24th November,2014 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Exporters risk losing traditional rice markets

 Salman Siddique

Saturday, November 22, 2014

From Print Edition

KARACHI: Rice exporters on Friday warned Pakistan could lose its traditional rice markets if the government buys the commodity from farmers to guarantee them high prices.

The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has also asked the government to avoid buying rice from farmers, as it may destabilise the private sector.The association, however, said the government should provide direct subsidy to farmers in order to support them.“The government’s involvement in such business activity (procurement) will be harmful to the private sector, which has invested billions of rupees to build an infrastructure and human resources,” Rafique Suleman, chairman of REAP, said in a statement.“In case of the government’s involvement in rice business, we will lose huge foreign exchange, as well as the credibility, which the rice exporters have earned after long hard working.

”Suleman demanded the government to give due consideration to the grievances of the rice industry and give free hand to the private sector for playing their positive role, boosting the economy, which is badly affected due to a number of reasons.He said the international market is depressed and all the rice exporting countries are facing tough competition and prices are on the decline. “This is the market phenomena and due to the demand supply aspect, we see such trend in times and have to cope with it,” Suleman added.The price issue highlighted following reports of a pick-up in paddy harvest that has weakened its prices to at least 40 percent this season.

 The price of paddy – raw rice – has dropped by Rs1,000/40 kilogram to around Rs1,500-1,600/ 40 kilogram against the last year’s price of Rs2,500-2,600/40 kg.Growers, who lack the storage facility, have no other option, but to sell it, but buyers — notably the mill-owners and middlemen — are deliberately delaying the buying to pressurise the growers sell the crop at throwaway rates.Farmers have asked the government to immediately announce subsidy to them through providing subsidised fertilisers, seeds and diesel for the next crop. They also demanded the government to fix a minimum export price at the previous year average export rate of $1,153/ton.

This will help avert such price crisis at the growers end.The government should also not intervene through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Supplies Corporation.Suleman recalled PASSCO, in the year 2008, procured 200,000 tons of rice at a premium price and “even after six years they could not disposed of those stocks and ultimately government had to face losses of up to Rs24 billion.”The RECP chairman also quoted the example of Thailand, where government procured the rice with higher prices, but the move damaged 17 million tonnes of rice in the absence of proper storage and warehouse facility and finally.

“The Thai government suffered a loss of $30 billion.” Suleman said.He advised the government to support farmers, but “this should be done through a proper mechanism”.The government should compensate farmers in the shape of free seeds, free pesticides, free water, free fertiliser, free electricity and other facilities. “As farmers are not equipped with the latest machinery and due to the mishandling, every year we have to see crop loss, further we could not get the right quality of rice,” Suleman added.

Protectionism vs rent-seeking

Mahmud Ahmed

Updated Nov 24, 2014 07:42am

In view of trade surpluses, the federal government has levied a duty on wheat and sugar imports to protect farmers and sugar millers. Such temporary measures may be called for in times of stress originating from both domestic and international surpluses, or from market volatility.

However, these ‘relief measures’ should serve as a breather without slackening national efforts to improve productivity and quality and making goods and services globally competitive price-wise. Quite often, this does not happen, perpetuating inefficiencies in the economy by the permanent embedding of subsidies and protectionist measures taken from time to time.

It can be argued that selective and temporary protectionism has picked up worldwide after the global financial turmoil of 2007-8 and the Great Recession that followed it. This has provided more sovereign space for national economic decision-making, as countries are focused on tackling domestic issues with shrinking global trade and business opportunities. Many states also tend to develop free trade within national frontiers, with restrictive international trade practices.

While such practices may appear to be a need for the argument for ‘infant industry’ moving to a higher stage of productivity and economic development, it cannot be denied that protectionism breeds inefficiencies and often leads to rent-seeking and predatory practices, which are now visible on a global scale.

In case of the 30pc duty on wheat import, it may be advocated that agricultural produce is heavily subsidised by both Europe and the US — the world’s most developed economy — even though only around 3pc of the American population is engaged in farming. This protects western farmers from cheaper imports from developing states and emerging markets.

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The temporary ‘relief’ in adverse circumstances may seem to be inescapable, but it should not be converted into rent-seeking

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However, this is not a good example to follow. Subsidies can only be justified in very adverse circumstances, where there is also a strong determination to promptly remove the crutches when they are not needed. There is a strong evidence that subsides linger on and often get entrenched in the system.

The import duty on sugar may not be as justifiable as that for wheat, because the sugar industry has failed to develop in the direction where sugar could be a byproduct rather the core product of millers.

Sugar, like textiles, is a traditional industry that tends to thrive in ways that may often said to be questionable, such as by not making prompt payments to cane growers. It’s clout with the government comes under criticism from growers, particularly when cane crushing is delayed, which delayssowing and impacts the output of other major crops.

The country’s agriculture suffers from low productivity. That is the core issue. It is also true that the unabated flow of resources from rural to urban areas denies farmers the earnings, savings and investment needed to modernise agriculture. As soon as the support price for wheat goes up, the suppliers of farm inputs increase the prices of their products which significantly denies the farmers the full benefits of the increase in support price.

The 20pc import duty on wheat will no doubt help farmers and so would exports of sugar (plus 30pc import duty on sugar imports). Such measures, repeated over time, have not helped improve farm or millers’ productivity, which is among the lowest in the world.Latest reports show that the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has endorsed Rs32bn in cash assistance for growers to compensate them for the crash in prices of basmati rice. This one-off relief may help check any trend among farmers to reduce their area of cultivation in the next basmati season, as normally happens when the price of a crop drops sharply. Rice is an important export earner.

