Thursday, August 27, 2020

27th August,2020 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter

 Twists and turns in MP-Punjab Basmati row, with little signs of an end

The issue is sensitive for the MP chief minister, especially in the light of the coming bypolls in the state's farming zone

basmati rice, exports The contentious issue of whether rice grown in Madhya Pradesh should be eligible for the GI tag, just like the kind grown in the foothills of Himalayas, has once again reared its head with state chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan writing a series of letters opposing his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh’s views on the matter. The Madhya Pradesh government has also decided to approach the Supreme Court to challenge an order by the Madras High Court rejecting the state’s claim over the for grown on its soil. The Madras High Court gave its decision on two petitions; one filed by the state government and the other by a rice growers’ association in the state. Several observers and experts are also linking MP’s belligerence to the coming bypolls to the 27 vacant assembly seats, something which will decide the fate of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. As most of the seats in the bypolls fall in the Gwalior-Chambal region, which is predominantly a farming zone, many feel Chouhan is in no mood to compromise in the matter for fear of being branded anti-farmer. This, in fact, was a tag that the opposition Congress successfully managed to stick on him, causing his defeat in the last assembly elections in MP. Madhya Pradesh’s argument in the state is largely grown in and around the 13 districts of Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur and Jabalpur. An estimated 80,000-100,000 farmers cultivate the crop in these areas in over 200,000 hectares of land, as per the state government’s assessment. Madhya Pradesh contends that it has historical records since 1908 of basmati production in the 13 districts and has records of supplying seeds to farmers in MP in the year 1944 by the erstwhile Scindia State. It also argues that the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, had recorded production of basmati rice in MP in its Production Oriented Survey Report for the past 25 years. "Basmati exporters in Punjab and Haryana are procuring the rice from MP. This is also supported by Government of India data of export from the Mandideep industrial area in Madhya Pradesh," Chouhan recently tweeted. The is for PUSA-1 and PUSA-1121 basmati rice varieties cultivated in Madhya Pradesh. Apart from Punjab, other states that already have GI tagging for basmati include Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, western UP, and select districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Punjab and exporters' contention Basmati is among the top three agricultural exports from India and has consistently been a show-stopper, irrespective of global market dynamics. In 2019-20, India exported around 4.45 million tonnes of of the grain, valued at over Rs 31,000 crore. Basmati’s long-aromatic grain, smooth texture and special qualities has over the last several decades made it one of the most adorable and signature food items of India. The Central government, along with the states, has fought a long legal and diplomatic battle to retain the specificity and uniqueness of Indian basmati rice amid stiff competition from neighbouring Pakistan, which has long claimed that the crop grown on its soil is the real basmati. Exporters say granting the to basmati grown in Madhya Pradesh districts will lower its value in the international market and give a window to Pakistan to strengthen its claim over the variety grown in its territory, impacting India’s marketability and premium. “If someone starts growing Darjeeling tea in Chennai will it command the same price as the original grown in the Darjeeling valley. A GI tag or certification is the region-specific identity of a product. No one can simply grow the same crop in some other place and claim it to be the same as original. However, it might be near to the original one,” a leading basmati rice exporter said. He said expanding the GI tag to basmati grown in Madhya Pradesh will diminish its international market and lead to fall in the premium it commands over other rice varieties. Whether or not Madhya Pradesh deserves a GI tag for the basmati grown in its state is now to be decided by the country’s highest Court of Law. But as it deliberates on the matter, getting a GI in itself is cumbersome and many times controversial and tricky in India. This probably explains why India has less than 500 GI-certified items, despite having one of the world’s most diverse agriculture produce and culinary items. Problems of getting GI tag in India Be it ‘Basmati Rice’, or ‘Darjeeling Tea’ or ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’, getting Geographical Indication tag (GI) for items exclusive to India has long been a contentious issue. Though, the GI Act that commenced from 2003 (Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999) has brought much-needed transparency and clarity into the entire field, but experts said a lot of confusion and complications originates primarily due to lack of quality control once the tag is obtained and also limited hand-holding prior to applications are made to the Registrar that leads to half-baked attempts to seek a GI certification. Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004–05, since then over 300 goods had been added to the list. India’s vast and vibrant agricultural and food varieties along with inter-regional variations also make it a ‘nightmare’ while applying for GI. Experts said a big factor in granting a GI tag for any product is ‘public perception’ about the same. This is easier for products which are associated with a particular area like Darjeeling Teas, or Champagne of France, but when it comes to generic items like Pashmina which is not usually associated with a particular area or region by the virtue of its name, granting a GI becomes highly challenging. GI Act and its implementation in India is relatively new – it started from 2003 onwards – while in other countries the concept has been in existence since long. The other big challenge in getting GI in India, experts said is the improper filing and lack of proper knowledge which sometimes leads to half-baked applications being filed increasing their chance of rejection by competent authorities. In India there are no provisions for quality control in the GI Act once GIs are registered, which is why there is a proliferation of applications in India. In Europe, one of the pivotal issues is quality control. Once a product is granted GI, there is little possibility of fakes, which is not the case in India. A GI tag brings its own brand equity for the product and it commands a premium in the market, but to get that a lot of background work needs to go into before a formal application is made, something which is absent in India leading to higher number of rejections. A case in point is ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ which failed to get the GI tag as the applicant could not prove the historical origin and data relating to the dish with supporting documents. The application was filed by Deccani Biryani Makers Association (DBMA) a few years back. "The existing GI tribunal order has not been implemented in letter and spirit. The existing application and grant of GI of Basmati contains a number of glitches. In the interest of the nation, there is a requirement to review the entire matter based on ‘GI principles’ without going into the subject whether MP or any other area is to be included and examination of subject just not based on selective references and interpretations," S Chandrasekaran, trade policy analyst and author of the book Basmati Rice - The Natural History Geographical Indications, told Business StandardTable: Basmati rice exports from India
YearQuantity (million Tonnes)Value (Rs crore)
2019-204.4531,026.00
2018-194.4132,804.30
2017-184.0526,870.17
2016-173.9821,513.00
2015-164.0422,719.00
Source: Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
 
 
Date: 26-Aug-2020Monsoon Boosts Expectation of Bumper Basmati Rice Crop in 2020-21 Season

 

India’s basmati production is likely to increase by 7%. Monsoon boosts expectations of Bumper basmati rice crop in the 2020-21 season. 

Strong Prospects for Exports

According to All India Rice Exporters Association demand for Indian basmati rice is high from Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Besides, East European countries are keen to buy the Indian aromatic variety. Vinod Kaul, Executive Director of AIREA, said that despite the pandemic, the sowing of Kharif crop was completed with local and migrant labourers who returned after restrictions eased. However, India has stopped shipments to Iran due to payment issues.
Bumper Basmati Production Expected in India Owing to Favorable Monsoon
Bumper Basmati Production Expected in India Owing to Favorable Monsoon

Punjab Expecting Bumper Crop

The area under Basmati this year is 4% more than the previous year’s coverage and the highest in five years in Punjab. However, the state is still short of meeting the target of covering 7 LH hectares under Basmati. Farmers prefer growing paddy than Basmati as Basmati is a non-MSP crop. The fluctuation in prices encourages farmers to grow paddy. The state has registered 6,50,150 hectares under Basmati till now.

Prices to Fall Further

A report by CRISIL Ratings said that paddy prices are likely to fall 17% in the current fiscal from an average Rs 36 per kg. Good monsoon and stable demand will lead the rice industry to a good year. Also, several basmati companies are in for a 100-150 bps margin boost owing to low prices of paddy. Despite the pandemic, several countries, including the UK and the USA, have been importing basmati from India.

Export Worries Due to Iran

Though trade continues with other countries, uncertainty looms overpayment due to exporters from Iran. The Central Bank of Iran has slowed down the allocation of currency to Iran traders against which they were importing from Iran. It bought 1.3 million tonnes the previous year, ordering over 30% of India’s rice. The country is likely to register a 20% lower volume basmati trade with Iran. Also, tea exports will come to a halt in case the payment issues remain unresolved.  In all, the Indian rice industry is optimistic about rice trade this year due to high demand and excellent production.  
 

Climate Change, Crop Yields and Risk Management for Farmers

August 26, 2020  Matt Shipman

Description: aerial view of a combine harvester in a fieldPhoto credit: Tom Fisk.

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Rod M. Rejesus, a professor of agricultural and resource economics and extension specialist at NC State. This post is part of a series highlighting ways that NC State is helping us understand, mitigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

“If you ate food today, thank a farmer!” This popular slogan has circulated in social media (as well as mainstream media) in recent years, highlighting the importance of farmers and the agricultural industry in supplying the food we eat every day. But agriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive industries worldwide; the nature of farming means that growers are exposed to the vagaries of weather and climate.

For example, systemic changes in temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather could have significant adverse impacts on crop yields and the supply of food we eat.

Agriculture is also a major industry that contributes significantly to the economies of most countries (including the United States). Agriculture is a major source of livelihood for a large proportion of rural communities across the globe. In other words, climate change has the potential to threaten both our food supply and farmers’ livelihoods.

With this “climate change threat” to agriculture, a key challenge to agricultural science is to further understand the nature of how climate change adversely affects the yields of various crops worldwide. Once the yield effects of climate change are better understood in the context of how crops are being grown today (i.e., using past or current technologies and practices), it is important to discover and research ways farmers can utilize new agricultural technologies and practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, information about these new climate change adaptation and mitigation practices must also be passed on to farmers through extension and outreach programs.

NC State is at the forefront of this challenge – conducting research and providing outreach to better understand and address the issues related to climate change and its impacts on crop yields in agriculture.

Description: ear of corn

I contribute to this effort by examining climate change issues affecting corn and other commodity crops in the U.S., as well as issues affecting rice in other countries – particularly those in Asia.

Domestically, I contributed to research published in the journal Science that shows corn yields in the U.S. corn belt are becoming increasingly sensitive to drought conditions in spite of varietal improvements in corn cultivars and advances in agronomic practices. Although average corn yields are still steadily increasing under drought conditions (albeit at a lower rate relative to ideal growing conditions), the adverse impact of drought conditions has become increasingly larger over time. Average yield increases are getting smaller in drought conditions. A similar trend is observed in soybeans but not as severe. The observed sensitivity to drought stress can be attributed to higher planting densities that accompanied the use of improved cultivars over time.

The finding that corn yields are becoming more sensitive to drought events (and heat stress in general) have important implications for the future risk management strategies of farmers, especially in the presence of further climate change. As such, I am involved in research that assesses the economic feasibility and impacts of agricultural technologies and agronomic practices that can potentially mitigate the increased risk posed by climate change (e.g., cover crops, planting densities, tillage practices, planting dates, etc.).

I am also involved in projects that aim to improve the U.S. crop insurance program to better serve the risk management needs of farmers and help them in times of extreme weather events that results in revenue losses. I was also involved in a survey to understand how U.S. farmers perceive climate change. In general, this study suggests that farmers in four U.S. states are skeptical of the adverse yield effects of climate change. Hence, outreach activities to promote climate change mitigation and adaption practices need to be more creatively structured given the inherent skepticism of growers.

Description: grains of ricePhoto credit: Pierre Bamin.

In addition to my work in the U.S., I’m engaged in research studies that examine the effects of climate change on crop yields in other countries.

