Wednesday, August 03, 2016

3rd August,2016 daily global,regional and local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine

Indonesian envoy believes peace in Pakistan to boost its exports

August 03, 2016

FAISALABAD - Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri has said Pakistan and Indonesia are now working to carve out a mutually acceptable mechanism for the export of one million tonnes of rice from Pakistan to Indonesia by 2019, which he said was a follow up on an MoU the two countries had signed last December.

Addressing the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here on Tuesday, the ambassador paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, late Indonesian Ambassador Burhan Muhammad who worked hard to bolster the bilateral relations between the two counties.

He said that after his tragic death in helicopter crash, this was his first visit to Faisalabad.
“The objective of this visit is to introduce myself and to deliberate on enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries,” he added.

Talking about relations between the two countries, he said these were friendly and cordial since inception.
“However, now we should make serious efforts to transform these relations into strong economic ones,” he said, and added, “The volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is $2.
18 billion which is far less than the existing potential the two countries have.
However, it is maximum in case of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.
”

Amri added that no doubt the balance of trade was in favour of Indonesia but the real issue was bilateral trade, as was the case with China-Indonesia trade, which was in favour of China.

The Indonesian envoy said that in bilateral trade, both countries got benefits.
“However, I think that exports from Pakistan should increase to a considerable level,” he said, and added, “The law and order situation has improved in Pakistan and it will definitely have a positive impact on its exports to Indonesia.”

Referring to CPEC, he said that it would attract foreign investment and all regional countries would enjoy its benefits. “Indonesia is a country with a huge population of 250 million.Our domestic market is very strong which has provided us a solid base for speedy economic growth," he added.Responding to a question from a businessman, he said that Indonesian government had postponed the execution of a Pakistani involved in a narcotics case.

“It is government’s decision.Daily 40 to 50 deaths are reported due to narcotics and we have to root out this menace which is also eroding our social and moral values,” the ambassador informed.He said that in total population of 250 million, the number of addicts was 5.
1 million."It is not only a matter of concern for the government but also for the general public," he clarified.Regarding Halal food, he said, “Pakistan is speedily completing the process of Halal food certification, which will help it to export maximum Halal items to Indonesia.”

Commenting on people to people contacts, he said that Indonesia was offering scholarships to Pakistani students, which would bring both the communities closer to each other.
Replying to yet another question about health and education related reforms, he said that Indonesia had allocated 20 percent of its budget for education, and elementary level education in the country was free.

“Similarly, cross subsidy is offered in health sector.The rich are charged while the poor get free treatment,” he said, and hoped, “This system will be further improved in the coming years.
” He also assured to remove hurdles in the way of export of rock salt from Pakistan to Indonesia.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz underlined the importance of existing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia and said it was $2.
18 billion in 2015.“Pakistan’s exports to Indonesia are only $140 million, whereas Indonesian exports to Pakistan are $2041 million.
Thus the balance of trade is in favour of Indonesia,” he said.

Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain, SVP FCCI, said that both countries had inked Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2012.“It played a major role in enhancing bilateral trade, and the trade volume that was only $700 million in 2010 jumped to $2.18 billion in 2015,” he informed.He said that Indonesia was a major country exporting Palm Oil to Pakistan.
“During the last four years, Indonesian exports to Pakistan have swollen from 30 percent to 83 percent,” he said, and added, “In 2015, Pakistan imported 2.
1 million tonnes of Palm Oil, out of which 70 percent came from Indonesia.
”

Commenting on the Indonesian imports, he said although Indonesia was a net producer of rice, yet it imported $351 million of rice in 2015; but out of the total rice imported, only $51 million came from Pakistan, which constitutes only 14 percent of the total Indonesian rice imports.Similarly Indonesia also imported fruits worth $666 million, but again the fruits imported from Pakistan were of $9 million only.He suggested that Indonesia should convince its importers to make maximum imports of these items from Pakistan.“Moreover, Indonesia could also import Rock Salt from Pakistan to cater to its needs,” he added.

In this connection, he stressed direct links between the business communities of the two countries in order to fully capitalize on the available trade potential the two countries have.He further said that Indonesia was a major member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and could also help Pakistan to have access to this $2 trillion market.During question answer session, Muhammad Sanaullah Niazi, Chaudhary Talat Mehmood and Khawaja Waqar raised interesting questions.

Mr Ahmad Hassan executive member FCCI offered vote of thanks and demanded that Indonesia should appoint trade attaché in Pakistan as our bilateral trade was growing at a much faster pace.

Later, Dr Habib Aslam Gabba presented FCCI memento to Indonesian Ambassador Mr Iwan Suyudhie Amri while Indonesian ambassador also presented a symbol of Indonesia to Chaudhary Muhammad Nawz president FCCI.

http://nation.com.pk/business/03-Aug-2016/indonesian-envoy-believes-peace-in-pakistan-to-boost-its-exports

Gloomy forecast for Cambodia's rice sector

Wed, 3 August 2016

Cam McGrath and Cheng Sokhorng

An industry analyst has issued a dire forecast for Cambodia’s rice sector, claiming the long-grain “white gold” that has been credited with lifting millions of Cambodia’s farmers out of abject poverty, and which seems a natural fit for the Kingdom’s agrarian workforce, is on a downward trajectory.
Jim Plamondon, a former technical evangelist for Microsoft who is developing new marketing strategies for Cambodian rice varieties, says the Kingdom’s rice industry – the lifeblood of its agricultural economy – is headed for a brutal and imminent consolidation.
Those in the industry who think sliding rice prices will recover, or reducing overhead costs will make Cambodia competitive against its heavyweight neighbours, are in for a rude awakening.
According to Plamondon, the surge in world rice prices a decade ago that prompted many of Cambodia’s rice exporters to join the industry was an aberration. The predominant trend for rice prices – as it has been for the last 400 years – is down.
“When the price of rice started rising in 2006, and then spiked in 2008, that was great news for Cambodia’s subsistence rice farmers,” he says. “Then rice stayed high in 2011, partly because everybody was hoarding rice to make sure this [global supply shortage] wouldn’t recur, but ever since then it has been coming down.”
The majority of Cambodia’s rice exporters cut their teeth during these peak-rice years, investing in mills and distribution networks while reaping stellar profits on export shipments.
“[Peak prices] were normal to them, but they were not normal to the world, which has seen rice prices [as a percentage of wages] steadily declining for centuries,” explains Plamondon.
Rice was one of a raft of commodities caught in a global supply shortage in the mid-2000s as producers raced to scale up production to meet the voracious demand of China and other emerging economies. But now there is a global glut of supply and the world’s rice exporters are facing hard times, as profits continue to shrink, leaving only the hardiest contenders in the race.
In April 2008, Thailand was quoting a metric tonne of 5-per cent broken milled rice for US delivery at $1,020 per tonne. Today, it ships for about $417 per tonne, having rebounded from a nadir of $354 per tonne last December.
Ominously, Cambodia’s rice exports fell six per cent during the first half of the year, while rice exports from Vietnam dropped by 32 per cent despite cost-competitive pricing. Exports from emerging rice powerhouse Myanmar plummeted 63 per cent year-on-year during its latest dry season harvest.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has forecast the total worldwide trade of rice at 43.9 million tonnes this year, indicating a second successive year of contraction due to oversupply.
“Much of the projected fall would reflect import reductions in the Far East, where key buyers such as Bangladesh, China (Mainland), the Philippines and Sri Lanka may lower their purchases amid ample availabilities on store and/or increased border protection,” the agency said in its July 2016 Rice Market Monitor.
Yet even with the world awash in cheap rice, many exporting countries are planning to increase production. Myanmar is looking to triple rice exports in the coming three years, while Cambodia is still pining for its elusive one-million-tonnes a year export goal – about double what the country shipped last year.
Plamondon describes this strategy of ramping up the production of commodity as its prices continue to fall as a “race to the bottom.”
“This is not about Cambodia’s rice industry – there is a worldwide glut of supply, so there must be a retraction,” he says.
“I do not believe Cambodia’s rice industry is on the verge of collapse, but it is on the brink of a consolidation, and that means a lot of farmers and millers are going to go broke.”
There are signs it is already happening.
According to Moul Sarith, secretary-general of the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF), low margins and increased competition from neighbouring countries have forced at least five small- and medium-sized Cambodian rice millers out of business in the last year.
“They could not overcome the challenges and had to shut down,” he said, adding: “If no action is taken to support the sector, more millers will go bankrupt in the next six months.”
In total, up to 50 per cent of the nation’s rice millers could be out of business by the end of the year, he added.
Yet Sarith remains confident there is a way out, explaining that millers have capacity but lack capital to purchase enough rice paddy to operate efficiently.
“Even with rice export prices lower than they were last year, exports are still profitable, though those profits are smaller,” he said, adding that the government has pledged up facilitate up to $30 million in emergency loans for millers and exporters to help shore up the industry.
Capital will not solve the problems plaguing Cambodia’s rice sector, insists Plamondon, but it could determine who survives.
“There’s going to be a significant retrenchment – only those with access to capital and plans for growth [will survive],” he said.
“New mills are more efficient than old ones, so many older, smaller mills will be out-competed. But even new mills will be squeezed out by [bigger and more efficient operations in] Vietnam and Thailand, especially if they’re burdened by debt.”
According to Kann Kunthy, CEO of Battambang Rice Investment Co Ltd (BRICo), a consolidation is already taking shape. By his calculation, nearly half of all millers have either shuttered operations or been bought out by bigger operations.
Those that remain are increasingly turning to business “alliances” to increase their economies of scale.
“Most of our rice millers will have to consolidate in order to survive,” he said. “Facing a long-term downswing, millers are forging alliances to process paddy as a survival strategy.”
As examples, he cited new “cooperation” agreements between Asia Gold Rice and Crystal Mill Rice, and between Apsara Rice and Soma Group.
BRICo, which has invested $15 million since 2014 into its milling operations and has a hefty capacity of 24,000 tonnes per year, has managed to keep its head above water, Kunthy insists.
But while the company’s exports continue to grow, he admitted “even we are feeling the impact, just like the rest of the rice sector.”

Rice marked with current market prices is displayed outside a warehouse in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district yesterday afternoon. Heng Chivoan

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/gloomy-forecast-cambodias-rice-sector

Food output to remain flat in 2015-16; commercial crops to dip

Our Bureau

Fourth advance estimate pegs wheat production at 93.5 million tonnes

New Delhi, Aug 2:

Reinforcing its earlier assessment, the Centre has pegged foodgrain production in the country at 252.22 million tonnes (mt) in 2015-16 in its fourth advance estimates — almost the same as 2014-15’s (July-June) production of 252.02 mt.

Production of major commercial crops in 2015-16, including cotton, sugarcane and oilseeds, was lower than in the previous year, according to the fourth advance estimates.

While overall foodgrain production is the same in the fourth advance estimate as in the third estimate announced in May, there are small changes in individual projections for most major crops, including rice, wheat and pulses.

All foodgrain crops, with the exception of wheat and cereals, declined in 2015-16 compared with the previous year.

