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Japan Plans to Integrate Agriculture and Industry to Protect Farmers,
Businesses under TPP
Jan 26, 2016
The government of Japan
is planning to integrate agriculture and industry as part of its efforts to
protect farmers and businesses following the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal,
according to local sources.
Under the proposed
plan, the government will encourage farmers to industrialize their farming
activities and turn their farms into businesses, according to the Economy
Minister. “They will need to introduce marketing, branding and IT, and operate
their farming activities as businesses,” he said.
The Minister also
noted that the businesses need to put more emphasis on data and information
technology. He also noted that the government would support the farmers in
implementing the new measures. “We will be targeting the autumn of next year
for finalizing the concrete substance of our policy,” he added.
Under the TCPP deal,
the government is reportedly planning to shift its agricultural policy from
defensively setting tariffs and introducing construction projects into rural
areas to aggressively promoting exports. It is also considering other
measures such as buying the same amount of domestic rice as foreign rice
imported under new quotas to be set up under the free trade agreement, to
protect the rice farmers from the likely impact of the TPP.
Proper Method of Cooking Reduces Health Risks Associated with Rice
Consumption, Say Experts
Jan 26, 2016
Several studies found
that rice contains residues of arsenic and when consumed, these arsenic
residues could cause gastrointestinal problems, muscle cramping and lesions on the
hands and feet.
Andy Meharg, a
professor of plant and soil sciences at Britain's Queen's University in Belfast
found that cooking rice in a coffee percolator could reduce the effects of
arsenic on human health. He noted that cooking rice in a percolator with 12:1
ratio of water and rice could reduce the effects of arsenic by about 57%.
Sometimes, the arsenic effects could be reduced by up to 85%, he said.
"Cooking rice,
essentially boiling it in a pan until it soaks up all the liquid, binds into
place any arsenic contained in the rice and the cooking water," he said.
He also suggested some
methods of cooking, which can remove the toxins present in rice, especially
white rice. “Firstly when you cook rice, rinse properly when it is warm before
full boiling, and drain out the fluid. This will get rid of some of the
toxins,” he says.
The Telegraph earlier reported
that increased consumption of organic rice, reducing rice intake and eating a
balanced diet, however, can minimize health issues associated with long-term
arsenic consumption.
Government of Cameroon Reinstates Customs Duty on Rice Imports
Jan 26, 2016
The government of
Cameroon has reinstated the 5% customs duty on rice imports under the 2016
Finance Act, according to local sources.
Amid concerns of
increasing rice prices following the reinstating of the customs tax, the Trade
Minister reportedly urged traders and distributors of production chains to
maintain prices.
The move is designed
to increase local rice production in the country. The government is also keen
on increasing local rice production to avoid unnecessary price hikes and
re-export of imported rice.
The Cameroonian
Parliament removed the tax in March 2008 after prices increased considerably
following a hunger strike in February 2008. However, the move is said to have
resulted in rice smuggling between Cameroon and Nigeria.
Cameroon produces less
than half of the rice needed for annual consumption of around 450,000 tons,
according to the local sources.
However, the USDA
estimates Cameroon to produce about 128,000 tons of rice and import about
530,000 tons to meet an annual demand of around 658,000 tons.
Global Rice Quotes
January 26th, 2016
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 370-380
↔
Vietnam 5% broken 345-355
↔
India 5% broken 355-365
↔
Pakistan 5% broken 340-350
↔
Myanmar 5% broken 415-425
↔
Cambodia 5% broken 425-435
↔
U.S. 4% broken 465-475
↔
Uruguay 5% broken 475-485
↔
Argentina 5% broken 470-480
↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 350-360
↔
Vietnam 25% broken 340-350
↔
Pakistan 25% broken 305-315
↔
Cambodia 25% broken 405-415
↔
India 25% broken 325-335
↔
U.S. 15% broken 445-455
↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 370-380 ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 405-415 ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 345-355 ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken 500-510
↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 520-530
↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ
↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92% 680-690
↔
Vietnam Jasmine 425-435
↔
India basmati 2% broken NQ
↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ
↔
Cambodia Phka Mails 750-760
↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 320-330
↔
Vietnam 100% broken 320-330
↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 290-300
↔
Cambodia A1 Super 345-355
↔
India 100% broken stxd 260-270
↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ
↔
U.S. pet food 280-290 ↔
Brazil half grain NQ
↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com
Brazil Paddy Rice Index Increases About 1% From Previous Week
Jan 26, 2016
The Brazilian paddy rice
index maintained by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics
(CEPEA) reached around 41.94 real per 50 kilograms as of January 25, 2016, up
about 1.11% from around 41.48 real per 50 kilograms recorded on January 18,
2016.
In terms of USD per
ton, the index reached around $205.03 per ton on January 25, 2016, up about
0.24% from around $204.53 per ton recorded a week ago.
Month-on-month, the
index has increased about 2.39% from around 40.96 real per 50 kilograms
recorded month ago. In terms of USD, the index declined about 3.34% during the
month.
Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today
Jan 26, 2016
Asia rice sellers kept
their quotes mostly unchanged today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is
indicated at around $360 - $370 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam
5% rice shown at around $345 - $355 per ton. India 5% rice is indicated at
around $355 - $365 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice shown
at around $340 - $350 per ton.
25% Broken
Rice
Thailand 25% rice is
indicated at around $350 - $360 per ton, about $10 per ton premium o Vietnam
25% rice shown at around $340- $350 per ton. India 25% rice is indicated at
around $325 - $335 per ton, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice
shown at around $305 - $315 per ton.
