Given the highly
stable nature of this molecular mark, recovery from the epigenetic effects of
periconceptional malnutrition is unlikely. More studies are currently underway
that should shed further light on what this means for human health.
Brain and neurocognitive
development
It has long been recognized in
child development that if a stimulus or other input (such as nutrition) is not
received within a critical time period, permanent damage occurs. A folic acid
deficiency in a newly pregnant woman, for example, increases her child’s risk
of developing certain irreversible conditions like spina bifida. Poverty and
associated stresses often coincide with and compound the effects of nutritional
deficiencies. Isolating the effects of nutritional deprivation on neurocognitive
development can therefore be difficult.
The Bucharest Early Intervention
Project assessed the impact of severe deprivation on early brain development.
Children between the ages of six and 31 months who had lived in orphanages
since birth were randomized into foster care placements or kept in an
orphanage. Another group of children who had never been institutionalized
served as a comparison group. The study found differential effects of
environmental deprivation and stress on children’s gray matter (processing and
cognition) and white matter (learning). On all counts, the orphanage group
experienced the least development. The foster care group, which notably
achieved complete catch up in linear growth by 42 months, showed no difference
from the orphanage group in terms of gray matter and experienced incomplete
recovery in terms of white matter volume and cognition.
The Bucharest study provides
three lessons. First, early environmental stress associated with
institutionalization affects brain development and function. Second, complete
recovery in complex functions is difficult (even with comprehensive
interventions). Third, complete catch-up in linear growth does not necessarily
reflect recovery in other domains such as brain development, structure, and function.
Implications for nutrition
programs and policies
Prolonged undernourishment early
in life leads to negative outcomes that are both profound and irreversible.
Although subsequent drastic improvements in a child’s nutrition can in some
cases partially alleviate deficits in linear growth and neurocognitive
development, they will not erase the permanent marks of a mother’s
undernutrition just before or early in pregnancy on her child’s DNA
methylation. Nor will interventions aimed at reversing linear growth
retardation fully restore the trajectory of neurocognitive development. Rather,
the benefits are limited. Thus, scientific, program, and policy efforts should
focus on preventing maternal and child undernutrition rather than on correcting
its consequences or attempting to prove they can be corrected.
Jef L. Leroy is a
Senior Research Fellow with the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI's)
Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division. Edward A. Frongillo is a Professor and Director
of Global Health Initiatives at the Arnold School of Public Health at the
University of South Carolina. Pragya
Dewan is a Consultant in Monitoring And Evaluation for Education at
UNICEF and a former IFPRI Research Analyst. Maureen M. Black is a Professor at the University of
Maryland School of Medicine and Distinguished Fellow at RIT
International. Robert
A. Waterland is a Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine. Tracy
Brown is an IFPRI Senior Editor; she prepared the text of this post. A4NH
provided funding for this research.
This post first appeared on IFPRI's website.
FLAGSHIPS
JUNE 25, 2020
New Brief Details Drivers of Stunting Reduction in Vietnam
BLOG
JUNE 17, 2020
Improving India’s Public Distribution System: What Can We
Learn from COVID-19?
BLOG
JUNE 16, 2020
Investing in the Data Value Chain for Nutrition in West
Africa: A Call to Action
·
Scientists:
Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes
Scientists: Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes
September 9, 20202 min readNatasha Kumar
White rice has recently been considered a
harmful food. This is due not only to the ability to gain excess weight.
Scientists in a new study found that the use of the product is the cause of
diabetes.
Researchers recruited about 130,000 volunteers
to participate in the study. The experiment lasted for 10 years. Thanks to the
results obtained, experts have found that eating white rice increases the risk
of diabetes. During the grinding and polishing of the food, large amounts of
nutrients, in particular vitamin B, are removed. At the same time, cereals have
a high glycemic index, which provokes a jump in blood sugar levels.
An experiment conducted about 8 years ago, in
which 45,000 volunteers participated, allowed researchers to find that the risk
of diabetes is increased by 11% in people who eat white rice. But this
indicator varied depending on the country where the study was conducted.
Experts decided to find out the reason for this result. Participants from 21
states were involved. As a result, it turned out that the disease was often
detected in the inhabitants of South Asia, where cereal is one of the main
products. Also, with the help of additional analysis, it was found that this
region is home to the largest number of people with a genetic predisposition to
diabetes, as well as those whose lifestyle contributes to the manifestation of
the disease. Volunteers from South Asian countries who eat a lot of rice ate
low-fiber foods, dairy products and meat in their diets.
For this reason, people with a predisposition
to the disease need to reduce the amount of white rice they eat or replace it
with unpolished brown rice. It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle
and review the diet for variety and healthiness. If you have any health
problems, you should consult a doctor.
https://thetimeshub.in/scientists-eating-white-rice-triggers-diabetes/845/
Voting is essential this year
Political engagement is now both
more important and more difficult than ever. The stakes always seem higher in a
presidential election year but now — with the pandemic, the protests and
everything in between — the stakes feel like they were tied to a rocketship and
are currently somewhere orbiting Jupiter. It must be pointed out that 2020,
while certainly a uniquely disastrous year for America, is really the result of
years of built up ideology. The Trump administration has refused to listen to science for years, so how could we be surprised
when they failed miserably in the face of a disaster only scientists could
solve? And the all-too-frequent incidents of racism and deadly police
brutality are unacceptable, but unfortunately, nothing new. The president has been
regularly stoking the fires of racial tension for years, with many Americans simply basking
in the glow of the flames. America has certainly been tested this year, but
we’ve tried to cheat our way out of it with a page ripped from a 1930s German
textbook. It’s no wonder we’ve failed.
If this makes you angry, do
something. I know it is easy to be down on political engagement right now. It
feels like the government has done nothing but fail our generation and
honestly, it’s kind of true. This administration’s response to the pandemic has
lost thousands of American lives, the
environment is being destroyed without a qualm, and we
live in a country where we aren’t granted the basic rights like a livable wage
or healthcare. However, we cannot give up. Now it is finally our chance to do
something about it. Please keep going to protests, sharing information online
and having those tough conversations. But also contact your representatives,
find a campaign that you identify with and vote! If we want to improve the
system, we must elect people who will listen. That will only happen if we
politically engage.
You can easily communicate with
your representatives in a healthy and socially distant manner. I can’t count
the number of emails I’ve sent to city council members, representatives and
senators this summer. Politicians are motivated by the desire to be reelected,
so make it clear that you are willing to fight with them if they will champion
your causes and that you will fight against them if necessary. And don’t forget
about your local representatives. Harris County alone has over 50 non-federal elections this year.
These officials have a huge impact on your daily life and they almost always
need help on their campaigns. You can easily get involved by phone banking,
which can be done from your room, or emailing the campaign to see what they
might need. Most importantly, vote. Vote early if you can, vote by mail, do
whatever it takes to make sure your vote is counted. Make a solid plan and
stick to it. For too long the people in power have relied on the apathy of the
masses to continue serving the needs of only a few. We must not let this
continue.
I get it. 2020 sucks and it feels
like there is nothing we can do. But this year isn’t an accident. The previous
generations built a system that actively fostered the disasters we are facing
today, from building racial tensions to refusing to invest in our health or
safety. That doesn’t mean we should sit back and watch America collapse around
us. The voice of the people can be the most powerful tool in a democracy if
used correctly. We need to take all of the energy and pain from this summer and
use it to reshape our government to work for us.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
https://www.ricethresher.org/article/2020/09/voting-is-essential-this-year
New Rice Import Data Helps USA Rice Members Better Monitor
Market Trends
WASHINGTON,
DC -- On July 1, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) implemented new
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for milled and brown jasmine and milled
basmati rice, following a successful petition led by USA Rice earlier this year.
This month, the first data using the new codes was published for rice imports
and exports in July.
The new HTS codes, also referred to as import
codes, are particularly useful for refining import data from Thailand and
India, the largest U.S. import origins by volume and primary sources for
jasmine and basmati, respectively. As can be seen in the table below, in
June 2020 and all months prior, the majority of imports from Thailand and India
were lumped into the 'Milled Long Grain' category.
"Our members have long assumed that the
bulk of imports coming from origins like Thailand and India fall into the
fragrant rice categories but now we are sure of it," said Peter Bachmann,
USA Rice vice president of international trade policy. "When our
members formally asked us to pursue this change to the HTS codes in February,
we swiftly moved to file a petition with the support from member companies and
just seven months later we're seeing the fruits of that labor through a more
specified level of data."
"From the perspective of someone buying and
selling rice, this breakdown of long grain imports to account for jasmine and
basmati is tremendously helpful," said Ryan Carwell, Arkansas rice
merchant and chair of the USA Rice Merchants' Association. "We can
now identify new market trends and determine how we, as an industry, may need
to adapt to changing consumer demands moving forward."
The new data is available through the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Global Agriculture Trading
System for rice
imports and exports from July 2020 onward.
USDA Reminds Farmers of September
30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields
Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
Don’t Miss This One-Time
Opportunity - First Since 2014
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners
that they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September
30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for
2020 through 2023. Additionally, producers who elected Agriculture Risk
Coverage (ARC) should also consider updating their yields.
“The last time farmers could
update yields for these important safety-net programs was in 2014,” said FSA
Administrator Richard Fordyce. “It is the farm owner’s choice whether to update
or keep existing yields. So, if you rent, you’ll need to communicate with your
landlord who will be the one to sign off on the yield updates.”
Updating yields requires the
signature of one owner on a farm and not all owners. If a yield update is not
made, no action is required to maintain the existing base crop yield on file
with FSA.
For program payments, updated
yields will apply beginning with the 2020 crop year which, should payments
trigger, will be paid out in October of 2021.
Determining Yield Updates
The updated yield will be equal
to 90% of the average yield per planted acre in crop years 2013-2017. That
excludes any year where the applicable covered commodity was not planted and is
subject to the ratio obtained by dividing the 2008-2012 average national yield
by the 2013-2017 average national yield for the covered commodity.
