Saturday, January 28, 2017

28th January,2017 daily global,regional and local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine




First half rice exports down 18 percent, exporters seek relief

January 27, 2017
The country's rice exports declined by 18 percent during the first half of this fiscal year (FY17), mainly due to stiff competition in the world market. As the exports of the country's second largest foreign exchange earner commodity are on the decline, exporters are seeking some relief in terms of 2-5 percent rebate from the federal government to compete in the world market.According to Pakistan Statistics Bureau (PBS), overall rice exports (basmati and non-basmati) declined by 18 percent in July-December of this fiscal year. The country exported rice worth $713 million in first half of FY17 compared to $869 million in the corresponding period of last fiscal year (FY16), depicting a decrease of $156 million.


During the period under review, exports of basmati and non-basmati rice declined by 25 and 15 percent, respectively. Pakistan's basmati rice exports stood at $170.343 million during July-December of FY17 compared to $229 million in the same period of last fiscal year. Similarly, exports of non-basmati rice declined by $98 million to $542.647 million in the first half of this fiscal year.


"After touching $2 billion mark, the country's second largest foreign exchange earner commodity, ie, rice exports are on the decline for last two years and need the government attention to survive in the world market," said Mahmood Moulvi, Chairman, Rice Exports Association of Pakistan (REAP).

He said this year remained very challenging for rice trade due to lower prices and rising competition in the world market. Moulvi said despite lower commodity prices in the domestic market, exporters are unable to compete with India, which is offering the same verity at lower price compared to Pakistan.

"Presently, India is our major competitor in the international market and gradually capturing Pakistani share," he added. Pakistan's non-basmati rice is being traded at about $390 per ton in the international market, while India is offering the same variety at $360 per ton. In addition, Pakistan's basmati rice is also costly by some $100 per ton in the international market as Pakistani basmati rice's average price stands at $1,050 per ton compared to $950 per ton being offered by Indian traders, he maintained.


"The federal government should realise that exports of major foreign exchange earning commodity are on the decline and need a immediate relief package like that of textile sector to overcome the current crisis and maintain its share in the world exports," he added. He suggested that 2-5 percent rebate scheme for the rice traders on higher exports.


He said actually, the government has given the relief package to textile, leather, surgical and other sectors for no devaluation of Pak rupee. Therefore, we are requesting the same package for rice.Moulvi said Iran is a major market for Pakistan, however, despite lifting of international sanctions, Pakistani exporters are still unable to initiate official export to the neighbouring country in the absence of banking channel.
He said Indian exporters are gradually capturing Pakistani rice markets and presently Pakistan's share in Saudi Arabia's market has declined to 20 percent from 70 percent, while Indian share has surged to 75 percent.


Rice exports have not only been declined in terms of value but also decreased in terms of quantity. Overall, some 1.697 million tons of rice (basmati and non-basmati) was exported during the first half of current fiscal year against 1.96 million tons in the same period of last fiscal year. Month-on-month basis, the country's total rice exports fell by 14 percent during December 2016 compared to November 2016. During December 2016, Pakistan exported rice (basmati and non-basmati) amounting to $155.474 million compared to $166 million in Sep 2016.
http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183:pakistan/133592:first-half-rice-exports-down-18-percent-exporters-seek-

56 stocks surge over 50% in one month


Lumax Ind, Jubilant Ind, Bhushan Steel, LT Foods and Zuari Agro gain over 50% in past one month.

SI Reporter  |  Mumbai 

MAHA RASHTRA APEX CORPORATION LTD
Lumax Industries rallies over 10% on Rs 100 crore capex planJubilant Industries hits new high; stock soars over 50% in three weeksMCF shares up as minority shareholders reject transactions with Zuari AgroBasmati rice stocks rally; LT Foods, KRBL hit 52-week highFertiliser, agrochemical shares in focus; Zuari Agro up 25% in 2 days,Total 56 stocks mainly from the BSE non-A group category have rallied over 50% each in past one month after a sharp rally in equity market.Of these, 5 stocks – Maha Rashtra Apex Corporation, Bharatiya Global Infomedia, North Eastern Carrying Corporation, Niraj Cement and Manaksia Industries have seen their market value more than doubled during the period.


