2nd march,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily

Global

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice E-Newsletter March 2 , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I

FTAS ARE HARMING LOCAL INDUSTRY: APBF Salim Ahmed Saturday, February 28, 2015 - Lahore—The All Pakistan Business Forum Executive Committee, which met Friday with its President Mr. Ibrahim Qureshi in the chair, raising serious concern, observed that the FTAs signed with Malaysia, Sri Lanka and China without taking the www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 1

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine real stakeholders onboard is damaging the local industry. As the country‘s economic managers are engaged in fresh rounds of talks with a number of countries on Free Trade Agreements, the APBF Executive Committee cautioned the government to take business community onboard while finalizing trade deals with other countries.

APBF President Ibrahim Qureshi, addressing the meeting, said the business community is the real stakeholders which should be consulted in preparing policies to enhance exports so that fast widening trade deficit could be diminished, which is prerequisite for economic growth. The APBF has been receiving complaints from its members about the dumping of Chinese products.

Ibrahim Qureshi remarked that dumping is the main concern of local industries, particularly of steel products, polyester staple fiber and many other products, he said.At present, the balance of trade is in favour of China as against exports of $2.5 billion, Pakistan imported products of $7.5 billion from China. He added that Pakistan had been continuously suffering a loss of Rs.22 billion on account of tax exemptions granted to imports from China. Free trade access to China could not be fully utilized in favor of Pakistan, because Beijing did not reduce duties on products where Pakistani sectors enjoyed a competitive advantage.

Moreover, the margin of preference over other countries that Pakistan should have enjoyed effectively turned to be fruitless when China inked similar free trade accords with other countries, particularly with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).An executive committee member pointed out that the leather industry is still paying around 9% import duty on its export goods to China owing to non-implementation of zero-duty under FTA regime. He said that in second phase of FTA 9% duty was to be reduced to zero, which is not being implemented so far because Pakistani government is not supporting its industry to pursue the case for the last two years, he complained. APBF President also criticized Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, failing to provide a level-playing field as trade balance remained in Favour of Malaysia from day one. During first quarter of last fiscal, Pakistan‘s exports stood at mere $0.2 billion against imports of $1.75 billion, implying that trade balance was $1.55 billion in favor of Malaysia. Mr. Ibrahim Qureshi, quoting statistics said that in April 2014, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced tariff concessions on the import of 993 items from Sri Lanka under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Pakistan‘s exports to Sri Lanka dropped from $347.7 million to $300 million during last couple of years. Sri Lanka allocated Pakistan a duty-free quota of 6,000 metric ton of basmati rice and 1, 000 metric tons potatoes per annum. However, Sri Lanka continued to create hurdles on our exports on the excuse of low quality of Pakistani basmati rice. Pakistan‘s major exports to Sri Lanka include woven cotton fabrics, cement, sugar, wheat, medicament mixtures, tubes and pipes of iron and steel, potatoes, rice, cotton yarn, and onions etc. The APBF Executive body agreed that international image building is the need of the hour with complete overhauling of TDAP, besides formation of new trade specific export promotion agencies having independent budgets and policies.

State Bank allows export refinance for broken rice www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 2

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine February 28, 2015 RECORDER REPORT

In order to facilitate rice trade, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed Export Refinance Facility for broken rice and withdrew Letter of Credit (LC) condition for financing of brown rice.

Sources said on the request of rice exporters, the SBP has relaxed Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) requirements for rice - one of the largest exported commodity, which is generating over $1 billion foreign exchange annually for the country. The State Bank, through its IH&SMEFD Circular Letter No 02 of 2015, issued on February 26, 2015 has made some changes in the negative list of EFS. Previously, export refinance facility was allowed for packeted Irri, Basmati, Parboiled, White and Brown rice in retail packets of 1-50 kgs. Broken rice was not eligible for the said facility. However, now the SBP has excluded broken rice from the negative list of EFS, after which exporters can also avail export refinance facility for broken rice in retail packets of 150 kgs.

Moreover, as per amendment, traders/exporters can get cheap financing for the export of Brown rice without Letter of Credit. Earlier, refinance facility for the export of Brown rice in bulk or lose was only for European Countries under EFS Part-I against Letter of Credit (LC). However, now banks have been asked to provide such facility for Brown Rice without LC condition and limitation of countries. A para: (Excluding Packeted Irri/Basmati/Parboiled/White/Brown Rice in retail packets of 1-50 kgs. Moreover, the export of brown rice in bulk/loose is eligible to European countries under EFS Part-I against LCs only) for description of point No 8 of negative list for ERS has been replaced with: "Excluding Packeted Irri/Basmati/Parboiled/ White/Broken Rice in retail packets of 1-50 Kgs. Moreover, the export of Brown Rice in bulk/loose packing is also eligible under EFS." Meanwhile, Rafique Suleman, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has appreciated the SBP's decision saying this move will help enhance the country's rice export.

"We are expecting some 20-25 percent increase in rice exports during next fiscal year as LC requirement was a major hurdle in getting EFS for brown rice," he said. Presently, Pakistan's total rice exports stood at 3.8 million tons including 0.3 million tons of broken rice and some 0.1 million tons of brown rice, he added.

UN official says questions remain on GMO health impact, business practices A UNITED Nations (UN) representative undertaking a weeklong visit to the Philippines expressed her opposition to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as she concluded her mission to evaluate the country’s food problems.

