Thursday, September 03, 2020

3rd September,2020 Daily Global Regional local Rice E-Newsletter

 COVID-19 Cancels Outlook 2020

 

 

By Deborah Willenborg

 

ARLINGTON, VA -- The 2020 USA Rice Outlook Conference, scheduled for December 9-11, in Austin, Texas, will not be held in-person due to the impossibility of putting on a large trade show and conference in compliance with public health safety guidelines and regulations.  Yesterday, the USA Rice Board of Directors met, via conference call, to discuss other options including a full virtual conference, but reluctantly decided the best plan for this was to not hold the conference at all.  

"No one is happy about this decision but after looking at all possible scenarios, the Board felt it made the most sense to forego the conference this year but still undertake some of the traditional conference sessions and awards by other means.  We will be announcing the schedule for those events soon," said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  "The next live, in-person Outlook will be in New Orleans next year and we will be sure to include time to recognize 2020 award recipients in-person.  We will return to Austin for Outlook 2022."
Description: C:\Users\abc\Downloads\unnamed.jpg

The annual USA Rice Outlook Conference brings together rice farmers, millers, merchants, and representatives of allied businesses from all rice-producing states and beyond for information and interaction.  The conference features exciting speakers, outstanding learning sessions, and a trade show bringing the newest and most promising innovations to attendees.

"Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and this is definitely one of those times," said Ward.  "We're certainly disappointed at having to cancel this year's event, but, will conduct some of the Outlook Conference activities through other platforms like podcasts, social media and webinars so watch this space for more details."

 

 

SAVOR Travelle To Go

 

by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times

2020-09-01

 

These days, when convenience seems paramount, Travelle at The Langham ( 330 N. Wabash Ave.; TRAVELLECHICAGO.COM ) offers something that it hopes will draw lots of people: Travelle To Go.

And this concept should. Located around the corner of the building at ground level ( between Wabash Avenue and State Street ), Travelle To Go—available Wednesdays through Saturdays 12-6 p.m.—offers many delectable items.

They include small plates such as burrata with raspberry and peaches served with honey comb, peach gastrique and focaccia ( $18 ); meatballs with pomodoro, Grana Padano and country bread ( $16 ); and summer solstice panzanella with prosciutto, tomato, melon, and raspberry vinaigrette ( $16 ).

Main dishes include Grand "Maine lobster roll" with Brown Buttered Hollandaise, Celery, and Pickled Peppers ( $27 )—a very delicious sandwich; Polish sausage with house sauerkraut, grilled onions, and horseradish mustard ( $18 ); and a very well-made butter chicken with basmati rice, naan, cumin crema, pea tendrils and cilantro ( $19 ).

However, make room for dessert. The key lime pie ( $8 ) I had was incredible, but there are also selections such as the chocolate chip ice cream cookie sandwich ( $8 ) and the banana cream pudding slice with white chocolate mousse and vanilla whipped cream ( $8 ).

But wait—there's more: Travelle's beverage team has also launched a cocktail to-go menu featuring items such as Piazza Bianca, with Ketel One vodka, Italicus, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and citrus syrup ( $16 ).

And ( last but not least ) on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Pastry Chef Danielle Marelli and Pastry Sous Chef Joyce Park present a rotating selection of enticing pastries such as cinnamon rolls, croissants and Lamington squares ( sponge-cake squares filled with raspberry and topped with coconut ). I'll have to return Labor Day weekend: Strawberry-cheesecake pop tarts and various pies ( key lime white chocolate, peach almond crumb and Michigan blueberry ) are on tap.

So if you can't check out the actual Travelle restaurant in the building, I urge you to check out Travelle To Go—and then head on over to the nearby Chicago River for a nice picnic. ( Speaking of which, there are also picnic baskets for retail. )

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/SAVOR-Travelle-To-Go/69149.html

 

How Kenya can meet local demand for rice

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 2:45 Description: Rice farmers Rice farmers. FILE PHOTO | NMG 

Description: FacebookDescription: TwitterDescription: LinkedIn

Rice is the third most consumed staple in the country, yet we are not self-sufficient to meet our demand. With a growing population and increase in per capita rice consumption, the government and other policymakers have been left with only a few options to meet future demand for rice; through increased imports and increased productivity.

Our national rice consumption is estimated at 500,000 metric tonnes a year. Despite this being a clear indication of Kenyans uptake of rice as a principal food, our annual production of 100,000 metric tonnes pales in comparison.

According to the National Rice Development Strategy-2, 2019-2030, the annual consumption of rice in Kenya is increasing at a rate of over 12 percent owing to the progressive change in eating habits of Kenyans, especially in urban areas.

This, together with a annual projected population growth rate of 2.7 percent, will mean that the estimated annual national need for rice is expected to reach up to 1,290,000 tonnes by 2030.

Given that Food Security and Nutrition is one of the pillars of the Big Four Agenda which our President is steadfast to implement, increasing the productivity of rice shall form an important component in this pillar. In addition to enhancing food security, it should also alleviate poverty by raising farmer incomes and increase the prospects of creating new jobs in the whole value chain from farm to fork. Investment in the rice sector should therefore become a key priority in the agriculture sector.

The largest rice irrigation scheme in the country is the Mwea Rice Scheme which was started in 1956 during the colonial times when a seed variety from India called the Basmati was planted in the scheme and hence the birth of what is famously known as the Kenya Pishori rice.

Over the years, the scheme has expanded to 30,000 acres. The other rice schemes across the country are the West Kano and Ahero (in Nyanza) and Bunyala. The much anticipated rice scheme in the Tana river under Tarda was a failure from its onset.

So the key question is what has been ailing this sector to scale up production?

The rice sector has always been overseen by the National Irrigation Board (NIB) which falls under the Ministry of Water. This is because of the provision of water under irrigation.

However, in essence the mandate of seed production, varietal development, good farming practice and market linkage should technically be the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture.

This could possibly be one of the primary reasons why we lost focus on prioritising rice as a strategic food crop. The constant squabbles between the farmers and NIB in the late 1990s due to the political interference of rice marketing in the scheme also created a lethargy in the development of the sector.

To revive this sector, we need to take a multipronged approach which revolves around agronomy and infrastructure development, farmer financing and market linkages. Let us explore each one separately.

Research into new seed development shall remain crucial to ensure farmers get optimal productivity and quality.

The choice of variety is based on its agronomical performance and not economic reasons since varieties like the Pishori when grown in the West Kano and Ahero have proven to be failures due to its microclimate.

In addition, to ensure efficiency, farmers should work in co-operatives and find ways of aggregating their smaller pieces of land to farm commercially as large tracts which can enable mechanisation.

Provision of farm extension services to educate farmers on best farming practices including the appropriate use of farm inputs such as fertiliser and pesticides shall also play a crucial role in productivity.

Finally, there should be a security of source of water for this irrigated crop to perform well. This means that there should be adequate water source from dams and one should not rely on just the river source which frequently get affected by rainfall patterns.

A case in point is how the delay in building the Thiba dam which would serve the Mwea Rice Scheme has greatly affected the growth of this scheme.

Provision of affordable finance is very crucial for the security of the farmer income. Due to the lack of access to this finance, farmers have the tendency of borrowing from shylocks whose exorbitant finance costs makes it prohibitive for farmers to earn anything for their hard work.

Abject poverty

Many farmers also find it more attractive to lease out their pieces of land rather than farm for the same low income expectation.

In addition to finance, well-structured crop insurance can also protect the farmer from the vagaries of weather and disease leading to crop failures which wipes out the farmer’s income and sets them back into abject poverty.

There’s need to work in co-operatives which will also improve the bargaining of farmers to purchase farm inputs as well as obtaining finance from banks.

The adoption of the warehouse receipting programme also ensures farmers obtain finance for their produce once harvested in a formalised structure and have the flexibility of trading in their produce at their free will when the timing and pricing is right.

The third component is market linkages. Without a market for their produce at the right price, it is an exercise in futility for the farmer.

Except for a portion of the crop which the farmer can keep for their subsistence use, there has to be a surety of market for the remainder of their produce.

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/ideas/How-Kenya-can-meet-local-demand-for-rice/4259414-5617126-nn2ur2/index.html

 

Demand for Non-basmati Exports from India Increases as Price Increases in Thailand and Vietnam

September 3, 2020

Gurneel Kaur

Indian non-basmati traders expect robust exports this year. Demand for non-basmati exports from India increases owing to the price rise in Thailand and Vietnam.

Increase in Demand for Non-basmati Rice

India benefits from a price difference of about $90 per tonne in non-basmati rice from Vietnam and Thailand variety. BV Krishna Rao, president of Rice Exporters Association, said that Indian rice had seen a demand increase despite a 3-5% jump in price due to rupee depreciation. He added that the rice exports rose by 35% in the first four months of FY21 as compared to the exports in the same period last year. Indian non-basmati variety is available at $400 per tonne while the price for Thailand and Vietnam rice ranges between $490 to $500 per tonne.

High Demand for Indian Non-basmati Rice Exports Due to Price Rise in Vietnam and Thailand

COVID Uncertainty Results in Rice Price in Vietnam

The increasing cases of COVID and uncertainty over the pandemic have encouraged hoarding in Vietnam, which led to price rise. Also, the increase in purchases by local traders at the end of harvest season has contributed to the increased price. Experts say the costs will remain high at least until the arrival of new harvest in October.

The majority of the world’s rice demand is met by Pakistan, Myanmar, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. India supplies its rice to almost 170 countries in the world and accounts for 11 million tonnes out of 40-45 million tonnes of rice traded globally.

Non-basmati Exports to Touch FY18 Export Levels

September and October will witness a surge in demand for non-basmati rice from India. Exporters expect the exports to touch FY18 levels of 8.64 million tonnes. The quantity came down to 5.04 million tonnes in FY20 as farmers lacked interest in exporting because of high MSP.

Shortage of Containers

The exporters are facing a shortage of export containers. Rao said that the supply of containers has slowed down on Kakinada (the biggest non-basmati port ) after a decrease in imports from China

In all, the demand for non-basmati rice has increased. However, the container shortage will remain a problem for the exporters.

https://www.grainmart.in/news/demand-for-non-basmati-exports-from-india-increases-as-price-increases-in-thailand-and-vietnam/

 

 

 

Pakistan, Qatar Food minister calls for joint efforts

Qatar is a big market for agricultural products because its imports comprise mainly of agricultural goods


Our CorrespondentSeptember 03, 2020

Description: A general view taken on November 24, 2015 shows Doha City Center shopping mall in the Qatari capital Doha. PHOTO: AFP

A general view taken on November 24, 2015 shows Doha City Center shopping mall in the Qatari capital Doha. PHOTO: AFP


ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Qatar can create a research institute on agriculture with one branch located in Doha and the other in Islamabad, said Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Fakhar Imam. In a meeting with Qatar’s Ambassador Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman on Wednesday, he proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries in the area of agriculture. Imam highlighted that Pakistan exported rice, cotton, fish, fruits and vegetables to Qatar and imported vegetable oil, wheat, pulses and consumer foods. Qatar is a big market for agricultural products because its imports from across the globe comprise mainly of agricultural goods. During the meeting, it was highlighted that Pakistan was exporting disease-free meat and meat products to Qatar for the past many years. It was also discussed that Halal meat and meat products were being exported to Qatar from the registered slaughter houses of Pakistan duly endorsed by the Veterinary Authority of Qatar.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2020.

Like Business on Facebookfollow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

 

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2262236/pakistan-qatar-food-minister-calls-for-joint-efforts

 

 

Food feels impact of China-Australia tensions

By Dean Best | 31 August 2020

Description: Tensions have risen between Beijing and Canberra in 2020

Tensions have risen between Beijing and Canberra in 2020

What started in technology and was further fuelled by Covid-19 is now starting to impact Australia's agri-food sector, Dean Best writes.

Ah, those heady days of late 2014 when much of Australia's food industry could look forward to the further opening up of trade between the country and China.

It was in November that year when Canberra and Beijing announced a free trade agreement between the two countries, ChAFTA, a deal the Australian government said would help its agri-food industry compete with nations, such as New Zealand and Chile, that already a deal with Beijing – and provide a "significant advantage" over other, larger, trading rivals, such as the US, the EU and Canada.