Lumax Industries, Jubilant Industries, Bhushan Steel, LT Foods, Zuari Agro Chemicals, RPP Infra Projects and Prakash Industries are among 13 stocks from the S&P BSE Smallcap index which rallied more than 50% in past one month.

At 02:36 pm; the S&P BSE Smallcap index was trading 1% higher at 13,123, rallied 12% since December 27, 2016. On comparison, the S&P BSE Midcap index up 11%, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex gain 6.5% during the period.Typically, most companies in the non-A group are not very liquid counters, with little or no institutional participation.  Also, a lot of companies have been put in some of the buckets due to a history of non-compliance with the rules.

Maha Rashtra Apex Corporation zoomed 190% to Rs 109.75 from Rs 37.85. The stock of non-banking finance company (NBFC) has locked in upper circuit for the 36 straight trading sessions. It appreciated by 442% from Rs 20.25 on December 8, 2016.

North Eastern Carrying Corporation soared 118% to Rs 81.70 from Rs 37.50. The logistic firm on January 24 announced that it has bagged a contract worth Rs 400 crore from Tata Steel for transportation of raw materials. The company has 250 plus branches across India and operational set ups in Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Both these stocks are trading under "T" group which represents securities which are settled on a trade-to-trade basis as a surveillance measure. In 'T' segment no speculative trading is allowed and delivery of shares and payment of consideration amount are mandatory.

Niraj Cement Structurals too appreciated over 100% to Rs 35, also its 52-week high on the BSE. The company said the committee on January 25, 2017 has issued and allotted 15 million convertible warrants at a price of Rs 16 per warrant to the allottees, entitling them for the subscription of equivalent number of equity shares of Rs 10 each.

LT Foods, the company engaged in the manufacture and sale of rice under the brand DAAWAT, rallied 56% to Rs 414 on expectation of higher realisations due to lower production volume and stable global demand.

The basmati rice industry is expecting a rebound in second half of financial year 2016-17 and 2017-18 fiscal with demand driven improvement in realisation and low inventory prices, rating agency ICRA said in a recent report.

Lumax Industries surged 50% from Rs 737 to Rs 1,107. The stock hit a record high of Rs 1,180 after the auto ancillary company announced capital expenditure (capex) plan of upto Rs 100 crore.

The board has approved a capital expenditure plan upto Rs 100 crore (rounded off) to be done over a period of 12 months for expanding existing manufacturing facilities in Sanand and future expansion for supply of automotive lighting products to its customers, the company said in a statement.
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First half rice exports down 18 percent, exporters seek relief



The country's rice exports declined by 18 percent during the first half of this fiscal year (FY17), mainly due to stiff competition in the world market. As the exports of the country's second largest foreign exchange earner commodity are on the decline, exporters are seeking some relief in terms of 2-5 percent rebate from the federal government to compete in the world market.
According to Pakistan Statistics Bureau (PBS), overall rice exports (basmati and non-basmati) declined by 18 percent in July-December of this fiscal year. The country exported rice worth $713 million in first half of FY17 compared to $869 million in the corresponding period of last fiscal year (FY16), depicting a decrease of $156 million.
During the period under review, exports of basmati and non-basmati rice declined by 25 and 15 percent, respectively. Pakistan's basmati rice exports stood at $170.343 million during July-December of FY17 compared to $229 million in the same period of last fiscal year. Similarly, exports of non-basmati rice declined by $98 million to $542.647 million in the first half of this fiscal year.
"After touching $2 billion mark, the country's second largest foreign exchange earner commodity, ie, rice exports are on the decline for last two years and need the government attention to survive in the world market," said Mahmood Moulvi, Chairman, Rice Exports Association of Pakistan (REAP).
He said this year remained very challenging for rice trade due to lower prices and rising competition in the world market. Moulvi said despite lower commodity prices in the domestic market, exporters are unable to compete with India, which is offering the same verity at lower price compared to Pakistan.
"Presently, India is our major competitor in the international market and gradually capturing Pakistani share," he added. Pakistan's non-basmati rice is being traded at about $390 per ton in the international market, while India is offering the same variety at $360 per ton. In addition, Pakistan's basmati rice is also costly by some $100 per ton in the international market as Pakistani basmati rice's average price stands at $1,050 per ton compared to $950 per ton being offered by Indian traders, he maintained.
"The federal government should realise that exports of major foreign exchange earning commodity are on the decline and need a immediate relief package like that of textile sector to overcome the current crisis and maintain its share in the world exports," he added. He suggested that 2-5 percent rebate scheme for the rice traders on higher exports.
He said actually, the government has given the relief package to textile, leather, surgical and other sectors for no devaluation of Pak rupee. Therefore, we are requesting the same package for rice.
Moulvi said Iran is a major market for Pakistan, however, despite lifting of international sanctions, Pakistani exporters are still unable to initiate official export to the neighbouring country in the absence of banking channel.
He said Indian exporters are gradually capturing Pakistani rice markets and presently Pakistan's share in Saudi Arabia's market has declined to 20 percent from 70 percent, while Indian share has surged to 75 percent.
Rice exports have not only been declined in terms of value but also decreased in terms of quantity. Overall, some 1.697 million tons of rice (basmati and non-basmati) was exported during the first half of current fiscal year against 1.96 million tons in the same period of last fiscal year. Month-on-month basis, the country's total rice exports fell by 14 percent during December 2016 compared to November 2016. During December 2016, Pakistan exported rice (basmati and non-basmati) amounting to $155.474 million compared to $166 million in Sep 2016

