Preventing decline of rice exports
PAKISTAN’S
rice exports have been falling in recent years, mainly due to higher prices,
energy crisis, poor quality seeds, low yield and persistently lower commodity
prices in global markets.
The
fall has a bearing on the country’s economy for rice is the second main earner
of foreign exchange for the country after textiles.
However,
the office of Global Analysis of USDA has raised Pakistan’s exports forecast by
0.1m tonnes to 4.5m tonnes on a stronger pace of trade.
REAP in a recent meeting with officials pleaded for measures to either reduce the cost of production or introduce high-quality seeds to increase productivity
In
the just-ended fiscal year of 2015-16, rice exports witnessed a decrease of
8.60pc. The country earned $1.86bn from these exports during the year compared
to $2.04bn earned in the fiscal year 2014-15. Besides, 503,037 metric tonnes of
basmati worth $455.25m was exported as compared to 523,450 tonnes a year ago,
valuing $601.27m.
Meanwhile,
for 2016-17, USDA Grain Report forecasts global production at a new record,
primarily due to a larger crop in the United States, while global trade is
forecast lower, with reduced imports and consumption in Bangladesh, Iran, and
Nigeria. USDA expects about 20pc larger purchases by Saudi Arabia and
Azerbaijan from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia would in fact import about 1.6m tonnes
of rice during the period. The USDA maintains Pakistan’s rice export quotes at
$410/tonne.
The
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) in a recent meeting with
officials of the ministry of national food security and research in Islamabad
pleaded for measures to either reduce the cost of production or introduce
high-quality seeds to increase productivity.
The
ministry asked the chief secretaries of the provinces to take appropriate
measures to facilitate growers in lowering the cost.
While
looking into the reasons for decline in exports, the fact remains that high
production cost of rice is hampering its sales in the international market.
Exporters are finding it difficult to sell the commodity because of sluggish
demand and comparatively higher price.
The
price of Pakistani rice is higher than the paddy produced by India and other
regional countries. The price of Pakistani basmati is higher by at least $100
to $150 compared to Indian basmati, and, hence, selling it is a big challenge.
Since
1997, no new basmati seed has been introduced in the market and that’s the
reason for the low yield per acre, which has pushed rice prices higher. India,
on the contrary, has introduced five new seed varieties in the last 10 years
and that has helped it in increasing yield.
Another
step the government could take is to subsidise rice exports so that the stock
could be disposed of, Malik Jahangir, a REAP official suggested. “If we fail to
export the existing stock, then next year farmers will not grow the grain.” The
association also wrote to the Rice Research Centre, Kala Shah Kaku Lahore, but
received no appropriate response.
An
office-bearer of the Pakistan Rice Growers Association says hybrid varieties
are becoming popular and being used in many areas, giving better results.
Pakistan’s rice exports have crossed the 4.0m tonne mark in the past. If the
country’s production during the year 2016-17 reaches 7.0m tonnes, trade surplus
will surely surge to 4.5m tonnes.
But
the problem arises from the lower prices being paid to growers which are
compelling them to shift to alternate crops. A number of rice growers in Sindh
have already switched to sugarcane due to low rice prices. However, the hybrid
seed, one of them say, can resolve the problem, for it produces higher yields
on smaller land. China, being a big market, likes to use hybrid seeds for
better results. However, there are concerns among Pakistani farmers and
officials regarding effects of hybrid produce on both human beings and the
soil.
Although
the United States produces less than 2pc of the world’s rice, it is a major
exporter, accounting for more than 10pc of the global rice trade per annum.
In
Thailand, rice and corn production in 2016-17 is expected to gradually recover
from drought-reduced production in 2015-16 due to an acreage expansion and
average yields. Rice production is forecast to increase to 17.5m metric tonnes,
up 11pc from 15.8m tonnes in the just-ended fiscal year, assuming some recovery
of off-season rice production. While new-crop rice supplies are tight in 2016,
larger supplies in 2017 will potentially boost Thai rice exports to 10m tonnes.
Meanwhile, supplies from new-crop in 2016 will likely limit Thai rice export
potential at around 8m tonnes.
Published in Dawn, Business
& Finance weekly, August 8th, 2016
Prices of kitchen items decline slightly
August 08, 2016
Prices of important daily-use
kitchen items, including vegetable, pulses, chicken, fruit, floor, have
marginally decreased during the preceding week as compared to last week,
according to survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Sunday.The
survey noticed that prices of daily use items have declined by 30 to 40 per
cent in retail market, which has literally given a sense of relief to
poverty-stricken masses in the provincial capital Peshawar.
However, the buyers are still complaining for price-hike and charging them by vendors against the official rates of commodities in retail market. They urged the authorities to take action against the profiteers, and hoarders, and should ensure official price list.
Traders and shopkeepers in provincial capital here said that prices have comparatively low and available reasonable rate as compared to rates of commodities registered during last two-months in Peshawar. They expressed hope that the prices would go further down in coming days due to arrival of these fresh food commodities in the market.Price of one-kilogram tomato has gone down at Rs 50, which was selling at Rs 80-90 per kg a few days back while garlic priced at Rs 200 per kilogram, against the rate of last week of Rs 400 per kilogram, according to survey. Garlic is available a nominal price of Rs 30 per kilogram. Similarly, ginger being sold at Rs 120 per kilogram, against the Rs 160 per kg.
The survey witnessed the prices of other veggies have gone down in retail market, as cauliflower which was selling at Rs 100 per kilogram, now available at Rs 50 per kilogram, while shimla mirch being sold at Rs 80 per kg, arvi at Rs 70 per kg, red potato at Rs 70 per kg, white potato at Rs 30 per kg, peas available at Rs 120 per kg. One-kilogram ladyfinger being sold at Rs 40/-. Whereas, calabash being sold at Rs 80 per kg, torri being sold at Rs 70 per kg, and cabbage at Rs 150/- per kg.
White channa is available at Rs 170 per kilogram, which was selling at Rs 200 per kilogram, while dal mash priced at Rs 270 against the rate of last week Rs 300 per kg, as prices of pulses have also slightly decreased in market, according to survey. Basmati rice being sold at Rs 110-120 per kg, dal channa available at Rs 135 per kg, dal masoor at Rs 140 per kg, dal green at Rs 140 per kg, moonge being sold at Rs 135 per kg, red bean at Rs 110 per kg, and white lobiya available at Rs 120 per kg.
Price of one-kilogram sugar has marginally decreased as available at Rs 68 per kilogram, against the rate of last week of Rs 70 per kg. According to survey, price of cooking/ghee has remained unchanged in retail market, as available within range of Rs 130 to Rs 170-180 per liter/kg.
As per survey, the rates of chicken has gone down as available at Rs 128 per kg, against the rate of Rs 133 per kg, while a dozen of farm eggs being sold at Rs 100 per kg. Cow meat is available at Rs 300-340 per kilogram, against the official rate of Rs 240 per kilogram, while mutton being sold at Rs 700 per kilogram.
