PH plans to import 250K tons of rice
January 18, 2018
The Philippines, one of the world’s top rice buyers, plans to import 250,000 tons of rice as soon as possible to boost thinning stockpiles, an official of the state’s grains procurement agency said on Wednesday.
The Philippines typically buys rice from major exporters Vietnam and Thailand. Prospects of deals with the Philippines have already boosted rice export prices in Vietnam in recent days.
The planned imports would help increase rice inventory at the country’s National Food Authority (NFA) which only stood at nearly 157,000 tons last month - good for five days of domestic consumption.
The NFA’s rice stocks, mostly used to stabilize prices and ensure swift supply to calamity-stricken areas, are on top of inventory held by private traders and households. The Philippines’ total rice inventory stood at 2.85 million tons in December, enough for 84 days of consumption.
NFA spokeswoman Rebecca Olarte told Reuters the NFA’s rice inventory, though still not at a critical level, has dwindled in recent months. It released some stocks into the market to stabilize prices during the typhoon season that began in the second half of last year.
The NFA needs approval for the import plan from the NFA Council, a panel of government economic managers, which meets next week. “Hopefully the NFA Council will see the urgency of the situation,” Olarte said.
If the plan is approved this month, Olarte said the agency expects the entire volume to be delivered in April or May.
The NFA has yet to decide if its purchase will be through a government-to-government deal, or if it will buy directly from private suppliers in the international market through a tender.
Its only rice purchase last year was 250,000 tons sourced from suppliers in Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, via a tender in July.
To boost domestic supply further, the NFA allowed local private rice traders to import up to 805,200 tons under an annual quota scheme.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/ph-plans-import-250k-tons-rice
EU curbs on fungicide use threaten basmati exports
AMITI SEN
Farmers confused as alternative chemical is restricted in the US
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 17:
India’s basmati exports to the European Union (EU) are set to take a serious hit this year as the 28-member bloc has lowered the tolerance level for tricyclazole — a fungicide used by most basmati growers in the country — to very low levels, ignoring New Delhi’s plea for more time.
Pushed against a wall, the government, in collaboration with exporters, is now trying to help farmers switch over to another fungicide, isoprothiolane, which is an alternative to tricyclazole and is accepted in the EU. However, the fact that isoprothiolane is not accepted in the US has made the switch difficult, a government official told BusinessLine.
“While the EU accounts for more than 10 per cent of India’s basmati exports, the US is also a big buyer and cannot be ignored. We cannot let go of one market to protect the other,” the official said.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (a body under the Commerce Ministry), together with the All India Rice Exporters’ Association (AIREA), is now working with farmers for a solution.
Different sprays mooted
“The solution that is being explored is to divide basmati fields into pockets and spray parts of it with tricyclazole and parts with isoprothiolane. The basmati sprayed with tricylazole can be exported to the US, while the rice sprayed with isoprothiolane could be exported to the EU countries,” the official explained.
Whether farmers actually understand the complex process and convincingly adhere to it would be the test.
“We have also roped in the Punjab government and hopefully, together, our efforts will succeed,” the official said.
In the April-November 2017 period, India’s total export of basmati was to the tune of $2.61 billion. Of this about $331 million of the aromatic rice was shipped to the EU, while the US bought basmati rice worth $120 million.
The problems for Indian basmati exporters began when the EU announced that it would lower its tolerance level for tricyclazole by over 100 times to the default level of 0.001 ppm (parts per million) from January 2018, effectively banning its use.
According to the AIREA, farmers would need at least two years’ time to switch over to a new fungicide. Although some workshops with farmers started last year, there is still a long way to go.
“We are concerned that our basmati exports to the EU will take a hit as many exporters are not in a position to comply fully with the new norms. Our focus is on trying to sort out the matter with farmers at the earliest,” the official said.
(This article was published on January 17, 2018)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/eu-curbseu-curbs-on-fungicide-use-threaten-basmati-exports/article10038068.ece
Auspicious start to Vietnamese rice export in 2018
Vietnamese rice exports have got off to a positive start right from the outset of the year, with promising signs from traditional rice importers like the Philippines and Indonesia.
Rice harvest in the Mekong Delta region. (Photo: nongnghiep.vn)
The Ministry of Trade of Indonesia has recently approved the import of 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand and Vietnam to fix the insufficient rice supply and price hike in the domestic market.
Average-grade rice in Indonesia is currently sold at 14,100 rupiah per kilogramme, a far cry from the regulated floor price of 9,450 rupiah.
The Indonesian Government worked to expand rice distributing network to ensure rice supply to local residents; however, rice price still scaled up as demand outstrips supply. The Indonesia Logistics Bureau (BULOG) said that the country only had 950,000 tonnes in stockpile.
Indonesia planned to purchase rice from its neighbouring nations from the end of January.
Earlier, the National Food Authority of the Philippines also agreed to import 250,000 tonnes of rice and planned to open rice purchase bidding right in January. The country’s rice stock is enough for use in only three days while the minimum amount must satisfy demand for 15 days.
The Vietnamese rice market, as a result, has become more vibrant. After one month, average free-on-board (FOB) price of one tonne of rice increased to 400 USD from 390-395 USD. Prices of dried grain and material rice surge by 350 VND per kilogramme as compared to the end of December, 2017.
