Tuesday, April 12, 2016

12th April,2016 daily exclusive oryza rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

Brazil Rice Stocks Increase Slightly m/m to 92,276 Tons in March 2016
Apr 11, 2016

Brazil rice stocks stood at around 92,276 tons in March 2016, slightly up from around 92,260 tons in February 2016 and down about 31% from around 134,255 tons in March 2015, according to the country's national grain supplying agency Conab.
According to Conab, rice stocks with the Selling Option Contract of Agricultural Products (OPCAO) stood at around 51,879 tons in March 2016, unchanged from February 2016 and down about 36% from around 81,570 tons in March 2015.
Rice stocks with the Federal Government Acquisition (AGF) stood at around tons, slightly up from around 40,397 tons in February 2016 and down about 23% from around 52,213 tons in March 2015.
Rice stocks with farmers (Agricultural Familiar) were nil and unchanged from February 2016 and down from around 472 tons in March 2015.
Brazil 2015-16 Paddy Rice Production to Decline 10% y/y to 11.16 Million Tons on Lower Acreage, Says Conab
Apr 11, 2016

In its April 2016 forecast for rice production, Brazil’s National Grains Supply Company (Conab) forecasts the country's 2015-16 paddy rice production at around 11.167 million tons, down about 10% from an estimated 12.44 million tons in 2014-15. Conab's paddy production forecast is also slightly down from its March forecast of around 11.215 million tons.
Conab estimates Brazil's 2015-16 paddy rice acreage at around 2.023 million hectares, down about 12% from around 2.3 million hectares in 2014-15, and slightly down from its March forecast of around 2.029 million hectares. Rice acreage in the key rice growing area Centro-Sul region is forecast at around 1.466 million hectares, down about 6% from an estimated 1.556 million hectares in 2014-15, and slightly down from the last month’s forecast of around 1.48 million hectares.  On the other hand, paddy rice acreage in the North/North east regions is forecast at around 560,000 hectares, down about 24% from an estimated 38,200 hectares in 2014-15, and down about 13% from the last month's forecast of around 1.469 hectares.

Conab estimates the average rice yield in Brazil in 2015-16 at around 5.52 tons per hectare, up about 2% from around 5.4 tons per hectare recorded in last year and slightly down from its March forecast of around 5.53 tons per hectare.
Pakistan Rice Exporters Plan to Increase Basmati Rice Exports to Iran by 20-30%
Apr 11, 2016
Pakistan rice exporters are planning to increase basmati rice exports to Iran by about 20-30% following the lifting of international sanctions, The News quoted industry sources.
The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) is likely to send a delegation to Iran later this month to seek more trade opportunities with the neighboring nation. The 26-member delegation comprising of trade traders will also discuss the issues related to the condition of good manufacturing practices certification with the Iranian authorities.
“We see rice exports to up 20 to 30 percent. The efforts are underway from both the sides to resolve the issues,” the REAP Chairman was quoted. He noted that resolution of certain issues like payment mechanisms would help Pakistan break the current monopoly of Indian aromatic rice in Iran.  “We are eager to regain our lost share of basmati rice to India,” he added.
Pakistan rice exporters are reportedly waiting for the banks to accept letter of credits from Iranian buyers and the facility of discounting of bills drawn on Iranian buyers. The Pakistan Central Bank has earlier this year advised Pakistan banks to take needed measures for establishing banking relationship with Iranian banks.
Pakistan reportedly exported around 2,234 tons of rice worth $1.32 billion to Iran in FY 2014-15 (July-June). Iran imports more than $2 billion worth basmati rice annually.
The South Asian nation exported around 2.895 million tons of rice in the first eight months of FY 2015-16 (July 2015 - February 2016), up about 3% from around 2.55 million tons exported during the same period in FY 2014-15, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Separately, the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the Ministry of Commerce to speed up the revival of the basmati rice industry. The UNISAME President suggested that the government should facilitate basmati rice trade with third world countries. He noted that exporters should be encouraged to insure their transaction risk through the financing trade with third world countries by insuring the transaction risk through export credit guarantee insurance.
The Official also suggested that the government should reduce the withholding tax on rice exports and remove the export development surcharge. He also noted that a currency swap agreement with Iran would boost basmati rice exports to Iran.
Italian Farmer Discovers Purple Rice from Natural Hybridization
Apr 11, 2016
A young farmer in Vercelli area in Italy discovered a purple colour rice variety called "Violet Nori."
The birth of the variety was random and was from natural hybridization. The process almost took ten years, according to local sources.
The farmer noticed it in the field, and then decided to pick it up, select it and market it. The purple colour is due to the presence of anthocyanins.
The variety will be registered in the European Catalogue of varieties with the denomination of "Violet Nori."
Scientists Discuss Development of Hyper-Efficient High-Yielding Rice Variety
Apr 11, 2016
Scientists have gathered in Australian capital Canberra to discuss about research on developing more efficient rice, according to Weekly Times.
Under a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a global scientific team has begun a six-year research program to develop more productive rice varieties by supercharging them with genes from corn plants using genetic modification techniques to substantially increase their photosynthetic ability.
Scientists say photosynthesis rice plants normally exhibit C3 photosynthesis process, but photosynthesis process in C4 plants such as corn is more effective for increasing the yield even in extreme weather conditions like drought.
According to a Professor at the ARC Centre for Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis director at Australian National University in Canberra,  produce 50% more yield than rice with the same amount of water, light, temperature and carbon dioxide in the air.
“The reason the C4 plants operate more efficiently than the C3 plants is because they have a biochemical supercharger which concentrates atmospheric carbon dioxide in specialised cells of the leaves and this results in double the rate of photosynthesis. They use about half as much nitrogen per carbon fix compared to our traditional crops, such as rice and wheat. They use less water and they can have up to fivefold higher growth than the C3 plants,” he said.
Scientists are now working to replicate the C4 process in a rice plant so that it will produce more yields and have greater drought-resistance.
Global Rice Quotes
April 12th, 2016
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 380-390
Vietnam 5% broken 365-375
India 5% broken 370-380
Pakistan 5% broken 345-355
Myanmar 5% broken 415-425
Cambodia 5% broken 450-460
U.S. 4% broken 430-440
Uruguay 5% broken 435-445
Argentina 5% broken 425-435
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 360-370
Vietnam 25% broken 350-360
Pakistan 25% broken 310-320
Cambodia 25% broken 430-440
India 25% broken 330-340
U.S. 15% broken (sacked) 470-480
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 370-380
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd NQ
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 345-355
U.S. parboiled 4% broken 480-490
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 490-510
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92% 670-680
Vietnam Jasmine 440-450
India basmati 2% broken NQ
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ
Cambodia Phka Mails 760-770
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 330-340
Vietnam 100% broken 340-350
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 285-295
Cambodia A1 Super 345-355
India 100% broken stxd 275-285
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ
U.S. pet food 315-325
Brazil half grain NQ ↔  All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

