Friday, September 11, 2020

11th September 2020 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter

 

 

Why You NEED To Soak Your Rice, According To Indian Cooking Experts

A viral egg fried rice video has sparked a big debate: To soak or not to soak?

By 

Amrita Amesur

 

09/09/2020 05:45am EDT

In July, Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng released a YouTube video titled “DISGUSTED by this Egg Fried Rice Video” under his comedic moniker Uncle Roger in which he slammed Hersha Patel, a BBC Food presenter, for the way she cooked Chinese-style egg fried rice.

Ng was horrified that Patel boiled the rice in excess water, much like you’d cook pasta, and then drained the rice through a colander to wash off the starch, which is known as the draining method of cooking rice. Uncle Roger expressed comedic horror over what he saw as Patel’s inability to cook rice, prompting a viral internet storm of shock, outrage and charges of a “hate crime” against the grain.

The ordeal also sparked a larger conversation about the various methods of cooking rice.

As an Indian, having grown up eating rice every day cooked by way of the draining method, I’ve personally always been horrified as to how other cultures simply throw rice and lentils out of a bag and into a pot, without so much as washing it. More importantly, without soaking it.

Soaking rice before cooking it actually assimilates its nutritional qualities, meaning it helps the gastrointestinal tract better absorb vitamins and minerals from the rice, according to renowned Indian nutritionist and advocate of regional indigenous foods Rujuta Diwekar. Soaked rice also cooks faster and produces a beautiful bloomed texture, allowing it to retain the aromatic elements of the rice.

Soaking removes phytic acid, which prevents your body from fully absorbing the nutrients in rice.

Phytic acid is a natural substance found in plant seeds that impairs the body’s absorption of iron, zinc and calcium. It’s found at especially high levels in seeds, grains, legumes, beans and nuts.

“Phytic acid is found in plants, forming the storage unit of phosphorus in seeds,” macrobiotic nutritionist and chef Shonali Sabherwal, recently recognized as the best nutritionist by Vogue India in the Vogue Beauty Awards 2020, told HuffPost. “It stops absorption of minerals and soaking [rice in water] removes the phytic acid. Those with zinc and iron deficiency need to be more careful about it.”

Sabherwal pointed out that the impairment of mineral absorption is limited to that meal and does not affect any future meals. Nor does it cause any systemic impairments preventing the body from absorbing nutrition from any other foods after such a meal.

There’s no need to avoid eating rice, Sabherwal said. “Don’t avoid an entire food group. But use cooking methods that enhance its nutrition,” such as soaking, which has proven to be effective in reducing phytic acid levels and increasing the bioaccessibility of zinc and iron from food grains, including rice.

Certain types of rice are better suited for soaking than others.

In India, you will find myriad varieties of rice, based on the terroir of the region, commonly cooked in a variety of methods: in pressure cookers, boiled in large pots of salted water like pasta, and drained or cooked with measured amounts of water per the absorption method. There is no right or wrong method, but rather a preferred one.

Whole grain rices benefit from soaking longer than polished grain rices.

The desired texture and dish you’re preparing dictates the specific variety of rice and the cooking technique. For example, pulaos or pilafs, made with long grain basmati or other aged fragrant rice, tend to use the absorption method, and soaking is avoided to preserve the integrity of the grain. For plain rice, the boiling and draining method after soaking the rice is commonly acceptable.

There are as many ways to prep and cook rice as there are varieties of the grain and the cultures that eat it. Each variety of rice has a different shape, size (long grain, medium grain or short grain), starch and fiber content, and all are used in different contexts and recipes to achieve various textural and flavor outcomes. It is these factors that determine the amount of liquid and time needed to soak the rice, and to cook the rice to perfection. Based on the quality and kind of rice, and depending on whether it is aged or not, the ideal soaking time could be anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours.

How long to soak rice?

Much of the rice prep in Indian kitchens typically begins with washing and picking the rice several times, swirled in water by hand to wash away the starch and any foreign matter.

Every type of rice and recipe calls for specific instructions, but this is generally how long to soak rice:

·         Unmilled or unhusked whole grain brown, black, red, wild or other unpolished rice: Soak 6-12 hours

·         Polished brown rice: Soak 4-6 hours

·         Thai sticky rice: Soak overnight

·         Basmati, jasmine and sushi rice: Soak 15-30 minutes, unless the recipe specifically recommends otherwise

·         Short grain starchy and glutinous rice (arborio): Don’t soak

·         Ordinary polished white rice: Soak 0-15 minutes (recommended but not necessary)

More reasons Indian cooks soak their rice.

The practice of soaking, codified in ancient culinary texts and through verbal traditions, continues to hold solid in Indian kitchens.

“The Manasollasa (an early 12th-century encyclopedic Sanskrit text) mentions that one of the ways in which rice achieves a soft yet open texture is by draining off the excess liquid when the rice is cooked al dente and keeping the rice covered for a while for the steam to finish the cooking process,” Saee Koranne Khandekar, author of the Marathi cuisine cookbook “Pangat,” told HuffPost. “The text also mentions thorough washing and soaking as essential steps, again perhaps because in the 12th century, only hand-pounded rice was being eaten.”

Marina Balakrishnan, a Keralite food specialty chef based in Mumbai, explained that grains really cook perfectly to their core only when well hydrated from a soak. “Soaking speeds up the cooking process, the grain absorbs the water and the heat softens the grain,” Balakrishnan said. “My grandmother used to say that soaking rice increases the flavor of the grain. Also, when it is soaked for less time, I find it tastes a little grainy even after cooking.”

Sabherwal and Balakrishnan agree that the types of rice that deeply benefit in texture from a good soak are the heartier whole grain, brown, black and red rice, along with other unpolished grains. But since phytic acid is present in all rice, it is only the soaking of the rice that ensures its removal for optimum absorption of minerals by the body.

Culinarily and nutritionally, the arguments certainly fall in favor of this extra labor of love ― so soak your rice and grains. Think of it as bonus nutrients and minerals, without the pills.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-you-need-to-soak-rice_l_5f466b5dc5b64f17e136f7d1

 

Sales of 200,000 Tons of 2020-Harvested Rice to Be Suspended

   Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)--The Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, or JA-Zenchu, on Thursday revealed plans to suspend until autumn 2021 or later sales of around 200,000 tons of rice harvested in Japan in 2020, in a bid to prevent rice prices from falling.
   The nationwide agricultural body explained the plans at a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on the day.
   The move comes as rice shipments to the restaurant industry are sluggish amid the coronavirus epidemic.
   In the year through June 2020, rice demand dropped 220,000 tons from the previous year, twice the initially estimated amount, due partly to the October 2019 consumption tax hike.
   Rice demand is on a long-term downtrend, reflecting the diversification of what people eat in Japan. Annual demand is now estimated at about 7.1 million tons, against estimated production of some 7.3 million tons.

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe

https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2020091001268#:~:text=Tokyo%2C%20Sept.%2010%20(Jiji,prevent%20rice%20prices%20from%20falling.

 

Special Report: Heavy rains and flooding in August affect primary rice producing areas in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

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·         The April to September main cropping season in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been one of the wettest rainfall periods since 1981 across the southern agricultural producing provinces in the country (Figure 1,2). The majority of this rainfall was received in August (Figure 3), causing widespread flooding and inundating main season crops ready for harvest starting in September.

·         The main producing southern provinces have been the hardest hit from the record rainfall in August (Figure 3), causing flooding across parts of North Hwanghae Province, South Hwanghae Province, South Pyongan, North Pyongan, and Kangwon Province.

·         In early August, heavy rainfall from Typhoon 4 followed by additional rainfall through the first two weeks of the month resulted in landslides and flooding across the South, damaging 39,296 hectares of farmland, particularly in the North Hwanghae and Kangwon.

·         On August 27th, Typhoon Bavi made landfall over the coast of North Pyongan province, bringing further heavy rains and winds to the key rice-producing provinces of North Hwanghae and South Hwanghae and damaging standing crops.

·         This was followed by additional rains and damage to eastern coastal areas from Typhoons Maysak and Haishen at the start of September.

·         Rainfall totals this season have been higher in some areas than the record 2007 season when DPRK experienced widespread flooding over the main producing southwest provinces that make up the country’s “Cereal Bowl” with severe food security outcomes.

·         Forecasts indicate above-average rainfall is expected to continue through September which could increase the risk of further flood events during a time when harvests should be underway for main season crops.

 

 

Provinces asked to buy rice, corn from farmers

September 10, 2020 | 7:50 pm

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GOVERNORS of the top rice and corn producing provinces were encouraged to purchase the staples directly from farmers in order to help prop up farmgate prices during the harvest, with the Department of Agriculture pointing to the availability of government credit for such purchases.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar asked Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Leyte to help normalize prices of the two commodities.

Mr. Dar said the 12 provinces combined produced more than 9.74 million metric tons (MT) of palay last year, accounting for 51.8% of national output.

“Their direct procurement will significantly shore up the national average farmgate price of palay, thus helping more farmers,” Mr. Dar said.

According to Mr. Dar, provinces can apply for loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for palay direct purchases and machinery procurement, including equipment for post-harvest facilities.

“We have been closely working with LANDBANK to provide accessible and affordable credit not only to farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs, but also to LGUs under the bank’s PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan) Program,” Mr. Dar said.

The program, which was launched in 2019, had initial funding of P10 billion and benefited farmers in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur.

Mr. Dar has directed the National Food Authority to make its warehouses available for the use of LGUs and farmers’ cooperatives and associations.

“As the country’s rice farmers start reaping this year’s main rice crop, we count on the continued support of our ‘food security czars’ in partnership with farmers nationwide. Directly buying their palay is a win-win situation — giving them reasonable income for their harvest and ensuring an adequate supply of rice for consumers in their localities,” Mr. Dar said.

During the third week of August, the Philippine Statistics Authority said the farmgate price of palay was at P18.39, while the farmgate prices of yellow and white corn grain were at P13.03 and P14.44, respectively. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

https://www.bworldonline.com/provinces-asked-to-buy-rice-corn-from-farmers/

 

Ghana developing GMOs for cowpea and rice

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Description: File photo -  Farmers have been urged to learn about GMO seeds developmentFile photo - Farmers have been urged to learn about GMO seeds development


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Ghana is in the process of developing two Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) varieties for rice and cowpea.

Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw, a Senior Research Scientist at the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who announced this said research had proved that GMO varieties were important in the sustainable production of rice and cowpeas in the country.

It is therefore important for Ghanaians to accept and embrace GMO technologies in order to match up with the world’s technological advancement.

Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw was speaking at a training workshop on GMOs for farmers in the Ejura-Sekyeredumase Municipality.

It was organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana, in collaboration with the CSIR as part of efforts to educate farmers and clarify issues and misconceptions on GMOs.

It also created a platform for the farmers to learn about GMO seeds development, regulation and commercialization in Ghana.

According to Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw, genetically modified technologies had been identified as one of the safest methods for preventing insect and pest invasion in rice and cowpeas, while saving farmers from losing their crop fields to these insects and pests.

Mr Daniel Osei Ofosu, a Research Scientist at the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) said insects and pests could make farmers lose about 90 percent of their crops on the field.

He cited the Maruca pod borer as one that attacked the cowpea plant, sucked the pod dry, and sometimes, by harvesting time, farmers lose a whole farm to pest infestation.

Attempts by researchers to use the conventional breeding methods to tackle the attacks by aphids, thrips and Striga in cowpea have failed.

However, after some trials with GM technology on a cowpea plantation, it repelled insects from boring and sucking into the plants.

Mr Ofosu said the GM technologies could complement the conventional ways of breeding to counteract the activities of the pests and cowpea production rate and planted area had declined in the last decade due to pest and insect attacks.

Mr Ofosu said regulations would soon be applied on GMO seeds to enable farmers to plant to increase production.

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-developing-GMOs-for-cowpea-and-rice-1055929

 

Brazilian Government Zeroes Tax on Rice Imports Until December

The reduction is restricted to 400,000 tons of husked and processed rice, according to a decision of the Foreign Trade Chamber.

By

 Arkady Petrov

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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The GECEX (Management Executive Committee) of the CAMEX (Foreign Trade Chamber) decided to zero the tax rate on imports of hulled and processed rice until December 31st of this year.

The temporary reduction is restricted to a quota of 400,000 tons, levied on products covered by codes 1006.10.92 (non-parboiled hulled rice) and 1006.30.21 (semi-milled or milled rice, non-parboiled) of the NCM (Mercosur Common Nomenclature).

The decision was taken on Wednesday, September 9th, during the 8th Extraordinary Meeting of the GECEX, as proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock . . .

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https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/brazilian-government-zeroes-tax-on-rice-imports-until-december/

 

DA chief sees lesser rice imports for rest of 2021

ByJasper Y. Arcalas

September 10, 2020

 

Description: https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Agri-photo-062920.jpgA stall at the San Andres public market sells assorted varieties of rice in this Businessmirror file photo.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s total rice imports this year would decline by nearly a quarter to 2.2 million metric tons (MMT), from last year’s 3 MMT.

“I think we might have about 2.2 million metric tons of rice imports this year,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar during the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2021 proposed budget.

Despite lower projected import volume, Dar assured the public that rice supply would be sufficient as local palay production is estimated to reach about 22 MMT, which would give the country a 93-percent rice self-sufficiency level.

The DA has repeatedly pronounced that they expect the country to end the year with a rice stock sufficient to last by at least 80 days.

The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642 MMT, about 44 percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the private sector to date, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed.

Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached a two-month high of 139,706.323 metric tons (MT) as importers used 189 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.

The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered rice traders, comprising farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders, companies and private firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.

The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified” underutilization by traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an “anomalous” activity that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.

The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such reasons as the lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and export ban in Vietnam.

Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments, rice suppliers limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port congestion and holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice than locally produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Service Division (NPQSD).

The United States Department of Agriculture projected that the Philippines would remain as the world’s top rice importer for the second consecutive year this 2020 with volume reaching 2.6 MMT.

The country’s rice imports last year reached a record-high of 3.1 MMT, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.

 

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 / 4:27 AM / UPDATED 20 HOURS AGO

UPDATE 1-Brazil food price spike is temporary, pandemic-fueled supply shock -treasury secretary

Jamie McGeeverGabriel Ponte

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(Adds quote, details)

By Jamie McGeever and Gabriel Ponte

BRASILIA, Sept 9 (Reuters) - The recent sharp rise in Brazilian food prices is part of a temporary global phenomenon caused by a coronavirus pandemic-induced supply shock, Treasury Secretary Bruno Funchal said on Wednesday, adding it would soon pass.

Figures showed earlier on Wednesday that food and drink prices rose 0.78% in August, one of the biggest drivers of inflation last month, and Brazil eliminated taxes on some rice imports through Dec. 31 to help combat a steep increase in domestic prices.

“It is a temporary shock. This will be reversed soon, but it is a worldwide phenomenon related to the pandemic,” Funchal said in a live online event hosted by the FUCAPE Business School.

Government statistics agency IBGE said on Wednesday that rice prices rose 3% in August and were up 19% this year. Beans, the other half of the country’s staple diet, were up as much as 30% this year, IBGE said.

In a presentation and question-and-answer session, Funchal reiterated the government’s view that “expansionary austerity” - cutting public spending to encourage private-sector investment - was the only way to lift productivity, investment, demand and economic growth.

The spending splurge to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic, particularly emergency aid transfers to millions of Brazil’s poorest people, was “necessary, but temporary,” and fiscal consolidation would resume next year, he said.

“In 2021, we will return to have total control of spending, get debt on a more sustainable path,” Funchal said, adding that was needed to give investors confidence and help keep interest rates low.

Funchal also said the economy was on course to shrink by about 5% this year, less than many other countries and also recovering faster than many. The government’s official target is for a decline of 4.7%. (Reporting by Jamie McGeever and Gabriel Ponte; Editing by Sandra Maler and Peter Cooney)

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-economy-treasury-secretary/update-1-brazil-food-price-spike-is-temporary-pandemic-fueled-supply-shock-treasury-secretary-idUSL1N2G62I6

 

 

Prices of rice and other commodities are expected to increase – Expert

The price of rice is expected to increase as the festive period draws near.