According to the Vietnam Food Association, local businesses exported nearly 5.8 billion tonnes of rice and earned 2.5 billion USD in revenue. As of January 11, cities and provinces in the Mekong Delta region harvested 2017 autumn-winter rice on 860,000 hectares and planted 1.35 million hectares of the winter-spring 2017-2018 crop.-VNA
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/194153/auspicious-start-to-vietnamese-rice-export-in-2018.html
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- January 18, 2018
JANUARY 18, 2018 / 1:16 PM
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-January 18, 2018
Nagpur, Jan 18 (Reuters) – Gram and tuar prices firmed up again in Nagpur Agriculture Produce
Marketing Committee (APMC) on good festival season demand from local millers amid tight supply
from producing regions. Notable hike in Madhya Pradesh gram prices, fresh hike on NCDEX and
reported demand from South-based millers also boosted prices here.
About 200 bags of gram and 300 bags of tuar reported for auction in Nagpur APMC, according to
sources.
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Desi gram raw recovered in open market here on good demand from local traders
amid weak supply from millers.
TUAR
* Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here on subdued demand from local traders
amid ample stock in ready position.
* Major wheat varieties reported down in open market here on poor demand
from local traders amid good supply from producing belts.
* In Akola, Tuar New – 4,100-4,200, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,400-6,600, Udid Mogar (clean)
– 7,600-8,700, Moong Mogar (clean) 7,300-7,600, Gram – 4,300-4,400, Gram Super best
– 6,200-6,700
* Rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in
scattered deals and settled at last levels in thin trading activity.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 3,590-3,790 3,300-3,700
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 3,900-4,468 3,700-4,400
Moong Auction n.a. 3,900-4,200
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Wheat Mill quality Auction 1,500-1,732 1,580-1,718
Gram Super Best Bold 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000
Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.
Gram Medium Best 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a
Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,000 3,900-4,000
Desi gram Raw 4,000-4,250 4,000-4,200
Gram Kabuli 12,400-13,000 12,400-13,000
Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800
Tuar Fataka Medium-New 6,300-6,500 6,300-6,500
Tuar Dal Best Phod-New 5,800-6,000 5,800-6,000
Tuar Dal Medium phod-New 5,400-5,700 5,400-5,700
Tuar Gavarani New 4,350-4,650 4,350-4,650
Tuar Karnataka 4,700-4,900 4,700-4,900
Masoor dal best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400
Masoor dal medium 4,700-5,000 4,700-5,000
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold (New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000
Moong dal Chilka 5,800-6,600 5,800-6,600
Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000
Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 8,000-9,000 8,000-9,000
Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,800-7,000 5,800-7,000
Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,000-6,400 5,000-6,400
Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,300 5,000-5,300
Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,500-2,600 2,500-2,600
Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,350 3,200-3,350
Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,800 3,400-3,800
Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,100
Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) 1,750-1,850 1,750-1,850
Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,400 2,250-2,450
Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,100 2,000-2,200
Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,700 3,200-3,800
MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,700 2,400-2,800
Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000
Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200
Rice BPT new (100 INR/KG) 2,800-3,500 2,800-3,500
Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700
Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800
Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500
Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,450 2,300-2,450
Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600
Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,000 3,600-4,000
Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,400 4,000-4,400
Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG) 5,200-5,500 5,200-5,500
Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG) 4,700-5,000 4,700-5,000
Rice Shriram new (100 INR/KG) 4,800-5,200 4,800-5,200
Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500
Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500
Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400
Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) 5,600-5,900 5,600-5,900
Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 5,800-6,000 5,800-6,000
Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100
Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 31.0 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 11.2 degree Celsius
Rainfall : Nil
FORECAST: Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 31 and 11 degree
Celsius respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, butincluded in market prices)
https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-january-18-2018-idINL3N1PD3AO
Cameroon develops 37 varieties of rice through a cooperation with South Korea
Tuesday, 16 January 2018 18:00
(Business in Cameroon) - In the framework of the project to grow rice in irrigated fields, Cameroon has developed 37 new varieties of rice; this with the assistance of South Korea. The information has been revealed by Henri Eyébé Ayissi, the minister of agriculture during a recent visit at the experimental farm in Avangan.
According to the minister, 15 tons of certified conventional rice seed and 3 tons of certified upland rice seed have been distributed to producers in the central, Eastern and Western region, thanks to this project. This distribution could help create 600 hectares of rice fields.
In the same vein, according to official sources, 30 hectares of rice fields were created in Nkoteng for an annual production which stands at 310 tons.
Through this project, Cameroon’s government expects to appropriate the South Korean experience in the production of rice in irrigated fields.
http://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/1601-7703-cameroon-develops-37-varieties-of-rice-through-a-cooperation-with-south-korea
Regents call for review of govt's rice import plan
News Desk
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Wed, January 17, 2018 | 03:53 pm
This undated photograph shows a terraced rice paddy in Argapura, Majalengka, West Java. Regents have voiced their concerns that the government's plan to import rice would badly affect farmers ahead of the coming harvest season. (Shutterstock/File)
“Based on the data, facts and aspirations from regents, APKASI calls on the central government to review the rice import plan,” APKASI chairman Mardani H. Maming said in a statement on Wednesday, as reported by Antara news agency.