Cereals output

Rice production in 2015-16, at 104.32 mt, was lower than last year’s 105.48 mt. Wheat production at 93.50 mt in 2015-16 was higher than the previous year’s 88.94 mt.

Production of pulses was at 16.47 mt (17.15 mt).

Cereal production was higher at 235.76 mt compared with 234.87 mt the year before.

Production of jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, small millets and barley at 4.41 mt, 8.06 mt, 21.81 mt, 1.79 mt, 0.37 mt and 1.51 mt, respectively, in 2015-16 were all lower than the previous year.

Sugarcane production, as per the fourth estimate, at 3,521.63 lakh tonnes (lt), was lower than the previous year’s production of 3,623.33 lt.

Cotton production was 301.47 lt (348.05 lt).

Oilseeds production, at 253.04 lt was also lower than the previous year’s production at 275.11 lt.

(This article was published on August 2, 2016)

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/pulses-output-down-4-in-fy16-foodgrains-slightly-up/article8933765.ece

2016 Rice Expo to feature details on ag drones, new varieties

Posted August 1, 2016 - 2:22pm

By Ryan McGeeney
Special to The Commercial

The 2016 Arkansas Rice Expo will have plenty to offer attendees: Those who grow, those who cook and those who eat one of the state’s top row crops. And this year’s iteration of the annual expo in Stuttgart will feature demonstrations and experts speaking about aspects of rice in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Rice Expo returns to Stuttgart’s Grand Prairie Center Wednesday, Aug. 10. The doors open at 8 a.m. and will finish up with a complementary lunch.
Drones
Terry Spurlock, extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will deliver a presentation on the state of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as UAVs or “drones,” and their potential applications for agriculture.
“Drone use in Arkansas agriculture is fairly spotty right now,” Spurlock said. “There’s the hobbyists aspect of this — people that are operating small drones as hobbyists, they’re probably flying fields and don’t realize they’re not exactly following the rules when the intent becomes commercial.”
In late August, Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which addresses small UAVs, is scheduled to go into effect. Spurlock said the new rules will impact how the use of drones in agricultural areas is regulated.
“Use is going to escalate, and I think the hobbyist use is just going to turn into commercial applications,” he said. “The [Federal Aviation Administration] is providing a means for operators to become certified and licensed.”
Spurlock said he will also talk about the use of various sensor technologies and georeferenced data to analyze different aspects of crop fields, including disease detection, plant population density and field elevation.
Spurlock said Brad Fausett, CEO of Arkansas UAV, will be addressing attendees as a part of the presentation as well.
Field tours
This year’s expo will also feature several field tours, providing attendees the opportunity to see the latest University of Arkansas rice variety releases, as well as some potential variety releases still in development.
“We’ll be discussing current and future prospects for variety releases, including long grain, medium grain and hybrid programs,” said Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “People will get an up-close look at our two most recent releases, as well as potential releases coming in the next couple of years.
Hardke said Rice Research and Extension Center faculty hope to drain a field just in time for observation day, so that people can actually walk out into it.
“You just get a better feel for the characteristics of the variety — the panicle length, the way the plant’s structured, how it stands up,” Hardke said. “You can see its natural color, and just how it’s going to look and act in the field, which you can only do so much of from a few steps back.”
The tour will also feature presentations focusing on growing resistance issues in weeds in both rice and soybeans.
“We have a lot of concern over managing these weed populations, since the majority of our rice is rotated directly with soybeans,” Hardke said. “[Professors] Jason Norsworthy and Tom Barber will be discussing how these two crops are going to work together with the new herbicide technologies that we have coming forward in both crops, and how that’s going to work and help manage resistance in the future.”
Rice irrigation and water management
The third stop on the tour will feature presentation on rice irrigation and water management. Assistant professor Chris Henry and irrigation educator Mike Hamilton will discuss aspects of irrigation efficiency, multiple-inlet irrigation and other practices.
“The real value of field tours is to see the in-the-field work and efforts of our research and extension faculty,” Hardke said. “It’s the opportunity to see and interact with our research and extension faculty and see what the critical areas are for us right now in rice production. We want to give growers new tools to help improve their operations.”
Details: A Cooperative Extension Service agent or www.uaex.edu
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination.
— Ryan McGeeney is with the U of A System Division of Agriculture

http://pbcommercial.com/news/area-digest/2016-rice-expo-feature-details-ag-drones-new-varieties

Govt permits basmati rice exports via land custom stations

Aug 02, 2016, 10.22 AM | Source: PTI

"In addition to the EDI (electronic data interchange) ports, export of basmati rice will now be permitted through land custom stations on Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal border also subject to registration of quantity with DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade), the commerce ministry said in a notification. It also said exports of basmati shall not be permitted on the basis of documents against acceptance unless such export is covered either by bank guarantee or ECGC guarantee with effect from October 1. ECGC Ltd (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd), wholly-owned by the government with the objective of promoting exports from the country by providing credit risk insurance and related services for exports. India's rice exports in 2015-16 stood at USD 5.79 billion. It was USD 459.39 million in April this year

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/economy/govt-permits-basmati-rice-exports-via-land-custom-stations_7167521.html?utm_source=ref_article

Jazaa in every meal

Published in Jul-Aug 2016

By Ayesha Shaikh

Junaid Jamshed launches Jazaa rice. Despite an international taste preference and demand for Pakistani rice, Pakistan has dropped to 13th place in terms of global rice production (despite the opportunity to increase its market size by 50%), mainly because of a lack of quality variants (Source: United States Department of Agriculture, 2016). Recognising this demand-supply gap, Jazaa Foods (an FMCG company established by Junaid Jamshed in November 2015) launched Jazaa rice in March this year as a premium quality brand designed to tap into this global market potential.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics estimates the total volume of the rice industry at approximately 6.9 million metric tons, of which 40 to 45% goes towards local consumption and the rest is exported. The category comprises basmati (Pakistan’s claim to fame, grown in Punjab), irri (cultivated in Sindh), parboiled (colloquially known as sela in Punjab) and brown rice (grown on a very limited scale on rocky terrains in Northern Pakistan).

According to Ali Jabbar, CEO, Jazaa Foods, “as a staple crop, rice has traditionally been dominated by wholesale suppliers, where the business model relies on low-cost milling and production – and the hope of a steady monsoon season.”

Unbranded khulla chawal accounts for almost 96% of the total industry output. There are only a handful of branded players and these include Matco’s Falak, Engro Eximp’s Rymah and Guard Basmati – the focus here has always been on export markets, because of the higher profit margins. Jabbar says, “there was no brand catering to the growing domestic demand for quality, branded rice and we wanted to take advantage of this gap.”

Given that rice has the third largest crop production output in Pakistan (Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2015), supply was not a problem and according to Jamshed, Director, Jazaa Foods, the “real challenge was to select rice variants of the highest quality, add value through standardised milling, and bring Jazaa rice to market as an affordable product of the highest quality.”

The name of the company as well as the brand originated from this extensive focus on delivering value-added products. Jazaa translates to ‘reward’ or a ‘fulfilling return’, which is appropriate, as Jamshed’s vision for Jazaa Foods is to establish Pakistan’s first FMCG initiative producing branded consumption commodities of the highest quality.

"Despite the stringent quality control standards the product was subjected to, I wanted to ensure that Jazaa rice remains affordable for every Pakistani household.”

— Junaid Jamshed

Interestingly, the inspiration for Jazaa rice came from the Indian brand Tilda, a major player in the international market, which relies on delivering the best tasting rice. “I wanted to replicate Tilda’s success in Pakistan, which is why despite the stringent quality control standards the product was subjected to, I wanted to ensure that Jazaa rice would remain affordable for every Pakistani household.”

Implementing this vision meant that the pricing strategy had to be carefully devised so that the brand would be affordable across most socio-economic groups. To ensure this, Jazaa rice was launched in five variants, each of which has two SKUs: Jazaa Elite Steam Rice (Rs 199/one kg; Rs 985/five kg), Jazaa Premium Basmati (Rs 170/one kg; Rs 840/five kg), Sela Gold Rice (Rs 160/one kg; Rs 790/five kg), Basmati Rice (Rs 140/one kg; Rs 690/five kg) and Economy Rice (Rs 110/one kg; Rs 540/5 kg). To put it into context, a one-kilogram pack of unbranded rice sells for between Rs 90 and 100, while a similar quantity of branded rice is priced at between Rs 120 and 160.

However, Jamshed was keen to ensure that this affordability did not come at the expense of product quality. “From the onset, I believed that to grab market share, Jazaa rice would have to deliver quality and taste in every pack.”

Industry insiders have often pinpointed the lack of adequate processing facilities as the reason why Pakistani rice is of poor quality and Jazaa Foods expected to encounter a similar challenge. However, the team was pleasantly surprised to find that a robust infrastructure for refining, processing and packaging rice was already in place. The problem, they discovered, is that the major rice players prefer to minimise the cost of production and are thus unwilling to make the required investment to improve quality.

Jazaa Foods, however, believe that investing time and money early on will hold the brand in good stead and yield optimal returns in the long run. Therefore, from the time the rice is purchased from designated plantations in Punjab to when it is transported to the milling unit at Port Qasim, the company closely monitors the supply chain. Furthermore, prior to packaging, every grain of rice is inspected by an internationally trained, in-house quality assurance team, and it is only after their approval that the rice is packaged for distribution. According to Jamshed, “the critical success factors for Jazaa rice, locally and internationally, are extensive refining as well as packaging that is not only attractive, but complies with international food packaging regulations.”

While the brand vision is to take Jazaa rice global, currently the brand’s distribution (which began in Karachi) has been limited to supermarkets, grocery shops and kiryana stores across Pakistan.

In what can safely be termed a packaging innovation for branded rice in Pakistan, the pack of each of the five variants carries a product shot of a meal cooked with that particular rice variety. This has not only helped the packaging to grab eyeballs on retail shelves, but, as Jabbar explains, “it has helped to create awareness about which kind of rice is most suited for which recipe. For instance, most people are unaware that sela rice is ideal for biryani and pulao.”

In the four months since launch, Jazaa rice has managed to carve out a place for itself. The Jazaa Foods team is particularly proud of this achievement because instead of opting for an extensive ATL-driven prelaunch campaign, they opted to let word-of-mouth promotions drive sales. In addition, a chunk of the initial marketing budget was allocated to trade activation initiatives, including having store inceptors at selected outlets hand out product samples to generate trial and consumption. “The rationale,” Jamshed states, “was that once people experience the taste of Jazaa rice, they will not be satisfied with any other brand or variety of rice.” Product placement in cooking shows, particularly during Ramazan, was also a strategy that helped increase brand awareness and recall.

To make the brand even more accessible, free home delivery within Karachi is being offered and orders can be placed by logging on to jazaafoods.com. “The advantage,” Jabbar says, “is that there is no minimum order quantity and people can order even a pack of one kilogram.”

A traditional ATL campaign, conceived, designed and executed by Elan Advertising, was launched after the product distribution had started.

Planning is now underway to launch export operations, where the challenge will be the extensive product quality and packaging regulations.