Parboiled
Rice
Thailand parboiled
rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton. India parboiled rice is
indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton, about $60 per ton discount to Pakistan
parboiled rice last shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken
Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is
indicated at around $320 - $330 per ton, on par with Vietnam 100% broken rice
shown at around $320 - $330 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at
around $260 - $270 per ton, about $30 per ton discount to Pakistan broken
sortexed rice shown at around $290 - $300 per ton
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Firm Slightly as Farmers Continue to
Hold Out
Jan 27, 2016
The U.S. cash market
was slightly firmer today with offers from resellers increasing with the board
while most farmers remain on the sidelines hoping for prices to rally.
Analysts note there
was some rice trading domestically today around $11.67 per cwt fob farm (about
$258 per ton) however exporters were attempting to pay around that number CIF
NOLA with zero luck today.
Thailand Exports 9.8 Million Tons of Rice in 2015, Down 10.7% from Previous
Year
Jan 26, 2016
Thailand has exported
around 9.8 million tons of rice in 2015, down about 10.7% from around 10.97
million tons exported in 2014, Bloomberg quoted a statement from the Thai
Commerce Ministry.
In terms of value,
Thai rice exports declined about 15.2% y/y to around $4.61 billion.
In December 2015,
Thailand exported around 1.22 million tons of rice. In terms of value, Thai
rice exports during the month declined about 22.5% y/y to around $536 million.
Oryza CBOT Rough Rice Futures Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Remain
above $11.000/cwt and Add to Yesterday's Gains
Jan 27, 2016
Chicago rough rice
futures for Mar delivery settled 6.5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at
$11.075 per cwt (about $244 per ton). The other grains finished the day mostly
lower; Soybeans closed about 0.5% lower at $8.7650 per bushel; wheat finished
about 0.7% higher at $4.8475 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 0.1%
lower at $3.6925 per bushel.
U.S. stocks traded
higher Tuesday, helped by a bounce in oil and some earnings beats, ahead of the
release of the Fed meeting statement Wednesday. U.S. crude rose about 6 percent
to above $32 a barrel in afternoon trade after plunging 5.75% Monday. Brent
briefly climbed 7% to top $32.50 a barrel. The gains came amid news OPEC is
making renewed calls for rival producers to cut supply alongside its members.
The Federal Open Market Committee kicks off its two-day meeting Tuesday and
releases its statement Wednesday afternoon. No change in rates is expected but
investors will be scrutinizing the statement for insight into policymakers'
views on the economic environment and the future path of tightening. In
economic news, the flash Markit Services PMI for January came in at 53.7,
versus the final 54.3 December print. Consumer confidence was 98.1, up from a
slightly downwardly revised December read of 96.3. In Europe, stocks closed higher
as oil bounced. Asian stocks closed sharply lower, with the Shanghai Composite
plunging 6.4% to its lowest since late 2014. The Nikkei 225 lost 2.35%. The
Shanghai index had its worst day since the suspension of the circuit breaker
rule in early January. Traders noted a variety of factors behind the sharp
decline in Chinese equities, including renewed concerns about capital outflows
and disappointment with central bank action thus far. In afternoon trade, the
Dow Jones industrial average gained 275 points, or 1.73%, to 16,160. The
S&P 500 added 27 points, or 1.43%, to 1,903, with energy leading all 10
sectors higher. The Nasdaq composite added 59 points, or 1.32%, to 4,578. Gold
is seen trading about 1.4% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 5.4% higher,
and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.2% lower at about 1:00pm
Chicago time.
Monday, there were 423
contracts traded, the same number of contracts traded on Friday. Open interest
– the number of contracts outstanding – on Monday increased by 3 contracts to
13,300.
Italy to Conduct Meeting on Competitive and Sustainable Rice Cultivation
Italy's Ente Nazionale
Risi (ENR), the National Agency for Rice, will organize a technical meeting on
February 4, 2016, with an aim to help rice farmers and breeders with latest
developments in the rice value chain.
The meeting will be
conducted together with the University of Milan, University of Turin, CRA-SCS
(Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agrarian Economy),
Assosementi (National Association of Seed Breeders) and Asseme (Association of
Mediterranean Seed Breeders).
It will begin at 9.30
A.M. at ENR's Research Center in Castello d'Agogna, in Pavia province and is
open to all rice growers.
The morning session
will consist of the presentation of the latest results of experimental tests to
improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization. The researchers of the
Research Center and the University of Milan and Turin will show the opportunity
for a more competitive and sustainable cultivation in the Italian rice growing
area. They will also show the farmers the data of the official seed
certification by the CREA-SCS (former ENSE, National Chosen Seed Agency). The
session will close with the awarding ceremony of the National Competition for
rice seed growers.
The afternoon session
will focus on studying issues related to the capital formation and the variety
of seed production. The participants will also be presented reports relating to
the "sensitive" ones by the presence of the plant pathogenic nematode
'Aphelenchoides besseyi,' the results of the seed dressing process, as well as
the spread of illegal practices of using non-certified seed.
Cambodia Hopes to Supply Rice to Philippines in 2016, Says Prime Minister
Jan 26, 2016
The Prime Minister of
Cambodia has expressed optimism that the country will succeed in supplying rice
to the Philippines this year by competing with Thailand and Vietnam, according
to Khmer Times.
The Philippines has
import agreements with Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Last year, Cambodia
failed in the bid as its prices were high compared to Thailand and Vietnam.
Exporters have been expressing concern that they cannot lower prices
significantly as their production costs are high.
Speaking at the annual
rice forum, the Prime Minister noted that the government missed the one million
ton export target last year due to the lack of warehouses and drying
facilities. He assured the stakeholders that the government is in talks with
the Chinese government to support the development of milling and storage
infrastructure.
He also urged rice producers
and exporters to produce rice in accordance with the tastes of the different
markets. Currently, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar also produce rice
similar to the Cambodian rice. He insisted on the differentiating Cambodian
rice with others to boost exports.