Italy Releases List of Long A Paddy Varieties Grown Locally in 2015
Apr 11, 2016
The Ente Nazionale Risi, the National Agency for Rice, has released a list of long A paddy varieties grown in Italy in 2015, according to local sources.
About 60 varieties of Long A paddy varieties were grown in 2015. A total of 450,856 tons of Long A paddy was grown during the year.
The most productive ones were Volano (63,004 tons), Luna Cl (56,414 tons), Dardo (36,030 tons), Sant'Andrea (30,073 tons). On the other side, there were also some varieties such as Alba and Gigante with a very small productivity. Alba and Gigante totalled just 2 tons each last year.
The names of Italian long A varieties are: Aiace, Antares, Arborio, Archimede, Ariete, Augusto, Bacco, Barone Cl, Bertone, Cammeo, Caravaggio, Carnaroli, Carnise, Carnise precoce, Casanova, Catullo, Creso, Dardo, Elba, Ercole, Eurosis, Fedra, Fenice, Galileo, Generale, Gigante, Gloria, karnak, Keope, Kolorado, Lice, Loto, Luna Cl, Marisma, Meco, Nembo, Nemesi Cl, Neve, Onice, Opale, Pato, Poseidone, Presto, Proteo, Puma, Risrus, Roma, Rombo, Ronaldo, Sant'Andrea, Scirocco, teti, Ulisse, Unico (Cigno), Vasco, Volano.
Pakistan Basmati Rice Export Prices Decline 9% m/m in March 2016
Apr 11, 2016
Average Pakistan basmati rice export price has declined in March 2016, after increasing for three consecutive months, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In March 2016, average Pakistan's basmati rice export prices have declined by about 8.5% to around $681 per ton from around $745 per ton in February 2016, and down about 31% from their year-ago levels of around $985 per ton. In terms of local currency, average Pakistan basmati rice prices in March 2016 declined about 8% to around PKR 71,267 per ton from around PKR 77,110 per ton in February 2016, and down about 28% from around PKR 99,485 per ton in March 2015.
The average basmati rice exports declined about 24% to around $720 per ton in the first three months of 2016 from around $946 per ton during the same period last year.
Decline in prices can be attributed to a slowdown in demand.
 Pakistan exported around 261,984 tons of basmati rice in the first eight months of FY 2015-16 (July 2015 - February 2016), down about from around 327,387 tons exported during the same period last year, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Myanmar Hopes to Increase Rice Exports to 4 Million Tons by 2020
Apr 11, 2016
Myanmar is expecting to increase its rice exports to about 4 million tons by 2020 as more markets would be explored, according to Bernama citing China's Xinhua News Agency.
"We expect to export about two million tonnes for this fiscal year 2016-2017. Moreover, we expect the export to reach four million tonnes in 2020 if we can explore more markets," the Vice President of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) was quoted.
As the MRF aims to seek new markets, he urged that newly appointed Agricultural Minister to sign
government-to-government agreements with foreign countries to boost rice exports.
He also noted that memorandum of understandings (MoUs) signed with China, Indonesia and the Philippines last year have expired and so he urged the ne Minister to amend these MoUs as well as sign a new MoU with Japan this year.
The Commerce Ministry data shows that Myanmar has exported about 1.037 million tons in the first eleven months of FY 2015-16, down about 17% from around 1.255 million tons exported during the same period last year. Myanmar exported 1.84 million tons of rice in FY 2014-15, with China accounting for about 70% of the country's exports.
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Slip as Traders Wait for IGB Results
Apr 12, 2016
The U.S. cash market was slightly weaker today with bids and offers falling with the futures market. Analysts note that market participants eagerly await the results of the latest Iraqi tender which will likely help determine U.S. prices in the near term.
The USDA estimates that as of April 10, 32% of the crop had been planted which was 9% ahead of this time last year and 6% ahead of the previous 5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that 33% of the rice crop in Arkansas had been planted compared to, 0% in California, 67% in Louisiana, 26% in Mississippi, 11% in Missouri, and 65% in Texas.
The USDA estimates that 12% of the crop has emerged which was 1% ahead of this time last year but 1% behind of the previous 5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that 3% of the rice crop in Arkansas has emerged compared to 0% in California, 47% in Louisiana, 3% in Mississippi, 0% in Missouri, and 44% in Texas
Oryza CBOT Rough Rice Futures Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Start the Week out on a Negative Tone as Market Sees Double Digit Loss