Considering Jazaa rice’s export potential, Jamshed adds that, “I realise that our expenses will increase substantially, but in my experience, the export market is where the maximum profits are. An important incentive is the presence of large Pakistani expatriate communities in those markets who will welcome a quality brand that will give the traditional aroma and flavour they are accustomed to.”

More Rice Bound for China

China plans to increase its rice import quota from Cambodia next year as the Kingdom braces for possible cutbacks by the European Union (EU) to limit milled rice imports from least developed countries (LDCs).Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak said yesterday that his Chinese counterpart Gao Hucheng agreed at a bilateral trade meeting to increase China’s import of milled rice from Cambodia and to review the import quotas every year.“We have asked China to increase its import quota of milled rice from Cambodia, and now they [China] agreed to what we requested,” said Mr. Sorasak.

“China will import another 200,000 metric tons of milled rice in 2017 on top of their current rice imports from Cambodia. Both sides agreed to review the outcomes of this bilateral trade cooperation every year,” he added.China’s commerce minister Mr. Gao is currently on an official visit to Cambodia to discuss roads, railways, airport construction, agriculture and other projects with senior government officials.Cambodia’s request to China comes just after last month’s visit by delegations from the Brussels-based European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Directorate-General for Trade. Both delegations advised Cambodia’s rice industry to seek other markets and not just concentrate its exports to Europe, as the country moves from a low-income country in its LDC status to a lower-middle income nation.

An EU source who did not want to be named told Khmer Times that the visiting delegations from Brussels hinted the EU could limit rice imports from LDCs in the “Everything but Arms” (EBA) trade concessions to about 300,000 to 350,000 tons a year. Both Cambodia and Myanmar are the only LDCs recognized in the EBA trade concessions and rice exports from both countries have unfettered access to EU markets. “This means Cambodia would need to share these new EU quotas with Myanmar in the very near future,” said the source.

Last year, the total amount of Cambodian milled rice exported reached some 538,396 tons, according to the Cambodian Rice Federation, with 43 percent exported to the EU.Mr. Sorasak, however, was optimistic that the EU would not cut back on its import of milled rice from Cambodia.“Cambodia still has preferential access to the EU’s rice markets. They [EU] just want to make sure that we export good-quality rice,” said Mr. Sorasak.

Hun Lak, Cambodia Rice Federation’s vice president, told Khmer Times that both China and Cambodia had already agreed on the import quota of 100,000 tons.

Mr. Hun Lak added that it was an opportune moment now, with China agreeing to import more rice from the Kingdom, for Cambodia to make its milled rice competitive in the international market.“Though the quality of Cambodian rice is good, its price is $60 higher per metric ton compared to a neighboring country,” he added. Though referring to Vietnam, Mr. Hun Lak did not name it outright.

“We have to find a way to lower production costs to keep our rice prices low,” he said.

http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/27961/more-rice-bound-for-china/

Govt allows basmati exports via land custom stations

The government has permitted exports of basmati rice through land custom stations on Indo-Nepal border and Indo-Bangladesh border.

The Dollar Business Bureau
Amid India’s falling basmati rice imports, now for the last two consecutive fiscals i.e. 2014-15 and 2015-16, the government has permitted outbound shipments of basmati rice through land custom stations on Indo-Nepal border and Indo-Bangladesh.
“In addition to the EDI (electronic data interchange) ports, export of basmati rice will now be permitted through land custom stations on Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal border also subject to registration of quantity with DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade),” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Monday.
The ministry also said the government would not allow exports of basmati rice on the basis of documents against acceptance, unless exports are insured either by ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India), a government-owned company giving credit risk insurance and other related services to exporters with an objective of encouraging exports, or bank with effect from October.
Last month, the government announced a ban on following the business practices of documents against acceptance, in which basmati rice consignments were shipped without prior settlements of prices.
India’s basmati exports tanked from almost $5.03 billion in 2013-14 to about $4.77 billion in 2014-15 and over $3.86 billion in 2015-16.
India’s imports of basmati rice to Bangladesh had earlier come to a standstill after the latter doubled the import duty on Indian basmati.
In past, Iran imported a significant chunk of India’s basmati rice, about a million tonnes on an average, owing to its restricted overseas market access due to US-led sanctions. After the sanction was lifted, Iran imposed a ban on imports of basmati rice, but it resumed imports later in January this year.
India alone accounts for about 85% of the global basmati rice shipments. According to ICRA’s latest estimation, India’s basmati exports will see a rebound later this year, more so during the second half of the 2016-17 fiscal, due to a surged demand in its key overseas markets.
Iran, too, had earlier conveyed its intent to stimulate the Indian basmati rice imports from July 23 onwards to protect its growers who were predominantly producing rice keeping in mind the demand of the Iranian buyers.

https://www.thedollarbusiness.com/news/govt-allows-basmati-exports-via-land-custom-stations/47549

Yingluck rice-loss bill cut to B286bn

2 Aug 2016 at 04:00 11,432 viewed24 comments

NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS | WRITER: NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has also been on trial at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders for the past year. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be fined 286.6 billion baht in compensation for losses incurred by her government's rice-pledging scheme following the latest evaluation by a government panel.

Jirachai Moonthongroy, deputy permanent secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, who headed a committee looking into administrative offences involving the rice programme, reported the findings to Prime Minister's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul Monday.

ML Panadda said the panel also reported that former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and five former key ministry officials are liable to pay 18.7 billion baht in compensation for bogus government-to-government (G2G) rice deals.

He noted the Yingluck administration received 13.3 million tonnes of paddy under the pledging programme, adding that less than one million tonnes was exported and 13 million tonnes were kept in warehouses.ML Panadda insisted the government is probing the case honestly and transparently without prejudice.

"The figures came from a thorough deliberation process from all parties participating in the meetings," the minister said, adding state agencies must be held accountable for what they have done.

"The use of power has to be carried out with care. Civil servants need to learn they cannot do everything they want."

The 286.6-billion-baht damage evaluation is much lower than the more than 500 billion baht previously evaluated by a panel of the Finance Ministry.Mr Jirachai said the latest figure will be forwarded to a committee on civil liability, chaired by the comptroller-general, to consider whether to seek compensation for the sum from Ms Yingluck.

Under the process, if the panel agrees, it will have to request that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha issue an administrative order to demand compensation from Ms Yingluck, said a government source.

The findings will also be reported to the national rice policy and management committee, chaired by the prime minister, tomorrow, Mr Jirachai added.

Mr Jirachai said the panel, chaired by the comptroller-general, has agreed to push up the liability for Mr Boonsong and other former ministerial officials to 20 billion baht instead of the 18 billion baht proposed by his committee.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry says it will write to Mr Boonsong and the five ex-ministerial officials demanding they reimburse the losses incurred by the G2G rice deals.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the administrative order letters will be signed by Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn and sent to the offenders, who will have 30 days to pay.

If they fail to pay, another notification letter would be sent to them within 15 days, she said.

If they still ignore it, another letter indicating enforcement measures will be issued and a working panel will be formed to discuss with representatives from the legal execution department, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) and prosecutors whether to seize their assets, Ms Duangporn added.he six offenders however can petition the Administrative Court, asking it to revoke the administrative order once they receive it, she said.

This will also depend on what the alleged offenders petition against, such as the revocation of the order or the amount of money they are required to pay.If the court dismisses the petition, the enforcement in line with the administration order can proceed, Ms Duangporn added.

"Now it is a matter of the legal process. The department sent the administrative order to the commerce minister to sign last Friday. The letters indicated clearly the amount the six have to compensate. They will be sent after they are signed," said Ms Duangporn.

Ms Yingluck is accused of dereliction of duty for failing to stop her government's loss-ridden rice scheme despite being warned of the potential damage. Her case in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders is still ongoing.

Mr Jirachai testified in court on May 13 that Ms Yingluck's rice scheme led to 510.6 billion baht in losses. By May 22, 2014, the project's cost stood at 653 billion baht, plus the 24 billion baht in management expenses and 30 billion baht in interest payments.

The scheme had made 189 billion baht in revenue.

As for the loss of 510.6 billion baht, the committee subtracted farmers' benefits and interest payments and found Ms Yingluck was still liable for 286.6 billion baht in losses, he told the court.

Some Arkansas rice receives ‘million dollar’ rain

July 30 Arkansas rice update

Aug 1, 2016 Jarrod Hardke and Gus Lorenz, University of Arkansas Extension

Update on Arkansas rice crop in late July.
Crop forecast, temperatures and fall armyworm in rice.

The long-term forecast says the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some rain showers blew through many areas of Arkansas over the past few days, particularly central and south. However, some only got to watch it rain around them and not on them.Many received a “million dollar rain” – the first appreciable, or measurable, rain since the beginning of June. At a time when irrigation capacity is getting tight, over an inch of rain changes the whole game. Strong winds in places have started a little lodging but that seems limited and hopefully stays that way.
Draining has begun on a limited basis with many set to pick up steam this week. These rains will help the moisture situation as folks turn off wells and let the flood dry up rather than actively drain.My expectation was that some rice would be delivered before July ended but the sudden burst of rainfall likely put a stop to that. However, the first rice will probably be delivered sometime (during the first week of August). There has been rice cut in the state -- at least one field of a new super-early hybrid -- but no other fields of current commercial cultivars have been harvested.
Read the full post, including information on crop forecast, temperatures and fall armyworm in rice.

New P.F. Chang's Menu Shines Spotlight on U.S.-Grown Rice

By Deborah Willenborg

ARLINGTON, VA -- The national Asian restaurant leader P.F. Chang's has updated the menus in their more than 200 restaurants to include a special call-out informing guests that all of the rice they serve is grown in the USA.

"The menu spotlight on U.S.-grown rice is the lead-in to a new promotion by P.F. Chang's scheduled to launch next month and is a huge boost for U.S. rice," explains Katie Maher, USA Rice director of domestic promotion. "Having P.F. Chang's, a household name with a great reputation, tout U.S.-grown rice on their menu is invaluable."

Sprinkled throughout the new menu, are several interesting facts about Asian cuisine and ingredients in the dishes. Beneath the 'Noodles & Rice' section, P.F. Chang's highlights the nutritional benefits of rice and where it's grown, stating: "Our U.S. sourced rice is a nutrient-rich grain that provides more than 15 vitamins and minerals, beneficial antioxidants and is also GMO free."

"We decided to feature messages about our rice that we're proud of and thought would resonate with our guests," said Dwayne Chambers, P.F. Chang's chief marketing officer. "The fact that the rice we serve is grown right here by U.S. farmers and also provides beneficial nutrients is something we wanted to highlight."

USA Rice initially partnered with P.F. Chang's last September to present the first RiceGiving, a charitable program that donated a serving of U.S.-grown rice to the hungry for every rice entrée ordered by P.F. Chang's guests. The U.S. rice industry donated 100,000 pounds of rice to food banks - that's one million servings of rice going to those in need.

P.F. Chang's promoted the program to their guests through social media, in restaurants with promotional cards provided to each table, and with a dedicated web page featuring a two minute promotional video provided by USA Rice.

"It's great that P.F. Chang's is calling attention to America's family rice farmers," said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. "Given P.F. Chang's reputation and commitment to quality food and ability to stay relevant in the tough foodservice sector, we think these menus will serve as a case study to show other national chains that not only should you be serving U.S.-grown rice, but you should be talking about it as well."