http://par.com.pk/news/first-half-rice-exports-down-18-percent-exporters-seek-relief

Trump Suspends US Refugee Program, Suspends Entry From Some Countries
President Donald Trump on Friday (27/01) put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the United States and temporarily barred visitors from Syria and some other Muslim-majority countries, saying the moves would help protect Americans from terrorist attacks.Civil rights groups condemned the measures as discriminatory."I'm establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America. Don't want them here," Trump said earlier on Friday at the Pentagon.
http://jakartaglobe.id/international/trump-suspends-us-refugee-program-suspends-entry-countries/


Rice prices climb on lower rabi acreage

In north India, price is up 28% since Nov 2016 despite higher output estimates this kharif season

Dilip Kumar Jha  |  Mumbai 


52

Rice prices have started rising since January due to low rabi planting and reports of quality deterioration in the kharif crop.  The food ministry estimates rice is 4.3 per cent costlier in the Delhi mandi since demonetisation. Quoted at Rs 2,400 a quintal, the fair average quality rice slumped to Rs 2,350 a quintal in Delhi by the end of December but recovered to trade at Rs 2,450 a quintal on January 25. In north India, the price of rice has risen by up to 28 per cent since November despite higher kharif output estimates. “Speculators have increased their ...
TO READ THE FULL STORY, SUBSCRIBE NOW AT JUST Rs 149 A MONTH
http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/rice-prices-climb-on-lower-rabi-acreage-117012700746_1.html


Rise in wheat, pulses sowing lifts overall acreage in rabi season

OUR BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 27:  

Sowing of rabi crops so far has almost touched the normal sowing level for the entire season, which is calculated on the basis of the average of the previous five seasons, according to the latest data compiled by the Agriculture Ministry.The overall sowing figure for the current rabi season is set to surpass the normal rabi acreage (average area sown in the last five rabi seasons) next week due to higher sowing of wheat and pulses, although the sowing of rice, coarse cereals and oilseeds is lower than normal.
“The total area estimated to have been sown so far (till January 27 2017) under all five rabi crops is 637.34 lakh hectares compared to the normal rabi area of 638.37 lakh hectares,” per an official release.
Sowing of rabi crops begins in November and continues till February.Wheat has been sown on 315.55 lakh hectares (lh) so far compared to the normal level of 301.49 lhfor the corresponding week (average of the area sown in the comparable period over the previous five years).
Higher area coverage has been reported from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Higher sowing has also been reported for pulses, with total acreage till date at 159.28 lh (146.74 lh).
States such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand , Odisha and Uttar Pradesh have reported higher pulses coverage.
The area under rice fell to about 21.77 lh (21.15 lh). Telangana, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Tripura have reported higher coverage, while Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported a dip in area.
Sowing of coarse cereals declined marginally to 56.90 lh (58.71 lh).Higher coverage was reported from Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and West Bengal.There was also a small decline in the sowing of oilseeds, which fell to 83.84 lh (84.07 lh).
(This article was published on January 27, 2017)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rise-in-wheat-pulses-sowing-lifts-overall-acreage-in-rabi-season/article9505917.ece