Mardani, who is the regent of Tanah Bumbu in South Kalimantan, added that without a thorough study on regional rice production, the import policy would harm farmers whose livelihood depended on the agriculture sector.
Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita announced last week that the government would import 500,000 tons of medium-grade rice from Thailand and Vietnam to ease the commodity's price, which had exceeded the government's ceiling price.
Banten's Serang Regent Ratu Tatu Chasanah made a similar statement, saying that the central government needed to listen to the farmers' aspirations before introducing a policy that might affect them directly.
She said the people in her regency would be hard hit by the policy, as they relied on the income they made from rice sales. She added that Serang's harvest season would commence in the third week of January.
North Sumatra's Serdang Berdagai Regent Soekirman echoed her concerns, saying that the harvest season in his regency would start this week. “I am concerned about the rice import plan,” he said. (bbn)
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/01/17/regents-call-for-review-of-govts-rice-import-plan.html
Database Confusion Leads to Rush for Rice Import in Indonesia
A rice seller in Senen market in Jakarta on Jan. 2. 2017. (Antara Photo/Sigid Kurniawan)
By : Adinda Normala | on 1:08 PM January 17, 2018
Category : Business, Commodities, Featured
Jakarta. Different databases kept by Indonesia's agriculture and trade ministries were allegedly the main culprit in the government's late decision to import rice so close to a harvest season — a decision roundly criticized by farmers for putting pressure on the price of local rice.
"The government had trusted the data put forward by the Agriculture Ministry, wrongly so," Dwi Santosa, a professor from Bogor Institute of Agriculture, told the Jakarta Globe on Tuesday (16/01).
Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said last month the country had produced more rice than it needed last year, meeting President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's target of rice self-sufficiency.
But the price of rice in the market tells a different story. Trade Ministry data showed that on Jan. 12, medium quality rice cost Rp 11,500 ($0.93) per kilogram, above the recommended retail price of Rp 9,450 set by the ministry.
The Agriculture Ministry said January’s rice production is expected to reach 2.8 million tons, more than the monthly consumption of around 2.5 million tons.
But the Trade Ministry's number is different, with rice production in the same month expected at a much lower 900,000 tons.
Dwi said the country’s rice stock started to fall in July-September last year, after a lean harvest season caused by infestation in several parts of the country, including in Indonesia's biggest rice bowl, East Java.
"The Indonesian Farmers' Seed Bank Association [AB2TI] has been encouraging the government to start importing rice since last year," Dwi said.
Dwi said the timing of the current rice import is less than ideal since local farmers expect a major rice harvest in the first quarter of this year.
Importing rice so close to harvest season may cause a "price collapse" for local rice.
Dwi strongly recommended that rice import should arrive in the first two weeks of February so as to not interfere with local rice harvest.
Import Plans
The Indonesian government has decided it will import 500,000 tons of medium quality rice by the end of January to boost the country’s stockpile.
Coordinating Economics Minister Darmin Nasution said on Monday the buffer rice stock at national procurement agency Bulog tops out at 875,000 tons, not enough to keep the price of rice stable until the next harvest season.
"We need to import rice to protect not only consumers but also farmers," Darmin said in a press conference.
Indonesia's rice import will come from its traditional suppliers Vietnam and Thailand, but no shipment plan has been decided.
The head of Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Suhariyanto, warned the government to keep price rice under control if it wants inflation to stay under the 2018 state budget's target of 3.5 percent.
"The rising price of rise is worrisome. The government needs to keep food price volatility down," Suhariyanto said.
BPS data showed the price of rice was the fourth biggest contributor to national inflation last year, accounting for 0.16 of the total 3.61 percent.
How to Avoid Data Disparity
The government has asked BPS and the Technology Assessment and Application Agency (BPPT) to compile data on rice production in harvest areas to be used as the main references for Bulog's database.
"This should prevent over-optimistic prediction of rice production," BPS head Suhariyanto said.
The government will also release a one-map policy in August which will contain data on planting areas and irrigation.
Task teams will be formed to verify data and minimize mistakes in estimating rice production.
The issue of rice import has been a thorn in the side for President Jokowi, who wants to keep food prices down — rice import will help this — but also wants to pursue the agenda of rice self-sufficiency to protect farmers.
BPS data showed Jokowi's administration has already imported 2.9 million tons of rice worth Rp 16.6 trillion from 2014 to 2017.
Rice consumption in Indonesia is among the highest in the world, with each Indonesian consuming 114 kilograms every year.
In comparison, average annual rice consumption in Vietnam is at 191 kg per person, in Thailand 147 kg, in India 78 kg and in China 75 kg, according to data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2016.
http://jakartaglobe.id/business/lullaby-gets-govt-import-rice-at-most-unfortunate-time/
Commodities Buzz: Myanmar Rice Exports To Scale Record Levels In 2017/18
capital market | Mumbai | January 17, 2018 10:27 IST
Commodities Buzz: Myanmar Rice Exports To Scale Record Levels In 2017/18
According to Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar has already exceeded original projections, rice exports are expected to reach beyond three million tonnes in 2017-2018 fiscal year. As of January 5, the country had shipped over 2.6 million tonnes of rice this fiscal year.
