Gold prices down, rice up in
Kabul this week
Dec 16, 2017 - 18:54
KABUL (Pajhwok): The price of rice edged up while that of gold dropped
during the outgoing week in Kabul, market sources said on Saturday.
Food Traders Union head Fazal
Rahman told Pajhwok Afghan News the rate of a 24-kg bag of Pakistani rice
increased to 1,8500afs from 1,900 afs. He linked the increased rice price in
Kabul to hike in Pakistan.
However, he said, other food
items prices remained unchanged as a 49-kg Pakistani sugar sack was priced at
1,860afs, a 16-kg tin of Khurshid ghee at 1,070 afs and a 50-kg Kazakhstani
flour at 1,200 afs.
Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad Khairkhwa,
a tea seller at Kabul Mandavi, said a kilogram of Indonesian green tea cost
280afs and the same amount of African black tea 300afs, the same prices as of
past seven days.
Sometimes a slight difference is
observed in retail and wholesale prices, but in some areas, the difference is
huge.
Ahmad Wali Panjshiri, who owns a
grocery store in Dahn-i-Bagh area, sold a 50-kg of Kazakhstani flour for
1,300afs, 49-kg sack of Pakistani sugar for 1,900 afs, 16-litre tin of Khurshid
ghee for 1,200afs, 24.5kg sack of Pakistani rice for 2,200afs, a kilo of
Indonesian green tea for 300 afs and the same quantity of African black tea for
350afs.
Gold prices went down. Haji Fawad
Ahmad Saleh, a jeweller in Timor Shahi area, said the price of one gram of
Arabian gold dropped from 2,350 afs to 2,300afs and the same amount of Russian
variety from 1,900 afs to 1,850 afs. He linked the decreased price to global
market trends.
However, fuel prices remained
steady. Abdul Hadi, a worker at Wazir Abad Pump Station, told Pajhwok the price
of a litre of diesel was 46afs and the same amount of petrol also 45afs.
Gas prices were also unchanged.
Sharif Ahmad, a gas seller at Kolola Poshta area of Kabul, confirmed the rate
of gas remained steady at 60afs per kilo.
Haji Hassan, a firewood seller in
Charahi Shaheed area of Kabul, said that 560 kilograms of peeled oak cost
8,000afs Afghanis and the same quantity of cedar 7,500afs, same prices as of
last week’s.
According to moneychangers’ union
in Sara-i-Shazada, one US dollar accounted for 69.40 afs and 1,000 Pakistani
rupees for 630 afs against last week's rates of 69.05 afs and 634 afs
respectively.
Punjab govt
plans to privatise market committees
Safeguarding
interests of traders, growers, exporters
December
17, 2017
LAHORE - The Punjab government is planning
to
privatise market committees
to regulate marketing of grains, fruits and vegetable items with a view to
safeguard interests of traders, growers and exporters. The privatization
of
market committees
will provide growers a direct access to markets to sell their produce,
providing a level-playing field to all stakeholders.
The provincial ministry of agriculture will
also hold discussions on the subject with the stakeholders and inform them
about the reforms being carried out in
market committee
systems so as to facilitate both the buyers as well as sellers.
These views were expressed by Punjab
Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Mahmood while talking to a delegation of Rice
Exporters Association of Pakistan which met him in the lead of its chairman Ch
Samee Ullah Naeem.
He said that the
market committees’
functions under a public-private partnership arrangement will be further
debated with the stakeholders before its final implementation with a view to
smooth marketing of fruits, vegetable and grains.
The secretary said that the government will
also establish various facilities near the markets to enhance the quality of
different commodities, besides drying the grins to the allowed limit of
moisture with a view to reach the markets smoothly and fetching better prices.
REAP chairman, on this occasion, raised several
issues with the Punjab secretary, impeding the growth of rice exports from
Pakistan.
He warned of the increasing sensitivity by the
European countries against the use of different pesticides especially Biphenyl
and Carbendazim.
He said though Biphenyl and Carbendazim are
being used in negligible quantity in Pakistan by the rice growers but awareness
should be created against use of those pesticides whose minimum residue level
(MRL) are expected to be revised next year by the EU.
He also asked the Punjab government to take the
National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) and
Pakistan Seed Association (PSA) on board of the Punjab Rice Research &
Development Board to streamline the research as well as developing new seeds so
that rice production could be enhanced.
Ch Samee requested the government to approve
new basmati rice seed variety developed by the Kalashah Kaku Research Institute
and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering to enhance
yield. He said that though our Gulf rice
market has
squeezed yet we can compensate this loss by diverting our supply to new
potential markets, he added.
The secretary assured him of reviewing the
issues, doing the needful in the larger interest of the growers and the
exporters. He also accepted the demand of the rice exporters and directed to
include PSA and the NIBGE on board of the Punjab Rice Research and Development
Board to develop commercially viable varieties.
Punjab urges
Indonesian investors to benefit from Special Economic Zones
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries, Commerce and Trade Sheikh
Allauddin said that there was a wide opportunity for Indonesia to take interest
in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being developed in Punjab, as well as
automobile, construction, food, oil and textile industries.
He expressed these views while
chairing a meeting held here Saturday, to review the arrangements regarding the
visit of Indonesian Delegation in Punjab for trade on December 19.
PBIT CEO said that 14 members of
Indonesia would visit Punjab to check the potential of the investment
opportunities in the province regarding business, textile, food etc. He added
that Indonesia wanted to construct Jakarta Tower in Lahore and a meeting had
been arranged with LDA in this regard.
Punjab Food Authority (PFA) DG
Noorul Ameen said that Indonesia was a rice consuming country and Pakistan
could capture Indonesian market through proper marketing strategy as it
produced the best quality rice in a large quantity.
The minister directed the PBIT
CEO to make all necessary arrangements for Indonesian delegation’s visit.
PFA DG Noorul Ameen, PBIT CEO,
Chief Operating Officer Haroon Shaukat, Deputy Secretary (Industries) Moeed
Rana, Deputy Director (Protocol) Inamul Rehman, DSP (security) and other
officials concerned were also present at the occasion.
December 17, 2017
Envoy informs exhibitors about
Canadian import laws and regulations. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: “Pakistan has a strong base of industrial
products, which are exported globally, particularly in growing volumes to
Canada,” said Pakistan High Commissioner Tariq Azim Khan while visiting a trade
show and cultural event organised by the Pakistan-Canada Business Chamber
(PCBC).
The event was
held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan in Montreal.
In order to
give a boost to exports by showcasing Pakistan’s niche products, the trade show
was organised on a large scale with 32 companies exhibiting their products
including textiles, carpets, surgical instruments, handicrafts, sport goods,
leather, jewellery, food and basmati rice. Three restaurants served the
visitors with Pakistani cuisine, the Pakistan High Commission said in a
statement.
The high
commissioner, accompanied by Pakistan’s consul general in Montreal Muhammad
Aamer, and PCBC directors visited all the booths. A large number of businessmen
as well as general public visited the stalls and appreciated the fine quality
of Pakistani products.
Later, a
seminar was organised by PCBC to educate Pakistani exhibitors about the import
laws and regulations and certifications required for entry of their products
into the Canadian market.
