USA Rice Meets with Ag
Secretary Perdue in Japan
TOKYO, JAPAN -- Earlier this
week, the USA Rice representative in Japan, Yumi Kojima, and Steve Vargas of
Sun Valley Rice, who serves as vice-chair of the USA Rice International
Promotion Committee, had the opportunity to meet with Secretary of Agriculture
Sonny Perdue at a reception here honoring the U.S Agriculture Hall of Fame
(HOF) at the U.S. Ambassador's residence. The HOF, begun in 2011, honors
those Japanese companies that have been stalwart supporters of U.S. agriculture
and food throughout the years.
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Exchanging business cards with Ambassador
Hagerty (right)
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"The Secretary's schedule
left little time to discuss in-depth issues related to trade and promotions
programs in Japan," said Sarah Moran, USA Rice vice president
international. "But Yumi and Steve did get a chance to thank Perdue
for his department's support for U.S. rice interests in Japan and
elsewhere. They also met briefly with U.S. Ambassador William Hagerty and
gave credit to the Embassy's Agricultural Affairs and Agricultural Trade
Offices for their support for USA Rice promotions programs and trade interests
in Japan."
Japan is the second largest export market in terms of value, surpassed only by Mexico. Japan imported 274,000 MT of U.S. rice in 2018 valued at $232 million
Japan is the second largest export market in terms of value, surpassed only by Mexico. Japan imported 274,000 MT of U.S. rice in 2018 valued at $232 million
Qatar Again Bans Pakistani Basmati Rice
The foreign minister
said that Qatar had put some conditions for importing Basmati rice.
Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News
– 14th May, 2019) Foreign Minister Shah
Mehmood Qureshi has said that Qatar has
banned Pakistani Basmati rice.
Briefing the National
Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, the
foreign minister said that Qatar had put some
conditions for importing Basmati rice.
One of the conditions was that the
Basmati rice should be Indian, he said, adding
that Basmati rice is produced in Pakistan and India exportsthe same rice.
The foreign minister revealed
that Qatar has
banned Pakistani Basmati rice.
He said that the Pakistani government has already
raised the matter with Qatar.
He added that the Ministry of food and Agriculture needs several
improvements, adding that the Qatari Emir is likely to soon visit Pakistan.
Qatar annually imports 200,000 tonnes of rice.
Qatar had recently agreed to
include Pakistani rice in the
tender documents of the Central Tendering Committee which falls directly under
the purview of Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
The lifting of the ban on Pakistani rice was
expected to provide an additional US $40-50 million of rice exports to Qatar if the quality
is maintained.
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
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The unemployment rate in Punjab
among those in the 18-29 age group is 16% against the Indian average of
10.2% (Pawan Sharma/Mint)
The unemployment rate in Punjab
among those in the 18-29 age group is 16% against the Indian average of
10.2% (Pawan Sharma/Mint)
Elections won’t solve Patiala sized problems
Punjab needs a stiff dose of hope to tackle unemployment,
farm stagnation, border tensions, and the drug menace
Topics
Amritsar: As you enter Amritsar, what
strikes you immediately is the sign stating the distance to the Atari village
close to the border—27 kilometres. That’s less than the distance from Delhi’s
central hub Connaught Place to suburban Gurugram. No wonder that a Pakistan
overhang pervades across this border city that is celebrating 550 years of Sikh
saint Guru Nanak’s birth and also marking 100 years of the Jallianwala Bagh
massacre.
Don’t expect voter turnout to be very
high in the state. In 2014, it was 70.61% (up from 69.8% in 2009) but this time
around it could dip. People are just too weary of coping with the demands of
living in a state that appears to have been pushed to the margins of the
country’s collective consciousness.
Talk to the Uber and Ola drivers and
they tell you they are lucky to get two-three passengers a day. That’s why they
are willing to put their app off and wait for you, no matter how long it takes.
In any case, the driving is just a holding operation until something else turns
up. The chances of that are unlikely in a state where the unemployment rate
among those in the 18-29 age group is 16% as against the Indian average of
10.2%. “Elections don’t help. In the path of development we have chosen, the
state has surrendered to the market. Political parties can’t give jobs. The
best they can do is to create conditions that can help people seek jobs,"
says Pramod Kumar, director of the Chandigarh-based Institute for Development
and Communication (IDC).
Those “conditions", i.e. the
reskilling apparatus, is sorely missing and young people are left to fend for
themselves, resulting in the scourge of drugs. Adding to that is the military
tensions between India and Pakistan, the impact of which is most acutely felt
in this border state. Since 16 February this year when India withdrew
most-favoured nation status for Pakistan, trade between the two countries has
almost ground to a halt, rendering 1,700 labourers jobless.
As if that’s not bad enough, a 2 May ban
on growing high rise crops along the border has come as a body blow for
farmers. On that date, the district magistrate-cum-deputy commissioner of
Fazilka, Manpreet Singh Chhatwal, issued a prohibitory order forbidding the
cultivation of Bt cotton, corn, ghawra, jawar, sugarcane, sarro, toria, suraj
mukhi and other high rise crops in the fields adjoining the Pakistan border.
The reason given is that “there is every possibility of infiltrators crossing
the Indo-Pak border in the shadow of these high rise crops".
Voter apathy
Punjab’s voters have seen it all before.
After all, it is the same set of faces that keep resurfacing every election.
Since February 1997 when Parkash Singh Badal became chief minister of the state
at the head of a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) government, he and the Congress’s
Captain Amarinder Singh, the current chief minister, have swapped roles every
five years.
Locals give the Bharatiya Janata Dal
(BJP)-SAD combine little chance of success this time. Just two years into
Captain’s rule, there isn’t a pronounced anti-incumbency factor, though it
isn’t as if he’s brought any great solutions to the crisis-ridden state of 27.7
million people. So far, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit
Shah have stayed away from campaigning, though they could make a last-minute
appearance.
The irony is that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),
which was the biggest gainer in 2014 winning four seats, isn’t in the reckoning
this time. Riven with internal dissension as well as open revolt, it has been
fragmenting at an alarming rate. Last year, seven of its members of legislative
assembly led by Sukhpal Singh Khaira formed a rival party, the Punjab Ekta
Party, which is contesting the elections as part of a four-party alliance. The
party’s best hope is for Bhagwant Mann, the sitting Lok Sabha member in
Sangrur.
In Amritsar, the Congress Bhawan near
Rialto Chowk bears a deserted look. All the action is in the Hall Bazar office
where Gurjeet Singh Aujla, the city’s sitting member of Parliament, and the man
widely tipped to retain his seat, is campaigning from. His opponent is the
BJP’s Hardeep Puri, Union minister for housing and urban affairs. The former
diplomat, who is camping in the city addressing several rallies every day, is
considered a lightweight but he isn’t giving up in a hurry.
Quiz him on specifics of a revival plan
for the state and he points to the availability of land, water and the spirit
of the people. That may not be enough considering that Punjab’s average
agriculture gross domestic product (GDP) )growth between 2007 and 2015 was a
limp 1.3% as compared to 10.9% for Madhya Pradesh which has now replaced the
former as India’s food bowl, according to IndiaSpend. Says Kumar: “The economy
has stagnated since the green revolution. Whatever little growth there is
happened by default."
The fall of a mighty state
The pity is almost 98% of farmland in
Punjab is now served by irrigation, and its farmers almost without fail use
high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. But these gains have come at a high
cost. Chemical fertilizer use per acre is up sixfold over the last five decades
and returns are meagre. A study in 2015-16 by Punjab University said 86% of the
farmers in the state face various levels of indebtedness, with a third living
below the poverty line. Little wonder that Ashok Sethi, director, Punjab Rice
Millers and Exporters Association, calls Punjab “a case study of an ongoing
economic and social disaster".
A Brookings blog
post pointed out,
“By the mid-1980s, Punjab’s per capita output was the highest in the land.
Since then, India’s economic growth picked up, and Punjab started to slip. By
2012, six states—Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and
Tamil Nadu—had overtaken Punjab. To understand the reasons for this, it helps to
start by looking at investment-to-GDP ratios in Punjab and in the rest of
India. In 1980, at about 15%, this ratio was about the same. By 2010, it was
38% in India but still 15% in Punjab." Clearly, investors have
increasingly shunned the state.
Following the rise of terrorism in the
1980s, the state steadily lost its economic leadership and post 1990, when
liberalization gave wings to the entrepreneurial aspirations of Indians in many
of the other states, Punjab lost its mojo.
One unfortunate fallout of those years
of violence is the ambivalence regarding the capital city of the state.
Chandigarh, where the state government is based, is a Union territory. Mohali,
which was expected to become the new capital of Punjab, hasn’t quite taken off.