USA Rice on the Road in Mississippi and Arkansas 

CLEVELAND, MS and STUTTGART, AR -- As the 2017 planting season approaches, rice state meetings are in full swing and USA Rice is on the road listening to growers and sharing planned activities and success stories.

More than 40 growers filled the Bolivar County - Mississippi State University Extension Office to hear updates from Mississippi State Extension/Research Rice Specialist Bobby Golden who leads a talented team of researchers looking into off-target herbicide drift, planting techniques and progression trends, and other important issues."We are fortunate to have a great team at Mississippi State of home-grown, world-class researchers," said Mississippi Research and Promotion Board Chairman and Mississippi grower Marvin Cochran.  "We've been losing talent to agribusiness, so I'm encouraged that we now have an excellent crop of scientists working to improve rice in the Delta."

USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward shared her organization's outlook for life under a Trump Administration.

"It seems to be a bit of a mixed bag for us at the moment," she said.  "We're encouraged by the President's pick for Secretary of Agriculture, and the focus on enforcement of existing trade deals is positive for us.  Of course anything that disrupts trade with our top export market, Mexico, gives us pause."

Ben Mosely, vice president of government affairs for USA Rice, discussed the new make up in Congress and what it's going to mean as a new Farm Bill comes into focus and how Congress will deal with President Trump's regulatory agenda.

"There are 10 Democrat Senators on the Senate Ag Committee and all eyes are going to be on the seven who are up for reelection in 2018, five of whom represent states Donald Trump won," he said.

USA Rice Vice President of Marketing, Communications, & Domestic Promotion Michael Klein discussed the group's newly invigorated food service program that has recently launched print and electronic advertising and monthly newsletters targeting decision makers in the sector.

He also shared results of farm and mill tours for development chefs that has expanded the network of chefs promoting U.S. rice, and showed the promotional video PF Chang's created to highlight U.S.-grown rice.

"We have a great partner in PF Chang's who are using their own resources to help promote U.S. rice, and now the Landry's Restaurant Group and El Pollo Loco are joining their ranks," he said.

Today in Stuttgart, more than 300 gathered for the Arkansas Rice Annual Meeting and trade show where the current political climate, the carbon credit market, and conservation planning dominated discussions.

Ward provided her analysis of the landscape in Washington, including the expected rise of influence of rural America.

"Donald Trump won 76 percent of the districts with a Cracker Barrel in them and only 22 percent of the districts with a Whole Foods," she told the crowd.  "It's rural America that elected him, and while he is President of the entire country, there is a saying about dancing with the one that brought you."

Local growers Mark Isbell, Mike Sullivan, and Jim Whitaker shared their experiences with the carbon credit market and encouraged others to join their efforts to expand and communicate the sustainability message of U.S. rice.Amanda Mathis with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service rounded out the programming with a practical discussion of how growers can take advantage of her agency's assistance programs.

"Today was an important gathering for our members," said Arkansas Rice Council Chairman and grower Jeff Rutledge.  "There's a lot happening in Washington and on research fronts that affect us all and before you know it, we're all going to disappear onto our farms, so it was good to hear and interact with the speakers and exhibitors.