According to survey, a 20kg bag of mix flour available at Rs 720, while bag of fine atta, weighting (20-kg) being sold at Rs 780 and Rs 800 in retail. Fresh milk sold at Rs 90 and Rs 100 per liter - while price of milk powder of various brands and quality has also risen in the retail market. One kilogram fresh yogurt available at Rs 90 and Rs 100/-.Price of fruits were remained stable in retail market, as apple being sold at Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kilogram, mango available at Rs 60 per kg, apricot at Rs 150 per kg, grapes at Rs 80 per kg.
Genetically Modified Golden Rice Not The Cure-All Industry Claims
Posted: 08/08/2016 12:49 pm EDT Updated: 08/08/2016 12:59 pm EDT
GMO
advocates argue that genetically engineered Golden Rice will provide farmers
with a crop capable of adding much-needed vitamin A to local diets. Vitamin A
deficiency is a problem in many poor countries in the Global South and leaves
millions at high risk for infection, diseases and other maladies, such as
blindness. It is argued that Golden Rice could help save the lives of around
670,000 children who die each year from Vitamin A deficiency and another
350,000 who go blind.
More than 100 Nobel laureates recently put their names to a letter urging Greenpeace to
end its opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The letter asks
Greenpeace to cease its efforts to block the introduction of genetically
engineered Golden Rice.The letter campaign was organised by Sir Richard John Roberts, a biochemist and molecular biologist with New England Biolabs, and Phillip Sharp, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize. The letter urges Greenpeace and its supporters to re-examine the experience of farmers and consumers worldwide with crops and foods "improved" through biotechnology and abandon their campaign against GMOs in general and Golden Rice in particular.
According to the letter, scientific and regulatory agencies around the world have repeatedly found crops and foods improved through biotechnology to be safe. It argues their environmental impacts are not damaging to the environment and a boon to global biodiversity.
While in Mysore, India, last year, Roberts delivered a talk on "A Crime Against Humanity." He said propaganda against GM crops is affecting hungry people in the Global South and asked why should not the denial of food to people in developing nations by developed nations be considered a crime against humanity. During a talk in Hyderabad, he said that "millions of people in the third world" would die of starvation unless GM crops were introduced and added that Greenpeace is in the business of scaring people when it comes to GM crops.
It seems a little strange that Roberts would attack Greenpeace for "blocking" the introduction of Golden Rice when new research from Washington University indicates that the reason it hasn't come to market is because, after over two decades of expensive research, it is still not ready to be rolled out, alternative approaches to supplying vitamin A to children are actually working and that the actions of campaigners have had no impact on its failure to reach the commercial market.
Among the 107 Nobel laureates, there is one peace prize winner and eight economists, 24 physicists, 33 chemists and 41 doctors. In other words, they possess no formal credentials to suggest they are experts in this particular field. The letter appears to be a PR stunt by the agritech industry.
While Roberts likes to convey the impression of an overwhelming consensus on the efficacy and safety of GMOs, Food & Water Watch has produced this brief (citing peer-reviewed sources) on the general lack of consensus within science on GM. Furthermore, readers may also wish to consult this (also citing peer-reviewed sources) on the failures of 20 years of GMOs. Moreover, not a single long-term epidemiological study has been conducted with GMOs.
There is sufficient evidence to show that GM crops do not necessarily increase yield or outperform non-GMO crops with positive traits derived from conventional breeding (see this and this, both cite numerous peer-reviewed journal papers).
Furthermore, they are usually worse than non-GM crops at tolerating extreme climate conditions like drought (see this, again with peer-reviewed studies).
Certain scientists choose to ignore the economic mess many nations find themselves in due to the "structural adjustment" of their economies, which has devastated agriculture. This as true for African countries as it is for the Philippines, where Golden Rice is being offered as a proxy solution for an aspect of malnutrition.
These scientists make inflammatory statements in an attempt to denigrate any legitimate analyses of the root causes of hunger and poverty and genuine solutions for productive, sustainable agriculture that can feed humanity.
The evidence might lead us to question why supporters of Golden Rice continue to smear critics and engage in emotional blackmail. Are they even capable of carrying out unbiased assessments of GMOs?
In 2011, Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, a senior scientist with a background in insect ecology and pest management asked a similar question. She noted the Golden Rice project is presided over by an elite, so-called "Humanitarian Board" where Syngenta sits -- along with the inventors of Golden Rice, the Rockefeller Foundation, USAID and public relations and marketing experts, as well as a handful of other parties.
Golden Rice is really a Trojan horse (see heading "GMO rules" in link); agribusiness corporations are attempting to pave the way for the acceptance of more GM crops and food. Once this is acknowledged, it is apparent why so much money, lobbying and time has been invested in trying to tackle just one aspect of malnutrition with a single GM crop.
While effort would be better spent on restoring natural, agricultural biodiversity to address malnutrition in its broadest terms, one obstacle has been the Philippine government's cooptation to the agenda of transnational corporations and the WTO and the revolving door between government, academia and corporations.
The policies that pushed the Philippines into an economic hole over the past 30 years are due to "structural adjustment": prioritizing debt repayment, conservative macroeconomic management, cutbacks in government spending, trade and financial liberalization, privatization and deregulation, the restructuring of agriculture and export-oriented production. Whether it concerns the Philippines, Ethiopia, Somalia or Africa in general, the effects of IMF/World Bank policies have devastated agrarian economies and made them dependent on Western agribusiness and manipulated markets and trade.
GMOs are now offered as the "cure" to "boost productivity" or to tackle poverty-related diseases. This technology derives from the very transnational agribusiness companies that profited from the destruction of indigenous agriculture in the first place.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/colin-todhunter/gmo-golden-rice_b_11371208.html
Mechanisation of farming gaining momentum
THE
HANS INDIA | Aug 07,2016 , 01:21 AM IST
Srikakulam:Mechanisation of agriculture is gaining momentum
in the district due to acute shortage of labourers and steep increase in wages
and other expenses. The main reason for the mechanisation of cultivation was
migration of farm labourers to the cities and towns for better future. In fact, traditional farming needs more farm
workers unlike mechanisation.As part of farm mechanisation, the government was
implementing two schemes to encourage farmers by providing subsidies to them on
purchase of various tools and machines.The government was providing 50 per cent
subsidy to small, marginal and women farmers and 70 per cent subsidy to SC and
ST farmers, said assistant director of agriculture department Kutikuppala
Krishna Rao. In 2014-15, 7,000 farmers had purchased farm machines by availing
subsidy and in 2015 -16, 5,865 farmers purchased farm machines.