At a time when most state capitals contribute anything between 7% and 20% of
their revenues, Punjab doesn’t have an equivalent city.
As of January this year, the state faced
a revenue gap of 37% following the roll out of the new goods and services tax.
The state’s level of indebtedness is another worry. A Care Ratings report says
Punjab is among the most indebted states of the country, with 26.7% of its
revenue receipts going towards interest payments, which constrains its ability
to spend on development.
That this state, once considered on a
par with the Asian Tigers in terms of its growth potential should be reduced to
such a state of affairs, is a tale of terrible governance and a missing vision.
The decades lost to terrorism also stymied efforts to transition from a primarily
agricultural economy to an industrial one while the wars with Pakistan and the
continuous cross-border tensions ensured no major industry ever came up in the
state.
The go-go years of the 1960s and 1970s
when the state was the small and medium enterprises powerhouse of the country
in sectors like bicycles, hosiery and sports goods are long gone, with growth
petering out even as competitive products from China swamped the market.
Over the years as the salutary effects
of the green revolution started ebbing, there was a need for a modified farm
policy that would address the changing landscape of agriculture. But farmers
have been left to their own devices. Thus, last year when the European Union
(EU) imposed an indirect ban on basmati rice exports from India on account of
the high level of fungicide used in its production, the ₹20,000 crore industry was left to fend for itself. As
Sethi says, “Delhi isn’t interested in basmati." While the local basmati
growers’ association held workshops for farmers, even inviting the EU
delegates, there has been no central push to deal with the issue.
Some 10,000 trucks of rice meant for
export to Pakistan have to drive to Ludhiana every month from where they go to
Kandla and Jamnagar ports in Gujarat, as Punjab does not have the facility to
ship exports out directly. A proposal to build an inland container port under
the public private partnership in collaboration with Container Corp. of India
has been gathering dust.
Price of failure
The consequences of this political
lethargy have been disastrous. Unemployment has soared, and with it addiction
to drugs among the young. The heroin trade continues unabated and most locals
have no doubt who’s behind it. Puri is candid enough to say, “We have lost a
generation to drugs. My heart goes out to the young people of Punjab. We must
have gone wrong somewhere." Thousands of young people migrate abroad every
year and Punjab also has the unwanted distinction of the largest number of
young women, 30,000 of them, abandoned immediately after their marriage by
their non-resident Indian husbands. Often they are pushed into these marriages
by desperate parents reeling under debt.
In the villages of Punjab, there is an
air of despondency. A survey conducted jointly by Punjab Agricultural University,
Punjabi University and Guru Nanak Dev University, says nearly 16,600 farmers
and agricultural labourers have committed suicide since 2000.
With less than a week to go for the
elections, the BJP is more or less invisible, leaving the heavy lifting to its
ally, the SAD. The Congress, meanwhile, is running its most successful campaign
in any Indian state. It is telling that this is led by Amarinder Singh who had
defeated Arun Jaitley by a margin of more than one lakh votes in the BJP sweep
of 2014.
Whatever be the final verdict, Punjab’s
problems will not go away. IDC’s Kumar says, “Punjab needs a paradigm shift in
thinking and planning."
That may be coming from women like
Arushi Verma, president of the Amritsar chapter of FICCI Flo, who is championing
several initiatives related to the environment and women’s empowerment
including finding them tangible earning opportunities. Her expectations from
whichever government comes to power are merely “simpler compliances and
responsible politics".
In patriarchal Punjab, women like Verma
may well show the way.
China's
super hybrid rice yields achievements in output and saline land improvement
1
The new hybrid rice variety
developed by Yuan Longping, the “father of hybrid
rice,” sees fruitful achievements in total output and saline land amelioration,
showing a bright future for its role in addressing famine and improving the
environment.
The super hybrid rice (Chaoyou 1000) cultivated in a test field in
Sanya, southern China’s Hainan province, achieved an average yield of 887.9 kg
per mu (about 0.07 hectares) on Saturday, which is believed to enough to
safeguard the country’s self-sufficiency in grain production.
Besides increasing output, Yuan’s team also endeavored to breed
salt-tolerant rice, which will improve the utilization of saline land.
The seeds are scheduled to be sown in six experimental fields,
including Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong province, at the end of this
month, with the planting scale exceeding 10,000 mu this year.
The rice seeds in the experimental fields were selected from
thousands of combinations. Though the whole process is costly, it is essential,
said a local official.
The cultivation of salt-tolerant rice can improve total grain
output and ensure the safety of food supply, according to Zhang Guodong, the
deputy director of Qingdao Sea Rice R&D Center.
Zhang said that in the long run, the rice planted on saline land
would gradually improve the soil and improve environmental protection.
GIEWS Country Brief: Democratic People's
Republic of Korea 13-May-2019
REPORT
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
· Production prospects of 2018/19 early season crops unfavourable
· Aggregate crop production in 2018 estimated at ten‑year low due
to unfavourable weather conditions and limited supplies of agricultural inputs
· Cereal import requirements estimated at elevated level
· About 40 percent of population estimated to be food insecure and
in urgent need of assistance
Prospects for 2018/19 early season crops unfavourable
The harvest of the early season crops (winter/spring wheat and
barley, and potatoes) is expected to start in early June. Precipitation since
the beginning of the season in November have been below average with erratic
spatial and temporal distribution over most of the country. Limited snow
coverage, due to exceptionally low snowfall during the winter months, exposed
wheat and barley to freezing temperatures, with consequent loss of germinated
crops. In addition, below-average spring rains in March and April, critical
months for crop development, coupled with reduced soil moisture that normally
comes from snow melting, further affected vegetation conditions of already weak
crops (see VCI map).
According to a joint FAO/WFP Rapid Food Security Assessment
Mission (for full report visit GIEWS website ), conducted from 29 March to 12
April, the production of early crops is forecast at 307 000 tonnes, 24 percent
below the 2017 above average level. In addition to the unfavourable weather
conditions, the expected decrease is attributed to shortages of irrigation
water and other agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and crop protection
materials. Rains remained below average in April and, if they do not improve in
the next two dekads of May, the final output for early season crops may be even
lower.
Aggregate food crop production in 2018 estimated at ten-year low
Harvesting of the 2018 main season crop was completed in
September/October last year. An extended period of below‑average rains, coupled
with abnormal high temperatures (up to 40°C) from mid-July to mid-August 2018
and shortage of water for irrigation, affected the 2018 main season crops during
the critical pollination stages, resulting in crop losses and sharply reduced
yields. The effects of the dry weather conditions were compounded by shortages
of fuel and electricity, which negatively affected water pumping, as well as by
reduced supply agricultural inputs. According to official estimates, the 2018
main food crop production, mostly rice, maize and soybeans, has decreased
throughout the whole country. The highest losses were registered in the main
producing provinces, namely North and South Hwanghae, North and South Phyongan
and South and North Hamgyong, collectively known as the country’s “Cereal
Bowl”. Heavy rains in late August to the first dekad of September, triggered
flash floods in parts of the main crop producing areas of North and South
Hwanghae provinces, causing damage to crops just before the harvest. As a
result, the 2018 main season food crop production (in cereal equivalent and
paddy terms) is officially estimated at a low level of 4.5 million tonnes, 11
percent below the 2017 average output.
Overall, the 2018 aggregate food crop production, including the
ongoing 2018/19 early season crops, is estimated at 4.9 million tonnes, 12
percent below the previous year’s near‑average level and the lowest since
2008/09.
Cereal import requirements in 2018/19 estimated at elevated
level
Total cereal import requirements in 2018/19 (November/October)
are estimated by the FAO/WFP Rapid Food Security Assessment Mission to reach
1.59 million tonnes, three times higher than the previous five-year average.
This is mainly the result of the reduced production and higher-than-usual post‑harvest
losses, as shortages of fuel and electricity hampered the timely transport and
processing of crops as well as the ventilation of stocks. With commercial imports
officially planned at 200 000 tonnes and food assistance (already received or
pledged) set at about 21 200 tonnes, the uncovered deficit is estimated at an
elevated level of about 1.36 million tonnes.
About 40 percent of population estimated to be food insecure and
in urgent need of assistance
According to the FAO/WFP Rapid Food Security Assessment Mission,
large numbers of people suffer from low food consumption levels and poor diet,
with a reduced intake of animal and vegetable proteins. Most of interviewed
households reported severe food-related coping strategies, including reducing
consumption by adults for children to eat and reducing meal sizes. Urban
households, who normally rely on relatives in rural areas to access food and
diversify their consumption, are no longer able to do so to the same extent,
due to increasing food shortages faced in the rural areas.