Rice is a food staple worldwide, with nearly half of the world’s population consuming it daily. One of my Ph.D. students is involved in examining how modern rice varieties can mitigate the adverse effects of warming temperatures. This study shows that recent rice breeding advances have indeed mitigated the adverse rice yield effects of warming, but development of new varieties that are more tolerant to heat is still needed – because temperatures are expected to rise in the future. Aside from new rice varieties, I have also examined the impacts and economic feasibility of new water-saving irrigation practices that can help rice producers attain similar yields using less water.

Climate change is one of the biggest societal challenges of our generation and the search for ways to mitigate and adapt to this phenomenon needs to continue, especially if we are to have an agricultural sector that can adequately supply food for a world population approaching 10 billion by mid-century. NC State will be a part of this quest.

https://news.ncsu.edu/2020/08/climate-change-crop-yields-and-risk-management-for-farmers/

 

 



Food office to assess stock of rice, paddy to tame rising prices

12:00 AM, August 27, 2020 / LAST MODIFIED: 01:53 AM, August 27, 2020

 

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With prolonged floods mounting to the pandemic woes this year, fresh harvests of hybrid paddy cultivated on higher grounds bring some relief to farmers in Nazirer Gaon in Tuker Bazar union of Sylhet sadar. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute estimates a surplus of over 55 lakh tonnes of rice on meeting domestic demand at November’s end while the food ministry is preparing to import the staple to keep public stocks intact. The present stock of 12.5 lakh tonnes of rice and wheat is set to be exhausted by December owing to the government’s food distribution and other social safety net programmes. Photo: Sheikh Nasir

Sohel Parvez

With the soaring prices of rice affecting the poor, the food ministry has taken steps to assess the stock of food grain at millers and traders end.

Accordingly, the Directorate General of Food has asked its field offices to send reports on the stock of paddy, rice, wheat and flour at the end of millers and traders within five days, according to a notice issued on 24 August.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of two contradicting scenarios: rice prices are spiralling at a time when the agriculture ministry is saying production was good in the last Boro season and there would be no shortage of the food.

The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) estimates that farmers produced more than 2 crore tonnes of rice from Boro harvested in the April-June period and that there would be more than 55 lakh tonnes of rice in surplus at the end of November after meeting the domestic requirement.

BRRI found in its study that farmers held a higher stock of paddy.

"We want to understand the reasons behind the price spike," Food Secretary Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum told The Daily Star over the phone yesterday.

The prices began increasing nearly a week ago in Dhaka city, according to retail data compiled by the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

For example, traders asked Tk 54-Tk 64 for each kilogram of fine grains sold as miniket or nazirshail, which is 5 per cent higher from a month earlier.

Coarse rice price increased 8 per cent to Tk 44-48 each kilogram yesterday from Tk 40-Tk 45 a month before, showed TCB data.

The prices of paddy and rice had been higher during the harvesting season because of millers' rush to buy the grain following government's declaration of purchasing 800,000 tonnes of paddy and slow release of paddy by farmers, Khanum said.

The government could attain one-fourth of its target of buying paddy during the procurement season, which is set to end next week.

The prices are going up at a time when the public warehouses had 10.7 lakh tonnes of food on 24 August, down 32 per cent from a year earlier.

Khanum went on to cite the agriculture ministry's estimate of adequate production and ample supply of the grain in the market and said there has been no shortage of rice.

"We have no shortage of rice based on the estimate and our observation. Even after that, the prices are increasing. There is a grey area. It may be that farmers, millers do not have stock as much as we are assuming. There might be a gap somewhere," she added.

In its notice issued to the district food office, the food ministry said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered the officials concerned to get reports on the stock of paddy, rice and wheat held by millers and traders to take a policy decision.

The food office is yet to find anyone holding a large stock of grain, Khanum said.

"We also want to see if large companies are packaging rice in larger quantity and reducing supply in the market. We are analysing where we need to intervene," she said, adding that the government would import after analysing the situation and to bring in discipline in the market.

Millers and traders earlier said crop losses for cyclone Amphan, recurrent floods and apprehensions over low yields of aman paddy for late plantation and food shortages for the coronavirus pandemic are fuelling rumours among growers, traders and millers that the supply of the food grain will become tight in the coming months.

And these factors are encouraging paddy to be stocked up and released slowly, said millers and traders.

Agriculture ministry recently estimated that flood damaged 32,000 hectares of Aus paddy crop and nearly 71,000 hectares of Aman paddy.

Farmers were harvesting paddy during the current Aus harvesting season. The decision on the amount of import will be taken based on the prospect of Aman, Khanum said.

As part of the preparation, the food ministry also asked its field office to furnish information on the requirement for rice for distribution among poor people under the social safety net and other public food distribution programme between September and November this year.

Khanum said they need nearly 900,000 tonnes of rice for distribution for three months.

She said the government might consider allowing the private sector to import rice if needed.

KM Layek Ali, general secretary of the Bangladesh Auto, Major and Husking Mills Association, welcomed the government move to assess the stock of foodgrains.

"We millers do not have that much stock. If there is a surplus, it is necessary to see who is holding that. The point is that the quality of grains deteriorated because of bad weather during the harvesting season except for the haor region."

This stock assessment is necessary to see whether there is any surplus or shortage, he added.

A section of traders increase the prices whenever the stock of food grain at public warehouses decline, said Ghulam Rahman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh.

The government should be increasing public stock by reducing import duty and increasing supply in the market through open market sales and other social safety net schemes.

At the same time, it should ensure punishment to wrongdoers.

"The spike in prices is not expected at this time when many people have lost jobs and seen reduced income. Many self-employed have become jobless," he added.

 

 

 

BUFFALO POWER AT LAGUNA GOLF LANG CO HELPS FEED LOCAL VIETNAMESE COMMUNITIES DURING COVID-19

AUGUST 27, 2020

ENVIRONMENT / GOLF / WELLNESS

Laguna Golf Lang Co’s family of water buffalo have helped the club reap a record rice harvest which will go towards feeding members of the local community in Central Vietnam.

The club gathered 28 tonnes of rice from the seven-hectares of fields right in the middle of the Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout — a record harvest-time haul.

The buffalo “bio-mowers” have been vital in helping to maintain the elevated status of the layout, which winds its way through tropical jungle, ocean sand dunes and ancient rice paddies and was ranked as the best in Vietnam at the 2019 Vietnam Golf Awards.

They help to manage the seven-hectares of rice fields located right in the middle of the course by eating excess weeds, crops while tilling the soil in the area that would otherwise require machinery and additional manpower to maintain.

The rice-fields, though, are not just for show. Harvested twice a year, they have previously yielded up to 20 tons of rice that are used to support the organic farm at Laguna Lang Co and donated to families and seniors in the area who are in need of extra support.

This winter’s record haul, however, surpassed previous harvests by some way. Additionally, the bumper crop could not have come at a timely juncture, with Vietnam’s economy taking a hit on tourism as the international borders remain closed to combat the spread of the global pandemic.

Golf at Laguna Lang Co. Director, Adam Calver advises “the communities that have limited economic means have been hit the hardest by the economic downturn that has resulted from the global pandemic.

 “The fact that we are able to donate even more rice to locals who need it most this year was a really positive outcome for our edible golf course.”

The utilisation of water buffalo as greenkeepers is part of a wider push by Laguna Golf Lang Co to be the most sustainable course in Vietnam. It has completely eradicated the use of single-use plastics in almost all aspects of its operations, scrapping items made of plastic such as on course garbage bags, locker room accessories, plastic cups and straws and replacing them with ones made from materials such as bamboo, paper, steel or natural grass.

Laguna Lang Co Resort has just finalised the installation of its own water bottling plant to allow the resort to completely eliminate plastic water bottles and utilize reusable glass bottles.

The club is also one of only three golf courses in the world to achieve EarthCheck Gold certification, a status it earned at the end of 2019.

Calver adds “continually mowing the fields to maintain vast rice terraces can consume a large amount of labour and fuel. The water buffalo act as bio-mowers and help us protect the natural feel of the landscape; they give a true sense of place.

“Since we introduced the buffalo we have seen a number of birds such as egrets, moving in as they feast on the insects as the buffalo till the soil. We are currently building a new home for our family of ducks which will be used next year as part of our ‘Integrated Rice-Duck Farming Program’.”

Image top: The water buffalo tending the rice fields add a classically Vietnamese feel to the club; image centre Baby Lulu (right) is the latest addition to the now five-strong family of water buffalo at Laguna Golf Lang Co; image above: The expanded family helped harvest a record harvest haul of 28 tonnes of rice this winter

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Wheat

Winter Wheat markets were higher last week. The market is still reacting to which way Wheat prices are going here and overseas. Spring Wheat was developing under good growing conditions in both the US and Canada. Harvest has expanded and yield reports are solid in the northern Plains. Yield reports from the central and southern Great Plains have been variable, but generally a little better than expected. Soft Red Winter yields are high. The Winter Wheat markets are in sideways trends on the weekly charts.  It is still dry in France and Russia and now Spring Wheat areas of Russia are being affected. Russian Winter Wheat yields have improved over time as harvesters move into areas that had better growing conditions. Australia remains in good condition and is getting beneficial rains. About half of the Argentine Wheat belt is too dry.

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Weekly Chicago Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

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Weekly Chicago Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

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Weekly Minneapolis Hard Red Spring Wheat Futures

Corn

Corn was slightly higher in reaction to demand and the Pro Farmer tour results. A lot of attention was on the results from Iowa due to drought and the derecho that blew through the state.  The derecho brought 100 mph winds to parts of Iowa and Illinois and flattened many Corn crops.  Some of these crops will not recover. Some silos and other storage and processing facilities were damaged or destroyed. It is not known how much of the Corn can recover. Pro Farmer estimated the Iowa yield at just over 177 bu/acre. Corn in surrounding areas looks good and USDA called for record yield potential in its reports this month. Pro Farmer has found good but not great crops in general in the Midwest. China was a buyer of US Corn again late last week.

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Weekly Corn Futures

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 Weekly Oats Futures

Soybeans and Soybean Meal

Soybeans were a little lower after making new highs for the move. The Pro Farmer crop tour found a lot of good looking Soybean plants with plenty of pods per plant. The Soybeans in Iowa were in much better condition than the Corn as the derecho did not cause as much damage. USDA noted that China had bought a lot of new crop Soybeans in its weekly sales report on Thursday. They bought even more on Friday. China has become a much more active buyer of Soybeans here in the US. Brazil prices are higher for the rest of the world as it starts to run out of Soybeans to export, so China and the rest of the world will look to the US for additional supplies.  The US weather is considered mixed for Soybeans with cooler temperatures and some rain in the north, but dry conditions further to the south.

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Weekly Chicago Soybeans Futures

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Weekly Chicago Soybean Meal Futures

Rice

Rice was higher again last week as the harvest is active near the Gulf Coast.  The weekly charts show that a small bottom has formed and the daily charts imply that higher prices are coming.  New crop prospects appear solid for increased production in the coming year.  The area is larger and the growing conditions are mostly good.  The crops are called in good condition in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.  Texas and southern Louisiana field yield reports are strong.  Quality is called average to above average.  Export demand for the new crop Rice has been slow to develop as buyers wait for lower prices.  Domestic demand has also been less.  It looks like many buyers bought and hoarded Rice during the first pandemic scare and are now full of supplies.