Apr 12, 2016
Chicago rough rice futures for May delivery settled 10.5 cents were cwt (about $2 per ton) lower at $9.845 per cwt (about $217 per ton). The other grains finished the day with mixed results; Soybeans closed about 1.3% lower at $9.2825 per bushel; wheat finished about 2.8% lower at $4.4725 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1.5% lower at $3.5675 per bushel.
U.S. stocks traded slightly higher Monday, helped by stabilization in oil prices and gains overseas, as investors awaited earnings season. Materials and financials led S&P 500 advancers while telecommunications and health care were among the greatest decliners. European stocks ended off session highs, while the STOXX Europe 600 Bank index outperformed. Fresh reports supported hopes the Italian government will soon form a plan to set up a state-backed fund that will buy bad loans held by the country's banks. The Shanghai composite jumped more than 1.6% amid some encouraging inflation data. No major U.S. data is due Monday. Retail sales and inflation data are expected later in the week. Asian stocks closed mixed overnight, with the Nikkei 225 falling 0.44% while the Shanghai composite gained more than 1.6%. In afternoon trade, the Dow Jones industrial average added 91 points, or 0.52%, to 17,668. The S&P 500 gained 8 points, or 0.4%, to 2,055, with materials leading six sectors higher and telecommunications the greatest decliner. The Nasdaq composite rose 23 points, or 0.25%, to 4,874. Gold is seen trading about 1.1% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 1% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.2% lower at about  1:00pm Chicago time.
Friday, there were 1,605 contracts traded, up from 378 contracts traded on Thursday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Friday increased by 124 contracts to 13,315.

Vietnam Rice Exports to African Destinations Decline Sharply in February 2016, Reports USDA Post