Then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the agreement was the first China had struck "with a substantial economy, with a major economy", adding: "It's the most comprehensive agreement that China has concluded with anyone."

And the then Parliamentary Secretary Josh Frydenberg (more on him later) pointed out how "up to 95%" of Australia's exports to China would "over time" enter the country tariff-free.

The agreement entered into force in December 2015, offering Australia's meat processors, dairy companies, barley growers, winemakers and infant-formula makers a potentially lucrative market.

"ChAFTA has built on Australia's large and successful commercial relationship with China, by securing markets and providing Australians with even better access to China across a range of our key business interests, including goods, services and investment," material on Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reads.

One can't help but wonder if that passage now needs an asterisk.

Relations between Canberra and Beijing are anything but rosy. Ties have become increasingly strained since Australia's refusal in February to allow Huawei a piece of the country's 5G network and worsened further after Canberra's call for an independent inquiry into Covid-19.

The impact is starting to be seen for parts of Australia's food industry.

Beijing has slapped tariffs on Australia's barley exports, placed restrictions on beef shipments and, last week, launched an anti-dumping probe on the Aussie wine industry.

Given this context, it was hardly a surprise to see this week Australia effectively block a move by one of China's largest food companies for Aussie-based assets that have been up for sale.

This week, Mengniu walked away from its planned purchase of dairy assets from Australian food and beverage Lion (a business owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings).

The AUD600m (US$438.7m) deal won approval from Australia's competition regulator, the ACCC, in February

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the now Australia Treasurer Frydenberg said he had been advised the two companies had "mutually agreed to not proceed with the sale process", adding: "This follows the communication of my preliminary view to Mengniu Dairy that the proposed acquisition would be contrary to the national interest."

Last November, Australia gave the green light (albeit with conditions) to the sale of local infant-formula business Bellamy's to Mengniu.

But times have changed and the end of the proposed Lion transaction is another sign of how relations between Australia and China are at a low ebb – and how the agri-food industry is being caught in the crossfire.

"There appears to be a lot of political capital in this country in some quarters in attacking China at the moment – Covid-19 has heightened this sadly. The government going out ahead of the global community to call for an investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 was a real flashpoint - diplomacy via headline," Joanne Bills, director of Australia-based dairy consultants Freshagenda, says.

"We are doing a project at the moment on non-tariff measures from processed food exporters and we are hearing from them that it is increasingly difficult to do business in China. It's always trick, but getting worse and they are all very worried about the political situation – particularly the meat guys.

"[Australia] has a lot of exposure to China as a food industry. It accounts for around 30% of the value of Australia's ag, forestry and fisheries exports, so diversifying away is not easy. We need China a lot more than China needs us in ag and food."

One Aussie food manufacturer with China as an important part of its business and growth plans this week gave an indication of how the tensions are shaping its decision-making.

Infant-formula manufacturer Bubs Australia struck a deal to can and package in China. The deal, Bubs noted, "mitigates key risks and provides a secure pathway to gaining full access to the world's largest and fastest growing infant-formula market".

Bills says: "We have picked up some 'anecdata' that there is a bit of backlash at consumer level. We have heard some Chinese shoppers don't like Australia attacking their country and so prefer non-Australian brands."

Kirin is now reported to be looking for non-Chinese buyers for its Australian assets. One Australian food major, Bega Cheese, has indicated it could be interested in buying the businesses.

"There doesn't seem to be many obvious suitors for the Lion assets – and to be honest it was difficult to see why they were of interest to Mengniu," Bills says. "The Lion assets and brands are very domestically focused in mostly white milk. They do have an excellent Iced Coffee brand but the cheese assets have already been purchased by [Canadian dairy group] Saputo. It didn't seem like a strategic fit in the first place. White milk is highly competitive, dominated by supermarket labels – a low-margin, high-volume business – as it is in many places."

While executives Lion and Kirin weigh up their next steps, food-industry boardrooms across Australia will be wondering how the broader problem of the relationship between Canberra and Beijing can improve.

P.S: If you liked this article, you might enjoy the just-food newsletter.
Receive our latest content delivered right to your inbox.

Syria issues tender to buy 39,400 tonnes of white rice - trade

 

The tender from Syria's General Foreign Trade Organisation closes on Sept. 30

  

By Michael Hogan, Reuters News

HAMBURG - A Syrian state purchasing agency has issued an international tender to purchase 39,400 tonnes of white rice, European traders said on Wednesday.

The tender from Syria's General Foreign Trade Organisation closes on Sept. 30, they said.

Short grain white rice of third or fourth class was sought. Shipment is sought within three months of order confirmation.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Related Topics:

https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/markets/story/Syria_issues_tender_to_buy_39400_tonnes_of_white_rice__trade-TR20200902nL8N2FZ0YPX2/#:~:text=HAMBURG%20%2D%20A%20Syrian%20state%20purchasing,or%20fourth%20class%20was%20sought.

 

From soy to coffee, Brazil ag commodities rise to record prices

Roberto Samora

·          

·          

    By Roberto Samora

    SAO PAULO, Sept 1 (Reuters) - The price of Brazilian agricultural

commodities such as soybeans, corn, coffee and rice has reached record levels as

strong demand and a weak currency drove prices higher in local currency,

according to data from Cepea, a research center linked to the São Paulo

University.

    Brazil's soybean quotes are up by more than 50% in nominal terms compared to

the same period last year, as China continues to buy ever larger amounts of the

oilseeds from Brazil, Cepea data showed. On Monday, Brazil's main export product

hit 137.76 reais per 60 kg bag, less than 2 reais below an all-time high of 139

reais in 2012.

    In the case of coffee, the rise in Arabica prices was more than 45% in 12

months, also in nominal terms, despite the fact that Brazil is wrapping up a

record harvest, the data showed.

    Even as Brazilian farmers collect more than 100 million tonnes of corn this

season, the price of the cereal, which is used to make livestock feed, rose more

than 65% in 12 months, to a new nominal record above 60 reais per 60-kg bag,

according to data from Cepea.

    "This year, all price records come from a demand shock," said Lucílio Alves,

an official from Cepea. He said that a demand shock occurs when structural and

political factors lead to a rise of the dollar against the local currency.

    Rice prices, another example, rose more than 100% in 12 months in real

terms.             

 COMMODITY              Price in Reais  August % change    12-month % change

 Crystal sugar (60 kg   85.13           8.50%              39%

 bag)                                                      

 Rice (60 kg bag)       94.02           38.2%              110%

 Cattle (15 kg/arroba)  237.60          4%                 51%

 Cotton                 331.10 (cent.)  16%                34%

 Coffee (60-kg bag)     610.57          8.76%              46.35%

 Corn (60-kg bag)       61.25           20.59%             66.7%

 Soy (60-kg bag)        137.63          15.65%             55.5%

 Wheat (tonne)          1,185.87        -4%                33.8%

 

   

 

($1 = 5.3893 reais)

 

 (Reporting by Roberto Samora

Writing by Ana Mano)

 

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-agriculture/from-soy-to-coffee-brazil-ag-commodities-rise-to-record-prices-idUSL1N2FY25A

 

 

Syria issues tender to buy 39,400 tonnes of white rice - trade

The tender from Syria's General Foreign Trade Organisation closes on Sept. 30

  

By Michael Hogan, Reuters News

HAMBURG - A Syrian state purchasing agency has issued an international tender to purchase 39,400 tonnes of white rice, European traders said on Wednesday.

The tender from Syria's General Foreign Trade Organisation closes on Sept. 30, they said.

Short grain white rice of third or fourth class was sought. Shipment is sought within three months of order confirmation.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/markets/story/Syria_issues_tender_to_buy_39400_tonnes_of_white_rice__trade-TR20200902nL8N2FZ0YPX2/#:~:text=HAMBURG%20%2D%20A%20Syrian%20state%20purchasing,or%20fourth%20class%20was%20sought.

 

January-August milled-rice exports see 31 per cent spurt

 

Hin Pisei | Publication date 01 September 2020 | 22:30 ICT

 

The Kingdom exported 448,203 tonnes of milled rice worth nearly $300 million in the January-August period. Heng Chivoan

Cambodia exported 448,203 tonnes of milled rice to international markets in the first eight months of this year, an increase of more than 31.04 per cent compared to 342,045 tonnes in the same period last year.

The General Directorate of Agriculture reported this, citing data from the General Department of Customs and Excise that was extracted from phytosanitary certificates.

Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) secretary-general Lun Yeng said the exports were worth between $298 and $300 million.

The directorate said jasmine and fragrant rice accounted for 352,802 tonnes, equivalent to 78.71 per cent of total milled-rice exports, while white long-grain rice accounted for 89,699 tonnes (20.01 per cent).

Long-grain parboiled rice accounted for 5,679 tonnes (1.27 per cent) and red rice 23 tonnes (0.01 per cent).

China topped the list of 59 destination markets for Cambodian milled rice with 159,253 tonnes imported (up 19.79 year-on-year), accounting for a 35.53 per cent market share.

Exports to Europe, ASEAN countries and other destinations reached 149,848 tonnes, 60,933 tonnes and 78,169 tonnes, up 24.81, 42.49 and 68.92 per cent year-on-year, accounting for 33.43, 13.59 and 17.44 per cent of total milled-rice exports for the period.

But milled-rice shipments slipped 34.97 per cent to 22,130 tonnes last month, from 34,032 tonnes in August last year.

The CRF’s Yeng told The Post that last month’s exports failed to live up to expectations and chalked it up to adverse weather. “The prolonged drought in July damaged some crops, requiring replanting in some areas.”

CRF president Song Saran on August 26 met with the State-owned Agricultural and Rural Development Bank of Cambodia and requested that it increase the scope of its special loan scheme for rice millers to purchase paddy during the harvest season starting next month.

He told The Post that CRF members are lacking the funds needed to purchase paddy from farmers to hit this year’s export target.

“With the harvest season approaching, we proposed that the ARDB increase the amount of special government loans this year as we plan to export around 800,000 tonnes, which requires us to have between $80 and $100 million,” Saran said.

At the same time, the CRF has asked the ARDB to extend its loan repayment period to 12 months to help rice millers buy paddy, he said, adding that the current period is too short and could hinder its members’ ability to purchase paddy from farmers.

Though Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries data show that Cambodia exported 387,000 tonnes of milled rice in 2014, 538,396 tonnes in 2015, 542,144 tonnes in 2016, 635,679 tonnes in 2017, 626,225 tonnes in 2018 and 620,106 tonnes last year, it remains optimistic that exports will hit the 800,000 tonne-milestone this year.

The CRF’s Yeng wasn’t so sure. “We are unable to assess whether the rice export volume will meet the forecast or not at the present time. We’ll have to wait for the reassessment, which could be made in mid- to late September.”

Ministry data show that 2019 milled-rice exports generated revenue to the tune of $501 million, down 4.3 per cent from $524 million in 2018.

Contact author: Hin Pisei

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/january-august-milled-rice-exports-see-31-cent-spurt

 

Big drop in rice exports

Sok Chan / Khmer Times 

Cambodia’s rice exports in August dropped drastically. KT/Chor Sokunthea

 

Cambodia’s rice exports to international markets in August dropped drastically to 22,130 tonnes, according to the National Phytosanitary database of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Compared with August last year, they fell nearly 35 percent from 34, 032 tonnes.

However, in total Cambodia’s rice exports increased in the first eight months of the year saw a 31.05 percent rise in exports, reaching 448,203 tonnes from 342,045 tonnes in 2019.

Among the total rice exports, 352,802 tonnes were fragrant rice, white rice, 89,699 tonnes, parboiled rice 5,679 tonnes and the rest was 23 tonnes.

China is still the top market for Cambodian rice exports. Cambodia exported to China around 159,253 tonnes in the first eight months, followed by France at 56,964 tonnes. Among Asean countries, Malaysia imported about 23,201 tonnes from Cambodia, Vietnam 12,836 tonnes and  Brunei 10,500 tonnes.

Song Saran, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said floods and drought are now the major problems hitting farmers and affecting the Kingdom’s food security and exports after drought left much land in the northwest dry and cracked.