Overall, the FAO/WFP Rapid Food Security Assessment Mission
estimated that 10.1 million people (40 percent of the total population) are
food insecure and in urgent need for food assistance. The situation could
further deteriorate during the lean season between May and September, if no
proper and urgent humanitarian actions are taken.
PHL year-end rice stocks to hit 2.9 MMT on
more imports–FAO
By
-
May 14, 2019
63
A worker at the National
Food Authority (NFA) sweeps the rice grains at their warehouse in FTI, Taguig
City.
THE Philippines could end 2019 with a nine-year-high rice
inventory of 2.9 million metric tons (MMT) due to the increase in the stockpile
of the National Food Authority (NFA) and the private sector’s “record-breaking”
purchase of imports.
In its biannual food outlook report, the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations said it expects the expansion in local
output and imports this year to be sustained following the liberalization of the
rice trade.
The FAO said more imports and the projected hike in output would
cause year-end stocks to grow by 45 percent from the 2 MMT recorded last year.
“The Philippines, where record-breaking imports combined with
efforts to reconstitute state reserves through local procurement, could boost
carryovers to a nine-year high of 2.9 million tons,” the FAO said in the report
published last week.
Last year, the depletion of the NFA’s buffer stock caused the
Philippines to suffer an artificial rice shortage and see unprecedented hikes
in retail prices.
Due to the higher-than-usual nationwide rice inventories, the
FAO estimated that the per-capita rice consumption of Filipinos would go up
slightly to 116.9 kilograms per year from 116.2 kg.
Total rice utilization this year is pegged at 14.5 MMT, 2.11
percent over the 14.2-MMT estimated total demand last year.
The FAO noted that rice consumption in the Philippines,
Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka would rise on the back of higher disposal
of state-held rice stocks to “stabilize prices and ensure affordable supplies
for vulnerable groups.”
“This is the case of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and
Sri Lanka, but also of India, where officials could accelerate rice releases
through the country’s public distribution system next season, in an effort to
trim the size of state inventories,” FAO added.
Just like the United States Department of Agriculture, the FAO
also expects the Philippines to again become one of the largest buyers of
imported rice this year, with purchases expected to reach an all-time high of
2.5 MMT. Last year, the country imported 2.4 MMT of rice.
“This volume would mostly comprise private-sector purchases,
facilitated by the recent replacement of long-standing quantitative
restrictions on rice imports with tariffs,” the FAO said.
The FAO report also noted that local milled-rice output would
expand by 2.42 percent to 12.7 MMT, from last year’s 12.4 MMT despite the
anticipated hike in imports by the private sector.
This translates to roughly 19.42 MMT of palay output, slightly
below the government’s projected 2019 production of 20 MMT, based on the
BusinessMirror’s computation.
The enactment of Republic Act 11203 or the rice trade
liberalization law, which deregulated the NFA as well as the industry, would
whet the private sector’s appetite to import more.
Despite the change in the rice trade regime, the NFA has been
aggressive in hiking its buffer stock by capitalizing on its buying price
advantage.
The NFA has maintained its palay buying price of P20.70 per kg,
since it became effective in October 2018, amid falling farm-gate prices. The
food agency has already purchased over 3 million bags of palay, or about
153,665.5 MT as of end-April.
The food agency said it is confident of hitting its paddy rice
procurement goal of 14.46 million bags, or 723,000 MT, this year. It increased
its palay procurement target for 2019 after the rice trade liberalization law
took effect on March 5.
PH seen to reduce rice imports
MAY
14, 2019
·
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·
/
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/
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PH SEEN TO REDUCE RICE IMPORTS
PHILIPPINE rice
imports is expected to fall by 3.5 percent or 100,000 metric tons (MT) for
marketing year (MY) 2019/2020 due to ample stocks and larger forecast
production, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.
In its latest ‘Grain:
World Markets and Trade’ report, the USDA said that despite the projected lower
rice imports, the country is seen to be the second largest rice-importing
country, following China which is expected to import 4 million MT.
RICE BUFFER STOCK A worker lifts a sack of rice stored at the
NFA warehouse on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, on Monday. The National Food
Authority has approved a government-to-government procurement scheme for the
importation of 250,000 MT rice to be used as buffer stock during the lean
months beginning July. Another 250,000 MT will be used in case local production
drops sharply due to the effects of El Niño. photo by MIke De Juan
Since the last few
years, the country’s total rice imports have been increasing. In MY 18/19, rice
imports stood at 2.8 MMT, significantly higher than the 2.5 MMT and 1.2 MMT
recorded in MY 17/18 and MY 16/17 respectively.
For MY 19/20, the USDA
attributed the projected lower rice imports on ample stocks of the staple due
to the projected larger crops.
“The quantitative
restrictions on rice imports have been replaced with tariffs, with a tariff
advantage for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries,” the
USDA explained on the projected lower rice imports for MY 19/20.
On the other hand,
consumption is expected to increase by nearly 4 percent to 14.45 million MT in
MY 19/20 from 13.90 million MT a year earlier “on both abundant local supplies
and relatively low-priced imports,” the USDA said.
The agency said the
country’s ending stocks of the staple would hit 3.634 million MT for MY 19/20,
a 14.2-percent increase from 3.174 million MT in the previous MY.
Meanwhile, the USDA
kept its earlier projection for Philippine wheat imports unchanged at a
record-high of 7 million MT due to “strong growth in both food and feed use.”
The country’s wheat
imports have consistently increased since 2016. Total imports in that year
reached 4.918 million MT, which significantly expanded to 5.704 million in 2017
and 5.987 million MT last year.
About 95 percent of
the country’s wheat requirements are being sourced from the US.
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India's monsoon to arrive late, deliver
less rain: Skymet
2 MIN READ
·
·
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India’s monsoon rains
will arrive on its southern coast on June 4 and deliver less rain than average
this year, a private weather forecaster said on Tuesday, lowering prospects of
higher farm and economic growth in the $2.6 trillion economy.
FILE PHOTO: A man rides his bicycle across a bridge as pre-monsoon
clouds gather over the Vembanad Lake in Kochi, India, May 8, 2018.
REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo
Monsoon rains, the lifeblood for India’s
farm-dependent economy, arrive on the southern tip of Kerala state around June
1 and retreat from the desert state of Rajasthan by September.
“Onset of monsoon will be around June 4. It
seems that initial advancement of monsoon over peninsular India is going to be
slow,” said Jatin Singh, managing director of Skymet, a private weather
forecasting agency.
The monsoon season delivers about 70% of
India’s annual rainfall and is key to the success of the farm sector in Asia’s
third-biggest economy.
The country is likely to receive 93% rainfall
of the long period average (LPA) in 2019, Singh said.
The state-run India Meteorological Department
(IMD) defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104
percent of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season
beginning June.
The IMD last month forecast average rainfall
over the June-September monsoon season.
The weather office will update its forecast in
the first week of June.
Central India - which is key in the production
of cotton, soybean and corn - could receive 91% rainfall of the LPA, while the
eastern and northeastern part of the country is likely to get 92 percent
rainfall of LPA, Singh said.
The rice-growing southern peninsula could get
95% rainfall, while northwest India is likely to get 96% rainfall, he said.
India is the world’s biggest producer of
cotton and pulses and the second-biggest producer of sugar and rice.
Reporting by Mayank
Bhardwaj; Writing by Rajendra Jadhav; editing by Gopakumar Warrier
No mill yet in
Koraput to produce parboiled rice
Koraput, known for growing several varieties of rice, is yet to have a
mill to process parboiled rice forcing the farmers to depend on other
districts.
Published: 15th May 2019 11:23
AM | Last Updated: 15th May 2019 11:23 AM | A+A A-
Image used for representational purpose only
JEYPORE:
Koraput, known for growing several varieties of rice, is yet to have a mill to
process parboiled rice forcing the farmers to depend on other districts.
Despite being handicapped by lack of mill, the farmers continue to cultivate
the traditional variety of paddy during rabi season. In order to meet the
farmers’ demand, the district administration invites rice millers from outside
to take part in procurement and milling of parboiled rice. This rabi season is
no exception.
As many as 21 rice
millers from Kalahandi and Balangir had procured six lakh quintals of paddy
during the last rabi season. This apart, the State Civil Supply Corporation
procures a large chunk of rabi paddy from farmers and mills the stock outside
which is then sent to coastal districts for distribution under National Food
Security Act.
The farmers of Koraput
district produce around 10 lakh quintals of paddy every rabi season when
irrigation water is available. However, there are no takers for rabi paddy in
the absence of parboiled rice processing unit. There are 90 rice mills in
Jeypore and Koraput sub-divisions besides the Civil Supply Corporation. These
rice mills only process raw paddy and deliver it to different State
Government-run godowns.