The export earnings increasing by more than US$480 million over last year. Original expectations were for 2 million tonnes of rice exports.Between April 1, 2017 and now, the exports of rice via border trade increased by more than 700,000 tonnes of rice, while sea-based exports topped 900,000 tonnes, compared with the same period last year.
https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/capital-market-commodity-futures-pre-session-commentary/commodities-buzz-myanmar-rice-exports-to-scale-record-levels-in-2017-18-118011700332_1.html
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/Rice-export
Can Nigeria Cease Rice Importation in 2018?
January 18, 2018
Local rice cultivation in Nigeria SOURCE: AgroNigeria
4
President Muhammadu Buhari, in his New Year address to the nation on January 1, also stated that there would be zero rice importation this year. Rice is a staple food product in millions of Nigerian homes and many analysts believe that its local production is yet to meet the growing demand of consumers. In your own view, how can zero importation of rice be ensured in the country this year?
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE
* With the number of citizens who depend so much on rice and the fact that the country has just started improving its rice production, we need at least three years before we can cease importing rice into the country. By now the local production must have reached across the country with citizens’ awareness to patronise the local rice products. So the government shouldn’t rush into banning rice importation because when the time comes, those concerned needn’t be told to stop importation. I congratulate the Minister of Agriculture for a job well done.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna
* Government should create an enabling environment for increased quality production to meet and exceed local needs. This would make it affordable and lead to exports as well.
– Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State
* Yes, we can, but Federal and State governments must encourage rice farmers with necessary incentives to boost the cultivation in large quantities as well as seeing to it that there is market for their products by tarring roads for easing transportation. Lastly, federal government and the Customs must guard against rice smugglers, and they should also work with the AfDB to encourage massive investments in agriculture.
– Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State
* Rice is loved by all Nigerians. Its demand is high and ever increasing especially during social functions. Supervised small scale local rice farms all over the 774 local government areas are the panacea. Banks must give soft loans while government buys, processes, and store excess harvests to avoid glut, waste, etc. Regular border policing against smuggling, swing pricing and inputs like quality seeds, fertilisers, storage tools e.t.c are also key. Rice must be cheap, available and secured.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi. Lagos State
* I believe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has invested much in rice production under the government of PMB and it is time to reap where we sow in rice production. Rice importation ban is welcome, after all the countries we import their rice started from somewhere before they became exporters. Our government should invest more in agricultural production to make Nigeria a food-sufficient nation in a few years to come.
– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State
* Food security is what we have been grappling with in this country for decades since after independence even when we did not have such population explosion. Our estimated population is now 190 million. Yes, the Federal Government has tried with the Anchor Borrowers Scheme to encourage rice production; a good scheme that should be taken to the nooks and crannies of the country. However, our population size means we have to work extra hard to stop the importation of rice in the next five years in order to cater for hungry Nigerians. Banning rice from this year will make the product be out of reach as the cost of a bag of rice will keep escalating. Importation must not be stopped.
– Prof. Kate Nwufo, mni, Abuja
* Government doesn’t need to close the border for rice importation. If you want your products to compete in the international market you need to meet some standards including availability, friendly prices, and product quality. Then that means that you can compete with the rice producers around the world, which will translate into a flourishing economy.
– Mr. Amwe Habu Anche, Kaduna State
* No, local production of this highly demanded product (rice) has not met the huge growing appetite of Nigerian consumers. But the challenge is smuggling, funding, pricing, delivery, ever-porous border policing e.t.c issues. Government must ensure soft loans, proactive private participation, and non-interference etc. Checking these problems will deliver the needed successes here. Otherwise burning the bridges may cause our losing this battle.
– Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State
* By increasing our production capacity and making agriculture lucrative so that the youth can participate.
– Mrs. Folasade Akinwale, London, UK
* Without subsidising rice after production, it would be absolutely impossible to achieve. A bag of 50kg Nigerian rice is only N1000 less than the imported one. In reality the Nigerian one is even more expensive, by the time you remove all the other costs involved in bringing in the imported rice. The Federal government can subsidise the finished product to ensure that it is a lot cheaper than the imported one. If Nigerian rice is sold for N10,000 for a 50kg bag, the imported one will no longer be viable to import so will die a natural death.
– Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State
* It cannot cease as there is no part of the country herdsmen have not attacked and allowed cows to graze on crops with no government assistance to farmers, and they are afraid to go back for fear of further attack, and security men do not chase the herders into the bush. When will Nigeria adopt international grazing methods?
– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State
* It is a shame that we even talk about importation of rice.
– Mr. Blessed Sobomabo Braide, Lagos State
* It cannot be possible due to issues of poor rice farming practices of the peasant farmers, low technology, poor grading, sorting, packaging, inadequate rice milling factories across all the states, and inadequate funding. Most rice farmers are currently experiencing low yields and poor varieties that cannot compete with international rice producing countries. The best way is to set up rice processing units, effective use of technology for preservation, cultivation, planting, harvesting and packaging. There should be general extension services that will increase production. Also, direct intervention of funding mechanisms will speed up production and help in developing the rice market.
– Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
* Although local rice varieties are tastier and healthier, the ease of access to sometimes cheaper imported products, and the volume of demand for rice across Nigeria makes it near impossible to cease rice importation this year. Government must be ready to subsidise local rice farmers and producers and also jail all rice smugglers to ensure improved local supply, which will lead to reduced imports.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State
THE FEEDBACK
Yes, it can cease: 2
No, it cannot cease: 8
Others: 4
Radical tip: Jail rice smugglers!
Total no of respondents: 14
Male: 10
Female: 4
Highest location: Lagos (5)
Next Week: Does Nigeria Really Need the Eco?
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) recently said Nigeria’s economic performance is crucial to adopting a proposed single common currency (Eco) in West Africa, because Nigeria represents more than 75 per cent of the GDP of the region. To some analysts, the Eco can expand Nigeria’s economic horizon across the region, even to the Francophone nations. Others believe it will boost regional corruption, and enhance cross-border looting and capital flight. To you, does Nigeria really need the Eco for her development process or not?
Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (January 18 & Monday, January 22) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com.Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, January 25
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/01/18/can-nigeria-cease-rice-importation-in-2018/
Agriculture Minister on Govt Deciding on Rice Import Policy
Wednesday, 17 January 2018 | 21:26 WIB
Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.
🔊 Listen to this
JAKARTA, NNC - Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman revealed that rice import policy does not affect other commodities in the face of increasing production per year.
According to him, despite importing rice, Indonesia must not import corn and onions.
"The most important thing this year is that we do not have any imports of maize. We make it as the measurement, there is no import of onions as well, instead we export [them]," Amran told reporters in Jakarta, Wednesday (1/17/2018).
Amran added that the production period of rice crops to rice lasted for three months. If in October the farmers planted the rice crops then in January it has entered the rice harvest season.
"It's a simple logic, right. The age of rice cannot be reduced by two months nor added by five months. So in October, when raining farmers were [planting], with the age of three months means that January has been harvest period," he explained.
http://www.en.netralnews.com/news/business/read/17547/agriculture.minister.on.govt.deciding.on.rice.import.policy
Consuming Rice Can Cause Arsenic Poisoning – Research shows
KLAIRE SMITHJANUARY 17, 2018
No one thinks about the chances of chemical poisoning while eating what are believed to be healthy foods or cooking them at home. Rice is one of the most widely consumed foods around the world and is the part of many people’s daily intake.Eating rice in a moderate amount is not unhealthy and can be a source of many of the different dietary nutrients. In some countries, it is the staple food. In these states, no day is complete until rice is cooked and served at either dinner or lunch.
It works in a similar way as potatoes and bread work in European countries such as Germany which is said to have over two hundred varieties of bread alone with further types of each.
You might have cooked rice too in many different ways and had it with friends or family. Rice is also an essential part of many healthy snacks and cereals.
Some of the highest selling baby foods also contain rice so it is not really considered a source of poisoning or any harmful reactions.
However, the latest concern associated with cooking rice or feeding rice-based cereals and snacks to babies and children is that it can lead to arsenic poisoning. Yes, you read that right. Not many people would think about arsenic present in rice while eating.
Should you be worried about this?
According to the researchers today, arsenic present in rice should be one of your top worries about food and health especially if you feed your baby or child rice-based baby foods.
A report provided by the working group Healthy Babies Bright Futures in December of 2017 showed that the baby foods such as different snacks and cereals that contained rice had around six times higher amount of arsenic than others that are multi-grain or oats based.
Another discovery by researchers at Dartmouth College studied the levels of arsenic in the urine of babies and gave further evidence by concluding that the levels of inorganic arsenic in babies who were fed rice-based cereals was much higher than others which opted for grain-based cereals.
This can be a big issue given that more than eighty percent of the babies are given rice-based foods by their parents. If you are also one of those parents, you might want to consider switching to the safer grain-based cereals.
Arsenic poisoning can be harmful to a variety of levels for both adults and child. If babies have a high exposure to arsenic, it can result in numerous developmental problems that might not be treated later in life.
In addition, arsenic present in rice-based foods given to babies is not the only worrisome issue, rice plants are seen to absorb around ten times more arsenic than the grain crops. The crops may as well contain a big amount of arsenic.
What about the so-called arsenic in fish?
While talking about arsenic, you should know both types of it to avoid confusion. The arsenic present in fish and the arsenic which is now seen to be present in high amounts in rice crops and rice-based foods are not similar.
The first type of arsenic is that organic arsenic. It only shows the presence of a carbon atom in the arsenic bond. Organic arsenic is commonly present in foods such as crustaceans and fish.
The other type of arsenic is the inorganic arsenic which is prevalent in nature. This form of arsenic does not have a carbon atom in its bond and is much more harmful and toxic to humans than organic arsenic but is unfortunately in more foods.
Inorganic arsenic or toxic arsenic is found not only in rice and foods prepared with rice but many other foods or even drinks like apple juice.
The Food and Drug Administration has not taken that much action on the issue even if low-level arsenic poison is relatively common. In 2016, the FDA forwarded a limit on the levels of arsenic in baby foods since almost 80% of the babies are given rice and rice foods.
So, what can you do?
It is still recommended that you protect yourself and your family, specifically your baby from the dangers of arsenic poisoning. Studies on arsenic poisoning have shown its dangerous effects on the health.
