17th september,2013 daily rice e newsletter (global) shared by riceplus magazine

17th September , 2013

TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU Latest News Headlines…  Japan's Rice Farmers See Trade Deal As Threat To Tradition  Rice woes continue as calls for top DA exec to quit mount  Government bickering over tariffs delays TPP plan until October  Prices of rice seen to normalize  Rice Prices Mixed as Harvest Nears  Probe on Phitsanulok rice scandal  Govt told to extend rice purchase under pledging scheme  Commerce Minister affirms China will buy 1.2 mln tonnes of Thai rice  Beijing embassy confirms rice deal  Saudi rice import share reaches 63 percent  Govt needs to ramp up its agricultural zoning advice 

Golden Rice Study Violated Ethical Rules, Tufts Says

NEWS DETAILS: Japan's Rice Farmers See Trade Deal As Threat To Tradition

by ANTHONY KUHN:September 17, 2013 3:02 AM

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Rice farmers pull a harvest festival cart down country lanes in Narita city, Chiba prefecture. The area is home to Tokyo's main airport, but also has many agricultural areas

The Japanese city of Narita is best known to the outside world for its major airport that serves Tokyo, the nation's capital city.Narita is also a rural area of Chiba Prefecture, however, with a long tradition of rice farming.Toward the end of the summer, Narita's rice farmers gather to pray for bountiful harvests.

They dance, play music and ride elaborate festival carts. From afar, the wagons appear to glide through a sea of lush green paddy fields as villagers pull them down Narita's placid country lanes.

This year, some farmers feel that these traditions are in danger of disappearing.Japan is planning to join the Transpacific Partnership, or TPP. The government claims the country has begun to emerge from more than two decades of economic stagnation, thanks to heavy stimulus spending. It hopes that deregulation, including liberalizing trade, will help economic growth over the long term.But rice farmer and local activist Takeshi Ogura says entering into the TPP would be a bad deal for Japan.

Enlarge image Rice farmer and activist Takeshi Ogura has tried to mobilize locals in Narita against Japan joining the TPP, which he says will harm Japan's destroy traditional rice farming and culture.

Anthony Kuhn/NPR

"Japanese agriculture is pretty costly," Ogura says, "so we don't want the government to treat food as a commercial business. We want it to protect our food sovereignty."To be sure, the issue of Japanese agriculture carries some weighty symbolismBut the TPP would also liberalize insurance, automobiles and other industries that employ more people and account for bigger chunks of the Japanese economy.The TPP includes 11 nations bordering on the Pacific, and its members account for around 40 percent of global trade.Ogura is very proud that he grows his own food, and that he lives in a community that celebrates this tradition. He says that joining the TPP would threaten his way of life."The farmland and rice farming is at the core of our culture," he says. "They are linked to this culture through community festivals like this one. But if we stop cultivating the rice, this culture will be destroyed."

The solidly-built, more than 60-year-old Ogura is a pretty typical specimen of Japanese yeomanry.

He farms less than 25 acres of land and has to do sideline jobs to make ends meet. His children are not very enthusiastic about following in his line of work.In recent elections, Ogura voted for the Communist Party of Japan.Actually, he confides, he's no Marxist. It was a protest vote, he says, to

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show that he was fed up with the main political parties, because they refuse to stand up and oppose the TPP. "They pretend to listen to us," he says. "Especially at election time, they make sympathetic faces, and they're kind of helpful. Some of the candidates promised to oppose the TPP. But they voted for it in Parliament. They really broke their promise."In 1653, Sogoro traveled from Chiba to Edo, then Japan's capital, to petition the ruling Shogun to ease crippling taxes on local farmers. At the time, this was illegal, and the Shogun had Sogoro and his four sons beheaded for their impudence.But the Shogun also reduced the taxes, inspiring local farmers to build a temple in Narita and hold an annual festival to commemorate Sogoro's courageous sacrifice.Today, Japanese rice farming is protected by a politically powerful agricultural lobby, and import duties of more than 700 percent.