“September would likely drop 20 percent. It is because of climate change affecting our main fragrant rice export (Sen Kra Ob Jasmine rice). But our target of 800,000 tonnes in exports is still in place. We will strongly rebound in October if the harvest is good. The CRF will conduct another review on rice exports again by mid-September,” Saran said.

He added that generally the Sen Kro Ob variety was harvested in mid-July, but now fewer farmers are harvesting because their crops were damaged or some can be harvested but the quality and yield are lower.

He said that the harvest will be delayed for about two months because farmers now have to replant the paddy, so they will harvest it in October and November. “In August, our exports dropped around 30 percent and 20 percent in September,” he said. “We found flooding in September and October is also a major issue for farmers. It is a concern because we have a market but no paddy for processing to export,” he added.

Saran said that the lower reaches of the Mekong River are also a concern for the farmers along Tonle Sap Lake.

The CRF has also asked the Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) to release more funds and requested an extension to the loan cycle repayments, blaming an adjustment in the harvest season.

“We are now facing climate change and that is making us miss the harvest seasonal target, so we need a longer loan cycle that will make it easier for rice millers to have time to collect rice paddy at a fair price,” Saran said.

Kao Thach, general director of the state-run ARDB, said the bank has yet to make a decision. “Because it is a government fund, we need to submit the request to the government for approval,” he said. Thach said previously the private sector that provided loans needed them paid back during May and June each year.

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50759582/big-drop-in-rice-exports/#:~:text=Cambodia's%20rice%20exports%20to%20international,percent%20from%2034%2C%20032%20tonnes.

 

Rice exports at decade high

 

Hin Pisei | Publication date 03 May 2020 | 21:58 ICT

 

Cambodia exported 300,252 tonnes of rice to the international market in the first four months of this year, up 40.46 per cent over the 213,763 tonnes reported in the same period last year. HONG MENEA

Cambodia exported 300,252 tonnes of rice to the international market in the first four months of this year – equivalent to $210 million – the highest export volume in the past decade, the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) said in a report.

The export volume is 40.46 per cent over the 213,763 tonnes reported in the same period last year, it said.

China accounted for 41 per cent of exports or 122,094 tonnes, the EU and the UK 32 per cent or 97,337 tonnes, ASEAN countries 13 per cent or 37,428 tonnes and other countries 14 per cent or 43,339 tonnes.

CRF secretary-general Lun Yeng told The Post on Sunday that rice exports have reached 48.41 per cent of last year’s total exports. The spread of Covid-19 has led to a higher demand for food and storage in all countries, he said.

“It is a great source of pride for the Cambodian rice sector to achieve such growth,” said Yeng.

Early last month, the government suspended the export of paddy and white rice on the grounds of securing domestic supplies while Covid-19 is continuing to spread in Cambodia.

This, Yeng said, did not have a significant impact on the Kingdom’s rice exports to international markets during the period as nearly 100 per cent of the exports were fragrant rice, as of last month.

“The ban will not hurt exports, but it is very important to maintain food security to serve the needs of local people who would prefer to eat white rice,” he said.

Chan Sokheang, chairman and CEO of Signatures of Asia Co Ltd, an international rice exporter, told The Post that concerns over the spread of Covid-19 have been increasing demand for rice worldwide – an opportunity for Cambodian rice exporters.

However, everything depends on the quality and yield produced by farmers, he said.

“We are confident that exports this year will be higher than in 2019, but everything also depends on the weather and the rainwater,” said Sokheang.

Increased demand has caused the price of rice on international markets to rise by about 30 per cent year-on-year, he said, adding that: “The price of rice on the international market may have risen, but for Cambodians there is no price increase.”

CRF president Song Saran told local media on Saturday: “The rise in exports and earnings over the period was due to a rebound in demand from the EU and a number of other countries, especially Hong Kong and Australia.

“The new markets we have developed want quality – and fragrant rice is popular. We hope to expand fragrant rice exports in the near future,” said Saran.

Cambodia’s rice exports to international markets amounted to 620,106 tonnes last year, slightly down 0.97 per cent from 626,225 tonnes in 2018. Revenue was $501 million, down 4.3 per cent from $524 million in 2018.

Contact author: Hin Pisei

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/rice-exports-decade-high

؎

 

 

Downed trees have been a common sight over the past week in Richland Parish as people work to clean up and repair wind damage. (Beacon-News/Darryl Riser)

 

This canopy was toppled by winds along US 425 on Thursday. (Beacon-News/Darryl Riser)

 

Hurricane Laura takes toll on rice crop by damaging storage facilities, driers, transfer systems

 

·         BY TIMOTHY BOONE | STAFF WRITER

 

·         SEP 1, 2020 - 1:15 PM

 

 

Description: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0d/20d34b75-3e0c-5b44-8af3-f950ddfefaed/5f4ec0e544bf0.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133

 

Buy Now

A worker from the Supreme Rice Mill uses a lift to inspect a set of bins owned by Sweet Lake Land Co. of Calcasieu Parish that were damaged by Hurricane Laura. Farmers scrambled to get much of their rice crop harvested ahead of the storm, but damage to storage facilities, driers and transfer systems across the region are threatening their harvest.

·        

 

Description: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/65/f65435f4-ec7f-11ea-93fd-bba627b2f721/5f4e91f97044f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C134

 

Buy Now

Farmer Paul Johnson photographs a load of his rice leaving a dryer at Thornwell. Hurricane Laura blew some of the building’s roof off, exposing his rice. Johnson is moving his grain from inside the structure to prevent it from spoiling.

·        

rice farmers hustled and helped each other get their crops harvested before Hurricane Laura hit the state last week, but much of that hard work may have gone for naught.

The devastating storm hit rice storage facilities and driers, exposing the crop to rain. 

“It’s frustrating, to be perfectly honest,” said Paul Johnson, a rice farmer from the Jefferson Davis Parish community of Thornwell. “This year has gone really well, with a great growing season, a dry harvest and good yields.”

Johnson wrapped up his harvest about two weeks ago and was feeling pretty safe because his crops were in storage and in the process of being dried. “You always feel you have it, once the crop goes in the bins,” he said.

But Laura damaged the roof at one facility, allowing rainwater to come into contact with the 2.9 million pounds of Jazzman rice he had harvested. At a separate facility, where Johnson had about 4.8 million pounds of rice, the transfer system was destroyed, meaning that there’s no way to get the rice out of the bin.

“There’s no way to move it,” he said.

Right now, Johnson said he’s trying to save as much of his wet crop as possible. If he can salvage 75% of the crop, he said he will feel good about it. He’s getting help from the Supreme Rice Mill in Crowley, which has put the rice it had in storage onto a barge, in order to provide drying space for farmers like Johnson.

“At this point, it’s all about small victories,” he said.

Dustin Harrell, a rice specialist with the LSU AgCenter, said farmers managed to harvest 95% of the first rice crop in advance of Laura. Now they’re dealing with drying facilities that don’t have roofs, damaged transfer systems and no electricity to power rice driers.

Harrell said he spoke to one farmer who had about 4 million pounds of specialty rice exposed to the weather. The farmer put the value of those crops at $712,000.

This year’s rice crop was shaping up to be one of the best in the past six years, Harrell said. It was on track to have the second-highest yield ever, with a high-quality crop.

“Now, this changes everything,” he said. “One day can change everything.”

While 75% of Louisiana’s rice crop is grown in the southwestern part of the state, about 25% is harvested in the northeastern part of the state. While as much as 95% of the crop had been harvested in Acadia Parish, for example, only about 5% of the crop had been harvested in the northern part of the state, Harrell said.

One Morehouse Parish rice farmer flew over his 50,000 acres of farmland and estimates that 30% of his crop was knocked over, Harrell said.

Sugar cane also was knocked over by Laura. Jim Simon, general manager of the American Sugar Cane League, which represents Louisiana sugar cane growers and processors, said despite all of the stalks of cane that got knocked over, the crop came out of Laura “much, much better shape than we anticipated.”

“If we have a nice, dry harvest season, the impact of the hurricane will be minimal,” he said.

Because sugar cane is a hearty, tropical plant, it’s easy for the crop to right itself.

“Crooked stalks, the harvesters pick that up pretty easily,” Simon said.

In the southern parts of Vermilion and St. Mary parishes, some sugar cane fields were inundated with water from the Gulf. Farmers are working to get the water out of the fields and clean up marsh debris. The good thing is there’s a lot less of this and a lot less debris than what was generated by Hurricane Rita, which struck the same area 15 years ago.

Right now, about 480,000 acres of sugar cane have been planted in Louisiana.

“We expect to harvest close to a record number of acres in Louisiana this year,” Simon said.

David Moseley, a soybean specialist with the AgCenter, said the state’s crop “looks OK” in the aftermath of Laura. The biggest issue is lodging, when plants are leaning to some degree. About 61% of the 1 million acres of soybeans planted in Louisiana has been harvested, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Even if crops are leaning, Moseley said, they will still be harvested. The problem is that farmers won’t be able to harvest all of their beans. And if the soybean pods end up sitting in water, that could be devastating, he said.

“If everything works right, we shouldn’t see too much in the way of problems,” Moseley said. “But if there’s too much rain, there will be more flooding.”

 

Entergy crews worked all week to restore electricity. (Beacon-News/Shari Welch)

 

Crews have been hard at work repairing downed power lines and clearing trees in the aftermath of Laura. (Beacon-News/Shari Welch)

RICHLAND PARISH CLEANING UP AFTER LAURA PASSES

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 2:05pm

Richland Parish took less damage than neighboring parishes from Hurricane Laura, the high winds created by the storms kept emergency workers busy throughout the weekend.

“We suffered extensive damage all over the parish,” RPSO Deputy Neal Harwell said. “Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”

Emergency responders were kept busy dealing with fallen trees which downed power lines and blocked roadways.

“The people who really deserve the credit are the volunteer firemen and other volunteers who turned out to help clear the roads and clean up the damage,” Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley said. “It’s the wonderful thing about living in a place like Richland Parish. When people saw someone needing help, they did what they could.”

Richland Parish County Agent Keith Collins said damage to crops is still being assessed.

“ Very little to no acres of cotton, beans and rice have harvested,” he said. “If it will stay dry, impact will be less.”

Collins said 90 percent corn harvest complete. Damage ranges from standing to laying flat and losses on remaining corn blown down will vary.

    Much of the cotton is blown down with heavy boll load which will make for a slow harvest, may increase boll rot and will make it difficult to get all bolls. Dry will weather will help reduce losses

   Soybeans losses are less extensive than cotton with taller beans blown down and waist high beans or so standing better.    Lodging is erratic from field to field for rice. Taller rice and rice along tree lines have more lodging.

     Entergy estimated about 3,500 Richland Parish residents were left without power during the storms beginning Aug. 27. However, crews had repaired much of the damage and restored power to almost all of the parish by Tuesday afternoon.

“ I can tell you across the state we had peak outages of 270,900 due to Laura and as of 8:30 a.m. today (Monday) we’ve restored 114,097, so closing in on half restored,” Entergy Senior Communications Specialist Brandon Scardigli said.

Approximately 26,000 people were still without power in neighboring Ouachita Parish Monday morning.

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson also commended his officers as well a emergency responders and volunteers for coming together to  help the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

“The response by the entire community has been very uplifting and heartwarming,” Robinson said. “At times like this, we need to know that we can depend on our neighbors and other members of our community in times of trial. Small town pride has been shown throughout the last several days in dealing with the destruction from Hurricane Laura.”

Chief Robinson also reminded the community that should you see a downed power line, always treat it as if it was a live line. 

“Do not attempt to pick up the line, drive over the line or walk on the line,” he said. “This could result in death.”

 Chief Robinson would also like to remind the community that if you are driving and a traffic light is out, you are to treat the intersection as a four way stop.

 “Please keep this in mind,” he said. “Be mindful of your surroundings, there are still areas without power. Should you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the Rayville Police Department immediately. We do not want anyone in our community to become a victim of crime during the cleanup.”