At a news conference at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Hilal Elver said a number of questions remain unanswered about the GMO approach, including

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 3

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine long-term health effects and the business models practiced by multinational seed companies.―GMOs are a huge thing and there is a huge discussion on it. I am against GMOs for several reasons… We don‘t know the health impacts of GMO in the long term,‖ Ms. Elver told reporters.She added that the aggressive defense of seed patents by multinationals has led to small farmers being accused of infringing on their intellectual property.―They take away the farmers‘ seeds from them and the corporations make a business from it,‖ she said.For these reasons, ―the use of GMOs should be carefully studied, and, I‘m not sure if it should be accepted,‖ she said.

The UN representative, who is part of the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, launched her visit on Feb. 20. The final report of her findings, Ms. Elver said, will be sent to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016.The UN representative‘s remarks come as the Philippines struggles to achieve self-sufficiency in rice, and triggered a response from stakeholders who defended genetic modification methods.The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Los Baños-based nonprofit research body, said that some crops -- particularly rice -- do not have sufficient nutritional value in their unmodified form, making it necessary to fortify these staples.―The unique advantage of genetic modification lies in its ability to incorporate novel genes with useful traits into new rice varieties.

These include genes from plants and organisms unrelated to rice that could not be transferred using other breeding methods,‖ the IRRI said in a statement emailed to BusinessWorld by its Head of Communication, Antonio G. Lambino II.For his part, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP)Executive Secretary Abraham J. Manalo said that GMO technology has been certified as safe reputable global and national institutions. ―All internationally-recognized science organizations have declared that food from modern biotechnology is as safe as their non-biotech or traditional counterparts,‖ he said.

These include the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the U.S. National Academy of Science, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, the French Academy of Science, the UK Royal Society of Medicine, the Union of German Academics of Sciences and Humanities, and our very own (Philippine) National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and (Philippine) Food and Drugs Administration,‖ Mr. Manalo said in a statement emailed toBusinessWorld.―It is important that farmers be given the choice as to the seed type and variety they want to plant and harvest. In the Philippines, more than 300 thousand corn farmers have decided to use biotech seeds for their corn fields,‖ he added. http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=un-official-says-questions-remainon-gmo-health-impact-business-practices&id=103492

APEDA NEWS

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 4

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Today's Leads Seller Leads (10)

Buyer Leads (5)

Market Watch Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 01-03-2015 Domestic Prices Product

Unit Price : Rs/Qtl Market Center

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

Rice 1

Dhekiajuli (Assam)

Fine

2140

2450

2

Karanjia (Orissa)

Other

2200

2500

3

Panisagar (Tripura)

Other

2400

2500

1

Kadi (Gujarat)

Other

1450

1625

2

Deoli (Rajasthan)

Other

1400

1500

3

Bolpur(West Bengal)

Other

1550

1630

1

Bharuch (Gujarat)

Other

2000

4000

2

Samana(Punjab)

Other

4000

4400

3

Asandh(Haryana)

Other

5000

5000

1

Jajpur (Orissa)

Other

1200

1500

2

Dasuya (Punjab)

Other

2500

3000

3

Satara(Maharashtra)

Other

1000

2000

Wheat

Grapes

Cucumbar

Source: agmarknet

for more products

Egg

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Rs per 100 No.

Page 5

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Price on 28-02-2015

Product

Market Center

Price

1

Pune

290

2

Hyderabad

245

3

Nagapur

246

Source: e2necc.com

International Benchmark Price Price on: 27-02-2015

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

Apricots 1

Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

6125

2

Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

4875

3

Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)

3625

1

Californian Thompson seedless raisins, CIF UK (USD/t)

2394

2

South African Thompson seedless raisins, CIF UK (USD/t)

Raisins

2447

White Sugar 1

CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t)

808

2

Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t)

879

3

Thai VHP, FOB Thailand (USD/t)

415

Source:agra-net

for more products

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ / package Price on 27-02-2015

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

High Package: 40 lb cartons

Onions Dry

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Low

Page 6

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 1 2 3

Atlanta

Baltimore Chicago

Yellow

Mexico Peru

Yellow Yellow

Mexico

15

15.50

17

18

23

25

Package: cartons film wrapped

Cauliflower 1 2 3

Atlanta

Mexico

Baltimore

California

Detroit

California

14.50

15

White

18

20

White

15.50

16.50

White

Package: cartons tray pack

Apples 1 2

Atlanta

Virginia

Red Delicious

20

20

Baltimore

Imported rice dampens African output LOW PRODUCTION: Experts say rice-cropping systems suffer from significant production losses due to low levels of production technologies, disease outbreaks, prolonged dry spells due to climate change.

KAMPALA, Uganda - Reliance on imported rice and limited efforts in increasing domestic production is costing sub-Saharan Africa $5 billion annually, Dr. Harold Roy-Macauley said recently. ―Africa is losing about five billion dollars in the consumption of imported rice due to the high demand for the produce. However, even with the limited supply regionally, there are high chances for African countries to close that gap if the crop is given a lot of priority by the governments and scientists who play big roles in developing solutions for the challenges hindering massive rice production in Africa.‖Newly appointed to the position of Director General of the Africa Rice Centre, Dr. Roy-Macauley said Africa‘s rice growing countries must invest more resources to support more production of the cereal crop.