Acute arsenic poisoning can lead to health conditions such as coma, red blood cell destruction, convulsions and even death.
On the other hand, a lower level of exposure or chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked to diabetes, skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer, and neurotoxicity. In babies, it can even cause permanent damage which cannot be reversed.
You can decrease the chances of arsenic poisoning by cutting it out from your diet. This does not mean that you leave rice completely. According to researchers, if you cook your rice in a lot of water, it can reduce the arsenic levels up to 40%.
Secondly, a study showed that cooking rice in a coffee pot significantly reduced the level of inorganic arsenic in them. Do not follow the directions and instructions given on the packet of the rice.
Another thing you can do is slowly replace rice in your diet with quinoa or buckwheat, both of which are a good source of many nutrients such as protein and low in inorganic arsenic levels. There are many recipes you can find online and try.
https://reportshealthcare.com/consuming-rice-can-cause-arsenic-poisoning-research-shows/
Rice prices remain stable despite tax reform
Traders expect only P1/kilo increase
By: Karl R. Ocampo- @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:40 AM January 18, 2018
The National Food Authority (NFA) and the private sector have assured the public of minimal to no increase in rice prices, allaying concerns that the staple commodity would be affected by the new tax reform law.
With the rise in fuel prices under the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law, shipping of agricultural commodities like rice is expected to shoot up.
However, NFA administrator Jason Aquino said the agency would continue to sell rice at the government prescribed price of P27 a kilo (kg) for the regular milled variety and P32 a kg for the well-milled variety.
“As watchdog of national food security, the NFA’s role is to make rice, our basic staple, available, accessible and affordable in any part of the country at all times,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile, private traders who talked to the Inquirer this week said that consumers could expect just a minimal P1 increase in rice prices until the end of March.
“The increase in fuel prices will result in a P50 increase per 50 kg of rice, resulting in a P1 increase per kg,” said Jun Aguilar, a wholesale and retail distributor from Cagayan Valley who is also in consultation with the state-run grains agency.
Aguilar added that by April, when harvest season starts, traders were expected to build up their stocks, which could result in surplus of local rice. This, in turn, would stabilize rice prices, he said.
The NFA administrator issued a warning to rice traders not to take advantage of the ongoing belief that the cost of basic commodities was expected to rise as traders unduly increase prices, adding that the agency could sanction traders who would violate the laws.
Although this was the ideal market response, industry group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) said the retail price was not reflective of the profit that local farmers get when producing the staple.
It added that with the low procurement price of NFA, it did not really have the power to stabilize retail rice prices.
Last year, the agency was only able to hit 19 percent of its procurement target because of the private sector’s higher buying price for palay or unmilled rice.
“It’s a win-win situation for both the distributors and the consumers, but how about the producers? If the right policies will not be implemented, it’s going to be a lose-lose situation for rice farmers under TRAIN,” the group said.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that farm-gate price for palay was at P18.93 a kg, less than half the retail price of regular milled rice and well-milled rice at P38.05 a kg and P42.31 a kg, respectively.
Last week, the retail price of rice in Butuan and Kidapawan City declined by P1, but rose by P1 in Iloilo and by P0.50 in Tuguegarao. Aside from these provinces, the PSA noted that there were few trading centers that exhibited price changes during the week.
http://business.inquirer.net/244329/rice-prices-remain-stable-despite-tax-reform#ixzz54WvwaFiw
Customs impounds N19m banned rice, vegetable oil in Katsina
By Buhari Sa'ad
January 17, 2018
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has impounded various quantities of banned vegetable oil, rice, mosquito coils and used clothes, valued at about N19 million, from smugglers operating within the border locations in the area.
Briefing reporters on the activities of his Command between late 2017 and early 2018, Comptroller of Customs in the state, Kayode Olusemire, said that three persons were arrested in connection with the latest attempt at smuggling the products into the country.
“The smugglers are smart but we are smarter, the Customs boss said, adding further that, “we have virtually brought them down on their knees.”
Olusemire also said that it took his men about four weeks of “intensive ambush” for the smugglers, based on intelligence report, before they could track the smugglers.
As he puts it, “the smugglers engage in clandestine operations especially in the night and they deploy a number of trailers, some of which they use as decoy.
“In this instance, they used six tailers but only one of them was actually conveying the seized goods but our men were equal to the task as they were able to identify the real trailer.
“Prior to about April last year, most of the smuggled rice in the country came from Katsina State but we have succeed in drastically reducing the influx.
“We used to battle daily with the smugglers and we could not close our eyes but now, we are able to close one eye as the rate of rice smuggling has reduced.
“Mosquito coils have always been on the list of banned goods because we have industries here that engage in its production but some Nigerians have taste for foreign goods.”
The Customs boss also said that a total of six persons were currently being prosecuted at the courts within the period under review.
https://www.today.ng/news/nigeria/61670/customs-impounds-n19m-banned-rice-vegetable-oil-katsina
Rice prices remain stable despite tax reform
Traders expect only P1/kilo increase
By: Karl R. Ocampo- @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:40 AM January 18, 2018
The National Food Authority (NFA) and the private sector have assured the public of minimal to no increase in rice prices, allaying concerns that the staple commodity would be affected by the new tax reform law.