It is also the least efficient farm sector among the developed economies.Jesper Koll, JP Morgan's Director of Research in Tokyo, argues that Japan can get out of this predicament by having fewer people working on bigger farms, and growing luxury food products for export."If Mr. Ogura were to switch to something called 'Koshi-Hikari,' which is the Lexus brand of rice," he says, "he could sell it for eight times what he can sell it in Japan to department stores in the People's Republic of China."And joining the TPP, he adds, would allow Japan to import cheaper foreign rice, and that would save consumers money.Takeshi Ogura says grimly that maybe the government will put off joining the TPP, but he seems resigned to the final result."The only reason we struggle on like this is that we have these ancestral lands. We've got to keep them in the family," he says. "But if the rice prices go down, that's the time I'll finally have to abandon the land. We're just at the brink right now."

Rice woes continue as calls for top DA exec to quit mount Philippine Daily Inquirer 11:31 pm | Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

FARMERS angry at the theft of public funds through pork barrel and alleged overpricing of imported rice climb over a metal fence during a recent protest action at the head office of the Department of Agriculture in Quezon City. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ LUCENA CITY, Philippines—Militant farmers are demanding that the government act on what they said was the artificial shortage of rice as calls for Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala started to ring over his department’s alleged failure to meet government targets for rice sufficiency.Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the government is apparently not doing anything to stop the continuing increase in rice prices.Another militant group, Sanlakas, said it is time

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for Alcala to quit after it became clear that the Department of Agriculture (DA) could no longer attain its targets for rice sufficiency.

Pointing to proceedings at a House investigation, lawyer Argee Guevarra, a leader of Sanlakas, said the country is at least 2.5 million metric tons short of its 2013 rice production target and 500,000 MT short of rice stock needed for the rest of the year.

The figures were presented by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistic (BAS) during a hearing of the House committees on agriculture and food security, which are investigating increases in rice prices and shortage in supply.At the hearing, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano asked Romeo Recide, assistant agriculture secretary and head of the BAS, if the country would be rice self-sufficient in 2013. ―The answer is no,‖ Recide replied.Guevarra, who was at the hearing as a resource person, said there was an admission from the BAS, too, that the country needs at least 500,000 MT more of rice for the rest of the year.

Alcala, however, said at the hearing that the amount of palay yet to be harvested until end of 2013 would be enough to meet the government production target of 20 million MT, higher than last year’s 18 million MT.Guevarra, however, said the BAS was clear about its projection of only 18.45 million MT of harvest by the end of the year, or a shortfall of about 2 million MT.Guevarra said Alcala has tried to cover up his failings by feeding President Aquino with misleading numbers and by ―blaming unnamed groups for the shortcomings of his agency.‖ ―Heads have rolled for so much less. Alcala should do the honorable thing. He should resign,‖ Guevarra added.KMP expressed alarm over reports that rice millers in Intercity, the biggest warehouse and mill of rice producers in Central Luzon, are shutting down due to shortage and high prices of palay from the rice-producing provinces of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela and Cagayan.

Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon

Government bickering over tariffs delays TPP plan until October September 17, 2013:By TOMOYA FUJITA/ Staff Writer

Opposition mainly from the agriculture ministry has forced the Japanese government to shelve internal discussions on which tariffs to protect under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement, sources said.Talks will resume after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in early October, leaving Japan with just two months to solidify its tariff strategy and negotiate with potential partners before a final agreement on the TPP expected by the end of the year.At issue is the trade liberalization rate, the percentage of items whose tariffs a country promises to eliminate.In August, Japan proposed a trade liberalization rate of up to nearly 85 percent under the TPP, but five categories of agricultural products were not on the list.Some nations involved in the TPP talks insisted that Japan raise its trade liberalization rate. The United States and others have also called on Japan to reduce or eliminate tariffs on agricultural items.The trade liberalization rate, a key indicator of a nation’s willingness to open up its markets, may differ from one trade partner to another. But the standard rate among TPP members is more than 90 percent.Some Japanese government officials argued that the nation’s rate should at least match that level.

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However, officials from the agriculture ministry and other agencies protested, saying the rate must be kept below 90 percent to ―make room for negotiations.‖So far in the TPP talks, Japan has attempted to maintain tariffs in five categories: rice; barley and wheat; dairy products; beef and pork; and sweetening resource crops, such as sugar cane and beets.The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has long protected domestic farmers through high tariffs on agriculture imports, a constant source of friction in trade negotiations. However, large Japanese manufacturers are facing stiffer competition from overseas, and many are urging the government to join the TPP to help increase their exports.Twelve countries, including Japan, have been working to establish an outline of the free trade deal in October.Chief negotiators in the TPP talks are scheduled to hold a meeting starting on Sept. 18 in Washington. Another session to discuss how to reduce and eliminate tariffs is expected from Sept.