The chart below provides the
ratio obtained by this calculation.
|
Covered Commodities |
National Yield Factor |
|
Barley |
0.9437 |
|
Canola |
0.9643 |
|
Chickpeas, Large |
1.0000 |
|
Chickpeas, Small |
0.9760 |
|
Corn |
0.9000 |
|
Crambe |
1.0000 |
|
Flaxseed |
1.0000 |
|
Grain Sorghum |
0.9077 |
|
Lentils |
1.0000 |
|
Mustard Seed |
0.9460 |
|
Oats |
0.9524 |
|
Peanuts |
0.9273 |
|
Peas, Dry |
0.9988 |
|
Rapeseed |
1.0000 |
|
Rice, Long |
0.9330 |
|
Rice, Medium |
0.9887 |
|
Rice, Temp Japonica |
0.9591 |
|
Safflower |
1.0000 |
|
Seed Cotton |
0.9000 |
|
Sesame Seed |
0.9673 |
|
Soybeans |
0.9000 |
|
Sunflower Seed |
0.9396 |
|
Wheat |
0.9545 |
If the reported yield in any year
is less than 75 percent of the 2013-2017 average county yield, the yield will
be substituted with 75 percent of the county average yield.
More information
PLC yields may be updated on a
covered commodity-by-covered commodity basis by submitting FSA form CCC-867 to include a farm owner’s
signature.
For more information, reference
resources, and decision tools, visit farmers.gov/arc-plc. Contact your local FSA
county office for assistance at farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
RiceTec Virtual Field Day
REGISTER NOW
2020 is a special year for RiceTec. We are celebrating 30 years as a company
and 20 years since the first commercial hybrid release. We had hoped to
celebrate with you at our annual field day, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a
change in plans. We hope this virtual field day video series will be a good way
for you to get updated on RiceTec products and initiatives.
If you complete the required videos and answer a few questions, you will
receive a certificate of completion. All domestic certificate holders will also
receive a gift card from RiceTec to thank you for your completion of the video
series.
Crop consultants can receive credit for completing the video series.
Thank you for taking the time to participate virtually. We hope you enjoy the
presentations.
Featured Programs
BRAZIL
SHOULD CONSIDER ELIMINATING IMPORT TARIFFS ON CORN, SOY -CONAB PRESIDENT
9/10/2020
By Roberto Samora
SAO PAULO, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Brazil should consider temporarily
eliminating import tariffs on food staples like soybeans and corn, Guilherme
Bastos, president of the country's food supply and statistics agency Conab,
told Reuters.
Eliminating duties could be an option to lower internal grain
prices, which are historically high in the local currency, Bastos said in an
interview late on Wednesday.
The levy on corn and soybean imports from outside Mercosur, which
includes Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, is 8%.
He proposed the measure as Brazil scrapped import duties on a
400,000-tonne rice quota through Dec. 31.
On Thursday, Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said the
temporary import duty exemption could benefit rice imports coming from the
United States and Thailand.
Bastos said if the tariff drops, Brazil could buy soybeans from
countries like the United States, which is starting to harvest now.
"Why not allow international trade flows in?," he said,
adding the same reasoning could apply to corn. Bastos is in favor of "open
frontiers," which Brazil's Mercosur accord allows to regulate supply and
demand domestically.
In the case of oilseeds, high internal prices raise costs for the
crushing industry, which produces biodiesel and soyoil for local consumption.
Brazil sells most of the soybeans it produces to China, and that has left
little to sell domestically.
Higher corn prices are also a problem for food processors, which
use corn as livestock feed.
The temporary reduction of the so-called "common external
tariff" on soybeans and corn coming from outside the Mercosur was
discussed last month by the government, but no decision was made. (Reporting by
Roberto Samora Writing by Ana Mano Editing by Chris Reese)
UPDATE
1-NIGERIA'S CENTRAL BANK TOLD TO STOP GIVING FOREX FOR FOOD IMPORTS
9/10/2020
(Adds details, context)
ABUJA, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on
Thursday directed the central bank to stop issuing foreign exchange for food
and fertiliser imports, according to a statement by his spokesman.
It follows a similar order the president issued last year that the
nominally-independent bank only partly followed, with some food importers still
receiving foreign exchange.
But Thursday's directive will completely ban providing foreign
currency for all imported food and fertiliser, the spokesman told Reuters.
"Nobody importing food should be given money," Buhari said.
Since his election in 2015, Buhari has sought to cut foreign
imports, particularly agricultural products. Expanding Nigeria's farm sector is
a key pillar of his economic policy.
But the bans on imports like rice have seen prices surge, sparking
widespread frustration.
Nigeria's foreign reserves have been battered as the central bank
spends billions of dollars on costly programmes such as propping up the local
naira currency despite double-digit inflation.
There was no immediate, public reaction from the central bank to
Buhari's comments, though its governor was present at the meeting where the
order was given. (Reporting by Felix Onuah in Abuja; Writing by Paul Carsten;
Editing by Sandra Maler and Andrew Cawthorne)
© Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Click For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
Brazil opens
temporary, rare duty-free quota for milled and paddy rice
September 10, 2020
BRASILIA, BRAZIL — On August 27, USA Rice reported on the
exploration by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture into a temporary import
suspension for rice. Yesterday evening, Brazil’s Executive Secretary of
the Foreign Trade Board, referred to as “CAMEX,” voted to provide duty-free
access for up to 400,000 MT of paddy and milled rice from all origins,
effective today through December 31, 2020. The measure was officially
published this morning in Brazil’s Official Gazette of the Federal Government.
Up until now, all rice imports from outside of the MERCOSUR bloc
(Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), including the United States, faced
a 12 percent import duty on milled rice and a 10 percent duty on paddy
rice. During this three-month period, U.S. exports will be more
competitive without the import tariffs, however, they will still be subject to
a slew of internal value-added and transportation-related taxes.
“With rice coming out of the fields now, we are well-equipped to assist Brazil
in filling this supply void,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy
Ward. “This turn of events provides a unique opportunity for both paddy
and milled rice sales.”
Ward added, “We also understand that this temporary tariff suspension is an
effort to stabilize prices due to COVID-19 increased rice purchases and a
drought-related supply shortage in Brazil, but we’re hopeful it will establish
a precedent for importers there to turn to U.S. rice as a viable option in the
future.”
Potential U.S. exports to Brazil will continue to face competition from that
country’s South American neighbors, as well as major Asian exporters, who will
also benefit from the limited duty-free access. U.S. exports to Brazil
over the last decade have averaged less than 1,000 MT annually.
DA chief sees lesser rice imports
for rest of 2021
September 10, 2020
A stall at the San Andres public market sells assorted varieties
of rice in this Businessmirror file photo.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s
total rice imports this year would decline by nearly a quarter to 2.2 million
metric tons (MMT), from last year’s 3 MMT.
“I think we might have about 2.2 million metric tons of rice imports this
year,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar during the House Committee on
Appropriations hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2021 proposed budget.
Despite lower projected import volume, Dar assured the public that rice supply
would be sufficient as local palay production is estimated to reach about 22
MMT, which would give the country a 93-percent rice self-sufficiency level.
The DA has repeatedly pronounced that they expect the country to end the year
with a rice stock sufficient to last by at least 80 days.
The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642 MMT, about 44
percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the private sector to date, Bureau
of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed.
Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached a two-month
high of 139,706.323 metric tons (MT) as importers used 189 sanitary and
phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.
The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered rice traders,
comprising farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders, companies and private
firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.
The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified” underutilization by
traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an “anomalous” activity
that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.
The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the
underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such reasons as the
lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and export ban in
Vietnam.
Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments, rice suppliers
limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port congestion and
holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice than locally
produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Service Division
(NPQSD).
The United States Department of Agriculture projected that the Philippines
would remain as the world’s top rice importer for the second consecutive year
this 2020 with volume reaching 2.6 MMT.
The country’s rice imports last year reached a record-high of 3.1 MMT,
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/10/da-chief-sees-lesser-rice-imports-for-rest-of-2021/
Lawmakers urged to review rice
tariff law
LOW PRICES. The very low farm gate prices of paddy rice, some at
P11 per kilo which is below the production cost of P12, is causing economic
hardships for the rice farmers in Mindanao. (Photo from Unspash)
September 10, 2020
LAWMAKERS asked to review the Rice Tariffication Law after rice
farmers were already affected by the decreased farm gate prices from P22 two
years ago to P11.
Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law of 2018 was signed into law
“to provide affordable rice prices for consumers, coupled with the goal of
raising the income of palay/rice farmers.” For the past two years, the rice
consumers were able to benefit from the lower rice at an estimated value of P6
billion. However, it is a pain in the neck for rice farmers who suffered a loss
of about P80 billion due to reduced income as a result of lower gate prices.
This is according to a research study conducted by the Federation of Free
Farmers.
In a post on Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Secretary Manny Pinol’s
official Facebook page, a resolution was passed by Minda governing board,
Regional Development Council heads, and private sector representatives. The
resolution, submitted by private sector representative Engr. Sherwin Begyan and
seconded by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, urges lawmakers to review
RA 11203 as it allows “unimpeded entry of imported rice in the country.”
“During the discussions, it was pointed out that the very low farm gate prices
of paddy rice, some at P11 per kilo which is below the production cost of P12,
is causing economic hardships for Mindanao’s rice farmers and could adversely
affect the economic recovery efforts of Mindanao,” read Pinol’s Facebook post.
“In the process, the law allows importers to bring in as much imported rice
provided they pay the tariffs which in turn will be placed under the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) which assures the rice industry of a
P10-B annual support for the next six years,” it adds.
He also said a copy of the resolution will be endorsed to the Senate and
Congress for review and action.
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https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1869801/Davao/Business/Lawmakers-urged-to-review-rice-tariff-law
Rice Polisher Market 2020: Regional Insights, Trends &
Growth Forecast To 2026 | SATAKE Group, FH SCHULE Muehlenbau, Pavan Group
September 11, 2020
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New Study Affirms Risk of Diabetes Associated With White Rice,
Especially in South Asia
A new study shows the risk of
getting diabetes by consuming white rice, experts suggest brown rice instead of
white rice.
Updated:September 10, 2020, 3:26 PM IST
Rice. (Image for representation.)
Many types of research in the past have established, through
numerous studies conducted in the area of health and nutrition, that
consumption of white rice increases the risk of getting diabetes. A new study
has now emerged that only cements the understanding.
The multinational Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE)
study, conducted by a cohort of researchers, offers much more insight into the
association of white rice with the risk of diabetes.
White rice is known to be rich in carbohydrates and possesses a
high glycemic index (GI) score. This impacts the blood sugar level and can be a
possible cause for developing diabetes if consumed in large portions,
especially in dinner.