The government
allotted Rs 12.02 crore funds for subsidy under farm mechanisation for the
current financial year, the AD explained.The government was providing subsidy
to farmers on 16 farm machines-ploughing sets, power sprayers, mini-tractors,
power tillers, thrashing machines and paddy plantation tools-under different
schemes by providing 50 and 70 per cent subsidy on actual cost, said joint
director of department G Rama Rao.The paddy farmers are purchasing machines to
overcome labour scarcity and to save time as paddy crop cultivation needs more
labourers when compared to other crops.Due to scarcity of farm labourers we
adopted mechanisation process by using tractors for ploughing, tools for
plantation of paddy, levellers to level field before plantation,” said Ch
Lakshunnaidu, a farmer of Gorinta village in Ponduru mandal
Vietnam advises PH to extend rice deal
03:07 PM August 6th, 2016
HANOI, Vietnam—Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said Vietnam and the Philippines should consider extending their rice trade deal, which will expire at the end of this year, for a new period of 2017-2020.He made the proposal during a meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Ramon Lopez, in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday (August 4) on the sidelines of the 48th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings.Minister Anh suggested that the Philippines organize the second meeting of the Vietnam-Philippines Joint Sub-Committee on Trade at a convenient time to foster co-operation and tackle emerging problems in bilateral trade ties, as well as to discuss specific measures to boost two-way trade in the future.
Lopez lauded Vietnam’s proposal to extend the bilateral rice trade deal, affirming that he will discuss the matter with relevant ministries and agencies in his country.
He agreed to organize the second meeting of the Vietnam-Philippines Joint Sub-Committee on Trade in the third quarter of this year, and invited his Vietnamese counterpart to co-chair the event in the Philippines.
Both sides expressed pleasure at the growing bilateral trade partnership over the past few years, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$3 billion last year and $1.52 billion in the first half of 2016, a rise of 15.3 per cent year-on-year.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported $1.08 billion worth of goods to the Philippines, up 17.5 per cent, while importing $443 million worth of goods, an increase of 10.3 per cent.
An upturn has been seen in both bilateral trading volume and value, while the goods being traded have become more diverse. Vietnam mainly exports agricultural products, processed foodstuff and construction materials to the Philippines, while importing computers, electronic accessories and fertilizer
Agri dep’t flags weak palay output for second quarter
Posted on August 08, 2016
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said production of palay (unhusked rice) in the second quarter slumped drastically after one of the severest dry spells to hit the country in decades.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol told reporters the
fall in output was a follow-on to weak production in the first quarter, which
experienced similar conditions. “Second quarter, bagsak talaga yun. San ka
nga kukuhang bigas sa second quarter eh may El Niño nga.”
(“The second quarter was really going to be weak, because of the prevailing El
Niño.”)
Palay output in the first quarter slid to 3.9 million tons, 9.97% lower than the government’s forecast of 4.01 million. The figure is also considerably lower than 4.37 million metric tons (MT) output a year earlier.Palay production during the half is expected to hit 8.12 million MT, 2.4% lower year on year and 0.98% below the initial estimates released in January by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.Government data showed that as of May 3, rice paddy incurred the biggest damage from the El Niño with losses from the start of the year reaching 230,659 MT worth P3.47 billion, making up nearly half of the total damage to all crops, valued at P7.013 billion.
Also, as of May 3, rice crop losses totaled 299,558 tons from the start of the El Niño in February 2015, equivalent to more than half the total losses of 540,469 tons during the last El Niño from 2009 to 2010.Asked about palay’s second quarter performance, engineer Ariel T. Cayanan, the DA’s assistant secretary for Field Operations, declined to give an estimate, saying only that the DA is currently preparing the official data. The second quarter results for both production of unhusked rice and corn are due to be released on Aug. 15.
“You will see improvements sa early fourth quarter pa,” Mr. Piñol said adding that most farmers delayed wet season planting due to a lack of irrigation.
The country first felt the early stages of the El Niño, a phenomenon triggered by the warming of the Pacific Ocean, during early 2015. It peaked in early 2016.Mr. Piñol has been considering tapping rice shipments from non-traditional sources like Myanmar and Japan to reduce reliance on Thailand and Vietnam, respectively the second and third largest rice exporters in 2015 after India.Mr. Piñol said he is preparing for a scenario where a strong El Niño puts pressure on the capacity of Southeast Asian exporters to supply their customers, sending prices higher. -- Janina C. Lim
Palay output in the first quarter slid to 3.9 million tons, 9.97% lower than the government’s forecast of 4.01 million. The figure is also considerably lower than 4.37 million metric tons (MT) output a year earlier.Palay production during the half is expected to hit 8.12 million MT, 2.4% lower year on year and 0.98% below the initial estimates released in January by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.Government data showed that as of May 3, rice paddy incurred the biggest damage from the El Niño with losses from the start of the year reaching 230,659 MT worth P3.47 billion, making up nearly half of the total damage to all crops, valued at P7.013 billion.
Also, as of May 3, rice crop losses totaled 299,558 tons from the start of the El Niño in February 2015, equivalent to more than half the total losses of 540,469 tons during the last El Niño from 2009 to 2010.Asked about palay’s second quarter performance, engineer Ariel T. Cayanan, the DA’s assistant secretary for Field Operations, declined to give an estimate, saying only that the DA is currently preparing the official data. The second quarter results for both production of unhusked rice and corn are due to be released on Aug. 15.
“You will see improvements sa early fourth quarter pa,” Mr. Piñol said adding that most farmers delayed wet season planting due to a lack of irrigation.
The country first felt the early stages of the El Niño, a phenomenon triggered by the warming of the Pacific Ocean, during early 2015. It peaked in early 2016.Mr. Piñol has been considering tapping rice shipments from non-traditional sources like Myanmar and Japan to reduce reliance on Thailand and Vietnam, respectively the second and third largest rice exporters in 2015 after India.Mr. Piñol said he is preparing for a scenario where a strong El Niño puts pressure on the capacity of Southeast Asian exporters to supply their customers, sending prices higher. -- Janina C. Lim
NFA backs early import of 250,000 tons of rice
Posted on August 09, 2016
THE government plans to tap as much as half of its authorized rice import quota of 500,000 tons in order to maintain adequate buffer stocks for the lean season, an economic planning official said.
Workers unload sacks of rice at a warehouse of the National
Food Authority. -- AFP
“We’re advancing the importation for this quarter because it
is in this period that we really need it,” said Director IV of the National
Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Agriculture Natural Resources and
Environment Staff Mercedita A. Sombilla, in a phone interview.NEDA is
represented on the National Food Authority (NFA) Council which decides when to
resort to rice imports based on current supply levels.
The Council is mandated to maintain a 30-day stock during lean season and 15 days at any given time, and has recommended the import of 250,000 tons to the Office of the President.Ms. Sombilla said the shipments, once ordered, are expected to arrive by the end of August.“Our stocks for lean season are lower than the should be,” said Ms. Sombilla.According to NFA Spokesperson Angel G. Imperial, the state-run grains regulator has a buffer stock for rice sufficient for 25 days as of July 31.