The visitors
appreciated the initiative taken by PCBC for the promotion of Pakistani
products that would deepen trade ties between Pakistan and Canada. The high
commissioner said Pakistan’s economy was growing at over 5% annually which, coupled
with friendly investment policies, was expected to make the country 20th
biggest economy in the world by 2030.
LCCI for
exploring more int’l markets to boost furniture exports
LAHORE - Lahore Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid on Saturday said the chamber would
provide furniture exhibitors level playing field enabling them to conduct their
business with peace of mind and add up to the important revenue to the national
exchequer.
He expressed these views here Saturday during
his visit to “9th Interiors Pakistan” exhibition held at Expo Center.
Tahir Javed said PFC's exhibitions were playing
a vital role to boost furniture industry locally and internationally. He said
the PFC events were boosting the visitor economy through domestic and
international visitation, facilitating small business growth by connecting
buyers and sellers, knowledge sharing leading to innovation and business
collaboration and providing a platform for international trade and investment.
While lamenting the low level of furniture
exports, he stressed on the importance of
exploring international
markets for
potential customers to boost exports and the furniture industry.
Appreciating the role of PFC chief executive Mian
Kashif Ashfaq, he said with a little innovation, investment and government
support, furniture industry can generate even more employment and income from
sustainable economy. He said textiles and rice were currently the largest
exports of Pakistan bringing in $14 billion and $2 billion of foreign exchange,
respectively. Furniture exports, on the other hand, stand at a meager $51
million.
He said holding of exhibitions would not only
promote economic activities in the country but would also encourage furniture
exports. "Fairs and exhibitions not only attract foreign buyers and bring
in much needed foreign exchange, but also highlight the soft image of
Pakistan", he added.
Expressing his gratitude for chamber' support
to promote furniture's fairs inside the country, the PFC chief executive Mian
Kashif Ashfaq said the 'Interiors Pakistan' is an opportunity for the largest
furniture companies and interior designers across the country to display their
products. He further said that with its previous experience, the PFC remained
one of the most distinctive channels for regional and international companies
to penetrate the global market.
He said the Pakistan furniture industry had a
great potential in future and he predicted that the increased exposure through
Interiors Pakistan would highlight the skill and talent in the country.
Meanwhile, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman and Vice President Manzoor ul
Haq Malik said local furniture sector attached great importance to the national
economy and could make a substantial contribution of billions of dollars export
annually if the government properly patronizes it on priority for boosting
export of Pak-handmade furniture.
He expressed these views here during his visit
to “9th Interiors Pakistan” exhibition held at Expo Center. He also
appreciated the PFC for holding successful series of interiors Pakistan
exhibitions in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. He urged the government to
establish greater liaison with this sector to fully understand the market
conditions and requirements of the industry needs to protect, develop and
promote.
He said the government should also provide more
visible support to furniture business in terms of simple and easily obtainable
grants for exhibiting and travelling to trade shows and promoting Pak export as
a success globally. He said Pakistan’s furniture exports stand at a meager $51
million. He said if the government extends its support to furniture companies,
the volume of export could touch the figure of $5 billion for the next five
years. He suggested that a programme for developing and promoting the furniture
sector both in rural and urban areas could be feasible, and also stressed upon
urgent need for implementing modern techniques which not only enhance
productivity, develop skills of labourers and meet requirements of local and
global
markets
Canada and
Pakistan have great potential to forge partnership in IT and Agriculture: Tariq
Azim Khan
MONTREAL : “Pakistan has a strong
industrial base of products, which are exported globally as well as in growing
volume into Canada” said Tariq Azim Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan, while
visiting Trade Show and cultural event, organized by Pakistan Canada Business
Chamber (PCBC), in coordination with the Consulate General of Pakistan,
Montreal, at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Montreal.
In order to give a boost to its
exports by showcasing Pakistani niche products the trade Show was organized at
a large scale in which 32 companies, representing goods and services, exhibited
their products including textiles, carpets, surgical instruments, handicrafts,
sporting goods, leather, jewellery, food and basmati rice etc. Three
restaurants entertained the visitors with Pakistani cuisine.
The High Commissioner, accompanied
by Muhammad Aamer, Consul General of Pakistan in Montreal and PCBC Directors
visited all booths. A large number of businesses as well as the general public
visited the booths and highly appreciated the fine quality of Pakistani
products.
Later, a Seminar was organized by
PCBC to educate the Pakistani exhibitors about the import laws and regulations
and certifications required for entry of their products into the Canadian
market.
The visitors highly appreciated
the initiative taken by PCBC for promotion of Pakistani products that will
deepen the trade ties between Pakistan and Canada. High Commissioner said that
Pakistan’s economy is growing at over 5 % rate and coupled with friendly
investment policies, it is expected to become the 20th biggest economy of the
world by2030. He noted that during the last two years bilateral trade volume
between the two countries has doubled.
To showcase the high quality of
Pakistani textiles, a fashion show was presented by Mr. Ali Xeeshan, a famous
Pakistani Fashion Designer and Ms. Maleeha Malik, a Pakistani Canadian Fashion
Designer. The audience highly appreciated the high quality and elegance of
Pakistani bridal and semiformal garments. Pakistani pop, folksinger,
Abrar-ul-Haq, performed live to entertain large audience with his hits songs.
Ms. Emmanuella Lambropoulos,
Member of Canadian Parliament, Mayors of St. Laurent and Lasalle, Canadian
officials, diplomats and a large number of Pakistani diaspora also attended the
event.
LCCI to
provide all out support for boosting local furniture
Salim Ahmed
Lahore
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce
& Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid on Saturday said the chamber
would provide furniture exhibitors level playing field enabling them to conduct
their business with peace of mind and add up to the important revenue to the
national exchequer.
He expressed these views here today during his visit to “9th Interiors
Pakistan” exhibition held at Expo center.
Tahir Javed said PFC’s exhibitions were playing a vital role to boost furniture
industry locally and internationally. He said the PFC events were boosting the
visitor economy through domestic and international visitation, facilitating
small business growth by connecting buyers and sellers, knowledge sharing
leading to innovation and business collaboration and providing a platform for
international trade and investment.
While lamenting the low level of furniture exports, he stressed on the
importance of exploring international markets for potential customers to boost
exports and the furniture industry.
Appreciating the role of PFC chief executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq, he said with a
little innovation, investment and government support, furniture industry can
generate even more employment and income from sustainable economy. He said
textiles and rice were currently the largest exports of Pakistan bringing in
$14 billion and $2 billion of foreign exchange, respectively. Furniture
exports, on the other hand, stand at a meager $51 million.
He said holding of exhibitions would not only promote economic activities in
the country but would also encourage furniture exports. “Fairs and exhibitions
not only attract foreign buyers and bring in much needed foreign exchange, but
also highlight the soft image of Pakistan”, he added.
Expressing his gratitude for chamber’ support to promote furniture’s fairs
inside the country, the PFC chief executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq said the
‘Interiors Pakistan’ is an opportunity for the largest furniture companies and
interior designers across the country to display their products. He further said
that with its previous experience, the PFC remained one of the most distinctive
channels for regional and international companies to penetrate the global
market.
He said the Pakistan furniture industry had a great potential in future and he
predicted that the increased exposure through Interiors Pakistan would
highlight the skill and talent in the country.