The temporary ‘relie’ in adverse circumstances may seem to be inescapable, but it should not be converted into rent-seeking. In these times, no economy can progress with crony capitalism, which has to be rooted out lock, stock and barrel to build a globally competitive national economy.It is time to primarily focus on the domestic market, with the top priority on food processing and exports; a sector in which the country has immense national advantage and an area that has been long neglected owing to erroneous policies.

The current global economic situation has provided more space for sovereign economic decision-making, and the opportunity should be seized to build a self-reliant, sustainable and inclusive economy. Capitalism needs to be further democratised in an environment of surging self-determination between and within nations, and growing pluralism.

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, November 24th, 2014

Hard for Bulog to buy rice from farmers

Senin, 24 November 2014 15:16 WIB | 465 Views

Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Central Sulawesi branch of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) finds it more difficult to buy rice from local farmers, because the price continues to edge up following the fuel price hikes.Local Bulog spokesman Maruf stated here on Monday that despite the ongoing grand harvest, Bulog is still unable to buy rice from the farmers.

"It is very difficult to get the rice at standard price set by the government, but we will continue to make every effort to buy it from rice mill centers in every district and city in the province," he said.Maruf noted that the price set by the government is Rp6,600 per kg, but Bulog has to buy it from the farmers at Rp7,500 per kg as the impact of the increase in subsidized fuel oil prices.
Consequently, he said the target of Bulog to procure 47 thousand tons of rice this year would not probably be met, because to date Bulog has just absorbed only 19 thousand tons, or 40 percent of the target.(*)

Home / Business / Raw rice drops by Rs1,000/40kg to Rs1,500-1,600/40kg

Raw rice drops by Rs1,000/40kg to Rs1,500-1,600/40kg

Reported by: `Customs Today Report November 22, 2014

KARACHI: Rice exporters have warned Pakistan that it could lose its traditional rice markets if the government buys the commodity from farmers to guarantee them high prices.The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has also asked the government to avoid buying rice from farmers, as it may destabilise the private sector.The association said the government should provide direct subsidy to farmers in order to support them.

“The government’s involvement in such business activity (procurement) will be harmful to the private sector, which has invested billions of rupees to build an infrastructure and human resources,” Rafique Suleman, chairman of REAP, said in a statement.“In case of the government’s involvement in rice business, we will lose huge foreign exchange, as well as the credibility, which the rice exporters have earned after long hard working.”The price issue highlighted following reports of a pick-up in paddy harvest that has weakened its prices to at least 40 percent this season. The price of paddy – raw rice – has dropped by Rs1, 000/40 kilogram to around Rs1, 500-1,600/ 40 kilogram against the last year’s price of Rs2, 500-2,600/40 kg.

Suleman demanded the government to give due consideration to the grievances of the rice industry and give free hand to the private sector for playing their positive role, boosting the economy, which is badly affected due to a number of reasons.He said the international market is depressed and all the rice exporting countries are facing tough competition and prices are on the decline. “This is the market phenomena and due to the demand supply aspect, we see such trend in times and have to cope with it,” Suleman added.Growers, who lack the storage facility, have no other option, but to sell it, but buyers — notably the mill-owners and middlemen — are deliberately delaying the buying to pressurise the growers sell the crop at throwaway rates.

Farmers have asked the government to immediately announce subsidy to them through providing subsidised fertilisers, seeds and diesel for the next crop. They also demanded the government to fix a minimum export price at the previous year average export rate of $1,153/ton. This will help avert such price crisis at the growers end.The government should also not intervene through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Supplies Corporation.

Suleman recalled PASSCO, in the year 2008, procured 200,000 tons of rice at a premium price and “even after six years they could not disposed of those stocks and ultimately government had to face losses of up to Rs24 billion.”The RECP chairman also quoted the example of Thailand, where government procured the rice with higher prices, but the move damaged 17 million tonnes of rice in the absence of proper storage and warehouse facility and finally.

“The Thai government suffered a loss of $30 billion.” Suleman said.He advised the government to support farmers, but “this should be done through a proper mechanism”.The government should compensate farmers in the shape of free seeds, free pesticides, free water, free fertiliser, free electricity and other facilities. “As farmers are not equipped with the latest machinery and due to the mishandling, every year we have to see crop loss, further we could not get the right quality of rice,” Suleman added.

 

 

Government jumps to cushion rice price fall

Published on Saturday, 22 November 2014 17:58

To prevent rice prices from plummeting due to limitations on trade with China, the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) will consider buying three million bushels of rice from the Ayeyarwady Region, according to General Secretary Ye Min Aung.

“We’re now talking with Myanmar Oriental Bank to buttress the rice price. There’s a rice surplus of three million bushels in the Ayeyarwady Region and 1.5 million bushels in the Bago Region. Someone must purchase them all to prevent the price from falling,” said Ye Min Aung.Rice prices are likely to continue to fall unless Chinese buyers resume their trade and, meanwhile, the MRF is trying to agree official rice exports for December.

“I’m sure there is demand in China,” said Aung Than Oo, the deputy chairperson of MRF.Officials from China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and Agriculture Ministry visited in September and signed the memorandum of understanding with Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to secure an official rice trade.An agreement for rice exports for January and February next year has already been reached with official exports starting next month.Currently, the government is planning to purchase unsold rice and the military will buy stocks in December while the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (Mapco) is also considering buying up stocks.Ye Min Aung said: “We find it difficult to buy reserved rice and store it in warehouses.