With the rise in fuel prices under the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law, shipping of agricultural commodities like rice is expected to shoot up.
However, NFA administrator Jason Aquino said the agency would continue to sell rice at the government prescribed price of P27 a kilo (kg) for the regular milled variety and P32 a kg for the well-milled variety.
“As watchdog of national food security, the NFA’s role is to make rice, our basic staple, available, accessible and affordable in any part of the country at all times,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile, private traders who talked to the Inquirer this week said that consumers could expect just a minimal P1 increase in rice prices until the end of March.
“The increase in fuel prices will result in a P50 increase per 50 kg of rice, resulting in a P1 increase per kg,” said Jun Aguilar, a wholesale and retail distributor from Cagayan Valley who is also in consultation with the state-run grains agency.
Aguilar added that by April, when harvest season starts, traders were expected to build up their stocks, which could result in surplus of local rice. This, in turn, would stabilize rice prices, he said.
The NFA administrator issued a warning to rice traders not to take advantage of the ongoing belief that the cost of basic commodities was expected to rise as traders unduly increase prices, adding that the agency could sanction traders who would violate the laws.
Although this was the ideal market response, industry group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) said the retail price was not reflective of the profit that local farmers get when producing the staple.
It added that with the low procurement price of NFA, it did not really have the power to stabilize retail rice prices.
Last year, the agency was only able to hit 19 percent of its procurement target because of the private sector’s higher buying price for palay or unmilled rice.
“It’s a win-win situation for both the distributors and the consumers, but how about the producers? If the right policies will not be implemented, it’s going to be a lose-lose situation for rice farmers under TRAIN,” the group said.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that farm-gate price for palay was at P18.93 a kg, less than half the retail price of regular milled rice and well-milled rice at P38.05 a kg and P42.31 a kg, respectively.
Last week, the retail price of rice in Butuan and Kidapawan City declined by P1, but rose by P1 in Iloilo and by P0.50 in Tuguegarao. Aside from these provinces, the PSA noted that there were few trading centers that exhibited price changes during the week.
http://business.inquirer.net/244329/rice-prices-remain-stable-despite-tax-reform#ixzz54WwGX2Oz
Sports help youth to stay away from vices
THE HANS INDIA | Jan 17,2018 , 11:21 PM IST
Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Reddy greeting kabaddi players in the state-level kabaddi tournament organised by DYFI at Akiveedu on Wednesday
Akiveedu: Sub-Inspector of Police Sudhakar Reddy inaugurated the 35th Sankranti Youth Festival in Akiveedu. The DYFI has conducted state-level Kabaddi Championship, Krishna-West Godavari districts-level volleyball competition, chess competitions and Undi, Bhimavaram constituencies-level cricket tournaments.
The Sub Inspector suggested the youth to divert their attention towards sports and games to avoid bad habits. He greeted the kabaddi players who participated in the matches on the occasion. Rice Millers leader Chunduri Venkatrao, Sarpanch Gontla Ganapati, MP Madani, Ambati Ramesh, organising committee convener Lenin Babu, DYFI leaders D Raviteja, Rambabu, Gedela Apparao and others addressed the inaugural meeting. The teams from Stuartpuram, Chirala, Bapatla, Kadavakuduru, Elurupadu, Gunupudi, West Godavari district participated in the kabaddi tournament.
30 teams In volleyball, 25 teams in chess and 35 teams participated in cricket matches. The first match of kabaddi tournament started between Stuartpuram and Chirala teams held on Wednesday in Akiveedu. Hundreds of villagers watched the kabaddi tournament.
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-01-17/Sports-help-youth-to-stay-away-from-vices/352535
Record Export of Rice
January 15, 2018 3:36 pm
In the just ended year of 2017 India’s export of rice has touched the record level of increasing by 22 per cent upto 123 lakh tonnes. More than the half of India from Chhattisgarh to whole South and with West Bengal the Eastern states are rice eaters.
Wheat is staple food of most of the North India. After Independence India imported entire food items wheat, rice, maize, milo etc. mainly from America, Canada, Australia. It was India’s highest import bill now it is petro crude oil.
Within the span of 70 years India made tremendous progress in agricultural production. Now almost all the crop are bumper.
In the 2017 rice export one reason was that in Bangla Desh paddy crops were destroyed in floods and its demand for import from India increased to meet the entire shortage. This year in 2018 the demand from Bangla Desh and Sri Lanka are likely to go up again and India’s rice export will increase further.
The export of non-basmati rice which are in high demand and consumption has gone up by 38 per cent. In India besides Basmati there are large number of other rice varieties are grown. Some of it are equal or more in quality and value of Basmati rice.
For many years most of the Basmati rice exported to oil rich Arab nations. Now it is grown so much that it is easily available in India for all section of society at reasonable and affordable prices.
The Chhattisgarh state has name and fame in the highest paddy cultivation and known as Rice bowl of India. After the bifurcation of Madhya Pradesh the Chhattisgarh region going out, there were no significant cultivation of paddy in Madhya Pradesh.
But now besides wheat the Madhya Pradesh has come forward in paddy production particularly in the Basmati variety. Now the state has sought the international branding of MP Basmati for export purposes.