 Delhi Police Chief Roy Williams said he also appreciated the work of his officers, the Delhi Fire Department and other volunteers and first responders who turned out to help with traffic, downed power lines and trees.

 “We also want to send our prayers to the people of South Louisiana as they continue to recover from Laura and we hope they are able to get back to normal quickly,” Williams said.

NEWS

https://www.richlandtoday.com/news/richland-parish-cleaning-after-laura-passes#:~:text=Richland%20Parish%20took%20less%20damage,RPSO%20Deputy%20Neal%20Harwell%20said.

 

 

 

FROM SOY TO COFFEE, BRAZIL AG COMMODITIES RISE TO RECORD PRICES

 

9/1/2020

By Roberto Samora SAO PAULO,

 

 Sept 1 (Reuters) - The price of Brazilian agricultural commodities such as soybeans, corn, coffee and rice has reached record levels as strong demand and a weak currency drove prices higher in local currency, according to data from Cepea, a research center linked to the São Paulo University. Brazil's soybean quotes are up by more than 50% in nominal terms compared to the same period last year, as China continues to buy ever larger amounts of the oilseeds from Brazil, Cepea data showed. On Monday, Brazil's main export product hit 137.76 reais per 60 kg bag, less than 2 reais below an all-time high of 139 reais in 2012. In the case of coffee, the rise in Arabica prices was more than 45% in 12 months, also in nominal terms, despite the fact that Brazil is wrapping up a record harvest, the data showed. Even as Brazilian farmers collect more than 100 million tonnes of corn this season, the price of the cereal, which is used to make livestock feed, rose more than 65% in 12 months, to a new nominal record above 60 reais per 60-kg bag, according to data from Cepea. "This year, all price records come from a demand shock," said Lucílio Alves, an official from Cepea. He said that a demand shock occurs when structural and political factors lead to a rise of the dollar against the local currency. Rice prices, another example, rose more than 100% in 12 months in real terms. COMMODITY Price in Reais August % change 12-month % change Crystal sugar (60 kg 85.13 8.50% 39% bag) Rice (60 kg bag) 94.02 38.2% 110% Cattle (15 kg/arroba) 237.60 4% 51% Cotton 331.10 (cent.) 16% 34% Coffee (60-kg bag) 610.57 8.76% 46.35% Corn (60-kg bag) 61.25 20.59% 66.7% Soy (60-kg bag) 137.63 15.65% 55.5% Wheat (tonne) 1,185.87 -4% 33.8% ($1 = 5.3893 reais) (Reporting by Roberto Samora Writing by Ana Mano)

© Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Click For Restrictions Print

https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/from-soy-to-coffee-brazil-ag-commodities-rise-to-record-prices

 

Pesticide-free crop protection yields sizable economic benefits in Asia-Pacificeconomic benefits in Asia-Pacific

 

Scientists have estimated for the first time how nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver US$14.6 to US$19.5 billion annually across 23 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The new research, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests that non-chemical crop protection (or biological control) delivers economic dividends that far surpass those attained through improved “Green Revolution” rice germplasm (estimated at US$ 4.3 billion a year).

The study, led by Dr. Kris Wyckhuys with contributions on the data collection from  Dr. Matthew Cock and Dr. Frances Williams of the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), unveils the magnitude and macro-economic relevance of biodiversity-based contributions to productivity growth in non-rice crops over a 100-year period between 1918 and 2018.

Scientifically-guided biological control of 43 exotic invertebrate pests allowed for between 73 percent to 100 percent yield loss recovery in critical food, feed and fiber crops including banana, breadfruit, cassava and coconut.

“The Green Revolution is credited with alleviating famine, mitigating poverty and driving aggregate economic growth since the 1960s — enabled through a tripling of rice output. Cornerstone of the Green Revolution were the ‘packaged’ seed x agro-chemical technologies and biological innovations such as high-yielding, disease-resistant cereal varieties,” said Wyckhuys, who is affiliated with academic institutions in China, Vietnam and Australia.

“Our research is the first to gauge the financial benefit of using biological control to fight crop pests in the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrates how these ecologically-based approaches promoted rural growth and prosperity in marginal, poorly-endowed, non-rice environments,” Wyckhuys continued.

“By thus placing agro-ecological innovations on equal footing with input-intensive measures, our work provides lessons for future efforts to mitigate invasive species, restore ecological resilience and sustainably raise output of global agri-food systems,” Wyckhuys said.

The scientists, who show how 75 different biological control agents mitigated 43 pests over a 100-year range, outline how biodiversity-driven ecosystem services underpin food systems and societal wellbeing in the face of environmental change.

“Biological control delivered durable pest control in myriad Asia-Pacific agriculture sectors, permitting yield-loss recoveries up to 73 percent, 81 percent and 100 percent in cassava, banana and coconut crops respectively,” added co-author Dr. Michael Furlong of the University of Queensland in Australia.

“The ensuing economic dividends are substantial, as pest-induced losses up to US$6.8, $4.3 and $8.2 billion annually for the above crops were offset (at respective values of $5.4-6.8 billion, $1.4-2.2 billion and $3.8-5.5 billion/year, for a conservative to high impact scenario range). As many of the underlying programs were run on a shoestring, the rate of return on biological control science is extraordinary,” Furlong continued.

“Our work constitutes an empirical demonstration of how insect biological control helped solidify the agrarian foundation of several Asia-Pacific economies and  in doing so, places biological control on an equal footing with other biological innovations, such as Green Revolution germplasm.

“Not only does it spotlight its transformative impacts — especially in light of increasing global reliance on chemical pesticides — but it also celebrates the century-long achievements of dedicated, yet often, un-acclaimed insect explorers and biological control pioneers,” he noted.

https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2020/09/pesticide-free-crop-protection-yields-sizable-economic-benefits-in-asia-pacific/

 

Interns Find Links Between Climate and Arsenic Levels in Rice

BY GUEST BLOGGER |SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

6

Description: https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/wp-content/themes/sotp-foundation/images/icon-comments.png Comments

By Harrison Gerson, Daniel Shneider, Patryk Dabek, Mia Dominguez, Alexander Raftopoulos, Brian Zhang and Benjamin Bostick

Description: https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_20200113_135551-637x478.jpg

A local rice farmer in a recently harvested rice field, collecting wild herbs that are growing amongst the stubble. Photo: Ben Bostick

Rice makes up 20 percent of caloric intake worldwide. Although this staple crop is inexpensive and filling, rice tends to contain large amounts of arsenic. The greatest problem is in Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia, where rice can make up more than 70 percent of the calories in typical diets. Many Cambodians live in regions that are affected by high arsenic levels in drinking water, exposure to which is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other deadly diseases. Recent evidence suggests rice also is a significant source of arsenic to humans, particularly for people who consume large quantities of rice. Rice often contains arsenic because the biochemical processes associated with the annual flooding of rice paddies (soils where rice is grown) produce dissolved arsenic that is mistakenly incorporated into rice plants as they take in nutrients.

This summer, as interns in the Center for Climate and Life at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, we have worked to quantify the complex effects of climate on arsenic accumulation in rice. The idea is simple: Climate affects flooding and biological processes in flooded soils, and thus can affect the chemical cycling of arsenic in soils and its uptake into rice. However, it is not straightforward to test our thesis because there are many other factors that can impact rice arsenic levels. For example, agricultural systems are constantly affected by farming practices such as irrigation, choice of rice variety and fertilizer use, most of which are not reported in studies measuring arsenic in rice. The information we obtain will help understand the processes that regulate arsenic levels, but our main goal is to use that knowledge to educate farmers and policymakers about adaptations that would help make rice production more sustainable and healthier into the future. Hopefully, our presented research will also raise awareness about the effects of arsenic in rice, and empower people to address this problem from the roots up (pun intended).

Description: brown rice in a metal bowl

Whole rice grains collected in a metal bowl used to measure out rice for daily consumption. This rice contains elevated arsenic levels. Photo: Ben Bostick

Our first discussions revolved around the processes that affect arsenic releases from soils into water in the soil’s pores, the necessary step in getting arsenic into rice. It was possible to identify two climate variables where data are readily available: the amount of water (which controls how much oxygen is in the system, which determines how much arsenic is released from the soil), and temperature (which affects the rates of the reactions that release arsenic). Next, we established that there are distinct kinds of variation in temperature and precipitation: short-term changes on daily, monthly, or seasonal scales, and long-term changes over decades or longer. Short-term climate variation includes monsoonal or other seasonal-scale changes in climate, while long-term climate variability reflects gradual changes and trends such as sustained droughts, or the effects of anthropogenic climate change.

To examine the relationship between arsenic levels in Cambodia and long- and short-term effects of climate variance, we linked remotely sensed climate data from specific years to rice yield and arsenic levels.

Our data indicates that increases in seasonal monsoonal rainfall in Cambodia lead to direct increases in mean arsenic concentrations in rice grown during that season. Determining this relationship was not easy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to depend on rice arsenic concentrations reported in the literature, and a variety of climate records of widely variable density and quality. Most research papers to date have focused on single field locations for detailed investigations that do not report growing season, or compared samples between locations with little or no attention given to the effects of growing conditions on that arsenic level. As a result, those studies are difficult to incorporate into a larger dataset that includes relevant climate data, which could be a significant source of variation between areas or years. Our study synthesized data reporting rice arsenic levels for rice produced in the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2017, and 2018 climate years, over which rainfall varied considerably. By comparing yearly levels of arsenic and rainfall changes, the direct relationship we found is more reliable.

Description: graph shows that arsenic increases as precipitation increases

Graph depicting the relationship between seasonal/annual increases in precipitation and increased arsenic concentrations for rice grown in Kandal Province, Cambodia. Data is assembled from a variety of scientific sources, with precipitation data based on PERSIANN (Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks) system estimates.

How Climate Affects Arsenic in Rice

To understand why climate change has such a consequential impact on arsenic in rice, we had to first understand the relationship between the climate and the microbes present in soil. Fundamentally, the microbial community is interconnected with its environment. As conditions change, so do the metabolic processes of the microbes. Water covering the soil critically slows the delivery of oxygen into the soil and causes conditions to become anaerobic (also called anoxic). Notably, under anoxic conditions, microbes utilize arsenic as terminal electron acceptors. As the microbes reduce (add electrons to) iron oxides (rust) where arsenic typically attaches, it changes to reduced and soluble iron. At the same time, arsenate (As+5) is reduced to arsenite (As+3). Both iron and arsenic reduction cause As to enter the soil solution, where it can be taken up by plants or contaminate drinking water.

Principally, changes in precipitation due to climate change influence flooding and drought cycles, which greatly affect the reduction of iron and arsenic by the microbes. Climate change also influences temperature, which can affect the rates of biological or chemical processes, and the concentrations of bioavailable organic matter needed for those microbes to thrive. In particular, soluble organic matter (SOM) plays many important roles. Most importantly, it takes part in the metabolic process that reduces iron and arsenic, making it bioavailable for uptake in rice. Changes in temperature are important because they affect the rates of organic matter production, and its decomposition. As temperature increases, reactive SOM concentrations increase in the rice patties, causing more reduction. Oscillations in conditions also can affect SOM availability. Frequent oscillations between flooded and dry conditions, which are the norm for rice production, deplete SOM and decrease arsenic mobility, lowering arsenic in rice.

Potential Pathways for Managing Arsenic Levels

The data suggested that both rice yield and arsenic levels were impacted primarily by short-term climate variation. These short-term (annual) changes could be predicted along with predictions of monsoon intensity. In SE Asia, the most significant variable to predict short-term climate variation is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern, which affects climate throughout the world. El Niño and La Niña describe weather patterns that are due to temperature fluctuations in surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. In Cambodia, El Niño years (corresponding to a warm Pacific ocean) tend to be drier, and La Niñas result in less rain. Scientists measure the intensity of an El Niño / La Niña event based on the extent of the temperature anomaly in the equatorial Pacific. We compared their intensity (anomaly) values to rain and discovered a lag of about eight months from the onset of El Niño / La Niña to their maximal effect on local rainfall. Although this relationship is not perfect, it may be possible to use ENSO intensities to predict the following growing year’s rainfall in advance, and thus whether there will be higher or lower arsenic in the rice. This data can advise farmers and policymakers about how to manage rice production in a way that minimizes rice-arsenic levels and maximizes yields. With more research about specific techniques of growing rice, our predictions may be used to efficiently grow rice with low arsenic levels.