Apr 11, 2016


Vietnam has exported around 451,927 tons of rice in February 2016, up about 11% from around 508,153 tons exported in January 2015, and about 1.5 times from around 182,400 tons exported in February 2015, reports USDA Post based on data from the General Customs Office and the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Vietnamese rice exports to African, American, European and Australian destinations declined sharply during the month.
Asia accounted for around 400,269 tons (about 88.5% of total rice exports by Vietnam in February 2016) during the month. Month-on-month, Vietnam's rice exports to Asian destinations increased about 24% from around 322,076 tons exported in January 2016. Year-on-year, they increased about 3.5 times from around 112,818 tons exported in February 2015.
Vietnam exported around 10,534 tons of rice to Africa (about 2.3% of total February 2016 exports) in February 2016, down about 88% from around 88,802 tons exported in January 2016, and down about 29% from around 14,798 tons exported in February 2015.
Vietnam exported around 33,123 tons of rice to American destinations (about 7.3% of January 2016 exports), down about 61% from around 84,732 tons exported in January 2016, and down about 2% from around 33,587 tons exported in February 2015.
Vietnam's exports to Australia (about 1.4% of February 2016 exports) declined about 33% to around 6,347 tons in February 2016 from around 9,464 tons exported in January 2016 and increased about 73% from around 3,659 tons exported in February 2015.
Vietnam's exports to Europe and CIS countries (about 0.3% of total February 2016 exports) accounted for around 1,654 tons in February 2016, down about 46% from around 3,079 tons exported in January 2016 and down about 91% from around 17,538 tons exported in February 2015.
In terms of grade, 5% broken rice exports accounted for around 97,586 tons (or, about 292% of total February 2016 exports); Jasmine rice exports accounted for around 48,434 tons (or, about 11% of total February 2016 exports); 15% broken rice exports accounted for around 186,134 tons (or, about 41% of total exports in February 2016); 25% broken rice exports accounted for around 70,055 tons (or, about 16% of total exports in February 2016); glutinous rice exports accounted for around 37,218 tons (or, about 8% of total February 2016 exports); and 10%, 100% and other varieties accounted for around 12,500 tons (or, about 3% of total exports in February 2016).

Thailand Rice Sellers Increase Some Their Quotes Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged
Apr 11, 2016
Thailand rice sellers  increased their quotes for 25% broken rice and Hommali rice by about $5 per ton each to around $360-$370 per ton and $670-$680 per ton respectively today. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged.      
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about $5 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $365 - $376 per ton. India 5% rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $345 - $355 per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is indicated at around $360 - $370 per ton, about $5 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $355- $65 per ton. India 25% rice is indicated at around $335- $345 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $310 - $320 per ton.
Parboiled Rice          
Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton. India parboiled rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton, about $60 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is indicated at around $330 - $340 per ton, about $10 per ton discount to Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $340 - $350 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $275 - $285 per ton, about $10 per ton discount to Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $285 - $295 per ton.

ORYZA News have been published with permission of ORYZA.com  with thanks

Monday, April 11, 2016

11th April,2016 daily global,regional and local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

Today Rice News Headlines...

·        Traders eye 30pc increase in rice exports to Iran

·        UNISAME CALLS FOR JOINT EFFORTS TO ENHANCE BASMATI EXPORTS

·         The white rice you want, with half of the calories

·         Thai rice officials visit IRRI; stronger partnership afoot

·         Scientists developing more efficient rice using maize genes

·         Indian feast planned for royal couple William and Kate

·         Grain man: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes for rice suppers

·         Shahi Korma To Sharifa Kulfi, 'Desi' Delights For Royal Couple At Gala Dinner

News Detail...
Traders eye 30pc increase in rice exports to Iran

April 09, 2016

KARACHI: Pakistani traders eye an increase of at least 30 percent in export of aromatic Basmati rice to Iran and a delegation will visit the country later this month to seek more opportunities following the lifting of international sanctions, industry officials said on Friday.Iran, one of the world’s biggest rice importers, annually imports more than two billion dollars of the commodity.  Pakistan has a modicum share in the neighbouring market. The country exported 2,234 tons of rice to Iran in the last fiscal year, fetching around $1.32 million.  
“We see rice exports to up 20 to 30 percent,” Chairman Muhammad Shafique of the Rice Exporters Association (Reap) told The News. “The efforts are underway from both the sides to resolve the issues,” Shafique said. The resolution of the issues will help Pakistan break a long-standing monopoly of Indian aromatic rice in Iran, he added.“We are eager to regain our lost share of basmati rice to India.”   In the past few years, India has flooded the Iranian market with its basmati rice at knockdown prices.     
Reap will take a 26-meber delegation, comprising of rice traders to Iran on April 22 to discuss the issues related to the condition of good manufacturing practices certification with Iranian authorities.
Shafique said talks will also cover a subject, such as opening of letter of credit in Euro.   The delegation will also meet the office bearers of the Iran’s main business association.   Rice exporters met with the Iranian traders when Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Islamabad on March 25.
Exporters are anxiously waiting for the banks to accept letter of credits from Iranian buyers and the facility of discounting of bills drawn on Iranian buyers. The State Bank of Pakistan has already advised Pakistani banks to take necessary measures for establishing correspondent banking relationship with Iranian banks.
“At present, all the Pakistani banks are conducting their own analysis and due diligence on Iranian banks and are in touch with the SBP for the guidance,” said a senior banker at the National Bank of Pakistan