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Nigeria’s rice production volume for 2020 is put at 8 million tonnes – with 2.5 million tonnes expected from Kebbi state. However, that expectation suffered a huge setback with over 2 million tonnes of rice washed away by floods among other factors.

According to the KPMG Rice Industry Review, rice is the third most consumed staple food in Nigeria (after maize and cassava). With the festive season fast approaching, the demand for rice is expected to increase.

BackstoryNairametrics earlier reported that the recent floods in rice-producing Kebbi State had destroyed over 25% of Nigeria’s expected 8 million tons of rice harvests this year. The Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Attahiru Maccido, disclosed to newsmen that it had lost N1 billion worth of rice and other commodities in the state.

READ: Minister of Petroleum explains reasons for subsidy removal

It also reported that the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Ibadan depot issued an internal memo on September 2, 2020, notifying all stakeholders of an increase in the pump price of petrol to N151.56 per litre.

What to expect

Senior Research Analyst, Financial Derivatives Company, Temitope Olugbile explained that scarcity of rice is expected, as 450,000 hectares of rice – 2 million tonnes, were washed away in Kebbi state out of the expected 2.5 million tonnes this year. This will lead to a high demand for the scarce commodity, resulting in a price increase.

The new pump price of petrol, which led to increase in the cost of transporting farm produce to the market will inevitably cause a price surge for rice.

READ: How State Governments will become richer without FAAC allocation

Journey to rice sufficiency

Nigeria’s journey to rice sufficiency has been full of ups and downs, especially with the tough decision of border closure to curb smuggling and boost local production. According to data from Index Mundi, Nigeria had a production volume of over 5 million tonnes of milled rice last year.

The current gains in rice production are evident, as volume increased by 11.06% in 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the country is still far from being self-sufficient in rice production.

Way forward

She emphasized that the policies and programs which the government has implemented from forex restrictions to border closure and the Anchor Borrowers Program, which provides farm inputs to farmers, are all impressive.

However, these policies, as a stand-alone without adequate infrastructures, are not sufficient to combat exogenous factors like flood, which is beyond the control of the government and the rice farmers.

She called for proper irrigation and drainage infrastructure, as this would help to cushion the effects of water-logging in farms.

https://nairametrics.com/2020/09/10/prices-of-rice-and-other-commodities-are-expected-to-increase-expert/

 

Hybrid rice yield likely to increase by 40-50pc in Sindh, S.Punjab

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Iqtidar Gilani

September 10, 2020

LAHORE            -        Hybrid coarse varieties of rice are likely to give 40-50 per cent more yield in Sindh and South Punjab this year. Favourable weather conditions, good and timely rains, improved seed quality and proper technical support from seed companies resulted in more yield that would enhance income of growers. “Hybrid rice is getting good yield. At least 40-50% more yield is expected this year which means increase in growers income in the same proportions”, said stakeholders of rice sector. “Coarse varieties like Superfine is already in the market for the last couple of weeks. New Superfine is healthy. Same is for hybrid paddy, reaching to peak arrival gradually. Some farmers have 90/100 maunds paddy output which means a healthy return”, said Guard Agricultural Research & Services Limited (GUARD) Chief Executive Officer Shahzad Ali Malik, adding, that an average yield with traditional varieties in South Punjab was 40-50 maunds per acre which with hybrid seed has improved to 100-110 maunds per acre. “Thus, double the yield means double the income and a socio-economic change in the life of grower,” he said. He said that only 6-7 per cent area is being cultivated with Hybrid rice in South Punjab and next year it is expected to reach 15-16 per cent. He said that 30-35 per cent area in Sindh is already under hybrid seed varieties and it is expected that by next season the figure may reach 50 per cent in Sindh alone. He said that some 40 companies were dealing in hybrid seed but only a few including their have own research and development facilities. He proudly disclosed that his company has lion’s share in the hybrid seed business and about 50 to 60 per cent seed is being marketed by his company. Referring to last year’s failure of rice crop in Sindh, Malik said that temperature increase due to climate change had failed the rice crop last year. This year too rice crop in Larkana district had seen some difficulties due to high temperature. “For tackling this problem, we have introduced heat tolerant and drought tolerant varieties and working continuously on to improve their performance further,” he added. Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Shahjahan Malik hoped that Pakistan can add one million tons of more rice in the next five years thus making more surplus available for export. However, he said that everyone should not be allowed to import hybrid rice and sell.

https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2020/hybrid-rice-yield-likely-to-increase-by-40-50pc-in-sindh-s-punjab

 

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Afghanistan- Herat Rice Production Up 25% This Year: Officials



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(MENAFN - Daily Outlook Afghanistan) HERAT - Rice production has increased by 25 percent in Herat province and farmers are expected to harvest over 60,000 metric tons, the Herat Agriculture Department said on Monday.
A number of farmers in the province have said that sufficient water and reduced pest problems are among the two key factors which have helped the farmers harvest a good crop.
'By the grace of Allah, the crops are good now after the establishment of Salma Dam. Along with wheat, we also grow rice, we have achieved good results with it, said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer in Herat.
'This year there is sufficient water and there are good crops, said Abdul Sattar, a farmer in Herat.
'This year's rice has brought good results. In previous years, crops were being burned because of the lack of water, but this year the crop is good, said Mohammad, a farmer.
'Our estimate is that around 60,000 tons will be produced in Herat province. Last year, the figure was around 45,000 tons. Overall, rice is being grown over 11,000 hectors of lands, said Abdul Saboor Rahmani, the head of Herat's agriculture department.
'Local rice saves its natural taste compared to imported rice, said Jawed Ghafoori, an agricultural expert.
Herat's rice fields are located mostly along the Harirod river which passes through Herat's Anjel, Woba, Guzra, and Pashtun Zarghon districts. (TOLO NEWS)

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Description: Afghanistan- Herat Rice Production Up 25% This Year: Officials

 

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https://menafn.com/1100771488/Afghanistan-Herat-Rice-Production-Up-25-This-Year-Officials

 

Rice exporters organize training to protect rights of agri women’s children

 

Description: Rice exporters organize training to protect rights of agri women’s childrenRice exporters organize training to protect rights of agri women’s children

ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP): Top rice exporters of Pakistan Thursday arranged training workshop to train the women as well as rice millers to sensitize them regarding basic Juvenile right of the children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.

“We are providing best facilities for promoting decent working conditions for the rice transplanter women and their children in rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills, said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), a rice exporting and philanthropic organization, addressing the training workshop here.

The organization including Rice Partners Ltd (RPL) in collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one day training workshop on “Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure Sustainable Rice Production”, by Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation here.

Zafar Iqbal said that at the training workshop they were engaging the women workers of the rice fields and 40 rice mills coming from major rice businesses of Punjab province.
He said that the organization had trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters and also provided them awareness on juvenile rights.

He said that RPL had prioritized to provide awareness for protection of rice transplanter children, including the families working in whole rice value chain to provide them decent working environment.

ALSO READ  Pakistani girl studying plant protection in China aims to ease burden of farmers, improve yield

 

Zafar said RPL was a social impact business that worked with thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab to provide them with the best growing practices for enhancing their yields and livelihoods.

He said around 15000 families were engaged only from district Sheikhupura and more then 100,000 from all over the Punjab.

Usually all members from a family take part in transplanting work, he added.

Zafar said that children from those families also accompanied their parents.

While addressing the training workshop, renowned senior child rights activist and consultant Sadia Hussain said that physical, emotional and psychological health of children belonging to agriculture workers must be considered for conducive working environment in rice value chain.

She said that physical and mental torture not badly impacted the children’s life but also suffered the working condition.

She said that the protection of children and vulnerable adults was a collective societal responsibility.

Sadia Hussain said that the right to name, health, food, education, freedom of expression and association children must be protected besides the right to respect regardless of race, colour and creed.

She such children must be protected against abuses and violence like forced labor and any physical or emotional torture.

ALSO READ  Pakistani girl studying plant protection in China aims to ease burden of farmers, improve yield

 

Senior Corporate and Development sector Consultant, Annan Waffi Qureshi on the occasion said that juvenile right should be prioritized in every sector including agriculture side.

He highlighted the mode of communication to create the awareness for children right and their protection, especially who are belongs to the families working in rice value chain.

On the occasion, Field Manager, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Zahid Rehman said that they were providing these children with the moveable backpack canopies covered from all sides to avoid the insects and provision of shelters along with the dry food, repellents, and water coolers in rice cultivation region of the Punjab.

Zahid Rehman said that working conditions of the farm were highly hazardous and exposed children to several risks of insect bites, injuries and infections, exposure to extreme heat and pesticides without any shelter.

Similarly, for the larger group of families working jointly a farm level, a bigger shelter tent along with solar plates, fans, air cooler, water cooler and first aid boxes were provided to keep the children in a healthy and safe environment at farm level, he said.

More than 40 rice mills including organizations from development sectors, academia and media personnel participated in the event.

https://www.app.com.pk/business/rice-exporters-organize-training-to-protect-rights-of-agri-womens-children/

 

 

Rice Prices

as on : 10-09-2020 07:31:09 PM

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

Arrivals

Price

Current

%
change

Season
cumulative

Modal

Prev.
Modal

Prev.Yr
%change

Rice

Shahjahanpur(UP)

280.00

12

9151.00

2615

2605

NC

Varanasi(Grain)(UP)

140.00

16.67

3289.00

2630

2685

10.27

Gondal(UP)

125.00

13.64

10060.50

2400

2400

-3.23

Utraula(UP)

115.00

827.42

927.10

2400

2400

-

Barhaj(UP)

100.00

42.86

12155.00

2530

2530

4.12

Dadri(UP)

90.00

-10

3195.00

5960

5960

-

Bindki(UP)

90.00

-10

6570.00

2440

2470

1.67

Kalipur(WB)

88.00

4.76

3911.00

2400

2400

2.13

Mandya(Kar)

79.00

-77.87

8535.00

2300

2300

-

Azamgarh(UP)

75.00

-42.31

6856.70

2545

2540

3.46

Sainthia(WB)

68.00

-1.45

569.00

2610

2610

6.10

Kasimbazar(WB)

66.00

NC

2045.00

2675

2650

-3.78

Hapur(UP)

60.00

NC

1672.00

2770

2820

-2.81

Kanpur(Grain)(UP)

60.00

-14.29

6240.00

2150

1900

-7.53

Choubepur(UP)

52.50

-7.57

2888.25

2400

2425

-10.11

Kopaganj(UP)

52.00

-14.75

2233.00

2550

2545

3.66

Ghaziabad(UP)

50.00

42.86

3335.00

2860

2850

-2.22

Sealdah Koley Market(WB)

50.00

-9.09

757.20

2700

2700

-

Aligarh(UP)

45.00

12.5

5092.00

2540

2540

NC

Pandua(WB)

45.00

-13.46

2048.00

3250

3250

10.17

Kandi(WB)

43.00

-28.33

1988.50

2720

2640

6.67

Allahabad(UP)

40.00

NC

2982.50

2315

2500

-9.22

Ballia(UP)

40.00

-33.33

3543.00

2640

2650

9.54

Saharanpur(UP)

40.00

NC

3259.50

2810

2825

-1.06

Memari(WB)

37.00

37.04

208.00

2550

2550

13.33

Shamli(UP)

36.00

20

1632.40

2825

2810

2.36

Beldanga(WB)

35.00

16.67

1870.00

2700

2700

3.85

Sangli(Mah)

33.00

57.14

74.00

4550

4000

-

Mainpuri(UP)

33.00

10

4526.50

2650

2600

NC

Lakhimpur(UP)

32.00

-8.57

3400.00

2430

2440

-0.41

Basti(UP)

31.50

-10

2093.00

2540

2550

3.67

Firozabad(UP)

31.00

14.81

2152.60

2550

2590

-

Asansol(WB)

31.00

-3.12

1466.01

3100

3100

6.90

Manvi(Kar)

30.00

-72.73

1311.00

2350

1936

-

Khalilabad(UP)

30.00

-33.33

2382.00

2550

2550

7.37

Lalitpur(UP)

30.00

-11.76

1995.50

2510

2485

-4.20

Sehjanwa(UP)

30.00

-33.33

3292.50

2540

2520

17.59

Bankura Sadar(WB)

28.00

NC

2607.00

2500

2500

4.17

Katwa(WB)

27.20

-0.73

538.90

2550

2500

-

Muzzafarnagar(UP)

26.00

18.18

4883.00

2810

2825

-1.40

Mathura(UP)

26.00

NC

3481.50

2580

2550

-0.77

Guskara(Burdwan)(WB)

26.00

-3.7

589.00

2550

2500

-

Sindhanur(Kar)

25.00

-63.77

848.00

1400

1400

-22.22

Muradabad(UP)

25.00

-19.35

2236.00

2590

2600

0.78

Agra(UP)

25.00

13.64

3807.00

2635

2640

-0.57

Madhoganj(UP)

25.00

25

3949.00

2430

2430

4.74

Balrampur(UP)

25.00

4.17

1404.00

2400

2400

6.19

Gorakhpur(UP)

24.50

-23.44

1853.70

2540

2530

-

Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)

24.00

NC

354.00

2500

2400

-7.41

Durgapur(WB)

21.00

-4.55

1333.25

2900

2850

8.21

Kolaghat(WB)

21.00

-8.7

319.00

2500

2400

-7.41

Partaval(UP)

20.00

-11.11

1013.00

2665

2540

13.40

Vilaspur(UP)

20.00

-4.76

1998.20

2590

2580

3.19

Paliakala(UP)

19.00

11.76

977.00

2410

2425

4.33

Jaunpur(UP)

18.50

-38.33

1818.00

2630

2600

11.91

Sirsaganj(UP)

16.50

10

1413.00

2600

2630

-2.62

Dahod(Guj)

16.20

-66.46

1179.20

4325

4300

8.13

Raath(UP)

16.00

128.57

345.20

2375

2350

-

Kolar(Kar)

15.00

87.5

410.00

5091

5073

0.37

Banda(UP)

15.00

36.36

480.50

2420

2415

1.47

Pukhrayan(UP)

15.00

50

743.00

2200

2400

-6.38

Chorichora(UP)

15.00

-11.76

1805.50

2500

2510

2.46

Chintamani(Kar)

14.00

-17.65

687.00

2200

2200

-2.22

Farukhabad(UP)

14.00

12

1410.00

2475

2450

-6.60

Bharthna(UP)

14.00

21.74

2457.00

2500

2515

-5.30

Etawah(UP)

12.00

9.09

2729.50

2460

2455

-6.46

Mawana(UP)

12.00

NC

488.20

2800

2800

-

Jafarganj(UP)

12.00

71.43

1254.00

2410

2420

-0.41

Rasda(UP)

12.00

-25

742.50

2560

2550

1063.64

Champadanga(WB)

12.00

-33.33

904.00

3150

3250

5.00

Bahraich(UP)

11.80

-18.62

1354.90

2400

2400

-1.64

Pratapgarh(UP)

11.00

NC

579.50

2400

2410

7.38

Rampurhat(WB)

10.80

-6.09

294.30

2610

2610

8.75

Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB)

10.80

-16.92

178.40

3400

3400

13.33

Sheoraphuly(WB)

10.70

2.88

236.40

3100

3200

NC

Kalna(WB)

10.50

-16

961.50

2800

2850

-2.44

Nawabganj(UP)

10.00

-16.67

937.00

2400

2400

50.00

Kayamganj(UP)

10.00

NC

2169.00

2460

2490

-7.17

Jhijhank(UP)

10.00

25

533.50

2380

2430

-

Kalyani(WB)

10.00

185.71

123.00

3400

3400

NC

Mahoba(UP)

9.00

-3.23

527.90

2450

2460

6.75

Soharatgarh(UP)

9.00

-5.26

1793.20

2530

2530

2.43

Sahiyapur(UP)