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 7

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine The regional contributions to rice production are: West Africa (42 per cent), North Africa (32 per cent); East Africa (23.8 per cent), Central Africa (1.2 per cent); and Southern Africa (1 per cent).He told representatives from 25 countries who are members of the African Rice Centre that if production is increased, billions of dollars being spent on imported rice will be saved by the consuming countries.He said this will also a have positive impact on fighting food insecurity and poverty especially among the rural women. Africa produces an average of 14.6 million tonnes of rice per year on 7.3 million hectares, which is equivalent to 2.6 and 4.6 per cent of the world‘s total production and area under rice, respectively. West Africa has the largest area planted with rice in Africa (56.5 per cent) that is about 3.7 million hectares.

The Africa Rice Centre has 25 members, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d‘Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Madagascar, Mali and Mauritania.Others are: Senegal, Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Rwanda and Uganda.The outgoing Director General at the African Rice center Dr. Papa Seck called for more investment in new technologies that can support improved production. He said growing rice locally will not yield any positive results because the continent is currently facing many challenges such as outbreaks of disease, prolonged dry spells due to climate change and high population rates in rice growing countries. ―When scientists are supported to engage in research, it will help them to come up with new rice varieties that are resistant to challenges related to drought conditions, pests and diseases out brake,‖ he told the Council of Minister from the rice growing countries in Africa. As a way of improving rice production in fragile climatic conditions cereal crop scientist have been compelled to develop hybrid rice varieties that are both resistant to drought conditions and also resistant to various pests and disease. Uganda is among those countries that are embracing the new technologies in rice production is Uganda According to the Acting Director General of National Agriculture research organization (NARO) Dr. Ambrose Agona, NARO through its National Crops Resources Research Institute (NACRRI) the institute under the Cereals Research program has managed to develop more than five new varieties of rice that are resistant to droughts, pests and diseases. These varieties also mature in a short time period. Some of the varieties that have been developed at the center include NERICA-6, Agora and Komboka WITA9, among other varieties. According to Dr. Jimmy Lamo the principal rice breeder at NACCRI some of the varieties were developed as a result of partnerships with Africa Rice center and the International Rice Research Institute.

According to Dr. Lamo, Nerica6 is highly tolerant to the yellow mottle virus. It was developed as an upland variety but it also does well in lowland areas because one of its parents is a lowland variety. WITA9 Performs well in most lowland area‘s and agoro is high yielding and early maturing while the Okile rice variety on the other hand is high yielding and also has good grain characteristics.Dr. Lamo is also optimistic that if farmers get access to seeds of the improved varieties from seed producing companies rice production will be spurred in the country.The average grain yield (2.1 kilogrammes per hectare) is 49 per cent below the world average (of 3.4 kilogrammes per hectare).

This low grain yield is caused by several factors, including the low levels of production technologies and the dominance of the upland ecology in Africa. Only 11 per cent of the rice www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 8

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine area is irrigated compared with 53 per cent worldwide. The average grain yield in Africa shows very little improvement over time.Uganda‘s minister for Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries Tracy Buchanayandi is optimistic that rice production in Uganda is weel on course although the crop is facing challenges such as low technological adaptation by rice farmers, prolonged drought and disease outbreaks.―In Uganda we are not doing badly in rice production and our figures indicate an upward production and this started in 2001 when the country was producing about 1,100 metric tons.

We have witnessing the production level moving upwards amd that is why prices for rice on the market has not sky rocked like other crops because the volume of imported rice into the country has gone down,‖ the minister explained. According to reports from the Directorate of crop resources at Uganda‘s agriculture ministry, the country‘s rice production has gone up by 9% in the financial year 2013/2014. The reports indicate that in the year of review the country produced 250,000 metric tons of rice in 2013/2014 as compare to the 230,000 metric tone‘s produced in 2012/2013.

By Samuel Nabwiiso, Sunday, March 01st, 2015 http://www.busiweek.com/index1.php?Ctp=2&pI=2849&pLv=3&srI=84&spI=463&cI=25

The commodity pile-up ASHFAK BOKHARI UPDATED about 22 hours ago

Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has warned the government against involving itself in rice business in future as procuring the commodity from farmers at a high rate tends to destabilise the rice market. — Reuters/file The Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation still finds itself trapped in a Catch-22 situation over the disposal of piled-up rice stock it procured seven years ago to stabilise the market.Despite repeated issue of the tender, the latest being the fourth, no one is coming forward to buy the commodity. The corporation is desperate to wriggle out of this predicament and is now willing to sell the stock at a lower price, having purchased it at Rs75 per kg.In November Passco was approached by a traders group with an offer to lift the stock at the rate of Rs50 per kg but with a condition to take delivery spread over a six-month period.

The bid was rejected by the corporation, which then thought of offering the leftover rice to its own employees at the reduced rate. But they also showed reluctance to avail the offer.The Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) had procured 200,000 tonnes of rice in 2008 on the directive of the federal government to help maintain the support price of

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 9

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine paddy crop in the open market and protect the farmers from losses.About half of the stock was sold in 2009-10 at the rate of Rs75 per kg.

In the past seven years, the losses the corporation suffered reportedly come to Rs24bn. The tenders being issued these days relate to disposal of 1,648.75 tonnes of rice. The unsold stock is stored at a rice mill.It was in the context of this episode that the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has warned the government against involving itself in rice business in future as procuring the commodity from farmers at a high rate tends to destabilise the rice market. If the government intends to help or support the farmers, it should give them direct subsidy. The private sector, it asserted, has invested billions of rupees in building an infrastructure and it should not be tampered with by the government.