According to the report published in the September issue of
the Diabetes Care journal,
previous studies conducted on the subject were limited to a few countries,
predominantly in Asia. This study was conducted over a period of 9.5 years with
a sample size of 132,373 individuals aged between 35 and 70 years. It spanned
across 21 countries around the world.
Key findings of the study suggest that over the period of study,
6,129 individuals without baseline diabetes developed incident diabetes. The
research clearly showed that a higher intake of white rice, considering over
450 grams of rice per day, was associated with increased risk of diabetes.
The highest risk was observed in south Asia in comparison with
other regions of the world including South East Asia, Middle East, South
America, North America, Europe, and Africa. However, there was an exception
when it came to China. In China, no significant relationship could be
established.
White rice is a staple food of many Indians and is popular in
the entire south-Asian region. In measured quantities, it has health benefits
too. It is often recommended by doctors and dieticians even for patients
suffering from diabetes. However, many experts suggest brown rice instead of
white rice as it contains relatively low levels of starch.
Govt fails to reach rice purchase
target despite extended deadline
Published: 11 Sep 2020 12:08 PM BdST Updated: 11 Sep 2020 12:08 PM BdST
·
·
The government is falling behind
its target in buying 2.1 million tonnes of Boro rice despite an extended
deadline.
Millers are refusing to sell rice
to the government, breaching their contracts, as the price offered by the
government does not match the market price. Under the circumstances, the
government cannot reach its target to buy rice. Bangladesh has produced 20
million tonnes of Boro rice this year.
Floods and the coronavirus
epidemic harmed the rice mills, pushing them into losses.
The government plans to take
necessary action against those who did not comply with the contracts. The
government will, however, assess if the millers could not supply rice due to
adverse weather.
The Food Planning and Monitoring
Committee under the Ministry of Food decided to purchase 1.9 million tonnes of
Boro rice this year, setting the prices of Boro paddy at Tk 26 per kg and
parboiled and Atap or sundried rice at Tk 36. Later, the government raised the
purchase target to 2.1 million tonnes.
The authorities began to buy Boro
paddy on Apr 26 and Boro rice on May 7. The collection, scheduled to finish by
Aug 31, was extended to Sept 15.
According to the Ministry of
Food, the government bought 888,917 tonnes of rice, including 213,067 tonnes of
Boro rice, 598,748 tonnes of parboiled rice and 88,604 tonnes of sundried rice
as of Sept 8.
Government warehouses have stored more than 1.41 million tonnes
of grains, including 1.14 million tonnes of rice and 269,000 tonnes of wheat.
Some people did not fulfil their
commitment to sell paddy and rice to the government, Food Secretary Mosammat
Nazmanara Khanum told bdnews24.com.
"Husking mills couldn't buy
paddy due to bad weather and an increase in the market price this year. What
action can we take against them as their business is already suffering? We have
no plan to take action against them but motivate them instead."
The government is taking
necessary steps against those automatic rice mills that never sold rice under
contract, the food secretary said.
"We have given directives to
the finance ministry, deputy commissioners and other government bodies to
ensure that those millers who didn't sell rice to the government breaching
their contracts, never get the incentive package provided by the
government."
The government is listing those
who sold rice under contract and those who did not. "In future, we'll
provide an incentive for those who supplied the full quantity of rice to the
government and deprive those who didn't," Nazmanara said.
Many millers did not sell rice to
the government as the market price was higher than the government price.
"We need to consider the market situation while applying the contract
clauses. We'll identify the defaulters considering the entire situation after
the rice collection deadline is over," she said.
"We'll scrutinise why some
people could not sell the rice to the government at all; whether they did not
have the capacity or there were other factors. There won't be equal measures
taken for all. We'll evaluate and decide the form of punishment."
bdnews24.com asked the food
secretary if the price fixed by the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee has
caused any problem.
"The committee finalises the
price based on the production cost of paddy and rice fixed by the Ministry of
Agriculture," she said.
"The market price is higher.
In an open market economy, traders fix the prices. Rice prices should not shoot
up if we take production and demand into account. Traders have illogically
hiked the prices, forcing consumers to pay more."
Traders buy rice from millers and then sell it to the wholesale
and retail market, the secretary said. The commerce ministry must see why the
rice that cost Tk 30 per kg sells for Tk 40 per kg.
"We've written to the
commerce ministry asking the authorities to look into the issue. We've seen
that production did not decrease, demand did not increase — we fixed the prices
accordingly. We're trying our best to enable people to buy rice at the price we
fixed. But we can't fix the rice price in an open-market economy. If the market
price becomes exorbitant, we supply the rice under OMS or other programmes to
control it."
They are yet to have the full
information on the quantity of grains stored by all the farmers, traders and
millers in the country, said Nazmanara.
"Those who cannot bear a
financial loss didn't sell rice to the government. This time they can't sell
rice to the government even if it puts them in jail," said Layek Ali,
general secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association.
"Why would the millers sell
rice to the government at Tk 36 per kg when the same rice is sold at Tk 41-42
in the market amid the coronavirus pandemic?"
Many of the millers will have to
sell out their mills if they want to supply rice at the government rate, said
Ali. "Many mills are struggling for their existence during the pandemic
and floods. We don't know what is going to happen."
The millers appealed to the food
ministry several times to increase the rice prices, which was never considered,
an official of the ministry said, asking not to be named. So, the millers did
not sell their rice to the government anymore, he said.
Besides the millers, people have
a large quantity of food grains stored with them, though the exact amount is
not known, said Sarwar Mahmud, director-general of the Food Directorate.
"It's hard to assume what
quantity of grains people are storing. As there has been a bumper harvest this
year, the grains must be stored somewhere."
Rice exporters organise
training on juvenile rights
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Top rice exporters of Pakistan Thursday arranged a training
workshop to train the women as well as rice millers to sensitize them regarding
basic Juvenile rights of the children of female agriculture workers, especially
the rice transplanters.
“We are providing best facilities for promoting decent working
conditions for the rice transplanter women and their children in rice value
chain from agro-fields to rice mills, said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd
(RPL), a rice exporting and philanthropic organization, addressing the training
workshop here.
The organization including Rice Partners Ltd (RPL) in
collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one-day training workshop on
“Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure Sustainable Rice Production”, by
Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation here.
Zafar Iqbal said that at the training workshop they were
engaging the women workers of the rice fields and 40 rice mills coming from
major rice businesses of Punjab province. He said that the organization had
trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters and also provided them awareness on
juvenile rights. He said that RPL had prioritized to provide awareness for
protection of rice transplanter children, including the families working in
whole rice value chain to provide them decent working environment.
Zafar said RPL was a social impact business that worked with
thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab to provide them with the best
growing practices for enhancing their yields and livelihoods. He said around
15000 families were engaged only from district Sheikhupura and more then
100,000 from all over the Punjab. Usually all members from a family take part
in transplanting work, he added. Zafar said that children from those families
also accompanied their parents.
More than 40 rice mills including organizations from development
sectors, academia and media personnel participated in the event.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/665240/rice-exporters-organise-training-on-juvenile-rights/
Agriculture sector: Rice exporters discuss juvenile rights
Leading rice exporters arrange training workshop to raise
awareness among women and rice millers
APPSeptember 11, 2020
ISLAMABAD:
Leading rice
exporters of Pakistan arranged a training workshop on Thursday to raise
awareness among women and rice millers regarding basic juvenile rights of the
children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.
Rice Partners
Country Manager for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Zafar Iqbal said that his firm provided best facilities for promoting decent
working conditions among rice transplanting women and children throughout the
rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills. He added that his organisation
had trained 30,000 female rice transplanters and also raised awareness
regarding juvenile rights.
Addressing the event, Senior Corporate and
Development sector Consultant Annan Waffi Qureshi said that juvenile rights
should be prioritised in every sector of the economy including agriculture.
Published in The Express
Tribune, September 11th, 2020.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in
the conversation.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2263439/agriculture-sector-rice-exporters-discuss-juvenile-rights
Rice exporters
organize training to protect rights of agri women's children
Published On 10 September,2020 05:31
pm
Over 40 rice mills including organizations from
development sectors in the event.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Top rice
exporters of Pakistan Thursday arranged training workshop to train the women as
well as rice millers to sensitize them regarding basic Juvenile right of the
children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.
"We are providing best
facilities for promoting decent working conditions for the rice transplanter
women and their children in rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills,
said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), a rice exporting and
philanthropic organization, addressing the training workshop here.
The organization including Rice
Partners Ltd (RPL) in collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one
day training workshop on "Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure
Sustainable Rice Production", by Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss
Intercooperation here.
Zafar Iqbal said that at the
training workshop they were engaging the women workers of the rice fields and
40 rice mills coming from major rice businesses of Punjab province.
He said that the organization had
trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters and also provided them awareness on
juvenile rights.
He said that RPL had prioritized
to provide awareness for protection of rice transplanter children, including
the families working in whole rice value chain to provide them decent working
environment.
Zafar said RPL was a social
impact business that worked with thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab
to provide them with the best growing practices for enhancing their yields and
livelihoods.
He said around 15000 families
were engaged only from district Sheikhupura and more then 100,000 from all over
the Punjab.
Usually all members from a family
take part in transplanting work, he added.
Zafar said that children from
those families also accompanied their parents.
While addressing the training
workshop, renowned senior child rights activist and consultant Sadia Hussain
said that physical, emotional and psychological health of children belonging to
agriculture workers must be considered for conducive working environment in
rice value chain.
She said that physical and mental
torture not badly impacted the children s life but also suffered the
working condition.
She said that the protection of
children and vulnerable adults was a collective societal responsibility.
Sadia Hussain said that the right
to name, health, food, education, freedom of expression and association
children must be protected besides the right to respect regardless of race,
colour and creed.
She such children must be
protected against abuses and violence like forced labor and any physical or
emotional torture.
Senior Corporate and Development
sector Consultant, Annan Waffi Qureshi on the occasion said that juvenile right
should be prioritized in every sector including agriculture side.
He highlighted the mode of
communication to create the awareness for children right and their protection,
especially who are belongs to the families working in rice value chain.
On the occasion, Field Manager,
Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Zahid Rehman said that they were providing
these children with the moveable backpack canopies covered from all sides to
avoid the insects and provision of shelters along with the dry food,
repellents, and water coolers in rice cultivation region of the Punjab.
Zahid Rehman said that working
conditions of the farm were highly hazardous and exposed children to several
risks of insect bites, injuries and infections, exposure to extreme heat and
pesticides without any shelter.