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Weekly Chicago Rice Futures

Palm Oil and Vegetable Oils

Palm Oil closed slightly lower on worries that prices were too high for demand and despite more reports of less production from Malaysia and Indonesia. Demand reports from the private surveyors were down 20% for the month to date. Wire reports from Indonesia last week highlighted more than 8% less production and 7% exports from that country. Flooding and a lack of workers for the plantations have been the reasons to see less production in Malaysia. Palm Oil has been hoping for better demand from importers as world economies slowly open after being closed by the Coronavirus epidemic. Indonesia continues to focus its Palm Oil on internal demand for bio fuels. Soybean Oil was a little lower and Canola was also a little lower. Canola closed higher despite good growing conditions in Canada and the stronger Canadian Dollar.  The strength in the Canadian Dollar is more about weakness in the US Dollar than anything going on in Canada.  Crop conditions are mostly good and farmers have been selling old crop supplies. The weather has been warm and most areas have seen rain.

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Weekly Malaysian Palm Oil Futures

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Weekly Chicago Soybean Oil Futures

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Weekly Canola Futures

Cotton

Cotton closed a little higher for the week and trends are turning up on the weekly charts.  West Texas weather remains detrimental for crop development as the region has been very dry and hot. The hot and dry weather extends north into Oklahoma and western Kansas. Export demand for US Cotton has been poor for the last few weeks but was improved last week. Export demand is the primary demand for US Cotton so poor weekly sales means weak overall demand. The retail demand has been slow to develop as many consumers got hurt economically due to stay at home orders during the height of the pandemic and have little disposable funds to spend on clothes. Demand will slowly improve but the industry should have plenty of supplies to work with in the short term. The US weather situation is mixed, with good rains noted in the Southeast and good conditions in the Midsouth. However, it has been very hot and dry in West Texas and farther to the north in the Great Plains and crops there are suffering.

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Weekly US Cotton Futures

Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice and Citrus

FCOJ was lower for the week and the weekly charts still show down trends. The Coronavirus is still around and is still promoting consumption of FCOJ at home. Restaurant and food service demand has been much less as no one is really dining out. Florida production prospects for the new crop were hurt by an extended flowering period, but the weather is good now with frequent showers to promote good tree health and fruit formation. Import demand to the US should be minimal as US prices remain below those of Europe. Brazil has been too dry and irrigation is being used. Some showers are in the region now to help in Sao Paulo.

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Weekly FCOJ Futures

Coffee

Futures were higher in New York and higher in London. London was the leader on the rally as demand for Robusta has improved with people staying at home. Chart trends remain up for at least the short term. Vietnam was dry during flowering time and is dry again. Production ideas are lower.  Demand overall remains down with the US still locking down due to the Coronavirus resurgence in some states. The demand from coffee shops and other food service operations is still at very low levels. Consumers are still drinking Coffee at home and the return of the Coronavirus outbreak will keep things that way. Reports indicate that consumers at home are consuming blends with more Robusta and less Arabica. Europe is emerging from lockdowns, but the Coronavirus has ramped up as the lockdowns are eased and that bas hurt overall economic activity there. The Brazil harvest is active but shipping and collection have become very difficult due to the widespread outbreak of the Coronavirus there. Even so, the pickers are showing up for work and ports are operating normally.  Ideas are that production will be very strong this year as it is the one year for the trees. The strong production ideas are coming despite hot and dry weather seen in the country at flowering time.

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Weekly New York Arabica Coffee Futures

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Weekly London Robusta Coffee Futures

Sugar

New York and London were lower. CONAB noted in its most recent report that Brazilian mills are producing more Sugar and less Ethanol this year due to reduced Ethanol demand. Ideas are that there is plenty of Sugar for the world market. Getting the Sugar moved is becoming more difficult with the widespread Coronavirus outbreak in both Brazil and India. India is thought to have a very big crop of Sugarcane this year but getting it into Sugar and into export position has become extremely difficult due to Coronavirus lockdowns. Thailand might have less this year due to reduced planted area and erratic rains during the monsoon season. There are reduced flows from rivers from China to hinder irrigation of the crops.

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Weekly New York World Raw Sugar Futures

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Weekly London White Sugar Futures

Cocoa

New York closed about unchanged and London closed lower. The current crop features strong production but there are worries about the next crop due to dry conditions in West Africa. Nigerian traders told the wire services last week that the Nigerian harvest will be delayed by at least a month due to dry weather keeping the pods and beans small and keeping the pods from developing normally. There are a lot of demand worries as the Coronavirus is not going away and could be making a comeback in the US. Europe is still trying to open its markets again but the Coronavirus is still around and consumers are reluctant to buy. Ideas are that Southeast Asia also has good crops.

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Weekly New York Cocoa Futures

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Weekly London Cocoa Futures

(Featured image by icon0.com via Pexels)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

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Jack Scoville

Jack Scoville is a futures market analyst specializing in grains, softs, rice, oilseeds, and tropical products such as coffee and sugar. In addition to writing daily market commentaries in both English and Spanish, he offers brokerage services to an international clientele of agricultural producers, processors, exporters, and other professional traders. He is regularly quoted by major wire services including Dow Jones, AP, and Reuters. His comments are sourced by newspapers around the world and on various radio and television programs.

https://born2invest.com/articles/export-demand-for-rice-is-slow-as-buyers-are-waiting-for-lower-prices/

 

 

Rice tariffication alleged to have cost farmers P40 billion in lost income

August 26, 2020 | 7:04 pm

Description: https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rice-warehouse.jpg

RICE FARMERS lost P40 billion worth of income due to rice tariffication, to the benefit of importers and traders, who realized a P57.5 billion windfall during the first year of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, according to the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF).

According to a study conducted by the FFF and allied groups, farmer mainly absorbed the impact of low palay prices, whereas traders could shift their sourcing to imports.

The FFF said that two million tons of imported rice arrived during the first seven months of the law’s effectivity.

“Palay prices nosedived from an average of P22.04 per kilogram in September 2018 to P14.40 in October 2019,” the FFF said. Palay, or unmilled rice, is the form in which rice farmers sell their harvest, while imported rice is typically milled into various varieties.

Proponents of the law touted it as a means of bringing down prices, slowing inflation, and allowing poor consumers to buy the staple for less.

The FFF claimed that the promised drop in prices to benefit the poor was not realized.

“Importers brought in mostly higher quality rice that sold at a higher price and gave better profit margins. Up to 85% of total rice imports were of the 5% brokens grade instead of the cheaper 25% brokens that the National Food Authority (NFA) previously imported,” the FFF said.

The FFF also alleged that rice importers saved P2.5 billion in tariffs after not declaring the true value of their imports to the Bureau of Customs.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) had yet to comment on he study at deadline time.

Taking effect in March 2019, the law permitted unrestricted imports of rice, with Southeast Asian grain paying a tariff of 35%. The tariffs fund the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which helps farmers access seed, farm machinery, credit, and farm know-how. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

https://www.bworldonline.com/rice-tariffication-alleged-to-have-cost-farmers-p40-billion-in-lost-income/

 

Cameroon: Rice importers suspected of fraudulently reexporting to neighboring countries

  -   Wednesday, 26 August 2020 13:44

 (Business in Cameroon) - In Cameroon, the national institute for statistics INS suspects rice importers of fraudulently reexporting their products to Nigeria. Indeed, in 2019, Cameroon’s rice imports surged, inexplicably affecting the country’s food products import expenditures (up by 14.9% to XAF807.5 billion).

The institute notes that the volume of rice imported by the country rose from 561,112 tons to 894,486 tons (up by 59.4%). This cost the country XAF231.6 billion, up by 60.9% compared to the value of rice imports in 2018.

Given the dynamism of the local production, we can suspect that the surplus is reexported to neighboring countries, Nigeria notably due to the importance of its domestic market,”  the INS comments. These reexportations are facilitated by the exemptions granted by the Cameroonian government for rice imports. Thus, the operators import rice duty-free and reexport it to increase their profits.

Because of that practice, the INS announces that it is elaborating a permanent mechanism to monitor trans-border trades. The mechanism will provide an overview of Cameroon’s transborder trades and help curb these unfair reexportations.

https://www.businessincameroon.com/economy/2608-10741-cameroon-rice-importers-suspected-of-fraudulently-reexporting-to-neighboring-countries

 

Fakhar For Enhancing Cooperation With Egypt In Filed Of Cotton Research

Description: Fakhar for enhancing cooperation with Egypt in filed of cotton research

Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam on Thursday urged for enhancing bilateral cooperation in filed of cotton research with Egypt in order to enhance per-acre crop output in country

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Aug, 2020 ) :Minister for National food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam on Thursday urged for enhancing bilateral cooperation in filed of cotton research with Egypt in order to enhance per-acre crop output in country.

The Ambassador of Arabic Republic of Egypt to Pakistan Tarek Dahrough called on minister and discussed the ways and means to enhance bilateral cooperation in different fields including agriculture.

The minister also proposed to sign an agreement between both the countries for enhancing cooperation in the fields of research, extension and agricultural education. Syed Fakhar Imam also mentioned that Pakistan exports mangoes to AfghanistanUAEOman and Iran as it has good Phytosanitary systems.

The Egyptian Ambassador under Official Development Assistance (ODA) offered fully funded capacity building training program and master program to Pakistani professional and scientists.

Economic Affairs Division finalize nominations from the Federal and provincial governments through its Foreign Trainings Committee.

According the Trade development Authority of Pakistan, there was huge potential for export of rice but it has certain trade restrictions by the Egyptian Government.

Major competitors of Pakistani rice export to Egypt were IndiaTurkeyChina and Vietnam.

Pakistan's share in rice exports to Egypt was only $0.58 million against their total imports of $49.34 million. Besides, there was a huge potential for export of frozen boneless bovine meat to Egypt (as Egypt imports boneless meat of an annual worth around USD 1.0 billion).


https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/fakhar-for-enhancing-cooperation-with-egypt-i-1012837.html

 

 

 

Fakhar for enhancing cooperation with Egypt in filed of cotton research

 

Description: Fakhar for enhancing cooperation with Egypt in filed of cotton research File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP): Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam on Thursday urged for enhancing bilateral cooperation in filed of cotton research with Egypt in order to enhance per-acre crop output in country.

The Ambassador of Arabic Republic of Egypt to Pakistan Tarek Dahrough called on minister and discussed the ways and means to enhance bilateral cooperation in different fields including agriculture.

The minister also proposed to sign an agreement between both the countries for enhancing cooperation in the fields of research, extension and agricultural education. Syed Fakhar Imam also mentioned that Pakistan exports mangoes to Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Iran as it has good Phytosanitary systems.

 

The Egyptian Ambassador under Official Development Assistance (ODA) offered fully funded capacity building training program and master program to Pakistani professional and scientists.

Economic Affairs Division finalize nominations from the federal and provincial governments through its Foreign Trainings Committee.

According the Trade development Authority of Pakistan, there was huge potential for export of rice but it has certain trade restrictions by the Egyptian Government.

Major competitors of Pakistani rice export to Egypt were India, Turkey, China and Vietnam.
Pakistan’s share in rice exports to Egypt was only $0.58 million against their total imports of $49.34 million. Besides, there was a huge potential for export of frozen boneless bovine meat to Egypt (as Egypt imports boneless meat of an annual worth around USD 1.0 billion).

https://www.app.com.pk/national/fakhar-for-enhancing-cooperation-with-egypt-in-filed-of-cotton-research/

 

Vietnamese white rice price highest in world

SGGP

According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), Vietnamese white rice price has become the highest in the world compared to its peers from India, Thailand, Pakistan and Myanmar.