U.S. rice - farm to wok at P.F. Chang's

Crop Progress: 2016 Crop 71 Percent Headed

WASHINGTON, DC -- Seventy-one percent of the nation's 2016 rice acreage is headed, according to yesterday's U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report. Sixty-six percent of the 2016 crop is in good to excellent condition.

USA Rice Daily, Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Phil Vickery's spicy summer curry rice recipe

STV
1 August 2016 11:05 BST

REX/Steve Meddle/ITV

The sun is shining for now so it's time to cook up a tasty summer delight.
Phil Vickery is on hand with his spicy summer vegetable curry.
Check out the recipe below and give it a go!
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp oil, any will do
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp fennel seeds
½ tsp dried red chilli flakes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
225g basmati rice, washed well
150g fresh or frozen peas
150g fresh or frozen broad beans
100g frozen edamame beans
1 x 410g can flageolet beans, rinsed well
600ml water, roughly to cover the raw rice mix
1 tin of coconut milk
2 x 10g vegetable stock cubes, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
50g fresh baby spinach leaves
4 tbsp chopped Thai basil
4 tbsp chopped coriander
4 tbsp chopped chives
50g soft, salted butter

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C Gas 4.

2. Heat the oil in a wide, deep ovenproof pan, add the spices and cook for a couple of minutes to release their flavour, but take care do not burn.

3. Add the onions and garlic again stir well.

4. Add the rice and coat well in the oil and spices, then add the peas and beans, and mix well.

5. Add the water, tin of coconut milk and crumbled stock cubes and mix well.

6. Season well then bring to the boil, stirring, then add the spinach on top.

7. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and cook in the oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

8. Once cooked remove from the oven (the spinach will have wilted and the water absorbed nicely).

9. Add the basil, coriander, chives and butter and really stir well, then check the seasoning.

10. Re-cover and leave for 10 minutes to rest. Then serve.

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Smuggling threatens rice production sufficiency

Posted By: Oluwakemi Daudaon: August 02, 2016

Bags of millet, fertilizer for production of IEDs, gallons of fuel, bags of rice

Nigeria’s bid to be self-sufficient in rice production is being threatened by smugglers, The Nation has learnt.Lagos and Ogun states are flooded with smuggled rice daily. From Idi-Iroko to Owode, Alapoti, Atan and Sango Ota, all in Ogun State, smugglers are using bush paths to smuggle the commodity.The smugglers, Idi-Iroko border sources said, are cashing in on the high price of the item, which is Nigeria’s staple food, to smuggle the item.Many of the smugglers, it was gathered, are smiling to the banks with their huge financial returns.
The illicit rice business, investigation revealed, is booming because the Federal Government has discouraged rice importation through the land borders, while it is alleged that some Customs officers are conniving with the smugglers. Investigation revealed that the smuggled rice is kept on top of motor cycles, passenger buses and specially refurbished vehicles heading for Lagos, Ifo and Sango area of Ogun State.
A rice trader at the popular Lusada Market in Ado-Odo Ota area of Ogun state, who refused to give her name, narrated the reason they are dealing on imported rice from Cotonou.
“I lost a lot of money when the vehicle bringing my rice to Lagos was impounded by Customs in April along Seme border. The period was a very bad one to me. But in June, my friend introduced me to a man who will help me in the rice business through the Ado-Odo area and I decided to try it. “My experience is that there is not much Customs attention on rice in this area, and the profit we make is higher.
“If you use Seme axis, the highest profit anybody can make on rice is between N200 and N250 per 50kg bag, while we make between N1,000 and N1,350 on 50kg bags of rice through Lusada area,” she said.
She said rice is a staple food in the country and its demand is so high that ‘business people’ continue to travel long distances from inland towns and risk being arrested to smuggle rice into those axis.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, she said men and women flock to Cotonou and other neighbouring countries to buy rice and smuggle them in mostly on Sundays.
Investigation conducted by The Nation at the week-end revealed that there are no Customs cheek-points between Agbara and Atan and from Lusada to Alapoti and Ado-Odo Ota areas of Ogun State.
Findings also revealed that there is no effective policing of all the paths leading to the border by Customs to check the menace.
Customs investigation also revealed that a lot needs to be done to track down the rice smugglers and stop their illicit business by embarking on effective border patrol as the smugglers are using various vehicles to bring the items to town.
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http://thenationonlineng.net/smuggling-threatens-rice-production-sufficiency/

Trade deficit narrows on rice, vehicle import drop

Sri Lanka’s external sector has recorded a modest performance in April 2016, the Central Bank said yesterday.The trade deficit narrowed on account of the higher decline in import expenditure mainly due to the drop in the importation of vehicles and rice compared to the decline in earnings from exports during April 2016,the Bank said.
Although workers’ remittances were marginally lower in April, earnings from tourism increased strengthening the current account of the Balance of Payments (BOP) while inflows to the financial account continued to moderate.
Earnings from exports in April 2016 stood at US$ 707 million,indicating a marginal decline of 0.9 per cent, year-on-year, attributable to lower agricultural exports, despite higher earnings from industrial exports.
Earnings from industrial exports, which account for 77 per cent of total exports, increased by 3.1 per cent compared to April 2015, mainly due to the improved performance of textiles and garments exports.
Earnings from textiles and garments exports increased by 3.1 per cent, year-on-year, to US dollars 340 million during the month, reflecting increases in garment exports to EU and USA markets by 3.7 per cent and 3.1 per cent,respectively.
Further, export earnings from food, beverages and tobacco,base metals and articles, and leather, travel goods and footwear,categorised under industrial products, also increased significantly in April 2016.
However, a 12.4 per cent year-on-year reduction recorded in agricultural exports, led by tea and spices, weighed down on the overall export performance in April 2016.The decline in tea exports is attributed to the lower export volumes and prices compared to April 2015 amidst subdued global demand and higher supply of black tea from other countries.
Continuing the declining trend observed from the latter part of 2015, export earnings from spices decreased significantly by 30.0 per cent in April 2016, year-on-year, reflecting poor performance of cloves and pepper exports. Further, export earnings from minor agricultural products and seafood also declined by 32.8 per cent and 18.6 per cent, respectively,during the month.
Exports earnings during the first four months of 2016 contracted by 4.5 per cent, year-on-year, to US dollars 3,435 million largely due to a reduction in export earnings from transport equipment and petroleum products.
The leading markets for merchandise exports of Sri Lanka during the first fourmonths of 2016 were the USA, UK, India, Germany and Italy accounting for about 54 per cent of the total exports.The expenditure on imports decreased by 2.0 per cent to US dollars 1,461 million, in April 2016 compared to the same month in 2015, due to the decline recorded in expenditure on consumer goods, particularly vehicles and rice imports.
Reflecting the impact of the policy measures adopted by the government to curtail vehicle imports, expenditure on personal motor vehicle imports decreased by 28.8 per cent, year-on-year, in April 2016.
Expenditure on rice imports declined for the twelfth consecutive month to US dollars 1.2 million in April 2016 reflecting a 94.7 per cent decrease,year-on-year, due to the availability of rice in the local market from the bumper paddy harvest in 2015 And the impact of the increases in the import duty by the government on the import of rice.
Further, the lower expenses incurred on transport equipment, base metals, fertilizer, vegetables and fuel imports contributed largely to the decline the import expenditure during the month.
However, import expenditure on wheat and maize increased considerably in April 2016 due to importation of wheat by Prima Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd, the main wheat importer in Sri Lanka, After a laps of three months.
Meanwhile, Import expenditure on machinery and equipment and building materials increased by 12.2 per cent and 22.3 per cent, respectively on a year-on-year basis in April 2016.
Further, import expenditure on textile and textile articles, and diamonds and precious stones and metals increased during the month. On a cumulative basis, expenditure on imports during the period from January to April 2016 decreased by 3.6 per cent to US dollars 6,055 million, mainly due to the declines recorded in the importation of fuel, transport equipment and rice.
During the first four months of 2016,China, India, Japan, Singapore and UAE accounted for about 57 per cent of the total imports.
The trade deficit of US dollars 754 million in April 2016 reflected a Contraction by 2.9 per cent, on a year –on -year basis from the deficit of US dollars 777 million in April 2015 due to the steeper reduction in imports in comparison to the decline in exports.
Further, on a cumulative basis, the trade deficit during the first four months of 2016 contracted by 2.4 per cent to US dollars 2,621 million from US dollars 2,685 million recorded during the same period of 2015.
Tourist arrivals increased to 125,044 during May 2016 recording a growth of 10.1 per cent over May 2015.
Accordingly , tourist arrivals During the first five months of 2016 increased by 18.4 per cent to 846,229 over thecorresponding period of 2015.
The top five sources of tourist arrivals up to May 2016 were India, China,UK, Germany and France, accounting for 52.2 per cent of the total tourist arrivals during the period.
Earnings from tourism increased to US dollars 1,402.5 million during the first five months of 2016 in comparison to US dollars 1,184.4 million recorded during the same period of 2015.
*Workers’ Remittances*
Receipts from workers’ remittances declined by 1.4 per cent to US dollars
578.0million in April 2016 in comparison To US dollars 585.9 million in April 2015.
Meanwhile, inflows from workers’ remittances at US dollars 2,371.4 million during the first four months of 2016 recorded an increase Of 4.7 per cent over the corresponding period of 2015. FDI inflow ,inclusive of foreign loans to BOI companies ,amounted to US dollars 164.5 million during the first quarter of 2016 in comparison to US dollars 346.4 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.
Meanwhile, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a net outflow of US dollars 19.5 million up to end April 2016 , which consisted of net outflows of US dollars 20.8 million from the secondary market and inflows of US dollars 1.3 million to the primary market.
The government securities market recorded a net outflow of US dollars 565.2 million during the first four months of 2016 compared to a net inflow of US dollars 25.7 million during the corresponding period of 2015.
Long term loans to the Government recorded a net outflow of US dollars 67.5 million during the first four months of 2016, compared to a net inflow of US dollars 57.0 million during the corresponding period of 2015.
Overall Balance of Payments
(BOP) Position During the first four months of 2016, the overall BOP is estimated to have recorded a deficit of US dollars 958.0 million in comparison to a deficit of US dollars 1,025.2 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2015.
International Reserves and Exchange Rate Movements Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves as at end April 2016 amounted to US dollars 6.1billion,equivalent to 3.9 months of imports, while total foreign assets amounted to US dollars 8.3 billion, equivalent to 5.3 months of imports.
The rupee recorded a modest depreciation of 1.2 per cent against the US dollar during the period from end 2015 to 29 July 2016.
Furthermore, reflecting the cross currency movements, the rupee also depreciated against the euro by 2.6 per cent, the Japanese yen by 14.6 per cent, the Canadian dollar by 6.3 percent, the Australian dollar by 4.3 per cent and the Indian rupee by 0.2 per cent during this period while appreciating against the pound sterling by 11.1per cent

http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/08/02/business/89190

Rice Prices

as on : 03-08-2016 12:54:21 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