The lean months run from July to September.“NFA buffer stocks are at critical levels. If anything happens buffer stocks will not be sufficient. That’s what we are stabilizing supply,” said Ms. Sombilla.Mr. Imperial, however, said that shipping during the lean months may have a “detrimental effect on farmers” by depressing prices during the harvest season.
“When the private sector finds out that stocks in government warehouses are high, they might not buy aggressively, which is why imports should not coincide with the harvest,” added Mr. Imperial in a phone interview.The previous government gave the state grains procurement agency standby authority to import up to half a million tons for the year.Rice imports under the standby authority can be procured via government-to-government deals.NFA’s Mr. Imperial said the Council is waiting for Malacañang to approve the imports
The Council is mandated to maintain a 30-day stock during lean season and 15 days at any given time, and has recommended the import of 250,000 tons to the Office of the President.Ms. Sombilla said the shipments, once ordered, are expected to arrive by the end of August.“Our stocks for lean season are lower than the should be,” said Ms. Sombilla.According to NFA Spokesperson Angel G. Imperial, the state-run grains regulator has a buffer stock for rice sufficient for 25 days as of July 31.
The lean months run from July to September.“NFA buffer stocks are at critical levels. If anything happens buffer stocks will not be sufficient. That’s what we are stabilizing supply,” said Ms. Sombilla.Mr. Imperial, however, said that shipping during the lean months may have a “detrimental effect on farmers” by depressing prices during the harvest season.
“When the private sector finds out that stocks in government warehouses are high, they might not buy aggressively, which is why imports should not coincide with the harvest,” added Mr. Imperial in a phone interview.The previous government gave the state grains procurement agency standby authority to import up to half a million tons for the year.Rice imports under the standby authority can be procured via government-to-government deals.NFA’s Mr. Imperial said the Council is waiting for Malacañang to approve the imports
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=nfa-backs-early-import-of-250000-tons-of-rice&id=131614
Govt, Rice Federation Prepare Contingency for Paddy Flooding
ByMonday, August 8, 2016 |
Flooding in Hinthada Township in
Irrawaddy Division on Monday. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)
RANGOON — The Myanmar Rice
Federation, farmers’ associations and the Department of Agriculture is
preparing to support farmers with seeds and fertilizers, and to monitor water
levels, after flooding nationwide has begun to inundate paddy fields.Attention
has been focused on the Irrawaddy Delta, whose 3 million acres of monsoon paddy
accounts for a large portion of Burma’s rice production.
“We’re now monitoring water
levels in paddy fields. Paddy is resistant [to current levels] but if water
keeps getting higher, paddy will be damaged. We’ve made preparations for this
[potential] loss,” said Myanmar Rice Federation spokesperson Ye Min Aung.
In Burma, monsoon paddy is mostly
planted between June and August, and is harvested through the cool season,
starting from October. Dry season paddy—cultivated in smaller quantities due to
the lack of irrigation in many areas—is planted largely between November and
December and is harvested from April.“Recently, paddy fields in Upper Burma
have been flooded but our particular concern is the Irrawaddy Delta. Working
with the government, we are preparing to provide paddy seed, fertilizer and
other necessary things for farmers,” Ye Min Aung said.
In flooding last year—caused by
torrential rain that peaked in late July and early August—more than 1.3 million
acres of paddy were swamped, out of 20 million acres being cultivated across
Burma.
At that time, the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation and farmers’ associations disbursed paddy seed so
that farmers could re-sow their crop before the end of the planting season.
Soe Tun, chairman of the Myanmar
Farmers’ Association, said that the concern was less with rice production—which
was not notably affected last year despite the inundations—but the welfare of
individual farmers, many of whom were left with crippling debts.
“Farmers lost many things in
their lives,” he said. “That’s why we’re preparing to provide paddy seed to
support farmers.”
Soe Tun added that increases in
rice prices were not a concern, because of adequate rice stores.
Ye Min Aung added that less than
30,000 acres of paddy in Upper Burma had been flooded so far, concentrated in
Sagaing and Magwe divisions.“If we compare this to nation-wide paddy acreage,
it’s not that much, but if the Irrawaddy Delta is flooded, it would have
serious implications for rice production this year,” he said.Htin Lin, a
resident in Nyaungdon Township of Irrawaddy Division, said the Irrawaddy River
had swollen this week near the town; paddy fields in villages by the river have
started to flood.
“Farmers can do nothing but wait
and see what will happen,” he said.Ye Min Aung said that the Myanmar Rice
Federation and the government need to actively prevent rice traders from
playing the market during times of floods.“So far, rice stores for local
consumption are sufficient,” he said.Last year, despite the floods, 1.3 million
tons of rice were exported during the 2015-16 fiscal year, ending in March. The
Myanmar Rice Federation says it expects 1.5 million tons to be exported over
the current fiscal year.The consequences of last year’s flooding were believed
to have been more indirect. The World Bank put economic growth at 7 per cent
for 2015-16, against a projected mid-term growth average of 8.2 percent. Floods
were blamed for much of the shortfall
http://www.irrawaddy.com/business/govt-rice-federation-prepare-contingency-for-paddy-flooding.html
Rice Prices
as on : 08-08-2016 08:10:31 PMArrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
|
Price
|
|||||
Current
|
%
change |
Season
cumulative |
Modal
|
Prev.