I don’t want to encourage the purchase of reserved rice. I want the millers and merchants to buy more as that is more beneficial in the long term but they need financial support to do so. They also have the responsibility to pay back that support. So we’ll buy it. The Mapco also plans to buy approximately 300,000 bushels of rice.”Rice millers and merchants are in discussions to acquire three million bushels of rice from the Ayeyarwady Region. 

Finance Minister says rice price in line with government's goal  Date : 24 พฤศจิกายน 2557

BANGKOK, 24 November 2014 (NNT)-Finance Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devagula says the current price of rice is in line with the goal set by the government. Following calls from rice farmers to have the government raise the subsidy price, the Finance Minister said the ongoing 8,000 baht per ton is a suitable rate. The government also has other programs that allow rice silo owners to take out loans from commercial banks at an annual interest rate of three percent, which the government would shoulder. e said he did not think the Commerce Ministry would release rice from its stocks at this time.

He added that the government is currently developing another farmer assistance program, which will be ready next month, to help them supplement their incomes through other types of crop growing. The Finance Minister further added that his Ministry has been trying to get large organizations involved in the loan scheme for low income families. The interest rate would be around 3% per month, or 36% per year. M.R. Pridiyathorn is scheduled to visit China on November 27th to join Joint Trade and Investment Committee conference, where he is determined to encourage Chinese investors to build rubber factories in Thailand.

Only zero-budget farming can double food production, says Palekar

M_A_SRIRAM;THE HINDUFarmer Krishnappa displaying arecanut cultivated with zero-budget farming. PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Advocate of zero-budget spiritual farming Subhash Palekar has claimed that farmers’ suicide in the country was observed among those practicing the chemical-farming methods.Making a plea for encouraging chemical-free farming, Mr. Palekar said there were nearly 4 million farmers practicing zero-budget farming in the country who were prospering. Mr. Palekar, who interacted with media persons here on Saturday, said there was not a single example of farmers practicing zero-budget farming committing suicide, due to higher yield and low cost input.

Zero-budget agriculture entails no external chemical inputs like fertilizers or insecticides.While chemical farming methods yield about 12 quintals of basmati rice per acre, under the zero-budget farming method, yield was observed to be as high as 18 to 24 quintals, according to Mr. Palekar. Similarly, about 6 quintals of wheat per acre was the normal yield while it was 18 quintals under zero-budget farming.The country’s food output cannot be doubled through chemically-intensive agriculture methods or even conventional organic agriculture. Only zero-budget farming was could meet the country’s food requirements.

Despite the obvious advantages of alternative methods, not many farmers were switching over to it due to government policies which link all credit, marketing, and insurance facilities to chemical-based agricultural practices, said Mr. Palekar.

More popular

He noted that the alternative method of farming was more popular in Karnataka, than in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh or Bihar.He came down heavily on the organic farming policy of the State government on the grounds that it was more expensive than chemical-based agriculture. In Mysore region, there were nearly 400 to 500 farmers who had switched over to zero-budget agriculture and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader Badagalpura Nagendra said the organisation was working to create awareness among farmers about its benefits.

Rice prices dip to year's low

Published: 24 Nov 2014 at 18.06

Local rice prices have hit the year's low at 28,900 baht a tonne for 100% premium Hom Mali variety this month. The prices dropped by around 15% year-on-year, according to commerce ministry data.Export prices also slipped by 18% to US$863 for Grade B Hom Mali, compared to $1,053 in November last year.Vichien Phuanglamjiak, vice-president of the Thai Rice Farmers Association, said the group would ask the prime minister to help shore up paddy prices."Paddy prices for the 2014/15 crop year are now 50% lower than the pledging price of the previous government.

Hom Mali paddy is sold at 9,000 to 12,000 a tonne from 16,000 while sticky paddy slid to 7,000-8,000 from 13,000 baht," he said.Pol Lt Chareon Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said his group had urged the commerce minister to ask some 200 rice exporters to build their stocks now, a move that could mop up 100,000 tonnes of the glut and costs 2.7 billion baht.The 10 largest exporters have also been asked to buy 300,000 tonnes of Hom Mali rice and expand their stocks, costing 8 billion baht.      

PhilRice celebrates innovations

 November 24, 2014

QUEZON CITY, Nov. 24 -- The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) renewed its commitment to the Filipinos by inspiring innovations and rural transformation during its recent 29th anniversary.Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr, PhilRice executive director in a statement, said that the Institute`s advances in research and development show the rice workers` efforts in helping the country provide enough rice and foster progress in rural areas.In 2013, PhilRice released 10 new early-maturing varieties for saline, irrigated, and rainfed lowland areas. NSIC Rc3442SR, an aromatic special that is moderately resistant to green leaf hopper, was also released.  

 We have achieved sustained progress in rice production by providing Filipino farmers with new high-yielding rice varieties.  [Last year was] also remarkable with the National Year of Rice campaign. [During this campaign], we led many Filipinos in sending a unified message that each of us can help attain rice sufficiency and this year, we [upheld] that message by motivating everyone to be responsible rice consumers,” Rasco said.The 29-year-old agency spurred innovations such as the development of nutri-rice milk, Metarhizium anisopliae in powder form, and hydrous bioethanol fuel injector for spark-ignition engines.Nutri-Rice milk is a healthy drink made from germinated brown rice containing Gamma Amino Butyric Acid, which improves brain and cardiovascular functions and can slow down the effects of ageing. 