Local millers said the
amount of parboiled rice grown in rabi season is less compared to Kharif and
opening a parboiled rice processing unit requires huge investment. Operating a
parboiled unit costs over ` four crore and none of the rice millers here are
willing to invest that amount of money. Civil Supply Officer, Koraput, Tularam
Nayak said the administration has been urging millers to set up parboiled rice
processing unit. “We hope some millers will start the units from this year,” he
said.
(Get
the news that matters from New Indian Express on WhatsApp. Click this link and
hit 'Click
to Subscribe'. Follow the instructions after that.)
ABL conducts SME awareness session at Larkana
"In line
with Allied Bank's corporate social responsibility strategy to create awareness
on financial inclusion avenues for the small and medium enterprises & agri
financing and to create conducive environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive
and prosper, an awareness seminar was conducted on both SME & Agri Finance
& Women Empowerment recently at Larkana.
The session was attended by senior officials of Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) along with around 80 participants including members from Small and Medium Enterprises, rice millers, notable business community members, agriculturists & members of commerce and other trade bodies of the area and the corporate depositors of SRSO.
Fasih Siddiqui, from ABL briefed the participants about the SME & Agri products being offered by the Bank. Further, in accordance with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and strategic directions of SBP, a detailed presentation was also given on SBP refinance products for SME & Agri business, Warehouse Financing, Green Banking Initiative, Refinancing Facility for Women Entrepreneurs, highlighting the focus of both the regulator and the Bank on the sector.
Muzaffar Chajro, Regional Head CRBG thanked all the the participants, especially those coming from far flung areas like Rato Dero, Qamber and Shahdadkot to attend the session and showing their interest in ABL products. It was further informed that ABL is already working to extend quality credit to SME & Agri customers and emphasized on the importance of capacity building and awareness of all stakeholders; especially women entrepreneurs.
He stated that in line with the policies and vision of the State Bank, ABL has taken various initiatives for financial inclusion of underserved areas of the country.-PR
The session was attended by senior officials of Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) along with around 80 participants including members from Small and Medium Enterprises, rice millers, notable business community members, agriculturists & members of commerce and other trade bodies of the area and the corporate depositors of SRSO.
Fasih Siddiqui, from ABL briefed the participants about the SME & Agri products being offered by the Bank. Further, in accordance with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and strategic directions of SBP, a detailed presentation was also given on SBP refinance products for SME & Agri business, Warehouse Financing, Green Banking Initiative, Refinancing Facility for Women Entrepreneurs, highlighting the focus of both the regulator and the Bank on the sector.
Muzaffar Chajro, Regional Head CRBG thanked all the the participants, especially those coming from far flung areas like Rato Dero, Qamber and Shahdadkot to attend the session and showing their interest in ABL products. It was further informed that ABL is already working to extend quality credit to SME & Agri customers and emphasized on the importance of capacity building and awareness of all stakeholders; especially women entrepreneurs.
He stated that in line with the policies and vision of the State Bank, ABL has taken various initiatives for financial inclusion of underserved areas of the country.-PR
https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/05/20190515473626/Eminent rice scientist now leads SEA centre for agriculture
May 15, 2019
A DISTINGUISHED rice scientist now heads the Philippine
government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and
Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
Dr Glenn B Gregorio assumed the top SEARCA post on May 1, 2019
for a three-year term.
For more than 50 years, SEARCA has been strengthening capacities
of institutions working in agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia,
including Brunei Darussalam, through graduate education and institutional
development, research and development, and knowledge management.
Dr Gregorio is also an Academician at the National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST) of the Philippines and a professor at the
Institute of Crop Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
College of Agriculture and Food Science.
He brings with him to SEARCA not only his expertise in plant
genetics and breeding, but also his international experience in research and
administration.
While serving the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
for almost 30 years, Dr Gregorio has bred more than 15 rice varieties, most of
which are salt-tolerant varieties that have greatly helped farmers in
Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
ABOVE
AND BELOW: The new types of rice released in 2013 include nine salt-tolerant
varieties in the Philippines, three flood-tolerant varieties in South Asia, and
six in sub-Saharan Africa; and Dr Glenn B Gregorio
He also led efforts to develop micronutrient-dense rice
varieties to address anaemia and malnutrition in Bangladesh, Indonesia, the
Philippines, and Vietnam.
Prior to joining SEARCA, he was also the global lead of the
East-West Seed Company’s sweet corn and waxy corn breeding programmes for South
and Southeast Asia, the Latin Americas, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr Gregorio has been the recipient of numerous awards, including
Outstanding Young Scientist Award (OYS 2004) and Outstanding Publication Award
given by NAST; The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM 2004) in the field of
Agriculture-Plant Breeding and Genetics; the Ho Chi Minh Medal Award for great
contribution to the cause of agriculture and rural development in Vietnam; Ten
Outstanding Youth Scientists (TOYS 1981) of the Philippines given by the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines; Honorary
Scientist, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea; and other awards for
his outstanding research and research management achievements.
He has authored and co-authored at least 90 articles published
in various scientific journals, chapters on rice breeding in 14 books, and five
scientific manuals and bulletins.
He mentored and supervised 20 PhD and 27 MS graduate students
and more than 40 BS students in plant breeding and genetics at UPLB and other
universities in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America; and he continues to
hone scientists and future scientists as a mentor and teacher.
Dr Gregorio obtained his PhD in Genetics, MS in Plant Breeding,
and BS in Agriculture at UPLB. –
Text and Photos by Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and
Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
https://borneobulletin.com.bn/eminent-rice-scientist-now-leads-sea-centre-for-agriculture/U.S. Prepares Tariffs
On Additional $300B Of Imported Chinese Goods
LISTEN·4:384:38PLAYLIST
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May 14, 20199:00 AM ET
The new U.S. tariffs list includes staples such as
rice, along with clocks, watches and other items that weren't previously under
threat of new duties. Here, farmers plant rice seeds at a seedlings pool in
China's Jiangsu province.
Xu Jingbai/VCG via Getty Images
The Trump administration is
preparing a new list of $300 billion worth of Chinese imports that would be hit
with tariffs of up to 25%, after China retaliated Monday in the trade war
between the world's two largest economies.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published
a list of Chinese goods that would be hit with new duties,
ranging from artists' brushes and paint rollers to clocks and watches. The list
also includes a wide range of sporting goods, from baseballs to fishing reels.
And it dedicates several pages to agricultural products, from livestock to
dairy, plants and vegetables. Staples such as rice and tea are on the list.
"The proposed product list
covers essentially all products not currently covered by action in this
investigation," the USTR office says. It adds, "The proposed product
list excludes pharmaceuticals, certain pharmaceutical inputs, select medical goods,
rare earth materials, and critical minerals."
The U.S. proposal will enter a
public comment period and could take effect sometime in late June or July.
On Monday, China's State Council
Customs Tariff Commission announced it will impose tariffs of up to 25% on $60
billion worth of U.S. goods starting in June, in retaliation for Trump's
tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods.
The tit-for-tat exchange rattled
stock markets on Monday, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average down
2.4%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite closed the day down 3.4%.
The dispute is affecting how U.S.
companies do business in China, says Jake Parker of the U.S.-China Business
Council in Beijing.
POLITICS
China Puts New Tariffs On $60 Billion Of U.S. Goods, And Stock
Prices Reel
BUSINESS
U.S.-China Trade Talks End For Now, As Higher Tariffs Take Effect
In addition to rising costs, Parker tells
NPR's Morning Edition, "The reputation of U.S. companies as reliable suppliers
has also taken a hit."
He adds, "Many customers are
beginning to diversify away from U.S. products towards other suppliers, because
the consistency in price and supply can no longer be guaranteed because of the
uncertainty of these tariffs."
The new exchange of tariffs comes
nearly a year after the Trump administration imposed the first set of tariffs
on Chinese goods last summer. The two countries recently concluded the latest
round of trade talks — all of which have failed to resolve several high-profile
issues.
Our great Patriot Farmers will be
one of the biggest beneficiaries of what is happening now. Hopefully China will
do us the honor of continuing to buy our great farm product, the best, but if
not your Country will be making up the difference based on a very high China
buy......
....This money will come from the
massive Tariffs being paid to the United States for allowing China, and others,
to do business with us. The Farmers have been “forgotten” for many years. Their
time is now!
President Trump says China unfairly subsidizes its industries,
doesn't respect intellectual property rights and makes it difficult for U.S.
companies to compete in China's market. And he wants to see a large trade
imbalance — which last year ran to a record
$419.2 billion — begin to shrink. If the two countries can agree on how
to approach those complicated issues, any deal that emerges would also need to
include an enforcement mechanism, adding another prickly layer to the dispute.
On Tuesday morning, Trump said in
a tweet, "We can make a deal with China tomorrow, before their companies
start leaving so as not to lose USA business, but the last time we were close
they wanted to renegotiate the deal. No way!"