Cambodia is a particularly good place to study the effect of climate on rice arsenic, because small-scale farmers still cultivate using traditional methods. Cambodians depend on rice, and grow it with less human manipulation of water, rice variety, and other factors. They depend on local rainfall rather than irrigation and do not often use large quantities of commercial fertilizer in their soil to increase yield. Without these interventions, the chemical conditions controlling arsenic levels in soil and rice are more directly affected by climate and, thus, easier to compare. For the same reasons, agricultural practices can potentially be adapted to prevent high arsenic exposure in rice.

Our results are promising but limited by having few available measurements of rice arsenic levels, most of which are not accompanied by information about the rice variety or growing conditions like fertilizer addition, making it hard to control for their effects. In fact, there was really only enough data available for one small portion of Cambodia near Phnom Penh that indicated harvest date and could be included. To further validate our conclusion, studies examining arsenic levels in rice should be collected yearly under the same conditions and at the same location. Given the harmful effects of arsenic poisoning, we also need to expand our work to cover other regions and countries where rice arsenic has been studied more extensively, such as Bangladesh.

Description: map of study sites

Distribution of arsenic data sites and hydrological stations in Cambodia.

Human interventions, for example adding fertilizer and irrigation water, have played key roles in increasing yields. In Cambodia, rice yields have consistently grown since the 1960s, likely due to increased fertilizer usage (albeit still in small amounts) and an increased use of improved rice varieties (hardier crops with improved nutrient uptake). These and other human practices can potentially also affect arsenic levels in rice. Given the key role of precipitation and flooding in controlling rice arsenic levels, controlling flooding through irrigation and drainage could potentially be an important means of preventing arsenic uptake into rice. Controlling flooding during the growing season also can maximize nutrient availability. Of course, external factors also affect flooding and rice production. Among them, the Mekong river is increasingly regulated by dams. New dams, most constructed far upstream of the floodplain, have decreased flooding and soil nutrient supply. Unfortunately, with this construction, irrigation and fertilizer have become more vital, yet most farmers still do without, and as a result grow less rice and potentially, rice with more arsenic.

As we finalize our research, we want to ensure that rice farmers are educated about the drastic effects of arsenic in their produce. After our research is completed and presented, we hope to create a user-friendly website to share our findings and recommend best practices to minimize arsenic exposure. We will specifically include a section intended just for farmers, including a section translated into Khmer for Cambodians. We hope to create this site with our Cambodian colleagues and partners, many of whom grow rice, to get the results out.

Description: portrait of professor and children

Professor Benjamin Bostick under a mango tree with a group of children outside a local rice farmer’s home. Photo: Ben Bostick

Throughout the project, we greatly increased our understanding of real world data science research. We learned how to use the R programming language, Google Earth, and Excel. Moreover, we strengthened our teamwork and creativity skills, as we all collaborated on the same goal using different methods. Over four weeks, we bridged climate science with various arsenic reports to explain how arsenic in rice changes. We plan to publish our research paper and present our work at the American Geophysical Union Conference in December.

Please stay safe and enjoy your rice!

Description: Photo of the authors

Photo of the authors

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/09/02/climate-arsenic-levels-rice/

 

Pesticide-free crop protection yields sizable economic benefits in Asia-Pacific

Cornell Alliance for Science | September 3, 2020

 

This article or excerpt is included in the GLP’s daily curated selection of ideologically diverse news, opinion and analysis of biotechnology innovation.

Scientists have estimated for the first time how nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver US$14.6 to US$19.5 billion annually across 23 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The new research, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests that non-chemical crop protection (or biological control) delivers economic dividends that far surpass those attained through improved “Green Revolution” rice germplasm (estimated at US$ 4.3 billion a year).

The study, led by Dr. Kris Wyckhuys with contributions on the data collection from  Dr. Matthew Cock and Dr. Frances Williams of the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), unveils the magnitude and macro-economic relevance of biodiversity-based contributions to productivity growth in non-rice crops over a 100-year period between 1918 and 2018.

Scientifically-guided biological control of 43 exotic invertebrate pests allowed for between 73 percent to 100 percent yield loss recovery in critical food, feed and fiber crops including banana, breadfruit, cassava and coconut.

“The Green Revolution is credited with alleviating famine, mitigating poverty and driving aggregate economic growth since the 1960s — enabled through a tripling of rice output. Cornerstone of the Green Revolution were the ‘packaged’ seed x agro-chemical technologies and biological innovations such as high-yielding, disease-resistant cereal varieties,” said Wyckhuys, who is affiliated with academic institutions in China, Vietnam and Australia.

“Our research is the first to gauge the financial benefit of using biological control to fight crop pests in the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrates how these ecologically-based approaches promoted rural growth and prosperity in marginal, poorly-endowed, non-rice environments,” Wyckhuys continued.

“By thus placing agro-ecological innovations on equal footing with input-intensive measures, our work provides lessons for future efforts to mitigate invasive species, restore ecological resilience and sustainably raise output of global agri-food systems,” Wyckhuys said.

Related article:  Tequila-powered cars: Will biofuel from agave plants help avert energy shortages?

 

The scientists, who show how 75 different biological control agents mitigated 43 pests over a 100-year range, outline how biodiversity-driven ecosystem services underpin food systems and societal wellbeing in the face of environmental change.

“Biological control delivered durable pest control in myriad Asia-Pacific agriculture sectors, permitting yield-loss recoveries up to 73 percent, 81 percent and 100 percent in cassava, banana and coconut crops respectively,” added co-author Dr. Michael Furlong of the University of Queensland in Australia.

“The ensuing economic dividends are substantial, as pest-induced losses up to US$6.8, $4.3 and $8.2 billion annually for the above crops were offset (at respective values of $5.4-6.8 billion, $1.4-2.2 billion and $3.8-5.5 billion/year, for a conservative to high impact scenario range). As many of the underlying programs were run on a shoestring, the rate of return on biological control science is extraordinary,” Furlong continued.

“Our work constitutes an empirical demonstration of how insect biological control helped solidify the agrarian foundation of several Asia-Pacific economies and  in doing so, places biological control on an equal footing with other biological innovations, such as Green Revolution germplasm.

“Not only does it spotlight its transformative impacts — especially in light of increasing global reliance on chemical pesticides — but it also celebrates the century-long achievements of dedicated, yet often, un-acclaimed insect explorers and biological control pioneers,” he noted.

This article originally ran at the Cornell Alliance for Science and has been republished here with permission. Follow the Alliance for Science on Twitter @ScienceAlly

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2020/09/03/pesticide-free-crop-protection-yields-sizable-economic-benefits-in-asia-pacific/

 

 

Low quality rice: MP govt sacks two food corporation employees

Description: https://www.outlookindia.com/images/facebook1.png Description: https://www.outlookindia.com/images/twitter_short.png Description: https://www.outlookindia.com/images/pinterest1.png Description: https://www.outlookindia.com/images/linkedin.png Description: https://www.outlookindia.com/images/google_plus1.png

Bhopal, Sep 2 (PTI) After the Congress''s attack over the distribution of rice "unfit" for human consumption in the PDS shops, the Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday terminated the services of two quality controllers and ordered filing of an FIR against the millers involved in it.

The services of quality controllers (of Food and Civil Supplies Corporation) responsible for the quality work of rice in Balaghat and Mandla districts have been terminated, MP Public Relations Department said in a statement.

"The district manager of Balaghat has been suspended. Action is being taken against the rice millers concerned after registration of an FIR," it said.

Fifty-one joint teams of the Food Corporation of India and Food and Civil Supplies Corporation were formed. They have collected 1,021 samples of rice from both the districts.

In the preliminary investigation, 57 of these samples were found to be of inferior quality.

The action was taken after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued directives to take strict action in this regard.

Earlier in the day, former chief minister Kamal Nath claimed that a central government probe has revealed that rice provided to people under the PDS in the state was not fit for human consumption.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Nath said, "The rice distributed under the public distribution system during the coronavirus epidemic in Madhya Pradesh was not fit for human consumption. This fact has come out in a letter written after the Central Government''s investigation. It is a criminal act against humanity."

However, the ruling BJP refuted Nath''s allegation, saying that the rice found unfit for human consumption was purchased during the the previous Congress-led government, and demanded an apology from him for such a thing happening under his leadership.

Reacting to the Congress leader''s tweet, state BJP media in-charge Lokendra Parashar said the rice which the central team found unfit for human consumption in Mandla and Balaghat districts was purchased by the Kamal Nath government. PTI ADU MAS NP NP

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/india-ranks-48th-in-global-innovation-index/1928255?scroll

 

 

X EPaper Photo Stories (New) Podcasts (New) NEWS CITIES BANGALORE CHENNAI HYDERABAD KHAMMAM NIZAMABAD TIRUPATHI VIJAYAWADA VISAKHAPATNAM WARANGAL STATE ANDHRA PRADESH KARNATAKA TAMILNADU TELANGANA NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CRIME ENTERTAINMENT TOLLYWOOD NEWS WEB SERIES BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD SANDALWOOD KOLLYWOOD BOX OFFICE MOVIE REVIEWS BUSINESS HANS INVEST DOMESTIC FOREIGN MARKET COMPASS NEWSVOIR MEDIA OUTREACH SPORTS CRICKET FOOTBALL HOCKEY TENNIS OTHERS OPINION EDITORIAL EDITORS DESK CANDID COMMENTS LIFE LESSONS NEWS ANALYSIS LIFE STYLE FASHION FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALTH ENVIRONMENT BEAUTY SPIRITUAL TRAVEL TECH TECH NEWS GADGETS APPS ELECTRONICS AUTO AUTO NEWS AUTO REVIEWS FEATURED SUNDAY HANS WOMENIA MORE Trending : CoronavirusNarendra ModiPranab Mukherjee Home  > News > State > Telangana PDS rice scams on rise in Ranga Reddy Srinivas Gudipalli Hans News Service | 3 Sep 2020 12:02 AM IST x PDS rice scams on rise in Ranga Reddy HIGHLIGHTS As lockdown norms ease, PDS rice smugglers intensify attempts to resume their illegal business Ranga Reddy: The district has been facing a rapid growth in PDS rice scam cases since the lockdown began. Recently, the PDS rice being illegally stored and transported to different parts of the country has been seized in several places. With the lockdown easing in the district, PDS rice smugglers have intensified their attempts to resume their illegal business. There have been several incidents that have taken place recently. Commissioner's South task force team raided a house where the rice meant for distribution under PDS was illegally stored with the team seizing 100 quintals of rice from the place. Other incidents include officials seizing a total of 90 quintals of PDS rice from a rice mill in Keshampet; seizing 30 quintals of illegally stored PDS rice in Shadnagar on August 23. Police caught at least five gangs in yet another incident in Chandrayangutta on June 13 who were involved in procuring the rice meant to be distributed or already dispensed under the PDS.

 

 Rachakonda Police in another incident on August 13 arrested 11 persons on charges of illegally procuring PDS rice from beneficiaries and selling them to dealers in Maharashtra at higher rates. Officials seized 180 quintals of rice from the possession of those who purchased the PDS rice from poor persons at Rs 8 per kg and transported it to Maharashtra and Karnataka to sell it at Rs 14 per kg. The government purchases rice from the farmers and sends it to rice-mills for converting it to CMR rice. For that the government gives some commission to the rice-millers. This rice supplied through PDS that is supposed to be supplied to the hostels and ration dealers is diverted with the nexus of rice millers, ration shop dealers and businessmen denting the district exchequer to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees. Flattering the beneficiaries, the ration dealers purchase the rice from them and send it back to the rice-mills. It is said that in spite of being aware about this, higher officials are not taking any action.

https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/pds-rice-scams-on-rise-in-ranga-reddy-643401

 

 



Agriculture sector’s resilience on the wane: What to do?