8.00

-20

2873.50

2550

2540

4.29

Ajuha(UP)

8.00

-11.11

524.00

2450

2460

-4.30

Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB)

8.00

-20

1287.00

2800

2800

1.82

Bijnaur(UP)

7.50

-6.25

303.50

2590

2600

9.28

Amroha(UP)

7.00

27.27

149.50

2580

2590

-0.77

Etah(UP)

7.00

-12.5

572.00

2600

2600

0.58

Raibareilly(UP)

7.00

16.67

1811.00

2320

2310

-2.11

Mohamadabad(UP)

6.50

-7.14

976.60

2460

2460

-

Kannauj(UP)

6.00

-7.69

529.60

2400

2450

-7.69

Kasganj(UP)

5.00

NC

581.50

2610

2610

2.35

Mirzapur(UP)

5.00

NC

363.50

2670

2665

9.65

Auraiya(UP)

4.50

NC

288.10

2470

2480

-3.14

Devariya(UP)

4.50

-30.77

1200.50

2530

2540

2.85

Atarra(UP)

4.00

14.29

954.50

2380

2410

0.21

Fatehpur Sikri(UP)

4.00

-4.76

190.90

2570

2560

-2.28

Achalda(UP)

4.00

NC

419.90

2470

2500

11.76

Tulsipur(UP)

4.00

300

118.10

2400

2420

-

Naanpara(UP)

4.00

122.22

728.20

2400

2400

NC

Nadia(WB)

4.00

-20

307.00

3400

3200

-10.53

Unnao(UP)

3.50

-12.5

343.00

2445

2435

-8.60

Lucknow(UP)

3.50

-16.67

5020.90

2450

2480

-13.43

Pilibhit(UP)

3.50

40

46992.00

2560

2610

-2.29

Chitwadagaon(UP)

3.50

NC

511.80

2620

2620

24.76

Vishalpur(UP)

3.00

-70

551.20

2580

2650

-2.09

Uluberia(WB)

2.80

NC

69.50

2600

2600

-10.34

Kosikalan(UP)

2.50

-16.67

290.00

2540

2560

-2.31

Tundla(UP)

2.50

-61.54

339.50

2630

2620

-0.38

Bishalgarh(Tri)

2.20

NC

2740.00

3600

3600

-

Muskara(UP)

2.00

11.11

104.30

2375

2400

-0.21

Charra(UP)

1.60

-33.33

149.70

2550

2550

0.39

Shikohabad(UP)

1.50

50

294.00

2625

2625

-11.32

Puranpur(UP)

1.50

-25

2196.00

2590

2600

-0.38

Garbeta(Medinipur)(WB)

1.50

NC

37.00

2800

2800

-26.32

Panichowki(Kumarghat)(Tri)

1.40

7.69

84.90

2930

2850

-

Baberu(UP)

1.30

-18.75

105.30

2400

2410

3.23

Maudaha(UP)

1.20

NC

42.90

2420

2370

2.11

Bishnupur(Bankura)(WB)

1.20

-42.86

215.00

2600

2600

NC

Alibagh(Mah)

1.00

NC

113.00

2200

2200

NC

Devala(Mah)

1.00

NC

2.00

1370

1365

-

Murud(Mah)

1.00

NC

111.00

2200

2200

NC

Bareilly(UP)

1.00

-50

2058.00

2595

2590

-2.08

Khair(UP)

1.00

NC

86.60

2580

2580

-0.39

Lalganj(UP)

1.00

25

294.80

2300

2300

31.43

Milak(UP)

1.00

-71.43

160.00

2600

2630

-

Anandnagar(UP)

0.90

NC

239.70

2520

2510

5.00

Atrauli(UP)

0.70

NC

18.50

2550

2550

-

Khatra(WB)

0.70

-22.22

113.60

2600

2600

-1.89

Achnera(UP)

0.60

NC

47.00

2620

2620

2.75

Gurusarai(UP)

0.60

NC

26.20

2450

2485

-2.00

Kasipur(WB)

0.58

13.73

6.31

2500

2560

-6.02

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Published on September 10, 2020

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article32573532.ece

 

Rice Prices Hit 18 Months Peak As Virus Strains Export Logistics

India's 5 per cent broken parboiled rice prices climbed to $387-$394 per tonne from last week's $384-$390.

EconomyReutersUpdated: September 10, 2020 7:23 pm IST

Description: Rice Prices Hit 18 Months Peak As Virus Strains Export Logistics

 

Rice export prices in top hub India rose to their highest in nearly 18 months this week as supplies remained constrained due to pandemic-induced disruptions, while Bangladesh may have to import the staple after natural calamities damaged crops.

India's 5 per cent broken parboiled rice prices climbed to $387-$394 per tonne from last week's $384-$390.

With the top exporter now behind only the United States in the tally of COVID-19 cases, exporters have been grappling with limited availability of containers and mill workers at its biggest rice handling port of Kakinada on the east coast.

"Coronavirus outbreak has affected rice milling in Andhra Pradesh and loading operations at Kakinada. Limited supplies are available for exports though demand is robust," said a Kakinada-based exporter.

In Bangladesh, domestic prices have risen up to 20 per cent over a month amid fears of a production shortfall.

Excessive rainfall in March-April, cyclone Amphan in May and three spells of floods in June-July damaged most crops, of which 70 per cent was paddy, according to agricultural ministry officials.

Bangladesh needs to start importing rice without any delay, sources familiar with the matter said.

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In Vietnam too, low domestic supplies pushed prices for 5 per cent broken rice to $490-$495 a tonne on Thursday from $490 last week.

"Domestic supplies are very low at the moment, while some exporters continue to fulfill their contracts signed earlier with customers from Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Africa," a trader in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang said.

Traders expect prices to come down in the coming weeks ahead of the autumn-winter harvest.

Adding to demand woes, another trader said the Philippines could suspend rice purchases at least until November to support domestic prices of an ongoing harvest there.

In Thailand, benchmark 5 per cent broken rice prices eased to $487-510 per tonne on Thursday from $500-$513 last week amid muted demand.

https://www.ndtv.com/business/rice-prices-hit-18-months-peak-as-virus-strains-export-logistics-2293491

 

 

Vietnam increases revenues from rice sales with equal volumes

Description: Vietnam increases revenues from rice sales with equal volumesHanoi, Sep 9 (Prensa Latina) Vietnam exported 4.5 million tons of rice in the first eight months of 2020, as much as in the same period last year, but revenues increased considerably, local experts said on Wednesday.

 

Sales until August totaled 2.2 billion dollars, accounting for a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, thanks to the recovery of international prices and the improved quality of Vietnamese rice, they pointed out.

The average price of exports grew 12.4% from last year, so a ton is quoted at 489 dollars, as a result of a higher demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the experts explained.

The Philippines was Vietnam's major buyer until August, acquiring nearly 40% of that volume, while the largest increases in exports were to Senegal (18 times more), Indonesia (18 times more) and China (more than twice).

According to local exporters, the recent activation of the free trade agreement with the European Union will allow Vietnam to increase rice exports substantially.

The country gained great access to the international market after signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Vietnam is the world's third major rice supplier, after India and Thailand, but experts think that it will move up to the second place in relatively soon.

jg/mem/asg


Temas Relacionados:

https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=59626&SEO=vietnam-increases-revenues-from-rice-sales-with-equal-volumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SAN DIEGO, CA, Sept. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) (the “Company”), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States that launched the world’s first-ever cannabis-derived nutraceutical products, brands and supply chain, announced today that its subsidiary Kannaway® has signed a Trademark License and Royalty Agreement with direct selling company The Best Friend (“TBF”). 

As a part of the agreement, the new venture, TBF by Kannaway®, will sell a super-premium line of veterinarian-developed pet food products, as well as a line of cannabidiol (CBD) tinctures designed for pets, throughout Europe.

These pet food products are created by a research and development team composed of world-renowned premium dog breeders, scientists and veterinarians. They have been designed to meet the strictest requirements for quality, nutritional value, consistency, digestibility, and have a low risk of allergy reactions. The new line of TBF best-selling super-premium feeds includes:

• Beef & Rice 3kg

• Lamb & Rice 3kg

• Junior Complex 3kg

“CBD hemp oil has been researched by top veterinarians to improve cardiovascular, orthopedic and mental animal health,” said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. “We’re excited to be able to offer some of the highest-quality pet food products in Europe and soon launch a new line of CBD products that can nicely supplement them.” 

Brand ambassadors who were previously selling TBF products exclusively will now market and sell The Best Friend by Kannaway® as well as other CBD products through Kannaway®’s expansive direct selling network. 

“According to Grandview Research, Europe’s market for pet food in 2018 was the largest pet food market in the world and that growth only continues with a global pet food market that is expected to reach $113.08 billion by 2025,” said Kannaway® CEO Blake Schroeder. “Joining forces with TBF will not only allow us to expand our product offering and gain an entirely new subset of customers, but it will also allow TBF distributors to earn another source of revenue.”

TBF was founded just 13 months ago by Tobias Sukenik, Michal Kyselica and Michal Prazenica, and has already achieved tremendous growth. Currently, TBF has over 10,000 registered partners in 6 countries, making it one of the fastest-growing pet direct selling companies in Europe. 

To learn more about The Best Friend by Kannaway®, please visit http://www.kannaway.com and attend the upcoming Kannaway® Europe webinar on September 10. 

About Kannaway®

Kannaway® is a network sales and marketing company specializing in the sales and marketing of hemp-based botanical products. Kannaway® currently hosts weekly online sales meetings and conferences across the United States, offering unique insight and opportunity to sales professionals who are desirous of becoming successful leaders in the sale and marketing of hemp-based botanical products.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts®. Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA) is a cannabis company with three distinct business units in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid space: a global portfolio of cannabinoid-based nutraceutical brands led by Kannaway® and HempMeds®; a pioneer in sourcing the highest-quality legal non-psychoactive cannabis products derived from industrial hemp; and a cannabinoid-based clinical research and botanical drug development sector led by its pharmaceutical investment companies and partners including AXIM® Biotechnologies, Inc. and Kannalife, Inc. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was named a top CBD producer by CNBC. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was also the first company to receive historic import permits for CBD products from the governments of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay and is a leader in the development of international markets. The company’s flagship product Real Scientific Hemp Oil has been used in several successful clinical studies throughout Mexico and Brazil to understand its safety and efficacy. 

Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s headquarters is in San Diego, California, and additional information is available at OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s corporate video, click here.

Shareholders and consumers are also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s shop.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE

Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act.

CONTACT:

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Andrew Hard
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CMW Media
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andrew.hard@cmwmedia.com
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CATCH-UP GROWTH CANNOT UNDO DAMAGE FROM UNDERNUTRITION

by Jef L. Leroy, Edward A. Frongillo, Pragya Dewan, Maureen M. Black and Robert A. Waterland | September 10, 2020

Linear growth retardation is a widely used marker of undernutrition. While the development community has long worked to reduce the worldwide prevalence of stunted linear growth, in recent decades the possibility of reversing growth retardation has attracted increasing interest. Although helping stunted children achieve “catch-up growth” seems a worthwhile aim, it is one that begs several questions.

In particular, we must ask if catch-up growth is actually possible, and if so, does it necessarily translate into recovery from the broader consequences of undernutrition, such as delays in neurocognitive development, increased risk of chronic disease and death, lower educational attainment, and reduced earnings in adulthood? The answers to these questions will have important implications for the design and evaluation of nutrition interventions and policies. In a new paper in Advances in Nutrition, we delve into these questions by examining the potential to recover from undernutrition in three domains: linear growth, developmental epigenetics, and brain and neurocognitive development.

What is catch-up growth?

Broadly, catch-up growth is a reversal of growth retardation. But varying criteria and methodologies for determining catch-up growth abound in the literature, creating confusion about how to identify and study it. Four criteria must be met to demonstrate catch-up growth:

1.      A growth-inhibiting condition,

2.      A resultant period of lower-than-normal linear growth velocity,

3.      Alleviation of the inhibiting condition, and

4.      A subsequent period of faster-than-normal growth.

The only way to reduce the height gap accumulated during the period of lower-than-normal growth velocity is for children to subsequently gain length or height in absolute terms faster than the expected linear growth velocity for their age and sex. Just like a lagging cyclist in a race must pedal much, much faster to catch up to a rider ahead, a child must grow at a much faster rate to catch up to where he or she would have been had there been no period of lower-than-normal growth.

Only absolute height velocity—the change in height in cm with age—can be used to study catch-up growth. The common use of height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ), a relative measure of child growth, is incorrect. First, they are constructed using cross-sectional standard deviations and are thus inappropriate to study longitudinal changes in height with age. A second reason is that absolute height velocity directly relates to the consequences of linear growth retardation. Contrary to what is commonly believed, only two sets of outcomes are caused by linear growth retardation: obstructed labor and poor birth outcomes, both of which are more common in mothers who are short due to linear growth retardation during childhood. What matters for these outcomes is the absolute height of the mother, not her relative size. Other outcomes like child development, work capacity, and noncommunicable disease risk at adulthood are associated with linear growth retardation but not actually caused by it. So catch-up growth will not improve them.

To find out if catch-up growth is possible, we reviewed a set of 13 studies on adopted children under the age of five. Since adoptions provide radical improvements in a child’s environment—including diet, water, sanitation, hygiene, and caretaking—they fulfill the first three criteria for catch-up growth and allow for assessing the fourth. We found evidence of catch-up growth in nine of the studies. This suggests that catch-up growth is biologically possible when children’s home environments radically improve. But what is the relevance of this finding for nutrition policies and programs? Nutrition interventions can improve linear growth, but the size of the improvement is typically a fraction of what is found in the adoption studies and thus insufficient for catch-up growth. In addition, the direct benefits of increasing height early in life are limited to women, as noted above. We must therefore ask whether children can recover in other domains after suffering from undernourishment. To answer this question, we reviewed evidence from developmental epigenetics and child development.

Developmental epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of mitotically heritable changes in how genetic information is ultimately expressed in an organism. Environmental exposures during critical windows of development can have lifelong metabolic consequences. Nutritional influences on developmental epigenetics have been studied extensively over the past decade. A prime example is DNA methylation, which modulates gene expression potential; pro-methylation dietary supplementation in mice before and during pregnancy has been shown to change the coat color and tail kinkiness of their offspring.

It is hard to study some of these mechanisms in humans. But the Gambia’s single annual rainy season, which results in dramatic seasonal variation in energy expenditure and availability of specific foods, provides a natural experiment. A recent study of subsistence-farming communities there found that maternal nutrition around the time of conception influenced DNA methylation in their children. Given the highly stable nature of this molecular mark, recovery from the epigenetic effects of periconceptional malnutrition is unlikely. More studies are currently underway that should shed further light on what this means for human health.

Brain and neurocognitive development

It has long been recognized in child development that if a stimulus or other input (such as nutrition) is not received within a critical time period, permanent damage occurs. A folic acid deficiency in a newly pregnant woman, for example, increases her child’s risk of developing certain irreversible conditions like spina bifida. Poverty and associated stresses often coincide with and compound the effects of nutritional deficiencies. Isolating the effects of nutritional deprivation on neurocognitive development can therefore be difficult.

The Bucharest Early Intervention Project assessed the impact of severe deprivation on early brain development. Children between the ages of six and 31 months who had lived in orphanages since birth were randomized into foster care placements or kept in an orphanage. Another group of children who had never been institutionalized served as a comparison group. The study found differential effects of environmental deprivation and stress on children’s gray matter (processing and cognition) and white matter (learning). On all counts, the orphanage group experienced the least development. The foster care group, which notably achieved complete catch up in linear growth by 42 months, showed no difference from the orphanage group in terms of gray matter and experienced incomplete recovery in terms of white matter volume and cognition.

The Bucharest study provides three lessons. First, early environmental stress associated with institutionalization affects brain development and function. Second, complete recovery in complex functions is difficult (even with comprehensive interventions). Third, complete catch-up in linear growth does not necessarily reflect recovery in other domains such as brain development, structure, and function.