The President of the
Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) also agreed with the Prime Minister that price
was the barrier to supplying milled rice to the Philippines. He told reporters
that the country's rice sector should focus on prices as well as quality. He
noted that currently, traders and exporters are unable to buy all the paddy
from farmers due to lack of storage and milling facilities. Consequently,
several tons of paddy are being sold unofficially to Thailand and Vietnam. Once
the infrastructure is ready, traders can collect all the paddy farmers, and
thus ensure more stocks for exports.
Cambodia's rice
exports increased significantly in 2015 though the government could not reach
the one million ton target. Cambodia exported around 538,396 tons of milled
rice in 2015 up about 39% from around 387,061 tons exported during the same
period last year.
Farmers plant
rice in paddy fields near Bangli, central Bali, on Jan 19. Indonesia’s ministry
of agriculture says there had been high crop losses during the recent dry
season in Java and southern Sulawesi.—AFP
PAKISTAN’S four-year rice deal
with Indonesia of 1m tonnes, worth $400m, has all the potential of lifting the
flagging morale of the country’s rice exporters.The agreement, executed by the
Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) of
Indonesia, is the first that Jakarta has signed with a non-Southeast Asian
country. USAID Rice Outlook, issued on January 14, raises Pakistan’s 2016 rice
exports by 0.1m tonnes to a record 4.6m tonnes based on larger sales to
Indonesia.The increase, on the whole, may be 15pc over 2015 exports. In 2016,
increased exports from Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam are expected to offset weaker
shipments from Australia, Cambodia, India and the United States.The TCP has been quick to finalise first export tender for
15,000 tonnes which includes 5,000 tonnes of basmati and 10,000 tonnes of
non-basmati rice, although officials of Bulog are studying technical details of
rice stocks in Pakistan. The development has started stabilising domestic rice
prices.
India’s move to sell basmati at
lower prices had taken a toll on Pakistan’s exports but our exporters remained
unwilling to bring down their prices
Another ray of hope comes from neighbouring Iran, which, after
the formal end of sanctions against it, has entered the global mainstream. Iran
had recently indicated its intention to restart import of rice from
Pakistan.According to the chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan
(Reap), Pakistan can sell as much as 1.2m tonnes to Iran but lack of payment
mechanism between the two countries was the major hurdle in meeting this
objective.
In recent months, India’s move to sell basmati at lower prices
had taken a toll on Pakistan’s exports but our exporters remained unwilling to
bring down prices as well (for reasons of higher production cost). The
low-price strategy has helped India capture a bigger share of the global
market, according to the Reap chairman.Pakistan’s basmati and other varieties
of rice were recently quoted at $950 to 1,100/tonne while those of India were
priced at $720-850/tonne. As a result, our basmati experienced a drop of 30pc
fetching $185m in July-November period as compared to $264m a year ago. But
exports of non-basmati rice fared well and earned $503m compared to $474m
earlier.
Indonesia’s Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, while explaining the
need for importing rice from Pakistan, said recently that the imports are aimed
at curbing poverty rate in Indonesia. “Rice price is the deciding factor. If it
is not stable, the poverty rate will go up. So the imports prevent the price
and poverty rate from rising.”Indonesia’s ministry of agriculture says there
had been higher crop losses during the recent dry season in Java and southern
Sulawesi. The drop was also due to an additional 70,000 hectares fall in sowing
area to 11.83m ha. Last year’s prolonged El Niño had caused postponement of the
rice planting causing reduction in rice stocks for the first quarter of 2016.While
officials expect domestic production to rise again by April, the government
preferred the import option to meet the current shortfall and to forestall
price hikes.
Trade Minister Thomas Lembong says the country plans to import
rice from India as well. An agreement to this effect will be signed when he
visits India on January 28.The USAID, which carries out forecasts and their
revisions, says there were four major 2016 export revisions in January, all
upward. First, Thailand’s export projection was raised by 0.3m tonnes to 10.3m
tonnes based on stronger demand from major buyers. Second, Vietnam’s export was
raised by 0.2m tonnes to 7.3m tonnes based on continued strong demand from top
importers in Southeast Asia.
Third, Pakistan’s export forecast was raised by 0.1m tonnes in
the wake of a deal with Indonesia. Fourth, US rice exports were projected at
3.33m tonnes, up 75,000 tonnes from the previous forecast but still 5pc below a
year earlier.India also complains of a decline in rice exports despite forcing
Pakistan to suffer a major setback by reducing prices to increase its exports.
According to Indian daily, The Hindu, New Delhi’s rice exports for the current
financial year are headed for a decline over the previous year because of
reduced purchases by large buyers, such as Iran and Nigeria, and drop in sale
proceeds.
Latest export trends suggest that total rice shipments, both
basmati and non-basmati, have declined by 7.3pc in volumes and 18pc in value
terms for the April-November period over the corresponding period last year.
Basmati shipments to Iran, the largest buyer of the Indian aromatic rice
variety in recent years, dropped by 25pc to 0.39m tonnes during the
April-October period.
Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, January 25th,
2016
Palay output is expected to be cut by 1.5 percent or 20,000 tons in
the first half to 8.2 million tons due partly to the damage caused by typhoons
last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).The PSA said
in its latest production outlook the volume may decrease as rising yield could
fail to offset shrinkage in the area harvested.The contraction in harvest area,
in turn, may result from the lingering effects of Typhoon “Nona,” which ravaged
farms in the northern part of the country last December, as well as
insufficient water in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
PSA projections show that,
for the six months to June, a total of 2.06 million hectares is expected to
produce palay.This is 40,000 hectares or 1.9 percent less than the year-ago
figure.
On the other hand, an improvement in yield is anticipated at 10
kilograms per hectare or 0.44 percent to reach 4.05 tons per hectare.“Based on
standing crop, probable production in (the first quarter may reach) 4.15
million tons, 5 percent below the 4.37 million tons output” in the same quarter
of 2015, the PSA said.The agency said that in the main rice growing region of
Central Luzon, farmers may hold off planting because of insufficient water
supply and damaged areas caused by Typhoon Nona—resulting in a smaller harvest
area.