Similarly, for the larger group
of families working jointly a farm level, a bigger shelter tent along with
solar plates, fans, air cooler, water cooler and first aid boxes were provided
to keep the children in a healthy and safe environment at farm level, he said.
More than 40 rice mills including
organizations from development sectors, academia and media personnel
participated in the event.
Section144 imposed in Pipli grain market
Rally against Centre’s ordinances today
·
Posted: Sep 10, 2020 07:09 AM (IST)
District officials at the grain
market in Pipli on Wednesday.
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, September 9
Ahead of the ‘Kisan Bachao, Mandi
Bachao’ rally in Kurukshetra on September 10, the Deputy Commissioner imposed
Section 144 restricting the gathering of five or more people at Pipli grain
market on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner Sharandeep
Kaur said, “The Bhartiya Kisan Union has given a call for a rally, but due to
Covid, no permission has been granted by the district administration. We have
been urging the public to stay at home and not to reach the rally site. To
maintain the law and order situation, Section 144 has been imposed. Besides
this, a three-tire security arrangement has been made. Duty magistrates have
been appointed at Thanesar, Pehowa, Shahabad, and Ladwa and 54 nakas have been
set up. Along with the reserve police force, nearly 600 police personnel and
officials will remain on duty. We have appealed to the farmer leaders to withdraw
their call for the rally.”
Surjewala slams leaders’ ‘illegal
detention’
Chandigarh: Congress leader
Randeep Singh Surjewala has condemned the "illegal detention of farmer
leaders to sabotage" the September 10 rally. Asking the BJP-JJP government
to refrain from its crude attempt to undermine the joint strength of farmers,
traders and labourers, Surjewala said that the venue of the public meeting,
Pipli mandi, has been converted into a 'police cantonment' and the shopkeepers
of the grain market were being served notice for closing their shops.
While Opposition political
parties have come out in support of the farmers, the BJP has appealed to the
farmers’ union to withdraw its call.
Congress leader Ashok Arora said
that the BJP has not only been taking anti-farmers decisions, but it has also
been trying to suppress their voice. Instead of asking the farmers to withdraw
their rally, the administration should have imposed some conditions and told
them to maintain social distancing and limit the numbers of farmers.”
AAP leader Jawaharlal Goyal said,
“The kisan cell of AAP will participate in the rally. The administration should
have given permission to the farmers.”
INLD district chief Buta Singh
said, “The BJP has been taking anti-farmer decisions. We condemn the decision
of not allowing the rally.”
BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh
said, “We have submitted repeated memorandums but no attention was paid by the
government. The commission agents, labourers and rice millers have extended
support to the farmers. We are ready for every struggle and will not let the
government suppress our voice. The government should allow us to hold a rally
in a peaceful manner.”
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/section144-imposed-in-pipli-grain-market-138922
Japanese businessmen unveil $100mln investment plan for Pakistan
TOKYO: Pak-Japan Business Council
(PJBC) is keen to invest at least $100 million in industrial zones in Pakistan
in line with the interest of Japanese government and private sector to
strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, its top official said.
Rana Abid Hussain, president of
PJBC told the News that the Japan-based nonprofit association would put the
investment pan before Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar who’s scheduled to visit
Japan in the last week of this month.
“We will discuss the plan of
investment in the Punjab’s industrial zone with the governor during his
upcoming visit,” said Hussain. “Japanese investors are interested to capitalise
on investment opportunities apart from projects related to CPEC (China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor).”
PJBC was formed to help business
communities in Pakistan and Japan, promote interests of global companies, small
and medium-sized enterprises, and academic and government organisations engaged
in the Pakistan-Japan corridor. The PJBC provides both the countries network
access and influence required to initiate business development, and innovate
businesses, products, services and ideas.
Hussain said the economic situation
in Pakistan is improving and confidence of foreign investors is restoring.
Japan’s leading and world-renowned pottery company has also expressed interest
in investing in Pakistan and will soon visit along with its representatives, he
said.
A consortium of two of the Japan’s
largest information technology firms unveiled major investment plans for
Pakistan amid a rising demand of industry professionals.
These companies already visited
Pakistan in December last year and held meetings with several stakeholders in
the country. They wanted to launch a financial technology project in Pakistan
and introduce digital payment tools.
Japan intended to extend business
relations with Pakistan and wishes to import mangoes, rice, fish and textile
products from Pakistan. Arrangements at the ports that could facilitate
agriculture product exports were also sought by the Japanese government.
Japanese traders are trying to import medical equipment and surgical instruments
directly from Pakistan. In the past, these devices came to Japan via Germany.
Last year, Pakistan and Japan
signed a memorandum of cooperation that would allow skilled Pakistani workers
to secure employment in the East Asian island nation. The agreement envisages
opening up 14 Japanese sectors for Pakistan’s workers, including construction,
information technology, nursing, manufacturing and engineering. Japan is
developing a new work visa policy as it expected to welcome around 340,000
skilled workers from across the world, including Pakistan, to make up
shortfalls in its domestic labor market.
Hybrid rice
yield likely to increase by 40-50pc in Sindh, S.Punjab
Iqtidar
Gilani
LAHORE
- Hybrid coarse varieties of rice are
likely to give 40-50 per cent more yield in Sindh and South Punjab this year.
Favourable weather conditions, good and timely rains, improved seed quality and
proper technical support from seed companies resulted in more yield that would
enhance income of growers. “Hybrid rice is getting good yield. At least 40-50%
more yield is expected this year which means increase in growers income in the
same proportions”, said stakeholders of rice sector. “Coarse varieties like
Superfine is already in the market for the last couple of weeks. New Superfine
is healthy. Same is for hybrid paddy, reaching to peak arrival gradually. Some
farmers have 90/100 maunds paddy output which means a healthy return”, said
Guard Agricultural Research & Services Limited (GUARD) Chief Executive
Officer Shahzad Ali Malik, adding, that an average yield with traditional
varieties in South Punjab was 40-50 maunds per acre which with hybrid seed has
improved to 100-110 maunds per acre. “Thus, double the yield means double the
income and a socio-economic change in the life of grower,” he said. He said
that only 6-7 per cent area is being cultivated with Hybrid rice in South Punjab
and next year it is expected to reach 15-16 per cent. He said that 30-35 per
cent area in Sindh is already under hybrid seed varieties and it is expected
that by next season the figure may reach 50 per cent in Sindh alone. He said
that some 40 companies were dealing in hybrid seed but only a few including
their have own research and development facilities. He proudly disclosed that
his company has lion’s share in the hybrid seed business and about 50 to 60 per
cent seed is being marketed by his company. Referring to last year’s failure of
rice crop in Sindh, Malik said that temperature increase due to climate change
had failed the rice crop last year. This year too rice crop in Larkana district
had seen some difficulties due to high temperature. “For tackling this problem,
we have introduced heat tolerant and drought tolerant varieties and working
continuously on to improve their performance further,” he added. Rice Exporters
Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Shahjahan Malik hoped that Pakistan can
add one million tons of more rice in the next five years thus making more
surplus available for export. However, he said that everyone should not be
allowed to import hybrid rice and sell.
“Only
the companies with proper infrastructure and research facilities should be
allowed to import hybrid seed”, he said.
https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2020/hybrid-rice-yield-likely-to-increase-by-40-50pc-in-sindh-s-punjab
Vietnam seeks
to bolster rice exports to Africa
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Thursday, 2020-09-10
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NDO/VNA – Rice exports of Vietnam to African nations have been
on the rise and the upward trend may continue in the next year. |
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The Asia-African Market Department at the Ministry of Industry
and Trade has joined hands with trade offices to arrange webinars introducing
potential of the African and Middle East markets, which drew hundreds of
Vietnamese firms. African countries, especially those in the western region, have
high demand for rice because local production cannot meet demand, especially
during years with natural hazards, crop failure, political instability and
diseases. Algeria, in particular, relies entirely on rice imports,
according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the country. The surge in its rice consumption is attributed to the increase
of Asian migrants in the country, particularly Chinese workers. Algeria
purchased about 100,000 tonnes of rice per year, equivalent to 1% of the
country’s food consumption. Vietnam shipped in excess of 16,390 tonnes of rice to the
African country in 2019, fetching US$6.28 million, a leap of 20.8% in value
from the previous year. The figure hit US$14.58 million in the first six months
of 2020, accounting for 58% of Vietnam’s total export value to Algeria. Similarly, Senegal imports up to 800,000 tonnes of rice a year,
primarily broken rice. Vietnam’s rice exports to Senegal witnessed a sharp increase to
96,665 tonnes in 2019, earning US$32.62 million, rising 13.1-fold in volume
and 10.2-fold in value. The country shipped rice worth US$26.47 million in the first
seven months of 2020, a year-on-year surge of 77.2%. This year, Senegal is projected to import 1.25 million tonnes of
the grain. In both markets, Vietnamese rice faces tough competition from
products of India, Thailand, Pakistan, Uruguay and China, among others. The Vietnam Trade Office is keeping a close eye on adjustments
in trade policies and rice import demand in the region, as well as import and
payment regulations, especially in the context of COVID-19, to promptly
inform businesses. |
https://en.nhandan.org.vn/business/item/9063902-vietnam-seeks-to-bolster-rice-exports-to-africa.html
Revitalizing our
agriculture research and extension system
September 10, 2020
Research and extension (R&E)
are vital ingredients in promoting robust agricultural growth and development.
It is through R&E that innovations are generated and their results
disseminated to farmers and fisherfolk. Not surprisingly, a study by the
International Food Policy and Research Institute in 2000 revealed that among
investments in agriculture, those in R&E yielded the highest returns (48
percent for research and 62 percent for extension).
In the Philippines, agricultural
technological innovations are generated foremost by educational research
institutions, like state universities and colleges (SUCs), or government-funded
research institutions, including the Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice) and Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). As for extension, the dissemination
of those technological innovations and new knowledge in agriculture has become
the main function of local government units (LGUs).
Recall that the Local Government
Code of 1991 devolved the delivery of basic services to local communities to
LGUs, including agricultural extension services. This move was anchored on the
premise that LGUs are in a better position to understand the needs of their
constituents and can therefore respond more effectively to their needs. That
was the theory, but the reality is it did not pan out that way.
The devolution of these services
did not result in the improvement of this delivery for a number of reasons.