On the other hand, Metarhizium anisopliae is a fungal microbial agent that controls rice black bug – a pest that can reduce yield up to 80 percent and cause complete crop loss due to bug burn.“[Other than our researches], we also launched an ambitious rural transformation campaign aiming to reduce poverty through our Gusto namin milyonaryo kayo advocacy,” Rasco said.Under the "Gusto namin milyonaryo kayo campaign", diversified farming and agri-business ventures will be promoted through nucleus estates across the country starting from 10 PhilRice stations. Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support services including training, input, custom services, modern support technologies, product development and packaging, and marketing.

In preparing farmers for the ASEAN integration, PhilRice launched the Palayabangan: The 10-5 challenge, a national competition, which aims to find out technologies that will produce rice at the least cost without sacrificing yield.  Competition results show that farmers can yield 10.54 t/ha for P4.94/k. Average input cost is at P11/k.Aurelio M. Umali, Nueva Ecija governor, lauded the Institute’s contributions in the country`s rice granary.“[While working with] PhilRice for the past years, I have witnessed, with considerable pride, how your tremendous and highly successful efforts in the field of agricultural research and development [propelled] rural progress.

Truly, you are at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Your work to boost agricultural productivity is integral in our efforts to secure the welfare of our farmers and enhance Nueva Ecija`s reputation as the Rice Granary of the Philippines,” he said.Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Alcala said that PhilRice was efficient and productive in addressing the challenges in the agriculture sector. Alcala said that PhilRice helped the country increased its local rice supply. In 2013, the Philippines produced 18.44 million metric tons of rice, making it the fastest growing rice-producing country in Asia.

  PhilRice, created through Executive Order 1061 signed on November 5, 1985, also honored more than 100 of its research and development workers.Honourees were led 2 international awardees; 7, national; and 2, regional. Recipients of 3 international best poster awards; 19, national; 7, best paper international awards; and 12, national were also recognized.The institution also recognized 36 loyalty awardees and welcomed 3 PhDs and 9 master`s  graduates.(PhilRice)

Student Chefs Demonstrate Versatility of Rice            

MEXICO -- Last month, the USA Rice Federation conducted three Student Chef Competitions in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.  Competitors presented a variety of avant-garde rice dishes and demonstrated first-hand that rice is the ideal ingredient for restaurant-quality dishes.   Directors at the various culinary institutions were impressed with the competition and, seeing the great benefit for the professional development of their students, announced they would be conducting another rice cooking competition on their own in December. 

Additionally, they plan to hold a contest with all the universities in the region that have culinary programs to increase awareness of the versatility of rice.Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are premier tourist destinations and have some of Mexico's most luxurious resorts.  The cities host renowned international gourmet festivals with award winning chefs from around the world.  "There is a high demand for gourmet cuisine in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta," said Sarah Moran, USA Rice director of international promotions.  "Our goal is to encourage the hotel and restaurant industry in the region to use more rice on their menus as a way to provide patrons with elegant gourmet meals while increasing profits."

Contact:  Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Preliminary):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for November 24 Month Price Net Change January 2015 $12.445 - $0.150 March 2015 $12.720 -$0.135 May 2015 $12.960 - $0.135 July 2015 $13.165 - $0.130 September 2015 $12.320 - $0.130 November 2015 $12.220 - $0.130 January 2016 $12.220 - $0.130

24th November,2014 Daily Exclusive ORYZA E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice coming from Bangladesh

By  Rukshana Rizwie

Sunday, 23 November 2014 03:10

Without prior arsenic testing

Moves are afoot by the Ministry of Trader and Internal Affairs as well as the Consumer Affairs Authority to bring down a total of 50,000 metric tons of rice from Bangladesh in the coming days; however officials have openly stated that they haven’t done any tests to ascertain the traceability of arsenic in any of the stocks. 

Speaking to The Nation, Chairman, CAA Rumy Marzook openly stated that the authority and the ministry are yet to look into reports that rice in Bangladesh could potentially be contaminated with arsenic. “We haven’t done any tests, but will look into the matter,” he curtly said. The Sri Lankan Government is tipped to import 50,000 metric tons of rice from Bangladesh in a bid to ensure food security locally. The Cabinet recently glossed over the danger and swiftly approved it. It has been reported that the entire deal would cost US$ 450 per ton, inclusive of cost, freight and insurance.

 According to an article appeared in the Dhaka Tribune, this will be the largest quantity of rice to be exported from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka to date. Based on reports in the local press, the import of rice is to be carried with immediate effect and stocks would be distributed island-wide through the Lanka Sathosa supermarkets – the state-owned wholesale and retail supermarket chain.
It has been widely acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s rice harvest has been hit hardest after a spate of drought in the Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Moneragala, Ampara and Vavuniya Districts during the 2014 Maha season. In order to compensate for the scarcity, import of rice has been sought as a remedial action. However, Sri Lanka in the past have only imported from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan since they were more suitable for the Sri Lankan palate.

 In September, Assistant Director Agriculture Ministry, Dr. DBT Wijeratne went on record to state that rice would not be imported from Bangladesh since it contains high level of arsenic averaging 340 mg per kg (compared to the negligible levels found locally). He was quoted in the weekend newspaper as saying that government would not “generally import agricultural products from Bangladesh since constant floods and digging of wells release arsenic into the soil” He further added that since the ministry had been alerted of a possibility of rice stocks that may contain high level of arsenic, inspections would be carried out in the warehouses and at customs to prevent them from being sold to the public should they contain any level of arsenic.

 At the time, this edition of the newspaper went to print. Dr Wijeratne, who was due to arrive in the country, was still abroad. An official at the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the ministry did not have the authority to conduct tests on imported rice, since most of their tests and checks were confined to rice that was locally harvested. In September, the Consumer Affairs Authority declared that the current stocks of rice available in the market were safe for consumption.