Implications for nutrition programs and policies

Prolonged undernourishment early in life leads to negative outcomes that are both profound and irreversible. Although subsequent drastic improvements in a child’s nutrition can in some cases partially alleviate deficits in linear growth and neurocognitive development, they will not erase the permanent marks of a mother’s undernutrition just before or early in pregnancy on her child’s DNA methylation. Nor will interventions aimed at reversing linear growth retardation fully restore the trajectory of neurocognitive development. Rather, the benefits are limited. Thus, scientific, program, and policy efforts should focus on preventing maternal and child undernutrition rather than on correcting its consequences or attempting to prove they can be corrected.


Jef L. Leroy is a Senior Research Fellow with the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI's) Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division. Edward A. Frongillo is a Professor and Director of Global Health Initiatives at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. Pragya Dewan is a Consultant in Monitoring And Evaluation for Education at UNICEF and a former IFPRI Research Analyst. Maureen M. Black is a Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Distinguished Fellow at RIT International. Robert A. Waterland is a Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine. Tracy Brown is an IFPRI Senior Editor; she prepared the text of this post. A4NH provided funding for this research.

This post first appeared on IFPRI's website.

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·         Scientists: Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes

Health

Scientists: Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes

September 9, 20202 min readNatasha Kumar

White rice has recently been considered a harmful food. This is due not only to the ability to gain excess weight. Scientists in a new study found that the use of the product is the cause of diabetes.

Researchers recruited about 130,000 volunteers to participate in the study. The experiment lasted for 10 years. Thanks to the results obtained, experts have found that eating white rice increases the risk of diabetes. During the grinding and polishing of the food, large amounts of nutrients, in particular vitamin B, are removed. At the same time, cereals have a high glycemic index, which provokes a jump in blood sugar levels.

An experiment conducted about 8 years ago, in which 45,000 volunteers participated, allowed researchers to find that the risk of diabetes is increased by 11% in people who eat white rice. But this indicator varied depending on the country where the study was conducted. Experts decided to find out the reason for this result. Participants from 21 states were involved. As a result, it turned out that the disease was often detected in the inhabitants of South Asia, where cereal is one of the main products. Also, with the help of additional analysis, it was found that this region is home to the largest number of people with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, as well as those whose lifestyle contributes to the manifestation of the disease. Volunteers from South Asian countries who eat a lot of rice ate low-fiber foods, dairy products and meat in their diets.

For this reason, people with a predisposition to the disease need to reduce the amount of white rice they eat or replace it with unpolished brown rice. It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle and review the diet for variety and healthiness. If you have any health problems, you should consult a doctor.

https://thetimeshub.in/scientists-eating-white-rice-triggers-diabetes/845/

 

 

Voting is essential this year

By Lila Greiner     9/8/20 10:09pm

Political engagement is now both more important and more difficult than ever. The stakes always seem higher in a presidential election year but now — with the pandemic, the protests and everything in between — the stakes feel like they were tied to a rocketship and are currently somewhere orbiting Jupiter. It must be pointed out that 2020, while certainly a uniquely disastrous year for America, is really the result of years of built up ideology. The Trump administration has refused to listen to science for years, so how could we be surprised when they failed miserably in the face of a disaster only scientists could solve? And the all-too-frequent incidents of racism and deadly police brutality are unacceptable, but unfortunately, nothing new. The president has been regularly stoking the fires of racial tension for years, with many Americans simply basking in the glow of the flames. America has certainly been tested this year, but we’ve tried to cheat our way out of it with a page ripped from a 1930s German textbook. It’s no wonder we’ve failed. 

If this makes you angry, do something. I know it is easy to be down on political engagement right now. It feels like the government has done nothing but fail our generation and honestly, it’s kind of true. This administration’s response to the pandemic has lost thousands of American lives, the environment is being destroyed without a qualm, and we live in a country where we aren’t granted the basic rights like a livable wage or healthcare. However, we cannot give up. Now it is finally our chance to do something about it. Please keep going to protests, sharing information online and having those tough conversations. But also contact your representatives, find a campaign that you identify with and vote! If we want to improve the system, we must elect people who will listen. That will only happen if we politically engage.

You can easily communicate with your representatives in a healthy and socially distant manner. I can’t count the number of emails I’ve sent to city council members, representatives and senators this summer. Politicians are motivated by the desire to be reelected, so make it clear that you are willing to fight with them if they will champion your causes and that you will fight against them if necessary. And don’t forget about your local representatives. Harris County alone has over 50 non-federal elections this year. These officials have a huge impact on your daily life and they almost always need help on their campaigns. You can easily get involved by phone banking, which can be done from your room, or emailing the campaign to see what they might need. Most importantly, vote. Vote early if you can, vote by mail, do whatever it takes to make sure your vote is counted. Make a solid plan and stick to it. For too long the people in power have relied on the apathy of the masses to continue serving the needs of only a few. We must not let this continue. 

I get it. 2020 sucks and it feels like there is nothing we can do. But this year isn’t an accident. The previous generations built a system that actively fostered the disasters we are facing today, from building racial tensions to refusing to invest in our health or safety. That doesn’t mean we should sit back and watch America collapse around us. The voice of the people can be the most powerful tool in a democracy if used correctly. We need to take all of the energy and pain from this summer and use it to reshape our government to work for us.

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https://www.ricethresher.org/article/2020/09/voting-is-essential-this-year

 

 

New Rice Import Data Helps USA Rice Members Better Monitor Market Trends 

By Jesica Kincaid

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- On July 1, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) implemented new Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for milled and brown jasmine and milled basmati rice, following a successful petition led by USA Rice earlier this year.  This month, the first data using the new codes was published for rice imports and exports in July.

The new HTS codes, also referred to as import codes, are particularly useful for refining import data from Thailand and India, the largest U.S. import origins by volume and primary sources for jasmine and basmati, respectively.  As can be seen in the table below, in June 2020 and all months prior, the majority of imports from Thailand and India were lumped into the 'Milled Long Grain' category.

"Our members have long assumed that the bulk of imports coming from origins like Thailand and India fall into the fragrant rice categories but now we are sure of it," said Peter Bachmann, USA Rice vice president of international trade policy.  "When our members formally asked us to pursue this change to the HTS codes in February, we swiftly moved to file a petition with the support from member companies and just seven months later we're seeing the fruits of that labor through a more specified level of data."

"From the perspective of someone buying and selling rice, this breakdown of long grain imports to account for jasmine and basmati is tremendously helpful," said Ryan Carwell, Arkansas rice merchant and chair of the USA Rice Merchants' Association.  "We can now identify new market trends and determine how we, as an industry, may need to adapt to changing consumer demands moving forward."

The new data is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
Global Agriculture Trading System for rice imports and exports from July 2020 onward.

USDA Reminds Farmers of September 30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields

Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

Don’t Miss This One-Time Opportunity - First Since 2014

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners that they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. Additionally, producers who elected Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) should also consider updating their yields.

“The last time farmers could update yields for these important safety-net programs was in 2014,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “It is the farm owner’s choice whether to update or keep existing yields. So, if you rent, you’ll need to communicate with your landlord who will be the one to sign off on the yield updates.”

Updating yields requires the signature of one owner on a farm and not all owners. If a yield update is not made, no action is required to maintain the existing base crop yield on file with FSA.

For program payments, updated yields will apply beginning with the 2020 crop year which, should payments trigger, will be paid out in October of 2021.

Determining Yield Updates

The updated yield will be equal to 90% of the average yield per planted acre in crop years 2013-2017. That excludes any year where the applicable covered commodity was not planted and is subject to the ratio obtained by dividing the 2008-2012 average national yield by the 2013-2017 average national yield for the covered commodity.

The chart below provides the ratio obtained by this calculation.

Covered Commodities

National Yield Factor

Barley

0.9437

Canola

0.9643

Chickpeas, Large

1.0000

Chickpeas, Small

0.9760

Corn

0.9000

Crambe

1.0000

Flaxseed

1.0000

Grain Sorghum

0.9077

Lentils

1.0000

Mustard Seed

0.9460

Oats

0.9524

Peanuts

0.9273

Peas, Dry

0.9988

Rapeseed

1.0000

Rice, Long

0.9330

Rice, Medium

0.9887

Rice, Temp Japonica

0.9591

Safflower

1.0000

Seed Cotton

0.9000

Sesame Seed

0.9673

Soybeans

0.9000

Sunflower Seed

0.9396

Wheat

0.9545

If the reported yield in any year is less than 75 percent of the 2013-2017 average county yield, the yield will be substituted with 75 percent of the county average yield.

More information

PLC yields may be updated on a covered commodity-by-covered commodity basis by submitting FSA form CCC-867 to include a farm owner’s signature.

For more information, reference resources, and decision tools, visit farmers.gov/arc-plc. Contact your local FSA county office for assistance at farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2020/usda-reminds-farmers-of-september-30-deadline-to-update-safety-net-program-crop-yields

 

 

RiceTec Virtual Field Day

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REGISTER NOW

2020 is a special year for RiceTec. We are celebrating 30 years as a company and 20 years since the first commercial hybrid release. We had hoped to celebrate with you at our annual field day, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a change in plans. We hope this virtual field day video series will be a good way for you to get updated on RiceTec products and initiatives.

If you complete the required videos and answer a few questions, you will receive a certificate of completion. All domestic certificate holders will also receive a gift card from RiceTec to thank you for your completion of the video series.

Crop consultants can receive credit for completing the video series.

Thank you for taking the time to participate virtually. We hope you enjoy the presentations.

Featured Programs

https://fieldday.ricetec.com/

 

 

BRAZIL SHOULD CONSIDER ELIMINATING IMPORT TARIFFS ON CORN, SOY -CONAB PRESIDENT

 

9/10/2020

By Roberto Samora

SAO PAULO, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Brazil should consider temporarily eliminating import tariffs on food staples like soybeans and corn, Guilherme Bastos, president of the country's food supply and statistics agency Conab, told Reuters.

Eliminating duties could be an option to lower internal grain prices, which are historically high in the local currency, Bastos said in an interview late on Wednesday.

The levy on corn and soybean imports from outside Mercosur, which includes Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, is 8%.

He proposed the measure as Brazil scrapped import duties on a 400,000-tonne rice quota through Dec. 31.

On Thursday, Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said the temporary import duty exemption could benefit rice imports coming from the United States and Thailand.

Bastos said if the tariff drops, Brazil could buy soybeans from countries like the United States, which is starting to harvest now.

"Why not allow international trade flows in?," he said, adding the same reasoning could apply to corn. Bastos is in favor of "open frontiers," which Brazil's Mercosur accord allows to regulate supply and demand domestically.

In the case of oilseeds, high internal prices raise costs for the crushing industry, which produces biodiesel and soyoil for local consumption. Brazil sells most of the soybeans it produces to China, and that has left little to sell domestically.

Higher corn prices are also a problem for food processors, which use corn as livestock feed.

The temporary reduction of the so-called "common external tariff" on soybeans and corn coming from outside the Mercosur was discussed last month by the government, but no decision was made. (Reporting by Roberto Samora Writing by Ana Mano Editing by Chris Reese)

https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/brazil-should-consider-eliminating-import-tariffs-on-corn-soy-conab-president

 

 

UPDATE 1-NIGERIA'S CENTRAL BANK TOLD TO STOP GIVING FOREX FOR FOOD IMPORTS

9/10/2020

(Adds details, context)

ABUJA, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday directed the central bank to stop issuing foreign exchange for food and fertiliser imports, according to a statement by his spokesman.

It follows a similar order the president issued last year that the nominally-independent bank only partly followed, with some food importers still receiving foreign exchange.

But Thursday's directive will completely ban providing foreign currency for all imported food and fertiliser, the spokesman told Reuters. "Nobody importing food should be given money," Buhari said.

Since his election in 2015, Buhari has sought to cut foreign imports, particularly agricultural products. Expanding Nigeria's farm sector is a key pillar of his economic policy.

But the bans on imports like rice have seen prices surge, sparking widespread frustration.

Nigeria's foreign reserves have been battered as the central bank spends billions of dollars on costly programmes such as propping up the local naira currency despite double-digit inflation.

There was no immediate, public reaction from the central bank to Buhari's comments, though its governor was present at the meeting where the order was given. (Reporting by Felix Onuah in Abuja; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Sandra Maler and Andrew Cawthorne)

© Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Click For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

Brazil opens temporary, rare duty-free quota for milled and paddy rice

 

BRASILIA, BRAZIL — On August 27, USA Rice reported on the exploration by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture into a temporary import suspension for rice.  Yesterday evening, Brazil’s Executive Secretary of the Foreign Trade Board, referred to as “CAMEX,” voted to provide duty-free access for up to 400,000 MT of paddy and milled rice from all origins, effective today through December 31, 2020.  The measure was officially published this morning in Brazil’s Official Gazette of the Federal Government.

 

Up until now, all rice imports from outside of the MERCOSUR bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), including the United States, faced a 12 percent import duty on milled rice and a 10 percent duty on paddy rice.  During this three-month period, U.S. exports will be more competitive without the import tariffs, however, they will still be subject to a slew of internal value-added and transportation-related taxes.

“With rice coming out of the fields now, we are well-equipped to assist Brazil in filling this supply void,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  “This turn of events provides a unique opportunity for both paddy and milled rice sales.”

Ward added, “We also understand that this temporary tariff suspension is an effort to stabilize prices due to COVID-19 increased rice purchases and a drought-related supply shortage in Brazil, but we’re hopeful it will establish a precedent for importers there to turn to U.S. rice as a viable option in the future.”

Potential U.S. exports to Brazil will continue to face competition from that country’s South American neighbors, as well as major Asian exporters, who will also benefit from the limited duty-free access.  U.S. exports to Brazil over the last decade have averaged less than 1,000 MT annually.

https://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/brazil-opens-temporary-rare-duty-free-quota-for-milled-and-paddy-rice/

 

 

 

 

 

 

DA chief sees lesser rice imports for rest of 2021

ByJasper Y. Arcalas

September 10, 2020

 

Description: https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Agri-photo-062920.jpgA stall at the San Andres public market sells assorted varieties of rice in this Businessmirror file photo.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s total rice imports this year would decline by nearly a quarter to 2.2 million metric tons (MMT), from last year’s 3 MMT.

“I think we might have about 2.2 million metric tons of rice imports this year,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar during the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2021 proposed budget.

Despite lower projected import volume, Dar assured the public that rice supply would be sufficient as local palay production is estimated to reach about 22 MMT, which would give the country a 93-percent rice self-sufficiency level.

The DA has repeatedly pronounced that they expect the country to end the year with a rice stock sufficient to last by at least 80 days.

The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642 MMT, about 44 percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the private sector to date, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed.

Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached a two-month high of 139,706.323 metric tons (MT) as importers used 189 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.

The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered rice traders, comprising farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders, companies and private firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.

The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified” underutilization by traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an “anomalous” activity that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.

The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such reasons as the lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and export ban in Vietnam.

Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments, rice suppliers limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port congestion and holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice than locally produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Service Division (NPQSD).

The United States Department of Agriculture projected that the Philippines would remain as the world’s top rice importer for the second consecutive year this 2020 with volume reaching 2.6 MMT.

The country’s rice imports last year reached a record-high of 3.1 MMT, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/10/da-chief-sees-lesser-rice-imports-for-rest-of-2021/

 

 

Lawmakers urged to review rice tariff law

LOW PRICES. The very low farm gate prices of paddy rice, some at P11 per kilo which is below the production cost of P12, is causing economic hardships for the rice farmers in Mindanao. (Photo from Unspash)

JENNIE P. ARADO

September 10, 2020

LAWMAKERS asked to review the Rice Tariffication Law after rice farmers were already affected by the decreased farm gate prices from P22 two years ago to P11.

Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law of 2018 was signed into law “to provide affordable rice prices for consumers, coupled with the goal of raising the income of palay/rice farmers.” For the past two years, the rice consumers were able to benefit from the lower rice at an estimated value of P6 billion. However, it is a pain in the neck for rice farmers who suffered a loss of about P80 billion due to reduced income as a result of lower gate prices. This is according to a research study conducted by the Federation of Free Farmers.