 

12:00 AM, September 03, 2020 / LAST MODIFIED: 02:59 AM, September 03, 2020

 

Description: https://assetsds.cdnedge.bluemix.net/sites/default/files/styles/big_2/public/feature/images/incessant-rains-and-floods.jpg?itok=2LDigb7U&c=ff3b437ac0e733728ae061f61e287be8

Incessant rains and floods have delayed the plantation of aman paddy, which, experts believe, would have a negative impact on rice production this year. The photo was taken from Charakhali village under Indurkani upazila in Pirojpur on August 27. Photo: Habibur Rahman

Khondaker Golam Moazzem

The resilience of the domestic agriculture sector mainly of the crop sector appears to be in a weak state. Without proper policy intervention the pressure on the agriculture sector would increase further and would cause a number of challenges on food security for a large section of people in the coming months.

Although Bangladesh economy has been confronting multiple challenges since March 2020 in view of Covid-19 pandemic, the resilience of the agriculture sector mainly in rice production was a major relief for the country.

A number of positive intervention of the Ministry of Agriculture had ensured timely harvesting of Boro rice from major rice producing regions such as haor areas. Despite that production of non-crop agricultural products such as vegetables, poultry, dairy, livestock and partly fisheries have been badly affected.

And the government's policy intervention (Tk 9,000 crore for farmers and Tk 3,000 crore for livestock, fisheries and agro-based rural enterprises) would not be of significant positive contribution.

Even the agriculture sector has been badly affected afterwards -- first by cyclone Amphan in the south-western Part of Bangladesh and later by three consecutive floods, which caused significant damages in 33 districts, inundating one-third of the country.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the flood caused a total damage of Tk 1,323 crore. The damage was mostly caused to the production of Aus rice, vegetables, fisheries, livestock and poultry etc.

Because of the flood, cultivation of Aman, which comprises the second highest share of rice production, would be delayed. Shortages of seedlings and delay in cultivation would affect the rice yield.

It is to be noted that every monsoon season, a large part of domestic supply of vegetables are largely dependent on import particularly from India. Because of floods in many states in India, production of vegetables and other essential food items has been partly damaged there as well. Thus, supply from India became pricier.

Overall, domestic supply of agricultural products—particularly essential products—are in pressure. This is reflected in food inflation data of the last two months (July and August, 2020).

Unless proper measures are not taken into account, the food inflation is likely to be increased further. Given the pressure of limited/no employment opportunities and low/no income of a large section of people, an inflationary pressure is there. A higher level of inflation would force people to further downgrade their daily consumption which would ultimately affect their nutritional status.

The monthly food inflation during April-August period was higher in most of the months in 2020 compared to that in the previous year. Food inflation has crossed the 6 per cent mark in two months of this year – 6.54 per cent in June and 6.08 per cent in August.

The food inflation is like to rise further in the coming months unless proper measures are not taken. The retail market price of essential consumer goods has significantly increased.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, retail price of coarse rice has increased by Tk 3 and onion by Tk 12 within a month (July-August, 2020). Similarly, price of other essential commodities such as green chilli rose by Tk 300-400 per kg, leafy vegetables and other vegetables around Tk 60-100 per kg. The people in every quarter has difficulty in purchasing those essential items as per requirement. Low earning people have already changed their food habit – by shifting from consumption of fish, let alone meat, to vegetables by taking less amount of food every time and even in extreme cases, sacrificing one meal of the day.

Under any circumstances, the prices of rice and essential food items need to be stable. Given the damage caused to domestic production, supply in the local market would not be increased unless sufficient amount of those products are imported from neighbouring countries. Without adequate supply in the local market, food inflation is likely to be higher in September-November, 2020 period particularly till the next crop is harvested.

The government should encourage the private sector as well as itself to go for import of rice, onion, soybean and even vegetables from neighbouring countries at the earliest to give a signal to the market for increased supply of food.

There is always a significant time-gap observed in taking policy decisions. This gap is meant to be between the demand for imported food in the local market and public policy response in this regard.

Similar is true in opposite direction as well - controlling of import of food against good harvest at the local level. Failure to take timely decision leaves negative impact on consumers (in first case as mentioned above) as well as on producers (in second case).

It is expected that the Ministry of Commerce should be more proactive in taking decisions with regard to maintaining stable supply in the domestic market and thereby ensuring the interest of both consumers and producers.

The Commerce ministry should take into cognizance of three issues with regard to facilitate/control import of essential food products – a) timely announcement of the decision to import (with import duty structure), b) specific period for allowing import (should not be 'until further notice' type) and c) specific amount of allowable import (should not be non-specified).

Given the current state, the Ministry of Commerce should encourage the private sector to import different essential food items. The government may consider import of rice for increasing its public food stock.

Public food stock is not at a healthy state at present. According to the stock data, there was 10 lakh tonnes of rice available during July this year, which was much lower compared to that of the last year's 14 lakh tonnes.

The government has successfully utilised the food stock during Covid-19 and has continued supplying rice to flood-affected people. However, there is further demand for distribution of rice and other essential food items among the flood affected people and coronavirus-affected people.

According to the CPD this year, the government should not use the list of poor people for distribution of relief in the flood affected areas. The list should be widened to cover non-poor flood victims as well. Most importantly, the rising food inflation has created demand for supply of rice and other essentials among the poor people at subsidized rates.

The government should increase its open market sales and other social support scheme activities particularly in flood affected areas. To pursue such schemes efficiently, the government needs to increase the food stock. It is important to note that public food stock has important positive market-signalling effect in the private market. Since procurement of boro paddy was not successful—only 22 per cent was procured—and higher market price made rice millers less interested to sell to government, it is important to import rice by the government to increase its food stock immediately considering the demand for September-November 2020.

The stability in the rice market in the coming months would largely depend on the acreage of Aman rice cultivation finally to be made by the farmers and its harvest afterwards.

It is usually noted that the post-flood rice cultivation ensures higher yield compared to the normal period. However, delay in cultivation this year due to flood in most part of the country may have adverse effect in the Aman yield.

The government should immediately ensure sufficient supply of seedlings for farmers across the countries so that cultivation of Aman is not affected badly.

Given the consecutive adverse impacts on the agriculture sector, a large portion of farmers and farm labourers would be affected in terms of production, revenue, employment and wages. A large number of people have returned to villages from urban areas in search jobs in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

Over 96,000 migrant workers have returned to Bangladesh and are now staying mainly in villages and rural areas. These people are also without job. The public policy support in the form of subsidised credit is largely undistributed among the farmers, agro-based entrepreneurs, informal sector workers and returnee migrants.

The conditions attached to get those loans is difficult to comply with by these people. Hence, these people are largely without jobs, with low/no income and are in need of jobs.

The inflationary pressure has worsened their life further. The government may consider undertaking large scale project in rural areas such as rural infrastructure development project to renovate roads, bridges, culverts in flood affected areas as per the national budget 2021.

It may also consider a specific component of development of infrastructure in rural areas such as development of sewerage and sanitation system at thana and upazilla levels under its 'Amar Gram Amar Shahar' programme. Those income generating programmes would hugely benefit the rural people in getting employment and to earn their minimum subsistence income.

 

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/agriculture-sectors-resilience-the-wane-what-do-1955129

 

 

2 MP officials cleared sale of grain unfit for humans at govt shops, sacked

 

Demanding an apology from the BJP government, leader Opposition in the state assembly and former chief minister Kamal Nath called the distribution of such rice among people ‘a criminal act against humanity’.

INDIA Updated: Sep 03, 2020 07:45 IST

 

HT Correspondent

Hindustan Times, Bhopal

Description: The analysis report of all the total 32 samples were found to be not just below the rejection limit as per the uniform specifications issued by the ministry but also beyond the PFA standards as per FSSAI. (AP Photo)

The analysis report of all the total 32 samples were found to be not just below the rejection limit as per the uniform specifications issued by the ministry but also beyond the PFA standards as per FSSAI. (AP Photo)

     

The state government in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night terminated the services of two officers of Food and Civil Supplies department, suspended another officer while FIRs were filed with police against eight millers in two districts on the ground of a central government’s report that found that rice distributed through public distributed system (PDS) in these districts was unfit for human consumption and meant to be suitable for livestock and poultry, as per government officials.

Earlier in the day, demanding an apology from the BJP government, leader Opposition in the state assembly and former chief minister Kamal Nath called the distribution of such rice among people ‘a criminal act against humanity’.

An official communique from the state government released on Wednesday night said, “The services of quality controllers responsible for ensuring quality of rice in Balaghat and Mandla districts have been terminated, while the district manager of Balaghat has been suspended in the case. Action is being taken against the concerned millers by registering FIR against them.”

Principal secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, said, “So far FIRs have been lodged against eight millers. If we identify more millers responsible for distribution of such rice we will lodge FIRs against them too.”

The state government’s official communique said, “Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has given strict instructions against the guilty while taking the issue seriously of supply of poor quality rice in some places in Balaghat and Mandla districts. He clearly warned that those involved in irregularities and black marketing of ration, fertilizer etc. will not be spared and stern action will be taken by registering a criminal case against them.”

As per the official information, as many as 51 joint teams of Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Food & Civil Supplies Corporation, constituted to test the quality of rice, took 1021 samples of rice from both the districts. As a result of preliminary investigation, 57 of these samples were found to be sub-standard.

As per the provision of the State Custom Milling Policy, sub-standard rice given by the millers after custom milling will be returned and rice of standard quality will be obtained from him, said the government in a statement.

State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta released a letter dated August 21 of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution System written to the principal secretary of Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Madhya Pradesh which stated, “..in total 32 samples (31 from depots and one from ration shop) were collected. The samples were analysed in the NABL accredited Central Grain Analysis Laboratory (CGAL), Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi….”

“The analysis report of all the total 32 samples were found to be not just below the rejection limit as per the uniform specifications issued by the ministry but also beyond the PFA standards as per FSSAI. The stocks are found to be unfit for human consumption and in the categories of Feed-I which is meant to be suitable for livestock feed (such as goat, horse, sheep), Feed-II which is suitable for cattle feed and Feed-III which is suitable for poultry feed as per the guidelines for the issuance/disposal of the stocks.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2-mp-officials-cleared-sale-of-grain-unfit-for-humans-at-govt-shops-sacked/story-HO5p6w8TljgAS2UWtb6RCL.html

 

 

MP shocker: Rice fit for goat, cattle found in ration shop, depots at tribal belts

 

The Union ministry was of the view that old and expired rice were supplied to the depots and godowns for distribution to consumers while on paper fresh stock was shown to have been procured.

Description: https://images.newindianexpress.com/images/FrontEnd/images/social-article/flip.pngDescription: https://images.newindianexpress.com/images/FrontEnd/images/social-article/fb.png Description: https://images.newindianexpress.com/images/FrontEnd/images/social-article/twitter.png

Published: 03rd September 2020 03:49 AM  |   Last Updated: 03rd September 2020 10:20

Representational Image

By Anuraag Singh

Express News Service

BHOPAL: The Centre has asked the Madhya Pradesh government to stop distribution of rice in the state through fair price shops and the targeted public distribution system after rice stocks in four depots and one fair price shop in tribal dominated and Maoist-affected Mandla and Balaghat districts were found to be “unfit for human consumption.”

In a letter sent to the MP principal secretary (food and civil supplies), accessed by this newspaper, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said after inspection, the quality of rice was found to fall in three categories: category 1 was fit for goat, horse and sheep, category 2 was fit for cattle, and category 3 was fit for poultry.

The Union ministry was of the view that old and expired rice were supplied to the depots and godowns for distribution to consumers while on paper fresh stock was shown to have been procured. 

“As per the records of the godowns, the receipt of the stocks from where the samples were drawn were procured in the months May to July 2020 while the condition of the stock represents a different picture altogether. The stocks are 100% recycled old stock and the gunnies used for storage are also at least 2-3 years old,” the Union ministry pointed out. 

ADVERTISEMENT

In a late evening action, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that a criminal case would be filed against those involved in irregularities and black marketing of rations. 

While the services of quality controllers in the two districts were terminated, the Balaghat district manager was suspended in the case. Action is being taken against the concerned millers by registering FIR against them.

Earlier, former rural development minister Kamleshwar Patel and Congress MLA said “instead of posing for the camera in the name of meeting flood-affected people”, the CM and the state government should act against the erring officials.