	Arrivals			Price
	Current	% change	Season cumulative	Modal	Prev. Modal	Prev.Yr %change
Rice
Bhivandi(Mah)	2250.00	12.5	40859.00	2300	2200	43.75
Bangalore(Kar)	2059.00	29.66	162842.00	4200	4200	-2.33
Bangarpet(Kar)	440.00	28.28	11930.00	1880	1850	18.99
Dhing(ASM)	86.20	26.76	3936.40	1950	1950	NC
Kalipur(WB)	85.00	-5.56	7109.00	2350	2350	20.51
P.O. Uparhali Guwahati(ASM)	83.50	-2.91	4021.10	2230	2230	6.19
Kesinga(Ori)	80.00	NC	790.00	2350	2300	-7.84
Thodupuzha(Ker)	70.00	NC	3500.00	2800	2700	12.00
Cachar(ASM)	40.00	33.33	2680.00	2500	2500	-7.41
Jajpur(Ori)	32.00	113.33	505.00	2000	2000	-20.00
Kolaghat(WB)	21.00	5	920.00	2400	2400	4.35
Bethuadahari(WB)	16.00	100	40.00	3200	2450	8.47
Champadanga(WB)	16.00	14.29	1097.00	2650	2650	3.92
North Lakhimpur(ASM)	11.80	19.19	1754.00	1900	1900	-
Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)	11.00	10	2072.00	3400	3400	-
Dibrugarh(ASM)	8.30	102.44	1410.30	2450	2450	-
Mirzapur(UP)	7.50	25	1528.10	1985	1980	0.76
Siyana(UP)	2.00	NC	115.50	2310	2225	12.68

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8937501.ece

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Aug 3,2016

Nagpur, Aug 3 Gram and tuar prices reported strong in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and

Marketing Committee (APMC) here on increased demand from local millers amid weak supply fromproducing regions because of rains. Good recovery on NCDEX and upward trend in Madhya Pradeshpulses also boosted sentiment, according to sources.

               *            *              *              *

    FOODGRAINS & PULSES

    GRAM

   * Gram varieties ruled steady here on subdued demand from local traders amid ample

     stock in ready position.

     TUAR

   * Tuar gavarani recovered in open market here on renewed demand from local traders

     amid tight supply from producing regions.

   * Rice Swarna declined in open market on poor demand from local trader amid good

     supply from producing belts Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

   * In Akola, Tuar New - 7,600-7,700, Tuar dal New - 12,100-12,400, Udid -

     12,300-12,800, Udid Mogar (clean) - 16,200-16,900, Moong -

     7,200-7,400, Moong Mogar (clean) 8,700-8,800, Gram - 7,700-7,900,

     Gram Super best bold - 10,000-10,200 for 100 kg.

   * Wheat, other varieties of rice and other commodities moved in a narrow range in

     scattered deals, settled at last levels.

 Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

     FOODGRAINS                 Available prices     Previous close

     Gram Auction                6,600-7,650         6,500-7,400

     Gram Pink Auction            n.a.           2,100-2,600

     Tuar Auction                6,800-7,200         6,700-7,000

     Moong Auction                n.a.                6,400-6,600

     Udid Auction                n.a.           4,300-4,500

     Masoor Auction                n.a.              2,600-2,800

     Gram Super Best Bold            10,500-10,800        10,500-10,800

     Gram Super Best            n.a.            n.a.

     Gram Medium Best            9,700-10,000        9,700-10,000

     Gram Dal Medium            n.a.            n.a

     Gram Mill Quality            8,500-8,700        8,500-8,700

     Desi gram Raw                8,100-8,200         8,100-8,200

     Gram Yellow                 9,400-9,700        9,400-9,700

     Gram Kabuli                9,100-11,100        9,100-11,100

     Gram Pink                        9,200-9,400        9,200-9,400

     Tuar Fataka Best-New             12,500-12,800        12,500-12,800

     Tuar Fataka Medium-New        12,000-12,300        12,000-12,300

     Tuar Dal Best Phod-New        11,500-11,800        11,500-11,800

     Tuar Dal Medium phod-New        10,500-11,000        10,500-11,000

     Tuar Gavarani New             8,000-8,100        8,000-8,100

     Tuar Karnataka             8,500-8,900        8,500-8,900

     Tuar Black                 11,700-12,600        11,700-12,600

     Masoor dal best            7,500-7,700        7,500-7,700

     Masoor dal medium            6,600-7,100        6,600-7,100

     Masoor                    n.a.            n.a.

     Moong Mogar bold (New)        8,500-9,000         8,500-9,000

     Moong Mogar Medium            7,600-8,000        7,600-8,000

     Moong dal Chilka            6,200-7,000        6,200-7,000

     Moong Mill quality            n.a.            n.a.

     Moong Chamki best            7,800-8,200        7,800-8,200

     Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 16,000-17,000       16,000-17,000

     Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)    13,500-15,000        13,500-15,000

     Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG)        9,000-9,200        9,000-9,200

     Batri dal (100 INR/KG)        6,300-6,800        6,300-6,800

     Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)          5,600-5,800         5,600-5,800

     Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)            4,000-4,100        4,000-4,100

     Watana White (100 INR/KG)           3,800-4,000           3,800-4,000

     Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)    4,300-4,800        4,300-4,800

     Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)        1,850-1,950        1,850-1,950

     Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG)    1,950-2,000        1,950-2,000

     Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)         1,750-1,950        1,750-1,950

     Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)    2,250-2,400        2,250-2,400

     Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG)   2,000-2,200        2,000-2,200

     Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)    n.a.            n.a.

     MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)    3,200-3,800        3,200-3,800

     MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)    2,700-3,000        2,900-3,000

     Rice BPT best New(100 INR/KG)    3,100-3,800        3,100-3,800

     Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG)        2,700-2,900        2,700-2,900

     Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG)         2,500-2,700        2,500-2,700

     Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG)      2,200-2,500        2,200-2,500

     Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG)      1,900-2,100        1,900-2,100

     Rice HMT best New (100 INR/KG)    3,700-4,000        3,700-4,000

     Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG)        3,000-3,300        3,000-3,300

     Rice Shriram best New(100 INR/KG)    4,400-4,600        4,500-4,900

     Rice Shriram med New(100 INR/KG)    4,100-4,300        4,200-4,300

     Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)    9,500-14,000        9,500-14,000

     Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)    7,000-8,000        7,000-8,000

     Rice Chinnor best New(100 INR/KG)    5,500-5,800        5,500-5,800

     Rice Chinnor med. New (100 INR/KG)    5,200-5,400        5,200-5,400

     Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)        1,900-2,100        1,900-2,100

     Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)         1,700-1,850        1,700-1,850

WEATHER (NAGPUR)

Maximum temp. 28.7 degree Celsius (83.7 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.

23.3 degree Celsius (73.9 degree Fahrenheit)

Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.

Rainfall : nil

FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers very likely to occur. Maximum andminimum temperature would be around and 28 and 23 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available

(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)

http://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N1AK36A

08/02/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Rice

	High	Low
Long Grain Cash Bids	- - -	- - -
Long Grain New Crop	- - -	- - -

Futures:


ROUGH RICE

	High	Low	Last	Change

Sep '16	982.5	951.5	956.5	-12.0
Nov '16	1010.0	979.0	983.5	-12.5
Jan '17	1025.0	1004.0	1005.5	-13.5
Mar '17	1045.0	1045.0	1026.5	-14.5
May '17			1046.0	-15.0
Jul '17			1061.5	-15.0
Sep '17			1061.5	-15.0

Rice Comment

Rice prices closed lower today. While yesterday's crop condition report was not overly bearish, weakness in other grains added pressure to rice. Rice prices continue to search for a bottom as the market faces a big crop this fall.

http://agnetwest.com/2016/08/02/commodity/

Commodity Report-August 2

Published August 2, 2016

Today’s commodity report: National Weekly Rice Summary, California Weekly Hay, California Shell Eggs: Daily Egg Report, Shell Eggs: Daily National Egg Market and other commodity end of the day market numbers.

National Weekly Rice Summary

In California, medium grain milled rice prices steady. Second head and Brewers prices steady to weak. Rice by-products: Rice Bran and rice hulls steady.

CME Rough Rice settlements for Friday 29th, Sep 16 closed .17 higher at 9.94; Nov 16 closed .17 higher at 10.215; Jan 17 closed .14 higher at 10.43. US dollar index on Friday settled at 95.52.

USDA National Weekly Rice Summary (.pdf) with all prices.

California Shell Eggs: Daily Egg Report

Prices are steady with a mostly steady undertone. Retail demand is light to fairly good, mostly light to moderate and better into areas with promotions in place. Food service movement is usually mdoerate. Offerings are light for Jumbo, light to moderate for Extra Large and moderate to heavy for the balance of sizes. Supplies are moderate. Market activity is slow. Monday’s shell egg inventories declined 3.4% in the Southwest and 1.7% in the Northwest.

Shell egg marketer’s benchmark price for negotiated egg sales of USDA Grade AA and Grade AA in cartons, cents per dozen. This price does not reflect discounts or other contract terms.

	RANGE
JUMBO	131
EXTRA LARGE	107
LARGE	97
MEDIUM	68

Shell Eggs: Daily National Egg Market

New York egg prices are unchanged. California and regional prices are steady. The undertone is steady to firm. Retail demand ranges light to fairly good, mostly moderate with improvement noted in the SouthCentral and Southeast regions. Distributive demand is moderate. Offerings are light to generally moderate. Supplies are in a full range, mostly moderate to instances heavy for current trading purposes. The total shell egg inventory is 6.4 percent lower when compared to the previous week. Breaking stock offerings are moderate to occasionally heavy; the demand is usually light. Light type fowl supplies are at least adequate for full-time processing schedule.

Check the August USDA Commodity Report Calendar for today’s commodity reports released by USDA.