A study by the Food and Drug Administration noted that more than 10 percent of rice from China, Pakistan and Bangladesh was estimated to have arsenic concentrations exceeding 200ppb (parts per billion). Meanwhile, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the top global decision-making body for food standards, issued the decision at its annual meeting in Geneva earlier this year. “Arsenic is an environmental contaminant.

It occurs naturally and is taken up by plants from the water and soil when they’re growing, in particular rice,” said World Health Organization food safety coordinator Angelika Tritscher.The commission set a maximum of 0.2 milligram of arsenic per kilo of polished rice -- the product that is traded and consumed. Bangladesh was cited as a top concern, with tens of millions of rural dwellers exposed via wells drilled in the 1970s in ‘access-to-water’ programs.

Concludes in Cambodia global rice trade conference                                 

Nom Penh, Nov 20 (Prensa Latina) The Sixth World Rice Conference concluded here today, hosted by a country like Cambodia which aims to develop its potential and to achieve a growing role in the cereal market.When opening the two-day meeting, the host Minister of the branch, Sun Chanthol, stressed the importance of the grass in ensuring food security in the world.He urged developing business strategies to maintain stability and ensure the category of interests between consumers, farmers and business entities.

Producing and exporting companies and associations from 40 countries and territories participate in the event to discuss issues relating to the improvement of production efficiency, trends, future challenges and sustainable farming.For the general secretary of the Vietnam Food Association, the second largest exporter, Huynh Minh Hue, the conference is a timely opportunity to disseminate national brands and reach agreements with importers.Cambodia organized a parallel Rice Festival to promote its own product that supplies 269,000 tonnes, of which 80 percent goes to the EU, well below the nearly seven million bill Vietnam.

This week it was reported that China will grant a loan of 300 million dollars for the construction of 10 warehouses, which is expected to overcome one of the most serious limitations of Cambodia to be inserted with force in the global market.

Government jumps to cushion rice price fall

Published on Saturday, 22 November 2014 17:58

To prevent rice prices from plummeting due to limitations on trade with China, the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) will consider buying three million bushels of rice from the Ayeyarwady Region, according to General Secretary Ye Min Aung.

“We’re now talking with Myanmar Oriental Bank to buttress the rice price. There’s a rice surplus of three million bushels in the Ayeyarwady Region and 1.5 million bushels in the Bago Region. Someone must purchase them all to prevent the price from falling,” said Ye Min Aung.Rice prices are likely to continue to fall unless Chinese buyers resume their trade and, meanwhile, the MRF is trying to agree official rice exports for December.“I’m sure there is demand in China,” said Aung Than Oo, the deputy chairperson of MRF.Officials from China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and Agriculture Ministry visited in September and signed the memorandum of understanding with Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to secure an official rice trade.

An agreement for rice exports for January and February next year has already been reached with official exports starting next month.Currently, the government is planning to purchase unsold rice and the military will buy stocks in December while the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (Mapco) is also considering buying up stocks.Ye Min Aung said: “We find it difficult to buy reserved rice and store it in warehouses. I don’t want to encourage the purchase of reserved rice. I want the millers and merchants to buy more as that is more beneficial in the long term but they need financial support to do so. They also have the responsibility to pay back that support. So we’ll buy it. The Mapco also plans to buy approximately 300,000 bushels of rice.”Rice millers and merchants are in discussions to acquire three million bushels of rice from the Ayeyarwady Region

Once a researcher, always a researcher

Henry is a retired researcher from the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center, which was originally called the Arkansas Rice Branch Experiment Station, because there were a number of rice research experiments being made there.

Photo by Bill Shrum/Stuttgart Daily LeaderSeth Henry

STUTTGART —

Seth Henry is not your typical 95 year old.Henry is a retired researcher from the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center, which was originally called the  Arkansas Rice Branch Experiment Station, because there were a number of rice research experiments being made there.Henry, who had an official title of research assistant, graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and was employed at the experiment station from 1955 until 1991."For decades I had a motto of 'No one will be perfect, but everyone will try,’" Henry said.

His variety of duties while employed there included:

• Conducting a variety of experiments;

• Working with rice breeding, soybean breeding, oat breeding and Lespedeza breeding;

• Weed control;

• Diseases in rice; and

• Mosquito control research

Henry would take projects, with the men assisting him, in the crops that they were working on at that particular time. For example they would take rice, which they cut from an exact amount of space, thrashed it, weighed it, checked for moisture and milled it."We kept the samples in an orderly fashion," Henry said. "I also selected individual heads or panicles for the next year."Among Henry's other duties were writing reports of experiments in other counties, which he visited periodically.After retirement, he wanted to do something and decided he was going to grow climbing pole lima beans and performed his own kind of experiment in his backyard."I also did it for the food supply," Henry said.

 "I certainly enjoyed it."Henry said he planted late April to early May in the spring and started harvesting in July or early August until the frost or cold weather kills them, which this year was early this week.Henry harvests the pods two or three times a week. When the pods mature, he places them in a small packet with four seeds, which will be ready for planting next year."I have experimented with cross breeding the climbing pole beans," Henry said. "I have a speckled pink bean."Henry treasures his family, which includes two daughters,Mary Alice McGraw and Martha Davis, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a number of friends he has made along the way.

Research finds corn, rice, wheat, and soybean crops contribute to global warming, emits CO2 when grow

Posted on Nov 22 2014 - 8:51am by Clinton Hesler

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While the UN and other world governments are blaming industrial facilities and greenhouse gas emissions as contributing to climate change, a new study has revealed that four crops, namely: corn, rice, wheat, and soybean are also playing their parts in the whole climate change game.Scientists found that it is true that crops require carbon dioxide for respiration and to manufacture their food, but they do not burn up this element before their deaths; they store it. Carbon dioxide is therefore re-released into the soil when these crops die, and this ultimately makes carbon dioxide to find its way back into the environment.