In a post on Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Secretary Manny Pinol’s official Facebook page, a resolution was passed by Minda governing board, Regional Development Council heads, and private sector representatives. The resolution, submitted by private sector representative Engr. Sherwin Begyan and seconded by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, urges lawmakers to review RA 11203 as it allows “unimpeded entry of imported rice in the country.”

“During the discussions, it was pointed out that the very low farm gate prices of paddy rice, some at P11 per kilo which is below the production cost of P12, is causing economic hardships for Mindanao’s rice farmers and could adversely affect the economic recovery efforts of Mindanao,” read Pinol’s Facebook post.

“In the process, the law allows importers to bring in as much imported rice provided they pay the tariffs which in turn will be placed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) which assures the rice industry of a P10-B annual support for the next six years,” it adds.

He also said a copy of the resolution will be endorsed to the Senate and Congress for review and action.

 

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Rice Polisher Market 2020: Regional Insights, Trends & Growth Forecast To 2026 | SATAKE Group, FH SCHULE Muehlenbau, Pavan Group

September 11, 2020

The report titled Global Rice Polisher Market is one of the most comprehensive and important additions to QY Research’s archive of market research studies. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the global Rice Polisher market. The market analysts authoring this report have provided in-depth information on leading growth drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities to offer a complete analysis of the global Rice Polisher market. Market participants can use the analysis on market dynamics to plan effective growth strategies and prepare for future challenges beforehand. Each trend of the global Rice Polisher market is carefully analyzed and researched about by the market analysts.The market analysts and researchers have done extensive analysis of the global Rice Polisher market with the help of research methodologies such as PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. They have provided accurate and reliable market data and useful recommendations with an aim to help the players gain an insight into the overall present and future market scenario. The Rice Polisher report comprises in-depth study of the potential segments including product type, application, and end user and their contribution to the overall market size.

Get PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/1472688/global-rice-polisher-market-research-report

In addition, market revenues based on region and country are provided in the Rice Polisher report. The authors of the report have also shed light on the common business tactics adopted by players. The leading players of the global Rice Polisher market and their complete profiles are included in the report. Besides that, investment opportunities, recommendations, and trends that are trending at present in the global Rice Polisher market are mapped by the report. With the help of this report, the key players of the global Rice Polisher market will be able to make sound decisions and plan their strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the curve.

Competitive landscape is a critical aspect every key player needs to be familiar with. The report throws light on the competitive scenario of the global Rice Polisher market to know the competition at both the domestic and global levels. Market experts have also offered the outline of every leading player of the global Rice Polisher market, considering the key aspects such as areas of operation, production, and product portfolio. Additionally, companies in the report are studied based on the key factors such as company size, market share, market growth, revenue, production volume, and profits.

Key Players Mentioned in the Global Rice Polisher Market Research Report: SATAKE Group, FH SCHULE Muehlenbau, Pavan Group, Lianyungang Huantai Machinery, IndiaMART InterMESH Limited, Buhler AG, SATAKE INDIA, YANMAR, Hunan Sunfield Machinery, MILLTEC Machinery

 

 

New Study Affirms Risk of Diabetes Associated With White Rice, Especially in South Asia

A new study shows the risk of getting diabetes by consuming white rice, experts suggest brown rice instead of white rice.

Updated:September 10, 2020, 3:26 PM IST

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Rice. (Image for representation.)

Many types of research in the past have established, through numerous studies conducted in the area of health and nutrition, that consumption of white rice increases the risk of getting diabetes. A new study has now emerged that only cements the understanding.

The multinational Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, conducted by a cohort of researchers, offers much more insight into the association of white rice with the risk of diabetes.

White rice is known to be rich in carbohydrates and possesses a high glycemic index (GI) score. This impacts the blood sugar level and can be a possible cause for developing diabetes if consumed in large portions, especially in dinner.

According to the report published in the September issue of the Diabetes Care journal, previous studies conducted on the subject were limited to a few countries, predominantly in Asia. This study was conducted over a period of 9.5 years with a sample size of 132,373 individuals aged between 35 and 70 years. It spanned across 21 countries around the world.

Key findings of the study suggest that over the period of study, 6,129 individuals without baseline diabetes developed incident diabetes. The research clearly showed that a higher intake of white rice, considering over 450 grams of rice per day, was associated with increased risk of diabetes.

The highest risk was observed in south Asia in comparison with other regions of the world including South East Asia, Middle East, South America, North America, Europe, and Africa. However, there was an exception when it came to China. In China, no significant relationship could be established.

White rice is a staple food of many Indians and is popular in the entire south-Asian region. In measured quantities, it has health benefits too. It is often recommended by doctors and dieticians even for patients suffering from diabetes. However, many experts suggest brown rice instead of white rice as it contains relatively low levels of starch.

https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/new-study-affirms-risk-of-diabetes-associated-with-white-rice-especially-in-south-asia-2865577.html

 

 

Govt fails to reach rice purchase target despite extended deadline

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The government is falling behind its target in buying 2.1 million tonnes of Boro rice despite an extended deadline.

Millers are refusing to sell rice to the government, breaching their contracts, as the price offered by the government does not match the market price. Under the circumstances, the government cannot reach its target to buy rice. Bangladesh has produced 20 million tonnes of Boro rice this year.

Floods and the coronavirus epidemic harmed the rice mills, pushing them into losses.

The government plans to take necessary action against those who did not comply with the contracts. The government will, however, assess if the millers could not supply rice due to adverse weather.

The Food Planning and Monitoring Committee under the Ministry of Food decided to purchase 1.9 million tonnes of Boro rice this year, setting the prices of Boro paddy at Tk 26 per kg and parboiled and Atap or sundried rice at Tk 36. Later, the government raised the purchase target to 2.1 million tonnes.

The authorities began to buy Boro paddy on Apr 26 and Boro rice on May 7. The collection, scheduled to finish by Aug 31, was extended to Sept 15.

According to the Ministry of Food, the government bought 888,917 tonnes of rice, including 213,067 tonnes of Boro rice, 598,748 tonnes of parboiled rice and 88,604 tonnes of sundried rice as of Sept 8.

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Government warehouses have stored more than 1.41 million tonnes of grains, including 1.14 million tonnes of rice and 269,000 tonnes of wheat.

Some people did not fulfil their commitment to sell paddy and rice to the government, Food Secretary Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum told bdnews24.com.

"Husking mills couldn't buy paddy due to bad weather and an increase in the market price this year. What action can we take against them as their business is already suffering? We have no plan to take action against them but motivate them instead."

The government is taking necessary steps against those automatic rice mills that never sold rice under contract, the food secretary said.

"We have given directives to the finance ministry, deputy commissioners and other government bodies to ensure that those millers who didn't sell rice to the government breaching their contracts, never get the incentive package provided by the government."

The government is listing those who sold rice under contract and those who did not. "In future, we'll provide an incentive for those who supplied the full quantity of rice to the government and deprive those who didn't," Nazmanara said.

Many millers did not sell rice to the government as the market price was higher than the government price. "We need to consider the market situation while applying the contract clauses. We'll identify the defaulters considering the entire situation after the rice collection deadline is over," she said.

"We'll scrutinise why some people could not sell the rice to the government at all; whether they did not have the capacity or there were other factors. There won't be equal measures taken for all. We'll evaluate and decide the form of punishment."

bdnews24.com asked the food secretary if the price fixed by the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee has caused any problem.

"The committee finalises the price based on the production cost of paddy and rice fixed by the Ministry of Agriculture," she said.

"The market price is higher. In an open market economy, traders fix the prices. Rice prices should not shoot up if we take production and demand into account. Traders have illogically hiked the prices, forcing consumers to pay more."

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Traders buy rice from millers and then sell it to the wholesale and retail market, the secretary said. The commerce ministry must see why the rice that cost Tk 30 per kg sells for Tk 40 per kg.

"We've written to the commerce ministry asking the authorities to look into the issue. We've seen that production did not decrease, demand did not increase — we fixed the prices accordingly. We're trying our best to enable people to buy rice at the price we fixed. But we can't fix the rice price in an open-market economy. If the market price becomes exorbitant, we supply the rice under OMS or other programmes to control it."

They are yet to have the full information on the quantity of grains stored by all the farmers, traders and millers in the country, said Nazmanara.

"Those who cannot bear a financial loss didn't sell rice to the government. This time they can't sell rice to the government even if it puts them in jail," said Layek Ali, general secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association.

"Why would the millers sell rice to the government at Tk 36 per kg when the same rice is sold at Tk 41-42 in the market amid the coronavirus pandemic?"

Many of the millers will have to sell out their mills if they want to supply rice at the government rate, said Ali. "Many mills are struggling for their existence during the pandemic and floods. We don't know what is going to happen."

The millers appealed to the food ministry several times to increase the rice prices, which was never considered, an official of the ministry said, asking not to be named. So, the millers did not sell their rice to the government anymore, he said.

Besides the millers, people have a large quantity of food grains stored with them, though the exact amount is not known, said Sarwar Mahmud, director-general of the Food Directorate.

"It's hard to assume what quantity of grains people are storing. As there has been a bumper harvest this year, the grains must be stored somewhere."

https://bdnews24.com/economy/2020/09/11/govt-fails-to-reach-rice-purchase-target-despite-extended-deadline

 

 

Rice exporters organise  training on  juvenile rights

Top rice exporters of Pakistan Thursday arranged a training workshop to train the women as well as rice millers to sensitize them regarding basic Juvenile rights of the children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.

“We are providing best facilities for promoting decent working conditions for the rice transplanter women and their children in rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills, said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), a rice exporting and philanthropic organization, addressing the training workshop here.

The organization including Rice Partners Ltd (RPL) in collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one-day training workshop on “Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure Sustainable Rice Production”, by Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation here.

Zafar Iqbal said that at the training workshop they were engaging the women workers of the rice fields and 40 rice mills coming from major rice businesses of Punjab province. He said that the organization had trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters and also provided them awareness on juvenile rights. He said that RPL had prioritized to provide awareness for protection of rice transplanter children, including the families working in whole rice value chain to provide them decent working environment.

Zafar said RPL was a social impact business that worked with thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab to provide them with the best growing practices for enhancing their yields and livelihoods. He said around 15000 families were engaged only from district Sheikhupura and more then 100,000 from all over the Punjab. Usually all members from a family take part in transplanting work, he added. Zafar said that children from those families also accompanied their parents.

More than 40 rice mills including organizations from development sectors, academia and media personnel participated in the event.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/665240/rice-exporters-organise-training-on-juvenile-rights/

 

Agriculture sector: Rice exporters discuss juvenile rights

Leading rice exporters arrange training workshop to raise awareness among women and rice millers


APPSeptember 11, 2020

Description: https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/623892-agriculturereuter-1382993027/623892-agriculturereuter-1382993027.jpg


ISLAMABAD:

Leading rice exporters of Pakistan arranged a training workshop on Thursday to raise awareness among women and rice millers regarding basic juvenile rights of the children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.

Rice Partners Country Manager for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Zafar Iqbal said that his firm provided best facilities for promoting decent working conditions among rice transplanting women and children throughout the rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills. He added that his organisation had trained 30,000 female rice transplanters and also raised awareness regarding juvenile rights.

Addressing the event, Senior Corporate and Development sector Consultant Annan Waffi Qureshi said that juvenile rights should be prioritised in every sector of the economy including agriculture.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2020.

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

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2263439/agriculture-sector-rice-exporters-discuss-juvenile-rights

 

Rice exporters organize training to protect rights of agri women's children

  Published On 10 September,2020 05:31 pm

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Over 40 rice mills including organizations from development sectors in the event.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Top rice exporters of Pakistan Thursday arranged training workshop to train the women as well as rice millers to sensitize them regarding basic Juvenile right of the children of female agriculture workers, especially the rice transplanters.

"We are providing best facilities for promoting decent working conditions for the rice transplanter women and their children in rice value chain from agro-fields to rice mills, said Zafar Iqbal, Country Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), a rice exporting and philanthropic organization, addressing the training workshop here.

The organization including Rice Partners Ltd (RPL) in collaboration with Helvetas Pakistan organized the one day training workshop on "Promoting Decent Working Conditions to Ensure Sustainable Rice Production", by Rice Partners Ltd (RPL), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation here.

Zafar Iqbal said that at the training workshop they were engaging the women workers of the rice fields and 40 rice mills coming from major rice businesses of Punjab province.

He said that the organization had trained 30,000 of female rice transplanters and also provided them awareness on juvenile rights.

He said that RPL had prioritized to provide awareness for protection of rice transplanter children, including the families working in whole rice value chain to provide them decent working environment.

Zafar said RPL was a social impact business that worked with thousands of growers of Basmati rice in Punjab to provide them with the best growing practices for enhancing their yields and livelihoods.

He said around 15000 families were engaged only from district Sheikhupura and more then 100,000 from all over the Punjab.

Usually all members from a family take part in transplanting work, he added.

Zafar said that children from those families also accompanied their parents.

While addressing the training workshop, renowned senior child rights activist and consultant Sadia Hussain said that physical, emotional and psychological health of children belonging to agriculture workers must be considered for conducive working environment in rice value chain.

She said that physical and mental torture not badly impacted the children s life but also suffered the working condition.

She said that the protection of children and vulnerable adults was a collective societal responsibility.

Sadia Hussain said that the right to name, health, food, education, freedom of expression and association children must be protected besides the right to respect regardless of race, colour and creed.

She such children must be protected against abuses and violence like forced labor and any physical or emotional torture.

Senior Corporate and Development sector Consultant, Annan Waffi Qureshi on the occasion said that juvenile right should be prioritized in every sector including agriculture side.

He highlighted the mode of communication to create the awareness for children right and their protection, especially who are belongs to the families working in rice value chain.

On the occasion, Field Manager, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Zahid Rehman said that they were providing these children with the moveable backpack canopies covered from all sides to avoid the insects and provision of shelters along with the dry food, repellents, and water coolers in rice cultivation region of the Punjab.

Zahid Rehman said that working conditions of the farm were highly hazardous and exposed children to several risks of insect bites, injuries and infections, exposure to extreme heat and pesticides without any shelter.

Similarly, for the larger group of families working jointly a farm level, a bigger shelter tent along with solar plates, fans, air cooler, water cooler and first aid boxes were provided to keep the children in a healthy and safe environment at farm level, he said.

More than 40 rice mills including organizations from development sectors, academia and media personnel participated in the event.

 

https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/563276-Rice-exporters-organize-training-protect-rights-agri-women-children

 

 

Section144 imposed in Pipli grain market

Rally against Centre’s ordinances today

·         Posted: Sep 10, 2020 07:09 AM (IST)

District officials at the grain market in Pipli on Wednesday.

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, September 9

Ahead of the ‘Kisan Bachao, Mandi Bachao’ rally in Kurukshetra on September 10, the Deputy Commissioner imposed Section 144 restricting the gathering of five or more people at Pipli grain market on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner Sharandeep Kaur said, “The Bhartiya Kisan Union has given a call for a rally, but due to Covid, no permission has been granted by the district administration. We have been urging the public to stay at home and not to reach the rally site. To maintain the law and order situation, Section 144 has been imposed. Besides this, a three-tire security arrangement has been made. Duty magistrates have been appointed at Thanesar, Pehowa, Shahabad, and Ladwa and 54 nakas have been set up. Along with the reserve police force, nearly 600 police personnel and officials will remain on duty. We have appealed to the farmer leaders to withdraw their call for the rally.”

Surjewala slams leaders’ ‘illegal detention’

Chandigarh: Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has condemned the "illegal detention of farmer leaders to sabotage" the September 10 rally. Asking the BJP-JJP government to refrain from its crude attempt to undermine the joint strength of farmers, traders and labourers, Surjewala said that the venue of the public meeting, Pipli mandi, has been converted into a 'police cantonment' and the shopkeepers of the grain market were being served notice for closing their shops.