Description: Vietnamese white rice price highest in world

Presently, Vietnam’s 5 percent broken white rice was traded at US$488-$492 per ton and Vietnam’s 25 percent broken white rice was sold at $463-$467 per ton.

Economists said the price of Vietnamese rice has increased to the highest for many recent years because of the world’s strong demand while supply of India and Thailand is limited. Additionally, the quality of Vietnamese rice is improve leading to rise in price.

Vietnam’s abundant supply and quick delivery amidst Covid-19 crisis are the advantage which made importers prioritize. From now to end of the year, experts forecast that price of Vietnamese rice will continue increasing.

Rice farmers in the Mekong Delta are happy at the good news.

https://sggpnews.org.vn/business/vietnamese-white-rice-price-highest-in-world-88191.html

Government pursuing ‘Make in Pakistan’ policy: PM

Says government committed to extend all possible facilitation to exporters


Rizwan Shehzad  August 26, 2020

Description: A delegation of leading exporters of Pakistan called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on August 26, 2020. PHOTO: PID

A delegation of leading exporters of Pakistan called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on August 26, 2020. PHOTO: PID


ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday declared that the government was vigorously pursuing “Make in Pakistan” policy to promote export-oriented industrialisation in the country.

He observed that the government’s efforts during the last two years had been to further this objective through various interventions particularly in ease of doing business.

The premier expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation of leading exporters from various sectors, including poultry, rice, fruits, information technology, pharmaceuticals and textiles, who called on him on Wednesday.

Acknowledging the critical role of exports in the national economy, including job creation and employment of youth in the country, PM Imran said that the government was committed to extend all possible facilitation to the exporters and remove all impediments in the way to enhancing country’s exports both in goods as well as services.

He emphasised on the need for a greater focus on capitalising the country’s potential in services exports with greater facilitation and provision of an enabling environment.

The premier expressed satisfaction that the country’s economy was moving in the right direction as it had recorded a current account surplus in July 2020 and had been constantly growing in exports after a global slump caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

In order to promote the process of industrialisation and to make the domestic products competitive, the government had either eliminated or significantly reduced duties on hundreds of tariff lines involving raw material for the local industry, he noted.

He pointed out that the system of refunds had been streamlined to resolve liquidity issues of the exporters and industrialists.

The prime minister reiterated that the growth momentum in exports could only be maintained through increased focus on the products and geographical diversification.

The official statement said that the exporters appreciated various policy initiatives of the government and also presented various suggestions to increase country’s exports in their respective areas.

Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar, Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Adviser on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood also attended the meeting.

On August 4, the cabinet was told that Pakistan’s exports had increased by 5.8% as compared to the previous year in July 2020.

Due to the coronavirus, it emerged that the country’s exports fell by 6% in June, 34% in May and 57% in April.

Comparing with other regional countries, the cabinet was informed that Bangladesh's exports had declined by 17% in July, while India's by 4%.

Earlier, PM Imran had congratulated the nation in a tweet, saying there was an upturn in the economy after a struggle of two years.

The premier said the current account and fiscal deficits were down and the construction industry and the job creation through it was taking off because of the government’s special incentives.

He said the stock market, exports and revenues, cement as well as car sales had gone up despite the pandemic and global lockdown.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2261379/government-pursuing-make-in-pakistan-policy-pm

 

Rice products worth $2.5bn exported last year: minister

News Desk

AUGUST 27, 2020

Description: svg%3EThe quality of our rice is acceptable globally. This was said by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (NFSR) on Wednesday while attending a webinar on Sustainable Rice Production for Boosting Rice Export of Pakistan. Syed Fakhar Imam said that last year 7.2 mn rice was produced. He mentioned that rice products of 2.5 billion USD were exported.

There is 30 % contribution of rice in value addition. And rice contribution in GDP is 0.6 %.He said that 2.5 tones HA is the gap in our present production. He said that we need to invest in rice industry. Syed Fakhar Imam said that we need to update our Phyto sanitary systems. Federal Minister was of the point of view that Rice is Pakistan’s third largest crop in terms of area sown, after wheat and cotton. About 11 percent of Pakistan’s total agricultural area is under rice during the summer or “Kharif” season. Pakistan is a leading producer and exporter of Basmati and IRRI rice (white long grain rice). Rice ranks second among the staple food grain crops in Pakistan and exports are a major source of foreign exchange earnings. Pakistan grows a relatively high quality of rice to fulfill domestic and export demand. Rice accounts for 3.1 percent of the value added in agriculture and 0.6 percent of gross domestic product. Pakistan has two major rice-producing provinces, namely Punjab and Sindh. Both provinces account for more than 88 percent of total rice production. Punjab, due to its agro-climatic and soil conditions, is producing 100 percent of the Basmati rice in the country. Pakistan’s “Kalar” bowl area, a local term that refers to a type of soil suitable for Basmati production, is famous for producing Basmati rice and is located between the Ravi and Chenab rivers in Punjab. IRRI rice is grown in both Punjab and Sindh.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/659836/rice-products-worth-2-5bn-exported-last-year-minister/

 

Flash droughts hit nearly 15% rice, maize areas in 1951-2018 monsoons: Study

At least 39 flash droughts occurred in 1951-2018; 82% occurred during the monsoon season, the study found 

By Shagun Kapil
Last Updated: Wednesday 26 August 2020

About 10-15 per cent areas under cultivation of rice and maize were affected by flash droughts during the monsoon seasons in India between 1951 and 2018, a recent study has found.

The study, Dominance of summer monsoon flash droughts in India, said flash droughts are mainly concentrated in the monsoon season in the majority of India, which can adversely affect maize and rice grown in the Kharif (June-September) season. 

It has the potential to affect crop production and pose challenges in meeting increased irrigation demands, the study added.

Shanti Swarup Mahto and Vimal Mishra — researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar — identified 39 flash droughts during 1951-2018 and found that 82 per cent of those occurred during the monsoon season.

According to the research, published in journal Environmental Research Letters:

A considerably long dry spell with significantly low precipitation anomalies during the monsoon results in an increase in air temperature. Increased air temperature and precipitation deficit together cause a rapid depletion of soil moisture leading to flash drought. Therefore, flash droughts in the monsoon season are primarily caused by the monsoon breaks. However, flash droughts can also occur due to delayed onset of the summer.

Precipitation deficit and lack of soil moisture during a flash drought can lead to reduction in the yield of rice and maize. About 21.5 per cent of median area under rice and maize cultivation was affected by flash droughts during 1951-2018 monsoon season, the study stated.

Flash droughts primarily affected rice cultivation in eastern and peninsular India in 1976. In 1979, a large part of the rice-cultivated region of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and eastern India was severely affected; the 1982 flash drought during the monsoon season was widespread and affected the eastern and northeastern regions.

Similarly, the maize-cultivated area (mostly central and peninsular India) was influenced by major flash droughts in 1972, 1976 and 2015. “The spatial coverage of soil moisture conditions during the peak of flash droughts showed that the land was extremely dry due to anomalously low precipitation and high temperature,” said the paper.

These conditions rapidly depleted soil moisture in the rice- and maize-dominated regions during the monsoon season, which affected agriculture. This stressed already depleting groundwater levels, a major source for irrigation in north India.

The occurrence of flash droughts and their characteristics, however, have not been examined in India, the paper said.

“Moreover, the dominant seasons of flash drought occurrence in India are not known. Understanding the occurrence and their seasonal variability is vital as flash droughts can be more detrimental in India due to intensive agriculture primarily in the rain-fed regions,” it said.

 The paper found that top all-India level flash droughts occurred during the monsoon season of 1979, 2001, 1958 and 1986. Except one (1958), all the other major flash droughts occurred in the mid to late monsoon season.

The researchers divided the Indian region into six regions — Central North East (CNE); Himalayan region (HR); North East (NE); North West (NW); Peninsular Region (PR); and West Central (WC) — based on the precipitation distribution to understand regional-scale variability of flash droughts.

A regional scale assessment of flash droughts showed that four regions — CNE, NE, NW, and WC — that fall in the core monsoon zone, witnessed a majority of flash droughts during 1951-2018. Two regions, HR and PR, experienced more flash droughts during the non-monsoon season than monsoon season during 1951-2018. 

“The core monsoon region of central and eastern India witnessed the highest frequency of flash droughts. The regions that experience frequent flash droughts include CNE, NE and Western Ghats. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions of western India, Deccan plateau, and the peninsular region experienced the least frequency of flash droughts during monsoon,” it said.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/extreme-weather-understanding-birds-response-can-help-conservation-efforts-73021

 

 

Wild rice’ invasion causes anxiety in farmers

The wild rice infestation has taken over 300 hectares



Description: The wild rice infestation has taken over 300 hectaresSome rice farmers in Gbdembilisi in the Builsa South district of the Upper East Region have expressed fear of a low yield following the invasion of their farms by strange weeds, identified by agriculture officers as “wild rice”.

The infestation of the “wild rice”, according to the Builsa South district director of agriculture, Sylvan Dauda Danaa, has taken over 300 hectares of the 850 hectares rice fields in nine rice valleys.

Approximately 5.5 to 5.8 metric tons of rice is cultivated in the nine valleys by 894 rice farmers each year.

However, the “wild rice”, which has tillers resembling those of the rice and grow closely by the rice, may pose a challenge to the potential yields of the rice.

The major problem with the “wild rice” is that it grows beside the rice tiller taking more space and eventually infecting the rice tillers.

For now, farmers are using traditional methods to uproot the “wild rice” tillers which is time consuming. Others have abandoned their farmlands due to lack of money to pay for farm labourers.

Some of the affected farmers expressed their frustrations to 3news.com.

Agontu Moses who has 200 hectares of rice farm has been cultivating rice on these fields for close to five years.

“In fact, this wild rice is a problem to us because we spend a lot of money trying to manually remove them. We are hoping if the government can come with an input that can kill these weeds”, he said.

Emmanuel Afoko too has 250 hectares of rice fields and faces the same problem.

“We have a lot of challenges here in the valleys but the “wild rice” infestations is our major problem and needs to be addressed else production for this year will be low”, he lamented.

Mr. Danaa called on government and researchers to intervene with a lasting antidote to the “wild rice” infestation in order to help rice farmers grow more.

He indicated that though the farmers are experiencing little rain, most of the rice fields are doing well due to the good farming practices the farmers have adopted through the training his outfit has given them.

The Upper East regional director of agriculture, Francis Ennor, said the “wild rice” infestation is causing a lot of anxiety among rice farmers.

He assured farmers of better agricultural innovations which will increase crop and animal production in the region.

Last year, there was huge rice gluts at the rice valleys due to lack of ready market.

Other challenges confronting rice farmers at the valleys are lack of roads to fields, inadequate inputs, fertilizers and seeds.

 

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Wild-rice-invasion-causes-anxiety-in-farmers-1043857

 

Myanmar — Flooding Hits Kayin State

 

 

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 August 26, 2020  Benedict Kasigara

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·         Locals told reporters that floodwaters had been flowing into the area since the evening of August 24 and were now rising up in some areas.

·         According to locals, relief camps are being set up at places such as Islamic charity schools.