Now there are indication for the export of pulses to boost the farm earnings of the cultivators. But India must formulate the policy of balancing the import and export. We have our own huge population to feed. To keep the price stable at a particular level the stocks should be available within India and a surplus be exported.
All developed country follow this policy. We are also exporting wheat, sugar, onions also. Sometimes there are other factors also. At time we were a need of dollars to finance other trading and to earn dollars we exported sugar to the America.
We are still importing 40 per cent of pulses and 60 per cent of edible oil for our own requirement. We are still very short in pulses and oil seed production.
To increase the income of farmers the Centre has asked the State to increase the export of foodgrains. The World Agro Export market is of 1600 billion dollars.
India is second in the foodgrains productions in the world but on 8th position in foodgrain exports. On edible oils and pulses our import reach has gone up from 15 billion to 25 billion dollar.
http://www.centralchronicle.com/record-export-of-rice.html
Colorful Rice Appeals to the Foodservice Palate
By Cameron Jacobs
ARLINGTON, VA -- Across the country, rice in a rainbow of colors is showing up in restaurants. From Asian-inspired dishes to rice bowls and side dishes, exotic black, pink, brown, red, and even purple rice are increasing in popularity and visibility.
The rise in popularity of multi-hued rice can be attributed to multiple reasons. Restaurants are constantly looking for innovative ways to add color to a plate and new flavors to the menu. Health-conscious diners gravitate toward whole grain rice as a smarter food choice in general and with colorful rich rice being low in fat and rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it has become increasingly popular in menus across the industry.
And finally, "foodies" love the unique taste and texture that colorful rice brings to a meal. It also photographs well for posting on social media!
"The trend of colorful rice in the foodservice marketplace shows no signs of slowing down," said John Hasbrook, USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee Chairman. "For example, black rice as a menu item has a four-year growth rate of +48.7 percent across all segments and red rice has a four-year growth rate of +56 percent."
Some restaurants have even made colorful rice a signature feature. Sun Restaurant in Buffalo, New York, is known for exceptional dishes made exclusively with black rice; Red Rice Restaurant in Warwick, Rhode Island, offers red fried rice and red rice paella; and Purple Rice Korean Kitchen in New York City offers traditional and fusion Korean dishes made with colorful grains.
"From Pan-Asian-inspired entrees to fun and flavorful rice bowls, seasonal salads, and intriguing vegetable dishes, colorful rice is having an impact in foodservice and we're happy to see chefs getting creative when it comes to the palette on their plates," concluded Hasbrook.
USA Rice Daily
Retailers from Russia, Gulf keen to partner Indian food exporters
By
Kirtika Suneja
, ET Bureau|
Jan 17, 2018, 10.29 PM IST
0Comments
"We want to get better prices for farmers in the overseas market. This is the best way of doubling farmers' income," Suresh Prabhu said.
Companies from Russia and Gulf countries are keen to partner with Indian food producers and exporters of spices, rice, meat and packed ethnic food, commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu said on Wednesday.
Ahead of the two day mega international food and beverage trade show 'Indus Food', the minister said that such a trade show is a way of doubling farmers' income and getting a better price for their produce.
Retail chains from Russia and gulf countries like Oman, UAE and Iran are participating in the show where Indian retail chains like Patanjali, ITC and KRBL will also showcase their products.
"We want to get better prices for farmers in the overseas market. This is the best way of doubling farmers' income," he said.
The show is the largest buyer seller meet with the whole gamut of agricultural products being showcased for the first time.
While the meet will showcase 12 food segments including cereals, fruit and vegetables, oil seeds, dried fruit, spices, processed food and seafood, the commodities of high interest are spices, rice, meat products and Indian ethnic food such as namkeens.
"We want to improve our value added exports and not only export raw materials only," said an official in the know.
Over 400 exhibitors including representations from over 12 states are expected to participate in the show.
The government expects to do business worth $1.5-2.5 billion through the show which is happening at such a large scale for the first time.
Colorful Rice Appeals to the Foodservice Palate
The rise in popularity of multi-hued rice can be attributed to multiple reasons. Restaurants are constantly looking for innovative ways to add color to a plate and new flavors to the menu. Health-conscious diners gravitate toward whole grain rice as a smarter food choice in general and with colorful rich rice being low in fat and rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it has become increasingly popular in menus across the industry.
And finally, "foodies" love the unique taste and texture that colorful rice brings to a meal. It also photographs well for posting on social media!
"The trend of colorful rice in the foodservice marketplace shows no signs of slowing down," said John Hasbrook, USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee Chairman. "For example, black rice as a menu item has a four-year growth rate of +48.7 percent across all segments and red rice has a four-year growth rate of +56 percent."
Some restaurants have even made colorful rice a signature feature. Sun Restaurant in Buffalo, New York, is known for exceptional dishes made exclusively with black rice; Red Rice Restaurant in Warwick, Rhode Island, offers red fried rice and red rice paella; and Purple Rice Korean Kitchen in New York City offers traditional and fusion Korean dishes made with colorful grains.
"From Pan-Asian-inspired entrees to fun and flavorful rice bowls, seasonal salads, and intriguing vegetable dishes, colorful rice is having an impact in foodservice and we're happy to see chefs getting creative when it comes to the palette on their plates," concluded Hasbrook.