First, many of the municipal-level LGUs did not appoint qualified agricultural
extension workers (AEWs). Many appointees are holders of degrees other than
agriculture, or worse, appointed because of their political loyalty to the
power holders.
Second, the linkage between
research institutions (where technological innovations are generated) and the
extension system was disrupted. Thus, there are no regular training programs
conducted to upgrade the knowledge and skills of municipal and provincial AEWs
on latest agricultural technologies and innovative practices in agriculture by
research institutions.
And third, municipalities are too
small as a planning unit to attain economies of scale in production with the
application of modern farming machineries and technologies. The situation is
aggravated by the lack of administrative control by the provincial LGU over
municipal AEWs. This results in uncoordinated planting schedules, lack of
uniformity in planting materials used and uneven application of good
agricultural practices (GAPs), among others.
The solution
The obvious solution to the problem is to organize at the provincial level,
provided that the provincial LGU genuinely prioritizes agricultural
development. Provincial LGUs are in a better position to plan and implement
agricultural and fisheries extension programs because of the following: one,
planning at the provincial level enjoys economies of scale in production. Two,
provincial LGUs are close to the realities of the small farmers and fisherfolk
and hence, can better address their needs and problems. And three, they can
provide sustained annual budgets to improve the livelihood of small farmers and
fisherfolk.
CAMP’s advocacy
The Coalition for Agricultural Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP), a Los
Baños-based group headed by Benigno Peczon and composed mainly of former
professors and alumni of University of the Philippines Los Baños, has
championed the idea of establishing the “province-led agricultural and
fisheries extension systems” (PAFES) for the reasons cited above. The
Department of Agriculture (DA) agreed to pilot-test the proposal in Ilocos
Norte, Quezon, Bohol and a province in Mindanao that is yet to be determined.
The idea is to bring all
extension personnel under a single planning umbrella and effectively link them
to local and national research institutions. This will necessitate that all
extension workers under the municipal LGUs, and extension workers of DA at the
regional level and DA attached agencies such as the Philippine Coconut
Authority, Sugar Regulatory Authority, PhilRice, among others, be placed under
the supervision of the provincial extension office. In this manner, there will
be better coordination in the delivery of extension assistance to farmers and
fisherfolk on various crops and concerns, depending on the collective decision
on what to plan in the various municipalities that comprise the province.
Also, the assistance of local
SUCs and other DA research institutions will be tapped to ensure regular
dissemination of research results, and that regular training programs for
municipal AEWs to upgrade their knowledge and skills are conducted. It has to
be stressed that for the coordinated action between research and extension
systems to work, a realistic provincial agricultural development plan
(responding to market opportunities, locally and internationally) will have to
be formulated first to guide efforts of various stakeholders.
Bottlenecks encountered
While DA has fully supported CAMP’s project proposal, there are two impediments
to the rapid implementation of the project. One is the lack of a dedicated
budget line item for PAFES in the DA’s approved budget for this year and next.
This is a result of the tight budgetary situation of the government due to the
huge resources devoted to responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)
pandemic.
And second, the Covid 19 pandemic
constrained the mobility of experts assisting in the implementation of the
project in the pilot provinces. There is also the prohibition of assembling a
large body of people, which is necessary in conducting training programs in
areas where digital technology is relatively undeveloped.
No stopping a good idea
But CAMP is not discouraged by the turn of events given its realization that
the reform of our extension system is of utmost importance if the country will
have a chance of modernizing its agricultural sector and uplifting the
condition of our small farmers and fisherfolk. Thus, through the initiatives of
some of its experts, the Ilocos Norte experiment is now ongoing. And being
close to Laguna, CAMP members have conducted a series of virtual and physical
meetings with Quezon province agricultural personnel, discussing how the local
coconut industry can be revived and developed.
It is expected that once the
Covid-19 crisis is better managed with the introduction of a vaccine, there
will be a dramatic upsurge in the establishment of PAFES in various provinces
of the country. Many of the provincial governors have already expressed their
interest in establishing their own PAFES as they recognize the importance of it
in strengthening the linkage between research and extension as a vital
ingredient in modernizing our agricultural sector.
Corticosteroids
Should Be First Line of Treatment For Severe COVID-19, WHO Says
By
September 11, 2020NEW
Key Takeaways
- The World
Health Organization is now primarily recommending corticosteroids
(especially dexamethasone) as the first course of treatment for patients
with severe COVID-19.
- Corticosteroids
are not a cure, and taking the drugs if you do not have a severe COVID-19
infection could be harmful.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending steroids as
the new gold standard treatment for some people with severe COVID-19. The
recommendation comes after the global organization completed a meta-analysis of
seven clinical trials which showed that corticosteroids effectively reduce
the risk of death for patients with severe COVID-19.1
The research was published in the Journal
of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on September 2. In
addition to the WHO meta-analysis, three clinical trials of steroids were also
published in JAMA.
The patients with severe COVID-19 who received one of three
corticosteroids—dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, or
methylprednisolone—had an estimated 20% reduced risk of dying from the
infection.
About 60% of patients with severe COVID-19 survive without
taking steroids. The research showed that the survival rate went up to 68% for
patients who were treated with the medication.
According to the findings of the meta-analysis, corticosteroids
reduce the risk of death among critically ill COVID-19 patients by 20%.
The mortality results were consistent across the seven trials,
with dexamethasone and hydrocortisone showing similar results. However, the
researchers could not tell if the effects of methylprednisolone were similar
because there were not enough patients enrolled in those trials.
What This
Means For You
The evidence only supports the
use of corticosteroid in severe cases of COVID-19. Taking steroids will not
prevent or cure COVID-19 infections. You should not take steroids unless your
healthcare provider has prescribed them for you.
An Overview
of COVID-19 Treatments
The
Corticosteroid Connection
Corticosteroids have been assessed in the past for patients with
pneumonia, septic shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Many
COVID-19 patients develop ARDS—a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a
patient’s immune system attacks the lungs. Corticosteroids do not target SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes
COVID-19), but they do help prevent ARDS.2
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are a type of
synthetic steroid hormone. They behave like cortisol, the "stress"
hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are mainly
used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Cortisol and synthetic corticosteroids—including dexamethasone,
hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone—regulate the immune system (particularly
inflammatory responses) as well as regulate glucose metabolism, Nancy R. Gough, PhD, an
adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, tells Verywell.
Severe COVID-19 appears to be caused by an exacerbated
inflammatory response. Corticosteroids can be used to turn down the body's
out-of-control response to inflammation, Gough says.
“Corticosteroids are largely anti-inflammatory drugs,” Todd W. Rice, MD, an associate professor of
medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells Verywell.
“We think they work by decreasing inflammation that the body
develops from the SARS-CoV2 virus,” Rice says.
Patients are not suddenly better
when corticosteroids are given.
— TODD
W. RICE, MD
The inflammation often causes additional damage to the lung and
other organs. By reducing the inflammation with corticosteroids, it can improve
outcomes for patients with more severe COVID-19.
However, corticosteroids do not promise an immediate response,
Rice says. “Patients are not suddenly better when corticosteroids are given.
The disease process is still quite protracted, even when corticosteroids are
given. But the inflammatory markers improve, which is one of the ways
doctors can monitor if the corticosteroids are working.”
A Timeline
of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Dexamethasone:
A New Standard in COVID-19 Care
Other studies have also explored the use of steroids to treat
patients with COVID-19. Some of the data cited by the WHO comes from the
RECOVERY trial.
A July report of preliminary data on the trial was published in
the New
England Journal of Medicine. For the trial, 6,425 patients were
randomized into two groups: 2,104 received dexamethasone and 4,321 did not.3
The randomized patients on ventilators or oxygen who were
given dexamethasone had lower monthly mortality compared to patients who
did not receive respiratory support.3
The WHO’s meta-analysis that appeared in JAMA in
September included RECOVERY trial data. The data showed that 222 of the 678
patients who were randomly given the medicine died. Of the 1,025 patients who
did not receive the medication, 425 died.
Both sets of findings showed that there were fewer deaths among
patients given dexamethasone compared to the patients who did not receive the
medication.
Hallie Prescott, MD, a
professor at the University of Michigan, along with Rice, penned
an accompanying JAMA editorial about the meta-analysis. Both authors said
that the studies provided definitive evidence that corticosteroids should be
the primary treatment for patients who are critically ill with COVID-19.4
The WHO recently released new treatment guidelines endorsing
corticosteroids as the standard of care for patients with “severe and critical”
COVID-19. The WHO said patients should be on the medication for seven to 10
days.5
This is the only treatment that
has shown a clear and convincing reduction in mortality.
— NANCY
R. GOUGH, PH.D.
Overall, there is strong evidence from randomized clinical
trials and a meta-analysis in support of treating some COVID-19 patients with
dexamethasone. Gough says the WHO made a scientifically informed decision based
on strong evidence.
“This is the only treatment that has shown a clear and
convincing reduction in mortality,” Gough says.
“I think the data are pretty definitive now. We now have
multiple large randomized controlled studies that show [the] benefit of
corticosteroids for patients with severe COVID," Rice says. "The WHO
took all of the data into consideration, and the data overwhelmingly support
the use of corticosteroids and demonstrate that they improve outcomes in
patients with severe COVID-19."
Rice adds corticosteroids also decrease the need for ventilation
and help patients come off ventilation faster.
Rice explains that the research shows that corticosteroids are
better than remdesivir, an antiviral medication, for
treating COVID-19. Preliminary data published in May in the New
England Journal of Medicine showed faster recovery times.
However, the results were only found in patients who received oxygen
therapy—they did not extend to people with mild cases or patients on ventilators.6
The assessment of possible COVID-19 treatments is ongoing, and
it’s possible that other options may help patients or add benefits to
corticosteroid use.
“But currently, corticosteroids are the best treatment we have
for patients with COVID-19,” says Rice.
The Facts
About COVID-19 and Pre-Existing Conditions
Corticosteroids
Aren't Right for All COVID Cases
Experts say that patients who do not have critical cases of COVID-19
are not ideal candidates for taking corticosteroids.
“Indiscriminate use of any therapy for COVID-19 would
potentially rapidly deplete global resources and deprive patients who may
benefit from it most as potentially life-saving therapy,” the WHO said in a
statement.
Perhaps even more important than conserving supplies is the
danger of taking corticosteroids if you don’t have severe COVID-19.