Moreover, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
Regional Chairman and Vice President Manzoor ul Haq Malik said local furniture
sector attached great importance to the national economy and could make a
substantial contribution of billions of dollars export annually if the
government properly patronizes it on priority for boosting export of
Pak-handmade furniture.
He expressed these views here today during his visit to “9th Interiors
Pakistan” exhibition held at Expo center. He appreciated the PFC for holding
successful series of interiors Pakistan exhibitions in Karachi, Islamabad and
Lahore. He urged the government to establish greater liaison with this sector
to fully understand the market conditions and requirements of the industry
needs to protect, develop and promote.
He said the government should also provide more visible support to furniture
business in terms of simple and easily obtainable grants for exhibiting and
travelling to trade shows and promoting Pak export as a success globally. He
said currently, the textile sector was the country’s largest industry in terms
of exports, exporting $14 billion worth of goods annually.
Reduce pesticide residue in rice,
States told
BENGALURU, DECEMBER
16, 2017 22:10 IST
Cracking the whip: The Ministry of Agriculture has asked Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana to keep a watch on the
use of pesticides by farmers. | Photo
Credit: M_A_SRIRAM ;M_A_SRIRAM -
Exports are being affected owing to detection of pesticides
exceeding the prescribed maximum residue limits
After noticing the pesticide level in rice exceeding stipulated
limit, which has led to problems in export, major rice producing States in the
South have been asked to take necessary steps to reduce the pesticide residue.
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have
been asked by the Union Ministry of Agriculture to keep a watch on the use of
pesticides by farmers that could finally enter the food chain.
“Export of rice has faced problems in the last few years in
different markets such as the U.S., E.U. and Iran owing to detection of
pesticides exceeding the prescribed maximum residue limits (MRLs),” said a
cautionary note that has been sent in late September to the Agriculture
Departments of all five States through the Hyderabad-based Directorate of
Oilseeds Development, which is the nodal agency for agri-related activities for
South India. In Karnataka, the note was forwarded to the officials concerned in
late November.
The note, which was issued following an advisory from the Commerce
Ministry, pointed out that recently, the European Union has brought the MRL of Tricyclazole
to 0.01 gm/kg. “Similarly, the U.S. does not permit the presence of residue of
Isoprothiolane beyond 0.01 gm/kg. Therefore, paddy farmers are required to be
selective in use of pesticides keeping in view the target market,” the note
said. It has also urged the local department of agriculture and agricultural
universities to review the use of pesticides in paddy and also create awareness
among farmers of the correct dose.
Tricyclazole and Isoprothiolane, scientists say, are the two
pesticides commonly used in paddy cultivation to prevent blast disease, a major
threat to the Basmati and non-Basmati crops. However, an officer in one of the
agriculture universities in Karnataka said these two chemicals are used in
higher doses ‘by overzealous farmers to prevent crop loss’. He added that
irrespective of export or domestic consumption, pesticide residue should be
low. “If it gets rejected in exports, the rice will find its way to the
domestic market,” he warned.
However, according to Agriculture Commissioner G. Sathish, the
advisory has a background of export rejection of Basmati rice and that
Karnataka is not a Basmati growing region. “The advisory is about the time
between application of pesticide and harvest.”
But following the Union government’s advisory, the State has
decided to check the MRLs from the coming season, and has asked the joint
directors to collect samples for tests. They have also been asked to start
awareness clinics to impress upon the farmers to use pesticides in suggested
quantities.
How rampant is fertilizer use?
Is pesticide being indiscriminately used in paddy cultivation in
Karnataka?
There are differing views on this. While farmers, and an officer of
an agriculture university whom The Hindu spoke to, acknowledged that it is the
case, Agriculture Department officials claim that pesticide use is under
control.
Farmers say that local fertilizer dealers have emerged as an
advisor to farmers, who follow their instructions instead of sticking to the
protocols issued by the Agriculture Department or agriculture universities.
Rice growers like A.N. Anjaneya from Harihar taluk in Davangere, Revanna
Siddappa Chinchiraki and Bheem Rao of Sindhanur taluk in Raichur district said
that farmers have been using pesticide doses higher than the prescribed limit.
Mr. Anjaneya said: “The department recommends spraying insecticide
once or twice depending on the need. However, farmers end up spraying anywhere
from 4 to 8 times. While the department recommends one-and-a-half quintal of
NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium) per acre, farmers apply at least
four-and-a-half quintals.” In fact, he said that though the department does not
always advice use of systemic pesticides (which remain in the plant for a long
time), farmers use them at their discretion.
Revanna Siddappa, who earlier was a fertilizer trader in Sindhanur
but now practises organic farming on his five-acre lemon orchard, said that
farmers spend a huge amount of money on fertilizers and pesticides, which
results in very little profit from agriculture. He added that scientists had a
tough task on the same issue during a recent interaction at Kisan Vijnana
Kendra at Lingasugur.
Another rice farmer Bheem Rao said while some have taken the advice
of the agriculture university or the Agriculture Department, a large section of
farmers in Raichur do not adhere to the protocol. “Due to abuse of fertilizers
and pesticides over the years, the soil has lost its fertility and farmers have
been increasing the quantity of fertilizer/pesticide,” he explained.
However, Agriculture Commissioner G. Sathish disputed the claim. He
said that spending more money on fertilizers or pesticide does not make
agriculture activity viable nor any business sense for farmers. “They may waste
water but do not abuse fertilizers or pesticides. Normally, we recommend less
than the sub optimal dose, which is based on weather and crop, and they stick
to that.” He acknowledged that the department had not tested samples though it
has the facilities to do so. “We offer testing facilities to anyone wanting to
test samples. Similar facilities exist in the private sector and agriculture
universities too,” he said.
Rice prices creeping up again
V12:00 AM, December 17, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:50 AM,
December 17, 2017
Rice prices have started creeping up again, spurred by increased
import costs and speculations that the ongoing Aman harvesting period was
witnessing a reduction in yield, according to traders and millers.
Coarse grain sold at Tk 44-46 per kilogramme at city retail
markets yesterday, up from Tk 42-46 a week ago.
Prices of fine and medium varieties also edged up, the former
trading at Tk 58-68 yesterday from Tk 58-66 a week ago, according to the Trading
Corporation of Bangladesh data.
Abdul Matin, a rice trader at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, said
wholesale prices rose by one taka in recent days. “We have come to know from
millers that there has been a shortage of production of paddy this year,” he said.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said paddy
cultivation area rose 3.4 percent year-on-year to 57.74 lakh hectares during
Aman season, exceeding its initial target of 56 lakh hectares this year.
The DEA targeted cultivating 1.40 crore tonnes of rice in the Aman
season this year. The monsoon-based crop accounted for 40 percent of the 3.38
crore tonnes of rice produced in fiscal 2016-17, according to the Bangladesh
Bureau of Statistics.
However, some rice millers said the yield of Aman would decline as
cultivation of the second biggest rice crop was delayed for recurrent floods
which affected seedlings and plantations in their primary stages in vast areas
of the north, particularly in August.
Later, heavy rainfall, triggered by a land depression in late
October, affected paddy on the fields in many growing regions.