The falling trend of commodity prices in the global market has created difficulties for Pakistani exporters

Once again, there is a glut of major commodities such as wheat, rice and sugar in the country. On the one hand, lower international prices are discouraging their exports and, on the other, there has been no disposal of stock of the previous crop while the new crop is about to arrive. In case of sugar cane crop, it is more than three months that the ‗formal‘ cane crushing has yet begun owing to dispute over cane price.The downward trend in rates of most of the rice varieties has, meanwhile, caused a rift among exporters in Sindh.

The office-bearers of Sindh Balochistan Rice Millers and Traders Association have suspended members belonging to Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) for ‗creating hindrances in the export of rice‘. Similarly the latter group has expelled the members of the former group for damaging the Reap‘s cause.As the infighting rages, huge stocks of Irri-6 lying unprotected at many rice mills in lower Sindh carry the risk of becoming unusable if not exported on time. The Irri-6 rate had come down from Rs3,400 to Rs2,700 per 100kg in the global markets. The basmati variety is currently being traded at around Rs3,000 per maund, against Rs4,500 last year.

The exporters have been given at least least $50 per tonne subsidy on rice export.

The current glut of basmati rice is believed to be about 1m tonnes. Normally, the country produces about 2m tonnes of basmati rice. Of this, half amount caters to the domestic market while the remaining half is exported. But since 2011, the exports are in decline.The Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has allowed Punjab and Sindh to export 800,000 and 400,000 tonnes of wheat respectively.

Since domestic prices are higher than the ones in international market, the federal government has also announced a rebate of $55 per tonne for Punjab and $45 per tonne for Sindh. Similarly, the ECC has allowed export of 650,000 tonnes of sugar but not later than May 15, 2015. There will be a 20pc regulatory duty on the import of raw and beet sugar.The exporters will get an inland freight subsidy of Rs2 per kg and cash subsidy of Rs8 per kg. The total cost of the subsidy www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 10

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine which comes to Rs6.5bn is to be borne by both the federal and provincial governments on equal basis.

But it is worrisome that despite rebate incentives, the wheat export policy has failed yet to attract the exporters. So far, only one deal has been signed for a quantity of 3,000 tonnes, although Punjab and Sindh food departments have received a number of queries regarding purchase of wheat for export purposes. The falling trend of commodity prices in the global market has created difficulties for Pakistani exporters.

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, March 2nd , 2015

http://www.dawn.com/news/1166700/the-commodity-pile-up

Should The World Welcome GMOs?

by DEBORAH GRACE

March 1, 2015 Many people are concerned about GMOs. The fact of the matter is that they should be, but that‘s not the whole story. GMOs have been around for a very long time and, in many cases, they can be quite beneficial.

While studies might suggest that they can have potential long term risks, they can also have immense short term benefits.Reducing the cost of a large crop which could feed an entire third world village is a noble desire.

Does the risk benefit ratio matter so much when the people consuming the food might die of starvation, dehydration, or disease tomorrow?

But, I digress, some concerns about GMOs actually have nothing to do with food. For example, aggressive defense of seed patents from by multinational organizations has resulted in small farmers being accused of infringing on intellectual property.They barely even own any physical property to grow their few acres of food or livestock and here they are accused of stealing millions of dollars-worth of someone else‘s idea?

So why should anyone support GMOs, then? ―The unique advantage of genetic modification lies in its ability to incorporate novel genes with useful traits into new rice varieties. These include genes from plants and organisms unrelated to rice that could not be transferred using other breeding methods,‖ study researchers from the International Rice Research Institute in a statement.Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP)Executive Secretary Abraham J.

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 11

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Manalo also reminds that GMO technology has been certified as safe by [some] reputable global and national institutions.

He contends, ―All internationally-recognized science organizations have declared that food from modern biotechnology is as safe as their non-biotech or traditional counterparts,‖ citing several organizations: The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the U.S. National Academy of Science, the UK Royal Society of Medicine,the Food and Agriculture Organization, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and more. http://www.piercepioneer.com/world-welcome-gmos/38350

Banglamoti paddy cultivation There was a news item in the media in 2008 which stated that BRRI had developed a variety of rice called Banglamoti --one that is similar to Bashmoti rice of Pakistan and India -- but its yield per hector is likely to be double. Banglamoti rice was cultivated in different regions in Bangladesh experimentally and the result was very encouraging. It was mentioned in the news item that Banglamoti could be produced in both Aman and Aush seasons. It was further stated that within ten years, half of the land dedicated to rice production in Bangladesh would be brought under Banglamoti cultivation. By now, 12 seasons have passed but the Banglamoti rice is not seen in the wholesale market in Dhaka.

A consumer intending to have Bashmoti rice has to buy the same from the market. Most people cannot have the taste of Bashmoti rice as it is costly. We hoped that as the Banglamoti yield is expected to be double that of Bashmoti, the price of locally produced Banglamoti will be within the reach of the common people in Bangladesh.It is learnt that the long Banglamoti paddy could not be husked in the existing rice mills in the country now. Only a few mills in Gazipur can do that. Farmers are not interested to cultivate Banglamoti paddy mainly due to husking problem.

The government can provide necessary administrative and financial support to the private millers to set up suitable rice mills needed for husking the Banglamoti paddy. Machinery can be imported from India for the purpose.I would like to urge upon the government to take appropriate steps to popularise the cultivation of Banglamoti rice among farmers of every upazilla of the country. An awareness development project can be launched to encourage them and the financial institutions may be advised to extend financial assistance to the intending entrepreneurs to set up husking mills for Banglamoti paddy.