UNISAME CALLS FOR JOINT EFFORTS TO ENHANCE BASMATI EXPORTS
The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has given a road map to the Ministry of Commerce (MINCOM) for the revival of the basmati rice industry on fast track basis.President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said the first step to enhance basmati rice exports would be to facilitate the rice exporters to export to third world countries by financing trade with third world countries by insuring the transaction risk through export credit guarantee insurance. This will make the commercial banks comfortable in financing the rice exporters.Secondly a currency swap agreement with Iran is very essential for smooth exports to Iran. This will enable Iran to buy basmati rice from Pakistan again.Thirdly warehousing facilities for goods in many countries are needed for enhancing exports.Fourthly it is important that Pakiatani basmati rice exporters have regular basmati festivals in Europe, Latin American countries and U.S.A.
Pakistani basmati rice is no where seen on the super market shelves in these countries, all that one sees is Indian basmati brands. Pakiatani brands need aggressive marketing with free gifts, and one plus one marketing schemes.Fifthly the government needs to remove import duties on packing material of rice.Sixthly the withholding tax on export of rice must be reduced to quarter percent and export development surcharge be removed fully.The government needs to promote Pakistani basmati rice features of aroma, length and look, superior taste and it’s recognition of world’s number one rice because our super basmati rice is the rice used for banquets by the royal families.
UNISAME also called upon the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to upgrade the rice industry and improve the supply chain from the primary sector to exports.The Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) needs to convene a meeting of stakeholders for the solution of the Geographical Indications (GI) and the Trade Marks Registrar (TMR) intervention is also required to settle the issues of GI and TM without loss of time to overcome the erroneous findings of the Indian forum.

The white rice you want, with half of the calories

April 10, 2016   

By Anaïs Bailly-Mompoint, LMSW
Rice/du riz/diri/arroz! Whichever your reference, it is as important as bread and water in terms of consumption in many communities, including Caribbean natives, descendants, and immigrants. Rice is enjoyed by more than half of the 7 billion of people around the world and is a staple in many cuisines. In fact, some—Haitian men included—do not consider a meal complete without a side of rice. Yet, most of the trendy western world diets advise either consuming less rice, replacing it by brown rice or banishing it from our meals altogether.  One of the arguments used is that white rice consumption is linked to a higher risk of diabetes and obesity. Allow me to speak on behalf of Haitians and Haitian food lovers everywhere, but while that brown rice may be somewhat alright with Legumes during your dieting, it will not go well with that sờs pwa (beans in gravy) under any circumstance!
 Trust me, I’ve tried it! So what if I told you that you can enjoy thatLong Grain Madame Gougousse Jasmine Rice (or any of your favorite brands) in a healthier way with just a simple trick? Indeed, scientists at the College of Chemical Sciences in Sri Lanka have uncovered a way for the calories in rice to be cut in half based on how you prepare it. Research team leader, Sudhair A. James states, “if the best rice variety is processed, it might reduce the calories by about 50-60 percent.” For those who must have rice multiple times a week and still want less inches around the waist, this is more than great news!
Before I tell you the secret let’s address the science. Rice is filled with starch which converts into glucose and later the excess that is unused by the body becomes fat. Yes, the fat that contently sits at your midsection making you unbutton those jeans after dinner. James explains the composition of the rice can be altered during a simple regimen. OK, I’ll stop teasing and tell you what it is: Coconut oil! Add that to the endless list of the “good-for-you” things this super food can do! Here are the steps: first, start by washing the rice only once. This helps remove the excess starch that’s been accumulating in the sac/bag without stripping away all the other minerals and vitamins. To name a few these include, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, manganese, selenium, thiamine, folic acid and iron.
We’re still talking about white rice here in case you’re having a moment of disbelief. Second, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for every cup of rice (go easy on the salt). Next, forget what you’ve seen the matriarch in your family do and skip that plastic bag to cover the rice. I mean it, leave it for what it was intended to—recycle! Simply use a tight lid (or if you can’t quite find the cover to your favorite pot, use some aluminum foil and any lid) to ensure a proper steam of 20 minutes. Without getting tempted to eat right away, place the rice in the fridge to cool for 12 hours. Finally, reheat and enjoy!
That last part may have taken you aback for a second. I know it did for me, as I enjoy fresh out of the pot, steaming rice. So back to the science aspect. James explains “the cooling is essential because amylose, the soluble part of the starch, leaves the granules during gelatinization.” He further explains that “cooling for 12 hours will lead to formation of hydrogen bonds between the amylose molecules outside the rice grains which also turns it into a resistant starch (RS).” Reheating the rice after cooling it does not impact the RS levels notes the research. So if you’re like my husband who sees no point of making rice without having gratin—(pot-bottom as commonly referred to by our Caribbean neighbors or the slightly burnt and crispy part of the rice found at the bottom of the pot)—you can certainly enjoy the reheating process as it means even more of that salty crispy goodness!
So at your next rice-making session (which I know will be sooner than later), try it out and let me know. The added aroma and taste from the coconut oil is unmatched. You’ll rest assured that your bowl of rice is not only delicious, but it’s more nutritious. Voila, with a simple trick, you’ve joined me on the journey of enjoying life one better decision at a time
http://haitiantimes.com/the-white-rice-you-want-with-half-of-the-calories-14541/