“Rainfall and wind at that time damaged paddy, affecting grain
formation of the rice plants that were cultivated late owing to floods,” said
Nirod Boron Saha, a rice and paddy wholesaler and miller in Naogaon, one of the
north's major wholesale centres.
“There is a price in terms of yield for late plantation,” he said,
adding that many farmers also opted for producing aromatic rice after the
floods.
“These factors have had an impact on overall production. It
appears that there is a deficit in production,” he said, citing high prices of
paddy against low supply in local bazaars.
Saha said, “Paddy prices were very high as farmers were releasing
their produce slowly.”
KM Layek Ali, general secretary of Bangladesh Auto, Major and
Husking Mills Association, said farmers usually retain Aman paddy for a longer
period of time and release it gradually.
“Supply from growers will increase as many of them will sell their
produce to cultivate Boro rice and buy production inputs such as fertilisers
and pesticides,” he said.
A 40-kg sack of Guti Swarna paddy, a coarse grain variety, sold
for Tk 960-1,000 at growers' level yesterday, said Refayet Ullah, a farmer from
Pirgachha in the northern district of Rangpur.
“Overall yields are less this Aman season compared to a year ago.
This is a common case in my area,” he said blaming floods that affected
plantations in their primary stage in August.
“We would have bagged a good amount of crops if we had been able
to plant the crop timely,” he said. A rice miller seeking to remain unnamed
said reports of higher yields were provided to headquarters from field level
agricultural offices.
“In reality, the situation is not such,” he said, adding that the
overall output might decline in the current Aman season from what was a year
ago. The market of the staple food started rising after declining from the
third week of November, to continue until the end of the first week of this
month.
Saha said cost of rice imports has increased owing to weakening of
the local currency taka against the US dollar. On the other hand, Indian rupee
appreciated against the greenback, leading to a further spiral in import costs,
he said.
“We have to buy dollar at about Tk 83 each. The same was available
at around Tk 80 one and half months ago,” he said.
On December 13, the greenback traded at Tk 82.60 each, up from Tk
80.90 on the first day of November, according to the Bangladesh Bank data.
Saha said prices of the staple may edge up in the coming months. A
decline in prices depends on a bumper Boro harvest.
“So far, the weather looks favourable. Agricultural extension
officials should stay close to growers and provide advice to ensure a good
crop,” he said.
Biotech’s health food
December 15, 2017 11:24 AM
“Scientific studies have
overwhelmingly demonstrated that foods obtained from GE (genetically
engineered) crops are as safe and nutritious as foods obtained from
conventional crops.”The Society of Toxicologists, an international organization
of more than 8,000 scientists, issued that statement in November.
It is one more scientific
organization that has joined others such as the American Medical Association in
verifying the safety of biotech foods.In the future we can trust scientists,
regulators and farmers to help provide consumers with biotech foods that are
not only as safe as other foods but healthier as well.Golden Potatoes may
become one of those healthier foods. A team of Italian and U.S. researchers
recently developed the biotech potato that is rich in vitamins A and B.
Like Golden Rice, Golden Potatoes could improve the health of people all over
the globe, but especially those in developing countries where vitamin
deficiency causes childhood blindness and death. The biotech methods used
to develop Golden Rice and Golden Potatoes could lead to future development of
other “golden” fruits and vegetables richer in vitamins.
Scientists, with financial aid
from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have developed a biotech Golden
Banana for Uganda, a country where bananas are the main staple.
Other biotech foods with consumer
health benefits are being developed for future markets. Those products will
likely sell for premium prices. Researchers found that consumers are willing to
pay 20% to 70% higher prices for biotech foods with health benefits.
Scientists are working on biotech
fruits and vegetables that offer some protection against two big killers:
cancer and heart disease. In research and development are biotech crops that
have enhanced antioxidants to fight cancer and other chronic diseases.
Traditional breeders could either
not accomplish the same or not as fast or as well as biotech scientists.
With a full toolbox of variety development techniques, the biotech
industry will become the champions of making already healthy food even
healthier. Concerns about the techniques will slowly fade as new biotech
products in the produce industry emphasize consumer benefits.
Two recently approved fresh
produce products — Arctic apples and Innate White Russet potatoes — show a
shift toward consumer benefits. Consumers like them because they don’t become
discolored when they are cut or bruised.
Consumers happy about appearance
could increase demand for all fresh produce. Adding health benefits to the
traits provides another demand booster.That boost could be bigger if
pro-organic marketers who criticize biotech with no scientific support would
shift tactics. Instead of relying on scare tactics, they should try a
positive approach to raise consumption.The results would be healthier consumers
and higher produce sales.
Joe Guenthner is an emeritus
professor of agricultural economics at the University of Idaho.
RICE SMUGGLERS NOW USING
SAND FOR CONCEALMENT – ADAMAWA CUSTOMS
Rice smugglers now using sand for
concealment – Adamawa Customs
The Custom Service (NSC) Adamawa/Taraba State command has
intercepted a Tipper lorry concealing rice in a load of sand.
The lorry was intercepted along Mubi, a commercial
and border town of Adamawa State.The Comptroller in charge of the command,
Adetoye Olutade Francis also disclosed that smugglers have recently
devised the new method of smuggling.
He said smugglers resorted to the method as his men had made
smuggling difficult.He warned people to desist from smuggling which he said is
a direct stealing from the nation’s coffers.The customs boss said his command
would continue to tackle any act of sabotage against to the nation’s economy.
Ogun Customs
seizes 500 smuggled Tokunbo cars, 1,305 bags of rice
ON
DECEMBER 16, 20179:26 AMIN NEWSCOMMENTS By Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta The Nigeria
Customs Service, Ogun State Command has said that it had seized 500 smuggled
tokunbo cars and 1,305 bags of 50kg rice allegedly smuggled into the country.
The Controller of Ogun State Area Command, Sani Madugu
disclosed this at the Idiroko
border, while briefing newsmen about the
activities of the command. Madugu said
within the last one week, the command made seizures of four smuggled tokunbo cars, 1,305 bags of
50kg rice ,117 kegs of vegetable oil, 20 bags of sugar, 10 sacks of used
clothes and 12 motorcycles with duty payable value of N39.3m.
He said his
command has raked in N5.717
billion revenue between January and November 2017, adding that within the
months under review. While giving the breakdown of the revenue generated
in 11 months, Madugu said it was realised from excise duty, import
duty, fees and auction. He explained
that 777 seizures were made within the period under review, adding that the command has increased the tempo of its
anti-smuggling activities. The Ogun
Customs boss said the smugglers in the state were having it hot, as more
personnel had been deployed to the state. He said, “more personnel have been posted to the command, so
there is no breathing space for smugglers in Ogun State. “ The smugglers must
realise we will continue to make seizure of rice being smuggled through the
land borders.
“During
Yuletide, we will be at work, we have enough personnel. Our warehouses are
brimming with bags of seized rice. We will continue to seize those smuggled
bags of rice.”
Two bits
of good news in agriculture
Published December
16, 2017, 10:00 PM
By Dr. Emil Q. Javier
Dr.