Md. Ashraf Hossain 120, Central Bashaboo Dhaka-1214 mah120cb@yahoo.com

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 12

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/03/02/83207

Levy rice’ system to go from October Dipak K Dash,TNN | Mar 2, 2015, 06.55 AM IST NEW DELHI: In its bid to push state governments to set up procurement mechanism for paddy and to ensure farmers get the minimum support price (MSP), the Centre has stopped the decades-old practice of "levy rice" from October this year. Levy rice is a mandatory system under which millers also undertake rice procurement for the public distribution system (PDS) by buying paddy directly from farmers like Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state government agencies. At present, in different states, it's compulsory for millers to supply up to 25% of their annual produce for public distribution system at a rate fixed by the government.

Sources said there were two reasons for doing away with this practice. First, there is no effective system in place to supervise whether millers are paying MSP to farmers while buying paddy and, two, there are chances of millers diverting better quality rice to the open market. They added that the millers in many cases supplied inferior quality rice for the public distribution system. "With a view to ensure payment of remunerative prices to farmers at MSP or above and to improve outreach of procurement system to the farmgate for their better coverage, it has been decided now that state governments should not impose any levy on rice from millers from October 1," a recent notification issued by the food ministry said.

Punjab and Haryana are among the major rice-producing states that have already abolished the levy rice system. However, it is still prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal. Since the NDA government came to power, there has been greater focus on expanding the government system for procurement of both paddy and wheat in states where such mechanism is either missing or inadequate. Recently, the PM-appointed high level committee on restructuring FCI had recommended that the agency should outsource all procurement operations to states that have gained sufficient experience such as Punjab and Haryana. It had urged FCI to move to other states where farmers may be resorting to distress sales, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Levy-rice-system-to-go-fromOctober/articleshow/46425615.cms

State alone to carry the gun: PM Says Karachi operation to reach

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 13

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Azeem Samar Friday, February 27, 2015 From Print Edition

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Karachi will be made a haven of peace by the year 2018 when the ongoing targeted operation against criminals will reach its logical conclusion.

The prime minister stated this on Thursday speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 9th Expo Pakistan 2015 - the country‘s largest trade fair being organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan at the Expo Centre, Karachi.

The PM said the country had no room for organisations spreading discord in the society and committing terrorism. He said the government would not tolerate possession of illegal arms by any one and from now onwards arms would only be possessed by law-enforcement agencies.

He said the government had the longstanding dream of making Pakistan peaceful and progressing as the government had been striving to achieve this desire. The PM said that Karachi had remained a peaceful city but its peace had become a victim of someone‘s ill-wills. He said the city should not witness crimes and kidnappings for ransom.He said efforts should have been taken five years earlier for restoration of peace in Karachi but his government on assuming power launched the operation for improvement of law and order situation in the city.He said that it was the vision of his government to make Karachi a peaceful city as economy would flourish with persistence of peace.

He said Karachi bore the prime importance due to value of the metropolis in business matters.Nawaz Sharif said that economic situation in the country had been improving due to right policies of the government. The prime minister said that he would assure international investors to invest in different sectors as Pakistan had been offering best possible facilities of foreign investment. He said his government would provide maximum assistance and protection for prospective investors coming to the country.He said attendance of large number of prospective foreign investors in Expo Pakistan had proved well that the latest trade fair had become more successful than any of such previous business fairs. He said it also proved that foreign investors had interest to invest in different business sectors of the country.

He said the present government, instead of relying on aid, had been furthering the policy of increasing volume of international trade as Pakistan-made products should get access to international markets.He said that his government had attached the foremost priority to peace and economy. Nawaz said another priority of his government would be to resolve persisting energy crisis as several major steps were being taken to overcome energy shortfall.He said that holding Expo Pakistan would be highly helpful in winning a place for Pakistani products in international market as volume of exports from Pakistan would be increased to $50 billion in next three years.Nawaz said his government had devised a new policy for promotion of exports of textile products for which a target of $39 billion had been set to chase till 2019.

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 14

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

He said implementation was in progress on South Asia Free Trade Agreement while awards of GPS-Plus (Generalised System of Preferences-Plus) status on Pakistan by European Union (EU) had become a very suitable move for Pakistani exports.He said Pakistani rice, textile, and other products had great international demand and value. Nawaz appealed to business and industrial community to make investment for increasing volume of products being manufactured in Pakistan.The prime minister broke good news for business community that process of payment of taxes by businessmen was being simplified so that business people should not face any hardship in paying their taxes.

He greeted the Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority for successfully organising the Expo Pakistan.Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said successful holding of Expo Pakistan would convey the message to global audiences that Pakistan was the most successful country in terms of trade with vibrant opportunities of investment.The commerce minister said the government had the intention to introduce maximum number of Pakistani products in international market as it would give way to installation of new industries and opportunities of employment.Also present on the occasion were Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, TDAP chief SM Muneer.

The Expo Pakistan, which would continue till March 01, is being attended by some 1,000 delegates of over 65 countries while the expo has the active participation from 17 countries including India. In six halls of Expo Centre, a total of 525 stalls have been set up for the trade fair.Later, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accompanied by Sindh governor and chief minister, visited the Clifton residence of late Justice (R) Rana Bhagwandas, who passed away on February 23, and condoled with the bereaved family members. The PM on the occasion praised the services of the late former acting chief justice of Supreme Court for ensuring rule of law and provision of justice to deprived Pakistanis. http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-36111-State-alone-to-carry-the-gun:-PM

Rice Leadership Program Class of 2013-15 graduates The class is made up of five rice producers: John Compton, Jennings, Louisiana; Seth Fiack, Glenn, California; Mark Isbell, North Little Rock, North Carolina; Steven Schuler, Woodland, California; and Joel Stevens, Monticello; and two industry representatives: Robb Dedman with Pro Ag Consulting, Rison; and Wes Long with RiceTec, Benton.