Today’s Commodity Market ending market numbers:

Corn
September Corn ended at $3.24 1/4 losing 1 1/2 cent, December ended at $3.34 down 1/4 cent.
Soybeans
September Soybeans ended at 9.71 1/4 decreasing 10 cents, November ended at 9.53 dropping 8 1/2 cents.
Wheat
September Wheat ended at $4.01 1/4 down 4 3/4 cent, December ended at $4.28, decreasing 5 cents.
Rough Rice
September Rough Rice ended at 9.565 losing 0.12, November ended at 9.835 off 0.125.
Live Cattle
August Live Cattle ended at $116.225 up $0.30, October ended at $114.575 gaining $0.50 and December ended at $114.875 increasing $0.275.
Feeder Cattle
August Feeder Cattle ended at $145.475 gaining $0.925 and September ended at $143.875 increasing $0.80 and October ended at $142.075 up $0.20.
Lean Hogs
August Lean Hogs ended at $68.925 up $0.275, October ended at $60.525 losing $0.075.
Class III Milk
August Class III Milk ended at $17.02 gaining $0.10, September ended at $17.02 increasing $0.11, October ended at $16.91 up $0.07.
#2 Cotton
December #2 Cotton ended at 73.98 down 0.40, March ending at 74.22 losing 0.16.
Sugar #11
October sugar #11 ended at 19.05 increasing $0.24, March ended at 19.48 up $0.24.
Orange Juice
September Orange Juice ending at 170.85 down $10.00, November ended at 171.35 dropping $9.80.

http://agnetwest.com/2016/08/02/commodity/

جنید جمشید نے کپڑوں کے بعد چاول کا برانڈ متعارف کرادیا

02 اگست 2016 (13:20)

بزنس

کراچی (مانیٹرنگ ڈیسک) معروف مذہبی رہنما جنید جمشید نے کپڑوں کے برانڈ جے ڈاٹ کے بعد ایک اور نئے کاروبار کا آغاز کرتے ہوئے جزا فوڈز کے نام سے چاولوں کی 5 مختلف اقسام متعارف کرادی ہیں۔
ڈیلی پاکستان گلوبل کے مطابق جزا کو پاکستانی مارکیٹ کے ساتھ انٹرنیشنل مارکیٹ میں بھی متعارف کرایا گیا ہے اور اسے انتہائی صحت بخش قرار دیا گیا ہے۔
جزا فوڈز کے چیف ایگزیکٹو علی جبار نے بتایا کہ پاکستان میں وسیع پیمانے پرچاول کی کاشت کے باعث اس کی مارکیٹ پر ہول سیل ڈیلرز کا قبضہ ہے جس کی وجہ سے کم خرچ بالا نشین کا فارمولہ ہی مارکیٹ میں مقام پیدا کرسکتا ہے ۔ کھلے چاول کا پاکستانی مارکیٹ میں 96 فیصد حصہ ہے جبکہ برانڈڈ چاول کی مارکیٹ میں بہت کم کمپنیاں کام کر رہی ہیں اور ان کا فوکس زیادہ نفع کے حصول کیلئے چاول کی برآمد پر ہے اور ہم نے اسی خلا کو پر کرنے کیلئے جزا فوڈز کا آغاز کیا ہے ۔

جزا فوڈز کے ڈائریکٹر جنید جمشید نے بتایا کہ ہمارے لیے سب سے بڑا چیلنج چاول کی بہترین اقسام کا انتخاب تھا ۔ چاول کے انتخاب کے بعد انہیں بہترین طریقے سے صاف کرکے مناسب قیمت پر مارکیٹ میں متعارف کرانا بھی اہم چیلنج تھا۔
انہوں نے مزید بتایا کہ جزا فوڈز کی قیمت ایسی رکھی گئی ہے کہ پاکستان کے کم آمدن والے افراد بھی اسے با آسانی خرید سکیں اور اسی وجہ سے جزا چاول کو 5 مختلف درجوں میں متتعارف کرایا گیا ہے ۔
انہوں نے بتایا کہ جزا ایلیٹ سٹیم رائس کی قیمت 199 روپے کلو، جزا پریمیئم باسمتی 170 روپے کلو، سیلا گولڈ رائس 160 روپے کلو، باسمتی چاول 140 روپے کلو اور اکانومی چاول کی قیمت 110 روپے فی کلو رکھی گئی ہے۔

یہ کھانا چربی کا سب سے بڑا دُشمن ہے! ایک ماہ میں 23کِلو وزن کم! صُبح میں ہر روز ایک گلاس پئیں اور ایک ماہ میں 18کِلووزن کم کریں!بس خالی پیٹ اپنی تمام چربی گُھلائیں! ایک ماہ میں 19 کِلو وزن کم!اِس کے لِیے

60کِلو+ والے ضرُور پڑھیں! آپ اپنی پینٹس 3 دِن میں ڈھیلی کریں گے، اگر خالی پیٹ۔۔۔ موٹا پیٹ ماضی کا قِصّہ ہے۔ مَیں نے1 ماہ میں42 کِلو گھٹایاخالی پیٹ ایک گلاس پی کے کمر کی چربی گُھلانےکا آسان ترین طریقہ!2 ہفتے میں17کِلو وزن کم اگرخالی پیٹ لیں۔۔۔

by Taboola

ڈیلی بائیٹس

انٹرنیٹ پر محبت، یورپی شہری اپنی ...

’مَردوں کے ساتھ یہ کام کرنے کی اجازت ...

قیامت کی نشانی؟ شادی کرکے برطانیہ ...

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جنید جمشید نے کپڑوں کے بعد چاول کا برانڈ متعارف کرادیا

02 اگست 2016 (13:20)

Daily Pakistan

Monday, August 01, 2016

1st August,2016 DAILY GLOBAL,REGIONAL & REGIONAL RICE E-NEWSLETTER BY RICEPLUS MAGAZINE

Locally bred rice varieties to be launched in Africa next year: expert

NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- Locally bred indigenous rice varieties are set to be available in the sub-Saharan Africa market next year, an expert said on Friday.Kayode Sanni, Project Manager for Rice with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), an agricultural think tank promoting use of agricultural technologies in Africa, said that 30 varieties will be unveiled in Kenya and Tanzania respectively by early 2017."The varieties have been submitted to national regulation authorities and are currently undergoing National Performance Trial (NPT) that is expected to approve the varieties before end of this year," Sanni said in Nairobi at a meeting.

He noted that the new varieties, which have been developed using a two-line rice hybrid technology, have the potential to produce seven to 10 tons per hectare, up from 2.3 tons per hectares.

"The new hybrid varieties are expected to produce grain quality that are resistant to diseases and also be of high yielding quality," he added.

With this breakthrough, Africa will realize its own high yielding hybrid seeds, consequently boosting production and moving closer to self-sufficiency in rice production.Sanni revealed that once the varieties are unveiled in Kenya and Tanzania, the high yielding hybrid seeds be rolled out to other East, Central and Southern African countries to help boost production and self-sufficiency in rice production.

"Kenya alone imported rice valued at 15 million U.S. dollars in 2014 while Africa imported 13 million tons of rice amounting to 5 billion dollars," he revealed.Kenya relies on rice imports since its annual demand of milled rice is 550,000 tons. The country last year imported 420,000 tons that was not enough to cater for demand, leaving the country with a deficit of 15,000 tons.

While global production of rice has risen steadily from 132 million tons in 1960 to 491.5 million tons in 2015, Africa has not contributed much to the increase, producing only three percent, with Asia accounting for 90 percent of the global production.Rice demand on the continent exceeds production and Africa has been forced to rely heavily on importing large quantities of rice to meet demand at a very huge cost.

So far, Egypt is the only country that has developed its own rice hybrids. http://www.coastweek.com/3931-Locally-bred-rice-varieties-to-be-launched-in-Africa-next-year-expert.htm

TDAP organises agro food traders’ visit to Qatar

By: Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) recently organised a visit of an agro food trade delegation to Qatar, aiming to promote Pakistani food products and enhance the country's export in this regard.

In this connection, the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha arranged Pakistani food festival at the Intercontinental Hotel, Doha on Wednesday.
The event was attended by diplomats from more than 60 countries, concerned government officials, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials, local importers of food products and chief executives and other management officials of big retail companies and outlets like Lulu Hyper Markets, Al Meera Hyper Marts, Hassad Foods, Widam, Family Food Centres etc. Qatar Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Mohammed Bin Ahmed Tawar Al Kuwari was the chief guest of the occasion.
Further, on Thursday and Friday, Pakistan Qatar Business Forum (PQBF) organised Pakistan Food Festival in Ezdan Mall, Gharafa, said a statement issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
The shopping mall was located in the centre of Doha and attracted big crowds on the occasion.
The display area of the mall was decorated with publicity and promotion material related to Pakistani agro food products, LED screens showcasing documentaries on Pakistani mangoes, rice and red meat, while mangoes and Biryani tasting events were also organised for the occasion.
The purpose of the programme was to introduce three premium Pakistani product groups, namely rice, mangoes and red meat, to the Qatar market.
During the events, the importers showed great interest in Pakistani mangoes, rice and red meat while Pakistani exporters received many serious inquiries.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/business/30-Jul-16/tdap-organises-agro-food-traders-visit-to-qatar

TDAP holds food festival in Qatar

By our correspondent

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has organised food festival to showcase Pakistani products in Qatari markets, a statement said on Friday.The purpose of the event was to introduce three premium Pakistani product groups, rice, mangoes and red meat to the Qatari market.During the festival, importers showed great interest in mangoes, rice and red meat, according to the statement.

The TDAP organised agro food trade delegation to Qatar from July 27-30. On the occasion, the Embassy of Pakistan, Doha arranged Pakistani food festival in Doha, Qatar on July 27, 2016.

The event was attended by diplomats from more than 60 countries, government officials concerned, officials of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local importers of food products and chief executives and other managements of big retail companies and outlets such as Lulu Hyper Markets, Al Meera Hyper Marts, Hassad Foods, Widam, Family Food centers etc.

Mohammed Bin Ahmed Tawar Al Kuwari, vice chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce was the chief guest of the occasion, the statement said.

Further, from July 28-29, 2016, Pakistan-Qatar Business Forum (PQBF) organised Pakistan Food Festival in Ezdan Mall, Gharafa, Qatar. The shopping mall is located in the center of Doha and attracted big crowd of people.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/138666-Briefs

Pakistan ‘Agro Food Festival’ a huge draw

July 30 2016 10:24 PM

From left: Ahmad Hussain, president of Pakistan-Qatar Business Forum; Wajahat Hashmi, first secretary, embassy of Pakistan; and Mehmood Arshad, chairman of Pakistan-Qatar Business Council of FPCCI, at the event.

“If the world’s peace depended on mangoes, you can rest assured, Pakistan would be one of the go-to countries. The king of all fruits — and probably, even ‘queen’ if Sindhri from the country’s Sindh province is taken into account — does not taste as sweet and succulent anywhere in the world than Pakistan,” Ahmad Hussain, President of Pakistan-Qatar Business Forum (PQBF), said in his opening address at the two-day Pakistan ‘Agro Food Festival’ at Ezdan Mall, Gharaffa.

Themed ‘Taste of Pakistani Delicacies’, the show was jointly organised by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Zaoq Restaurants, Qatar, under the umbrella of PQBF.
Held in a festive atmosphere, the event was attended in large numbers and graced by Qatari dignitaries, government officials, Pakistan embassy officials, foreign diplomats, senior officials of catering companies and supermarkets besides importers. Members of PQBF were also present on the occasion.

It was aimed at creating awareness amongst the stakeholders and importers by demonstrating and promoting the quality and taste of Pakistani agro-food products.A number of major exporters from Pakistan, who are already established entities in GCC, Europe and the US were present on the occasion and displayed their range of products as well as publicity material. The festival saw dedicated kiosks to enable Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between prospective customers and exporters from Pakistan. Dominated by mango, rice and meat, the fruit had the easier of other draw, with Hussain explaining to an eager participant why its summer arrival across the globe made headlines: “fertile soil, tropical climate — with plenty of sun — and organic methods of growing”.
“There is a reason why ‘mango diplomacy’ even assumed such a halo — Islamabad manages to keep leaders in important world capitals in good humour thanks to its sweet after-taste. Now, if only disputes could be resolved over a Chaunsa basket,” he suggested.