According to Mark Friedl of the University of Boston, “It’s a remarkable story of what we’ve done in agriculture in general. And particular in corn, which is one crop that’s just exploded. Over the last 50 years, the area of croplands in the Northern Hemisphere has been relatively stable, but production has intensified enormously. The fact that this land area can affect the composition of the atmosphere is an amazing fingerprint of human activity on the planet.”

Friedl’s research establishes one fact: the return of CO2 via dead crops like corn to the earth enriches the soil and makes it more fertile and efficient for further crop growths. The soil yields more crops per acre, even though more carbon dioxide gas is still released during winter via the soil to the earth.“Something is changing about this cycle. Ecosystems are becoming more productive, pulling in more atmospheric carbon during the summer and releasing more during the dormant period,” Friedl adds.

The National Science Foundation’s Water Sustainability and Climate Program’s director, Tom Torgersen, notes that “these indications of increased productivity speak well for agriculture. But such enhanced agricultural productivity makes significant demands on water supplies, which will require further investigation.”See Also: AT&T and Verizon offers Moto X 2014 2nd Gen on $0.01 upfront at Pre Black Friday dealsWhile crop scientists continue to research the effects of enhanced agriculture on natural water supplies, researchers found that corn, rice, wheat, and soybean constitute 64% of all calories consumed around the world. And that, is something of interest.

Scientists: Higher crop yields increase levels of CO2 in the atmosphere

By Kellan Howell - The Washington Times - Saturday, November 22, 2014

Scientists assert that crop yields in the Norther Hemisphere are producing higher concentrations of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each summer.

Boston University researchers found that corn, rice, wheat and soybean are the four leading crops that account for maximum CO2 release in the atmosphere, Maine News Online reported Friday.

Carbon dioxide levels increase each summer as crops absorb CO2 to convert sunlight in to food and then release it after the growing season.Researchers estimate that agricultural production accounts for a 25 percent surge in the seasonal carbon cycle.That number could increase as the number of crops continues to grow.Since 1961, the production of corn, wheat, rice and soybeans has more than doubled in the northern hemisphere and new crops are absorbing and releasing nearly one billion metric tons of CO2 each year, Maine News Online reported.“This study shows the power of modeling and data mining in addressing potential sources contributing to seasonal changes in carbon dioxide. It points to the role of basic research in finding answers to complex problems,” said Liz Blood, program director for the National Science Foundation’s Macro Systems Biology Program, which funded the study.

Odisha fails to recover Rs 128 cr. from rice millers

The Odisha government has failed to recover the dues amounting to Rs. 128 crore from ‘unscrupulous’ rice millers, who evaded returning milled rice.Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Sanjay Kumar Dasburma on Saturday informed the State Assembly that rice mill operators had not returned 67,181 metric tonnes of rice.Every year the State government gets huge stocks of paddy milled by rice millers. As per the existing system, millers are supposed to give back 68 kg of rice for every one quintal of paddy. The rice millers are paid the amount of converting paddy into rice and supplied gunny bags to pack the rice.

However, over the years millers have not returned the entire stock of milled rice worth crores of rupees. As per the statistics tabled in the Assembly, total outstanding amount estimated by government was Rs. 131 crore. The government could recover only Rs. 2.9 crore from the millers.Despite several criminal cases instituted against millers, the recovered amount constituted less than 5 per cent of the total outstanding. Opposition political parties alleged that the government was hand in gloves with unscrupulous rice millers.

Exporters risk losing traditional rice markets

Salman Siddique
Saturday, November 22, 2014
From Print Edition

KARACHI: Rice exporters on Friday warned Pakistan could lose its traditional rice markets if the government buys the commodity from farmers to guarantee them high prices. 

The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has also asked the government to avoid buying rice from farmers, as it may destabilise the private sector. The association, however, said the government should provide direct subsidy to farmers in order to support them.“The government’s involvement in such business activity (procurement) will be harmful to the private sector, which has invested billions of rupees to build an infrastructure and human resources,” Rafique Suleman, chairman of REAP, said in a statement.

“In case of the government’s involvement in rice business, we will lose huge foreign exchange, as well as the credibility, which the rice exporters have earned after long hard working.”Suleman demanded the government to give due consideration to the grievances of the rice industry and give free hand to the private sector for playing their positive role, boosting the economy, which is badly affected due to a number of reasons.

He said the international market is depressed and all the rice exporting countries are facing tough competition and prices are on the decline. “This is the market phenomena and due to the demand supply aspect, we see such trend in times and have to cope with it,” Suleman added.The price issue highlighted following reports of a pick-up in paddy harvest that has weakened its prices to at least 40 percent this season. The price of paddy – raw rice – has dropped by Rs1,000/40 kilogram to around Rs1,500-1,600/ 40 kilogram against the last year’s price of Rs2,500-2,600/40 kg.Growers, who lack the storage facility, have no other option, but to sell it, but buyers — notably the mill-owners and middlemen — are deliberately delaying the buying to pressurise the growers sell the crop at throwaway rates.

Farmers have asked the government to immediately announce subsidy to them through providing subsidised fertilisers, seeds and diesel for the next crop. They also demanded the government to fix a minimum export price at the previous year average export rate of $1,153/ton. This will help avert such price crisis at the growers end.The government should also not intervene through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Supplies Corporation.Suleman recalled PASSCO, in the year 2008, procured 200,000 tons of rice at a premium price and “even after six years they could not disposed of those stocks and ultimately government had to face losses of up to Rs24 billion.