By USA Rice Federation

Posted Feb. 28, 2015 at 4:00 PM

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 15

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Rice Leadership Development Program's Class of 2013-2015 graduated from the prestigious program during a special ceremony at the USA Rice Federation's 2015 Government Affairs Conference this week.

Rice Foundation Chairman Todd Burich and USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley presided over the ceremony, congratulating the graduates and thanking program sponsors, John Deere, RiceTec Inc. and American Commodity Company.The class is made up of five rice producers: John Compton, Jennings, Louisiana; Seth Fiack, Glenn, California; Mark Isbell, North Little Rock, North Carolina; Steven Schuler, Woodland, California; and Joel Stevens, Monticello; and two industry representatives: Robb Dedman with Pro Ag Consulting, Rison; and Wes Long with RiceTec, Benton.

The class was immediately put to work representing the rice industry during the conference, participating in multiple meetings with members of Congress, staff from key Congressional Committees and agency representatives. A highlight of the Washington session was the tour of the USDA's satellite weather center.The group also met with Deputy Chief of the Cuban Interest Section Juan Lamiguerio and his staff to discuss the potential for rice trade between the two countries. http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/article/20150228/NEWS/150229687/-1/sports#sthash.tSNkqjxT.dpuf

Climate factor causes rice price hikes: Observer Minggu, 1 Maret 2015 00:19 WIB |

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Agriculture observer Khudori said recent hikes in rice prices were mostly triggered by climate changes that caused a delay in harvesting."We should have experienced grand harvests beginning this February until next May. However, because of the late arrival of the rainy season, rice planting and harvesting were delayed by about 1.5 months. This has resulted in a longer period of rice scarcity," Khudori told a press conference here on Saturday.He noted that as a result of rice scarcity caused by delayed harvest season, the price of the commodity has inevitably increased.

"What is regrettable is the governments slow action. It has not taken anticipatory steps to avoid price rise," he remarked.Following monitoring, it was known that the volume of rice entering Jakartas Cipinang wholesale rice market was only 1,500 tons per day; the normal volume was 3,000 tons per day."The decline in the production is extraordinary. So, based the principle of supply and demand, the rice price automatically increases," he noted.Furthermore, the governments statement on the replacement of the rice for poor (Raskin) program with an e-money scheme will also have an impact on rice prices.

"The Raskin program supports some 15.5 million poor people. If the program is no longer available, they will look for rice in markets. This will lead to an escalation in rice prices," Khudori noted.Earlier, Herman Khaeron, the deputy chairman of Commission IV on agriculture affairs of the House of Representatives www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 16

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine said the plan to drop the rice for poor (Raskin) program will affect rice price stability."Withdrawing the Raskin incentive will have negative impacts because rice is a sensitive commodity in Indonesia," he remarked.

Khaeron pointed out that in response to the governments statement on its plan to drop the Raskin program, businesses will withhold their rice stocks until Raskin rice, which is relatively cheaper, completely disappears from the market. Businesses will then release their stocks for higher prices. Therefore, the legislator advised, the government should make public this policy matter because it will have implications on many sectors. And it will be the people who will mostly bear its effects.(*) http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/97932/climate-factor-causes-rice-price-hikes-observer

We will pay more attention to rice value chain" – Minister Government would pay more attention to the development of the rice value chain for mass production of rice to reduce its imports, according to Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, Minister of Food and Agriculture.He said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was fully behind initiatives that aimed at developing the rice value chain and assured that all investors and communities involved in developing rice fields, especially the Nasia-Nabogo valley, would be given a fair deal.Mr Kwetey said this in a speech read on his behalf during the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) Investor Conference in Tamale.

The Investor Conference organized by the GCAP was meant to introduce to participants, the Nasia-Nabogo valley rain-fed rice production and opportunities available to whet investor interest in the project.The government of Ghana secured a $100 million credit from the World Bank and a grant of $45 million from the USAID to implement the GCAP projects mainly in the Accra Plains and the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) zones for crop production scheduled to be completed over a five-year period.Mr Kwetey said the investor conference marked a milestone in the work of GCAP, which had the opportunity to outdoor an innovative approach by establishing an Agricultural Growth Pole (AGP) in the SADA zone.He said adoption of the growth pole strategy had the potential for accelerating economic growth and support social progress through efficient utilization of natural and agricultural resources in line with the potentials of SADA.

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 17

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine He said now that GCAP had selected one of the agricultural growth poles for attention there was the need for government to support to ensure that it served as development corridor that remained focused for developing the rice value chain.Mr Alabi Bortey, the Project Co-ordinator of GCAP said, GCAP was currently seeking investors to invest in commercial agriculture business in rice production on the 10,000 hectare arable land at the Nasia-Nabogo valley in the Savelugu/Nanton Municipality of the Northern Region.He said strong emphasis would be on the involvement of farmers from neighbouring communities within the Nasia-Nabogo valley and assured investors who wish to cultivate rice within the GCAP demarcated area in the NasiaNabogo valley area of support through a matching grant scheme based on eligibility criteria.