Similar scenarios are expected in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and
Ilocandia.In Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula, early closure of
irrigation systems and insufficient rainfall may stop farmers from planting
altogether or wait a few months before going back to their fields.As for the
second quarter, farmers’ planting intentions suggest a possible 2.4-percent
rise in output, which may reach 4.05 million tons.The expected increase in
output is mainly due to the belated availability of irrigation water, the PSA
said
HANOI -
Vietnamese export firms have mixed feelings, both happy and worried, about
business prospects for this year.
The Hoang Son I Limited Company in the southern
province of Binh Phuoc signed a cashew export contract until May this year,
according to Ta Quang Huyen, director of the company.
"The world market is consuming Vietnamese cashews with
export prices rising from US$3.25 per kilogramme to $3.50 per kilogramme,"
Huyen told the Phap Luat Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (HCM City Law) newspaper.The
output of Vietnamese cashews has been getting better, even in choosy markets
such as Japan and the US, the director added.However, large export contracts
also make enterprises worried."The company does not dare to sign contracts
with large volume because we are worried that there will be not enough raw
cashews to meet the signed orders," Huyen said.Huyen said the domestic raw
cashews could supply only 30 per cent of the demand for export processing.
Responding
to this issue, Nguyen Duc Thanh, chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association
(Vinacas), said Vietnam could process about 1.3 million tonnes of cashews each
year, however, the country could supply only 500,000 tonnes, with the rest
imported from Africa and Cambodia.
Meanwhile, the export of dragon fruit in the beginning months of this year has
also been smooth, according to Tran Ngoc Hiep, director of the Hoang Hau Dragon
Fruit Farm Co, Ltd.Besides the key market of China, the company expanded its
exports to the US, Japan, Europe and Southeast Asia.Export prices to China are
around $1 per kilogramme, said Hiep.
"However,
the difficulty of the sector is the unhealthy competitiveness among traders,
which leads exporters to not have stable goods to meet the orders of foreign
partners," he added.Huynh The Nang, Chairman of the Vietnam Food
Association (VFA), said that the rice sector was expecting to export 1.2
million tonnes of rice in the first quarter of this year, 300,000 tonnes higher
than that of last year.He said the two contracts signed with the Philippines
and Indonesia helped free a large volume of rice inventory.However, according
to rice exporters, this year is forecast to be difficult due to fierce
competition with Thailand and India.In addition, the Chinese market is reducing
imports from Vietnam while increasing imports from Myanmar, Cambodia and
Thailand, a rice exporter told the newspaper.Many textile businesses also
signed export orders until the end of the first quarter.
However,
representatives of many garment and textile businesses said firms need to
actively connect with each other to form a close chain from raw material supply
to finished products and exports, while shifting from an outsourcing country to
a directly exporting one.
Cooked in
Indonesia: phoney rice data threatens food supply
JAKARTA,
(Reuters) – Indonesian agriculture officials routinely inflate rice harvest
data to present a rosy picture to the government and keep farm subsidies
flowing, but their latest phoney numbers could lead to a severe shortage of the
staple in coming months, officials say.If the data had been correct, Indonesia
would be awash with rice supplies and the country’s president would have less
to worry about. The number rigging, critics say, flies in the face of food
self-sufficiency targets that Joko Widodo has been aggressively pursuing since
taking office in 2014.
“These numbers
are so exaggerated,” said a senior government official, who declined to be
named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
“We’re
scrambling right now to build stocks in case there’s a failed harvest in
February and March.”Another government official, who works on agriculture
issues, confirmed that the numbers are rigged.Only last month, supply shortages
forced the government to hurriedly import rice from Thailand and Vietnam to
avoid a surge in prices, which in the past has sparked civil unrest and
contributed to the downfall of autocratic leader Suharto.
Warehouses
should be bulging with tens of millions of tonnes of rice, if harvest data is
to be believed, but every January officials reset the numbers to zero and the
stock just evaporates from the books, the senior official said.“There’s
actually some very real vested interests behind some of these distortions,” he
said, referring to Indonesia’s endemic corruption but giving no details.
Dwi Andreas
Santosa, a professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, said his research
showed the government’s figures for rice output in 2015 were 17-19 percent
higher than estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA
numbers are considered to be the global benchmark for crop forecasts.
The government
estimated a 7 percent year-on-year rise in production last year, shrugging off
a crop-damaging dryness linked to the El Nino weather pattern that prompted the
region’s leading exporter, Thailand, to slash its rice output forecast.
Indonesia is the world’s third-largest producer.Santosa said he interviewed
farmers in 61 Indonesian regions and found that output had actually fallen: in
67 percent of the area surveyed, he found an average drop of 20 percent from
2014.“Production data can’t be trusted,” he said. “Our food policies are in
disarray because of disarray in the data.”The USDA estimated Indonesia’s
2014/15 rice harvest at 35.56 million tonnes, down 2 percent from the previous
year.
Farmers in Thailand need far more
water than what is available'
WATER
EXPERTS have warned of an upcoming conflict over distribution. They say the
number of farmers keen to grow rice exceeds the limited amount of water
available for distribution by 85 per cent - so it must be used wisely to ease
the crisis.With the currently drought continuing for almost three months, 71
districts in 14 provinces in the North, Northeast, East and Central regions
have already been declared natural disaster zones by the Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation Department.However, the Royal Irrigation Department has assured
that there is enough water for domestic consumption until July.Chaowalit
Chantararat, managing director of the TEAM Group, said he also believed there
would be sufficient water for domestic consumption - if the water distribution
plan was strictly followed. But he feared there would be the conflict over the
scarce supply of water in the next few months.