Rice farming for profit in 2016

How best to manage risk with rice crop this year? A consideration of some of the variables.
After a 2015 season that left many Arkansas rice producers feeling kicked in the gut, 2016 doesn’t look to offer much relief. Rice looks to be the best smelling pig in the pen in terms of penciling out profitability, but margins are tight there as well.  This year we’ll need to make every penny count. That means managing risk. We’re not looking for a homerun this year; we’re looking to cover all the bases and keep the game going.
Weather
To manage risk we need to get back to basics. Try to spread out planting dates -- planting earlier does produce higher yields but often carries increased input costs along with it. Last season many didn’t get a chance to spread anything out, you either planted in that 10-14 day window or you didn’t plant. Yes those situations happen, but that window happened at the end of April when it was clear we needed to plant and not wait. Right now, while it’s early, you still have to stick with Plan A; don’t jump to Plan B before we even get to A.  Reflective of the truly odd year that 2015 was, those who were delayed until almost May in planting frequently had higher yields than those who planted weeks earlier; however, this should be considered a great exception and not the rule. Let’s start by trying to spread out our planting dates a little – especially if you’re going to try and plant some really early. Determine the maximum acres that you would consider planting early and then stick with that number. Remember that the optimum recommended planting window has two boundaries for a reason.
Seed
Speaking of seed – just treat it.  The use of insecticide and fungicide seed treatments may provide one of the greatest returns on investment in rice production.  Based on 200-plus observations since 2008, insecticide seed treatments provide a positive return 80 percent of the time with an average yield increase of over 8 bushels per acre.  The average cost of the insecticide is equivalent to a little over 2 bushels – that’s an average return on investment of 6 bushels.
http://www.deltafarmpress.com/rice/rice-farming-profit-2016





Southwest Louisiana farmers now putting paddy rice on ships

South Louisiana Rail Facility expands from rail to ships

To end the year on a positive note, it might seem odd to cast our gaze towards southwest Louisiana. But terrible late-season flooding can’t dampen the happy fact that the farmer-backed South Louisiana Rail Facility (SLRF) is seeing continued success. When first profiled (http://bit.ly/2hQ6B0z) two years ago, the operation was loading strings of railcars with rough rice and pointing them towards Mexico. That side of the business is still going on but now ships have been brought into the mix. 

“As for going from rail to ships, it was a product of one thing kind of leading to another,” says Chris Krielow, producer, rancher and member of the SLRF. “The same group of guys is now loading boats for shipping to Mexico. It was a logical expansion.”Why logical? When IFG Holdings opened a grain export terminal at the Port of Lake Charles, the farmer members took notice. “That’s only minutes away from many of us in the big southwest Louisiana rice-producing parishes (Jeff Davis and Acadia). At the same time, the people we’ve sold rice to in Mexico have the ability to unload rice at Vera Cruz.

“Through our work with IFG and the buyers we’d already established, it was a no-brainer. We just put the two together. It allowed us to do a much larger volume of business with paddy rice.”

Texas, rail

It isn’t just southwest Louisiana growers that are benefiting. There are now member growers in southeast Texas delivering to the port at Lake Charles. “It isn’t any farther from them than it is for some of the Louisiana growers. We had 155 members originally and, last count, I believe we’re up to 173 members. Farmers looking for alternate markets have signed on.

“We’re still doing the rail loads, as well. But to give you an idea about the relation to bulk shipping, one of the ships can hold an equal amount to about 250 rail cars. That puts it in perspective.“By the way, the rail facility is available to anyone wanting to sell any commodity. We’ll load any bulk commodity brokers want us to handle. To this point, it’s only been rice but we’re not limited to that crop.”Krielow is extremely keen to explain “there’s nothing negative about what we’re doing. Zero. This is simply an opportunity for growers who are hurting. We found a way to open up a market and, with a lot of hard work from a lot of people, that’s what happened.”

Inspection, quality

Are rice inspections still done at the rail facility?

“They are. So you understand: we’re just a bunch of farmers. We don’t personally sell rice to the buyers. That goes through a licensed broker and that’s who we have an agreement with. The broker then makes deals with the end buyers. We still have a middleman.”Once a deal is struck, “our group is given the target: ‘Hey, we need X amount of rice to fill this order.’ The beauty of the South Louisiana Rail Group is we’re able to inventory our rice and let the broker know what we can provide.”

Quality is of utmost importance. “There aren’t many, but we do have different varieties going in. However, each load is carefully graded by a third-party grader and procedures are carefully followed. Every truck is probe-sampled and graded ahead of being dumped. If there are any issues with the rice, the truck is turned around.
“The thing is the members are close-knit. Everyone knows the set of parameters for acceptable rice and everyone is on board. You know, ‘Don’t show up if your rice doesn’t meet the parameters. You will be turned away.’”