Mr Bortey said GCAP would support investors with the construction of water retention structures to ensure availability of water throughout the cropping season and that the investors would be expected to integrate smallholder farmers into the inputs, outputs and farm equipment services on a continual basis for at least five years.He announced that the project was also inviting contractors wishing to bid for the design and construction of the irrigation infrastructure to be constructed and called on all to support the project to succeed, saying, ―Let us together create an environment that would increase rice production and productivity‖. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/artikel.php?ID=348574

Indian rice exports to plunge as Thailand offloads stocks Mon Mar 2, 2015 6:35am GMT * India 2015 rice exports could drop a fifth to 8 mln T –industry * Non-basmati shipments could fall a quarter to 5 mln T * India, Thailand competition is good news for African buyers

By Rajendra Jadhav and Kaweewit Kaewjinda

MUMBAI/BANGKOK, March 2 (Reuters) - India's rice exports will struggle to compete with cheaper cargoes from No.1 seller Thailand in 2015 as Bangkok looks to offload grain from its huge state stockpiles, industry officials and traders said.B.V. Krishna Rao, managing director of leading Indian rice shipper Pattabhi Agro Foods Pvt Ltd, said the country's exports could plunge by a fifth this year to 8 million tonnes, with some other industry officials in the country making similar warnings.Lower exports will leave more rice in Indian hands, piling pressure on alreadybulging storage and raising the spectre of grain getting damaged in temporary silos.But competition among the world's top two exporters will drag further on prices that have fallen 5 percent since the start of October.

That's good news for African nations like Nigeria and Senegal that are typically major buyers of Asian rice."The Thai government's efforts to sell rice from its own warehouses has been putting pressure on global prices and limiting Indian exports," said Rao.Thailand will open a tender to www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 18

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine sell around 1 million tonnes of rice in March, as it tries to shift over 17 million tonnes of rice built up under a controversial subsidy scheme. It aims to sell 10 million tonnes in 2015 and 7 million next year.Indian exporters can compete with private Thai traders, but not with the government as it can cut prices to generate demand for old stock, said M. Adishankar, executive director at Sri Lalitha, a major rice exporter in southern India.In the latest tender, Thailand sold 5-percent broken rice from old stocks for $236 to $378 per tonne, although the market price for new crops was around $415.

India has recently offered the same grade at around $400."The government's rice is old and has been stored for a long time so its value depreciates accordingly ... there is always a price gap between new rice and old rice," said an official at the Thai Rice Exporters Association, who declined to be identified.India, which lost the top rice exporter spot in 2014, could see its shipments of non-basmati or common grade rice fall by nearly a quarter to 5 million tonnes in 2015, while exports of aromatic basmati could drop over 14 percent to 3 million tonnes, Rao said.Basmati sales have also been hit after top buyer Iran suspended imports late last year to support local farmers, although one exporter expected shipments to restart in April.Rice inventories at India's state-run agencies had jumped to around 25 million tonnes by Feb. 1, nearly double the targeted level, government data shows.

Thomson Reuters

Decision for Zarb-e-Azb should have taken much earlier: Nawaz Sharif 27 February, 2015 KARACHI: The prime minister said that Zarb-e-Azb operation being successfully carried out in North Waziristan, and said the decision for this operation should have been taken much earlier.Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Ninth Expo Pakistan here, the prime minister said that the peace in the country would guarantee economic revival and prosperity. To the foreign investors attending the Expo Pakistan, Sharif said Pakistan was successfully encountering the spillover security challenges. Pakistan is swiftly been brought back to normalcy,‖ Sharif said and urged the businessmen to set up industrial units in Pakistan and benefit from the investment-friendly environment.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan would overcome its energy crisis by the end of 2017.Prime Minister further said on Thursday 26,February,2015 that armed militias in Karachi are not acceptable.He said the ongoing operation in the port city would not be left half way and would continue till its logical end. the government was firm in eradicating militancy and had decided to take solid steps to ensure peace in the country. The prime minister said the decisive moment had come to bring Karachi‘s peace back and make the city free from the hold of militants. ―We are www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 19

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine determined that the power of gun would rest with the government, not with the militants,‖ he said. He vowed that Karachi would soon be rid of major crimes including kidnapping for ransom.

Nawaz Sharif Thursday said his government was committed to make Pakistan the preferred destination for business and hoped in next three years the country‘s exports would rise to US 50 billion. Addressing the launch of Expo Pakistan, country‘s biggest trade fair, showcasing largest collection of Pakistan‘s export merchandise and services, he said that Pakistan was a land of business opportunities. ―We offer our foreign buyers a very competitive sourcing option. The captains of our industry have carved out their niche in the world market due to their production efficiencies and business ethics. ‖The Prime Minister said his government was dedicated and committed to economic development of Pakistan. ―I and my team are actively engaged to bring in long term reforms in socio-economic sectors of Pakistan. We are well aware of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and will do our utmost to vindicate the trust reposed in us,‖ the Prime Minister said. He said owing to consistent efforts, his government has succeeded in enhancing Pakistan‘s exports to its highest ever turnover of over US $ 25 billion during the fiscal year 2013-14. ―I am sure our entrepreneurs will maintain and further accelerate this growth momentum to achieve export level of US$ 50 billion within three years,‖ the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister said that the government recently approved its Textile Policy, aimed at doubling exports of textiles and clothing sector from existing US$ 13 billion to US$ 26 billion by the year 2019.

He said that Asia was gradually emerging as the new global economic hub and Pakistan was fortunate to be located in the high economic growth neighbourhood. He said that Pakistan was currently not part of this highly competitive economic growth activity but was fully resolved to achieve a similar target.