Emil Q. Javier
‘There are those who look at
things the way they are, and ask why… I dream of things that never were, and
ask why not?’ – Robert Kennedy
For a change, I am pleased to
draw attention to two bits of recent good news in agriculture. First is the
initiative of new Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Romulo J.
dela Rosa to scale up production of coconut hybrid seedlings for the national
coconut replanting program. And, second, the welcome news of the Department of
Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol’s directive to promote consumption
of rice/corn mixtures to reduce need to import rice and for better nutrition.
Replanting with Coconut Hybrids
Finally, the PCA is on the way to
scaling up the commercial production of coconut hybrid seedlings for the
national coconut replanting program.
The most immediate challenge to
our coconut industry is the replanting of senile, unproductive palm trees
numbering around 68 million. Our national average production is a measly 0.75
tons copra per hectare per year. Our traditional tall varieties with
fertilizers and proper care can produce 2–3 tons copra per hectare per year.
However, the twelve coconut hybrids developed by PCA plant breeders have the
demonstrated potential to produce 4–6 tons copra per hectare per year.
Thus, to raise the income of poor
coconut farmers and make coconut competitive with the other vegetable oils in
the world market, principally palm oil, the thrust has to be the gradual
replanting of our coconut plantations with hybrids.
Moreover, instead of relying exclusively
on the limited capacity of the PCA research stations in Davao City; Aroman,
Cotabato and Zamboanga to generate the needed hybrid seedlings, the program
calls for the mobilization of selected farmer-cooperators strategically located
in the major coconut producing regions to become commercial coconut hybrid seed
producers. The target is to produce 10 million hybrid seedlings per year.
This was the gist of the pilot
program for CALABARZON submitted by PCA Region IVA manager Erlene Manohar and
approved by PCA administrator Dela Rosa.
The farmer-cooperators who each
should operate four hectares will plant dwarf coconut seedlings supplied by
PCA. When the dwarf female parents start flowering 3–4 years from planting,
they will be hand-pollinated with pollen from outstanding male varieties also
supplied by PCA. All the certified hybrid seedlings will be purchased by PCA
for redistribution to other coconut farmers for replanting.
The plan for CALABARZON was to
establish 200 hectares of hybrid seed gardens to supply the seedling
requirements of Quezon, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite. Pleasantly, it turned out
that two progressive coconut farmers had in fact planted dwarf parents three
years before and which are now starting to flower.
One such farm is Del Ereneta’s
farm in Sampaloc, Quezon which has 70 hectares planted to Tacunan and Tagnanan
dwarf varieties sourced from Davao. Some of the trees are already flowering.
The other farm which I had the
fortune of visiting together with PCA Administrator Dela Rosa and Regional
Manager Manohar was the Escudero plantation in Dolores/Tiaong, Quezon. The
dwarf palms have also commenced flowering.
Thus, we do not have to wait for
four years to produce the first hybrid seed nuts. Arrangements have been made
for PCA technicians to assist and supervise the assisted pollination in these
two farms. They should be able to produce the initial hybrid seed nuts by end
of 2018.
For its part, UP Los Baños
through its chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. set into motion the
establishment of 16 hectares of coconut hybrid seed garden at the Institute of
Plant Breeding in Los Baños, and another 50 hectares in the UP Land Grant in
Sierra Madre, as its contributions to the Philippine Coconut Authority
initiative.
Corn Grits for Better Nutrition
and Grain Sufficiency
The second bit of good news is
the directive of DA Secretary Manny Piñol to promote the consumption of
rice/corn mixtures to reduce rice imports and for better nutrition. I
understand this was at the instance of the Philippines Maize Federation
(PhilMaize) led by its president Roger V. Navarro and its emeritus chairman
Roderico R. Bioco with whom I had the privilege of discussing at length the
initiative on a plane ride from Cagayan de Oro.
The agronomic advantages of corn
over rice are clear: corn has a more efficient photosynthetic pathway, more
drought tolerant and requires much less water to produce the same amount of
grain.
White corn grits is healthier
than white polished rice. The corn grain has higher protein, higher dietary fiber
(good protection against cancer), and lower glycemic index (good for
diabetics).
With the increasing awareness of
consumers for the health and wellness advantages of white corn over rice, I am
confident demand for corn grits will significantly increase in due time.
But the real challenge is raising
the supply of white corn. Between 1980–2014, our white corn production declined
from 2.73 million tons to 2.26 million tons. Hectarage drastically went down
from 2.85 million hectares to 1.29 million hectares.
Our per capita white corn
consumption had gone down because our farmers have massively switched from
white corn production to yellow corn. Average white corn yield increased
modestly from 0.93 ton per hectare to 1.75 tons per hectare while yellow corn yield
more than doubled to 4.17 tons per hectare. It was that much more profitable to
grow yellow corn because of the introduction of very high yielding GMO corn
hybrids.
Thus, the promotion of
consumption of rice/corn mixtures will come to naught without a parallel
dramatic increase of productivity and profitability of white corn to match that
of yellow corn.
An intensified white corn buying
program by the National Food Authority (NFA) had to be matched by a dedicated
white corn hybrid production program led by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
and Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
For a more detailed treatment of
these issues, you may find them in my previous columns:
1)Preventing Non-Communicable
Diseases Through Consumption of White Corn Grits (21 August 2015)
2)More About White Corn Grits as
a Healthier Staple than Polished Rice (27 August 2015)
3)Corn Grits for Better Nutrition
and Grain Sufficiency (06 October 2017).
*****
Dr. Emil Q. Javier is a Member of
the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and also Chair of the
Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines (CAMP). For any
feedback, email eqjavier@yahoo.com.
Rice Production To See High Yields
GNA
Rice yields
are projected to rise by at least four folds following the implementation of
the Rice Seed Scaling project, which has ensured increased availability of
certified seeds for cultivation.
This will help in reducing rice
importation into the country, which currently stands at approximately 550,000
metric tonnes per year at a cost of between $300 million to $600 million per
annum.
Mr Gary Mullins, Chief of Party
of the Agriculture Technology Transfer project of the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) said at a stakeholders' workshop to end the
Rice Seed Scaling project at Nyankpala, near Tamale.
The Rice Seed Scaling project was
implemented from 2015 to 2017 by AfricaRice and the Savannah Agricultural
Research Institute (SARI) amongst other partners with funding from USAID to
stimulate the development of a sustainable rice seed system in the northern
part of the country.
The project trained technicians
from SARI on breeder seed production while private seed companies were also
trained on foundation and certified seed production and seed business
management to ensure continuous production of early generation and certified
seeds for cultivation.
During the project period, rice
farmers' access to and cultivation of quality certified seeds such as AGRA Rice
and Jasmine Rice increased, which was significant for the development of the
country's rice system.
Mr Mullins said efforts would be
made to disseminate the productivity-enhancing technologies to more farmers to
join efforts in stemming the flood of rice imports into the country.
Mr Boubakary Cissé, Seed Expert
and Country Coordinator of the Rice Seed Scaling project, said the project had
re-established trust for various classes of seed amongst farmers, which was
essential for the sustainability of the rice sector.
Mr Cissé expressed the need for
all actors in the rice sector to consolidate the project achievements through
backstopping, on-the-job training, establishment of demonstration plots and
media campaigns to ensure increased cultivation of certified rice seeds for
increased yields.
Mr William Boakye-Acheampong,
Northern Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture urged private
sector to take advantage of the project by ensuring the availability of
certified seeds for cultivation.