“It is important for people to realize that taking
corticosteroids too soon in the course of any infection impairs the body’s
ability to fight the infection,” Gough says. “So, people should not consider
corticosteroids as medicine that should be used for COVID-19 with mild symptoms
or just for someone who has a positive COVID test result.”
Corticosteroids aren’t right for every patient—even in those
with critical cases. For example, they can cause hyperglycemia, which means
people who have diabetes and severe COVID-19 need to have their blood sugar
closely monitored.
Managing
High Blood Sugar Is Key To Reducing COVID-19 Complications: Study
“These medications are not preventative and are detrimental if
taken too soon,” Gough says.
Gough adds that they must be carefully administered, and the
dose should be slowly reduced over time. This allows the adrenal glands to
resume the production of cortisol, and proper blood sugar regulation to be
restored.
Some patients with comorbidities such as pulmonary disease or
heart disease would have difficulty recovering and surviving any serious
respiratory infection that affected the lungs whether or not they were given
corticosteroid treatment, says Gough.
Corticosteroids are often used in any patient receiving
ventilation support for ARDS, and elderly patients with comorbidities are still
those at most risk of dying, Gough says. “Corticosteroids will not save all
patients with severe COVID-19, but are likely to have the most benefit for
those who would have normally survived other serious respiratory
infections."
Corticosteroids will not save all
patients with severe COVID-19, but are likely to have the most benefit for
those who would have normally survived other serious respiratory infections.
— NANCY
R. GOUGH, PHD
Rice agrees.
“People shouldn’t think that corticosteroids save everybody,”
Rice says. “While they do reduce deaths and improve survival, patients are
still dying from COVID-19, even when they are treated with corticosteroids.”
Rice emphasizes that the findings are not “a free pass” to relax
and stop taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The virus still
causes lots of issues, and data are starting to emerge that suggest that it may
cause longer-term issues with fatigue and memory and thinking, also,” he says.
The medical community needs to conduct and complete more trials
for other COVID-19 treatments, says Jonathan A. C. Sterne, PhD,
a medical statistics and epidemiology professor at the University of Bristol in
England. Sterne worked with the WHO on the meta-analysis.
Sterne hopes the public understands that corticosteroids are not
a cure for severe COVID-19. It remains a deadly disease, especially for older
people and those with underlying health conditions. “We urgently need
high-quality research…definitive randomized trials…for both treatments and
vaccines," he says.
WHO
Introduces 2-Phase Plan For COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
https://www.verywellhealth.com/who-recommends-corticosteroids-severe-covid-19-5077300
Scientists: Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes
September 9, 20202 min readNatasha Kumar
White rice has recently been
considered a harmful food. This is due not only to the ability to gain excess
weight. Scientists in a new study found that the use of the product is the
cause of diabetes.
Researchers recruited about
130,000 volunteers to participate in the study. The experiment lasted for 10
years. Thanks to the results obtained, experts have found that eating white
rice increases the risk of diabetes. During the grinding and polishing of the
food, large amounts of nutrients, in particular vitamin B, are removed. At the
same time, cereals have a high glycemic index, which provokes a jump in blood
sugar levels.
An experiment conducted about 8
years ago, in which 45,000 volunteers participated, allowed researchers to find
that the risk of diabetes is increased by 11% in people who eat white rice. But
this indicator varied depending on the country where the study was conducted.
Experts decided to find out the reason for this result. Participants from 21 states
were involved. As a result, it turned out that the disease was often detected
in the inhabitants of South Asia, where cereal is one of the main products.
Also, with the help of additional analysis, it was found that this region is
home to the largest number of people with a genetic predisposition to diabetes,
as well as those whose lifestyle contributes to the manifestation of the
disease. Volunteers from South Asian countries who eat a lot of rice ate
low-fiber foods, dairy products and meat in their diets.
For this reason, people with a
predisposition to the disease need to reduce the amount of white rice they eat
or replace it with unpolished brown rice. It is also important to lead a
healthy lifestyle and review the diet for variety and healthiness. If you have
any health problems, you should consult a doctor.
https://thetimeshub.in/scientists-eating-white-rice-triggers-diabetes/845/
A CO2-induced Reduction in Pathogen Damage to Rice
Paper Reviewed
Dorneles, K.R., Refatti, J.P., Pazdiora, P.C., de Avila, L.A., Deuner, S. and
Dallagnol, L.J. 2020. Biochemical defenses of rice against Bipolaris
oryzae increase with high atmospheric concentration of CO2. Physiological
and Molecular Plant Pathology 110: 101484.
Each year plant pathogens have the
potential to cause serious reductions in crop yields worldwide, which can have
severe impacts on local (and even global) food security. However, it has long
been hypothesized that the air's increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration
is enhancing plant defenses, thereby countering and minimizing yield reductions
due to pathogen damage. The latest study demonstrating support for this
hypothesis comes from the work of Dorneles et al. (2020), who investigated the
impact of elevated CO2 on brown spot disease of rice, caused by the
fungus Bipolaris oryzae. According to
these researchers, brown spot disease "occurs in all rice-growing regions
and is considered one of the main diseases of the crop," causing grain
yield reductions of "up to 90%."
The work was conducted at the
Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil in a field setting
using open-top chambers. Two rice cultivars (BRS Querência and Inov CL) were
grown under ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentrations. At
the V7-V8 phenological stage half of the plants in each CO2 treatment
were subjected to inoculation of B. oryzae. Thereafter, disease
resistance components and biochemical analyses were performed on the sixth,
seventh and eighth leaves (sampling times of 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after
inoculation) to investigate the impact of CO2 fertilization on brown spot
resistance.
Reporting on their findings,
Dorneles et al. write "the reduction of
the severity of brown spot by the increase in CO2 concentration was
indicated by the resistance components, where the relative efficiency of
infection, initial and final number of lesions, rate of lesion expansion and
final lesions size were lower in plants at 700 ppm of CO2, regardless of
cultivar" (see Figure 1). With respect to how elevated CO2 accomplished
this feat, they say "the efficiency of the antioxidant system in rice
plants was enhanced at 700 ppm of CO2, attenuating the deleterious effects caused
by the pathogen and allowing the cells to maintain their integrity and
viability, as evidenced by MDA, a biochemical marker of that cell damage.
Moreover," they add, "the increase in the atmospheric concentration
of CO2 provided greater reinforcement of the cell wall defense by
increasing the concentration of both TSP and DLTGA, at the beginning of the
infection process." This latter observation is important because TSPs are
"compounds considered to be antifungal and are involved in cell wall
reinforcement when accumulated quickly at sites of infection, which is of
paramount importance to restrict infection by the pathogen."
In summarizing their work
Dorneles et al. say their results "show
that the concentration of 700 ppm of CO2 in rice plants attenuates
oxidative damages and reduces the severity of brown spot disease, caused
by B.
oryzae, by intensifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the
accumulation of phenolic compounds and lignin." Such favorable findings
highlight some of the many virtues of CO2 in an age
where this incredible (and essential) molecule is falsely
demonized as a harmful pollutant. Reality is just the opposite.
Figure 1.
Representative images of rice leaves of both cultivars in each CO2 treatment
illustrating the symptoms of brown spot, which were more prevalent and more
severe under ambient CO2 conditions for both cultivars. Source: Dorneles
et al. (2020).
and Global Change. All Righ
http://www.co2science.org/articles/V23/sep/a4.php
Mindanao leaders call for review of rice tarrification
law
By
Che Palicte September
9, 2020, 5:52 pm
Mindanao
Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. (PNA file photo)
DAVAO CITY – Mindanao leaders are
clamoring for Congress to review the rice tarrification law, which allows unimpeded
rice importation, amid the tanking farm gate prices of paddy rice, Mindanao
Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.
In a statement, Piñol noted that the farm gate prices of paddy rice have
dropped from an average of PHP22 per kg. two years ago to just PHP11 per kg.
since Republic Act 11203, or “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation,
and Trading of Rice”, was enacted late last year.
He said MinDA's governing board has recently passed a resolution unanimously urging
both the House of Representatives and the Senate to review and amend the law,
which allows the unimpeded entry of imported rice into the country.
MinDA's governing board includes Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim,
as well as House lawmakers, governors, and mayors who head the Regional
Development Councils (RDC), and private sector representatives in the island
region.
The resolution, Piñol said, was proposed by private sector representative
Sherwin Begyan and seconded by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera
"without any opposition."
He said the measure called for the "review of the Rice Tariffication Law
(RTL) in the face of irrefutable evidence that the unimpeded rice importation
has caused injury to the local rice industry and the rice farmers of
Mindanao."
“The resolution was presented during the MinDA Governing Board meeting as among
the issues and problems, which could affect Mindanao's economic recovery following
the coronavirus pandemic,” Piñol said
During the discussions, he said, MinDA's board members took note of the
"very low farm gate prices of paddy rice," reaching as low as PHP11
per kg., which is less than the production cost of PHP12.
This has caused economic hardships for rice farmers and could adversely affect
Mindanao’s economic recovery efforts, Piñol said.
Zubiri, whose home province of Bukidnon has one of the biggest rice production
areas in Mindanao, also received appeals from rice farmers for a review of the
RTL.
"If it is really causing injury to the rice industry and hardships to our
farmers, then it is only fair that we review the law," Zubiri was quoted
as saying by Piñol.
He noted that while the RTL aims to provide affordable rice prices for
consumers, coupled with the goal of raising the income of palay or rice
farmers, the law also allows importers "to bring in as much imported rice,
provided they pay the tariffs, which in turn will be placed under the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which assures the rice industry of
PHP10 billion annual support for the next six years."
Piñol, however, said studies conducted by the Federation of Free Farmers showed
that while rice consumers benefited from the lower rice prices at an estimated
value of PHP6 billion, rice farmers lost about PHP80 billion because of reduced
income as a result of very low farm gate prices.
“Additional losses, which have yet to be quantified were also reported in
ancillary activities to rice production, including land preparation equipment
utilization, milling, and processing, and by-products like rice bran and rice
hulls,” he said. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114836
January to August rice imports
reach 1.642 MMT, BPI data show
September 9, 2020
File photo: Workers unload tons of rice to be
distributed to Quezon City barangays affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. (NONOY
LACZA)
The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642
million metric tons, about 44 percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the
private sector to date, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the
BusinessMirror showed.
Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached
a two-month high of 139,706.323 MT as importers used 189 sanitary and phytosanitary
import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.
The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered
rice traders, comprising of farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders,
companies and private firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.