"Currently,
we have enough water for planting rice for only around 300,000 rai. But
according to our information from satellite images around two million rai of rice
fields have been planted in this dry season," Chaowalit
said."Therefore, we definitely cannot provide water for the remaining 1.7
million rai of rice fields when the water is most needed in April, when the
rice starts to develop its grains."Water distribution plans this dry
season for the Chao Phraya basin, the country's agricultural heartland and the
major populated area, began in November last year.They concentrated mostly on
irrigation for domestic consumption, with 1,100 cubic metres of water prepared
for this objective. Only 400 cubic metres was allocated for farming - and
planting rice also banned.
Since then, Royal Irrigation Department has
revealed that consumers have already used 44 per cent of available water under
the distribution plan - 1,278 cubic metres of water, as of Thursday.
Nevertheless, Suthep Noipairoj, the Royal
Irrigation Department director, insisted we would have sufficient water supply
for the rest of the dry season."According to available water resources and
the water discharge level - at 15.8 to 18.8 million cubic metres of water per
day - there will be enough water for consumption in the Chao Phraya River Basin
until the mid-rainy season in July, for sure," Suthep said.
"As we have seen on the news, farmers are
struggling very hard to find water for their plants, even using all the water
remaining in the near-dry waterways," Chaowalit said.
"I
don't know whether the government will be strict enough in managing water
distribution according to the plans, but I'm sure that if the government helps
farmers by allocating more water share for them, the water supply will not be
enough."He encouraged everyone in the community to save as much water as
they can, especially city residents. He gave the example that Bangkok alone
uses around five million cubic metres of water a day.Suthep said the government
could not force farmers to stop secretly pumping water to their fields.
Officers were trying to get people to understand the situation and appealing
for them to not pump water.
"The
drought situation will be relieved soon, as the severe El Nino becomes milder
and this year we will get more precipitation. Therefore, I ask farmers to wait
for the new rain in order to grow their crops," he said.
Paddy fields in major rice-growing districts have reportedly
wilted away due to a shortage of fertiliser. It has been reported that although
the Agriculture Ministry has ordered that fertiliser stocks be issued to the
market, these stocks are yet to reach the market place.News1st cameras captured
footage of thousands of acres of paddy fields which have wilted away due to the
lack of fertiliser. Farmers state that fertiliser not being available on time
could be cited as the reason for this.Attending an event in Dambulla, State
Minister of Agriculture Wasantha Aluvihare stated that the issue has arisen as
a result of a circular that was issued by the Fertiliser Secretariat.
RPT-Cooked in
Indonesia: phoney rice data threatens food supply
JAKARTA, Jan 22 Indonesian agriculture officials routinely
inflate rice harvest data to present a rosy picture to the government and keep
farm subsidies flowing, but their latest phoney numbers could lead to a severe
shortage of the staple in coming months, officials say.If the data had been
correct, Indonesia would be awash with rice supplies and the country's
president would have less to worry about. The number rigging, critics say,
flies in the face of food self-sufficiency targets that Joko Widodo has been
aggressively pursuing since taking office in 2014."These numbers are so
exaggerated," said a senior government official, who declined to be named
because of the sensitivity of the issue. "We're scrambling right now to
build stocks in case there's a failed harvest in February and March."
Another government official, who works on agriculture issues,
confirmed that the numbers are rigged.Only last month, supply shortages forced
the government to hurriedly import rice from Thailand and Vietnam to avoid a
surge in prices, which in the past has sparked civil unrest and contributed to
the downfall of autocratic leader Suharto.Warehouses should be bulging with
tens of millions of tonnes of rice, if harvest data is to be believed, but
every January officials reset the numbers to zero and the stock just evaporates
from the books, the senior official said."There's actually some very real
vested interests behind some of these distortions," he said, referring to
Indonesia's endemic corruption but giving no details.
BAD DATA, BAD POLICY
Dwi Andreas Santosa, a professor at the Bogor Institute of
Agriculture, said his research showed the government's figures for rice output
in 2015 were 17-19 percent higher than estimates from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA). USDA numbers are considered to be the global benchmark for
crop forecasts.The government estimated a 7 percent year-on-year rise in
production last year, shrugging off a crop-damaging dryness linked to the El
Nino weather pattern that prompted the region's leading exporter, Thailand, to
slash its rice output forecast. Indonesia is the world's third-largest
producer.Santosa said he interviewed farmers in 61 Indonesian regions and found
that output had actually fallen: in 67 percent of the area surveyed, he found
an average drop of 20 percent from 2014.
"Production data can't be trusted," he said. "Our
food policies are in disarray because of disarray in the data."The USDA
estimated Indonesia's 2014/15 rice harvest at 35.56 million tonnes, down 2
percent from the previous year.It forecasts output of milled rice at 36.3
million tonnes this year. The agriculture ministry's estimate for this year is
75.13 million tonnes of unhusked rice, which after milling would come to about
47.2 million tonnes, said Santosa.
Indonesia's agriculture ministry and statistics bureau are
responsible for compiling rice production data, which is used to decide whether
state-owned food procurement body Bulog should import or focus on domestic
buying.Last June, Bulog's chief was removed after just five months in the role,
a reflection of Widodo's frustration with missed targets.
A DARK UNDERSIDE
Domestic prices of rice shot up in 2015 as supplies dwindled and
the government dithered on imports. It ultimately imported 848,000 tonnes from
the fourth quarter until mid-January, an additional 600,000 tonnes is on its way
and Indonesia is now in talks with sellers in Pakistan and India for more.The
agriculture ministry denied that it manipulates the rice data, which is
compiled through a wide network of contributors that include regional and
central government agencies."This is the best way we have," said
Hasil Sembiring, director general for food crops at the ministry."We are
very open to critics. Please show us if there is any other way. If people are
saying that the agriculture ministry is setting up the data ... it's not
true."