20 to 23.Japan currently plans to hold its first bilateral tariff talks with the United States and Canada on the sidelines of those meetings. However, Tokyo will enter those discussions without a tariff plan, the sources said.

Prices of rice seen to normalize Tuesday, September 17, 2013

THE prices of commercial rice is expected to normalize in the third week of September, as lean months in Eastern Visayas is about to end.In July, sales value of well-milled commercial rice rose to P37.48 per kilo, while P35.17 per kilo on the regular milled rice in the market basis.In August, an increase of P1.94 was experienced in the well-milled commercial rice and P1.80 was observed in the price of regular milled rice.

The country’s lean months usually starts in July and is estimated to end in the third or last week of September.―Traditionally and historically, rice stocks are depleted due to no harvest of palay (rice) during lean months, which then causes to insufficient supply of rice,‖ said National Food Authority (NFA) public relations officer Mary Agnes Militante.Department of Agriculture (DA) regional executive director Antonio Gerundio issued a public statement affirming price trends in commercial rice yet negating rice shortage in the region.Supply manipulation and hoarding are allegedly identified as the main causes of the continual price increase in the commercial rice not just in the region but in countrywide; however, the DA and NFA said it is not happening in Eastern Visayas.The NFA and DA appealed to the public to stop worrying about the continual increase of rice prices. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)

Rice Prices Mixed as Harvest Nears

By Lee Sang Yong:[2013-09-17 15:34 ] As the autumn harvest approaches, prices remain stable in most regions of North Korea. The middle ten days of September saw a decrease in the price of rice in both Pyongyang and Sinuiju, with rice now being traded at 4800 won and 5100 won respectively.In contrast, the price of rice in Hyesan has risen to 6000 won. Sources claim this price differential is a result of the distribution of wartime rice stores in Pyongyang, released to

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celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the DPRK on September 9th. Prices generally tend to rise during the autumn harvest period due to increasing demand for food and a simultaneous decrease in public distribution.

Sources report that only a small amount of rice was distributed in Sinuiju, but prices have nevertheless remained stable because of the significant volume of rice traded with China. The same cannot be said for Hyesan, where authorities have recently been intensified efforts to stem the flow of illegal border crossings and defections.

This has had an inflationary impact on rice prices, as less grain is brought into the area.

A source in Sinuiju told Daily NK, ―Compared with the seriousness of last year’s shocks, rice prices this year have remained stable at around 5000 won. Of course, last March rice cost around 7000 won, but public distribution combined with a reliable supply coming in from outside the country has contributed to stability.‖ ―But Hyesan continues to suffer as the authorities are clamping down on border control and customs screenings. The rice trade has dwindled as a result."A source in Pyongyang added, ―This year the authorities released the wartime rice reserves so prices didn’t rise in any big way. It actually dropped following the public distribution of rice for the Republic Foundation Day. But it may rise again as some of that distributed rice can now be found in wholesale and retail stores in other regions.‖Sources have confirmed that potato and corn crops escaped typhoon and flood damage this year, indicating that grain prices will remain stable for the foreseeable future.With the exception of Hyesan, exchange rates have also seen a small downward trend. The dollar exchange rate in Pyongyang and Sinuiju fell by 170 won and 90 won to 8020 won and 8090 won respectively.

In contrast, the dollar exchange rate in Hyesan rose 30 won to 8140 won.Senior researcher at the Korea Rural Economic Institute Kwon Tae Jin believes that, ―The corn harvest in North Korea was successful this year, and there is talk that the rice harvest will also go well. The market peddlers would have heard this and decided not to hoard grain. Prices have dropped as a result.‖He adds, ―The prohibitive cost of logistics in North Korea has resulted in regional price gaps. If this continues the market peddlers may move around, effectively closing this gap.‖

Probe on Phitsanulok rice scandal September 17, 2013 8:28 pm

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The Commerce Ministry sets up a committee to investigate the rice scandal in Phitsanulok, tasking it to complete the investigation within two weeks.Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach said on Tuesday that the committee will investigate the rice decaying and the damage. It will also find out if corruption was involved and who should be held responsible.