Teams of the storage and research division of the department of food & public distribution of the union ministry had inspected four depots of state agencies and one fair price shop in the two districts between July 30 and August 2. 

In total 32 samples, 31 from the depots and one from the ration shop, were collected and they were analysed at the NABL-accredited Central Grain Analysis Lab, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

“The analysis reports of the total 32 samples were found to be not just beyond below rejection limit as per the uniform specifications issued by the Union ministry, but also beyond the PFA standards as per the FSSAI. The stocks are found to be unfit for human consumption,” Union ministry said.

The ministry said the stocks were “in the categories of Feed-I, which is meant to be suitable for livestock feed such as goat, horse and sheep, Feed-II, which is suitable for cattle feed, and Feed-III, which is suitable for poultry feed.” 

“In this context, concern has arisen regarding the other stock also in Madhya Pradesh. Therefore, it is requested to withhold the rice stock available in the depots for further investigation and recategorisation,” the Union ministry told the state government. 

The Union ministry said there were “grave lapses by the district officers, officials and authorities” and asked the state government to identify the personnel concerned and initiate action against them.

“Besides, the rice millers associated in delivery of such ‘human unfit’ stock should be blacklisted with immediate effect,” the ministry said in its letter to the MP government.

Stay up to date on all the latest Nation news with The New Indian Express App. Download now

TAGS

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:c66OopFzj6sJ:https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/sep/03/mp-shocker-rice-fit-for-goat-cattle-found-in-ration-shop-depots-at-tribal-belts-2191883.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk

 

 

Navy arrest 8 for smuggling foreign rice, impound 2 wooden boats in C’River

 

2nd September 2020

 

 

in National

  Judex Okoro, Calabar

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Calabar, has arrested eight persons for smuggling in 1, 522 bags of foreign rice.

The command also impounded two wooden boats along Tom Shott Island.

Parading the suspects in Calabar on Wednesday, the Commander, NNS Victory, Commodore Idi Abbas, said the smugglers were intercepted in two batches including 1, 522 bags of foreign bags of rice.

Abbas said the first group of four men were arrested on Sunday around Tom Short Island with a large wooden boat containing 1482 bags of foreign parboiled rice.

He said that the second group of four persons were arrested with two fibre boats containing 40 bags of foreign rice, suspected to have been smuggled from Cameroon.

According to him, “in line with the extant regulations, the confiscated items and eight suspected smugglers are hereby handed over to the Team Leader of Operation Border Drill for further investigation and prosecution.

“We have been up and doing as part of our patrol effort not only to check smuggling but also curb all forms of criminality within our waterways.

“We are aware that most times when kidnapping is carried out, the fastest way for them to escape is through the creeks, so we have placed our boats at vantage positions that you cannot go into the sea without being seen.

“We all know that times are hard but no matter how hard times are, there are other ways of earning a living legitimately,” he said.

Speaking to journalists during the parade in Calabar,

the Commander, NNS Victory, Commodore Idi Abbas, disclosed that the smugglers were intercepted in two batches.

Speaking shortly after receiving the suspects and items, the Superintendent of the Nigerian Customs Service, Chuks Ofilli, said the procedure of the service was to take the items confiscated to the government warehouse while the suspects would be handed over to the legal unit.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/navy-arrest-8-for-smuggling-foreign-rice-impound-2-wooden-boats-in-criver/

 

Nigerians Kick As Discos Hike Electricity Tariff

 

2 SEPTEMBER 2020

Daily Trust (Abuja)

 

By Simon Echewofun Sunday, Umar Shehu Usman, Zara Idris, Sunday Michael Ogwu, Christiana T. Alabi, Abdullateef Aliyu and Risikat Ramoni

Nigerians are outraged over Monday's 50 percent unceremonious hike in the price of electricity, saying it is an additional burden on them.

Citizens including artisans, technicians, teachers, manufacturers and industrialists described the increase as ill-timed, insensitive and a deliberate attempt to further increase the difficulties they are passing through at a time they were trying to pick their pieces following months of COVID-19 lockdown.

The new tariff regime would affect customers having power supply for 12 hours and above; those on estimated billing and or without meters and residential, commercial and industrial customers as well as special-purpose uses like street lights and others.

The increase did not, however, affect poor or lifeline customers as they would continue to pay N4 kilowatt-hour (kwh).

It will also not affect customers receiving 50 kWh per month and customers having below 12-hour power supply daily.

However, low-income earners interviewed on Tuesday said it would be difficult to ascertain the people receiving less than 12 hours power supply while owners of some small scale industries, including rice millers said the increase would have a direct effect on the cost of production.

- How NERC approved tariff hike for DisCos -

Daily Trust learnt that the new tariff hike was endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari after an ad-hoc committee was set up to review the tariff in June.

A member of the committee, which had Fola Adeola, the Chairman of GT Bank; former CBN governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, among others, said fearing the looming recession, the committee submitted that there was a need to raise the power tariff because there was no budgetary provision to subsidise the power sector in the 2020 revised budget.

"Should we stay and allow the economy to collapse?" a member of the ad hoc committee asked.

"We cannot...

"What we insisted at the meetings is that the poor who are mostly in Residential 1 (R1) and R2 should not have any increase.

"We also got assurances from the highest level that the poor are not going to be affected by this tariff; the government has not closed the door for an engagement," he said.

According to series of the tariff hike notices from the DisCos, the hikes in the different electricity rates were duly approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the next four months.

NERC had recently okayed tariff hike but said the DisCos must consult with customers first.

"Following consultations and directions on tariff policy, the Commission (NERC) hereby approves a deferment of the applicable tariffs for customers in service band D and E (that is customers with a service commitment of less than an average of 12 hours of supply per day over a period of one month) for the period 1st September 2020 to 1st January 2021," the commission said.

NERC stated that the new tariff order will end on January 1, 2021, when sources in the power industry said the Commission is expected to approve another hike for the power firms.

- 'Increase marks another chapter of difficulties' -

John Garba is a barbershop operator at Kado Estate in Abuja who recently battled and cleared his tenement rate.

He said besides struggling to buy fuel for his power generator after a fuel price hike; he is now faced with a hike in electricity bill by over 50 percent.

"From the bills of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Kado area is said to have over 12-hour power supply and so the tariff is rising by nearly 50 percent.

"This is unbearable during the COVID-19 period as businesses are slow," Garba said.

The struggling entrepreneur is not the only one facing this challenge as there is a general outcry by customers of the 11 DisCos.

Bello Olagoke at the Mararaba part of Nasarawa State, near Abuja, expressed doubt if there would be any difference when he was told that areas with power supply below 12 hours have not been included in the latest hike.

He said; "Who will monitor the DisCos if they decide to bill everyone where there is epileptic power supply?

"Even now our bills are outrageous despite the frequent outages."

A lecturer at the Department of Political Science at the University of Lagos, Dr Isiaka Adams, said the tariff increase was an indication that the Nigerian government was not sensitive to the plight of the masses.

"This is not the appropriate time to increase the tariff regardless of the excuses or pressure from Gencos and Discos.

"As we speak, the majority of Nigerians have not been metered.

"People are asked to pay N38, 800 for a single-phase meter and the minimum wage in Nigeria is N33,000 and many states are yet to pay and even the federal government is yet to implement it.

"Some tertiary institutions have not started paying the minimum wage until now.

"The government is burdening people unnecessarily with various taxes," he said.

Citing recent statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he said many Nigerians were out of job and the unemployment rate had increased.

Mr Tajudeen Gbadamosi said the increase would further deepened the woes of consumers whom he said were already paying through their nose since the beginning of this year.

A rice miller in Kano, Saminu Ya'u Kangon Kaloma in Kano said the cost of processing rice will skyrocket.

"You must use electricity to process rice and therefore the price in the market will definitely rise," he said.

"A 50 kg cost N23, 000 and it will most likely go up.

"We would have to increase the wholesale price," he said.

Musa Malami Sakatare at Dakata also in Kano said they were shocked by the sudden increase.

"I am into vegetable oil production and we use electricity all the time.

"I am afraid we would have to increase what we collect from our customers," he said.

- How DisCos will shine to the banks -

Residential customers under the Ikeja DisCo have been grouped as R2SP and R2TP to be paying N21.30 and N21.80 per kilowatt-hour (kwh).

In a similar NERC Tariff Order for Eko DisCo, it grouped the customers as A to E with the C to E customers having 12 hour supply down to four hours daily, and charged them not to hike tariff for those below 12 hour power daily supply.

The Kaduna Electric also hiked its electricity tariff.

Its Tariff Order approved by NERC showed that while there was no increase for Band D and E customers, the schedule showed that the tariff for Band A rose to as high as N56.31/kwh from about N40 previously.

"The above tariff is from September to December, 2020," Kaduna DisCo noted.

Chairman of NERC, Prof. James Momoh, on Wednesday last week hinted that the new model is known as Service-Based Tariff (SBT).

"Under these service-based principles, DisCos will only be able to review tariff rates for customers when they consult with customers, commit to increasing the number of hours of supply per day and quality of service."

The DisCos recently submitted their amended Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) to NERC for approval as a basis to raise their rates after the July 1, 2020 increment timeline was suspended by members of the National Assembly.

- Manufacturers, labour, others reject hike -

Among the stakeholders rejecting the latest tariff hike is the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The group said the proposed increase was coming at a time that manufacturing was groaning because of deep injuries already inflicted on the sector by the prevailing harsh operating environment, the increasing burden of taxes, and self-generated electricity.

The Acting Director-General of MAN, Mr Ambrose Oruche, said most of MAN-member companies were classified in the 'D' categorisation (D1, D2 and D3), meaning 'Industrial Consumers' where tariff is the highest.

"A tariff increase will take its toll, having a drastic negative effect on the Gross National Product (GNP); Gross Domestic Product (GDP), disposable income, consumption, consumer price index, employment, government revenue from corporate taxation etc.

"Electricity tariff even if it cannot be reduced should not be increased; any increase on the tariff will reinforce the already high cost manufacturing environment," Oruche said.

The leadership of the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria (OPSN) in a reaction said various projections for generation capacities for different years were made but not attained, yet tariff kept increasing.

"The pertinent questions are, therefore; wouldn't they have been accomplished?

"Wouldn't it be better to think more about how to improve generation capacity hence transmission and distribution rather than squeezing the mere 4000 megawatts (MW) to meet all revenue needs of key sharing stakeholders?"

The General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers' Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON), Comrade Gbenga Komolafe described the tariff increase as "absolutely insensitive, thoughtless and disdain for the people."

By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy.

The Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said for investments to thrive in the power sector cost-reflective tariff was inevitable.

He said the alternative was for the government to subsidise it.

"Cost reflective tariff is a difficult option, especially given the prevailing economic conditions.

But it is the most sustainable option that would salvage the power sector and attract investment.

It is important to fix the numerous inefficiencies that characterise the entire power sector value chain," he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday rejected the approved tariff hike by NERC.

In a statement, its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said labour frowned at the increase and completely condemned any plan to inflict further pain on Nigerians at this very time of great economic distress.

"The NLC is also deeply concerned on the deaf and the dumb posture of the electricity regulator.

"It is important to put on record the fact that NERC would be putting its name on the wrong side of history if it continues to play the ostrich while a group of portfolio investors make a blood meal of Nigerians," he said.

The Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Consumers Advocacy Network (NECAN), Tomi Akingbogun, said electricity consumers were simply ignorant of what was going on saying members of the public have not been adequately educated on the new billing system.

In his response, Adetayo Adegbemle, the Executive Director of Power Up Initiatives said the Service Reflective Tariff (SRT) was unfortunately another blind walk on the alley.

"We have decided to reward mediocrity from the DisCos and make poor Nigerians pay for the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the power system.

"No amount of money thrown at the system would solve anything," he said.

On his part, the President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network (NCPN), Kunle Kola Olubiyo, said his group and other electricity consumers will hold the DisCos to improve the networks as they have committed to do in the next three months.