Thai rice officials visit IRRI; stronger partnership afoot


April 10, 2016
A delegation dispatched by the Royal Government of Thailand visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna is aiming for a stronger partnership. riceIn an email to the Manila Bulletin recently, the IRRI said the Royal Government of Thailand is strengthening its research and development (R&D) ties with the agency.It was learned that Dr. Anan Suwannarat, director general of the Rice Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) of Thailand led the group that included senior officers of Thai RD (TRD).
The two parties have been holding a series of meetings aimed at further fleshing out the collaboration of their scientists as they discussed the implementation of new set of collaborative research programs for Thailand supported by the Thai government.IRRI Director General Matthew Morrell noted the Thai government is undertaking efforts to maintain its standing in the world rice market in the face of climate change and competition.
“Thailand is a top exporter of rice globally and the government is intent on sustaining the competitiveness of Thai rice in the global market, particularly in the face of climate change and growing competition from other major rice producers such as India, Vietnam, and Myanmar,” Morrell said.As latest as last month in Bangkok, Thailand, in one of their meetings, the TRD and IRRI identified the priority areas for new programs, such as climate change, in particular drought and water-use efficiency research; upgrading of the Thai Rice Knowledge Bank; and grain quality.Covered by the two parties’ linkage is a scientific exchange activities for 2016.Scientists from IRRI will provide assistance on the identified priority areas.
On the other hand, scientists from Thailand will be coming over to IRRI to build their capacity on mechanization, pheno-typing, breeding for salinity and heat tolerance, gene bank development, and training course development.Bruce Tolentino, IRRI deputy director general, recalled that Thailand learned a lot from IRRI for the last 50 years.“The Thai rice sector has benefited tremendously from advances in rice technology originating from the IRRI research over the last five decades,” he said.
Tolentino said the collaboration between Thailand and IRRI is continuing as they try “to meet the challenges” of ASEAN 2015 and climate change.He was obviously referring to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015, which integrated economically the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into a single market starting on Dec. 31, 2015.Part of the Thai visitors’ itinerary is a tour of IRRI’s new phenotyping facility, the Department of Agriculture (DA) to learn more the seed system of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice)
Scientists developing more efficient rice using maize genes
April 11, 2016 11:56am
PETER HEMPHILLThe Weekly Times
THE next Green Revolution is expected to produce rice and wheat crops which are 50 per cent more productive using genes from “C4” plants, such as maize.In a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a global scientific team is six years into a research program to develop more productive rice varieties by supercharging them with genes from maize plants using genetic modification techniques to substantially increase their photosynthetic ability.
C4 plants — which include maize, sugar and sorghum — are better able to produce crops in warmer and drier climates than plants using the more common “C3” pathway of photosynthesis, according to Bob Furbank, ARC Centre for Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis director at Australian National University in Canberra,C3 plants include wheat, cotton, barley, pulse and vegetable crops and timber trees
Professor Furbank said maize could produce 50 per cent more yield than rice with the same amount of water, light, temperature and carbon dioxide in the air.“In the situation where we are in at the moment where globally we need to increase food production by about 70 per cent over the next 30 to 40 years to feed the burgeoning population, C4 plants and the C4 photosynthetic pathway have gained considerable attention in recent times.