While Opposition political parties have come out in support of the farmers, the BJP has appealed to the farmers’ union to withdraw its call.

Congress leader Ashok Arora said that the BJP has not only been taking anti-farmers decisions, but it has also been trying to suppress their voice. Instead of asking the farmers to withdraw their rally, the administration should have imposed some conditions and told them to maintain social distancing and limit the numbers of farmers.”

AAP leader Jawaharlal Goyal said, “The kisan cell of AAP will participate in the rally. The administration should have given permission to the farmers.”

INLD district chief Buta Singh said, “The BJP has been taking anti-farmer decisions. We condemn the decision of not allowing the rally.”

BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh said, “We have submitted repeated memorandums but no attention was paid by the government. The commission agents, labourers and rice millers have extended support to the farmers. We are ready for every struggle and will not let the government suppress our voice. The government should allow us to hold a rally in a peaceful manner.”

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/section144-imposed-in-pipli-grain-market-138922

 

Japanese businessmen unveil $100mln investment plan for Pakistan

TOKYO: Pak-Japan Business Council (PJBC) is keen to invest at least $100 million in industrial zones in Pakistan in line with the interest of Japanese government and private sector to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, its top official said.

Rana Abid Hussain, president of PJBC told the News that the Japan-based nonprofit association would put the investment pan before Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar who’s scheduled to visit Japan in the last week of this month.

“We will discuss the plan of investment in the Punjab’s industrial zone with the governor during his upcoming visit,” said Hussain. “Japanese investors are interested to capitalise on investment opportunities apart from projects related to CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor).”

PJBC was formed to help business communities in Pakistan and Japan, promote interests of global companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and academic and government organisations engaged in the Pakistan-Japan corridor. The PJBC provides both the countries network access and influence required to initiate business development, and innovate businesses, products, services and ideas.

Hussain said the economic situation in Pakistan is improving and confidence of foreign investors is restoring. Japan’s leading and world-renowned pottery company has also expressed interest in investing in Pakistan and will soon visit along with its representatives, he said.

A consortium of two of the Japan’s largest information technology firms unveiled major investment plans for Pakistan amid a rising demand of industry professionals.

These companies already visited Pakistan in December last year and held meetings with several stakeholders in the country. They wanted to launch a financial technology project in Pakistan and introduce digital payment tools.

Japan intended to extend business relations with Pakistan and wishes to import mangoes, rice, fish and textile products from Pakistan. Arrangements at the ports that could facilitate agriculture product exports were also sought by the Japanese government. Japanese traders are trying to import medical equipment and surgical instruments directly from Pakistan. In the past, these devices came to Japan via Germany.

Last year, Pakistan and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation that would allow skilled Pakistani workers to secure employment in the East Asian island nation. The agreement envisages opening up 14 Japanese sectors for Pakistan’s workers, including construction, information technology, nursing, manufacturing and engineering. Japan is developing a new work visa policy as it expected to welcome around 340,000 skilled workers from across the world, including Pakistan, to make up shortfalls in its domestic labor market.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/712501-japanese-businessmen-unveil-100mln-investment-plan-for-pakistan

 

 

Hybrid rice yield likely to increase by 40-50pc in Sindh, S.Punjab

 

 

   

Iqtidar Gilani

September 10, 2020

LAHORE            -        Hybrid coarse varieties of rice are likely to give 40-50 per cent more yield in Sindh and South Punjab this year. Favourable weather conditions, good and timely rains, improved seed quality and proper technical support from seed companies resulted in more yield that would enhance income of growers. “Hybrid rice is getting good yield. At least 40-50% more yield is expected this year which means increase in growers income in the same proportions”, said stakeholders of rice sector. “Coarse varieties like Superfine is already in the market for the last couple of weeks. New Superfine is healthy. Same is for hybrid paddy, reaching to peak arrival gradually. Some farmers have 90/100 maunds paddy output which means a healthy return”, said Guard Agricultural Research & Services Limited (GUARD) Chief Executive Officer Shahzad Ali Malik, adding, that an average yield with traditional varieties in South Punjab was 40-50 maunds per acre which with hybrid seed has improved to 100-110 maunds per acre. “Thus, double the yield means double the income and a socio-economic change in the life of grower,” he said. He said that only 6-7 per cent area is being cultivated with Hybrid rice in South Punjab and next year it is expected to reach 15-16 per cent. He said that 30-35 per cent area in Sindh is already under hybrid seed varieties and it is expected that by next season the figure may reach 50 per cent in Sindh alone. He said that some 40 companies were dealing in hybrid seed but only a few including their have own research and development facilities. He proudly disclosed that his company has lion’s share in the hybrid seed business and about 50 to 60 per cent seed is being marketed by his company. Referring to last year’s failure of rice crop in Sindh, Malik said that temperature increase due to climate change had failed the rice crop last year. This year too rice crop in Larkana district had seen some difficulties due to high temperature. “For tackling this problem, we have introduced heat tolerant and drought tolerant varieties and working continuously on to improve their performance further,” he added. Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Shahjahan Malik hoped that Pakistan can add one million tons of more rice in the next five years thus making more surplus available for export. However, he said that everyone should not be allowed to import hybrid rice and sell.

 “Only the companies with proper infrastructure and research facilities should be allowed to import hybrid seed”, he said.

https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2020/hybrid-rice-yield-likely-to-increase-by-40-50pc-in-sindh-s-punjab

 

 

Vietnam seeks to bolster rice exports to Africa

Thursday, 2020-09-10 13:20:57

 

 

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Vietnam's rice exports to African nations have been on the rise.

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NDO/VNA – Rice exports of Vietnam to African nations have been on the rise and the upward trend may continue in the next year.

The Asia-African Market Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade has joined hands with trade offices to arrange webinars introducing potential of the African and Middle East markets, which drew hundreds of Vietnamese firms.

African countries, especially those in the western region, have high demand for rice because local production cannot meet demand, especially during years with natural hazards, crop failure, political instability and diseases.

Algeria, in particular, relies entirely on rice imports, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the country.

The surge in its rice consumption is attributed to the increase of Asian migrants in the country, particularly Chinese workers. Algeria purchased about 100,000 tonnes of rice per year, equivalent to 1% of the country’s food consumption.

Vietnam shipped in excess of 16,390 tonnes of rice to the African country in 2019, fetching US$6.28 million, a leap of 20.8% in value from the previous year. The figure hit US$14.58 million in the first six months of 2020, accounting for 58% of Vietnam’s total export value to Algeria.

Similarly, Senegal imports up to 800,000 tonnes of rice a year, primarily broken rice.

Vietnam’s rice exports to Senegal witnessed a sharp increase to 96,665 tonnes in 2019, earning US$32.62 million, rising 13.1-fold in volume and 10.2-fold in value.

The country shipped rice worth US$26.47 million in the first seven months of 2020, a year-on-year surge of 77.2%.

This year, Senegal is projected to import 1.25 million tonnes of the grain.

In both markets, Vietnamese rice faces tough competition from products of India, Thailand, Pakistan, Uruguay and China, among others.

The Vietnam Trade Office is keeping a close eye on adjustments in trade policies and rice import demand in the region, as well as import and payment regulations, especially in the context of COVID-19, to promptly inform businesses.

https://en.nhandan.org.vn/business/item/9063902-vietnam-seeks-to-bolster-rice-exports-to-africa.html

 

 Revitalizing our agriculture research and extension system

Description: Dr. Fermin N. Adriano

ByDr. Fermin N. Adriano

September 10, 2020

 

 

Research and extension (R&E) are vital ingredients in promoting robust agricultural growth and development. It is through R&E that innovations are generated and their results disseminated to farmers and fisherfolk. Not surprisingly, a study by the International Food Policy and Research Institute in 2000 revealed that among investments in agriculture, those in R&E yielded the highest returns (48 percent for research and 62 percent for extension).

In the Philippines, agricultural technological innovations are generated foremost by educational research institutions, like state universities and colleges (SUCs), or government-funded research institutions, including the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). As for extension, the dissemination of those technological innovations and new knowledge in agriculture has become the main function of local government units (LGUs).

Recall that the Local Government Code of 1991 devolved the delivery of basic services to local communities to LGUs, including agricultural extension services. This move was anchored on the premise that LGUs are in a better position to understand the needs of their constituents and can therefore respond more effectively to their needs. That was the theory, but the reality is it did not pan out that way.

The devolution of these services did not result in the improvement of this delivery for a number of reasons. First, many of the municipal-level LGUs did not appoint qualified agricultural extension workers (AEWs). Many appointees are holders of degrees other than agriculture, or worse, appointed because of their political loyalty to the power holders.

Second, the linkage between research institutions (where technological innovations are generated) and the extension system was disrupted. Thus, there are no regular training programs conducted to upgrade the knowledge and skills of municipal and provincial AEWs on latest agricultural technologies and innovative practices in agriculture by research institutions.

And third, municipalities are too small as a planning unit to attain economies of scale in production with the application of modern farming machineries and technologies. The situation is aggravated by the lack of administrative control by the provincial LGU over municipal AEWs. This results in uncoordinated planting schedules, lack of uniformity in planting materials used and uneven application of good agricultural practices (GAPs), among others.

The solution
The obvious solution to the problem is to organize at the provincial level, provided that the provincial LGU genuinely prioritizes agricultural development. Provincial LGUs are in a better position to plan and implement agricultural and fisheries extension programs because of the following: one, planning at the provincial level enjoys economies of scale in production. Two, provincial LGUs are close to the realities of the small farmers and fisherfolk and hence, can better address their needs and problems. And three, they can provide sustained annual budgets to improve the livelihood of small farmers and fisherfolk.

CAMP’s advocacy
The Coalition for Agricultural Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP), a Los Baños-based group headed by Benigno Peczon and composed mainly of former professors and alumni of University of the Philippines Los Baños, has championed the idea of establishing the “province-led agricultural and fisheries extension systems” (PAFES) for the reasons cited above. The Department of Agriculture (DA) agreed to pilot-test the proposal in Ilocos Norte, Quezon, Bohol and a province in Mindanao that is yet to be determined.

The idea is to bring all extension personnel under a single planning umbrella and effectively link them to local and national research institutions. This will necessitate that all extension workers under the municipal LGUs, and extension workers of DA at the regional level and DA attached agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Authority, PhilRice, among others, be placed under the supervision of the provincial extension office. In this manner, there will be better coordination in the delivery of extension assistance to farmers and fisherfolk on various crops and concerns, depending on the collective decision on what to plan in the various municipalities that comprise the province.

Also, the assistance of local SUCs and other DA research institutions will be tapped to ensure regular dissemination of research results, and that regular training programs for municipal AEWs to upgrade their knowledge and skills are conducted. It has to be stressed that for the coordinated action between research and extension systems to work, a realistic provincial agricultural development plan (responding to market opportunities, locally and internationally) will have to be formulated first to guide efforts of various stakeholders.

Bottlenecks encountered
While DA has fully supported CAMP’s project proposal, there are two impediments to the rapid implementation of the project. One is the lack of a dedicated budget line item for PAFES in the DA’s approved budget for this year and next. This is a result of the tight budgetary situation of the government due to the huge resources devoted to responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

And second, the Covid 19 pandemic constrained the mobility of experts assisting in the implementation of the project in the pilot provinces. There is also the prohibition of assembling a large body of people, which is necessary in conducting training programs in areas where digital technology is relatively undeveloped.

No stopping a good idea
But CAMP is not discouraged by the turn of events given its realization that the reform of our extension system is of utmost importance if the country will have a chance of modernizing its agricultural sector and uplifting the condition of our small farmers and fisherfolk. Thus, through the initiatives of some of its experts, the Ilocos Norte experiment is now ongoing. And being close to Laguna, CAMP members have conducted a series of virtual and physical meetings with Quezon province agricultural personnel, discussing how the local coconut industry can be revived and developed.

It is expected that once the Covid-19 crisis is better managed with the introduction of a vaccine, there will be a dramatic upsurge in the establishment of PAFES in various provinces of the country. Many of the provincial governors have already expressed their interest in establishing their own PAFES as they recognize the importance of it in strengthening the linkage between research and extension as a vital ingredient in modernizing our agricultural sector.

fdadriano88@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/10/business/columnists-business/revitalizing-our-agriculture-research-and-extension-system/766617/

 

Corticosteroids Should Be First Line of Treatment For Severe COVID-19, WHO Says

By

Kristen Fischer

September 11, 2020NEW

Key Takeaways

  • The World Health Organization is now primarily recommending corticosteroids (especially dexamethasone) as the first course of treatment for patients with severe COVID-19.
  • Corticosteroids are not a cure, and taking the drugs if you do not have a severe COVID-19 infection could be harmful.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending steroids as the new gold standard treatment for some people with severe COVID-19. The recommendation comes after the global organization completed a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials which showed that corticosteroids effectively reduce the risk of death for patients with severe COVID-19.1

The research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on September 2. In addition to the WHO meta-analysis, three clinical trials of steroids were also published in JAMA.

The patients with severe COVID-19 who received one of three corticosteroids—dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, or methylprednisolone—had an estimated 20% reduced risk of dying from the infection.

About 60% of patients with severe COVID-19 survive without taking steroids. The research showed that the survival rate went up to 68% for patients who were treated with the medication.

According to the findings of the meta-analysis, corticosteroids reduce the risk of death among critically ill COVID-19 patients by 20%.

The mortality results were consistent across the seven trials, with dexamethasone and hydrocortisone showing similar results. However, the researchers could not tell if the effects of methylprednisolone were similar because there were not enough patients enrolled in those trials.

What This Means For You

The evidence only supports the use of corticosteroid in severe cases of COVID-19. Taking steroids will not prevent or cure COVID-19 infections. You should not take steroids unless your healthcare provider has prescribed them for you.

An Overview of COVID-19 Treatments

The Corticosteroid Connection

Corticosteroids have been assessed in the past for patients with pneumonia, septic shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Many COVID-19 patients develop ARDS—a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a patient’s immune system attacks the lungs. Corticosteroids do not target SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), but they do help prevent ARDS.2

What Are Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are a type of synthetic steroid hormone. They behave like cortisol, the "stress" hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are mainly used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Cortisol and synthetic corticosteroids—including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone—regulate the immune system (particularly inflammatory responses) as well as regulate glucose metabolism, Nancy R. Gough, PhD, an adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, tells Verywell.

Severe COVID-19 appears to be caused by an exacerbated inflammatory response. Corticosteroids can be used to turn down the body's out-of-control response to inflammation, Gough says.

“Corticosteroids are largely anti-inflammatory drugs,” Todd W. Rice, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells Verywell.

“We think they work by decreasing inflammation that the body develops from the SARS-CoV2 virus,” Rice says.

Patients are not suddenly better when corticosteroids are given.

— TODD W. RICE, MD

The inflammation often causes additional damage to the lung and other organs. By reducing the inflammation with corticosteroids, it can improve outcomes for patients with more severe COVID-19. 

However, corticosteroids do not promise an immediate response, Rice says. “Patients are not suddenly better when corticosteroids are given. The disease process is still quite protracted, even when corticosteroids are given. But the inflammatory markers improve, which is one of the ways doctors can monitor if the corticosteroids are working.”

A Timeline of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Dexamethasone: A New Standard in COVID-19 Care

Other studies have also explored the use of steroids to treat patients with COVID-19. Some of the data cited by the WHO comes from the RECOVERY trial.

A July report of preliminary data on the trial was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. For the trial, 6,425 patients were randomized into two groups: 2,104 received dexamethasone and 4,321 did not.3

The randomized patients on ventilators or oxygen who were given dexamethasone had lower monthly mortality compared to patients who did not receive respiratory support.3

The WHO’s meta-analysis that appeared in JAMA in September included RECOVERY trial data. The data showed that 222 of the 678 patients who were randomly given the medicine died. Of the 1,025 patients who did not receive the medication, 425 died.

Both sets of findings showed that there were fewer deaths among patients given dexamethasone compared to the patients who did not receive the medication.