Mr Martin Pwayidi, Organizing
Secretary of Seed Producers Association of Ghana, Upper East Region, said the
project helped to ensure technology transfer for stakeholders assuring that
seed producers would work to ensure availability of certified seeds.
GNA
Rice Starch Market Overview,
Market by Type, by Manufacturers, Regions, Industry Analysis & Forecast by
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Rice Starch Market Research Report covers the present scenario and the growth
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Global Rice Starch Industry is
essentially classified based on leading marketing players, product types,
applications and regions.
Manufacturers of Rice Starch
market (Company and Product introduction, Rice Starch Sales Volume, Revenue,
Price and Gross Margin):
ENEO, Ingredion, Bangkok starch,
Thai Flour, AGRANA, WFM Wholesome Foods, Golden Agriculture, Anhui Lianhe,
Anhui Le Huan Tian Biotechnology
Rice Starch Market by Product
Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share
and Trend):
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The key details
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applications, demand and supply statistics are covered in this report.
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The research of
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·
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relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets?
·
What forces will shape
the market going forward?
·
What are the challenges
to market growth?
·
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·
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·
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Sevanasparsam’
settles 84 complaints in Kuttanad
DECCAN
CHRONICLE.
PublishedDec 17, 2017, 6:29 am IST
UpdatedDec 17, 2017, 6:29 am IST
Collector
has called a meeting of the MP and MLA, officials and local body chief to find
a solution to the water scarcity in the area.
Alappuzha district collector
T.V Anupama listens to a complainant at Sevanasparsam programme held at
Mankombu on Saturday.
Alappuzha: Sevanasparsam, the
grievance-redressal programme held at the rice research station, Mankombu,
settled 84 complaints out of 490 in Kuttanad taluk on Saturday. District
collector T.V. Anupama, who initiated the programme, asked the principal
agriculture officer to take steps for resuming the farming at Kallambally paddy
polders over a complaint registered by the headmistress of government
LPS, Nadubhagom.
“Since
the paddy land had turned barren, the thickets had made the students’ travel to
the school difficult,” the complaint said. A group of kids and parents from
Manalodi Thuruth of Kainakary sought the collector’s support to repair a
road to their school. The village officer was asked to maintain the
road. A person from Kainakari north complained that he had not received
his land documents though he had paid back a 25-year-old loan.
The tahsildar was entrusted to resolve the issue.
The
collector has called a meeting of the MP and MLA, officials and local
body chief to find a solution to the water scarcity in the area. There
were also complaints regarding land levelling, property dispute, farm
road construction, anomalies in paddy procurement, education loans, bund
breach, title deeds and employment. Sub-collector V.
R. K. Theja Maylavarappu, A.D.M. I. Abdul Salam, punch special officer
Moncy Alexander, deputy collectors S. Muraladheeran Pillai, P. S.
Swarnamma and Athul S. Nath attended the programme.
mira Nature
Foods (ANFI) Upgraded by Zacks Investment Research to Buy
Zacks Investment Research upgraded
shares of Amira Nature Foods (NYSE:ANFI) from a strong sell rating to
a buy rating in a report published on Tuesday morning. Zacks Investment Research currently
has $4.75 target price on the stock.According to Zacks, “Amira Nature Foods
Ltd. provides packaged Indian specialty rice. The Company sells Basmati rice,
premium long-grain rice under their flagship Amira brand as well as under other
third party brands. It participates across the entire rice supply chain from
the procurement of paddy to its storage, aging, processing into rice,
packaging, distribution and marketing. Amira Nature Foods Ltd. is headquartered
in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “
Separately, Jefferies Group reissued a buy rating and issued a
$8.00 price target on shares of Amira Nature Foods in a report on Tuesday,
September 26th.
Amira Nature Foods (ANFI) opened at $4.30 on Tuesday. Amira Nature
Foods has a fifty-two week low of $4.20 and a fifty-two week high of $7.05.
Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of
the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Amira
Nature Foods by 30.1% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now
owns 102,130 shares of the company’s stock valued at $566,000 after buying an
additional 23,630 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. raised
its position in shares of Amira Nature Foods by 48.4% during the 2nd quarter.
Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 218,967 shares of the company’s stock valued
at $1,213,000 after buying an additional 71,450 shares in the last quarter. GSA
Capital Partners LLP raised its position in shares of Amira Nature Foods by
104.2% during the 2nd quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 36,836 shares
of the company’s stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 18,800 shares
in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN purchased a new stake in
shares of Amira Nature Foods during the 3rd quarter valued at $210,000.
Finally, Nationwide Fund Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of Amira
Nature Foods during the 3rd quarter valued at $182,000. Hedge funds and other
institutional investors own 13.07% of the company’s stock.
About Amira Nature Foods
Amira Nature Foods Ltd is primarily engaged in the business of
processing and selling packaged Indian specialty rice, primarily basmati rice
and other food products. The Company sells Basmati rice and other specialty
rice, under its Amira brand, as well as under other third-party brands. It also
sells non-basmati rice.
For more information about research offerings from Zacks
Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
Punjab govt
plans to privatise market committees
Safeguarding
interests of traders, growers, exporters
December
17, 2017
LAHORE - The Punjab government is planning
to
privatise market committees
to regulate marketing of grains, fruits and vegetable items with a view to
safeguard interests of traders, growers and exporters. The privatization
of
market committees
will provide growers a direct access to markets to sell their produce,
providing a level-playing field to all stakeholders.
The provincial ministry of agriculture will
also hold discussions on the subject with the stakeholders and inform them
about the reforms being carried out in
market committee
systems so as to facilitate both the buyers as well as sellers.
These views were expressed by Punjab
Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Mahmood while talking to a delegation of Rice
Exporters Association of Pakistan which met him in the lead of its chairman Ch
Samee Ullah Naeem.
He said that the
market committees’
functions under a public-private partnership arrangement will be further
debated with the stakeholders before its final implementation with a view to
smooth marketing of fruits, vegetable and grains.
The secretary said that the government will
also establish various facilities near the markets to enhance the quality of
different commodities, besides drying the grins to the allowed limit of
moisture with a view to reach the markets smoothly and fetching better prices.
REAP chairman, on this occasion, raised several
issues with the Punjab secretary, impeding the growth of rice exports from
Pakistan.
He warned of the increasing sensitivity by the
European countries against the use of different pesticides especially Biphenyl
and Carbendazim.
He said though Biphenyl and Carbendazim are
being used in negligible quantity in Pakistan by the rice growers but awareness
should be created against use of those pesticides whose minimum residue level
(MRL) are expected to be revised next year by the EU.
He also asked the Punjab government to take the
National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) and
Pakistan Seed Association (PSA) on board of the Punjab Rice Research &
Development Board to streamline the research as well as developing new seeds so
that rice production could be enhanced.
Ch Samee requested the government to approve
new basmati rice seed variety developed by the Kalashah Kaku Research Institute
and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering to enhance
yield. He said that though our Gulf rice
market has
squeezed yet we can compensate this loss by diverting our supply to new
potential markets, he added.
The secretary assured him of reviewing the
issues, doing the needful in the larger interest of the growers and the
exporters. He also accepted the demand of the rice exporters and directed to
include PSA and the NIBGE on board of the Punjab Rice Research and Development
Board to develop commercially viable varieties.