He added, "We are in a much
better position now than any deal we could have made."
WORLD
Stopping Key Tech Exports To China Could Backfire, Researchers And
Firms Say
Trump is expected to speak
directly to China's President Xi Jinping at the G-20 summit in Japan, which
will take place late next month. But while Trump continues to speak favorably
about Xi and insist they have a close relationship, those sentiments have yet
to translate into a trade deal.
"When the time is right we
will make a deal with China," Trump said Tuesday. "My respect and
friendship with President Xi is unlimited but, as I have told him many times
before, this must be a great deal for the United States or it just doesn't make
any sense."
China's retaliations for higher U.S. duties have targeted
a list of
U.S. products that ranges from sorghum, soybeans, meat and whiskey to
airplanes and cars. The ongoing dispute has sparked concern among soybean
farmers: Before the tariff war began, China was buying some $14 billion in
U.S.-produced soybeans every year — nearly a third of the American crop.
POLITICS
Trump Administration Plans $12 Billion In Farm Aid To Offset
Tariffs
Last summer, the Trump
administration said it would devote some $12 billion in government assistance
to help farmers — a move that was quickly criticized as a bailout and a federal
subsidy.
Last week, a soybean farmer in Virginia told NPR that
his situation has only gotten worse, with falling prices and difficulties in
getting loans amid an uncertain market. And that farmer, John Wesley Boyd Jr.,
said he hasn't gotten any relief from the government.
"I haven't seen a dime of
that money," Boyd said. "And I've been calling and calling USDA. And
they continue to say that the funds are in process, and the funds are going to
be sent to me."
Boyd said he is planting soybeans
again this year, in the hope that things will change. And he's cautiously
optimistic about starting to grow hemp.
Boyd also laid out how the
economics of a small-scale farm work:
"Farmers pay their bills
basically twice a year. Like right now, I'm getting ready to sell my winter
wheat, which is coming for harvest next month. So I receive a payday there —
hopefully it's a fair payday — and then my soybean crop later on this fall.
"So we plan our operations a
year out. And I thought by now that there would be a big change in the
commodity price for soybeans. And that simply hasn't happened. And this
president is playing footsie with American agriculture and American farmers
here."
"Our great Patriot Farmers
will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of what is happening now. Hopefully
China will do us the honor of continuing to buy our great farm product, the
best, but if not your Country will be making up the difference based on a very
high China buy...... ....This money will come from the massive Tariffs being
paid to the United States for allowing China, and others, to do business with
us. "
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Palay output falls
4.6% in Q1 to 4.69 million MT
May 14, 2019 | 10:14 pm
Font Size
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A A A
PHILSTAR/EDD GUMBAN
PRODUCTION of palay, or unmilled rice, fell
4.6% year-on-year in the first three months of 2019 to 4.69 million metric
tons, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.
According to the PSA’s rice production and
price report for January to March 2019 released by the Philippine Statistics
Authority, on Tuesday, palay output also fell 0.4% from 4.71 million MT in the
fourth quarter of 2018.
The production report covers effectively the
last quarter before rice imports are liberalized, with domestic farmers under
pressure from potential competition from cheap foreign imports and the
government still gearing up to fund farm mechanization and switching farmers
over to alternative crops.
“From 2011 to 2019, the highest deseasonalized
palay output for the first quarter was in 2018 at 4,918 thousand metric tons
and the lowest was in 2016 at 4,248 thousand metric tons,” PSA said in the
report.
The farmgate price of palay fell 5.3% to
P20.07 per kilogram (kg), quarter-on-quarter. It was still slightly higher than
the P20.04 per kg recorded in the same period last year. — Vincent
Mariel P. Galang
RECOMMENDED
HEALTH: Rice
and obesity
Is there
a link after controlling for a wide range of factors?
| TIM NEWMAN | A study
that used data from more than 130 countries concludes that eating more rice
might protect against obesity. After controlling for a wide range of factors,
the team found that the results remained significant. Despite this, big
questions remain.
Obesity in the Western world and
beyond is on the rise. However, some countries are not facing the same
challenge.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39.8% of people in the United States now
have obesity.
In Japan, however, the figure is
just 4.3%, say the World Health Organization (WHO).
The array of factors that could be
involved in differences such as this are dizzying — so where would one begin?
According to one group of
researchers, a good place to start might be rice.
The average food intake of someone
in the United States is very different to that of someone in any country
outside of the Western world. However, diets in some of the countries with low
obesity rates share a common staple: rice.
Researchers from Doshisha Women’s
College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto, Japan, decided to take a closer look. They
recently presented their findings at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO2019)
in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
A global look at rice
consumption
To investigate, the scientists took
data from 136 countries. They found that countries where people ate an average
of at least 150 grams (g) of rice per day had significantly lower rates of
obesity than countries where people ate less than the global average amount of
rice, around 14 g per day.
The researchers attempted to take
into account as many confounding variables as they could, including average
education level, smoking rates, total calories consumed, money spent on
healthcare, percentage of the population over 65, and gross domestic product
per capita.
All of these variables were
significantly lower in the countries whose residents ate the most rice;
however, even after accounting for this in their analysis, the researchers
found that the positive influence of rice over obesity persisted.
From their data, they estimate that
an increase of just one-quarter of a cup of rice per day (50 g per person)
could reduce global obesity by 1%. That equates to a change from 650 million to
643.5 million adults.
“The observed associations suggest
that the obesity rate is low in countries that eat rice as a staple food.
Therefore, a Japanese food or an Asian-food-style diet based on rice may help
prevent obesity,” says Lead researcher Prof. Tomoko Imai.
When considering exactly why rice
might influence obesity rates, Prof. Imai says: “Eating rice seems to protect
against weight gain. It’s possible that the fiber, nutrients, and plant
compounds found in whole grains may increase feelings of fullness and prevent
overeating.”
Prof. Imai adds, “Rice is also low
in fat and has a relatively low postprandial blood glucose level, which
suppresses insulin secretion.”
Significant limitations
The researchers know that
distinguishing between cause and effect is incredibly challenging when looking
at diet — especially on such a large scale.
Though they accounted for as many
confounding variables as possible, it is still likely that they did not
consider many other important factors in the analysis.
They also explain that they used
country-level data, rather than person-level data. This has several drawbacks;
for instance, certain regions of some countries might eat substantially more
rice than others. Also, obesity rates can vary within a country from region to
region.
Another concern is the use of body
mass index (BMI); although it is a standard measure that researchers use
widely, it is not a measure of overall health. The scientists did not ascertain
how many people have, for instance, an unhealthily low BMI, which would skew
the data by bringing the country’s average BMI down.
It is also worth pointing out that
the researchers have not published these findings in a journal and, therefore,
they have not been through a peer-review process.
Rice types
Another potential issue is that the
team’s analysis does not take into account the type of rice that a population
tends to consume, which could be important. For example, white rice is much
lower in fiber than less processed types. How much fiber someone consumes may
play a part in obesity risk.
Also, a meta-analysis published in
the BMJ in 2012 looked at the relationship between white rice and the risk of
type 2 diabetes. Its authors concluded that: “Higher consumption of white rice
is associated with a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes,
especially in Asian (Chinese and Japanese) populations.”
Another study that involved more
than 10,000 Korean adults found that a diet centered on white rice was
associated with obesity.
Doubts remain, so scientists should
continue to study the impact of rice on obesity. If such a cheap, readily
available food as rice could play even a small part in the fight against
obesity, it is worth pursuing. However, for now, the jury is out.
****
Source: Medical News Today
10 things to know about giving Zakat Al Fitr in UAE this
Ramadan
Filed
on May 15, 2019 | Last updated on May 15, 2019 at 06.37 am
(alamy.com)
It may also be sent abroad.
The General Authority of
Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) has fixed Dh20 per person as the amount
for Zakat Al Fitr this Ramadan. It was the same amount set last year.
Every Muslim man and woman,
who owns more than what he or she needs, is obligated to give Zakat Al Fitr as
prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the GAIAE's Fatwa Centre explained.
It is meant not only to help
those in need but also to "cleanse any 'flaw' in the faithful's
fasting".
Zakat Al Fitr can be given to
official organisations, like the UAE Red Crescent or Zakat Fund, which support
the less fortunate.
The GAIAE Fatwa Centre, along
with Islamic researchers, also issued the following guidelines in giving Zakat
Al Fitr:
1. One can give more than
Dh20.
2. It can be given from the
first day of Ramadan and until the morning of Eid Al Fitr, "before the Eid
prayer time".
3. Even if one misses this
period, the person still has to give the zakat after Eid "yet he or she
must seek forgiveness".