It was opened to the general public on Friday, where people of multiple nationalities in vast numbers savoured the delights of the Pakistani fruit.
The annual mango production in Pakistan is over 1.8mn tonnes on average with yearly exports reaching 120,000 tonnes. With more than 30 listed varieties, the country remains one of the preferred choices for global export.

Mehmood Arshad, chairman, Pakistan-Qatar Business Council, an apex body of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), invited potential investors to profit from Pakistan’s rich growth base, citing the surplus citrus chain as an example. He felt Qatar’s proximity to Pakistan in terms of physical reach with a barely two hour-flight meant the access was a huge advantage.

In all the mango hysteria, rice did not lag behind in making an immediate impact — Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest rice exporter, turning 9.1% of the global export last year alone. A few interested consumers after sampling a dish wanted to know how and why Pakistani Basmati rice with a “fine texture, long grain and distinguished taste was so light”. Another enthusiast wished to know how not to lose its taste to spices. The short answer was to be content with the “natural aroma” and not to spice it up, literally! It was explained that the “open secret” lay in the lexicon — “Bas” means fragrance and “mati” queen; in other words, the “queen of rice”!
A pitch was also made for increasing the volume of halal meat given its demand in Qatar and the quality associated with Pakistani livestock.

Responding to a question, a Pakistani embassy official informed that the annual trade volume with Qatar was approximately $380mn, of which food component of the export from Pakistan alone was around $80mn, with rice constituting 60% of it.
In response to a poser, the PQBF president trotted out three salient reasons for why Pakistan would hold the potential investor’s interest in Qatar: “One, the consistency in quality and taste; two, affordability since Pakistan is in an advantageously close reach; and three, availability, which in many cases means surplus produce

http://www.gulf-times.com/story/505376/Pakistan-Agro-Food-Festival-a-huge-draw

Microbiologist vs dengue leads science awardees

By: Jocelyn R. Uy @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer

03:26 AM July 31st, 2016

Dr. Raul Destura receives his award. FACEBOOK PHOTO/CECILIA ACUIN

A microbiologist who developed a portable kit that can detect within an hour the presence of dengue virus in the blood and a University of the Philippines (UP) professor who used computer programs to develop designer drugs against tuberculosis were among the winners of this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) Awards.
The five awardees also included an agricultural scientist who researched rice varieties that can adapt to different soil moisture levels, a science administrator who created an enabling environment for UP science researchers and a university scientist whose research on precision food processing can help stakeholders comply with the demand for safe and nutritious food.
Given the Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award was Dr. Raul Destura, while Dr. Junie Billones and Dr. Roel Suralta received the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research. Dr. Alonzo Gabriel was recognized with a Development Award for Applied Research, while Gisela Concepcion received the Outstanding Science Administrator Award.

At the opening ceremonies of the annual NSTW on Monday, Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gave the five awardees a certificate of recognition, a plaque and the P150,000 cash prize. Dengue diagnostic kit
The NSTW, celebrated every third week of July since 1993, recognizes the contribution of science and technology to the country’s development and was meant to draw support from public and private institutions for its sustainable development.
Destura was recognized for his successful commercialization of the breakthrough diagnostic kit called Biotek-M Dengue Aquakit that can diagnose dengue within an hour at a more affordable cost. By adding nucleic acid to a blood sample, doctors can detect the presence of the dengue virus when the blood turns green. Uninfected blood turns orange.
The kit was initially tested in 2012 at Rizal Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital and Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
Destura, a microbiologist and an infectious disease specialist who works for the UP Manila National Institutes of Health and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, was the leader of the Lab-in-a-Mug Project, which includes the dengue rapid test kit.
The kit was developed in 2012 as a joint undertaking between the DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Department of Health’s National Epidemiology Center, Biotech-Manila and Philippine Genome Center.
“Such quick testing makes the Philippines one of the first countries in the world to develop this kind of diagnostic device. Biotek-M is likewise as accurate as the currently available Polymerase Chain Reaction technology, yet less costly,” the DOST said.
Designer medications
Billones, a university scientist and professor at UP Manila, received recognition for his pioneering studies that used computer programs to develop a new class of designer medications against tuberculosis, one of the top causes of death in the country.
The DOST said the use of computer programs led to the “swift discovery” of new drugs without the need to perform costly lab experiments.
Suralta, an agricultural scientist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, was recognized for his outstanding scientific research on rice crops and the flexibility and adaptability of their roots to fluctuating soil moisture conditions, such as drought or flooding.
According to the DOST, Suralta’s breakthroughs and pioneering initiatives in researching rice production in climate change-affected areas are crucial in shaping the future of the country’s rice supply.
Food processing
Gabriel, a full professor and a university scientist at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at UP Diliman’s College of Home Economics, was cited for his research on precision food processing, which can lead to safer and more nutritious food products.
Concepcion, UP’s vice president for academic affairs, was chosen as this year’s outstanding science administrator for her many accomplishments, which included lobbying for the creation of the UP Diliman-based National Science Complex, and the grant of a heftier funding for master’s degree and doctoral scholarships.
The UP official also simplified the Balik Scientist program to allow Filipino scientists based abroad to return to the UP campuses and enhance their teaching capabilities. Concepcion initiated as well another program that sends faculty members, research and professional staff for short-term training and internships abroad.
“Dr. Concepcion has fostered an enabling environment for researchers in UP by providing university funds, which faculty and researchers use to carry out interdisciplinary and basic or applied research and creative work,” the DOST stated in its citation. TVJ

http://technology.inquirer.net/50325/microbiologist-vs-dengue-leads-science-awardees#ixzz4G4Z6xpUP

Rice crops that can help farmers cut costs and reduce pollution

IANS | Jul 30, 2016, 02.17 PM IST

TORONTO: A team of Canadian and Chinese researchers has identified "superstar" varieties of rice that can reduce fertiliser loss, thereby helping farmers cut costs and reduce environmental pollution in the process.

The rice varieties that the researchers identified belong to both Indica - the world's most popular rice type commonly grown in India, China and Southeast Asia - and Japonica (the rice used in sushi) genotypes.Zhongjiu25 (ZJ25) and Wuyunjing7 (WYJ7) were the most effective genotypes among Indica and Japonica varieties, respectively, the study said."We have this bucolic idea of agriculture - animals grazing or vast fields of majestic crops - but the global reality is it's one of the biggest drivers of environmental pollution and climate change," said one of the study authors Herbert Kronzucker, Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough.

Kronzucker in collaboration with a team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences looked at 19 varieties of rice to see which ones were more efficient at using nitrogen.

"Anything we can do to reduce demand for nitrogen, both environmentally and for farmers in the developing world struggling to pay for it, is a significant contribution," Kronzucker said.

The researchers identified a novel class of chemicals produced and released by the roots of rice crops that directly influence the metabolism of soil microbes.

They found that key microbial reactions that lead to an inefficiency in nitrogen capture can be significantly reduced in certain varieties of rice plants through the action of those specific chemicals released from root cells.

One of the main reasons crops waste so much fertiliser is that they were bred that way. In the past fertilisers were relatively inexpensive to produce because fossil fuels were abundant and cheap.

As a result, plant geneticists bred crops that responded to high fertiliser use regardless of how efficient they were at using nitrogen.

"These inefficiencies used to be of little interest, but now, with fluctuating fuel prices and growing concerns over climate change, it's a much bigger issue," Kronzucker said.

The researchers hope that this study, published in the journal New Phytologist, will help inform rice-growing strategies throughout Asia.
One option could be to provide farmers with government incentives like tax credits, to switch to a more nitrogen-friendly variety.

Another outcome could be better breeding programmes where even better species of crops can be produced.

"There's no reason a crop can't result in less pollution while also saving farmers money; the two aren't incompatible," Kronzucker said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Rice-crops-that-can-help-farmers-cut-costs-and-reduce-pollution/articleshow/53463523.cms

Chong – gang – a potential green manure plant for rice cropping system

Aug 01, 2016 thesangaiexpress

After the publication of an article on “Organic farming technology and its transfer” (The Sangai Express, 28, 29, and 30 May, 2016), the present writer received interesting queries on green manure technology including from one of the senior correspondents Indo-Asian News Sciences, Kolkata. In this article, the writer made an attempt to answer some of the issues raised by the readers.

Definition of Green Manure

Green manure is defined as a plant material incorporated into the soil while green or at maturity. For soil improvement, a green manure crop is grown for the purpose which is ultimately converted into manure while still green or soon after its maturity.

Plant used as green manure for rice cropping system

Many nitrogen fixing plants have been used as green manure either legumes including woody legumes or non –legumes. For details please refer to “Green Manure and Rice farming” – proceeding of symposium on sustainable agriculture on the role of green manure crops in rice farming systems (25-29 May,1987) published by the International Rice Research Institute in collaboration with the application of Science to Agriculture, Forestry and Agriculture (1988).

About Chong–gang

The scientific name of Chong–gang is Aeschynomeneaspara L (confirmed by BSI, Howrah vide CNH-I-I(193)/2002- Tech II (1767) – belong to the family Fabacea. A little branched stout herb upto 1-1.5 m in height, the stem attaining of diameter of about 2cm, bark greenish, grey, warty, deep green underneath the cuticle. Leaves 7.62-15.24 cm long stipules auricled, deciduous. Leaflets 60-100, .25 to .38 cm by 2.5 cm to 5cm oblong or linear 1- nerved. Raceme 3.75 cm to 7.5cm long, latex flowered and often branched, clothed with bristly, hairs, pedicels 3.75cm to 7.5 cm long hairy. Calyx 1.5 cm to 1.6 cm long hispid, supported by a pair of hairy bracteoles. Corolla 1.5 cm to 1.75 cm long, yellow hispid pod. 3.81 -7.62 cm by 7.62 cm of 3- 6 joints, each 1 cm long, indented along both sutures, echinate over the seeds.

Distribution of Chong-gang(Aeschynomeneaspera L) in NE India

Aeschynomeneaspera L. grows abundantly in wet and wasteland of Manipur valley like Lamphelpat, Takyel, Lamshang, Langjing, etc. In Imphal West District; Takhok Loubuk, Sagolmang-Pukhao Loubuk, etc in Imphal East district in areas near paddy fields in Thoubal district like Thoubal Athokpam, Kakching Loukol, Wabagai Loubuk etc. And near paddy fields in Bishnupur district. In Mizoram, it was found growing in the paddy field in Aizwal, Lunglei area specially in waste but wastelands near paddy fields. In Nagaland, it grows in Mokokchung, Thesang, Phek regions near the places where the rice is cultivated.

In Arunachal Pradesh, it grows in East Kameng District, West Kameng and Tirap region where this plant is found in wastelands. In Meghalaya,it grows in the hill terrace of East and West Khasi hills, Garo hills and Jaintia hills. In Tripura, it grows in the wastelands of South Tripura and Dholai Districts. In Assam it is grown in wasteland of Barak Valley, Brahmaputra valley, such as Jallukbari area in Kamrup district, Nagaon and Golaghat districts in the wastelands near paddy fields.