Modal |
Prev.Yr
%change |
|
Rice
|
||||||
Bhivandi(Mah)
|
8200.00
|
264.44
|
49059.00
|
2700
|
2300
|
68.75
|
Gadarpur(Utr)
|
968.00
|
-23.24
|
130306.00
|
2400
|
2513
|
33.33
|
Manjeri(Ker)
|
290.00
|
NC
|
11890.00
|
3200
|
3200
|
-3.03
|
Gorakhpur(UP)
|
286.00
|
14.4
|
7058.00
|
2210
|
2125
|
7.80
|
Jaunpur(UP)
|
285.00
|
-18.57
|
4250.00
|
2175
|
2100
|
9.02
|
Azamgarh(UP)
|
205.00
|
32.26
|
6306.00
|
2200
|
2240
|
5.52
|
Memari(WB)
|
192.00
|
3.23
|
5234.00
|
2180
|
2100
|
17.84
|
Pilibhit(UP)
|
120.00
|
20
|
20535.50
|
2235
|
2240
|
1.82
|
Siliguri(WB)
|
94.00
|
1.08
|
6595.00
|
2600
|
2600
|
-
|
Kalipur(WB)
|
92.00
|
8.24
|
7201.00
|
2300
|
2350
|
12.20
|
Kalna(WB)
|
90.00
|
-5.26
|
2141.00
|
2170
|
2160
|
14.21
|
Aligarh(UP)
|
80.00
|
NC
|
5025.00
|
2380
|
2400
|
15.53
|
Ghaziabad(UP)
|
80.00
|
14.29
|
3595.00
|
2340
|
2350
|
8.33
|
Devariya(UP)
|
80.00
|
-89.4
|
2320.00
|
2230
|
2230
|
12.06
|
Saharanpur(UP)
|
74.00
|
27.59
|
6188.00
|
2410
|
2375
|
12.09
|
Thodupuzha(Ker)
|
70.00
|
NC
|
3570.00
|
2800
|
2800
|
12.00
|
Etawah(UP)
|
70.00
|
7.69
|
19640.00
|
2265
|
2260
|
-0.44
|
Shahjahanpur(UP)
|
60.00
|
140
|
44758.70
|
2240
|
2255
|
10.34
|
Egra/contai(WB)
|
55.20
|
NC
|
574.30
|
2400
|
2300
|
14.29
|
Barasat(WB)
|
55.00
|
10
|
3145.00
|
2350
|
2350
|
-2.08
|
Ballia(UP)
|
50.00
|
25
|
7760.00
|
2075
|
2090
|
3.75
|
Gajol(WB)
|
44.00
|
-17.76
|
1130.00
|
3000
|
3000
|
17.65
|
Cachar(ASM)
|
40.00
|
NC
|
2720.00
|
2500
|
2500
|
-7.41
|
Meerut(UP)
|
40.00
|
433.33
|
664.50
|
2375
|
2475
|
10.47
|
Partaval(UP)
|
40.00
|
300
|
1612.00
|
2200
|
2175
|
14.29
|
Dadri(UP)
|
40.00
|
-20
|
2519.00
|
2340
|
2340
|
9.86
|
Khatra(WB)
|
39.00
|
2.63
|
1143.00
|
2250
|
2200
|
-2.17
|
Gazipur(UP)
|
38.00
|
22.58
|
2611.50
|
2140
|
2120
|
7.00
|
Anandnagar(UP)
|
30.00
|
-
|
100.00
|
2100
|
-
|
5.00
|
Achalda(UP)
|
25.00
|
-10.71
|
4200.50
|
2240
|
2250
|
-1.97
|
Rampur(UP)
|
24.00
|
50
|
948.00
|
2400
|
2385
|
12.94
|
Kolaghat(WB)
|
22.00
|
4.76
|
942.00
|
2400
|
2400
|
4.35
|
Diamond Harbour(South 24-pgs)(WB)
|
22.00
|
NC
|
1171.50
|
2250
|
2300
|
4.65
|
Madhoganj(UP)
|
21.50
|
19.44
|
351.50
|
2160
|
2140
|
0.47
|
Yusufpur(UP)
|
20.00
|
33.33
|
995.00
|
2065
|
2050
|
4.29
|
Chorichora(UP)
|
20.00
|
-33.33
|
428.15
|
2230
|
2170
|
10.95
|
Alipurduar(WB)
|
20.00
|
NC
|
638.00
|
2300
|
2300
|
4.55
|
Chintamani(Kar)
|
19.00
|
-42.42
|
617.00
|
2000
|
1950
|
11.11
|
Naugarh(UP)
|
16.00
|
10.34
|
881.50
|
2100
|
2090
|
8.53
|
Bethuadahari(WB)
|
16.00
|
NC
|
56.00
|
3250
|
3200
|
10.17
|
Robertsganj(UP)
|
15.00
|
-14.29
|
713.50
|
1925
|
1915
|
3.49
|
Champadanga(WB)
|
14.00
|
-12.5
|
1111.00
|
2600
|
2650
|
NC
|
Kaliaganj(WB)
|
13.00
|
-13.33
|
903.00
|
2650
|
2550
|
3.92
|
Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)
|
12.00
|
9.09
|
2084.00
|
3400
|
3400
|
-
|
Nilagiri(Ori)
|
12.00
|
20
|
599.00
|
2300
|
2300
|
-4.17
|
Lalbagh(WB)
|
11.00
|
-4.35
|
118.30
|
2310
|
2320
|
0.43
|
Banda(UP)
|
10.00
|
-33.33
|
501.50
|
2250
|
2225
|
-
|
Firozabad(UP)
|
9.00
|
28.57
|
716.60
|
2250
|
2240
|
11.94
|
Mirzapur(UP)
|
9.00
|
20
|
1537.10
|
1975
|
1985
|
NC
|
Raiganj(WB)
|
9.00
|
63.64
|
999.00
|
2700
|
2650
|
1.89
|
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
|
8.90
|
-24.58
|
1762.90
|
1900
|
1900
|
-
|
Dibrugarh(ASM)
|
8.70
|
4.82
|
1419.00
|
2450
|
2450
|
-
|
Cherthalai(Ker)
|
8.50
|
21.43
|
416.00
|
2150
|
2100
|
-15.69
|
Dibiapur(UP)
|
8.50
|
-10.53
|
232.00
|
2250
|
2240
|
-0.44
|
Bishnupur(Bankura)(WB)
|
8.00
|
-46.67
|
65.00
|
2225
|
2200
|
-
|
Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)
|
7.00
|
-5.41
|
158.60
|
2700
|
2700
|
-
|
Sheoraphuly(WB)
|
6.00
|
NC
|
509.35
|
2850
|
2850
|
7.55
|
Gangavathi(Kar)
|
5.00
|
NC
|
80.00
|
1600
|
2100
|
33.33
|
Chengannur(Ker)
|
4.00
|
-42.86
|
689.50
|
2300
|
2300
|
-8.00
|
Islampur(WB)
|
4.00
|
25
|
331.60
|
2350
|
2350
|
9.30
|
Khalanpur(Mah)
|
3.00
|
-40
|
16.00
|
3600
|
3850
|
-
|
Karimpur(WB)
|
3.00
|
NC
|
103.00
|
3150
|
3150
|
NC
|
Melaghar(Tri)
|
2.00
|
-33.33
|
127.30
|
2550
|
2650
|
8.51
|
Jeypore(Ori)
|
1.90
|
-47.22
|
132.30
|
4250
|
4100
|
4.94
|
Kesinga(Ori)
|
1.00
|
-98.75
|
791.00
|
2550
|
2350
|
NC
|
Sardhana(UP)
|
1.00
|
NC
|
93.30
|
2350
|
2340
|
9.81
|
Shillong(Meh)
|
0.60
|
-50
|
65.60
|
3500
|
3500
|
NC
|
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8959693.ece
APEDA RICE COMMODITY NEWS
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08/08/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Rice
High
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Low
|
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Long Grain Cash
Bids
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- - -
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- - -
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Long Grain New
Crop
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- - -
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- - -
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Futures:
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Rice Comment
Rice prices recovered strongly
today after falling to new lows, as we have taken over a dollar off the market
over the last three weeks. Softening global rice prices combined with weaker
exports continue to weigh on rice prices. Rice needs to see demand develop to
help ease pressure from the large crop that will be harvested in just a few
weeks
Walmart Foundation Throws Support to Conservation of Ricelands
MEMPHIS,
TN -- More rice producers will have the opportunity to increase sustainability
and profitability on their farms thanks to a grant from the Walmart
Foundation. The grant supports work through the USA Rice and Ducks
Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership."We are thrilled to announce a $1
million grant from the Walmart Foundation for our Rice Stewardship work in the
Mississippi Alluvial Valley and along the Gulf Coast," said DU Senior
Director of Development Chris Cole.