4. The zakat can also be
contributed in kind, like 2.2kg of rice. Islamic researcher Dr Sheikh Mohammed
Ashmawy said the set amount - four normal handfuls of dates or barley as per
Sunnah - is found to weigh 2.2kg and valued at Dh20.5.
5. It can be sent abroad,
according to researcher Dr Mahmoud Saleh. People may send it to the needy or
their relatives in their home country, or to another country's residents who
are in dire need because of starvation, calamity or war.
6. Older children, who are
earning money yet still living with their parents, are advised to give Zakat Al
Fitr on their own, or else their parents need to provide for them.
7. Parents shall also give the
same for their girls who are still under their guardianship.
8. Domestic helpers should
give Zakat Al Fitr, "but if given by their employers, they will be
rewarded by Almighty Allah for it". However, employers need to tell their
domestic helpers about this.
9. Employers may also give
Zakat Al Fitr to their poor Muslims helpers.
10. One should not give Zakat
Al Fitr for sponsored orphans. If given on their behalf, one should tell their
guardians.
-
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
Ahmed Shaaban
Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December
2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief
En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked
as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels
in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor
degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996,
and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over
19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and
reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as
community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising,
and surfing the web.
Click/tap
here to subscribe to Khaleej Times news alerts on WhatsApp. Make
sure you save the phone number under Contacts on your phone for uninterrupted
service.
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These prayer
timings are for Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. For Abu Dhabi, add four minutes.
Deduct four minutes for Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, and six minutes for
Fujairah.
Do you shop with a grocery list to
avoid unnecessary purchases?
Yes
59.17% (1858)
No
40.83% (1282)
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Piscivores could have more mercury in their system: study
Conducted
by IIT-Hyderabad, the research found that frequent fish eaters, those living in
the vicinity of coal-fired power plants and gold artisans have higher levels of
mercury in their bodies than others
By Susheela
Srinivas
Last Updated: Wednesday 15 May 2019
Goan fish curry with rice. Photo: Getty Images
An investigation conducted
by a team from Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-Hyderabad), has
highlighted the problem of mercury exposure in humans.
Many natural phenomena like
volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks and forest fires emit traces of mercury
into the environment. These spread through land, air and water, and enter the
food chain via seafood and freshwater fish where they bio-accumulate in organic
form. The mercury passes on to humans when they consume contaminated fish.
Human activities such as burning
of coal and metal processing also add far higher amounts of mercury to the
environment, escalating the contamination. Prolonged exposure to the heavy
metal can cause neurological, cardiovascular and endocrinal disorders in
humans.
Small-scale gold artisans too
contribute to the burden of mercury in the environment. They use mercury to
amalgamate gold from jewellery works, exposing themselves and their families to
the toxic element.
A research team from
IIT-Hyderabad conducted an exploratory study on the levels of mercury exposure
in 668 volunteers from three cities — Hyderabad in Telangana, Nellore in Andhra
Pradesh and Vasco da Gama in Goa. Nellore was selected as it has four active
power plants and has a high level of fish consumption. Hyderabad and Vasco da
Gama were chosen because fish consumption in these two cities was high, though
they do not have any power plant.
The team hypothesised that people
consuming fish would have more exposure to mercury than others would. The study
considered several parameters like gender, dietary habits, frequency of fish
consumption and occupational exposure to analyse the data. They used scalp hair
as a representative biomarker for the mercury analysis. Data from different
parameters and variables were integrated using statistical tools and related
software.
Fish consumers from Nellore had a
higher total mean value of mercury compared to fish consumers in the other two
cities, supporting the hypothesis that presence of coal-fired power plants
increased the exposure to mercury.
Researchers observed that total
mercury burden in those who frequently consumed fish was higher than those who
ate less fish. Besides, fish-eaters had significantly higher mean value of
mercury compared to vegetarians. The rice consuming population of Nellore also
showed higher readings of mercury than rice-eaters in the other two cities,
after accounting for fish consumption.
The mercury readings in artisanal
goldsmiths were also higher, irrespective of fish consumption and it was found
to be due to occupational inhalation of mercury vapours. The effect of gender
on mercury accumulation was inconclusive, necessitating further research.
In all, the data indicated that
the total mercury in the hair samples was higher in populations from the
emission zone, in high-frequency fish consumers and gold artisans who use
mercury compared to the other categories. About 1.6 per cent of the surveyed
population of 668 volunteers had a higher mercury level than the reference
value of 1.1 parts per million derived in the United States.
“This is just the tip of the
iceberg. Emissions are projected to increase in the absence of technological
interventions and this, in turn, could escalate exposures. There is a need for
further study to assess and develop a database across India on a case by case
basis,” said Asif Qureshi, principal investigator of the study, while speaking
to India Science Wire.
In this regard, he said, IIT-Hyderabad is now collaborating with the Union
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
Qureshi conducted the study along
with KL Subhavana and Arpita Roy. The team has published its findings in
the Journal of Exposure
Science & Environmental Epidemiology. (India
Science Wire)
Customs
Distribute Bags Of Rice, Cartons Of Spaghetti, Others To IDPs In Bauchi
INTERNALLY Displaced Persons (IDPs)
in Bauchi State have received relief materials comprising 929 bags of 50kgs of
rice, 30 cartons of spaghetti and 307 bales of second-hand clothing from the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The donation of the materials was
disclosed by the Comptroller in charge of Bauchi/Gombe Commands of the Service,
Kalla Hamis in an interview with newsmen in his office on Monday saying that
the Bauchi/Gombe Command headquarters was given a directive from the Customs
Headquarters in Abuja to release the relief materials to the Bauchi State
Government for distribution to the IDPs in their various camps.
He said: “We were given a directive
from the Customs headquarters to immediately release some materials for
distribution to the Internally Displaced Persons in Bauchi State. The items
include 929 bags of rice, 30 cartons of Spaghetti and 307 bales of second-hand
clothing which were duly seized and condemned by the High Court and forfeited
to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
ALSO READ
Kalla Hamis added that, “The
Comptroller General in his magnanimity, decided that we should hand them over
to the Bauchi State Government for distribution to the Internally Displaced
Persons in the state.”
He further said “that upon receipt of
the directives from our Headquarters, a letter was written to the state
government which was acknowledged and responded to on the 8th of May. We have
since delivered the goods to them accordingly. We’ve been able to do
appropriate documentation to make sure that the goods actually get to where
they should get to.”
The Zonal Comptroller said that the
goods were handed to the IDPs through the State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA) and said that three trucks were used to convey the goods and each truck
was escorted by the men of the Federal Operations and Command with all the
landing documentations duly signed by both parties.
Speaking on the reasons for the
release of the goods to the IDPs, he said: “Its a normal thing when we have
seized goods and we look at the less privileged, they are given to them as
welfare by the federal government to alleviate their sufferings.”
Kalla Hamis explained that in trying
to carry out this directive, he formed a committee that will ensure that the
exercise is given the actual necessary and sensitive attention it requires.
“Against this backdrop, I set up a
committee that ensures the successful handing over of these items to the
beneficiaries. This committee consists of the Comptroller, Federal Operations,
Zone D, the representative of the Zonal Coordinator, Zone D, the Assistant
Legal Adviser, Zone D, whose responsibility is to go the courts and condemn
these goods,” he said.
“So they need to see what is actually
being done. You know the fulcrum of the whole seizure is the FOU and the strike
force. We have handed over those goods to them because of the sensitive
nature,” he further stated.
While confirming the receipt of the
items in a telephone interview with our Correspondent, the Officer in Charge of
Relief and Rehabilitation, SEMA, Bauchi, Bala Yakub, said that all the goods
were brought as you see. them.”
He said: “Yes, we received 929 bags
of rice, 30 cartons of Spaghetti and 307 bales of second-hand clothing from the
Nigeria Customs Service. These items have been handed over to the Chairman of
the IDPS and his executives for the onward distribution to their members.”
WPI inflation a tad lower at 3.07% in April
14 May 2019
The annual rate of inflation, based on wholesale price index stood
at 3.07 per cent in April 2019, compared with 3.18 per cent in the previous
month, provisional figures released today showed. WPI inflation stood at 3.62
per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.
Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 0.75 per
cent compared to a build up rate of 0.86 per cent in the corresponding period
of the previous year.
Inflation rate for the `primary products’ group, which has a
weight of 22.62 per cent in the wholesale price index, rose 3.3 per cent in
April 2019.
Among primary articles, inflation rate for the 'food articles'
group rose 3.4 per cent due to higher prices of tea, fruits and vegetables,
peas/chawali, maize, poultry chicken, arhar, bajra, rajma, gram, condiments
& spices, masur, urad, mutton and pork. However, the prices of eggs, betel
leaves, barley, wheat, beef and buffalo meat declined.