Whenever the rice is prepositioned before it goes on the shipping vessel, the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) grades the rice again. “They’re the ones who issue the certificate of grade.”  
Shipments, flooding
When was the first ship sent down?

“We were able to secure three in 2015. So far, for the 2016 crop year we’re working on our fifth: August, September, October, November and, as we speak, we’re working on the December boat. We’re also working on future business, future shipments.”

What about the impact of the 2016 flooding in south Louisiana?

“It affected many of us, mostly guys south of I-10, and I’m part of that group. It was very devastating to some but it’s fortunate the floods happened in mid-August instead of August 1. By then, most of us had the biggest percentage of our rice harvested.“That doesn’t mean guys weren’t hurt terribly, though. There’s rice we didn’t put combines in. This is my forty-second crop. I’ve lost soybeans crops, wheat crops. But this is the first time I’ve had a rice crop ready for harvest, spent the money on all the inputs, and then didn’t put a combine in some fields – about 8 percent of my acreage. I know some guys that had as much as 25 percent of their acreage unharvested and that’s tough to overcome.” 

Southwest Louisiana is mostly rice and crawfish, says Krielow. “We’re not in a big row crop area. You’ve got to get 60 or 70 miles – probably closer to 100 miles – before you see soybeans and corn of any magnitude. We have flat land with clay bottoms and hardpan that can hold water.”

Watching Cuba
How big could the operation’s exports get?
“As it stands with the port, we’re close to what we’re capable of. It isn’t because we can’t produce more rice but because the berth at the port is limited. They’re exporting a tremendous amount of corn and soybeans out of the Midwest. Most people don’t even know that’s happening.“We’re trying to make the best of a bad situation. Farmers all over the Mid-South know exactly what I’m talking about. Regardless of what the local price is – or what we’re able to sell the rice for – we all know grain prices are unfriendly. So, yes, this is a good thing but we’re still a long way from where we need to be to be profitable.”

Unfortunately, says Krielow, “we’re a time where the milled rice export business is slow. We’re blessed to have the capability of exporting this paddy rice. It gives us a slight premium. By no means is this some pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”What about the potential opening of the Cuba market? Since it’s capable of loading ships now, it seems the SLRF would be right there waiting with wide eyes.

“Yes, Cuba is very close to us, very close. Now, Cuba will use paddy rice but I’m more interested in seeing what happens with milled rice. I think that would be the greatest thing to happen to south Louisiana farmers. It would be great to have our mills running wide open to supply that market.  “All these things we’re doing and considering come because we’ve got gifts from God. Look at how close we are to the water. We’re just able to take advantage of what’s been put on our plate.

http://www.deltafarmpress.com/rice/southwest-louisiana-farmers-now-putting-paddy-rice-ships


Chinese scientist working to increase rice yield


Vegetables wither amid lingering drought in East China's Zhejiang province. (Photo: China Daily)
Plans to increase the yield of salt-resistant hybrid rice to 300 kilograms per mu (667 square metres) within three years were announced by China's so-called “father of hybrid rice” Yuan Longping this week.Speaking at an academic forum in south China's Sanya, Yuan Longping said that he is working with 28 domestic and international research teams to expand the production, reported China Science Daily.

He plans to increase the yield by using third generation hybrid-rice technology at a research centre in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

The salt-resistant rice, also called sea-rice, is resistant to pests, diseases, salt and alkali and does not need fertilizer.

It is believed that using the new technology developed by Yuan's team, China's 1.5 billion "mu" (one million square kilometres) of saline-alkaline soil could be transformed into fertile land.