Hallie Prescott, MD, a professor at the University of Michigan, along with Rice, penned an accompanying JAMA editorial about the meta-analysis. Both authors said that the studies provided definitive evidence that corticosteroids should be the primary treatment for patients who are critically ill with COVID-19.4

The WHO recently released new treatment guidelines endorsing corticosteroids as the standard of care for patients with “severe and critical” COVID-19. The WHO said patients should be on the medication for seven to 10 days.5

This is the only treatment that has shown a clear and convincing reduction in mortality.

— NANCY R. GOUGH, PH.D.

Overall, there is strong evidence from randomized clinical trials and a meta-analysis in support of treating some COVID-19 patients with dexamethasone. Gough says the WHO made a scientifically informed decision based on strong evidence.

“This is the only treatment that has shown a clear and convincing reduction in mortality,” Gough says.

“I think the data are pretty definitive now. We now have multiple large randomized controlled studies that show [the] benefit of corticosteroids for patients with severe COVID," Rice says. "The WHO took all of the data into consideration, and the data overwhelmingly support the use of corticosteroids and demonstrate that they improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19."

Rice adds corticosteroids also decrease the need for ventilation and help patients come off ventilation faster.

Rice explains that the research shows that corticosteroids are better than remdesivir, an antiviral medication, for treating COVID-19. Preliminary data published in May in the New England Journal of Medicine showed faster recovery times. However, the results were only found in patients who received oxygen therapy—they did not extend to people with mild cases or patients on ventilators.6

The assessment of possible COVID-19 treatments is ongoing, and it’s possible that other options may help patients or add benefits to corticosteroid use.

“But currently, corticosteroids are the best treatment we have for patients with COVID-19,” says Rice.

The Facts About COVID-19 and Pre-Existing Conditions

Corticosteroids Aren't Right for All COVID Cases

Experts say that patients who do not have critical cases of COVID-19 are not ideal candidates for taking corticosteroids.

“Indiscriminate use of any therapy for COVID-19 would potentially rapidly deplete global resources and deprive patients who may benefit from it most as potentially life-saving therapy,” the WHO said in a statement.

Perhaps even more important than conserving supplies is the danger of taking corticosteroids if you don’t have severe COVID-19.

“It is important for people to realize that taking corticosteroids too soon in the course of any infection impairs the body’s ability to fight the infection,” Gough says. “So, people should not consider corticosteroids as medicine that should be used for COVID-19 with mild symptoms or just for someone who has a positive COVID test result.”

Corticosteroids aren’t right for every patient—even in those with critical cases. For example, they can cause hyperglycemia, which means people who have diabetes and severe COVID-19 need to have their blood sugar closely monitored.

Managing High Blood Sugar Is Key To Reducing COVID-19 Complications: Study

“These medications are not preventative and are detrimental if taken too soon,” Gough says.

Gough adds that they must be carefully administered, and the dose should be slowly reduced over time. This allows the adrenal glands to resume the production of cortisol, and proper blood sugar regulation to be restored.

Some patients with comorbidities such as pulmonary disease or heart disease would have difficulty recovering and surviving any serious respiratory infection that affected the lungs whether or not they were given corticosteroid treatment, says Gough.

Corticosteroids are often used in any patient receiving ventilation support for ARDS, and elderly patients with comorbidities are still those at most risk of dying, Gough says. “Corticosteroids will not save all patients with severe COVID-19, but are likely to have the most benefit for those who would have normally survived other serious respiratory infections."

Corticosteroids will not save all patients with severe COVID-19, but are likely to have the most benefit for those who would have normally survived other serious respiratory infections.

— NANCY R. GOUGH, PHD

Rice agrees.

“People shouldn’t think that corticosteroids save everybody,” Rice says. “While they do reduce deaths and improve survival, patients are still dying from COVID-19, even when they are treated with corticosteroids.”

Rice emphasizes that the findings are not “a free pass” to relax and stop taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The virus still causes lots of issues, and data are starting to emerge that suggest that it may cause longer-term issues with fatigue and memory and thinking, also,” he says.

The medical community needs to conduct and complete more trials for other COVID-19 treatments, says Jonathan A. C. Sterne, PhD, a medical statistics and epidemiology professor at the University of Bristol in England. Sterne worked with the WHO on the meta-analysis.

Sterne hopes the public understands that corticosteroids are not a cure for severe COVID-19. It remains a deadly disease, especially for older people and those with underlying health conditions. “We urgently need high-quality research…definitive randomized trials…for both treatments and vaccines," he says.

WHO Introduces 2-Phase Plan For COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

https://www.verywellhealth.com/who-recommends-corticosteroids-severe-covid-19-5077300

 

Scientists: Eating White Rice Triggers Diabetes

September 9, 20202 min readNatasha Kumar

White rice has recently been considered a harmful food. This is due not only to the ability to gain excess weight. Scientists in a new study found that the use of the product is the cause of diabetes.

Researchers recruited about 130,000 volunteers to participate in the study. The experiment lasted for 10 years. Thanks to the results obtained, experts have found that eating white rice increases the risk of diabetes. During the grinding and polishing of the food, large amounts of nutrients, in particular vitamin B, are removed. At the same time, cereals have a high glycemic index, which provokes a jump in blood sugar levels.

An experiment conducted about 8 years ago, in which 45,000 volunteers participated, allowed researchers to find that the risk of diabetes is increased by 11% in people who eat white rice. But this indicator varied depending on the country where the study was conducted. Experts decided to find out the reason for this result. Participants from 21 states were involved. As a result, it turned out that the disease was often detected in the inhabitants of South Asia, where cereal is one of the main products. Also, with the help of additional analysis, it was found that this region is home to the largest number of people with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, as well as those whose lifestyle contributes to the manifestation of the disease. Volunteers from South Asian countries who eat a lot of rice ate low-fiber foods, dairy products and meat in their diets.

For this reason, people with a predisposition to the disease need to reduce the amount of white rice they eat or replace it with unpolished brown rice. It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle and review the diet for variety and healthiness. If you have any health problems, you should consult a doctor.

https://thetimeshub.in/scientists-eating-white-rice-triggers-diabetes/845/

 

 

A CO2-induced Reduction in Pathogen Damage to Rice


Paper Reviewed
Dorneles, K.R., Refatti, J.P., Pazdiora, P.C., de Avila, L.A., Deuner, S. and Dallagnol, L.J. 2020. Biochemical defenses of rice against Bipolaris oryzae increase with high atmospheric concentration of CO2. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 110: 101484.

Each year plant pathogens have the potential to cause serious reductions in crop yields worldwide, which can have severe impacts on local (and even global) food security. However, it has long been hypothesized that the air's increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is enhancing plant defenses, thereby countering and minimizing yield reductions due to pathogen damage. The latest study demonstrating support for this hypothesis comes from the work of Dorneles et al. (2020), who investigated the impact of elevated CO2 on brown spot disease of rice, caused by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae. According to these researchers, brown spot disease "occurs in all rice-growing regions and is considered one of the main diseases of the crop," causing grain yield reductions of "up to 90%."

The work was conducted at the Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil in a field setting using open-top chambers. Two rice cultivars (BRS Querência and Inov CL) were grown under ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentrations. At the V7-V8 phenological stage half of the plants in each CO2 treatment were subjected to inoculation of B. oryzae. Thereafter, disease resistance components and biochemical analyses were performed on the sixth, seventh and eighth leaves (sampling times of 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after inoculation) to investigate the impact of CO2 fertilization on brown spot resistance.

Reporting on their findings, Dorneles et al. write "the reduction of the severity of brown spot by the increase in CO2 concentration was indicated by the resistance components, where the relative efficiency of infection, initial and final number of lesions, rate of lesion expansion and final lesions size were lower in plants at 700 ppm of CO2, regardless of cultivar" (see Figure 1). With respect to how elevated CO2 accomplished this feat, they say "the efficiency of the antioxidant system in rice plants was enhanced at 700 ppm of CO2, attenuating the deleterious effects caused by the pathogen and allowing the cells to maintain their integrity and viability, as evidenced by MDA, a biochemical marker of that cell damage. Moreover," they add, "the increase in the atmospheric concentration of CO2 provided greater reinforcement of the cell wall defense by increasing the concentration of both TSP and DLTGA, at the beginning of the infection process." This latter observation is important because TSPs are "compounds considered to be antifungal and are involved in cell wall reinforcement when accumulated quickly at sites of infection, which is of paramount importance to restrict infection by the pathogen."

In summarizing their work Dorneles et al. say their results "show that the concentration of 700 ppm of CO2 in rice plants attenuates oxidative damages and reduces the severity of brown spot disease, caused by B. oryzae, by intensifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the accumulation of phenolic compounds and lignin." Such favorable findings highlight some of the many virtues of CO2 in an age where this incredible (and essential) molecule is falsely demonized as a harmful pollutant. Reality is just the opposite.

Description: http://www.co2science.org/articles/V23/sep/Dornelesetal2020b.jpg
Figure 1. Representative images of rice leaves of both cultivars in each CO2 treatment illustrating the symptoms of brown spot, which were more prevalent and more severe under ambient CO2 conditions for both cultivars. Source: Dorneles et al. (2020).

and Global Change. All Righ

http://www.co2science.org/articles/V23/sep/a4.php

 

Mindanao leaders call for review of rice tarrification law

By Che Palicte  September 9, 2020, 5:52 pm

Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao leaders are clamoring for Congress to review the rice tarrification law, which allows unimpeded rice importation, amid the tanking farm gate prices of paddy rice, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.

In a statement, Piñol noted that the farm gate prices of paddy rice have dropped from an average of PHP22 per kg. two years ago to just PHP11 per kg. since Republic Act 11203, or “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation, and Trading of Rice”, was enacted late last year.

He said MinDA's governing board has recently passed a resolution unanimously urging both the House of Representatives and the Senate to review and amend the law, which allows the unimpeded entry of imported rice into the country.

MinDA's governing board includes Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim, as well as House lawmakers, governors, and mayors who head the Regional Development Councils (RDC), and private sector representatives in the island region.

The resolution, Piñol said, was proposed by private sector representative Sherwin Begyan and seconded by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera "without any opposition."

He said the measure called for the "review of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) in the face of irrefutable evidence that the unimpeded rice importation has caused injury to the local rice industry and the rice farmers of Mindanao."

“The resolution was presented during the MinDA Governing Board meeting as among the issues and problems, which could affect Mindanao's economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic,” Piñol said

During the discussions, he said, MinDA's board members took note of the "very low farm gate prices of paddy rice," reaching as low as PHP11 per kg., which is less than the production cost of PHP12.

This has caused economic hardships for rice farmers and could adversely affect Mindanao’s economic recovery efforts, Piñol said.

Zubiri, whose home province of Bukidnon has one of the biggest rice production areas in Mindanao, also received appeals from rice farmers for a review of the RTL.

"If it is really causing injury to the rice industry and hardships to our farmers, then it is only fair that we review the law," Zubiri was quoted as saying by Piñol.

He noted that while the RTL aims to provide affordable rice prices for consumers, coupled with the goal of raising the income of palay or rice farmers, the law also allows importers "to bring in as much imported rice, provided they pay the tariffs, which in turn will be placed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which assures the rice industry of PHP10 billion annual support for the next six years."

Piñol, however, said studies conducted by the Federation of Free Farmers showed that while rice consumers benefited from the lower rice prices at an estimated value of PHP6 billion, rice farmers lost about PHP80 billion because of reduced income as a result of very low farm gate prices.

“Additional losses, which have yet to be quantified were also reported in ancillary activities to rice production, including land preparation equipment utilization, milling, and processing, and by-products like rice bran and rice hulls,” he said. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114836

January to August rice imports reach 1.642 MMT, BPI data show

ByJasper Y. Arcalas

September 9, 2020

 

Description: https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rice-unload-nonoy-696x430.jpgFile photo: Workers unload tons of rice to be distributed to Quezon City barangays affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. (NONOY LACZA)

 

The country’s rice imports from January to August reached 1.642 million metric tons, about 44 percent of the 3.737 MMT volume applied by the private sector to date, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed.

Latest BPI data also showed that rice imports in August reached a two-month high of 139,706.323 MT as importers used 189 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to bring in the volume.

The eight-month volume was less than half of what 202 registered rice traders, comprising of farmers cooperatives, organizations, traders, companies and private firms applied to import, BPI data further showed.

In August alone, the BPI issued 365 SPS-IC to registered imports for the importation of 259,180.060 MT. SPS-ICs have a 60-day must ship out rule before it expires based on existing rules.

BPI data showed that Puregold Price Club Inc. was the top rice importer to date with 65,278.65 MT volume followed by Davao San Ei Trading Inc. with 64,636 MT.

The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that “unjustified” underutilization by traders of their approved SPS-IC for milled rice is an “anomalous” activity that may disrupt state food sufficiency planning.

The BusinessMirror earlier reported that rice traders and importers who have unused sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance could be suspended by the DA as about 60 percent of issued SPS-ICs in the first half, covering almost 2 million metric tons, remained unutilized as of July 10.

The BPI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the underutilization of the SPS-ICs this year was attributed to such reasons as the lockdowns in countries of origin due to Covid-19 pandemic and export ban in Vietnam.

Other reasons given by rice importers were: delayed shipments, rice suppliers limiting their export to ensure supply for their own needs, port congestion and holidays at country of origins and high price of imported rice than locally produced staple, according to BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Service Division (NPQSD).

“Underutilization of approved SPS-ICs without proper justification is a kind of anomalous activity which can disrupt government planning for food sufficiency,” NPQSD said in an e-mail interview.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/09/january-to-august-rice-imports-reach-1-642-mmt-bpi-data-show/

 

 

Provinces asked to buy rice, corn from farmers

September 10, 2020 | 7:50 pm

Description: https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/rice-farmer-philstar.jpgPHILSTAR

GOVERNORS of the top rice and corn producing provinces were encouraged to purchase the staples directly from farmers in order to help prop up farmgate prices during the harvest, with the Department of Agriculture pointing to the availability of government credit for such purchases.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar asked Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Leyte to help normalize prices of the two commodities.

Mr. Dar said the 12 provinces combined produced more than 9.74 million metric tons (MT) of palay last year, accounting for 51.8% of national output.

“Their direct procurement will significantly shore up the national average farmgate price of palay, thus helping more farmers,” Mr. Dar said.

According to Mr. Dar, provinces can apply for loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for palay direct purchases and machinery procurement, including equipment for post-harvest facilities.

“We have been closely working with LANDBANK to provide accessible and affordable credit not only to farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs, but also to LGUs under the bank’s PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan) Program,” Mr. Dar said.

The program, which was launched in 2019, had initial funding of P10 billion and benefited farmers in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur.

Mr. Dar has directed the National Food Authority to make its warehouses available for the use of LGUs and farmers’ cooperatives and associations.

“As the country’s rice farmers start reaping this year’s main rice crop, we count on the continued support of our ‘food security czars’ in partnership with farmers nationwide. Directly buying their palay is a win-win situation — giving them reasonable income for their harvest and ensuring an adequate supply of rice for consumers in their localities,” Mr. Dar said.

During the third week of August, the Philippine Statistics Authority said the farmgate price of palay was at P18.39, while the farmgate prices of yellow and white corn grain were at P13.03 and P14.44, respectively. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

https://www.bworldonline.com/provinces-asked-to-buy-rice-corn-from-farmers/

 

 

DA releases P140-M machinery to Soccsksargen farmers

By Richelyn Gubalani  September 11, 2020, 5:39 pm

 

Arlan Mangelen, Department of Agriculture-Region 12 executive director. (PNA GenSan file photo)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed on Thursday around PHP140 million worth of agricultural machinery to farmers in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) as part of flagship farm mechanization program.

Arlan Managelen, DA-Region 12 executive director, said the release of the additional farm machinery is part of the agency’s continuing interventions to help increase productivity and improve the plight of local farmers in the region.

He cited the need to sustain local food production in the wake of the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The machinery was formally turned over to qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations during a mass distribution ceremony on Thursday at the DA-12’s Research and Experiment Station in Tupi town, South Cotabato.