Read the original article on Daily Trust.

https://allafrica.com/stories/202009020323.html

 

 

Mining firms donate P5.29 million, rice to Masbate townsfolk after quake

 

ByBusinessMirror

 

 


Filminera Resources Corp. (Filminera) and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp. (PGPRC) turned over P5.29 million in cash, plus 100 sacks of rice and 50 folding beds to the Municipality of Cataingan, following an earthquake in Masbate.

The donations were received by Cataingan Mayor Felipe Cabatana, Vice Mayor Thelma Ang  and Sangguniang Bayan members.

Also, Filminera and PGPRC donated P1 million worth of relief goods and building materials to adjoining Masbate municipalities whose communities and households were severely affected by the earthquake.

Cataingan was hardest-hit by the quake, 6.6 on the Richter scale, last August 18, which shook the entire Masbate province. The earthquake’s epicenter is 7 kilometers off Cataingan. The Filminera mine site in Aroroy is 150 kilometers away from Cataingan.

As a post-earthquake response, a team from Filminera and PGPRC joined Cataingan Mayor Cabatana, the municipal engineer and administrator, to inspect and assess the damaged public structures in the municipality.

In a recent weekend inspection, environmental experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, visited  Filminera’s mine site in Aroroy and reported in an exit conference that there were no cases of damage to property, or injury to people at the mine site. Community stakeholders, the local government units, and Filminera and PGPRC representatives attended the conference.

Filminera President Cris Acosta pointed out that inspection results simply confirmed the earlier findings of in-house technical experts and third-party international consultant GHD that there was no  damage to structures and equipment.

GHD has been an advisor of the Masbate Gold Project since 2007. GHD was initially engaged to carry out the detailed design of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and has been providing detailed design and construction supervision services for the TSF development. GHD also provides geotechnical assessments, deposition modelling, embankment design and analysis, mine site water balance modelling, and design of the water treatment plant.

The management of Filminera and PGPRC temporarily stopped mining in August 21 to give way to the inspection team, and has since resumed normal operations in August 27.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/01/mining-firms-donate-p5-29-million-rice-to-masbate-townsfolk-after-quake/

 New Look, New Sponsor, and Better Prizes for Annual Scholarship Video Contest

 

ARLINGTON, VA — The annual National Rice Month Scholarship Video Contest is up and running with a new sponsor, American Commodity Company (ACC), and a revamped website full of information and tips on making a great video.

ReelRiceContest.com (Image courtesy of USA Rice)

Open to graduating high school students from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas, the contest asks students to create a video that in three minutes or less, shines a light on this versatile, tasty, home-grown grain.  “Educate, entertain, and tell us why you think rice is special — to you, to your state, or to the world,” says the website.

Three guaranteed scholarship prizes, sponsored by ACC, totaling $10,000 will be awarded.  The grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip with a chaperone to the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference, the second-place winner receives a $3,000 scholarship, and third place receives $2,000.

“The scope of the video contest has grown each year, not just in the number of participants but also in the quality and inventiveness of the entries,” said ACC President & CEO Chris Crutchfield.  “We’re impressed with how this promotion broadens the reach of the U.S. rice story to these young consumers and storytellers, and we were happy to step up as sponsors to help make them achieve their higher education goals.  One of ACC’s core values as a company is to inspire young leaders, and this program is a perfect fit.”

Last year’s grand prize winner, Kyle Voong, graduated from Brandon High School in Brandon, Mississippi, and is headed to the University of Southern California this fall to study neuroscience.  His video was a musical take on all things U.S. rice that included a cooking demonstration of a favorite family rice recipe.

“I was by no means an expert on rice before my participation in the competition, but the NRM video contest gave me an opportunity to immerse myself in a new subject,” said Voong.  “I not only learned facts about rice, but I was also able to refine my skills in editing, research, and video production.”

Entries are judged on creativity, quality, and effectiveness in telling a story about U.S.-grown rice, and are due by October 31.

Based in Williams, California, American Commodity Company (ACC) is a full-service handler and marketer of milled and paddy rice, including all types and varieties of short and medium grain rice produced in California.

https://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/new-look-new-sponsor-and-better-prizes-for-annual-scholarship-video-contest/

 

 

 

COVID-19 Cancels Outlook 2020

 

 

By Deborah Willenborg

 

ARLINGTON, VA -- The 2020 USA Rice Outlook Conference, scheduled for December 9-11, in Austin, Texas, will not be held in-person due to the impossibility of putting on a large trade show and conference in compliance with public health safety guidelines and regulations.  Yesterday, the USA Rice Board of Directors met, via conference call, to discuss other options including a full virtual conference, but reluctantly decided the best plan for this was to not hold the conference at all.  

"No one is happy about this decision but after looking at all possible scenarios, the Board felt it made the most sense to forego the conference this year but still undertake some of the traditional conference sessions and awards by other means.  We will be announcing the schedule for those events soon," said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  "The next live, in-person Outlook will be in New Orleans next year and we will be sure to include time to recognize 2020 award recipients in-person.  We will return to Austin for Outlook 2022."
Description: C:\Users\abc\Downloads\unnamed.jpg

The annual USA Rice Outlook Conference brings together rice farmers, millers, merchants, and representatives of allied businesses from all rice-producing states and beyond for information and interaction.  The conference features exciting speakers, outstanding learning sessions, and a trade show bringing the newest and most promising innovations to attendees.

"Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and this is definitely one of those times," said Ward.  "We're certainly disappointed at having to cancel this year's event, but, will conduct some of the Outlook Conference activities through other platforms like podcasts, social media and webinars so watch this space for more details."

 

 

SAVOR Travelle To Go

 



by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times
2020-09-01


Description: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/images/general/all/sharemorefacebooktwittergoogleredditpinterest.jpg



These days, when convenience seems paramount, Travelle at The Langham ( 330 N. Wabash Ave.; TravelleChicago.com ) offers something that it hopes will draw lots of people: Travelle To Go.

And this concept should. Located around the corner of the building at ground level ( between Wabash Avenue and State Street ), Travelle To Go—available Wednesdays through Saturdays 12-6 p.m.—offers many delectable items.

They include small plates such as burrata with raspberry and peaches served with honey comb, peach gastrique and focaccia ( $18 ); meatballs with pomodoro, Grana Padano and country bread ( $16 ); and summer solstice panzanella with prosciutto, tomato, melon, and raspberry vinaigrette ( $16 ).

Main dishes include Grand "Maine lobster roll" with Brown Buttered Hollandaise, Celery, and Pickled Peppers ( $27 )—a very delicious sandwich; Polish sausage with house sauerkraut, grilled onions, and horseradish mustard ( $18 ); and a very well-made butter chicken with basmati rice, naan, cumin crema, pea tendrils and cilantro ( $19 ).

However, make room for dessert. The key lime pie ( $8 ) I had was incredible, but there are also selections such as the chocolate chip ice cream cookie sandwich ( $8 ) and the banana cream pudding slice with white chocolate mousse and vanilla whipped cream ( $8 ).

But wait—there's more: Travelle's beverage team has also launched a cocktail to-go menu featuring items such as Piazza Bianca, with Ketel One vodka, Italicus, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and citrus syrup ( $16 ).

And ( last but not least ) on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Pastry Chef Danielle Marelli and Pastry Sous Chef Joyce Park present a rotating selection of enticing pastries such as cinnamon rolls, croissants and Lamington squares ( sponge-cake squares filled with raspberry and topped with coconut ). I'll have to return Labor Day weekend: Strawberry-cheesecake pop tarts and various pies ( key lime white chocolate, peach almond crumb and Michigan blueberry ) are on tap.

So if you can't check out the actual Travelle restaurant in the building, I urge you to check out Travelle To Go—and then head on over to the nearby Chicago River for a nice picnic. ( Speaking of which, there are also picnic baskets for retail. )

Description: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/images/spacer.gif

 

 

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/SAVOR-Travelle-To-Go/69149.html

 

How Kenya can meet local demand for rice

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 2:45

Description: Rice farmers Rice farmers. FILE PHOTO | NMG 

Description: FacebookDescription: TwitterDescription: LinkedIn

Rice is the third most consumed staple in the country, yet we are not self-sufficient to meet our demand. With a growing population and increase in per capita rice consumption, the government and other policymakers have been left with only a few options to meet future demand for rice; through increased imports and increased productivity.

Our national rice consumption is estimated at 500,000 metric tonnes a year. Despite this being a clear indication of Kenyans uptake of rice as a principal food, our annual production of 100,000 metric tonnes pales in comparison.

According to the National Rice Development Strategy-2, 2019-2030, the annual consumption of rice in Kenya is increasing at a rate of over 12 percent owing to the progressive change in eating habits of Kenyans, especially in urban areas.

This, together with a annual projected population growth rate of 2.7 percent, will mean that the estimated annual national need for rice is expected to reach up to 1,290,000 tonnes by 2030.

Given that Food Security and Nutrition is one of the pillars of the Big Four Agenda which our President is steadfast to implement, increasing the productivity of rice shall form an important component in this pillar. In addition to enhancing food security, it should also alleviate poverty by raising farmer incomes and increase the prospects of creating new jobs in the whole value chain from farm to fork. Investment in the rice sector should therefore become a key priority in the agriculture sector.

The largest rice irrigation scheme in the country is the Mwea Rice Scheme which was started in 1956 during the colonial times when a seed variety from India called the Basmati was planted in the scheme and hence the birth of what is famously known as the Kenya Pishori rice.

Over the years, the scheme has expanded to 30,000 acres. The other rice schemes across the country are the West Kano and Ahero (in Nyanza) and Bunyala. The much anticipated rice scheme in the Tana river under Tarda was a failure from its onset.

So the key question is what has been ailing this sector to scale up production?

The rice sector has always been overseen by the National Irrigation Board (NIB) which falls under the Ministry of Water. This is because of the provision of water under irrigation.

However, in essence the mandate of seed production, varietal development, good farming practice and market linkage should technically be the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture.

This could possibly be one of the primary reasons why we lost focus on prioritising rice as a strategic food crop. The constant squabbles between the farmers and NIB in the late 1990s due to the political interference of rice marketing in the scheme also created a lethargy in the development of the sector.

To revive this sector, we need to take a multipronged approach which revolves around agronomy and infrastructure development, farmer financing and market linkages. Let us explore each one separately.

Research into new seed development shall remain crucial to ensure farmers get optimal productivity and quality.

The choice of variety is based on its agronomical performance and not economic reasons since varieties like the Pishori when grown in the West Kano and Ahero have proven to be failures due to its microclimate.

In addition, to ensure efficiency, farmers should work in co-operatives and find ways of aggregating their smaller pieces of land to farm commercially as large tracts which can enable mechanisation.

Provision of farm extension services to educate farmers on best farming practices including the appropriate use of farm inputs such as fertiliser and pesticides shall also play a crucial role in productivity.

Finally, there should be a security of source of water for this irrigated crop to perform well. This means that there should be adequate water source from dams and one should not rely on just the river source which frequently get affected by rainfall patterns.

A case in point is how the delay in building the Thiba dam which would serve the Mwea Rice Scheme has greatly affected the growth of this scheme.

Provision of affordable finance is very crucial for the security of the farmer income. Due to the lack of access to this finance, farmers have the tendency of borrowing from shylocks whose exorbitant finance costs makes it prohibitive for farmers to earn anything for their hard work.

Abject poverty

Many farmers also find it more attractive to lease out their pieces of land rather than farm for the same low income expectation.

In addition to finance, well-structured crop insurance can also protect the farmer from the vagaries of weather and disease leading to crop failures which wipes out the farmer’s income and sets them back into abject poverty.

There’s need to work in co-operatives which will also improve the bargaining of farmers to purchase farm inputs as well as obtaining finance from banks.

The adoption of the warehouse receipting programme also ensures farmers obtain finance for their produce once harvested in a formalised structure and have the flexibility of trading in their produce at their free will when the timing and pricing is right.

The third component is market linkages. Without a market for their produce at the right price, it is an exercise in futility for the farmer.

Except for a portion of the crop which the farmer can keep for their subsistence use, there has to be a surety of market for the remainder of their produce.

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/ideas/How-Kenya-can-meet-local-demand-for-rice/4259414-5617126-nn2ur2/index.html