Inflation rate for the 'non-food articles' group rose 2.6 per cent
due to higher prices of floriculture, safflower (kardi seed), raw cotton, niger
seed, castor seed, gaur seed, soyabean, cotton seed, groundnut seed, skins
(raw) raw silk, linseed, raw rubber and fodder. However, the prices of copra,
raw jute and mesta, gingelly seed (sesamum), sunflower, rape & mustard seed
and coir fibre declined.
Inflation rate for the 'minerals' group rose 5.3 per cent due to
higher prices of sillimanite, copper concentrate and chromite. However, the
prices of iron ore, lead concentrate, garnet, manganese ore and limestone
declined.
Inflation rate for the 'crude petroleum and natural gas' group
rose 2.4 per cent due to higher prices of natural gas and crude petroleum.
Inflation rate for the ‘fuel and power’ group, which has a weight
of 13.15 per cent in the WPI, declined by 0.5 per cent in April 2019.
Within the fuel and power group, inflation rate for the 'mineral
oils' group rose 0.4 per cent due to higher prices of LPG, naphtha, petrol,
kerosene and ATF. However, the price of petroleum coke, furnace oil and HSD
declined.
Inflation rate for the 'electricity' group declined by 3.1 per
cent due to lower prices of electricity.
Inflation rate for the `manufactured products’ group, which has a
weight of 64.23 per cent in the wholesale price index, remained unchanged at
its previous month level in April 2019.
Within the manufactured products group, inflation rate for the
'food products' group rose 0.2 per cent due to higher prices of processed tea,
honey, chicken/duck, (dressed - fresh/frozen), castor oil, gram powder (besan),
processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs and products
thereof, buffalo meat, fresh/frozen, rapeseed oil, cocoa, chocolate and sugar
confectionery, manufacture of starches and starch products, manufacture of
health supplements, powder milk, processing and preserving of fruit and
vegetables, sugar, spices (including mixed spices) and bagasse. However, the
prices of molasses, groundnut oil, copra oil and maida, mustard oil, coffee
powder with chicory, sooji (rawa ), macaroni, noodles, couscous and similar
farinaceous products and wheat flour (atta), instant coffee, palm oil, prepared
animal feeds, soyabean oil, rice bran oil and wheat bran declined.
Inflation rate for the 'beverages' group rose 0.7 per cent due to
higher prices of wine, rectified spirit, spirits and aerated drinks/soft drinks
(incl. soft drink concentrates).
Inflation rate for 'tobacco products' group rose 0.6 per cent due
to higher prices of other tobacco products. However, the price of cigarette and
biri declined.
Inflation rate for the 'textiles' group rose 0.6 per cent due to
higher prices of manufacture of cordage, rope, twine and netting, cotton yarn
and weaving and finishing of textiles. However, the price of woollen yarn
declined.
Inflation rate for the 'wearing apparel' group rose 0.4 per cent
due to higher prices of knitted and crocheted apparel.
Inflation rate for the 'leather and related products' group rose
0.5 per cent due to higher prices of chrome tanned leather, gloves of leather
and vegetable tanned leather. However, the prices of travel goods, handbags,
office bags, harness, saddles and other related items, athletic/sport shoes,
belt and other articles of leather and leather shoe declined.
Inflation rate for the 'wood and products of wood and cork ' group
declined by 1.5 per cent due to lower prices of particle boards, wooden
box/crate, lamination wooden sheets/veneer sheets, wood cutting,
processed/sized and plywood block boards. However, the prices of timber/wooden
plank, sawn/resawn, wooden board (non-electrical) and wooden block moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'paper and paper products' group declined
by 0.5 per cent due to lower prices of paper bag, including craft paper bag,
newsprint and corrugated sheet box, paper for printing and writing and kraft
paper. However, the prices of laminated plastic sheet, corrugated paper board
and paper carton/box moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'printing and reproduction of recorded
media ' group rose 1.2 per cent due to higher prices of journal/periodical and
printed books. However, the prices of printed labels/posters/calendars
declined.
Inflation rate for the 'pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and
botanical products' group declined by 1 per cent due to lower prices of
vials/ampoule, glass, empty or filled, anti-malarial drugs, API and
formulations of vitamins, cotton wool (medicinal), anti-diabetic drug,
excluding insulin (i.e. tolbutam), digestive enzymes and antacids,
antioxidants, anti cancer drugs and antibiotics and preparations thereof.
However, the prices of anti-retroviral drugs for HIV treatment and antiseptics
and disinfectants, medical accessories and vaccine for hepatitis-B moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'rubber and plastics products' group rose
0.4 per cent due to higher prices of medium and heavy commercial vehicle tyre,
plastic button, plastic box/container and elastic webbing, plastic bag,
rubber crumb, plastic film, tooth brush and car tyre. However, the prices of
plastic furniture, rubberized dipped fabric and plastic tube
(flexible/non-flexible), polythene film, acrylic/plastic sheet, plastic bottle,
rubber moulded goods and thermocol declined.
Inflation rate for the 'other non-metallic mineral products' group
rose 0.2 per cent due to higher prices of clinker, ordinary portland cement,
slag cement, fibre glass (incl. Sheet), lime, calcium carbonate, plain bricks,
pozzolana cement, toughened glass, porcelain crockery, railway sleeper, asbestos
corrugated sheet, ordinary sheet glass and porcelain sanitary ware. However,
the prices of graphite rod, ceramic tiles (vitrified tiles), marble slab,
cement superfine, non-ceramic tiles, poles & posts of concrete and white
cement declined.
Inflation rate for the 'basic metals' group declined by 0.4 per
cent due to lower prices of sponge iron/direct reduced iron (DRI),
ferrosilicon, ferrochrome, MS pencil ingots, stainless steel coils, strips and
sheets, aluminium alloys, other ferro alloys, hot rolled (HR) coils &
sheets, including narrow strip, cold rolled (CR) coils & sheets, including
narrow strip, stainless steel tubes, alloy steel wire rods, aluminium powder,
copper shapes - bars/rods/plates/strips, MS bright bars, aluminium ingot,
stainless steel bars and rods, including flats, copper metal/copper rings,
alloy steel castings and GP/GC sheet. However, the prices of aluminium disk and
circles, steel cables and rails, aluminium shapes - bars/rods/flats, MS
castings, steel forgings - rough, angles, channels, sections, steel
(coated/not), pig iron, brass metal/sheet/coils moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'fabricated metal products, except
machinery and equipment' group rose 0.9 per cent due to higher prices of
cylinders, electrical stamping- laminated or otherwise and hand tools, sanitary
fittings of iron and steel, hose pipes in set or otherwise, copper bolts,
screws, nuts and steel structures. However, the prices of metal cutting tools
and accessories, forged steel rings, bolts, screws, nuts, nails of iron and
steel, steel drums, barrels and pressure cooker declined.
Inflation rate for the 'electronic and optical products' group
declined by 0.3 per cent due to lower prices of electro-diagnostic apparatus,
used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences and colour TV.
However, the prices of microscopes and capacitors moved up.
Inflation rate for the ‘electrical equipment' group declined by
0.1 per cent due to lower prices of fibre optic cables, jelly filled cables,
electric switch gear control/starter, electric welding machine, ACSR
conductors, connector/plug/socket/holder-electric, incandescent lamps,
insulator, domestic gas stove, flourescent tube, PVC insulated cable and rubber
insulated cables. However, the prices of air coolers, generator parts and
electrical resistors (except heating resistors), aluminium wire, generators and
alternators, batteries, electric wires and cables, transformer, washing
machines/laundry machines moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'machinery and equipment' group declined by
0.2 per cent due to lower prices of injection pump, rice mill machinery,
pressure vessel, tank for fermentation and other food processing, drilling
machine, water purifier, pump sets without motor, separator, open end spinning
machinery and air filters and harvesters, hydraulic pump, windmill
turbines and hydraulic equipment. However, the prices of packing machine, air
gas compressor (including compressor for refrigerator and pneumatic tools),
moulding machine, conveyors (non-roller type), manufacture of bearings, gears,
gearing and driving elements, roller and ball bearings, motor starter, oil
pump, sewing machines, cranes, pharmaceutical machinery, excavator, roller mill
(raymond), clutches and shaft couplings, threshers, soil preparation and
cultivation machinery (other than tractors) and grinding or polishing machine
moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'motor vehicles, trailers and
semi-trailers' group declined by 0.4 per cent due to lower prices of seat for
motor vehicles, crankshaft, passenger vehicles, brake pad/brake liner/brake
block/brake rubber, chassis of different vehicle types and head lamp. However,
the prices of steering gear control system, minibus/bus and chain and cylinder
liners, release valve, axles of motor vehicles and wheels/wheels and parts
moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'other transport equipment' group rose 0.2
per cent due to higher price of scooters. However, the price of railway brake
gear declined.