Mangelen said the bulk of the assistance, worth around PHP94 million, was released by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

He said these include four-wheel drive tractors, precision seeders, walk-behind and riding type transplanters, reapers, combine harvesters and mobile rice mill.

The regional office also distributed some PHP46 million worth of machineries, comprising threshers, seed spreaders, hand tractors, transplanters, floating tillers, corn shellers, corn mill and coffee pulpers, he said.

“This was funded under DA’s banner programs,” Mangelen said in a statement on Friday.

He cited the agency's expanded rice, corn, high-value crops and organic agriculture programs, which are being implemented in the region's four provinces and five cities.

Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Mangelen said the machinery will directly benefit more than 4,000 farmers from parts of the region, including those in far-flung areas. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115174

 

 

4K Davao farmers benefit from P53-M agri-machinery

By Che Palicte  September 10, 2020, 5:55 pm

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY. Agriculture Secretary William Dar (3rd from right) leads the turn-over of agricultural machinery worth PHP53.8 million to rice farmers on Wednesday (Sept. 9, 2020) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The machinery includes floating tillers, hand tractors, transplanter, and precision seeders. (Photo courtesy of DA-11)

DAVAO CITY-- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar has led the distribution of the PHP53.8 million worth agricultural machinery to the Davao region rice farmers in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on Wednesday.

The agricultural machinery includes 32 floating tillers, 23 hand tractor, 13 combine harvester, 13 four-wheel tractors, eight riding type transplanter, four walk-behind transplanters, one reaper and, one Precision Seeder.

It will serve 4,057 rice farmers from 23 farmers cooperatives/associations (FCAs) in the 13 municipalities of the Davao region.

In a statement Thursday, DA said the assistance is under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization component.

Under the “Rice Tariffication Law”, the RCEF or rice fund will be utilized to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy that lifted quantitative restrictions on rice imports and replaced it with tariffs, among others.

It has a PHP10 billion annual appropriation and disbursed as follows: rice farm machinery and equipment (50%), rice seed development, propagation, and promotion (30%), expanded rice credit assistance (10%) and, rice extension services (10%).

During the turnover ceremony, Dar highlighted the agency's priority programs to help rice farmers reduce the cost of production and increase their income.

"We give the highest priority on rice production to increase the country's rice adequacy from 86 to 93 percent and this is the best way possible to increase the productivity of our rice farmers," he said.

He added that the mechanization support given was only the first tranche of the 2019 RCEF Mechanization allocation and farmers should expect that more machinery assistance will be provided for rice farmers in the region.

“These farmer-beneficiaries have undergone hands-on training through DA-PhilMech prior to the distribution activity. We make sure that we have a pool of agri-mechanics to maintain and take good care of this mechanization support,” Dar said.

DA-11 Director Ricardo Oñate, Jr. assured the rice farmers that the delivery of support and services has been intensified especially during the current health situation.

"Aside from RCEF that provides mechanization, seeds, training, and credit support, we have also distributed financial subsidies and cash assistance under the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA). We also have the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program to expand rice production and provide farmers with free bags of quality seeds and fertilizers," Oñate said.

Oñate said the agency is currently coordinating with the local government units to provide support to rice farmers such as transportation service and the Rice Processing Complex (RPC) to help farmers in processing their palay.

“For our rice farmers to prosper, we need to help them transition from mere producers to traders of their own rice grain. We will not only provide production and mechanization services but most importantly marketing support,” he said. (PNA)

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114964

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2263439/agriculture-sector-rice-exporters-discuss-juvenile-rights

Introducing the New Normal

By AB Khan

September 11, 2020

Come September, the denizens of the tinsel town gear up for unlimited treats in shape of BBQ parties, appetizing winter feasts, retreats to nearby hill stations and of course garden parties and ballroom dinners. The Islamabad weather becomes too tempting to ignore the chilly evenings, the frosty nights, the sun-bathing afternoons and dewed grass mornings thus offering Islamabad residents to savour the flavour of their liking.

Not to the surprise of many, CEO, South & Central Asia, Serena Hotels, Mr. Aziz Boolani organized a lunch get-together at one of the restaurants of the hotel to be the first one to announce the “New Normal” social get together. Guests mostly from the diplomatic core were presented with masks, capped in plastic covers and sanitization bottles before being navigated to the outer garden adjacent to “Wild Rice” restaurant. Soft drinks, fresh seasonal juices and ascetically crafts assortments in   with canopies were making rounds between the guests.  

UK secures first post-Brexit free trade agreement with Japan

After soothing the eyes with fresh greenery all around and admiring the beautifully maintained Serena gardens, the guests led by the host and the Dean of the diplomatic core were invited indoors to an open seating arrangements with chairs distantly placed.  For many attendees it was a first social outing in terms of causal business meet- up if one may call it and so was the discussion at the table. Many were exchanging notes on how their respective countries handled the pandemic and how have they recovered.  

Syed Muhammad Ali Hosseini, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan who is relatively newly posted, was very much pleased how Iran handled the situation being only the second country in the world after China to be hit by the pandemic. Like many other countries around the world, Iran too was taken by surprise as health departments are usually not prepared to handle such a big influx of patients and that too of a diseases not known to many. The numbers of infested patients and deaths due to Covid-19 had their ups and downs but with a passage of time, Iran successfully brought down the numbers to two digits, he informed. 

Mohammed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco, and Ali Alizada, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, too seem to be satisfied as the pandemic had not played havoc in their respective homelands.” We were in a complete lockdown months ago and now we are adopting smart lockdown. The tourism will reopen most likely in October to the international world whereas we also plan to open academic institutions in mid September just like Pakistan”, the ambassador of Azerbijan informed. Tourism in Azerbaijan increased leaps and bounds in last few years of this central Asian state and one could find many Pakistanis visiting its capital Baku. The countries carpet industry, museums, historical architectural sites and of course Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on hillside on Caspian Sea  near Baku  is the show stopper.

Although there was no formal speech by the host, Mr. Boolani did announce the departure of Mr. Akbar Khokhar, as Pakistan’s ambassador designate to Austria, and currently DG (America). Another Pakistani ambassador who has recently returned after completing his assignment in a European country was of the view that Covid-19 had caused a big pileup of positing delays in the foreign office.

“Many foreign office personnel including ambassadors have been waiting for four, five months now to be posted abroad” he confined. Pakistan will soon have new ambassadors in United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, China, Sweden, Nepal, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and a few other African and Asia Pacific and Central Asian countries. 

Talking to the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Mustafa Yundakul, a guest appreciated the Turkish dramas and their popularity graph in Pakistan. It is no hidden fact that plays like Mera Sultan had a very high number of eye balls when it was running on a local network in Pakistan. Now the historical season Ertugrul has taken the Pakistani viewers by storm even though it is available on Netflix with subtitles and on Pakistan Television with adaptation in Urdu language.

The protagonist Ertugrul played by Engin Altan is a very popular figure in Pakistan and so is his wife Halime Hatun’s character essayed by Esra Bilgic. Both these celebrities have signed a few contracts with local Pakistani brands as well.   

The dialogue on different interesting topics continued during the lunch as the guests appreciated the specially prepared meal by the host. The Sushi & Sashimi and Vietnamese Ummer rolls with Roasted Peanuts and sweet chili dip were served as starters followed by Asian Pumpkin Soup with lemon grass infused poached prawns and shitake mushrooms. Main course included Szechwan Prawns, Black Pepper beef, Chicken Kung Pao and stir Fry vegetables with sticky rice. Strawberry beverages with organic mint and lemon Sorbet flavoured with ginger were the last to come accompanied by lemon grass tea.

https://nation.com.pk/11-Sep-2020/introducing-the-new-normal

 

Importance Of Agriculture In Pakistan

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020 Muhammad Dilawaiz Khan AgricultureImportancePakistan

Agriculture is the of process of cultivation of land or soil for production purpose. As an agriculturist/agronomist, Agriculture plays a very vital role in the economy of Pakistan and its development. 48% of the labor force is engaged directly with agriculture.

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So, it is the main source of living or income of the major part of the economy population. About 70% of the population is related to agriculture directly or indirectly. Agriculture is the major source of food for the huge population of Pakistan. Agriculture is also the major source of the provision of raw martial to the industrial sector of Pakistan. Its contribution towards GDP is about 25% which is higher than the contribution of any other sector. The following are the main points of the importance of agriculture for the Pakistan economy.

Source of Employment:

Pakistan as a developing economy the employment on a consistent level has much importance. In this behalf, agriculture has much importance because it provides employment directly or indirectly to the public. Employment directly affects the GSP of the economy as well as the per capita income. With the increase in per capita income living standard increases, higher hygiene facilities & better education facilities are also increasing. All these signs are the factors of economic development. So, we can say that agriculture has a great contribution to economic development by providing employment.

Food Requirement:

The population growth rate of Pakistan is increasing rapidly. According to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) human development report, the population growth rate of Pakistan is 2% per year. So, with the rapidly increasing population, the food requirement is also increasing rapidly. In this behalf agriculture is the only major sector which is meeting the increasing requirement of food. It also reduces the import of food from other economies. So, we can say that the agriculture sector is playing a very vital role in the development of Pakistan by providing food for massive population as well as supporting economic growth.

Contribution in Exports:

Major exports or cash crops of Pakistan are wheat, rice, and cotton. 9.8 billion Bales of cotton are produced per year. Rice crop is produced 4.3 million tons per year. These agricultural commodities are exported to various countries against foreign exchange. This foreign exchange is utilized for the import of industrial or technological equipments such as machinery or automobiles. Further this foreign exchange is utilized to improve the infrastructure of the economy or for improving the other sector of the economy like education, health, and investments.

 

Raw Material for Industries:

Industries have great importance for the development of any country especially for developing economies like Pakistan. Industries need raw material to produce finish goods. In Pakistan agriculture provides raw material to industries. Cotton is a very important agricultural production which is also a major export of Pakistan. It is used as a raw material in textile industries. The production of these textile industries is exported to various countries against foreign exchange. Livestock is also an agricultural sector. It also plays a very important role to export goods by providing the raw material to various industries like sports goods industries and leather industries. So, in this way agriculture helps to Pakistan economy and its growth toward development.

Infrastructural Development:

Infrastructure plays a very important role in the development of any economy. It is fuel to the economic development. Well organized infrastructure is a key to development because of quick means of transportation of agricultural goods or commodities (raw material or finish goods) and communication. On the distribution purpose of agricultural products good and quick means of transportation are required this intends to improve the infrastructure rapidly. Hence, agriculture plays an important role in the development of transportation for the purpose of distribution of goods.

Increase in GDP Level:

Agriculture has a huge contribution toward the GDP of Pakistan economy. it contributes about 25% of total GDP, which is larger than other sectors of Pakistan. An increase in GDP shows the development progress of the economy. It has played a very important role since independence toward the GDP of Pakistan. Now agriculture is the 3rd largest sector of contributing to GDP. Livestock and fisheries are a huge sector of agriculture in order to provide employment. Employment contributes to GDP; it is as with the increase in employment the per capita income will increase which results in to increase in the GDP rate of the economy.

Decreasing in Rural Poverty:

The agriculture sector has played a very important role in order to reduction of rural poverty. From 1975 to 2000 the GDP growth rate of agriculture was about 4.1% per year. Green revolution technology in irrigation, improved seeds, and fertilizers played a very vital role to increase the agricultural production which results in increase in GDP. Through this technology farmers with land gain the opportunity to increase their production. So, in this way, arable lands became cultivated lands and farmers got the market of agricultural products against some return.

Development of the Banking Sector:

Agriculture has also contributed a great role in the development of the banking sector. As the government realized the importance of agriculture, it takes steps to improve the productivity of crops by providing the credit facilities to the farmers at low-interest rates. With utilizing these credits farmers can produce more and more crops. For this purpose, the government established the ZTBL and other financial institutes for the provision of credit facilities. So, in this way the development of the banking sector takes place.

Farm Mechanization:

The introduction of farm mechanization in the agricultural sector had played a very effective role in the development of the economy. With the use of modern machinery in agricultural lands causes more and high-quality production of crops. So, the provision of raw material to the industries increases. Due to an increase in productivity level the export rate of major export crops is increased which causes foreign exchange and economic development.

Use of Nanotechnology:

In the agricultural sector use of modern technology like nanotechnology has played a very vital role in the development of the economy. This technology is used for producing high yielding variety with high-quality products. High-quality products result in a high rate of return to the farmers and the per capita income of farmers increases. An increase in per capita income shows the growth of the economy toward development.

Role of Dairy Farming:

Dairy farming from the agricultural sector has also played a great role in economic development. Livestock or dairy farming has a huge contribution to economic growth. The annual protein per capita is 18 kg of meat and 155 litters of milk. This is the highest rate in South Asia. Milk and meat and their by-products have a good market. Farmers can receive a good return by producing and providing these products to the market. This process results in an increase in per capita income as well as an increase in the national income of the economy.

Role of Textile Industries:

In the economic development textile industries plays a very important role. These industries totally depend on agriculture production in raw form. Cotton is the major crop which is used as raw material for these industries for production purpose. Further, these products are exported to many economies against foreign exchange. So, cotton as raw material from the agriculture side contributes to an increase in NI (National Income). Textile industries also provide employment levels which increases the per capita income of the person. Hence, the contribution of textile industries in the development of the economy has much importance.

Role of Sugar Industries:

The sugar industry is also one of the major sectors of economy which has great importance according to the development of economy. This is a totally agriculturally based industry. Sugar cane is produced on a very large scale in many areas of Pakistan. This further supplies sugar industries for the production of sugar and other by-products which has a great market. As large-scale industries, these also help to provide employment levels to the public. This results in an increase in per capita income as well as improves living standards.

Rice Export Corporation:

Many areas of Pakistan have much importance according to the production of rice crops. In some areas, the world most famous rice crop is produced. A huge quantity is exported to many economies against foreign exchange. This foreign exchange is further utilized in the import of some other products like modern technology or machinery or this is utilized for the improvement of infrastructure of the economy.

Role of Fishery:

As a biologist/zoologist, the Fishing industry plays a very important role in the development of the national economy. With a coastline of 814 km, Pakistan has enough resources for that remains to fully develop. This is also the major export of Pakistan.

Forestry:

About 4% of the land is covered with forests in Pakistan. This is the major source of paper, lumber, fuel-wood, and latex medicine. It is also used for the purpose of wildlife conservation and ecotourism.

Measure to Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Sector for Development of Economy:

1. Yield Collection Problems:

The collection of yield from small farmers is a very expensive and difficult process. So, it is a great problem of marketing. There should be some easy way for the collection of yield from the farmers.

2. Rough Grading Products:

Commodities or products which are graded have a higher price in the market. In Pakistan mixing of poor & good qualities is common. So grading problems must reduce.

3. Storage Problems:

The storage facilities in markets are not enough, the seller cannot store & wait for a higher price of the product due to lack of warehouses. Because of this, some perishable produce suffers loss.

4. Middleman’s Role:

The middleman takes a big share of farmer crops without doing anything. The farmers borrow the money from them & sell their products at low prices. So this is a big loss to the farmers.

5. Transportation Problems:

Our sources of transportation are insufficient, so a regular supply of products is not possible for the market. The village is not properly linked to the markets. For proper provision of products to the market, there must be sufficient as well as fast means of transportation.

6. Revenue System:

Our farmers have to pay land revenue after the harvesting of each crop, so it forces the farmers to sell their produce at a low price.

7. Market Advisory Committee (MAC):

MAC (Market Advisory Committee) at the district and tehsil level should be set up to provide technical advice and information to co-operative marketing societies. The officers of the co-operative & agriculture department should be the members of the committee.

8. Market Reforms:

The government should improve the market system. Strict rules and laws should be introduced. The prices of agricultural products should be checked by the inspectors in the market.

Muhammad Dilawaiz Khan1
Nargis Naheed2
1Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan
2Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan

https://www.technologytimes.pk/2020/09/10/importance-of-agriculture-in-pakistan/+&cd=1&hl=e