In
late 2014, USA Rice and DU secured a $10 million award from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through its Regional Conservation
Partnership Program (RCPP). The majority of the RCPP award is dedicated
to financial assistance for producers who implement conservation practices on
their lands through Farm Bill programs.
"The
Stewardship Partnership is the delivery mechanism to provide in-person
conservation technical assistance to the tremendous number of rice farmers
interested in participating in the programs," said Josh Hankins, USA Rice
stewardship partnership coordinator. "Only a small percentage of the
RCPP award is dedicated to fund staffing for this role so we're continuing to
seek additional, outside funding to better provide the support needed on the
ground to rice growers interested in implementing suites of conservation
practices on their farms."
There are also no RCPP funds to promote conservation efforts to a broader, historically underserved population or to scale conservation practices beyond those currently funded by scarce federal dollars. These are the two areas where the Walmart Foundation's grant will have the most impact.
Walmart
Foundation funding will be used primarily for technical assistance to and
training for farm owners, operators, and workers. Conservation projects
on ricelands will also improve rural economies by using locally sourced
contractors and supplies.
"The
challenge here is to conserve three critical natural resources in North
America: working ricelands, water, and wetland wildlife. The support of
groups like the Walmart Foundation is critical to our ability to make this
level of change happen," Hankins said.
Rice
Stewardship funders include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Walmart Foundation, the Mosaic Company
Foundation, Chevron U.S.A., Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, Irene W. and C.B.
Pennington Foundation, RiceTec, BASF, American Rice, Inc. - Riviana Foods,
Inc., Wells Fargo, Farmers Rice Milling Company, Horizon Ag, Turner's Creek
& Bombay Hook Farms, and MacDon Industries
PH plans to import 250,000 tons rice for delivery within Q3
Rice inside an NFA warehouse / Manila Bulletin file
photo
The Philippines, one of the world’s biggest rice importers, plans to buy
250,000 tons of the food staple from either Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia, as
it seeks to maintain a comfortable reserve ahead of the typhoon season.The chairman of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, Leoncio Evasco, has endorsed the purchase plan to President Rodrigo Duterte for final approval, Angel Imperial, spokesman of the state grains procurement agency NFA told Reuters.
It will be the first rice import deal for the six-week-old administration, which has vowed to make the Philippines self sufficient in rice production within its six-year term.
Fresh purchases by the Philippines, which is returning to the market for the first time in more than six months, could underpin Asian rice export prices, which have fallen in recent weeks amid low demand.
Imperial said the imports will boost NFA’s buffer stocks during the current lean harvest season that began in July. Thailand is entering the typhoon season, which can disrupt production.
NFA’s stocks were good for 25 days of national demand as of July 31, Imperial said, below the 30-day minimum requirement during the lean season.
A government source said the imports will be undertaken via a government-to-government deal, with rice suppliers Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia qualified to make an offer, and delivery expected to be completed within the third quarter.
“Reserves level (at NFA’s warehouses) remains ample but this quarter is seasonally lean months. Farmers are (still) planting,” the source said.
Overall rice stocks in the Philippines this year have been bolstered by a series of purchases by the previous administration made to offset crop losses from the El Nino dry weather phenomenon that ended recently.
Those imports include some 500,000 tons the NFA bought from Vietnam and Thailand last year and which arrived in the first quarter
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-plans-to-import-250000-tons-rice-for-delivery-within-q3/#gs6HR7McXG0lzq9t.99
http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-plans-to-import-250000-tons-rice-for-delivery-within-q3/
NFA backs early import of 250,000 tons of rice
Posted on August 09, 2016
THE government plans to tap as much as half of its authorized rice import quota of 500,000 tons in order to maintain adequate buffer stocks for the lean season, an economic planning official said.
Workers unload sacks of rice at a warehouse of the National
Food Authority. -- AFP
“We’re advancing the importation for this quarter because it
is in this period that we really need it,” said Director IV of the National
Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Agriculture Natural Resources and
Environment Staff Mercedita A. Sombilla, in a phone interview.NEDA is
represented on the National Food Authority (NFA) Council which decides when to
resort to rice imports based on current supply levels.
The Council is mandated to maintain a 30-day stock during lean season and 15 days at any given time, and has recommended the import of 250,000 tons to the Office of the President.Ms. Sombilla said the shipments, once ordered, are expected to arrive by the end of August.
“Our stocks for lean season are lower than the should be,” said Ms. Sombilla.
According to NFA Spokesperson Angel G. Imperial, the state-run grains regulator has a buffer stock for rice sufficient for 25 days as of July 31.
The lean months run from July to September.
“NFA buffer stocks are at critical levels. If anything happens buffer stocks will not be sufficient. That’s what we are stabilizing supply,” said Ms. Sombilla.
Mr. Imperial, however, said that shipping during the lean months may have a “detrimental effect on farmers” by depressing prices during the harvest season.
“When the private sector finds out that stocks in government warehouses are high, they might not buy aggressively, which is why imports should not coincide with the harvest,” added Mr. Imperial in a phone interview.
The previous government gave the state grains procurement agency standby authority to import up to half a million tons for the year.
Rice imports under the standby authority can be procured via government-to-government deals.
NFA’s Mr. Imperial said the Council is waiting for Malacañang to approve the imports
The Council is mandated to maintain a 30-day stock during lean season and 15 days at any given time, and has recommended the import of 250,000 tons to the Office of the President.Ms. Sombilla said the shipments, once ordered, are expected to arrive by the end of August.
“Our stocks for lean season are lower than the should be,” said Ms. Sombilla.
According to NFA Spokesperson Angel G. Imperial, the state-run grains regulator has a buffer stock for rice sufficient for 25 days as of July 31.
The lean months run from July to September.
“NFA buffer stocks are at critical levels. If anything happens buffer stocks will not be sufficient. That’s what we are stabilizing supply,” said Ms. Sombilla.
Mr. Imperial, however, said that shipping during the lean months may have a “detrimental effect on farmers” by depressing prices during the harvest season.
“When the private sector finds out that stocks in government warehouses are high, they might not buy aggressively, which is why imports should not coincide with the harvest,” added Mr. Imperial in a phone interview.
The previous government gave the state grains procurement agency standby authority to import up to half a million tons for the year.
Rice imports under the standby authority can be procured via government-to-government deals.