Indian feast planned for royal couple William and Kate
The royal couple, who are staying at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel while they are here, will be served a mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian authentic Indian delicacies.
By: IANS | Mumbai | Updated: April 10, 2016 7:56 pm
In the non-vegetarian menu, the royal couple can relish ajwaini macchli, kundan kalia and shahi murg ka soyota; Dodha with rabdi, chhenna payesh and sharifa kulfi are planned as dessert. (Source: PTI)
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who commenced their maiden visit to India from here on Sunday, will get a whiff of ‘desi’ flavours and aromas as a lavish Indian feast will be laid in front of them for dinner.The royal couple, who are staying at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel while they are here, will be served a mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian authentic Indian delicacies.In the non-vegetarian menu, they can relish ajwaini macchli (fish chunks marinated with hung yoghurt and bishops weed, charbroiled in tandoor), kundan kalia (boneless lamb cooked with spices and topped with gold varq) and shahi murg ka soyota (chicken morsels cooked in a rich saffron, cashew and corn-based gravy).From the vegetarian section, they can also opt for dal langarwali (black urad and channa dal cooked to perfection tempered with pure ghee) and paneer shahi korma (cottage cheese cooked with cashew and evaporated milk — a lakhnavi delicacy).
Other vegetarian delicacies are also planned, including subz gandheri kebab (blend of vegetables on a sugarcane stick, a specialty of Hyderabad), khumb makhana mattar (mushrooms, peas and fox nuts, cooked in rich tomato gravy), chhonka palak (spinach tempered with garlic, finished with dried fenugreek leaves).
As accompaniments, they will be served awadhi gosht biryani, boondi and fresh mint raita, Indian crudités, cone papad, pickle, chutney and kachumber to be complemented with assorted mini Indian breads, Lucknowi vegetarian biryani (basmati rice and vegetables cooked together with panadanus extract).With an aim to end the meal on a sweet note, dodha with rabdi, chhenna payesh and sharifa kulfi are planned as dessert.The Taj Mahal Palace here is also the venue for a charity reception, which will be attended by the royal couple.
The event is being held collectively by three charity organisations — Magic Bus, Doorstep, and India’s Childline — to generate funds to support vulnerable children across India.The event is expected to be attended by celebrated names like Shah Rukh Khan,Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.Taljinder Singh, area director Mumbai and general manager, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, said he is delighted to play host to the royal couple.

“The Taj Mahal Palace is delighted to be hosting their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge while they are in Mumbai, and to be delivering this special event.“It is an absolute pleasure to be part of the Royal Highnesses’ commitment to raise funds for organisations working with children, as well as to introduce them to the veterans of the Indian entertainment industry,” Singh said in a statement.Singh added: “The hotel is working towards making their visit to India memorable by offering Taj’s legendary Indian hospitality.”On their tour, the royal couple will also attend a lunch hosted by Prime MinisterNarendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, take a break for a trip to Bhutan, and return to Agra in Uttar Pradesh to view the Taj Mahal.

Grain man: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes for rice suppers
There’s no great skill needed to cook rice properly – other than choosing the right rice for the job in the first place
Yotam Ottolenghi’s saffron and broad bean paella. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Photograph: Louise Hagger for the Guardian
Inever understood why people are intimidated by cooking rice – until I started reading up on it. The more you read, the more you learn how many varieties there are (more than 40,000!), not to mention all the categories and sub-categories within them. The way to cook rice, then, varies according to texture, size, shape, colour and purpose. The fact that many people swear by a rice cooker suddenly makes a lot of sense.
To hugely simplify a complicated (paddy) field, I usually reach for long- or short-grained rice. Long-grained rice (of which basmati is one) has less starch than short-grained (sushi and paella rice being two), so will be quite light and fluffy once cooked, with each grain distinct.
The difference between brown and white basmati rice, meanwhile, is that the brown still has its outer hull and bran. The result is therefore chewier and nuttier than the hulled, white sort; and, because there’s more for the water to get through to cook the rice, it takes longer. But what brown rice requires in patience is more than made up for by the fact you don’t have to get the amount of water exactly right: you cook brown rice much as you do pasta – ie, in lots of boiling water.
When it comes to the short-grained rice in today’s saffron and broad bean dish, it’s worth investing in proper paella rice: look for the words “bomba” or “calasparra” on the packet, because they have the texture you’re after – firm yet giving, unlike risotto and other short-grain rice.
As long as you’ve got the right rice, you’re free to take liberties wiuth the other ingredients, as I’ve done here.

Saffron and broad bean paella

This is by no means a traditional paella in terms of ingredients – there’s no chicken, rabbit or snails; no seafood, either – but the cooking method is. The key to a paella is to simmer the rice uncovered and, crucially, to resist the urge to stir it, so it absorbs all the liquid. If the base develops a nice, crisp bottom, all the better: that’s the bit prized by aficionados. This serves four as a side dish or, with a salad, light meal; or bulk it out with grilled seafood or chorizo, as a nod to tradition.
300g podded broad beans (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped 
2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
¼ tsp saffron threads
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
200g paella rice
100ml dry sherry
500ml vegetable stock
150g cherry tomatoes, cut in half
3 strips finely shaved lemon skin, plus 2 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
10g flatleaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil, blanch the beans for a minute, then drain, refresh and remove and discard the papery skins.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan (or paella pan) on a medium-high flame. Fry the onion for seven to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelised, then add the garlic and fry for a minute. Add the paprika, saffron, thyme and rice, stir for a minute, to coat all the rice, then add the sherry and reduce for 30 seconds. Stir in the stock, 150ml water, the tomatoes, lemon skin, a teaspoon of salt and plenty of pepper, bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium. Simmer for 20-25 minutes – don’t stir! – until the liquid is absorbed and the rice cooked. Lift out and discard the lemon strips, spoon the broad beans on top of the rice, scatter on the parsley, drizzle with lemon juice and serve at once.