Nominated for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, Yuan started theoretical research about 50 years ago and kept setting new records in the average yields of hybrid rice plots
http://gbtimes.com/china/chinese-scientist-working-increase-rice-yield


Rice exports decline in January
Friday, 01/27/2017, 07:27

Vietnam exported 325,000 tonnes of rice worth US$136 million in January, down 32% in volume and 35.1% in value compared to the same month in 2016.Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association Huynh The Nang said the rice sector will face more difficulties this year.
In 2016, China was the biggest rice importer of Vietnam by purchasing 1.74 million tonnes of rice worth US$782.3 million, representing a respective yearly decline of 17.5% and 8.6%.
Other major rice importers in ASEAN such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia also witnessed strong reduction of 64.1%, 45.5% and 51.8%, respectively.
http://english.vov.vn/economy/rice-exports-decline-in-january-342457.vov



27January

Government will open 35 paddy storage facilities around the country

 


The government will take steps to open 35 paddy storage facilities around the country. This will directly help thousands of farmers and indirectly help many families to get a good income said Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayaka at the opening of the storage facility in Nanattan, Mannar yesterday (26th Jan).He said Mannar is a place where all communities live and by establishing such development projects too we expect reconciliation to take place.

Minister Rishard Bathiudeen always speaks on behalf of the people of Mannar as well as the people of the North. He always asks money for various development activities. Today also he asked us for a Bus Terminal. Minister Karunanayak said they are ready to give a bus terminal with all modern facilities to Mannar. We will develop the whole country to ensure that all communities enjoy the benefits. 

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen said that hereafter the farmers in the North need not sell their harvest to black marketers. 

The storage facility which can store 10,000 metric tons of rice was a project of the Rural Development Bank and it cost Rs264 million. The main occupation of the People of Mannar,Vavuniya,Mulaitivu,Kilinochchi and Jaffna is agriculture. They suffered for 30 years due to the war. They work tirelessly and since there was no place to store their harvest they had to sell it off to private traders.Now the farmers can hand it over to the Paddy Marketing Board and sell it to this storage facility said the minister

http://www.news.lk/news/business/item/15725-government-will-open-35-paddy-storage-facilities-around-the-country



Soon, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to have nutrient-rich rice

 | Jan 28, 2017, 11.55 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The rice we eat will soon become more nutritious and healthy, with a major portion of the important aleurone (nutrient) layer remaining intact. Scientists at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) have finally prevailed upon rice millers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reduce the percentage of polishing of grains from the present 10 to 8%.


Polishing of rice has always remained the cause of concern in India, even prior to Independence. In fact,
 Mahatma Gandhi in one of his editorials in his newspaper, Harijan (October 26, 1934), had emphasised on the ill effects of polished rice.NIN director T Longvah said during the release of the `Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT)' here on Friday that reduction in the percentage of polishing from 10 to 8% will increase the nutrient value of rice.

The publication lists 150 nutrition parameters of 526 commonly consumed foods across India. "The new tables provide the much-needed data in specialised fields and bring about a paradigm shift in nutritional research in the country," Longvah said.It is a game-changer in nutrition in our country, Longvah added.The immediate benefit will accrue to schoolchildren, who partake the mid-day meal schemes in government schools in the states of AP and Telangana.

The NIN has also for the first time in the world proved that many plant products including rice contain vitamin D2 and D3. "Many new nutri ents have been analysed and significant variations are reported in composition of micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, and niacin. The availability of new analytical vitamin D data in foods will permit dietary intake assessment.

Over the years there has been a change in dietary pattern of Indians, shifting from conventional diet to modified food supply systems. The new data will also help in fighting obesity, non-communicable diseases and cancers, besides improving the nutritional quality of the foods consumed by people in our country. NIN deputy director and media coordinator Maheshwar Mekam was also present at the event.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/soon-telangana-and-andhra-pradesh-to-have-nutrient-rich-rice/articleshow/56827804.cms



Rice prices touch boiling point across Kochi


By Rajesh Abraham  |  Express News Service  |   Published: 28th January 2017 02:52 AM  |  
Last Updated: 28th January 2017 02:52 AM  |   