·         The water level in Hpa-an is 750 cm and the water level in the Salween River is currently more than 4 feet above the danger level.

BoBo Wi Maung, Minister for Social Affairs in the Burmese state of Kayin, told reporters that six flood relief camps had been set up in Hpa-an, Kayin State, due to the rising Salween River, and said more than 1,200 people had been evacuated from their homes to relief camps.

Hpa-an is the capital and largest city of Kayin State, Myanmar. The population of Hpa-an as of the 2014 census was 421,575. Most of the people in Hpa-an are of the Kayin ethnic group.

He said that because of the Coronavirus period, people were classified according to the COVID-19 disease prevention rules. Locals say the Salween River is flooding lower areas, including Ward 5 and Ward 1 in Hpa-an.

Locals told reporters that floodwaters had been flowing into the area since the evening of August 24 and were now rising up in some areas. According to locals, relief camps are being set up at places such as Islamic charity schools.

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, relief camps have been set up with COVID-19 protection regulations and preparedness for flood-related health problems, said Bo Bo Wai Maung, the Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs.

“Dengue fever is also a serious concern. Today, when we distribute relief supplies, we also provide medicine for diarrhea,” said Bo Bo Wai Maung.

According to the Kayin State government, floods in Hpa-an and Shwegun have caused floods and landslides in townships such as Hpapun and Kawkareik. In addition, villages along the river are flooded, said Kayin State Social Affairs Minister Bo Bo Wai Maung.

The water level in Hpa-an is 750 cm and the water level in the Salween River is currently more than 4 feet above the danger level, according to the Meteorological and Hydrological Department. The state Meteorological and Hydrological Department told reporters that the water level reached 791 cm above the danger level of 750 cm at 11:30 am on August 23.

BoBo Wai Maung, the Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs, said on August 23 that relief and emergency evacuations were in place. The river level is rising due to continued rains in many parts of Kayin State.

Residents along the river need to be vigilant, and the Kayin State government has issued guidelines to departmental officials to be prepared for timely search and rescue operations. On the morning of August 24, the Kayin State Chief Minister and government officials visited the low-lying areas of Hpa-an, where the Salween River is flooded.

A resident of Hpa-an’s Shwe Pha Si housing estate told reporters that the Hpa-an River had not yet receded and water level in the house was about halfway down.

 in Myanmar floods.

3,000 Bags of Dried Rice Donated to Rakhine State

Myanmar Rice Traders Association, under the auspices of the Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar Rice Millers Association, and member companies, donated a total of 3,000 bags of dry rice to Rakhine State in August 25, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation.

On August 25, 3,000 bags of dry rice were donated for use in Facilities Quarantine activities to prevent COVID-19 disease in Rakhine State. It was donated to the Prime Minister and officials. The Rakhine State government has returned the certificate to the Myanmar Rice Federation for the donation, according to the union.

Currently, the rate of COVID-19 infection is rising in Rakhine State, and there is a high rate of domestic infection without a history of travel abroad. The Myanmar Rice Federation plans to produce 1.5 million tonnes of rice per month in July and August 2020 and 100,000 tonnes in September.

A total of 400,000 tonnes is expected to be exported, and efforts will be made to meet the target of 2.4 million tonnes in the
2019-2020 fiscal year.

https://communalnews.com/myanmar-flooding-hits-kayin-state/

 

 

Cooperation sought to pilot green growth of Yangtze zone

By XING YI in Shanghai | CHINA DAILY | Updated: 2020-08-27 09:21

Description: http://img2.chinadaily.com.cn/images/202008/27/5f470a84a310675e209a0f14.jpeg

An aerial view of a industrial park in Wujiang district, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, on May 30, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

The demonstration zone for the integration of the Yangtze River Delta called for the participation of different parties to pilot green growth in the region during a developers' conference in Shanghai on Wednesday.

The zone sits at the border of Shanghai and two neighboring provinces with an area of 2,300 square kilometers. It will lead the implementation of the region's integration, a national strategy announced by President Xi Jinping in 2018.

Li Qiang, secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, said in his opening speech at the conference that rice and fish have been abundant in the area since ancient times. He added that the demonstration zone should embody the concept of sustainable development, break down administrative barriers and accelerate innovation.

"The area will be a land of miracles, and to achieve our goals we need a group of ambitious developers with passion and entrepreneurship," he said.

Twelve entities founded a developers' alliance during the conference, including companies such as Huawei and Alibaba; academic representatives from Fudan University and the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design; and financial institutions such as the US-China Green Fund and the China International Capital Corporation.

The China Three Gorges Corporation will serve as the first rotating chair of the alliance.

Wang Lin, general manager of the Three Gorges company, said the corporation will work with other members to explore ways to develop the delta while protecting the environment.

Also during the conference, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, Shanghai and the city's two neighboring provinces called for design plans for a 35-square-kilometer area called "The Living Room of the Jiangnan Watertown", which is located in the middle of the demonstration zone.

"We are looking for ideas across the globe that can incorporate international standards with Chinese characteristics in building an environmentally sustainable watertown," Duan Jin, an academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, said during his keynote speech on the guiding principles of the development of the area.

Duan added that details about the submission will be released online on Thursday.

A slew of developmental projects and agreements were signed during the conference, including the creation of an integration index to assist policymaking, a collaboration agreement between design and urban planning institutions, and the integration of healthcare systems among Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang and Anhui.

Xia Kejia, director of the Shanghai municipal healthcare security bureau, said they have completed a cross-city medical expense system in more than 5,000 hospitals in all the 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta last year.

"By July, around 2.1 million patients have used that direct payment service with total transactions of 17.5 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) in medical expenses," Xia said.

Xia added that the bureaus are working on removing other inconveniences.

For example, they are seeking a resolution that would enable people to pay for healthcare in other cities in the zone by using their health insurance. Currently, people who visit hospitals outside of the city where they pay their premiums must pay for medical procedures out of pocket, or apply for insurance in the city where they are receiving care.

Liu Jun, president of Bank of Communications, said the bank will provide financing services to green projects in the delta region, such as upgrading environmental protection equipment and reinventing traditional industries.

"We believe being green has its value," Liu said.

http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202008/27/WS5f470a84a310675eafc55c40.htmlSecond Installment in Chef Video Series Taps Plant-Based Trend   

 

By Cameron Jacobs

 

ARLINGTON, VA -- USA Rice recently released the second in a series of three educational videos aimed at foodservice operators, chefs, and purchasers highlighting the advantages U.S.-grown rice can bring to a foodservice operation and its bottom line.

The new video, "Plant-Based," stars James Beard-nominated Chef Hari Cameron explaining why sustainability is important in foodservice and how U.S. rice farmers are leading the way, all while preparing an original plant-based recipe he developed called Brown Rice & Ancient Grain Bowl.  Cameron reminds his audience how incorporating U.S.-grown rice on menus allows foodservice operators to capitalize on the plant-based movement and easily increase their whole food offerings.

"With the foodservice industry still dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and operators continually adapting their models, this video is meant to inspire chefs to position rice as an affordable, local, plant-based option that is both versatile and sustainably-grown," said Michael Klein, USA Rice vice president of domestic promotion.  

The Plant-Based video will be incorporated into the USA Rice foodservice digital advertising strategy and make its advertising debut in next month's digital edition of Flavor & The Menu, a leading foodservice publication.

The first video to debut in the series revolved around the theme of 
Authenticity, using U.S.-grown rice to deliver an authentic culinary experience.  The final video will focus on Seasonality and how U.S.-grown rice makes it easy for operators to adapt menus to the current growing season. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recipe: Mary Contini's Lamb and spinach curry

By Mary Contini

Description: Lamb curry

Lamb curry

Now that we are allowed to visit restaurants again the dishes I am most looking forward to are those that are very different from my own home cooking: a tasty Chinese banquet with a never-ending delivery of delicious dishes flowing from the kitchen to the table or maybe a fabulous, steamy curry, mouth-wateringly flavoursome with spicy chutney, naan bread and aromatic cardamom rice.

This lamb and spinach curry is very easy to prepare at home and it tastes even better the next day. Why not make it and get someone else to serve it to you. Refuse to do the dishes!

LAMB AND SPINACH CURRY

Ingredients

500g lamb shoulder

4 cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

2 tablespoons ground coriander

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, peeled and finely chopped

½ teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1½ if you prefer a very hot curry)

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons natural yoghurt

4 tablespoons water

400g fresh spinach, shredded

450g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed

40g fresh coriander

Squeeze lemon juice

Method

Trim the lamb of any excess fat and cut into 2-3 cm pieces.

Put in a bowl and add the grated ginger, garlic and ground coriander.

Mix everything together, cover and leave in the fridge for an hour or so.

Start cooking the curry. Pre-heat oven to 150C/Gas 3

Warm the oil in a large oven proof casserole and sauté the onions until transparent.

Add the marinated lamb, the turmeric, cayenne pepper and salt and cook on a medium heat, stirring until the lamb is browned all over.

Now add a tablespoon of yoghurt, stirring so that the lamb is well coated, and the yoghurt gradually melts to form the start of a sauce.

Add the rest of the yoghurt, a tablespoon at a time, stirring to absorb each time.

Add the 4 tablespoons of water to add some extra moisture.

Stir in the spinach.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook in the oven for an hour or so until the lamb is tender. Check and stir halfway through adding a little more water if the sauce looks dry.

In the last 15 minutes, stir in the strained chickpeas and cook so they start to take on the flavour of the spices.

Finally add a good squeeze of lemon juice which sours the flavour of the yogurt a little to sharpen the taste.

When ready to serve sprinkle over the chopped fresh coriander.

Serve with steamed basmati rice, thick fluffy naan bread and lots of spicy lime pickle chutney.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18662293.recipe-mary-continis-lamb-spinach-curry/?ref=rss

 

 

 

This coconut rice with salmon and cilantro sauce deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation

By Ann Maloney

Description: https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/yAFxThroW-CI5t-yu8Q6FsF7kHI=/1x1/www.washingtonpost.com/pb/resources/img/spacer.gif

Ann Maloney

Food reporter and editor focusing on quick and easy home cooking

Coconut Rice With Salmon and Cilantro Sauce

40 mins

4

Bio Follow

August 26 at 9:30 AM


(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)

Overview

One of the most gratifying experiences I can have as a food writer occurs when readers send an email to tell me that a dish I’ve shared in Dinner in Minutes is now part of their regular recipe rotation. I do a little happy dance in my desk chair.

Inevitably, that recipe already is on repeat in my own kitchen because it comes together quickly and is delicious, but also has that little something extra — a surprisingly bold flavor, a touch of elegance or a sauce or component that I find myself carrying over to other dishes.

People who love to cook inevitably talk about food — a lot. If we make something delicious, we have to tell someone about it, to bring them a taste or at least share the recipe.

So, it wasn’t surprising that right after I started at The Post in December, my new colleague Olga Massov shared a recipe with me that she frequently served to her family: Coconut Rice With Salmon and Cilantro Sauce from “The Kitchen Shelf” by Rosie Reynolds and Eve O’Sullivan (Phaidon, 2016).

Scale and get a printer-friendly version of the recipe here.

Olga lent me the cookbook, and as I read through the recipe, I thought this little number checks all the boxes. Yes, it has three parts: the rice, the fish and the sauce, but each of those parts is easily executed.