Basmati rice with black cardamom and caramelised onion

This is a lovely side for slow-cooked lamb or any tagine. Serves four.
300g basmati rice
6 black cardamom pods (or 10 green cardamom pods), lightly crushed
2 bay leaves
20g unsalted butter
Salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into julienne sticks
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp honey
40g toasted flaked almonds
Heat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. Spread out the rice in a high-sided, 20cm x 30cm baking tray.
Put the cardamom, bay, butter and half a teaspoon of salt in a small saucepan. Add 550ml water and bring to a boil. Tip the water over the rice in the tray, and cover tightly with aluminum foil, to seal. Bake for 25 minutes, then set aside, still covered, for 10 minutes. Take off the foil and stir the rice with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the oil in a frying pan on a medium-high flame. Fry the onion for six minutes, stirring a few times, until golden brown, then add the ginger and fry for two minutes. Add the cinnamon and honey, turn the heat to medium-low and cook gently, stirring often, for five minutes, until the onions go dark caramel in colour. Stir in the nuts, spoon on to the rice and serve.

Minty brown rice with wilted greens

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/apr/09/rice-recipes-yotam-ottolenghi-clay-pot-sticky-paella-basmati-stir-fry

Shahi Korma To Sharifa Kulfi, 'Desi' Delights For Royal Couple At Gala Dinner

Updated: April 10, 2016 20:57 IST
The royal couple, who are staying at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel, will be served a mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian authentic Indian delicacies.
MUMBAI: 

HIGHLIGHTS

1.      Authentic Indian delicacies on the menu for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
2.      Royal couple to attend a charity reception with star-studded guest list
3.      This is their first official visit to India
 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who commenced their maiden visit to India today, will get a whiff of 'desi' flavours and aromas as a lavish Indian feast will be laid in front of them for dinner.

The royal couple, who are staying at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel, will be served a mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian authentic Indian delicacies.

In the non-vegetarian menu, they will be served ajwaini macchli (fish chunks marinated with hung yoghurt and bishops weed, charbroiled in tandoor), kundan kalia (boneless lamb cooked with spices and topped with gold varq) and shahi murg ka soyota (chicken morsels cooked in a rich saffron, cashew and corn-based gravy).

From the vegetarian section, they can also opt for dal langarwali (black urad and channa dal cooked to perfection tempered with pure ghee) and paneer shahi korma (cottage cheese cooked with cashew and evaporated milk -- a lakhnavi delicacy).
 

Other vegetarian delicacies are also planned, including subz gandheri kebab (blend of vegetables on a sugarcane stick, a specialty of Hyderabad), khumb makhana mattar (mushrooms, peas and fox nuts, cooked in rich tomato gravy), chhonka palak (spinach tempered with garlic, finished with dried fenugreek leaves).

As accompaniments, they will be served awadhi gosht biryani, boondi and fresh mint raita, Indian crud, cone papad, pickle, chutney and kachumber to be complemented with assorted mini Indian breads, Lucknowi vegetarian biryani (basmati rice and vegetables cooked together with panadanus extract).
In desserts, dodha with rabdi, chhenna payesh and sharifa kulfi are planned for the gala dinner.The Taj Mahal Palace is also the venue for a charity reception, which will be attended by the royal couple.

The event is being held collectively by three charity organisations -- Magic Bus, Doorstep, and India's Childline -- to generate funds to support vulnerable children across India.The event is expected to be attended by celebrated names like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.Taljinder Singh, area director Mumbai and general manager, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, said he is delighted to play host to the royal couple.

"The Taj Mahal Palace is delighted to be hosting their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge while they are in Mumbai, and to be delivering this special event."It is an absolute pleasure to be part of the Royal Highnesses' commitment to raise funds for organisations working with children, as well as to introduce them to the veterans of the Indian entertainment industry," Mr Singh said in a statement.

Mr Singh added: "The hotel is working towards making their visit to India memorable by offering Taj's legendary Indian hospitality."On their tour, the royal couple will also attend a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, take a break for a trip to Bhutan, and return to Agra in Uttar Pradesh to view the Taj Mahal