The prime minister particularly highlighted the performance of Pakistani textile and apparel industry and said it was considered amongst the world‘s leaders.The bed sheets, quilt covers, Tshirts and jeans produced in Pakistan were sold at international leading chain stores from discounters to upscale outlets and under leading brand names. Prime Minister said that Pakistan has modern rice milling and processing industry and its exotic Basmati rice has made its mark in the world market. All these production advantages offer ―unlimited business opportunities‖ that has been aptly chosen as the slogan of EXPO Pakistan.

He said as an incentive to adding profitability to business ventures, Pakistan has effectively negotiated the bilateral, multilateral and pluri-lateral trading arrangements with many regions and countries in the world enabling its products to enter the foreign markets at lower tariffs. In this regard he mentioned the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) that was in operation and aimed at liberalizing trade with its South Asian neighbours.

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 20

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Courstesy:PakTribune

World's Fair' takes North Plainfield students around the planet Agnes Arakelian talks to students inside of an igloo as they visit the Artic during the school's event. The Sundance School's 'The World's Fair' takes students on an amazing journey around the world as part of the schools multi-cultural lessons being taught to students over the course of the year. The theme for this year, 'It's a Small World' teaches students about world literature and geography, multicultural music, arts world languages, governments and more.

NORTH PLAINFIELD — The auditorium at the Sundance School in North Plainfield has been transformed into an interactive, multi-sensory, wonderland for all students, preschool through 5th grade. This week 175 students took a trip around the world as they participated in "The World's Fair" one of four annual themes the school incorporates into interactive learning.The two-week events called "happenings" have been held at the private school for over 30 years. The school is closed for one week as a crew of volunteers, both parents and teachers decorate the displays and create exhibits. The following week students visit the various exhibits which represent different countries.

There are 12 exhibits in this year's "World's Fair," India, China, Kenya, Brazil, England, France, Mexico and several other locations. At each exhibit, students learn about the traditions and customs of various countries, including language, literature, food, clothing, art, music and folk dances.The happenings foster a love of learning and knowledge, and a sense of wonder, and joy."In the India exhibit, the children enjoyed dressing in traditional clothing and then joining in a group dance.

They were also served basmati rice.Other exhibits include a trek through South America, a safari in the African Serengeti, a ride through the Arctic region, and other fun-filled destinations.These events serve as the springboard for monthly and weekly themes throughout the year, according to Sundance director, Laura Romito. Two of the annual themes are geared to broad social studies topics, Westward Ho and the World's Fair and two others are science oriented, Science City and The Earth is Good to Me. "To see the wonder in the eyes of the children as they hear, smell, feel, and even taste a new world come to life through their imaginations is truly rewarding for all concerned." Romito said. "The happenings foster a love of learning and knowledge, and a sense of wonder, and joy."The Sundance School is located in the back of the Trinity Reformed Church.

"The World's Fair" will continue until Tuesday, March 3rd,2015. www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 21

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Amira Nature Foods Ltd (ANFI) Showcases New Organic Range at Natural Products Expo West Fri Feb 27, 2015 1:40pm EST * Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Amira Nature Foods Ltd (ANFI) Showcases New Organic Range at Natural Products Expo West Amira Nature Foods Ltd will participate in the largest tradeshow and conference for the natural, organic and healthy lifestyle marketplace; more than 60,000 are expected to attend Amira Nature Foods Ltd (NYSE: ANFI), a leading global provider of branded packaged Indian specialty rice, will be showcasing a new organic range of rice at the Natural Products Expo West on March 6-8th in the United States, presented alongside a variety of flagship Amira products.Amira will have their new organic and natural dry rice range products on display at booth #5005 in Hall E of the Anaheim Convention Center. Amira will also have a variety of rice dishes to sample, as well as celebrity chef guest appearances at their booth to create an authentic Amira experience.Celebrity Chef Daniel Shemtob, founder of the Lime Truck and winner of the Food Network‘s The Great Food Truck Race, will make guest appearances at Amira‘s booth to share his tricks of the trade and culinary advice on creating inventive ready-to-eat dishes using Amira products.

About Amira Nature Foods Ltd Founded in 1915, Amira has evolved into a leading global provider of branded packaged Indian specialty rice and other products, with sales in over 60 countries today. The Company primarily sells Basmati rice, which is a premium long-grain rice grown only in certain regions of the Indian subcontinent, under its flagship Amira brand as well as under other third party brands. Amira sells its products through a broad distribution network in both the developed and emerging markets. The Company‘s global headquarters are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it also has offices in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Amira Nature Foods Ltd is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol ―ANFI.‖ For more information, please visit www.amira.net Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 22

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the ―safe harbor‖ provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as ―may,‖ ―will,‖ ―except,‖ ―anticipate,‖ ―aim,‖ ―estimate,‖ ―intend,‖ ―plan,‖ ―believe,‖ ―is/are likely to,‖ ―future‖ or other similar expressions.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: our goals and strategies; our expansion plans; and our future business development.

We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in ―Risk Factors‖ appearing in our Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Those risks are not exhaustive and reflect our expectations as of the date of this press release. We operate in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.

For Investor Inquiries: Amira Nature Foods Ltd Bruce Wacha, 201-960-0745 Chief Financial Officer bruce.wacha@theamiragroup.com or For Press Inquiries: Curzon PR Angela Petersen, 631-830-3305 angela@curzonpr.com

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

Page 23

Contact for Newsletter Advertisement mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell : +92 321 3692774