Pesticide
residue in paddy is above prescribed limit in India’
DECEMBER 16, 2017 22:06 IST
UPDATED: DECEMBER 16, 2017 22:06 IST
Pesticide residue in rice is not only a concern for exports, but
has vast ramifications on domestic consumption since rice is a staple diet for
a large population in the country. In 2008-2009, the All-India Network Project
on Pesticide Residues, a project supported by the Union government, had found
pesticide residue in paddy above the prescribed maximum residue limit from
samples taken from across the country.
Excerpts from an interview with Thiruvananthapuram-based C.
Jayakumar, Director, Pesticide Action Network-India, and co-chair, Pesticide
Task Force - Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific, on the pesticide
problem in India:
What is the extent of the problem?
There are 6 or 7 commonly used pesticides in vegetables, and 14 to
15 in rice at any given point of time. There are about 40 pesticides approved
in the country for use in paddy cultivation. Post-harvest, chemicals are
further used during storage in the warehouse or by the shopkeeper.
Is it true that pesticides are being used in high quantity?
We not only see very high quantity of pesticides being used, but
also in an unscientific way. In one case in Jharkhand, we found pesticides
meant to be used in cotton cultivation being used on paddy. Some samples of
rice tested by Kerala State Agriculture University have also reported high
pesticide residue.
What are the regulatory issues that you see in India?
Most Indian regulations are not tied up with the international
regimen. India does not ban chemicals immediately after world bodies raise
concern over a particular chemical. We are also casual about the use of
pesticides. Cypermethrin, which was recently banned in Thailand, is still in
use in India. More than 67 pesticides banned/severely restricted elsewhere are
still used in India.
What is the way out?
International Rice Research Institute has said that rice in India
can be grown without pesticides. There can be use of fertilizers though. Indian
farmers are capable of growing rice with traditional knowledge. Villages should
also be encouraged to have small mills that can mill the required quantity of
rice instead of milling all the harvest at a time and then use
pesticide/insecticide during storage.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/pesticide-residue-in-paddy-is-above-prescribed-limit-in-india/article21823578.ece
Ag has ‘great story to tell,’ but
don’t dress it up
Mark McKinnon urges agriculture to tell their
stories in a compelling way but without dressing them up too much. “You have a
fabulous story to tell,” he said as keynote speaker at the USA Rice Outlook
Conference in San Antonio.
“...it has never been
more challenging than in today’s environment to tell your story.”
Mark McKinnon knows a thing or
two about developing communications strategy. He’s done it for George Bush,
John McCain and the late Texas Governor Ann Richards, among others across the
political spectrum.
McKinnon, a political and media
advisor who has worked on both Democrat and Republican messages, says he has
become more conservative as he has gotten older. “Like a lot of folks, I was
more liberal in my younger days.”
He offered a few pointers to
agricultural organizations during his keynote address to the USA Rice Outlook
conference recently in San Antonio.
“You have a fabulous story to
tell,” McKinnon said, “and it is critical to tell it. But it has never been
more challenging than in today’s environment to tell your story.”
He said a candidate’s or an
organization’s message “is never static. It changes; what works this year will
not work next year. That’s never been more true than it was in the last campaign.
Trump changed the rules.”
Still, he says, a few best
practices remain in place. “Some seem obvious. The most important is to
have a clear, compelling rationale. You’d think that’s obvious, but it’s often
a factor in a failure to communicate.”
He said Trump’s “Make America
Great Again” resonated with his target audience. Hillary Clinton never
expressed a compelling rationale for her candidacy, he said.
He says it’s important “to tell a
story. That’s true for a [political] campaign and it’s true for organizations.
Put a message together that has relevance.”
Simplicity also helps. He
explained that a goldfish, according to scientific research, has an attention
span of seven seconds. “Humans have an attention span of eight seconds.
Relevance to the audience is important.”
McKinnon says the value of
authenticity has changed over time. In politics, messages don’t necessarily
have to be true. “People don’t want perfection,” he said, which was a critical
aspect of Donald Trump’s appeal as a candidate.
“But we do need to find ways to
communicate that are believable.”
McKinnon said rice has a credible
story to communicate. “We grow rice to feed the world. That’s a great story;
it’s authentic. Farmers are authentic.”
He urged agricultural
organizations, in their outreach efforts to “just be yourselves. We are tempted
sometimes to dress things up too much. A lot of organizations try to dress it
up and make their message too fancy.”
Agriculture has the authenticity to tell a simple, believable
story, he said. “Just be yourself.”
http://www.westernfarmpress.com/rice/ag-has-great-story-tell-don-t-dress-it
Overproduction will be key issue for 2018 rice industry
Demand should remain fairly good as the U.S. and global
economies continue to show strength.
Bobby Coats, University of Arkansas economics professor, chats
with Rachel Trego, international economist/rice analyst for the Foreign
Agricultural Service, following a rice state research and Extension outlook
presentation.
U.S. rice farmers are set to
increase acreage significantly in 2018, but overproduction will be a mistake
that will send prices downward.“Do not overproduce. That is a key issue for
2018,” says Bobby Coats, professor of economics, University of Arkansas
Extension.
Coats, in an interview following
rice state update presentations at the USA Rice Outlook Conference, said
Arkansas long-grain and medium-grain rice acreage likely will increase 15
percent to 24 percent, up to 1.28 million to 1.38 million acres in 2018. That’s
up from 945,000 long-grain acres and 147,000 medium-grain in 2017.
Across the Rice Belt, acreage
will increase by around 17 percent to 2.9 million acres, according to the World
Supply and Demand Estimate (WSDE) report that came out Dec. 12. That report
shows long-grain rice (2.175 million acres) accounting for most of the
expansion. Medium- and short-grain area is projected at 725,000 acres.
“It is certainly important to understand that
we do not need to overproduce, but should stay in a nice balance of supply and
demand,” Coats said.
Demand should remain fairly good,
he says, as the U.S. and global economies continue to show strength. “In the
United States, we have the third longest business cycle in history. There is
every indication that globally government and central banks will continue to
put stimulus of trillions of dollars into the global economy for the next three
years.
“In 2017, global growth was
sustained by more than $3.5 trillion in stimulus put into the global economy.”
He anticipates that trend to continue in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
That stimulus, he says, “will put
a floor under hard assets like equities, commodities, land and fine art. So,
2018 should have a higher level of inflationary pressure. If we can keep our
rice acreage, say in Arkansas, around that 1.25 million to 1.3 million acres,
we can keep the price fairly strong for the producer. Exceeding that level
really becomes problematic without new demand.
“If we overproduce, we are going to have more rice price
weakness than we need. It will absolutely impact the profit margin.”
Farmers
rediscover organic native paddy
HASSAN, DECEMBER
15, 2017 00:00 IST
Rajappa, a paddy grower, with black
rice variety at his farm in Huluse village in Somwarpet taluk.Special
ArrangementSpecialArrangement
Nearly 700 of them have been growing
indigenous rice varieties in Hassan
A good number of farmers in the
Malnad areas of Hassan district are cultivating native varieties of paddy,
thanks to the encouragement by the Department of Agriculture promoting organic
farming.