NFA’s Mr. Imperial said the Council is waiting for Malacañang to approve the imports
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=nfa-backs-early-import-of-250000-tons-of-rice&id=131614
African Rice SNP Map Reveals Geographical Adaptation Through Salt Tolerance
Aug 08, 2016
|
In the study, published today in Nature Genetics, an international team of researchers led by investigators at New York University used paired-end Illumina sequencing to resequence the genomes of 93 traditional O. glaberrima landraces — domesticated, regional ecotypes — from across the species range in West and Central sub-Saharan Africa, where it is mainly grown.
Most of the samples they used originated from a coastal region spanning Senegal to Liberia, as well as from inland areas in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They sequenced four of the landraces to between 30x and 73x mean nuclear genome coverage depth, and sequenced the remaining accessions to an average depth of 14.61x. The researchers then aligned these sequences to the O. glaberrima CG14 reference genome sequence, and identified more than 2.3 million SNPs.
They then performed principal-component analysis of SNP variation and found that they were "strongly correlated" with geography: either an east-west cline or a north-south cline. This allowed them, in turn, to deduce that all the landraces predominantly belonged to one cluster, with various levels of genomic contribution from five other ancestral populations.
"Using the wild progenitor Oryza barthii A. Chev as an outgroup, we observed an older split between coastal and inland populations and a more recent separation of northern and southern populations," the authors wrote. "Even without migration, this topology accounted for more than 99 percent of the variance in SNP data."
They also found that the species underwent a population bottleneck starting around 13,000 to 15,000 years ago, similar to what has been observed in other annual crop species, and coinciding with an increase in precipitation in West Africa after deglaciation leading into the start of the early Holocene African Humid Period.
Post-domestication, the SNP map revealed that the trait in African rice most likely associated with geographical adaptation is salinity tolerance. "Arid regions of northern West Africa have higher salinity levels, associated with saltwater intrusion into rivers that can reach up to 250 kilometers inland," the researchers wrote. They also interviewed African farmers about how they mitigate salt stress on their plants, and found that in Senegal, the major strategy was to farm salt-tolerant varieties. About 25 percent of the O. glaberrima varieties used by farmers in this area were salt tolerant, according to the researchers.
To examine phenotypic variation in salt tolerance, the team measured several salinity-associated fitness traits in 121 landrace seedlings at early and late stages of salt exposure, and found significant differences in the phenotypes across the four West African populations, except for the phenotypes corresponding to sodium and potassium content.
They also performed GWAS mapping with the 93 landrace sequences and found 28 SNPs in 11 unique genomic regions linked to salt-tolerance traits, four of which were within 300 kb of genomic regions that possess signatures of positive selection.
"Our analysis of African rice provides genetic evidence that may point to an extended period of low-intensity cultivation or management of a wild species before its domestication," the team wrote. "There have been two competing hypotheses for the timescale of domesticated crop origins — the rapid and protracted transition models of domestication. Our work provides support for the latter hypothesis, and, although other extrinsic (for example, climatic) factors cannot be ruled out, further archaeological and genetic work may help to establish the tempo and mode of the domestication process."
The researchers further added that the SNP map they described not only identified genomic regions associated with geographical differentiation and adaptation to a major abiotic stress factor like salinity, but could also offer other researchers new tools for mapping agriculturally important genes
https://www.genomeweb.com/genetic-research/african-rice-snp-map-reveals-geographical-adaptation-through-salt-tolerance
Institutions for rice research
Abdul Bayes
The main institutions for rice research in our country are the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) and the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Besides, the botany and biochemistry departments at various universities conduct basic and strategic research but their contribution to developing improved varieties has remained marginal.
The major achievement of rice research in Bangladesh, as in other Asian countries, has been the introduction of improved varieties. By 2001, BRRI released plenty of rice varieties for different agro-ecological conditions while BINA and BAU released a few varieties. The characteristics of the rice varieties produced by BRRI sheds some interesting insights.
Almost half of the varieties released by BRRI apply for the dry season. These are advanced lines developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and other national agricultural research systems, and found suitable for Bangladesh when tested under the International Network for Genetic Evaluation of Rice (INGER). On the other hand, the crosses for most of the varieties for the wet season were made by BRRI. It shows that for the irrigated ecosystem, countries can depend on international spill-over effects of technologies as good water control makes them widely adaptable. However, for the less favourable rain-fed ecosystem, breeding needs to be done locally to take care of the location-specific agro-ecological and climatic conditions.
Before releasing for the market, breeders have looked not only for yield but also for traits such as resistance to insects and diseases, grain quality, plant height, and growth duration. For example, varieties released in the 1970s had medium resistance to tungro virus, but had no capacity to resist most other diseases and insects. The varieties released in 1980s had better resistance to yellow stemborer, leaf blight, and blast, along with a mild resistance to brown plant hopper and sheath blight. In the 1990s, the traits of variable growth duration and plant height were given higher priority in the variety release decisions in order to suit parcels of land located in different elevations (which determine duration of moisture availability and flooding depth). Many varieties released in 1990s have shorter plant height, better grain quality and a shorter maturity period than the varieties released in the 1970s. The shorter maturity varieties helped farmers to cultivate non-rice crops in the rice-based farming systems and, thus, enabling them to improve cropping intensity and increase yield in subsequent non-rice crops, such as wheat. In the 2000s, varieties for vulnerable areas such as drought-prone, saline and excessive waterlogging were developed.
It is often observed that, in the face of insects and diseases, a new variety is released to replace an old variety. But there is no guarantee that the new variety will surely be high yielding variety or its yield level would be higher. The early variety for the dry season that had the highest yield was BR-3 released in 1973. The yield potential of this variety was surpassed only in 1994 with the release of Brridhan29 (BR-29) demonstrating an average yield of 7.5 tons/ha in multi-location trials. On the other hand, the variety that gives the highest yield for the amon season, BR-11, was released in 1980.
In the light of the discussions above, we may classify the modern varieties (MVs) into three groups:
MV-1: The first-generation varieties released in the 1970s which, despite high yield, had relatively low resistance to insects and
diseases.
MV-2: The second-generation varieties released during the 1980s, which have improved resistance to pest and diseases and better grain quality, but no yield advantages compared to the first generation.
MV-3: The third-generation varieties released since 1990, which produce plants shorter in height with the capacity to yield high and have the capacity to increase
production.
Our farmers started cultivating MVs in the early 1960s. At that time, the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) introduced, through cooperatives, the cultivation of Paijam (known as Masuri in India) for the wet season and Purbachi for the dry season. The seeds of these varieties were imported from outside.
According to researchers, whether or not farmers would be encouraged to adopt MVs, depend on a number of socio-economic factors. But they have also shown that the existing dominance of small and marginal farmers in the agrarian structure did not deter the adoption of MVs in Bangladesh. On the other hand, researches have revealed that the rate of adoption of MV is the highest among the small and tenant farmers. This observation does not lend support to the conventional wisdom of the forerunners in rural researches.