The cookbook’s full title includes this phrase: “Take a few pantry essentials, add two ingredients and make everyday eating extraordinary.” The idea is that you use common pantry ingredients with just a couple of fresh additions — in this case cilantro and fish — and you can put a scrumptious meal on the table.

Although it was written four years ago, the cookbook fits in perfectly with the way we are cooking during the pandemic — from our pantries, with minimal extra shopping.

The cookbook authors offer time-saving tips. For example, in this recipe, they suggest two ways to cook the salmon. The faster and easier way is to steam the fillets atop the rice as it cooks. If, however, you prefer a crispy salmon skin, you can allow the rice to cook on its own and pan-fry your salmon.

For me, however, the salmon is the least interesting thing here.

The rice cooked with softened onion, garlic and a pinch of sugar in full-fat coconut milk is creamy and divine on its own. The cilantro sauce — a whole bunch of the herb leaves whirred in a food processor with a syrup made of water, sugar and crushed red pepper flakes — goes over the rice, but I could just eat that up with a spoon.

When I realized that I have now made this dish several times and have made the rice and cilantro sauce to go with other kinds of fish, broiled shrimp and pan-fried skirt steak, I knew it was time to share it with you, too.


Ingredients

FOR THE RICE AND SALMON

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion (about 4 ounces), finely diced

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 1/2 cups white basmati rice, rinsed until the water runs clear

1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

4 (3- to 4-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets

FOR THE SAUCE

Scant 1/2 cup water

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more as needed for serving

1 large bunch fresh cilantro, leaves and tender stems, coarsely chopped

4 lime wedges, for serving (optional)


Steps

Step 1

Make the rice: In a large, lidded skillet or pan, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and just starts to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil. Add the coconut milk, then half-fill the empty can with water and add it to the pan. Add the salt and sugar, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low so the mixture is at a simmer and cover the pan.

Cook for 5 minutes, then uncover the pan. Carefully place the salmon fillets on top of the rice, re-cover the pot and cook until the rice is just tender, the salmon cooked, and the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes more. (If the rice is not tender, but the salmon is cooked, removed the fish, re-cover the pot and continue cooking for a few minutes more.)

Step 2

Make the sauce: While the rice and salmon are cooking, in a small pan over high heat, combine the water, sugar, salt and crushed red pepper and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer the sauce until slightly reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Place the cilantro in a food processor and pulse to chop. Gradually pour in the syrup and pulse the cilantro until very finely chopped, and the sauce is combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings; the sauce should be slightly sweet, with a hint of heat. Add more crushed red pepper, sugar or salt, as needed.

Step 3

To serve, transfer the salmon off the rice to a plate. Gently stir the rice and divide the rice across 4 plates. Top with a salmon fillet and drizzle the sauce over. Sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve with a wedge of lime, if using.

Step 4

Alternative for the salmon: If you prefer a pan-seared salmon fillet, cook it separately from the rice. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface. Add the fillets, skin side up, and cook until just lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the fillets over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the salmon looks almost cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes; you can check using the tip of a sharp knife. You should see a slightly darker center. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet.

With either fish preparation, if you prefer to serve the salmon without the skin, it is easier to remove it after cooking the fish.

Adapted from “The Kitchen Shelf” by Rosie Reynolds and Eve O’Sullivan (Phaidon, 2016).

Tested by Ann Maloney; email questions to voraciously@washpost.com.

Scale and get a printer-friendly version of the recipe here.

Did you make this recipe? Take a photo and tag us on Instagram with #eatvoraciously.

Browse our Recipe Finder for more than 9,000 Post-tested recipes at washingtonpost.com/recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 619; Total Fat: 30 g; Saturated Fat: 20 g; Cholesterol: 47 mg; Sodium: 332 mg; Carbohydrates: 65 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 6 g; Protein: 24 g.

Description: https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/yAFxThroW-CI5t-yu8Q6FsF7kHI=/1x1/www.washingtonpost.com/pb/resources/img/spacer.gif

Ann Maloney Ann Maloney is recipes editor for The Washington Post. Each week, she writes the Dinner in Minutes recipe column. Follow

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2020/09/01/this-coconut-rice-with-salmon-and-cilantro-sauce-deserves-a-spot-

 Online delivery is ‘new normal’ in Middle East says ride-hailing firm behind grocery platform

By Guan Yu Lim

- Last updated on GMT

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Between April to June 2020, Careem Shops observed a higher demand for daily necessities such as fresh produce and frozen goods ©Careem

Related tags: Uae, Middle east, grocery delivery

UAE-based ride-hailing and food delivery company Careem, which recently launched its grocery delivery service (Careem Shops) has revealed about 40% of its 33 million users are now on the new service.

Careem Shops was first launched in Dubai in April 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since expanded to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh), Jordan (Amman) and Pakistan (Karachi).

Between April to June 2020, the firm observed a higher demand for daily necessities such as fresh produce and frozen goods.

Gheed El Makkaoui, general manager of Careem UAE told FoodNavigator-Asia​: “Online grocery shopping became the norm for many UAE consumers starting March this year, we believe it is part of our new normal now given the convenience, safety and ease it offers​.”

Merchants on Careem Shops include Lulu Hypermarket, 7-Eleven, 800-Pharmacy, Al Manara Pharmacy, Nescafe, The Pet Corner, Rootz Organics, Four Seasons Pharmacy and others.

It works in the same way as its food delivery service (Careem Now), where users choose their preferred merchants, add items to their basket and checkout.

The groceries will then be delivered straight to consumers’ house, with an average wait time of 45 minutes.

The deliveries are made by both Careem’s ride-hailing drivers as well as its food delivery drivers. El Makkaoui said: “Due to the pandemic and total lock down in almost all cities across the region, we found deliveries as an opportunity for ride-hailing captains to make an earning​.” Captain is the name that Careem gives to its drivers.

El Makkaoui told us the firm was in discussions with other supermarkets, pharmacies, roasteries and pet shops to add onto its platform, and hoped to expand this service to more cities in the future.

Accelerate digital

This online grocery service is part of Careem’s ‘super app strategy’. Recently, the firm announced a US$50 million investment to develop its super app, by combining all its transport (car, bike, rickshaw), product (food, grocery) and money (bill payment, peer-to-peer transfer) services into one platform.

El Makkaoui told us that the investment would be used to expand its store offerings and ensuring a fast, safe and hygienic delivery, amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder and chief executive officer at Careem said its super app strategy aims to be similar to those in China, Europe and US, where 20 to 40% of spending were done on digital platforms, unlike the Middle East region which only sees 2 to 3% of digital payments. The ongoing pandemic is also said to accelerate the adoption of digital payments.

On the future, Sheikha said: “We see many tech companies start in one place and expand to many others. Amazon started by selling books and they do many more things, but they still sell books. For us, transportation, ride-hailing is at the core of who we are, but from that base we are going to offer more and more services to make it easy for people to lead their lives more holistically and focus on things that matter​.”

Careem’s ride-hailing service is currently present in 100 cities, with 33 million users, and more than one million drivers.

Wamda earlier reported that Careem had suffered an 80% drop in revenues during the lockdown period, resulting in 31% of its staff laid off.

Akatsi South Rice farmers appeal for support

Description: Rice farming in GhanaMr. Richard Odzor, Chairman of Akatsi South district rice farmers Association has appealed to individuals, corporate bodies and government to come to their aid as a result of poor rainfall that led to poor yields in rice production.

Over 4000 acres of rice farms have remained dried up due to the sudden seizure in rainfalls during the farming season.

"For the past three months and over, we never experienced any rainfall and this is causing huge losses to our farmers" Mr. Odzor said.

He explained, the situation could lead to high financial burden on the farmers since loans were procured to undertake the venture.

"We spend almost GH¢ 2,500 every season to complete one acre of the rice farm for labour, fertilizer, rice seed, irrigation, herbicide, insecticide among others," he added.

Mr. Odzor expressed his frustrations when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited some of the affected farms in the District.

The areas include, Moryi, Live, Klokpe, Atsiekpui, Worwoenu, and others. "Our worry is how our indebtedness to our financiers would be settled since nothing would be generated from our farming activities for this very season," he lamented.

Former Assemblymember for Live electoral area, Mr Francis Susu Dogah and the Chairman of Lorlornyo Rice Farmers Association also expressed fear this could bring hardship to them, their dependents due to the losses.

He said, several appeals were made to Mr Leo Nelson Adzidogah, District Chief Executive of the area, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the District Director of Agriculture.

"We remain hopeful they will come to our aid," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Benjamin Korkortsi, District Director of Agriculture for Akatsi South in an interview with the GNA, said the situation needed urgent intervention and that his outfit would tour the affected areas for further assessment and recommendations.

Some other groups such as Norvisi Rice Farmers, Progressive Rice Farmers and Mashie Rice Farmers Associations have been hit by the unfortunate situation and appealed for irrigation dams.

The GNA also observed acreages of maize farms were affected by lack of rainfall.

Disclaimer

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Akatsi-South-Rice-farmers-appeal-for-support-1042504

 

 

Cameroon: Rice importers suspected of fraudulently reexporting to neighboring countries

 

  -   

Wednesday, 26 August 2020 13:44

 (Business in Cameroon) - In Cameroon, the national institute for statistics INS suspects rice importers of fraudulently reexporting their products to Nigeria. Indeed, in 2019, Cameroon’s rice imports surged, inexplicably affecting the country’s food products import expenditures (up by 14.9% to XAF807.5 billion).

The institute notes that the volume of rice imported by the country rose from 561,112 tons to 894,486 tons (up by 59.4%). This cost the country XAF231.6 billion, up by 60.9% compared to the value of rice imports in 2018.

Given the dynamism of the local production, we can suspect that the surplus is reexported to neighboring countries, Nigeria notably due to the importance of its domestic market,”  the INS comments. These reexportations are facilitated by the exemptions granted by the Cameroonian government for rice imports. Thus, the operators import rice duty-free and reexport it to increase their profits.

Because of that practice, the INS announces that it is elaborating a permanent mechanism to monitor trans-border trades. The mechanism will provide an overview of Cameroon’s transborder trades and help curb these unfair reexportations.

S.A.

https://www.businessincameroon.com/economy/2608-10741-cameroon-rice-importers-suspected-of-fraudulently-reexporting-to-neighboring-countries

Dubai sets up trading platform to connect with Indian farmers

Wed 26 Aug 2020 06:02 PM

 

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre launches platform as the UAE seeks to enhance its food security status

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre’s platform, named Agriota and developed with India’s CropData Technology, will enable trading in cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments.

A freezone in Dubai has established an agricultural trading platform to connect Indian farmers with food companies in the UAE, as the Gulf Arab country seeks to enhance its food security amid disruption of supply chains caused by the coronavirus.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre’s platform, named Agriota and developed with India’s CropData Technology, will enable trading in cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments.

The UAE and most other Gulf states import the bulk of their food, largely because their arid climates make crop and livestock cultivation difficult. They also depend on overseas supplies of medical, consumer and industrial products.

The UAE has “the ultimate goal of positioning our nation as a world leading hub in innovation-driven food security,” Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The government has taken several steps to ensure uninterrupted access to supplies since the virus spread around the world. A food-security council coordinates official efforts, including the stockpiling of essential goods.

The country is also looking to farm rice to reduce its reliance on purchases from abroad.