Inflation rate for the 'furniture' group declined by 0.1 per cent
due to lower prices of hospital furniture, plastic fixtures and foam and rubber
mattress. However, the prices of steel shutter gate moved up.
Inflation rate for the 'other manufacturing' group declined by 2.1
per cent due to lower prices of stringed musical instruments (incl santoor,
guitars, etc), silver, gold and gold ornaments and football. However, the
prices of plastic moulded toys, table tennis table and non-mechanical toys,
carrom board and cricket ball and playing cards moved up.
Inflation rate for the Food Index consisting of food articles from
the primary articles group and the manufactured products group, and a combined
weight of 24.38 per cent in the wholesale price index, increased to 4.95 per
cent in April 2019 from 3.89 per cent in March 2019.
The final wholesale price index for February 2019 based on the
wholesale price index for 'all commodities' remained unchanged at its
provisional level of 2.93 per cent as reported on 14 March 2019.
‘Even The Lord Couldn’t Withstand Fani, How
Could We Mortals?’
By
-
May 14, 2019
Brahmagiri (Puri): Lord Jagannath’s picture frame in office
rooms could not withstand Cyclone Fani, says Duryodhan Pagala. Then, pointing
at his damaged rice mill, he said: “How could we mortals?” His mill is at
Talikabadi Chaak in Odisha’s Brahmagiri, where the eye of the storm passed on
May 3.
An innocent reference from a fervent devotee of the Lord, who,
he felt, would protect them from this disaster even as the government sounded
the warning bell and engaged all machinery to evacuate people to safer places.
He admits that faith had made them a little complacent.
When the severe cyclonic storm smacked Odisha, no one had the
slightest idea that the ferocious winds would leave behind a catastrophic trail
of destruction. A look at the rice mill spread across 2 acres is enough to
gauge the intensity of the storm, the strongest since 1999. The huge machines
have been damaged beyond repair, the walls have collapsed and the godowns stare
straight into the sky with the asbestos roofs having blown away.
Tears rolled down his eyes, as Duryodhan relived those four
hours (8.30am to 12.30pm) when Fani barreled though his space, twisting and
turning whatever came its way. “We had taken shelter at a pucca house across
the road and helplessly watched this dance of Fani. My elder brother Hampal
walked down from Puri on hearing the news and fainted on seeing the place in
ruins,” he said.
They had set up the mill in 2007. It provided employment to
around 200 people, 50 to 100 of them daily-wage labourers. “Fortunately, the
mill was closed and no one was inside on the fateful day,” he said, adding that
1.5 lakh quintals of rice was milled per annum at the mill.
“We lost everything to the storm,” he said, pegging the total
loss at over Rs 7 crore.
Duryodhan said they had written to the authorities concerned,
but was not sure how much of the loss the government would cover.
A little away from this place is another rice mill with roof
blown away and paddy sacks lying exposed to elements. “The paddy must have
sprouted. Everything has gone waste,” he said.
According to Duryodhan, the storm has pushed Brahmagiri 30 years
back. “The houses with thatched roofs and those covered with asbestos and tin
have been damaged. Coconut and cashew plantations were the main source of
livelihood for people of the area. These have been completely destroyed by
Fani,” he said, adding that except for the 1968 floods, the place had never
witnessed such fury of nature.
The extremely severe cyclonic storm has left behind a trail of
devastation akin to that of 1999 Super Cyclone in Odisha.
“A large number of trees were uprooted, resulting in disruption
in road communication and power supply in different districts. There is also
extensive damage to dwelling houses. Power supply has snapped as electricity
poles have got uprooted and there is damage to sub-stations and high tension
overhead electric line. Telecom towers have been damaged, resulting in
disruption of cellular and landline phones,” the Chief Secretary’s office had
said.
But life goes on and they are slowly picking up the pieces of
life to start afresh. “It will take us about three months to dismantle and
remove the damaged machines. Though the future is uncertain, we have to find
ways to make ends meet,” Duryodhan said.
Tell-tale destruction signs are there for all to see and so is
the resilience of the people.
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BJP
Responds To Naveen’s ‘Thank You’ With A Thumbs-Up On Law & Order During
Polls
Central
Team Praises Odisha Govt For Post-Fani Relief & Restoration Work
SK Telecom commercializes IoT
network-based autonomous rice transplanter for first time
Park
Sae-jin Reporter(swatchsjp@ajunews.com) | Posted : May 15, 2019,
15:16 | Updated : May 15, 2019, 16:01
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[Courtesy of SK Telecom]
SEOUL -- SK
Telecom, South Korea's top mobile carrier, has partnered with Daedong, a top
domestic agricultural machinery maker, to commercialize an autonomous rice transplanter
which locates and guides itself around rice paddy fields using precision
satellite positioning technology.
SK Telecom (SKT) said in a statement Wednesday that the company and Daedong have jointly developed an automatic rice-panting tractor using real-time kinematic technology (RKT), a precise satellite navigation technology that uses internet of things (IoT) and GPS.
The autonomous rice transplanter will help farmers reduce costs by carrying out multi-roles like planting rice seedlings and scattering fertilizer. Farmers can do other things and even unskilled farmers can professionally operate the self-driving transplanter thanks to pre-settings.
"Anyone can easily handle agricultural machines if they are combined with ICT and improve productivity," SKT's ICT research center head Park Jin-hyo was quoted as saying. Dadong CEO Ha Chang-wook said the new machine would be widely distributed soon as it received good feedback from farmers
In South Korea, many farmers use rice transplanters, a type of small tractors, but some do it manually mainly because rice-planting tractors are expensive. Sometimes farmers share a transplanter or hire a skilled tractor driver during the rice planting season.
SK Telecom (SKT) said in a statement Wednesday that the company and Daedong have jointly developed an automatic rice-panting tractor using real-time kinematic technology (RKT), a precise satellite navigation technology that uses internet of things (IoT) and GPS.
The autonomous rice transplanter will help farmers reduce costs by carrying out multi-roles like planting rice seedlings and scattering fertilizer. Farmers can do other things and even unskilled farmers can professionally operate the self-driving transplanter thanks to pre-settings.
"Anyone can easily handle agricultural machines if they are combined with ICT and improve productivity," SKT's ICT research center head Park Jin-hyo was quoted as saying. Dadong CEO Ha Chang-wook said the new machine would be widely distributed soon as it received good feedback from farmers
In South Korea, many farmers use rice transplanters, a type of small tractors, but some do it manually mainly because rice-planting tractors are expensive. Sometimes farmers share a transplanter or hire a skilled tractor driver during the rice planting season.
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Park
Sae-jin Reporter
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or broadcast without the authorization from the Aju News Corporation.
NEDA sees rice
tariffs exceeding P10 billion quota for RCEF
May 14, 2019 | 10:14 pm
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PHILSTAR/MICHAEL VARCAS
THE
NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said it is expecting more
than the authorized P10 billion total to be collected from rice import tariffs
under the Rice Tariffication Law, with the excess to be used to help farmers
diversify into other crops.
In a
mobile message, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said NEDA is still in
the process of finalizing its estimates of total revenue from rice
tariffication this year.
The Rice
Tariffication Law cam into force on March 5. Its provisions include the
allotment of P10 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)
which will be used to assist farmers in the form of mechanization, credit,
education and seed.
“We are
still finalizing our estimates. But we do expect it to be higher than P10
billion. The law stipulates that the excess of P10 billion will go back to
assist farmers diversifying into other crops,” Ms. Edillon said.
“Assistance
for diversification is not in the RCEF. Funds for this will come from the
excess revenue,” Ms. Edillon added.
Ms.
Edillon declined to give initial estimates of revenue from tariffs.
The
Department of Agriculture (DA) has been advanced P5 billion from the re-enacted
2018 Budget pending the generation of revenue for the RCEF proper, NEDA
Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla has said.
Another
P5 billion will be given to DA in the third quarter to complete the P10 billion
RCEF for the year, according to Ms. Sombilla.
“Mayroon
nang napaunang P5 billion (The first P5 billion has been released).
About P1 billion out of that has to be given to the farmers. DA is now trying
to allocate some parts of it to the various agencies who are supposed to
receive the RCEF,” Ms. Sombilla said in a briefing late last month.
“Kinakausap
na namin ang DA (We’ve spoken to the DA). As much as possible, (it
needs to) find measures to allocate some money to PhilMech, PhilRice, and to
the training institutes which should be receiving money from RCEF,” according
to Ms. Sombilla, referring to the various agencies in charge of farm
mechanization and rice research. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio
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