Industry officials said the numbers are often exaggerated to
reassure the president that his self-sufficiency policies are working, but
other motives are to attract central government funding and fertiliser
subsidies that are based on production.The agriculture ministry was allocated
30.1 trillion rupiah ($2.17 billion) for fertiliser subsidies in the 2016
budget, up from 18.8 trillion rupiah ($1.35 billion) in 2011."The darker
underside of this is like this: larger numbers lead to larger budgets,"
said the senior government official."So if you say we have tens of
millions of farmers, that gives more budget allocation to the agriculture
ministry. Or if we say we're going to push for X million tonnes of production,
that argues for more fertiliser subsidies."(Additional reporting by
Nicholas Owen, John Chalmers and Gayatri Suroyo in Jakarta,Ho Binh Minhin Hanoi and Patpicha
Tanakasempipat in Bangkok,; Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe and
Michael Taylor; Editing byRandy Fabiand Himani Sarkar)
Rice futures were mixed, with nearby
contracts higher. The market is currently trading at seven month lows. March is
attempting to build on support at the recent low of $10.65. Disappointing
exports of 42,200 metric tons didn't help build any momentum. Tightening world
stocks have provided support in recent months.
Nagpur Foodgrain
Prices Open-Jan 25
Nagpur, Jan 25 Gram and tuar prices moved down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and
Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor buying support from local millers amid high moisture content arrival. Reports increased supply in Madhya Pradesh pulses also affected sentiment in restricted trading activity, according to sources.
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram varieties reported a sharp fall in open market here in absence of buyers amid
good supply from producing regions.
TUAR
* Tuar varieties moved down in open market here on poor demand from local traders
because of government move to import tuar.
* Moong varieties quoted weak in open market on lack of buying support from local
traders amid ample stock in ready position.
* In Akola, Tuar New - 8,300-8,500, Tuar dal New - 13,600-14,200, Udid -
Maximum temp. 29.2 degree Celsius (84.6 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
08.6 degree Celsius (47.5 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.
Rainfall : n.a.
FORECAST: Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 30 and 10 degree Celsius respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but
included in market prices.)
ATTN : Soybean mandi, wholesale foodgrain market of Nagpur APMC and oil market in Vidarbha will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, on the occasion of Republic Day.
2016 Crop Insurance Decision Aid Tool Now Available
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS -- Last week, Texas A&M
Agricultural & Food Policy Center (AFPC) announced the launch of their 2016
Crop Insurance Decision Aid Tool.Ben
Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government affairs, said, "This free
service is designed to help growers select a crop insurance policy that's best
for their particular operation."The new version of the decision aid tool
asks for the producer's USDA Risk Management Agency tract details and
incorporates updated yields to provide yield exclusion analysis, risk-reward
comparison, and a streamlined interface to help find an optimal choice among
the thousands of crop insurance combinations that they analyze for users.
Data is able to be saved from year to year to allow for ease of use but may be
deleted if preferred.
Mosely continued, "USA Rice is pleased that Texas
A&M provides this unbiased assistance for rice farmers each year as they
consider safety net programs to help manage their risk. We look forward
to working with the AFPC to incorporate the new Margin Protection policy for
rice into the 2017 version of the tool."You may access the 2016 Crop
Insurance Decision Aid Toolhere.
Users are able to log into an existing account or create a new account.
Once information is entered or updated, select "2016 Insurance" from
the top right of the home page to run an analysis.
USA
Rice Daily, Monday, January 25, 2016
2016 Crop Insurance Decision Aid Tool Now Available
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS -- Last week, Texas A&M Agricultural
& Food Policy Center (AFPC) announced the launch of their 2016 Crop
Insurance Decision Aid Tool.Ben
Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government affairs, said, "This free
service is designed to help growers select a crop insurance policy that's best
for their particular operation."The new version of the decision aid tool
asks for the producer's USDA Risk Management Agency tract details and
incorporates updated yields to provide yield exclusion analysis, risk-reward
comparison, and a streamlined interface to help find an optimal choice among
the thousands of crop insurance combinations that they analyze for users.
Data is able to be saved from year to year to allow for ease of use but may be
deleted if preferred.
Mosely continued, "USA Rice is pleased that Texas A&M
provides this unbiased assistance for rice farmers each year as they consider
safety net programs to help manage their risk. We look forward to working
with the AFPC to incorporate the new Margin Protection policy for rice into the
2017 version of the tool."You may access the 2016 Crop Insurance Decision
Aid Toolhere. Users are able to log into an existing account
or create a new account. Once information is entered or updated, select
"2016 Insurance" from the top right of the home page to run an
analysis.
USA Rice Daily, Monday, January 25, 2016
Cambodian PM calls for more investment in rice storage facilities,
drying machines
Jan 25,2016
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) --
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday called for more investment in rice
storage facilities and drying machines in order to increase the country's rice
export capacity.Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5th Cambodia Rice Forum
here, Hun Sen said the lack of rice storage facilities and drying machines is a
key challenge for the country in buying a large amount of paddy rice from
farmers and more investment in these sectors is needed."The government of
Cambodia has been negotiating with China for loans to construct storage
facilities and drying machines across the country," he told the forum,
which took part by some 700 people who are policy makers, rice millers,
exporters, farmer-representatives, and transport company representatives.
The prime minister said China is
the largest importer of milled rice from Cambodia and expressed his confidence
that the world's second largest economy would continue to support Cambodia in
rice industry development.Meanwhile, Hun Sen said the government would continue
to invest in irrigation system, rice species production, and transportation
infrastructure in order to facilitate the development of rice industry.Cambodia
exported a total of 538,396 tons of milled rice to over 50 countries and
regions last year, up 39 percent year-on-year, according to the government's
figures.The Southeast Asian country made over 9.2 million tons of paddy rice
last year. With this amount, the country will have over 3 million tons of
milled rice left over for exports this year.