”The RECP chairman also quoted the example of Thailand, where government procured the rice with higher prices, but the move damaged 17 million tonnes of rice in the absence of proper storage and warehouse facility and finally. “The Thai government suffered a loss of $30 billion.” Suleman said.He advised the government to support farmers, but “this should be done through a proper mechanism”.The government should compensate farmers in the shape of free seeds, free pesticides, free water, free fertiliser, free electricity and other facilities. “As farmers are not equipped with the latest machinery and due to the mishandling, every year we have to see crop loss, further we could not get the right quality of rice,” Suleman added.Home / Business / $80 to $100 price difference: 70pc EU buyers place 40,000 tonnes rice orders to Indian

$80 to $100 price difference: 70pc EU buyers place 40,000 tonnes rice orders to Indian

Reported by: `Customs Today Report November 21, 2014

LAHORE: Apart from other obstacles, the difference of around $80 to $100 per tonne in the export price of rice, foreign buyers mainly from EU have diverted their import orders of around 40,000 tonnes rice to India.As per details, 70 percent of the international buyers from EU countries have diverted orders from Pakistan to the Indian millers mainly due to price difference price.

Currently Pakistani rice export price to Dubai is hovering at around $1,250 per ton while India sells her non-basmati rice variety at $1,150 per ton. Pakistan basmati rice export price is at around $700 per tonne while Indian variety of Pusa (copy of basmati rice) is easily available for $625 per tonne.

According to Pakistan Rice Exporters Association, the government, instead of supporting the exporters, is planning to interfere in rice market through procurement, causing further decline in rice export and depriving the country of precious foreign exchange.The association said that rice export was almost stagnant due to high prices of rice in Pakistan as govt did not provide any subsidy to farmers on agri inputs. On the other hand, subsidy from Indian government to growers as well as rice exporters, have seriously affected the rice export of Pakistan, causing decline of more than 30 per cent.The subsidy on rice by Indian government in the name of food security is currently hurting directly millions of Pakistani farmers who are already facing various challenges due to past two consecutive floods in Pakistan.

The govt, instead of disturbing market phenomena by procuring rice, should compensate farmers by providing them free seeds, free pesticides, free water, free fertilizer, free electricity and other facilities. He recalled that in year 2008 PASSCO had procured 200,000 M/Tons rice with prices higher than the prevailing market and even after 6 years they could not disposed of these stocks and ultimately government had to face up to Rs24 billion loss.Experts said that the government involvement in such business activity would be harmful to the private sector who had invested billion of rupees to build an infrastructure and human resources, turning the country into the 2nd largest foreign exchange earner through rice export.

The association also regretted that presently, the rice exporters are utilizing warehouses of Trade Corporation of Pakistan and Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Ltd, storing more than 200,000 tons rice there for export purpose and if this facility is withdrawn, the exporters will be unable to procure the commodity, as they cannot arrange alternative arrangement at such a huge level in very short span

 

Crops of Corn, Rice, Wheat and Soybean Contribute to Climate Change

Greenhouse gas emissions and industrial facilities have been blamed by the United Nations and world governments all over for their negative contributions to climate change, however, a new study now shows that four different types of crops, corn, rice, wheat and soybean, are actuallyplaying a large role in the climate change around the world.

The website The Westside Story recently posted about this matter the following: “Scientists found that it is true that crops require carbon dioxide for respiration and to manufacture their food, but they do not burn up this element before their deaths; they store it. Carbon dioxide is therefore re-released into the soil when these crops die, and this ultimately makes carbon dioxide to find its way back into the environment”.

 Researcher Mark Friedl, from the University of Boston, also said the following about the matter: “It’s a remarkable story of what we’ve done in agriculture in general. And particular in corn, which is one crop that’s just exploded. Over the last 50 years, the area of croplands in the Northern Hemisphere has been relatively stable, but production has intensified enormously. The fact that this land area can affect the composition of the atmosphere is an amazing fingerprint of human activity on the planet.”

According to the website The Christian Science Monitor: “Friedl’s research establishes one fact: the return of CO2 via dead crops like corn to the earth enriches the soil and makes it more fertile and efficient for further crops. The soil yields more crops per acre, even though more carbon dioxide gas is still released during winter via the soil to the earth.”

 Researcher Friedl also pointed out that: “Something is changing about this cycle. Ecosystems are becoming more productive, pulling in more atmospheric carbon during the summer and releasing more during the dormant period.”Tom Torgerson, the director for The National Science Foundation’s Water Sustainability and Climate Program, said: “These indications of increased productivity speak well for agriculture. But such enhanced agricultural productivity makes significant demands on water supplies, which will requeire frther investigation.”

Portland Beer News: Two New Breweries, Bottling Release, and Updated Pub Menu

November 22, 20149:48 PM MST

Some updates regarding Portland area breweries

Baerlic Brewing Company

lHere's some latest news among craft breweries in Portland, a city named by CNN as the best beer city in the world.Barelic Brewing Company located in on 2235 SE 11th Portland just north of Division Street, affords one to be close to the nightlife without the crowded throngs venturing to this latest Portland hot spot. Since opening on June 28, 2014, this brewery joined area brewers Commons Brewery and Ground Breaker Brewing to form what they jokingly refer to as the Beermuda Triangle.