KOCHI: The shortage of ‘Jaya’ and ‘Surekha’ -- two popular rice varieties from Andhra -- has triggered a 40 per cent spike in their prices in the last four months, pinching the pocket of the common man.The bad news: The shortage will continue till April, the next harvest season in Andhra.It is estimated that the two rice varieties are consumed by around 70 percent of the state’s population where rice is the staple diet. “They aren’t able to supply the rice varieties even at a higher price,” said Hari Sharma of Lalitha Mills, a leading rice dealer. He attributed the shortage during the season to the sale of rice by Andhra rice merchants to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).The state consumes about 38-40 lakh tonnes of rice per annum and ‘Jaya’ and ‘Surekha’ varieties account for at least 22 lakh tonnes of the total consumption.
“The reason for the shortage in Andhra Pradesh could be the drought conditions prevailing in the region, or an artificial scarcity created to jack up the prices,” reckoned S Leena Kumari, project co-coordinator (Rice), Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Kerala Agriculture University.The prices of the two varieties, which lingered around Rs 26-27/kg range during Onam last year (September), has spiralled, touching Rs 38/kg.
While ‘Jaya’ variety is preferred in the southern parts of the state from Alappuzha to Thiruvananthapuram, ‘Surekha’ is the most sought after variety in Ernakulam and surrounding areas. Hari Sharma said there was sufficient supply of other grades of rice such as ‘Kuruva’, ‘Swarna’ and ‘Cherumani’ which are priced lower at Rs 23-24/kg.
“We can supply as much of Swarna rice as we want, but there’s not much demand for the variety,” he said. Swarna is sourced from West Bengal. People in north Kerala have cultivated the taste for ‘Kuruva’ and ‘Kranti’ rice varieties, he said.
C S Saresh of SA Enterprises, a rice dealer, said a major reason for the increase in prices is the increase in transportation costs. “The lorry charges have escalated from Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.09 lakh in the last two months as the return trip carrying plywood from Kerala has come to a halt,” said another dealer.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/jan/28/rice-prices-touch-boiling-point-across-kochi-1564255.html



 
IMPORTED RICE TO BE MARKETED NEXT WEEK ONWARDS
 Saturday, 28 January 2017 - 12:59

food importers association says that imported rice could be bought from the market next week onwards.
The Special Goods Tax of 15 Rupees imposed on imported rice has been reduced to 5 Rupees with effect from last midnight.The Finance Ministry noted that the concession will be applicable for Red Rice, Naadu and Samba rice.President Maithripala Sirisena has also reiterated that a Kilogram of imported rice cannot be sold at more than 76 Rupees per Kilogram.
www.hirunews.lk/153109/imported-rice-to-be-marketed-next-week-onwards


Soon, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to have nutrient-rich rice

·         TOI

·         Hyderabad
 Sat,28 Jan 2017
Summary: HYDERABAD: The rice we eat will soon become more nutritious and healthy, with a major portion of the important aleurone (nutrient) layer remaining intact. Scientists at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) have finally prevailed upon rice millers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reduce the percentage of polishing of grains from the present 10 to 8%.Polishing of rice has always remained the cause of concern in India, even prior to Independence. "Many new nutri ents have been analysed and significant variations are reported in composition of micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, and niacin. NIN deputy director and media coordinator Maheshwar Mekam was also present at the event. The publication lists 150 nutrition parameters of 526 commonly consumed foods across India.

HYDERABAD: The rice we eat will soon become more nutritious and healthy, with a major portion of the important aleurone (nutrient) layer remaining intact. Scientists at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) have finally prevailed upon rice millers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reduce the percentage of polishing of grains from the present 10 to 8%.Polishing of rice has always remained the cause of concern in India, even prior to Independence. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi in one of his editorials in his newspaper, Harijan (October 26, 1934), had emphasised on the ill effects of polished rice.NIN director T Longvah said during the release of the `Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT)' here on Friday that reduction in the percentage of polishing from 10 to 8% will increase the nutrient value of rice. 

The publication lists 150 nutrition parameters of 526 commonly consumed foods across India. "The new tables provide the much-needed data in specialised fields and bring about a paradigm shift in nutritional research in the country," Longvah said.It is a game-changer in nutrition in our country, Longvah added.The immediate benefit will accrue to schoolchildren, who partake the mid-day meal schemes in government schools in the states of AP and Telangana.The NIN has also for the first time in the world proved that many plant products including rice contain vitamin D2 and D3. "Many new nutri ents have been analysed and significant variations are reported in composition of micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, and niacin. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/soon-telangana-and-andhra-pradesh-to-have-nutrient-rich-rice/articleshow/56827804.cms