The talk over rice production and genetics has been dominated by “Golden Rice,” the bioengineered rice variety that was enhanced to produce
Vitamin A. While this rice variety has the promise to cure up to 500,000 annual
worldwide cases of blindness due to Vitamin A-deficient diets, it has yet to
make it to the marketplace.Meanwhile, two other genetically engineered
herbicide-resistant varieties of riceremain approvedfor use in the United States but have not been adopted
commercially. Mexico, Canada, Australia, Colombia, and China also have approved
varieties of genetically modified rice but the strains have not been embraced
by farmers or consumers. Why?
There are several reasons for this
lack of adoption, but one (particularly in the Golden Rice case) has been
insistence from anti-GMO activist groups that genetically engineered rice is
harmful. On its website,Greenpeace Internationalstates its opposition to the technology:
But behind the hype, GE ‘Golden’
rice is environmentally irresponsible, poses risks to human health, and could
compromise food, nutrition and financial security. GE ‘Golden’ rice has been in
development for over 20 years. The tens of millions of dollars invested in GE
‘Golden’ rice would have been better spent on VAD solutions that are already
available and working, such as food supplements, food fortification and home
gardening.
But what alternatives do breeders
and farmers have? Are there other ways to make a rice kernel that is better
adapted for a changing environment?
It turns out that there are
alternatives — using traditional breeding techniques and even other
non-transgenic, but nonetheless modern genetic techniques that (so far at
least) are met with approval from anti-GMO activists. These methods are arguably
slower and less precise than transgenic approaches however, which makes the
future of rice breeding a good example to illustrate a broader, technological
challenge for future generations of rice and other crops.
More than one way to breed a
paddy
First, the alternative breeding
methods.TheInternational Rice Research
Institute, based in Los Baños, Philippines,
conducts a great deal of experiments on rice breeding and growing, and about 95
percent of those tests do not use transgenic technology. Arvind Kumar, a senior
scientist who leads rain-fed lowland South Asian breeding projects at IRRI,
explained that they are collaborating with other researchers and governments to
conduct work on improving yield, tolerating drought and submergence, and
handling higher salinity levels. Some of their experiments include:
·Submergence tolerance:
The SUB1 variety of rice, which can thrive even if submerged underwater. The
SUB1 gene was bred into varieties of high-yielding rice to produce offspring
that could maintain high yields during longer periods of submergence. This
variety has been released commercially and has been growing on two million
hectares (4.9 million acres), mainly in Southern and Southeast Asian regions
where flooding is a growing problem.
·Drought tolerance:
Researchers have identified genes using an identification process with QTL
genes. IRRI and the Indian Council and Agricultural Research recently releasednine drought-tolerance strainsof rice to Indian farmers.
·Combining traits: IRRI
is combining submergence, salinity tolerance, and drought tolerance throughmarker assisted breeding. “There are many portfolios where people are
trying to double up varieties which combine tolerance to various stresses.
We’re using marker assisted breeding, in areas where drought, temperature and
other stresses,” Kumar said.
·Identifying genes: IRRI
and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences recently completed thesequencing of 3,000 ricegenomes, which are now housed in gene banks run by IRRI
and CAAS. Currently, IRRI holds a collection of 121,000 types of rice and
breeders have used only five percent of the germplasm available for breeding
efforts.
Over in the United States, the
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is also funding (and conducting)
work on improving rice quality, yields, and other traits.
·The ARS willgenotype several varietiesof rice that have historically been grown in the
American south. The group will then compare traits that may improve yields in
spite of the environmental pressures brought about by climate change.
·The ARS is working with
researchers to find amolecular markerfor
Pi9, the gene for rice blast resistance. Knowing the DNA sequence of the
various polymorphisms of this gene would be valuable so rice breeders could
quickly identify which varieties of rice carry the trait forblast resistance, a
harmful fungal infection.
·In October, ARS funded$1 million toTexas
A&M University and others to help boost yields of organic rice. Organic
rice poses particular challenges because it “can mean providing a feast for insects,
diseases and weeds,” the university stated in a release.
Like IRRI, the ARS isn’t doing much
research on transgenic crops. There are several reasons for this. According to
IRRI’s Kumar:
We have to follow rules and regulations
of those countries. We’re working with those legal frameworks. We try to take a
balanced solution. We don’t think there is just one method. We need more
convincing argument that in those cases that a transgenic is only viable
solution. We’ve never said “no” to transgenics,but for the work we put into a project, we
look to see how the project will be approved. (Emphasis added).
And according to ARS’ Anna McClung,
director of the USDA’s Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center:
Essentially all of the rice
breeding or genetic improvement for the purpose of producing varieties that is
done in the public sector in the USA is done through traditional ormarker-assisted breeding
methods(i.e. no transgenics). Breeders
focus on the traditional traits — yield, grain cooking, milling, and
processing quality, disease resistance, and lodging resistance.
Marker assisted breeding Source:
Monsanto, Syngenta, via Washington Post.
Experiencing technical
difficulties
There’s another technical and
structural problem with transgenic rice breeding and research. According to
McClung, the new generation of transgenics are more challenging:
A new effort being put towards
(human) nutritional improvement, tolerance to extremes in temperatures,
production under reduced water availability, salinity, and reduced greenhouse
gas emissions. These latter “abiotic stress” traits are complexly inherited,
less is known about them, and they can be difficult to measure accurately
— thusprogress
is expected to be slower than for some other traits. (Emphasis added).
In fact, scientists at theUniversity of Guelphproposed that a new type of
research structure is needed to further these new crops. Since academic
researchers and even government-run labs don’t have the financial capacity,
time or physical space (sometimes) to conduct what are often 20-year studies
with non-transgenic techniques on complex traits, they recommended that a
public-private partnership network be established, which combines the resources
of agribusiness and the public sector.
Andrew Porterfield is a writer, editor and
communications consultant for academic institutions, companies and non-profits
in the life sciences. He is based in Camarillo.