Popularization of Green Manure Technology

Green manure technology is being popularised by training and demonstration through the officials of the state Agriculture Department, NGOs representing marginal and progressive farmers.The training cum demonstration programmes were organised during 8 to 9 June, 2002 at the Life Sciences Department, Manipur University, Canchipur. Fifteen trainees attended the programme. Again another training cum demonstration programme on the use of Aeschonomeneaspora as green manure for rice cultivation for 20 representative of NGOs and poor and marginal farmers of Manipur was organised during 13 to 14 July, 2002 at the Life Sciences Department, Manipur University, Canchipur. Again, training cum demonstration programme on the use of Aeschynomeneaspera as green manure representatives of NGOs of Manipur during 9 to 10 August 2003 was arranged at the some place. Fifteen representatives attended the programme.

If green manure is to become popular to those areas, it is essential that it be fitted into local cropping patterns without competing with other economic enterprises. The technology will be viable only if unit costs of green manure production stability and to minimize risks of green manure crop loss (IRRI,1988).

Challenges for Green Manure technology

How do we choose the best green manure crop for providing nitrogen requirement for our rice crop? The answer is the selected green manure crop should suit the growing conditions-the climate, soil and waterare available in the area selected.It should be easy and cheap to grow, it should not need extra irrigation, fertilizer or pesticides. And its growing season must fit the time available between rice crops. That is, it must not delay planting the main crop.

The use of nitrogen fertilizers in various proportions (Urea alone; 60:40N. Aeschynomeneas-peraand 50N:50N.A.aspera) did not improve the yield any further. Since A. aspera could be produced by the farmers in his own land without disrupting farming, the net value for using A. aspera as green manure was substantially higher than the control (Devi;2010). Therefore, the use of A. aspera will reduce the cost of cultivation and raise the net value of output from the rice field used. The study of stem nodules of A. aspera as green manure for high yielding rice variety in Manipur condition for three consecutive kharif crops (2006,2007 and 2008) revealed green manure technology employing A. aspera helped in increasing rice yield by reducing the cost of cultivation but raised the net value of output from the rice field (Devi;20100). The only challenge is how to popularise green manure technology in NE India.

Importance of green manure technology in NE India

The farmers of NE India are generally unsound economically. Further, the costs of chemical fertilizers are shooting up annually. As such it is beyond their reach to buy sufficient chemical fertilizers. On the other hand, the climate of NE India is favourable for mass cultivation of Chong-gang (Aeschynomeneaspera L.) in their own paddy fields. As such incorporation of Chong-gang(Aeschynomeneaspera) into the soil@ 10t/ha significantly improves soil structure. An advantage of this green manure plant is that because it nodulates both on roots and stems. Thus, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen more actively than other known legumes. It is economical and easily adaptable by the small and marginal farmers of NE India. Moreover, Aeschynomeneaspera is eco-friendly and non polluting to the environment.

Discussion

Chong-gang (Aeschynomeneaspera L.) grows well in wet and wastelands of Manipur valley as well as rest of the NE India(Singh,2004). The stem nodules are infected by Rhizobium sp. (MTCC-10038) through the root primordium which occurs at the pre-determined sites independently by bacterial infection without infection thread. The nodule growth is determinate of the aeschynomenoid type.

Agronomic trials with the stem nodules of A. aspera revealed as potential green manure to high yielding rice variety (Devi,2010). Available data indicate that the soil fertility maintenance require for sustainable rice production is enhanced by a judicious combination of green manure and inorganic fertilizer. This approach is critical in the areas where land holdings are small, the resource base is weak, production and productivity have reached a plateau and soil neutral deficienciesor imbalances have emerged. A sizable area in South, South East and East Asia qualifies these criteria (IRRI,1988).

Conclusion

The best strategy is to use green manure in conjugation with chemical fertilizers. This combination may reduce application rate of inorganic fertilizers and may reduce risk of environmental pollution and can also provide sustainability to crop production system. Hence, green manure technology through Chong-gang (Aeschynome-neaspera L.) can be recommended for use by farmers of NE India in their own paddy fields.

(The writer is former Professor (Higher Academic grade/Life sciences, Manipur University) and former Dean, School of Life Sciences, MU and can be reached at irabanta.singh@gmail.com)

https://www.whatech.com/market-research/consumer/188844-overall-rice-bran-oil-market-share-growth-rate-and-key-players-profiles-in-a-new-research-report

Overall rice bran oil market share, growth rate and key players’ profiles in a new research report

WhaTech Channel: Consumer Market Research

Published: 01 August 2016

Submitted by eMarketOrg WhaTech Premium

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Rice Bran Oil market sales are thoroughly studied for its competitive landscape, growth, trends and more in a new report.

The current state of worldwide rice bran oil market is studied at length in this research report that provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The rice bran oil market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions’ development status.
Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (India, Thailland, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.
Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out.What’s more, the rice bran oil industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.

https://www.whatech.com/market-research/consumer/188844-overall-rice-bran-oil-market-share-growth-rate-and-key-players-profiles-in-a-new-research-report

Rice Crops That Can Save Farmers Money And Cut Pollution

By News Staff | July 31st 2016 11:00 AM | Print | E-mail | Track Comments

There are more than 120,000 varieties of rice stored at the germplasm bank at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, but a new paper focused on varieties that met important criteria - currently grown by farmers, have a high yield potential, be disease and pest-resistant, grow to the right size and have strong enough roots to withstand monsoon-force winds - to find out which ones could were optimal in regards to nitrogen.

Nitrogen is one of three main nutrients required for crops to grow, it also costs the most to produce. They concentrated only on Japonica (the rice used in sushi) and Indica, the world's most popular rice type commonly grown in China, India and Southeast Asia and identified 19 "superstar" varieties of rice that can reduce fertilizer loss and cut down on environmental pollution in the process.
Nitrogen, when applied as fertilizer, is taken up inefficiently by most crops. In tropical rice fields, as much as 50 to 70 percent can be lost. The problem is that nitrogen negatively impacts water quality by contaminating nearby watersheds or leaching into ground water. It's also a significant source of gases such as ammonia and nitrogen oxide, which are not only harmful to aquatic life but also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The study identified a novel class of chemicals produced and released by the roots of rice crops that directly influence the metabolism of soil microbes. They found that key microbial reactions that lead to an inefficiency in nitrogen capture can be significantly reduced in certain varieties of rice plants through the action of those specific chemicals released from root cells.
One of the main reasons crops waste so much fertilizer is that they were bred that way. In the past fertilizers were relatively inexpensive to produce because fossil fuels were abundant and cheap. As a result, plant geneticists bred crops that responded to high fertilizer use regardless of how efficient they were at using nitrogen.

Optimizing food crops scientifically will make them both cost-effective and better for the environment. Spurred on by Greenpeace and other anti-science groups, the Philippines has been scared about agriculture science, but studies like this may show that cost and impact aren't incompatible.

http://www.science20.com/news_articles/rice_crops_that_can_save_farmers_money_and_cut_pollution-177500

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Wednesday, August 03, 2016

Indonesian envoy believes peace in Pakistan to boost its exports

Gloomy forecast for Cambodia's rice sector

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/gloomy-forecast-cambodias-rice-sector

Food output to remain flat in 2015-16; commercial crops to dip

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/pulses-output-down-4-in-fy16-foodgrains-slightly-up/article8933765.ece

2016 Rice Expo to feature details on ag drones, new varieties

http://pbcommercial.com/news/area-digest/2016-rice-expo-feature-details-ag-drones-new-varieties

"Despite the stringent quality control standards the product was subjected to, I wanted to ensure that Jazaa rice remains affordable for every Pakistani household.”

More Rice Bound for China

Govt allows basmati exports via land custom stations

https://www.thedollarbusiness.com/news/govt-allows-basmati-exports-via-land-custom-stations/47549

Yingluck rice-loss bill cut to B286bn

2 Aug 2016 at 04:00 11,432 viewed24 comments

NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS | WRITER: NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has also been on trial at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders for the past year. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be fined 286.6 billion baht in compensation for losses incurred by her government's rice-pledging scheme following the latest evaluation by a government panel.

Jirachai Moonthongroy, deputy permanent secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, who headed a committee looking into administrative offences involving the rice programme, reported the findings to Prime Minister's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul Monday.

ML Panadda said the panel also reported that former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and five former key ministry officials are liable to pay 18.7 billion baht in compensation for bogus government-to-government (G2G) rice deals.

"The figures came from a thorough deliberation process from all parties participating in the meetings," the minister said, adding state agencies must be held accountable for what they have done.

"The use of power has to be carried out with care. Civil servants need to learn they cannot do everything they want."

Under the process, if the panel agrees, it will have to request that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha issue an administrative order to demand compensation from Ms Yingluck, said a government source.

The findings will also be reported to the national rice policy and management committee, chaired by the prime minister, tomorrow, Mr Jirachai added.

Mr Jirachai said the panel, chaired by the comptroller-general, has agreed to push up the liability for Mr Boonsong and other former ministerial officials to 20 billion baht instead of the 18 billion baht proposed by his committee.

If they fail to pay, another notification letter would be sent to them within 15 days, she said.

This will also depend on what the alleged offenders petition against, such as the revocation of the order or the amount of money they are required to pay.If the court dismisses the petition, the enforcement in line with the administration order can proceed, Ms Duangporn added.

"Now it is a matter of the legal process. The department sent the administrative order to the commerce minister to sign last Friday. The letters indicated clearly the amount the six have to compensate. They will be sent after they are signed," said Ms Duangporn.

Ms Yingluck is accused of dereliction of duty for failing to stop her government's loss-ridden rice scheme despite being warned of the potential damage. Her case in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders is still ongoing.

Mr Jirachai testified in court on May 13 that Ms Yingluck's rice scheme led to 510.6 billion baht in losses. By May 22, 2014, the project's cost stood at 653 billion baht, plus the 24 billion baht in management expenses and 30 billion baht in interest payments.

The scheme had made 189 billion baht in revenue.

As for the loss of 510.6 billion baht, the committee subtracted farmers' benefits and interest payments and found Ms Yingluck was still liable for 286.6 billion baht in losses, he told the court.

Some Arkansas rice receives ‘million dollar’ rain

New P.F. Chang's Menu Shines Spotlight on U.S.-Grown Rice

By Deborah Willenborg

ARLINGTON, VA -- The national Asian restaurant leader P.F. Chang's has updated the menus in their more than 200 restaurants to include a special call-out informing guests that all of the rice they serve is grown in the USA.

P.F. Chang's promoted the program to their guests through social media, in restaurants with promotional cards provided to each table, and with a dedicated web page featuring a two minute promotional video provided by USA Rice.

U.S. rice - farm to wok at P.F. Chang's

Crop Progress: 2016 Crop 71 Percent Headed

WASHINGTON, DC -- Seventy-one percent of the nation's 2016 rice acreage is headed, according to yesterday's U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report. Sixty-six percent of the 2016 crop is in good to excellent condition.

USA Rice Daily, Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Phil Vickery's spicy summer curry rice recipe

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Monday, August 01, 2016

TDAP organises agro food traders’ visit to Qatar

Microbiologist vs dengue leads science awardees

By: Jocelyn R. Uy@inquirerdotnet

03:26 AM July 31st, 2016

Chong – gang – a potential green manure plant for rice cropping system

By: Jocelyn R. Uy @inquirerdotnet