At present this is a a 21 an over establishment with plans to expand their food menu in the future. Stop by happy hour for a $4.00 pint where the bartenders promise they serve 16 ounces in a 20 ounce glass thus ensuring one receives a full pint of beer. Check out their selection of year round beers such as their Cavalier classic cream ale made with Himalayan Basmati Rice or one of their seasonal or experimental beers. They will be at the Holiday Ale Fest with The Great Bear NW Red Ale, a full bodied blend of sweet candied malt flavors with spicy, piney and citrus hops aged on beechwood taken from Baerlic's tasting room buildout.Moving to North Portland, Ex Novo Brewing Company (2326 N Flint Avenue) opened in July 2014 as a neighborhood hangout situated east of Mississippi Avenue away from the heavy traffic.

 With a brewmaster hailing from Norway, they offer traditional beers such as their Scottish Red along with a whiskey and scotch menu. A family friendly menu makes this the prefect place to stop by for a family night out while the happy hour menu attracts those adults looking for a place to chill. As noted on their website, "they exist to blend fine craft beer with positive social change." Hence, they are committed to donating 100% of their net profits to organizations working to enact positive social change both locally in Portland, as well as more global endeavors. Those going to the Holiday Ale Fest can sample their Moonstriker, a Mexican Chocolate Baltic Porter created in collaboration with Moonstruck Chocolate that features subtle notes of Mexican hot chocolate with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, chilies and chocolate.

Venturing on the Historic Mississippi Avenue district, StormBreaker Brewing (832 N. Beech Street) will be having their first ever bottle release party open to the public on Tuesday, November 25th at 5pm. They will be bottling their Mississippi Dry Hopped Red, Total ReKolsch, and their Winter Coat Warmer, a special brew made for the cool winter months. As per their description of Winter Coat: "Chocolate Malt and Special B insulation keeps you warm while your mouth on the glass prevents any snow or sleet from getting in. Features like fuggle hops, sterling hops, and sweet orange peel set this Winter Coat apart. During this party, they will have their DJ spinning and will have some StormBreaker giveaways like new winter beanies and ball caps. then at 8pm, they will show Total Recall on the big screen as they drink their Total ReKolsch in their little beer hall.

Then moving to the Northwest region of Portland, Kells Brew Pub (210 NW 21st Avenue) announces the addition of Travis Stark as its new head chef who has launched a refurbished rustic menu designed to appeal to all ages. Among his updated items includes “Wee Plates” which features all new items like salmon cakes with a chipotle remoulade & house made pickles; house-made falafel fritters served with tzatziki; and bacon wrapped figs stuffed with goat cheese. In addition to featuring traditional Irish favorites, Stark also prepared some vegetarian and gluten-free options. Also they have been expanding their beer lineup and will be featuring MIC Stout AKA Boom Roaster Coffee at the Holiday Ale Fest.

This Imperial Milk Stout starts with a robust head of rich chocolate and notes of brown sugar. The mouthfeel is smooth and fu-bodied, with notes of vanilla and a mild sweetness of caramelized sugar. This beer finishes with roasty notes and acidity from the Sidamo coffee from Ristretto Roasters that layer into a hint of light berry (think blue) with a touch of warming alcohol.

Keep abreast of the latest beers on tap in Portland and select other cities with Brew Notice, a smartphone app that allows beer lovers to get announcements via text messages or emails. Whenever a new beer is on tap. According to their estimates, about ten beers get tapped daily. Depending on one's interest and time constraints, one can email notifications immediately, daily at 4pm or weekly.

Basmati growers: Prime Minister for implementing ECC decision on compensation

November 22, 2014

RECORDER REPORT

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday directed to properly implement the decision taken by the Economic Co-ordination Committee of the cabinet (ECC) on compensation of Basmati rice growers. The ECC had decided for provision of subsidy worth Rs 5,000 per acre to the growers of Basmati rice as compensation in view of the falling international prices of this variety. 

The PM termed agriculture a backbone of Pakistan''s economy and a significant contributor to the GDP. The farmer community had appreciated the decision, according to which 50 percent of the expenses incurred on provision of subsidy will be borne by the provinces that would also be responsible to ensure transparency in its distribution. 

PM Lee invites Indonesian president for nasi lemak and roti prata

AsiaOneSaturday, Nov 22, 2014

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and wife Ho Ching hosted Indonesia's new president, Joko Widodo and his wife, Iriana, to a sumptious breakfast of nasi lemak and roti prata on Saturday morning.Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, was in Singapore yesterday to attend his youngest son's graduation from ACS (International). He flies back to Jakarta today.

According to PM Lee's Facebook post, the nasi lemak was bought from Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak from Adam Road, while the roti prata was from Madras New Woodlands.It is no surprise that PM Lee chose Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak.

Established since 1998, the stall at Adam Road Food Centre is not only famous for its fluffy basmati rice, but it is apparently so good that the Sultan of Brunei takes away dozens of packets of this nasi lemak whenever he is in Singapore.The roti prata that PM Lee ordered is also from a restaurant that has a wealth of history. Located at Little India, Madras New Woodlands dates back to 1983 and is one of Singapore's most well-known vegetarian restaurants.It serves hearty Indian cuisine such as poori bhaji, which is deep-fried flour rounds with curried potatoes; chola bhatura, which is fried bread with spicy chickpeas; and snacks such as vadai, which is deep-fried fritters.The thosai at Madras New Woodlands is apparently so good that you don't have to dip it into chutney or sambar, wrote a former reporter from tabla!

Snap: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted on Facebook on Nov 22: "Had breakfast with President Joko Widodo and his wife, Iriana, this morning. They were here for their son’s graduation from ACS(International). We had Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak from Adam Road and Roti Prata from Madras New Woodlands. See us tucking in!"

News published with written permission of ORYZA