In August alone, the BPI issued 365 SPS-IC to registered imports
for the importation of 259,180.060 MT. SPS-ICs have a 60-day must ship out rule
before it expires based on existing rules.
BPI data showed that Puregold Price Club Inc. was the top rice
importer to date with 65,278.65 MT volume followed by Davao San Ei Trading Inc.
with 64,636 MT.
The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified”
underutilization by traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an
“anomalous” activity that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.
The BusinessMirror earlier reported that rice traders and
importers who have unused sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance could be
suspended by the DA as about 60 percent of issued SPS-ICs in the first half,
covering almost 2 million metric tons, remained unutilized as of July 10.
The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture
(DA), said the underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such
reasons as the lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and
export ban in Vietnam.
Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments,
rice suppliers limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port
congestion and holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice
than locally produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine
Service Division (NPQSD).
“Underutilization of approved SPS-ICs without proper
justification is a kind of anomalous activity which can disrupt government
planning for food sufficiency,” NPQSD said in an e-mail interview.
Provinces asked to buy rice, corn from farmers
September 10, 2020 | 7:50 pm
PHILSTAR
GOVERNORS of the top rice and
corn producing provinces were encouraged to purchase the staples directly from
farmers in order to help prop up farmgate prices during the harvest, with the
Department of Agriculture pointing to the availability of government credit for
such purchases.
In a statement, Agriculture
Secretary William D. Dar asked Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pangasinan, Cagayan,
Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, North
Cotabato, and Leyte to help normalize prices of the two commodities.
Mr. Dar said the 12 provinces
combined produced more than 9.74 million metric tons (MT) of palay last year,
accounting for 51.8% of national output.
“Their direct procurement will
significantly shore up the national average farmgate price of palay, thus
helping more farmers,” Mr. Dar said.
According to Mr. Dar, provinces
can apply for loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for palay
direct purchases and machinery procurement, including equipment for
post-harvest facilities.
“We have been closely working
with LANDBANK to provide accessible and affordable credit not only to farmers,
fishers, and agripreneurs, but also to LGUs under the bank’s PAlay aLAY sa
Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan) Program,” Mr. Dar said.
The program, which was launched
in 2019, had initial funding of P10 billion and benefited farmers in Isabela,
Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur.
Mr. Dar has directed the National
Food Authority to make its warehouses available for the use of LGUs and
farmers’ cooperatives and associations.
“As the country’s rice farmers
start reaping this year’s main rice crop, we count on the continued support of
our ‘food security czars’ in partnership with farmers nationwide. Directly
buying their palay is a win-win situation — giving them reasonable income for
their harvest and ensuring an adequate supply of rice for consumers in their
localities,” Mr. Dar said.
During the third week of August,
the Philippine Statistics Authority said the farmgate price of palay was at
P18.39, while the farmgate prices of yellow and white corn grain were at P13.03
and P14.44, respectively. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
https://www.bworldonline.com/provinces-asked-to-buy-rice-corn-from-farmers/
DA releases P140-M machinery to Soccsksargen farmers
By
Richelyn Gubalani September
11, 2020, 5:39 pm
Arlan
Mangelen, Department of Agriculture-Region 12 executive director. (PNA
GenSan file photo)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of
Agriculture (DA) distributed on Thursday around PHP140 million worth of
agricultural machinery to farmers in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) as part of
flagship farm mechanization program.
Arlan Managelen, DA-Region 12
executive director, said the release of the additional farm machinery is part
of the agency’s continuing interventions to help increase productivity and
improve the plight of local farmers in the region.
He cited the need to sustain local
food production in the wake of the continuing coronavirus disease 2019
(Covid-19) pandemic.
The machinery was formally turned
over to qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations during a mass
distribution ceremony on Thursday at the DA-12’s Research and Experiment
Station in Tupi town, South Cotabato.
Mangelen said the bulk of the
assistance, worth around PHP94 million, was released by the Philippine Center
for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the
mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
He said these include four-wheel
drive tractors, precision seeders, walk-behind and riding type transplanters,
reapers, combine harvesters and mobile rice mill.
The regional office also
distributed some PHP46 million worth of machineries, comprising threshers, seed
spreaders, hand tractors, transplanters, floating tillers, corn shellers, corn
mill and coffee pulpers, he said.
“This was funded under DA’s banner
programs,” Mangelen said in a statement on Friday.
He cited the agency's expanded
rice, corn, high-value crops and organic agriculture programs, which are being implemented
in the region's four provinces and five cities.
Soccsksargen comprises the
provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and
the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
Mangelen said the machinery will
directly benefit more than 4,000 farmers from parts of the region, including
those in far-flung areas. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115174
4K Davao farmers benefit from P53-M agri-machinery
By
Che Palicte September
10, 2020, 5:55 pm
AGRICULTURAL
MACHINERY. Agriculture
Secretary William Dar (3rd from right) leads the turn-over of agricultural
machinery worth PHP53.8 million to rice farmers on Wednesday (Sept. 9, 2020) in
Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The machinery includes floating tillers, hand
tractors, transplanter, and precision seeders. (Photo courtesy of
DA-11)
DAVAO CITY-- Department of Agriculture (DA)
Secretary William D. Dar has led the distribution of the PHP53.8 million worth
agricultural machinery to the Davao region rice farmers in Tagum City, Davao
del Norte, on Wednesday.
The agricultural machinery includes 32 floating tillers, 23 hand tractor, 13
combine harvester, 13 four-wheel tractors, eight riding type transplanter, four
walk-behind transplanters, one reaper and, one Precision Seeder.
It will serve 4,057 rice farmers from 23 farmers cooperatives/associations
(FCAs) in the 13 municipalities of the Davao region.
In a statement Thursday, DA said the assistance is under the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization component.
Under the “Rice Tariffication Law”, the RCEF or rice fund will be utilized to
improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the
Philippine rice trade policy that lifted quantitative restrictions on rice
imports and replaced it with tariffs, among others.
It has a PHP10 billion annual appropriation and disbursed as follows: rice farm
machinery and equipment (50%), rice seed development, propagation, and
promotion (30%), expanded rice credit assistance (10%) and, rice extension
services (10%).
During the turnover ceremony, Dar highlighted the agency's priority programs to
help rice farmers reduce the cost of production and increase their income.
"We give the highest priority on rice production to increase the country's
rice adequacy from 86 to 93 percent and this is the best way possible to
increase the productivity of our rice farmers," he said.
He added that the mechanization support given was only the first tranche of the
2019 RCEF Mechanization allocation and farmers should expect that more
machinery assistance will be provided for rice farmers in the region.
“These farmer-beneficiaries have undergone hands-on training through
DA-PhilMech prior to the distribution activity. We make sure that we have a
pool of agri-mechanics to maintain and take good care of this mechanization
support,” Dar said.
DA-11 Director Ricardo Oñate, Jr. assured the rice farmers that the delivery of
support and services has been intensified especially during the current health
situation.
"Aside from RCEF that provides mechanization, seeds, training, and credit
support, we have also distributed financial subsidies and cash assistance under
the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA). We also have the Rice Resiliency
Project (RRP) under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program to expand rice production
and provide farmers with free bags of quality seeds and fertilizers,"
Oñate said.
Oñate said the agency is currently coordinating with the local government units
to provide support to rice farmers such as transportation service and the Rice
Processing Complex (RPC) to help farmers in processing their palay.
“For our rice farmers to prosper, we need to help them transition from mere
producers to traders of their own rice grain. We will not only provide
production and mechanization services but most importantly marketing support,”
he said. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114964
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2263439/agriculture-sector-rice-exporters-discuss-juvenile-rights
Introducing
the New Normal
Come September, the denizens of the tinsel town
gear up for unlimited treats in shape of BBQ parties, appetizing winter feasts,
retreats to nearby hill stations and of course garden parties and ballroom
dinners. The Islamabad weather becomes too tempting to ignore the chilly
evenings, the frosty nights, the sun-bathing afternoons and dewed grass
mornings thus offering Islamabad residents to savour the flavour of their
liking.
Not to the surprise of many, CEO, South &
Central Asia, Serena Hotels, Mr. Aziz Boolani organized a lunch get-together at
one of the restaurants of the hotel to be the first one to announce the “New
Normal” social get together. Guests mostly from the diplomatic core were
presented with masks, capped in plastic covers and sanitization bottles before
being navigated to the outer garden adjacent to “Wild Rice” restaurant. Soft
drinks, fresh seasonal juices and ascetically crafts assortments in with
canopies were making rounds between the guests.
UK secures first post-Brexit free trade agreement with Japan
After soothing the eyes with fresh greenery all
around and admiring the beautifully maintained Serena gardens, the guests led
by the host and the Dean of the diplomatic core were invited indoors to an open
seating arrangements with chairs distantly placed. For many attendees it
was a first social outing in terms of causal business meet- up if one may call
it and so was the discussion at the table. Many were exchanging notes on how
their respective countries handled the pandemic and how have they recovered.
Syed Muhammad Ali Hosseini, Iran’s ambassador
to Pakistan who is relatively newly posted, was very much pleased how Iran
handled the situation being only the second country in the world after China to
be hit by the pandemic. Like many other countries around the world, Iran too
was taken by surprise as health departments are usually not prepared to handle
such a big influx of patients and that too of a diseases not known to many. The
numbers of infested patients and deaths due to Covid-19 had their ups and downs
but with a passage of time, Iran successfully brought down the numbers to two
digits, he informed.
Mohammed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco, and
Ali Alizada, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, too seem to be satisfied as the pandemic
had not played havoc in their respective homelands.” We were in a complete
lockdown months ago and now we are adopting smart lockdown. The tourism will
reopen most likely in October to the international world whereas we also plan
to open academic institutions in mid September just like Pakistan”, the
ambassador of Azerbijan informed. Tourism in Azerbaijan increased leaps and
bounds in last few years of this central Asian state and one could find many
Pakistanis visiting its capital Baku. The countries carpet industry, museums,
historical architectural sites and of course Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire
which blazes continuously on hillside on Caspian Sea near Baku is
the show stopper.
Although there was no formal speech by the
host, Mr. Boolani did announce the departure of Mr. Akbar Khokhar, as
Pakistan’s ambassador designate to Austria, and currently DG (America). Another
Pakistani ambassador who has recently returned after completing his assignment
in a European country was of the view that Covid-19 had caused a big pileup of
positing delays in the foreign office.