However, among the major constraints to adoption are technical factors such as non-availability of irrigation facilities for the dry season, and the topographic condition of the land-parcels. For example, one-thirds of our cultivated lands have a flood-depth of 30 cm and these are favourable for growing semi-dwarf modern varieties. On the other hand, we have 40 per cent of the cultivated land with depth of flood at 30-90 cm, and where modern varieties of medium heights are suitable to grow. Needless to mention, most of the lands in these areas have been brought under MVs. However, the rest one-third of the cultivated land in Bangladesh is unfavourable for the growth of MV paddy. Besides topographic condition, another constraint to the adoption of MVs is the intrusion of salinity into the soil.
The diffusion of MVs is mainly dependent on the expansion of irrigation facilities. The rapid spread of irrigation began in the early 1980s when irrigation system was left to the private sector. Beginning in 1986, and sequentially, the government removed bans on imports of agricultural inputs and reduced import duties on the imports of agricultural machinery. These two steps helped reduction of irrigation costs and the growth of an irrigation market in rural areas and also went to invigorate the visibly spread irrigation programmes of the 1990s. Apart from irrigation facilities, two other factors helped the spread of MVs: first, improved linkages between agricultural research and extension; secondly, cooperation between NGOs, private sector and the government.
The writer is a former Professor of Economics at Jahangirnagar University.
abdulbayes@yahoo.com
Rice exports witness decrease by 8.60pc in FY2015-16
By Webmaster
-
92
Karachi—Pakistan’s rice exports have been falling in recent
years, mainly due to higher prices, energy crisis, poor quality seeds, low
yield and persistently lower commodity prices in global markets. The fall has a
bearing on the country’s economy for rice is the second main earner of foreign
exchange for the country after textiles. However, the office of Global Analysis
of USDA has raised Pakistan’s exports forecast by 0.1m tonnes to 4.5m tonnes on
a stronger pace of trade. In the just-ended fiscal year of 2015-16, rice
exports witnessed a decrease of 8.60pc. The country earned $1.86bn from these
exports during the year compared to $2.04b earned in the fiscal year 2014-15.
Besides, 503,037 metric tonnes of basmati worth $455.25m was exported as
compared to 523,450 tonnes a year ago, valuing $601.27m.
Meanwhile, for 2016-17, USDA Grain Report forecasts global production at a new record, primarily due to a larger crop in the United States, while global trade is forecast lower, with reduced imports and consumption in Bangladesh, Iran, and Nigeria. USDA expects about 20pc larger purchases by Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia would in fact import about 1.6m tonnes of rice during the period. The USDA maintains Pakistan’s rice export quotes at $410/tonne. The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) in a recent meeting with officials of the ministry of national food security and research in Islamabad pleaded for measures to either reduce the cost of production or introduce high-quality seeds to increase productivity. The ministry asked the chief secretaries of the provinces to take appropriate measures to facilitate growers in lowering the cost.
While looking into the reasons for decline in exports, the fact remains that high production cost of rice is hampering its sales in the international market. Exporters are finding it difficult to sell the commodity because of sluggish demand and comparatively higher price. The price of Pakistani rice is higher than the paddy produced by India and other regional countries. The price of Pakistani basmati is higher by at least $100 to $150 compared to Indian basmati, and, hence, selling it is a big challenge.
Since 1997, no new basmati seed has been introduced in the market and that’s the reason for the low yield per acre, which has pushed rice prices higher. India, on the contrary, has introduced five new seed varieties in the last 10 years and that has helped it in increasing yield. Another step the government could take is to subsidise rice exports so that the stock could be disposed of, Malik Jahangir, a REAP official suggested. “If we fail to export the existing stock, then next year farmers will not grow the grain.” The association also wrote to the Rice Research Centre, Kala Shah Kaku Lahore, but received no appropriate response.
An office-bearer of the Pakistan Rice Growers Association says hybrid varieties are becoming popular and being used in many areas, giving better results. Pakistan’s rice exports have crossed the 4.0m tonne mark in the past. If the country’s production during the year 2016-17 reaches 7.0m tonnes, trade surplus will surely surge to 4.5m tonnes. But the problem arises from the lower prices being paid to growers, which are compelling them to shift to alternate crops. A number of rice growers in Sindh have already switched to sugarcane due to low rice prices. However, the hybrid seed, one of them say, can resolve the problem, for it produces higher yields on smaller land. China, being a big market, likes to use hybrid seeds for better results. However, there are concerns among Pakistani farmers and officials regarding effects of hybrid produce on both human beings and the soil. Although the United States produces less than 2pc of the world’s rice, it is a major exporter, accounting for more than 10pc of the global rice trade per annum.—Agencies
Meanwhile, for 2016-17, USDA Grain Report forecasts global production at a new record, primarily due to a larger crop in the United States, while global trade is forecast lower, with reduced imports and consumption in Bangladesh, Iran, and Nigeria. USDA expects about 20pc larger purchases by Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia would in fact import about 1.6m tonnes of rice during the period. The USDA maintains Pakistan’s rice export quotes at $410/tonne. The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) in a recent meeting with officials of the ministry of national food security and research in Islamabad pleaded for measures to either reduce the cost of production or introduce high-quality seeds to increase productivity. The ministry asked the chief secretaries of the provinces to take appropriate measures to facilitate growers in lowering the cost.
While looking into the reasons for decline in exports, the fact remains that high production cost of rice is hampering its sales in the international market. Exporters are finding it difficult to sell the commodity because of sluggish demand and comparatively higher price. The price of Pakistani rice is higher than the paddy produced by India and other regional countries. The price of Pakistani basmati is higher by at least $100 to $150 compared to Indian basmati, and, hence, selling it is a big challenge.
Since 1997, no new basmati seed has been introduced in the market and that’s the reason for the low yield per acre, which has pushed rice prices higher. India, on the contrary, has introduced five new seed varieties in the last 10 years and that has helped it in increasing yield. Another step the government could take is to subsidise rice exports so that the stock could be disposed of, Malik Jahangir, a REAP official suggested. “If we fail to export the existing stock, then next year farmers will not grow the grain.” The association also wrote to the Rice Research Centre, Kala Shah Kaku Lahore, but received no appropriate response.
An office-bearer of the Pakistan Rice Growers Association says hybrid varieties are becoming popular and being used in many areas, giving better results. Pakistan’s rice exports have crossed the 4.0m tonne mark in the past. If the country’s production during the year 2016-17 reaches 7.0m tonnes, trade surplus will surely surge to 4.5m tonnes. But the problem arises from the lower prices being paid to growers, which are compelling them to shift to alternate crops. A number of rice growers in Sindh have already switched to sugarcane due to low rice prices. However, the hybrid seed, one of them say, can resolve the problem, for it produces higher yields on smaller land. China, being a big market, likes to use hybrid seeds for better results. However, there are concerns among Pakistani farmers and officials regarding effects of hybrid produce on both human beings and the soil. Although the United States produces less than 2pc of the world’s rice, it is a major exporter, accounting for more than 10pc of the global rice trade per annum.—Agencies