 

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/451232-dubai-sets-up-trading-platform-to-connect-with-indian-farmers#:~:text=The%20Dubai%20Multi%20Commodities%20Centre's,%2C%20vegetables%2C%20spices%20and%20condiments.

 

Monsoon Boosts Expectation of Bumper Basmati Rice Crop in 2020-21 Season

August 26, 2020

Gurneel Kaur

India’s basmati production is likely to increase by 7%. Monsoon boosts expectations of Bumper basmati rice crop in the 2020-21 season. 

Strong Prospects for Exports

According to All India Rice Exporters Association demand for Indian basmati rice is high from Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Besides, East European countries are keen to buy the Indian aromatic variety. Vinod Kaul, Executive Director of AIREA, said that despite the pandemic, the sowing of Kharif crop was completed with local and migrant labourers who returned after restrictions eased. However, India has stopped shipments to Iran due to payment issues.

Bumper Basmati Production Expected in India Owing to Favorable Monsoon

Punjab Expecting Bumper Crop

The area under Basmati this year is 4% more than the previous year’s coverage and the highest in five years in Punjab. However, the state is still short of meeting the target of covering 7 LH hectares under Basmati. Farmers prefer growing paddy than Basmati as Basmati is a non-MSP crop. The fluctuation in prices encourages farmers to grow paddy. The state has registered 6,50,150 hectares under Basmati till now.

Prices to Fall Further

A report by CRISIL Ratings said that paddy prices are likely to fall 17% in the current fiscal from an average Rs 36 per kg. Good monsoon and stable demand will lead the rice industry to a good year. Also, several basmati companies are in for a 100-150 bps margin boost owing to low prices of paddy. Despite the pandemic, several countries, including the UK and the USA, have been importing basmati from India.

Export Worries Due to Iran

Though trade continues with other countries, uncertainty looms overpayment due to exporters from Iran. The Central Bank of Iran has slowed down the allocation of currency to Iran traders against which they were importing from Iran. It bought 1.3 million tonnes the previous year, ordering over 30% of India’s rice. The country is likely to register a 20% lower volume basmati trade with Iran. Also, tea exports will come to a halt in case the payment issues remain unresolved. 

In all, the Indian rice industry is optimistic about rice trade this year due to high demand and excellent production.  

Get Verified Suppliers of Rice, Wheat, Dry Fruits, Pulses and Other Grains

https://www.grainmart.in/news/monsoon-boosts-expectation-of-bumper-basmati-rice-crop-in-2020-21-season/

 

Rice Prices

as on : 26-08-2020 11:39:23 AM

Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals

Price

Current

%
change

Season
cumulative

Modal

Prev.
Modal

Prev.Yr
%change

Rice

Barhaj(UP)

80.00

-11.11

11555.00

2590

2590

7.92

Lakhimpur(UP)

45.00

12.5

3196.00

2420

2430

2.11

Firozabad(UP)

31.00

6.9

2041.10

2560

2600

-

Vilaspur(UP)

19.00

-5

1872.20

2590

2600

3.19

Sirsaganj(UP)

14.50

NC

1335.50

2610

2640

-3.15

Badayoun(UP)

9.00

-64

1154.50

2600

2600

3.17

Fatehpur(UP)

8.30

7.79

2390.90

2490

2485

5.96

Unnao(UP)

6.00

-13.04

305.30

2450

2465

-1.01

Achalda(UP)

4.00

NC

397.90

2450

2500

10.86

Alibagh(Mah)

1.00

NC

106.00

2200

2200

NC

Murud(Mah)

1.00

NC

104.00

2200

2200

NC

Atrauli(UP)

0.80

14.29

14.60

2550

2550

-

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article32443397.ece

 

Thousands of Aman growers on verge of missing planting season

Emran Hossain  | Published: 00:16, Aug 26,2020 | Updated: 00:26, Aug 26,2020

Thousands of farmers are set to miss aman planting season with vast low-lying areas in northern, central and southern Bangladesh remaining under water amid forecasts of further flooding of some of the affected areas over the next three days.

Department of Agricultural Extension estimate shows that almost a quarter of 55.62 lakh hectares of land, which would have been turned into aman fields by now, could not even be cultivated though the planting season is almost nearing its end.

The flood affected nearly 71,000 hectares of the cultivated land, according to official estimate, which is clearly an underestimation for it is totally inconsistent with reports prepared by government field offices.

The government insisted that the loss in the production of the country’s second most important grain would not impact food security but thousands of farmers are worried about not having enough to eat until next crop because of the loss.

‘It has become certain now that a long period of starvation lies ahead of us,’ said Bulu Mia, a farmer of Isli Char, Gangachara, Rangpur, whose two attempts to grow aman in mid-June and late July failed because of flooding.

Triggered in late June by the onrush of water from upstream, the flooding worsened over more than a month as it reached its peak at the end of July, engulfing vast areas in northern and central Bangladesh.

Some of the central districts are still under water with three rivers including the Padma still flowing above their flood levels.

Although flood water receded from many areas in the north, farmers there were unable to cultivate aman because of seedling shortage.

‘Flood destroyed my aman seedbed twice. And I don’t have money to buy aman seedling from the market,’ said Shamim Miah, Char Rajibpur, Kurigram. 

Department of Agricultural Extension’s additional director at Rangpur Mohammad Ali said that the latest spell of flooding in the coastal region destroyed many seedbeds that were supposed to supply them with seedlings, reported New Age correspondent in Lalmonirhat.

‘Over 19,000 famers will not be able to cultivate aman because of seed shortage in Rangpur division,’ said Mohammad Ali.

The Rangpur zone alone estimated that nearly 28,000 hecatres of aman were damaged there.

Aman seeds are grown on seedbeds from June and farmers start planting seedlings after they become 30 to 35 days old.

About 78 per cent of aman cultivated in the country are of the varieties that need from 100 to 140 days to mature to get full yield.

‘Aman is a photosensitive crop which should be sown by August 15 to get a good yield,’ Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University agronomy professor Mirza Hasanuzzaman told the New Age correspondent.

He said that even improved aman varieties are unlikely to bear expected yield if they did not get enough vegetative growth for which they need to stay in the field a certain amount of time.

‘Late planting will definitely affect production,’ said Hasan.

There are varieties of aman which are especially fit for growing in low-lying areas for they grow and remain above the water with natural rise in water level, but their cultivation became uncommon over the years after barrages built upstream made flooding unpredictable.

Analysing water development board’s current data on river water and forecast, water resource specialist Ainun Nishat said that vast areas of low-lying land are likely to stay submerged throughout August with the rivers flowing at almost their flood levels.

He said that farmers already missed the season when rain makes it easier for farmers to grow aman.

‘In September, farmers may need to artificially irrigate their fields,’ said Ainun Nishat.

October is the month when aman starts flowering when daylight stays for around ten hours.

October is a little more than a month away when the smartest of aman variety would not get enough time to be fully yielding, said agronomists.

New Age correspondent in Munshiganj reported that vast areas in the district were still under water and farmers would not be able to cultivate fields before two more weeks.

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute director general Shahjahan Kabir said that aman could not be cultivated in Shariatpur, Tangail, Manikganj and Madaripur districts because of water stagnation.

‘There are enough seedlings in supply for farmers,’ said Shahjahan, adding that the loss in aman production would not impact the overall food security.

‘People would have more than enough to eat,’ said Shahjahan.

But his comment did not reflect the situation in the field when the coarse rice price rose more than 8 per cent over the last month despite government’s repeated assurance that there was surplus in production.

The agriculture ministry recently said that flood also destroyed aush cultivation on more than 30,000 hectares.

Aman accounts for almost 40 per cent of the country’s rice grain production of 3.8 crore tonnes. The country produces about 30 lakh tonnes of aush rice while the rest are boro rice

https://www.newagebd.net/article/114530/thousands-of-aman-growers-on-verge-of-missing-planting-season

 

Rice tariffication alleged to have cost farmers P40 billion in lost income

August 26, 2020 | 7:04 pm

 

RICE FARMERS lost P40 billion worth of income due to rice tariffication, to the benefit of importers and traders, who realized a P57.5 billion windfall during the first year of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, according to the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF).

According to a study conducted by the FFF and allied groups, farmer mainly absorbed the impact of low palay prices, whereas traders could shift their sourcing to imports.

The FFF said that two million tons of imported rice arrived during the first seven months of the law’s effectivity.

“Palay prices nosedived from an average of P22.04 per kilogram in September 2018 to P14.40 in October 2019,” the FFF said. Palay, or unmilled rice, is the form in which rice farmers sell their harvest, while imported rice is typically milled into various varieties.

Proponents of the law touted it as a means of bringing down prices, slowing inflation, and allowing poor consumers to buy the staple for less.

The FFF claimed that the promised drop in prices to benefit the poor was not realized.

“Importers brought in mostly higher quality rice that sold at a higher price and gave better profit margins. Up to 85% of total rice imports were of the 5% brokens grade instead of the cheaper 25% brokens that the National Food Authority (NFA) previously imported,” the FFF said.

The FFF also alleged that rice importers saved P2.5 billion in tariffs after not declaring the true value of their imports to the Bureau of Customs.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) had yet to comment on he study at deadline time.

Taking effect in March 2019, the law permitted unrestricted imports of rice, with Southeast Asian grain paying a tariff of 35%. The tariffs fund the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which helps farmers access seed, farm machinery, credit, and farm know-how. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

 

 

China expects bumper autumn harvest amid well proceeding production: official

Source: Xinhua| 2020-08-26 18:26:28|Editor: huaxia

BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's autumn grain production is generally guaranteed this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

This year's autumn harvest currently has a certain foundation amid the pressure of the downward trend for the domestic economy, the COVID-19 outbreak and the natural disasters, Pan Wenbo, an official with the ministry, told a press conference Wednesday.

It is estimated that the area of autumn grain this year will reach 85.6 million hectares, an increase of more than 333,333 hectares, Pan said.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-08/26/c_139319667.htm

 

 

Tropical Storm Warnings issued for parts of Ark. as Laura turns into “devastating” Cat 4 storm

 

ADME Director AJ Geary: "Hurricane Laura will have an impact on Arkansas."

Ryan's Wednesday Evening Forecast (8/26)

By Region 8 Newsdesk | August 25, 2020 at 9:47 AM CDT - Updated August 26 at 11:13 PM

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - With Hurricane Laura expected to strengthen to a “devastating” Category 4 storm before it makes landfall, people are bracing for the heavy rains, strong winds, and possible tornadoes it could bring to Northeast Arkansas.

Laura strengthened Wednesday into a menacing Category 4 hurricane, raising fears of a 20-foot storm surge that forecasters said would be “unsurvivable” and capable of sinking entire communities. Authorities implored coastal residents of Texas and Louisiana to evacuate and worried that not enough had fled.

“We are expecting widespread power outages, trees down. Homes and businesses will be damaged,” said Donald Jones, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is near the bullseye of Laura’s forecast track. “I’m telling you, this is going to be a very serious situation.”

The National Hurricane Center model runs, show the track of Laura shifting a bit more west as it comes into Arkansas overnight Thursday night into Friday morning.

Description: Wind gusts potential as Hurricane Laura would make her way through Region 8.

Wind gusts potential as Hurricane Laura would make her way through Region 8. (Source: KAIT)

Governor Hutchinson addressed the potential for flooding and power outages from Hurricane Laura in Arkansas.