Nearly 700 farmers have been growing
native paddy varieties and are happy with the earnings. As they are certified
organic growers, their produce is attracting demand.
“When we began field work in 2007, traditional
varieties of paddy were cultivated hardly in 100 acres,” recalled Jayaprasad
Ballekere, chief executive officer of Bhoomi Sustainable Development Society.
The Agriculture Department had involved the non-government organisation to
promote organic farming in Sakleshpur, Alur taluks of Hassan and Somwarpet of
Kodagu. “A majority of farmers were after hybrid and improved varieties of
paddy. Following constant efforts, now native varieties are grown in more than
1,500 acres in the three taluks,” he said.
Rajamudi considered good for
diabetics, Navara with medicinal value, Ghamsala a scented variety, Rathna
Choodi, Netti Bilakki, Holesalu Chippuga, Kempakki (red rice), and Kappu Akki
(black rice) are the native varieties of paddy.
“Holesalu Chippuga is the best
variety for puffed rice. Last year, I sold paddy at Rs. 4,500 per quintal.
Almost the entire yield goes to places like Sangli in Maharashtra and
Davangere, where there are many puffed rice producing units,” said Y.C.
Rudrappa, a progressive farmer of Yedehalli in Sakleshpur. He has been
cultivating Holesalu Chippuga variety in eight acres of his land.
Alur, Sakleshpur and Somwarpet
taluks are known for heavy rainfall, which is well-suited for traditional
varieties.
“Traditional varieties take 150-160
days for harvest and is suitable for this area. However, the duration of hybrid
and improved varieties is about 120-130 days,” said Mr. Jayaprasad. The organic
farmers of Hassan and Kodagu districts have formed a federation to market their
produces. Mr. Rudrappa, who is chairman of the federation, said more than 3,500
farmers are part of it. The Agriculture Department and NABARD have helped the
formation of the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and promote organically
grown produce. V.G. Bhat, District Development Manager of NABARD, told The
Hindu: “The bank has been encouraging organic farming. We have provided Rs. 9
lakh for the FPO. The response has been impressive.”
Rice Farmers
Now Millionaires In Nigeria—buhari by dipoolowoo: 4:20am On Dec 17
By Dipo Olowookere
President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that success of the
agriculture revolution under his administration has turned thousands of rice
farmers into millionaires and drastically reduced rice import.He also said the
Anchors Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) launched by his government has made a huge
success because according to him, about 12.2 million farmers have joined the
rice and wheat revolution while the country is moving closer to
self-sufficiency in major grains.
Speaking at the 25th Edition of the Nigeria Media Merit Award
(NMMA) Ceremony in Lagos last Wednesday, Mr Buhari noted that, ”Apart from the
successes we have achieved in tackling insecurity and fighting corruption,
perhaps our most remarkable progress has been in the area of agriculture.
Quietly but steadily, our agriculture revolution is bearing fruits.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Information
and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, further said, ”According to the Rice Exporters of
Thailand, rice imports from Thailand fell from 644,131 tons in Sept 2015 to
20,000 tons in Sept. 2017, representing a 95% drop.”
He emphasised that self-sufficiency in rice was so important
because it is the most widely consumed staple in Nigeria, and also because
Nigeria’s daily expenditure on rice for over three decades stood at $5 million
a day.He said Nigeria was also doing well in Millet, Sorghum and Maize
cultivation, adding that, “We are now the second largest producer of sorghum
after the US, the third in millet after India and our breweries are now
enjoying local sourcing of those commodities.
“For maize, we are producing 10 million tons while we need about 13
million tons for both human and animal nutrition.”The President said Nigeria
leads the world in the yam and cassava production and that efforts were being
made to restore and improve on the country’s ranking in cocoa production, where
it has fallen from 2nd to 7th position.
“We are also investing in a new line of tree crops targeting local and
foreign end users and certain to earn foreign exchange.“These are shea butter,
palm trees, coconut, mangoes, bananas and plantains, kenaf and sisal hemp,
castor and pineapple, among others.
“Overall, our ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25% to
40% of GDP so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety,” he
said.
President Buhari hailed the NMMA, which he called the preeminent
media excellence award, and said the Nigeria media has done well over the years
hence it deserves to be celebrated.He, however, urged the media not to allow
those who brought Nigeria to a sorry pass to muddle the waters by creating
their own narrative which is far from reality.“This is important because there
seems to be a feeling of numbness among the citizens about the conduct of those
whose actions brought us here.
“Suddenly, these same people are engaging in revisionist history
and blaming those who are working themselves to the bone to correct the
misdeeds of the past. They are blaming everyone but themselves for the mess
they threw the country into,” the President said.
He said those who mismanaged the country have shown no contrition,
no apologies, no shame, but instead have engaged in sheer bravado, unbridled
arrogance and revisionism, saying “The media owes it a duty not to allow
Nigerians to forget, to say ‘Never Again’ to those who view Nigeria as nothing
but a cash cow to be milked to death.”
Vietnam’s rice market fares well
HANOI: Vietnam shipped abroad nearly 5.2 million tonnes of rice
worth over 2.27 billion USD in the first 11 months of this year, surpassing the
figure of the entire 2016 at 4.9 million tonnes, according to the Vietnam Food
Association. In November, rice export volume exceeded 371,000 tonnes, down from
over 437,000 tonnes in October. The drop was attributed to limited supply after
harvest of the autumn-winter crop completed in the Mekong Delta, the main
source of rice for export.|However, industry insiders still expect a good year
in 2018 for Vietnam’s exports as the world rice market is forecast to pick up
next year. According to a November report of the US Department of Agriculture
(USDA), world rice trade will expand by 1 percent in 2018 to reach 42.3 million
tonnes, marking the third highest yearly volume in history.
The USDA forecast that India and Thailand will continue to lead
the world in rice export, while Vietnam’s rice exports could reach six million
tonnes in 2018, an increase of 6.6 percent from this year, driven by demand in
Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. The National Food Authority of
the Philippines recently proposed the country import 350,000 tonnes of rice
before its first rice harvest in 2018 to raise its rice reserve.
Vietnam’s
rice market fares well
Vietnam
shipped abroad nearly 5.2 million tonnes of rice worth over 2.27 billion USD in
the first 11 months of this year, surpassing the figure of the entire 2016 at
4.9 million tonnes, according to the Vietnam Food Association.
Harvesting
rice by using a combine harvester
In
November, rice export volume exceeded 371,000 tonnes, down from over 437,000
tonnes in October. The drop was attributed to limited supply after harvest of
the autumn-winter crop completed in the Mekong Delta, the main source of rice
for export.|
However,
industry insiders still expect a good year in 2018 for Vietnam’s exports as the
world rice market is forecast to pick up next year.
According
to a November report of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), world rice
trade will expand by 1 percent in 2018 to reach 42.3 million tonnes, marking
the third highest yearly volume in history.The USDA forecast that India and
Thailand will continue to lead the world in rice export, while Vietnam’s rice
exports could reach six million tonnes in 2018, an increase of 6.6 percent from
this year, driven by demand in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.The
National Food Authority of the Philippines recently proposed the country import
350,000 tonnes of rice before its first rice harvest in 2018 to raise its rice
reserve.-VNA
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/192154/vietnam-s-rice-market-fares-well.html