Quality rice for memorable dishes
January 26, 2016 | Last updated
on January 26, 2016 at 07.35 am
House of Lal Qilla brings the finest Basmati grains that add
delectable flavour and aroma to any cuisine
BASMATI rice is authentic, Indian long-grained white rice with a
unique nutty flavour and is popular all over the world. With the global rice
market growing and becoming more competitive, there is increasing emphasis on
the quality of the grains.Amar Singh Chawal Wala (ASCW), also known as the
'House of Lal Qilla,' aims to make the world aware of the actual taste and
aroma of pure basmati rice. "Our beliefs are our greatest strengths and
have contributed immensely in helping us emerge as one of the world's best
basmati rice millers and exporters," says a company spokesperson.
"Taking forward the legacy of basmati rice in India, our beliefs have
re-enforced us through the last century and more.
"The company was established in 1963 and since then has
created a new paradigm in the rice business the world over. Under the guidance
of its Managing Directors, S. Kartar Singh, Pritam Singh and Arvinderpal Singh,
the company has blossomed into a large enterprise."Our quality essentially
results from the procurement of quality Basmati followed by proper management
of husking and processing of rice," says the spokesperson. "Being
millers and exporters, we provide our highest quality products directly through
the efforts of our international market division and stand committed to
quality, timely shipments and trust, creating quality relationships with our
clients."The company uses world-class technology to attain market
leadership. It has been granted ISO 22000, HACCP, BSI, FSSAI and Apeda Mill
certifications.
ASCW has won many prestigious export awards, both at the state and
national levels.The company, which has witnessed unprecedented growth and
enjoys a formidable share in the rice market, is all set to acquire new
ventures in the domestic as well as international markets.Lal Qilla basmati
rice is marketed in North America, Europe, the Gulf, Africa, Southeast Asia,
Australia and New Zealand.
ASCW's Lal Qilla traditional basmati rice is the finest among all
varieties of rice that it offers. The rice is aged for two years, ensuring the
best aroma, taste and cooking results.Following the range of premium quality
basmati rice, ASCW introduced Lal Qilla Prestige, an elongated class of basmati
rice. It embodies all the attributes of basmati like pearl white, maximum grain
length, smooth texture and firmness.Lal Qilla Majestic basmati rice is
nourished and watered by snow-fed rivers of the Himalayas. It is distinguished
by extra-long grain with smooth texture and firmness.Lal Qilla Supreme Sella is
parboiled rice of the world's longest 1121 basmati rice. This class of rice is
also distinguished by the extra-long grain with smooth texture and firmness.
This is the best choice for Middle Eastern cuisines.
The Lal Qilla range also includes Qilla Excel, Qilla Gold and Qilla
Premium. Another superior range of rice is the 507 Gold Basmati, sourced from
the fertile foothills of the Himalayas.The company has also introduced Lal
Qilla crispy fried onions available in the standard size of 8-20 mm. The frying
of fresh onion red and white slices takes place in an auto-controlled continuous
fryer, especially for uniformity to maintain its colour, taste, aroma, texture,
crispiness and to ensure controlled stable fat contents in the final
product.Also under the Lal Qilla brand, the company offers Soyaking soya chunks
and granules. They have the unique ability of mixing with any cuisine, adding
necessary proteins and natural minerals, as well as a distinctive taste and
flavour. The company also markets Lal Qilla Green Tea.
Editors Note: This is the second
article of a two-part survey of the rice industry in sub-Saharan Africa. The
first part appeared in World Grain’s December 2015 edition.... [read more]
U.S. Reaches Deal on Rice Exports to
China, Trade Group Says
American rice farmers to get foothold in world’s largest market for
grain
ByJESSE NEWMAN
Jan. 22, 2016 10:05 p.m. ET
The U.S. reached an agreement
that would enable rice exports to China, according to a trade group, a
development that would give U.S. rice farmers their first foothold in the world’s
largest market for the grain.USA Rice, which represents growers, millers and
exporters, said late Friday that officials from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture had informed
For a royal dining experience, visit The Moghul’s
The owner of The Moghul’s has a
passion for great food and opened the Indian restaurant with the goal of
providing satisfying, aromatic Moghulai food to diners, while also treating
them like royalty.The restaurant's name is a nod to the Moghul Empire, known
for beautiful architecture, exceptional art and delicious Indian
cuisine.oghulai dishes feature nuts such as almonds, cashews and walnuts, as
well as butter-based curries and bread prepared in a tandoor clay oven. While
the taste alone makes the food so enjoyable, in true Moghulai tradition, the
food is beautifully presented with exceptional hospitality.
The royal dining experience
begins with an elaborate buffet that includes an extensive salad bar. Enjoy the
lunch buffet seven days a week from noon to 3:30 p.m. The dinner buffet
is open Monday Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.The Moghul’s also
has an amazing à la carte menu, where you can choose from delectable options
such as Moghul’s Tandoori Platter, featuring an assortment of tikkas, kebabs
and fish, or a dish like Chicken Korma, made with tender morsels of chicken
prepared in a special saffron sauce with cashews.While many prefer to dine in
to enjoy the refined atmosphere at The Moghul’s,takeoutis perfect for evenings when
you're in a rush but still want to dine well. Their takeout dinner for two
includes an appetizer, choice of two meat dishes, a vegetable dish, two naans
and fragrant basmati rice, all at a great price.For more information, call
289-389-3777 or emailthemoghuls@yahoo.ca.
The Moghul’s is located at 288
Mud Street West in Stoney Creek. With easy access from the Red Hill Valley
Parkway, The Moghul’s is convenient for those who live in Ancaster, Grimsby,
Burlington and the Greater Hamilton Area. They are fully licensed, and
offer a warm and friendly ambiance with a capacity for up to 80 guests.