“We’re going to have a significant hurricane make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday,” said Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center.

Evacuations are underway in at least two states as two storms threaten the gulf coast

Laura could bring up to 11′ of seawater—storm surge—to the coastline from Texas to Louisiana, and as much as 15″ of rain in some locations.

 »

Once it moves inland, Laura will start to lose steam but will continue to plague everything in its path.

Region 8 Meteorologist Bryan McCormick says Northeast Arkansas could see “multiple rounds of tropical downpours, gusty wind, and an isolated tornado.”

Pinpointing the time of the impacts is dependent on the storm’s path.

The Region 8 News StormTEAM will monitor this system and will provide live updates.

Laura poses threat to state's crops

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is also monitoring Laura’s path.

The storm will sweep through much of the state just as harvest nears for several major crops, including corn and rice.

“The timing is terrible, to be honest,” said Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Much of the state’s corn crop is in a vulnerable state, he said.

Lodging--the phenomenon of crops becoming saturated with rain then blown down by high winds--poses the most likely threat.

“Getting a big storm at the very end here isn’t ideal,” Kelley said. “But the big concern is that we get wind with it, which could cause lodging. When corn blows down, you’re just never able to get it all picked up and into the combine.”

Lodging in rice also poses a challenge for Arkansas farmers.

“As a general rule, some high winds at this time of year don’t bother me a great deal, as most of our cultivars stand pretty well,” said Jarrod Hardke extension rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “Some rainfall doesn’t really bother me though it does make for muddy harvest conditions and ruts. The concern is higher winds with rainfall, which turns into a heavy hand that can lay rice down and cause severe lodging.”

Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said storm-related lodging also poses a potential problem for the state’s No. 1 crop.

“We don’t need excessive amounts of rain that could potentially cause flooding in low-lying fields and the lower ends of fields that typically flood with large rainfalls,” he said.

Region 8 bracing for Hurricane Laura

One of the best ways to be aware of the weather is to follow the Region 8 StormTEAM:

·         Watch the latest forecasts on KAIT-TV at 4:30-7 a.m., Midday at 11 a.m., News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. on KAIT-ABC & KAIT-NBC. Newscasts are available over the air, on cable & satellite where available, on kait8.com, on the Region 8 News mobile app for smartphones and tablets (to install or update the news app search KAIT in your mobile marketplace).

https://www.kait8.com/2020/08/26/tropical-storm-warnings-issued-parts-ark-laura-turns-into-devastating-cat-storm/

 

 

Storm's path threatens Arkansas' cropsHeavy rains, winds projected during rice, corn harvesting

 

by Stephen Simpson | August 26, 2020 at 7:11 a.m.

High winds and heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Laura are predicted to move into the state late Thursday and into Friday, raising concerns of farmers as they harvest rice and corn.

More than a half-million people already have been ordered to leave the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura makes its way toward Texas and Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center projects that Laura could reach Category 3 status by the time it makes landfall late today or Thursday.

"The Category 3 hurricane means winds at 115 mph and wind gusts possibly reaching 140 mph," said Jeff Hood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock. "It will be a devastating storm across the coast."

Wind and rain are expected to begin making their way across Arkansas today, Hood said, but the state isn't expected to see a significant effect from the hurricane's remnants until Thursday.

"As it makes its way across the state it will weaken," he said. "Southern and southwest Arkansas may experience tropical storm force winds, which is 39 mph or greater. Much of the state will see sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, with some higher gusts in certain areas."

Forecasts call for 4 to 6 inches of rain across the state, with some areas expected to get higher amounts. There is also the potential for isolated tornadoes, the weather service said.

"With the heavy rainfall there is potential for flash flooding, but the storm will be moving through the state so it won't sit here and linger for a long time," Hood said.

The Office of Emergency Management in Miller County sent out a news release Tuesday warning residents about the storm. The release also noted the area has had heavy rainfall recently.

"We could see downed trees due to a saturated ground," Joe Bennett, director of the county's Office of Emergency Services, said in the release. "There is a possibility of 4-6 inches of rainfall depending on how fast the storm moves through our area, so flash flooding could occur between Thursday morning from 7 a.m. to Friday morning at 7 a.m."

The remnants of Hurricane Laura also could be devastating for rice and corn farmers who are trying to harvest their crops, Hood said.

Ryan McGeeney, a spokesman for the University of Arkansas Agriculture Division's research and extension service, said in a news release that the corn harvest has begun throughout the state for producers with grain-drying capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that about 5% of the state's approximately 640,000 acres of corn had been harvested as of Sunday.

Jason Kelley, an extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the Agriculture Division, said much of Arkansas' corn crop is in a vulnerable state.

"We are just starting to get going," he said. "The timing of this is about as bad as it can get."

Kelley said the storm has the potential of "lodging" the crops. He said lodging is when crops become saturated with rain and are blown down by high winds.

"The last thing we need is wind because it can blow the crop over, making it where the harvest equipment can't reach it," Kelley said. "This would result in yield loss."

Even lodged corn plants that can be recovered can suffer significant yield and grain quality loss, he said.

Kelley said the state's rice crop is also nearing harvest and is at risk of lodging. If storms knock down some of the rice crop, harvesting might take longer because of rain quality issues and a reduction in yield.

Kelley said only 1% to 2% of the state's approximately 1.2 million rice acres had been harvested as of Monday. Arkansas is the nation's leading rice producer.

"Every year is a challenge, but this spring we already had corn and rice getting planted late due to wet weather," he said. "Some years we would have more harvested products. It seems like every year is something."

If there are sustained high winds across the state, Kelley estimated that farmers could lose around 30% of their yield. He noted that would be a substantial loss in a year when profit margins are already tight.

"I guess it's pretty on par for the course when it comes to 2020," Kelley said. "First we had late planting, then covid and now hurricanes. I guess what we are looking forward to now is 2021."

 

 

 

 

Hurricane Laura could affect harvesting in Arkansas

Previous volunteers with The Food Project work to harvest food that will be sent to those who need it. (The Food Project)

By: Fox13Memphis.com News Staff
Updated: August 25, 2020 - 10:21 AM

ARKANSAS — Hurricane Laura is expected to sweep through most of Arkansas by Friday, just as harvest nears for several major crops across the state.

In a release from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension, they said the storm will affect some of the efforts of the harvest season.

The release stated:

Content Continues Below

Terrible timing

While the rice harvest is set to begin in northern Arkansas, the corn harvest throughout the state has already begun for producers with grain drying capabilities.

As of Aug. 23, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported about 5 percent of the state’s approximately 640,000 acres had been harvested. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said much of the state’s corn crop is in a vulnerable state.

“The timing is terrible, to be honest,” Kelley said.

While some corn producers in the state began harvesting as early as Aug. 1, Kelley said that those first three weeks of harvest were mainly limited to producers who have access to grain dryers.

“If you don’t have a way to handle corn above 15 percent moisture, there’s not much you can do prior to the tropical storm arrival, since most commercial grain terminals only want dry corn,” he said. Much of the state’s 2020 corn crop was late-planted, due primarily to wet conditions throughout March and April.

As with many crops in the state, lodging — the phenomenon of crops becoming first saturated with rain, and then blown down in high winds — poses the most likely threat at this point.

“Getting a big storm at the very end here isn’t ideal,” Kelley said. “But the big concern is that we get wind with it, which could cause lodging. When corn blows down, you’re just never able to get it all picked up and into the combine.”

Even lodged corn plants that can be recovered may suffer significant yield and grain quality loss, he said. The situation can be even more dire for grain sorghum, which, although not currently grown on substantial acreage in Arkansas, is ready for harvest this week.

“The problem with sorghum is that if it’s 80 degrees and it rains for 24 hours, the grain quality suffers — you’ll see sprouting in the head,” Kelley said. “We’ve seen this before in grain sorghum — we get these tropical rains, and the grain begins sprouting, and a very good crop can become unmarketable very suddenly.”

Additionally, heavy rains one week can make for muddy fields the next, even if the storm passes.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, all but the northern 25 percent or so of Arkansas stands a 10-30 percent chance of receiving tropical-storm-force winds between now and Sunday, Aug. 30. NOAA also forecasts all of the state receiving at least 2 inches of rain by the end of the week, with some spots receiving up to 10 inches of rain.


Lodging in rice, soybeans

Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said that as with corn, lodging in rice poses a significant challenge in harvesting rice. Arkansas is the nation’s leading producer of rice.

“As a general rule, some high winds at this time of year don’t bother me a great deal, as most of our cultivars stand pretty well,” Hardke said, “and some rainfall doesn’t really bother me though it does make for muddy harvest conditions and ruts. The concern is higher winds with rainfall, which turns into a heavy hand that can lay rice down and cause severe lodging.”

Depending on the severity of the lodging, producers could be looking at a much slower harvest and a reduction in yield, he said.

Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said storm-related lodging also poses a potential problem for the state’s No. 1 crop.

“Most of the soybean crop is in mid- to late-reproduction,” Ross said. “At these growth stages, the crop can withstand some ‘lean’ to the plants, but we don’t want to see plants completely flat on the ground. Most of the state is dry, so we could use some rainfall to help finish out some of the early planted crop. 

“We don’t need excessive amounts of rain that could potentially cause flooding in low-lying fields and the lower ends of fields that typically flood with large rainfalls,” he said.

Rain may help cotton

Cotton, which is slightly ahead of the five-year average for crop progress with bolls open on 25 percent of the state’s 500,000 planted acres, still has more than a month before most harvesting efforts will begin. Bill Robertson, extension cotton agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said a thorough wetting this week will, if nothing else, help cotton growers struggling with decisions regarding termination dates for irrigation.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/hurricane-laura-could-affect-harvesting-arkansas/75PKS3533VFWBJZBNAMEMLT4SU/

 

 

 

 

Ville Platte rice farmers prepare crop for Laura

 

Description: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4fed83d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/360x360+157+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0e%2F3b%2F8e93700f467484ed310d7fbeb499%2Fkendria-lafleur.jpg

By: Kendria LaFleur

Posted at 10:29 PM, Aug 25, 2020

 

and last updated 9:13 AM, Aug 26, 2020

Description: items.[0].image.altIn Ville Platte, some rice farmers lost everything to Hurricane Barry last year.

And now, just over a year later, they're working to protect their crop once again.

"I've been working here for eight years and we never saw that much rice until this year," said farmer Ed Zuniea. "It's the best year for us."

It's a year that's been good for PJF Farms - and they want to make sure it stays that way, despite a hurricane that's on its way.

"Soon as we saw where it was coming on Thursday, we hurried up, rented some equipment, got what we could get our hands on, and we started working as long as we could," added Doug Fruge. "Sometimes until 10 or 11 o'clock at night."

Last year, Hurricane Barry devastated the farm.

"Last year we lost. Almost the entire crop went underwater in July during pollination. It was a tough pill to swallow. This year the crop was looking so good, and when we saw this one coming we just have to do everything we can to get it in and God willing we were able to do it."

With the help of other farmers and workers, they gathered their rice and placed it into bins in order to prevent what happened last year to the farm.

"We just made it happen," said Fruge. "It's just a lot of hard work. Nothing is easy in this industry. Fortunately most people in it are willing to give a helping hand and that's people who really help pull us through."

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https://www.katc.com/news/evangeline-parish/ville-platte-rice-farmers-prepare-crop-for-laura

 

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