“Many foreign office personnel including
ambassadors have been waiting for four, five months now to be posted abroad” he
confined. Pakistan will soon have new ambassadors in United Kingdom, Austria,
Denmark, China, Sweden, Nepal, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and a few other
African and Asia Pacific and Central Asian countries.
Talking to the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan,
Mr. Mustafa Yundakul, a guest appreciated the Turkish dramas and their
popularity graph in Pakistan. It is no hidden fact that plays like Mera Sultan
had a very high number of eye balls when it was running on a local network in
Pakistan. Now the historical season Ertugrul has taken the Pakistani viewers by
storm even though it is available on Netflix with subtitles and on Pakistan
Television with adaptation in Urdu language.
The protagonist Ertugrul played by Engin Altan
is a very popular figure in Pakistan and so is his wife Halime Hatun’s
character essayed by Esra Bilgic. Both these celebrities have signed a few
contracts with local Pakistani brands as well.
The dialogue on different interesting topics
continued during the lunch as the guests appreciated the specially prepared
meal by the host. The Sushi & Sashimi and Vietnamese Ummer rolls with
Roasted Peanuts and sweet chili dip were served as starters followed by Asian
Pumpkin Soup with lemon grass infused poached prawns and shitake mushrooms.
Main course included Szechwan Prawns, Black Pepper beef, Chicken Kung Pao and
stir Fry vegetables with sticky rice. Strawberry beverages with organic mint
and lemon Sorbet flavoured with ginger were the last to come accompanied by
lemon grass tea.
https://nation.com.pk/11-Sep-2020/introducing-the-new-normal
Importance Of Agriculture In Pakistan
September 10, 2020September 10,
2020 Muhammad Dilawaiz
Khan Agriculture, Importance, Pakistan
Agriculture is the of process of
cultivation of land or soil for production purpose. As an
agriculturist/agronomist, Agriculture plays a very vital role in the economy of
Pakistan and its development. 48% of the labor force is engaged directly with
agriculture.
So, it is the main source of living or income of the major part of
the economy population. About 70% of the population is related to agriculture
directly or indirectly. Agriculture is the major source of food for the huge
population of Pakistan. Agriculture is also the major source of the provision
of raw martial to the industrial sector of Pakistan. Its
contribution towards GDP is about 25% which is higher than the contribution of
any other sector. The following are the main points of the importance of agriculture
for the Pakistan economy.
Source of
Employment:
Pakistan as a developing economy the employment on a consistent
level has much importance. In this behalf, agriculture has much importance
because it provides employment directly or indirectly to the public. Employment
directly affects the GSP of the economy as well as the per capita income. With
the increase in per capita income living standard increases, higher hygiene
facilities & better education facilities are also increasing. All these signs
are the factors of economic development. So, we can say that agriculture has a
great contribution to economic development by providing employment.
Food Requirement:
The population growth rate of Pakistan is increasing rapidly.
According to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) human
development report, the population growth rate of Pakistan is 2% per year. So,
with the rapidly increasing population, the food requirement is also increasing
rapidly. In this behalf agriculture is the only major sector which is meeting
the increasing requirement of food. It also reduces the import of food from
other economies. So, we can say that the agriculture sector is playing a very
vital role in the development of Pakistan by providing food for massive
population as well as supporting economic growth.
Contribution in
Exports:
Major exports or cash crops of Pakistan are wheat, rice, and
cotton. 9.8 billion Bales of cotton are produced per year. Rice crop is
produced 4.3 million tons per year. These agricultural commodities are exported
to various countries against foreign exchange. This foreign exchange is
utilized for the import of industrial or technological equipments such as
machinery or automobiles. Further this foreign exchange is utilized to improve
the infrastructure of the economy or for improving the other sector of the
economy like education, health, and investments.
Raw Material for
Industries:
Industries have great importance for the development of any
country especially for developing economies like Pakistan. Industries need raw
material to produce finish goods. In Pakistan agriculture provides raw material
to industries. Cotton is a very important agricultural production which is also
a major export of Pakistan. It is used as a raw material in textile industries.
The production of these textile industries is exported to various countries
against foreign exchange. Livestock is also an agricultural sector. It also
plays a very important role to export goods by providing the raw material to
various industries like sports goods industries and leather industries. So, in
this way agriculture helps to Pakistan economy and its growth toward
development.
Infrastructural
Development:
Infrastructure plays a very important role in the development of
any economy. It is fuel to the economic development. Well organized
infrastructure is a key to development because of quick means of transportation
of agricultural goods or commodities (raw material or finish goods) and
communication. On the distribution purpose of agricultural products good and
quick means of transportation are required this intends to improve the
infrastructure rapidly. Hence, agriculture plays an important role in the
development of transportation for the purpose of distribution of goods.
Increase in GDP
Level:
Agriculture has a huge contribution toward the GDP of Pakistan
economy. it contributes about 25% of total GDP, which is larger than other
sectors of Pakistan. An increase in GDP shows the development progress of the
economy. It has played a very important role since independence toward the GDP
of Pakistan. Now agriculture is the 3rd largest sector of contributing to GDP.
Livestock and fisheries are a huge sector of
agriculture in order to provide employment. Employment contributes to GDP; it
is as with the increase in employment the per capita income will increase which
results in to increase in the GDP rate of the economy.
Decreasing in
Rural Poverty:
The agriculture sector has played a very important role in order
to reduction of rural poverty. From 1975 to 2000 the GDP growth rate of
agriculture was about 4.1% per year. Green revolution technology in irrigation,
improved seeds, and fertilizers played a very vital role to increase the
agricultural production which results in increase in GDP. Through this
technology farmers with land gain the opportunity to increase their production.
So, in this way, arable lands became cultivated lands and farmers got the
market of agricultural products against some return.
Development of
the Banking Sector:
Agriculture has also contributed a great role in the development
of the banking sector. As the government realized the importance of
agriculture, it takes steps to improve the productivity of crops by providing
the credit facilities to the farmers at low-interest rates. With utilizing
these credits farmers can produce more and more crops. For this purpose, the
government established the ZTBL and other financial institutes for the
provision of credit facilities. So, in this way the development of the banking
sector takes place.
Farm
Mechanization:
The introduction of farm mechanization in the agricultural sector
had played a very effective role in the development of the economy. With the
use of modern machinery in agricultural lands causes more and high-quality
production of crops. So, the provision of raw material to the industries
increases. Due to an increase in productivity level the export rate of major
export crops is increased which causes foreign exchange and economic
development.
Use of
Nanotechnology:
In the agricultural sector use of modern technology like
nanotechnology has played a very vital role in the development of the economy.
This technology is used for producing high yielding variety with high-quality
products. High-quality products result in a high rate of return to the farmers
and the per capita income of farmers increases. An increase in per capita
income shows the growth of the economy toward development.
Role of Dairy
Farming:
Dairy farming from the agricultural sector has also played a great
role in economic development. Livestock or dairy farming has a huge
contribution to economic growth. The annual protein per capita is 18 kg of meat
and 155 litters of milk. This is the highest rate in South Asia. Milk and meat
and their by-products have a good market. Farmers can receive a good return by
producing and providing these products to the market. This process results in
an increase in per capita income as well as an increase in the national income
of the economy.
Role of Textile
Industries:
In the economic development textile industries plays a very
important role. These industries totally depend on agriculture production in
raw form. Cotton is the major crop which is used as raw material for these
industries for production purpose. Further, these products are exported to many
economies against foreign exchange. So, cotton as raw material from the
agriculture side contributes to an increase in NI (National Income). Textile
industries also provide employment levels which increases the per capita income
of the person. Hence, the contribution of textile industries in the development
of the economy has much importance.
Role of Sugar
Industries:
The sugar industry is also one of the major sectors of economy
which has great importance according to the development of economy. This is a
totally agriculturally based industry. Sugar cane is produced on a very large
scale in many areas of Pakistan. This further supplies sugar industries for the
production of sugar and other by-products which has a great market. As
large-scale industries, these also help to provide employment levels to the
public. This results in an increase in per capita income as well as improves
living standards.
Rice Export
Corporation:
Many areas of Pakistan have much importance according to the
production of rice crops. In some areas, the world most famous rice crop is
produced. A huge quantity is exported to many economies against foreign
exchange. This foreign exchange is further utilized in the import of some other
products like modern technology or machinery or this is utilized for the
improvement of infrastructure of the economy.
Role of Fishery:
As a biologist/zoologist, the Fishing industry plays a very
important role in the development of the national economy. With a coastline of
814 km, Pakistan has enough resources for that remains to fully develop. This
is also the major export of Pakistan.
Forestry:
About 4% of the land is covered with forests in Pakistan. This is
the major source of paper, lumber, fuel-wood, and latex medicine. It is also
used for the purpose of wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
Measure to
Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Sector for Development of Economy:
1. Yield
Collection Problems:
The collection of yield from
small farmers is a very expensive and difficult process. So, it is a great
problem of marketing. There should be some easy way for the collection of yield
from the farmers.
2. Rough Grading
Products:
Commodities or products which are graded have a higher price in
the market. In Pakistan mixing of poor & good qualities is common. So
grading problems must reduce.
3. Storage
Problems:
The storage facilities in markets are not enough, the seller
cannot store & wait for a higher price of the product due to lack of
warehouses. Because of this, some perishable produce suffers loss.
4. Middleman’s
Role:
The middleman takes a big share of farmer crops without doing
anything. The farmers borrow the money from them & sell their products at
low prices. So this is a big loss to the farmers.
5. Transportation
Problems:
Our sources of transportation are insufficient, so a regular
supply of products is not possible for the market. The village is not properly
linked to the markets. For proper provision of products to the market, there
must be sufficient as well as fast means of transportation.
6. Revenue
System:
Our farmers have to pay land revenue after the harvesting of each
crop, so it forces the farmers to sell their produce at a low price.
7. Market
Advisory Committee (MAC):
MAC (Market Advisory Committee) at the district and tehsil level
should be set up to provide technical advice and information to co-operative
marketing societies. The officers of the co-operative & agriculture
department should be the members of the committee.
8. Market
Reforms:
The government should improve the market system. Strict rules and
laws should be introduced. The prices of agricultural products should be
checked by the inspectors in the market.
Muhammad Dilawaiz Khan1Nargis Naheed21Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan
2Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan
https://www.technologytimes.pk/2020/09/10/importance-of-agriculture-in-pakistan/+&cd=1&hl=e