The report would be submitted to the sub-committee in charge of the rice-pledging scheme.This follows a fire at a rice warehouse in Phitsanulok, which sparks doubt that the fire was set on purpose. It is one of the warehouses storing rice purchased under the rice-pledging scheme.

Govt told to extend rice purchase under pledging scheme Tuesday, 17 September 2013By MCOT

BANGKOK, Sept 17 – A group of farmers from the Central region has called on the government to extend its rice purchase programme under the pledging scheme to late October.The farmers, led by Ubolsak Bualuangngam, leader of the Lopburi Farmers Assembly, submitted a letter to the prime minister to seek her assistance in her capacity as chairwoman of the National Rice Policy Committee.They urged the government to extend the rice purchases for the second crop to end of next month, saying drought has delayed its harvest.Mr Ubolsak said a large number of farmers would be in trouble if the government fails to extend the rice purchases.

Commerce Minister affirms China will buy 1.2 mln tonnes of Thai rice Tuesday, 17 September 2013By MCOT

MOSCOW, Sept 16 - Thailand's deputy prime minister in his dual capacity as commerce minister affirmed that China is to buy 1.2 million tonnes of Thai rice.Now in Moscow, Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan spoke of the matter after presiding over the opening ceremony of "Thailand Week in Russia 2013".His statement followed a comment by Democrat Party-list MP Korn Chatikavanij's on his Facebook page asking again who lied regarding China's agreement to buy Thai rice in such a quantity.Mr Korn said Reuters news agency reported the Chinese authorities had denied the claim.However, according to Mr Niwatthamrong, the negotiation in China's Heilongjiang province attracted the interests of China's Beidahuang Group to buy 1.2

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million tonnes of Thai rice and 200,000 tonnes of rubber.The minister said the agreement is being negotiated and is expected to be signed within two weeks. The conclusion is not yet made whether the contract will be signed in China or Thailand

Beijing embassy confirms rice deal Sawitree Rinwong:The Nation September 17, 2013 1:00 am

Thai diplomat says 1.2 million tonnes will be shipped to Harbin in three lots for "good price".The government yesterday insisted it had secured a rice sale to China, with a Thai official in Beijing confirming the 1.2-milliontonne contract, which is part of Thailand's plan to export 4 million-5 million tonnes of rice to that country this year.While Commerce Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan flatly dismissed the Democrat Party's speculation that his ministry is faking the rice deal with China, Phaichit Viboontanasarn, the commercial attache at the Thai Embassy in Beijing, confirmed the deal with a Chinese state enterprise, saying the price is close to the Bt15,000-per-tonne pledging price but lower than US$600 (about Bt19,020). Under the memorandum of understanding signed recently, the rice would be transported to the city of Harbin in three shipments.

"In 2013, we target to export 4-5 million tonnes of rice to China, where demand is high after floods and crop losses," Phaichit said. "The government has instructed all units to speed up the sale of rice and other products to China. Deals with major cities like Shanghai, Zhejiang, Hangzhou and Shandong should be wrapped up soon."Niwattumrong has come under attack from Democrat MPs who, referring to a report by Reuters, cast doubt on the existence of the deal. The minister revealed the deal on September 8 after his return from China. In an article by Reuters dated September 12, industry sources were quoted as doubting that China would want that much rice.Phaichit said this sale is on top of the government-to-government deal for 1.2 million tonnes signed during Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's visit to Nanning, where she met Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. The first shipment of 300,000 tonnes is scheduled before the end of this year.

This would help Thailand reduce its rice stocks from over 10 million tonnes at present, which should push up global rice prices, he said.Niwattumrong said that while in Harbin he discussed the deal with Beidahuang Group - a Chinese state enterprise. In two weeks, the contract will be signed, either in Thailand or China. "The price is good," he said. "I don't know who Reuters talked to. I was involved in the negotiations and I don't need to lie."Niwattumrong has said Thailand would start delivering rice to Iran in October, and Iraqi representatives will come to Thailand soon for talks. The deal has raised suspicions given the low volume of Thai rice exports to China in the past few years. In 2009, Thailand shipped only 328,238 tonnes to China. From 2010 through 2012, the volume was 264,207; 267,846; and 143,082 tonnes. The Commerce Ministry has claimed that it has

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successfully raised Bt150 billion from selling rice stocks and is confident that the figure would hit Bt200 billion at the end of this year.

The ministry is now under fire, pressured to speed up the rice releases as a Finance Ministry committee is about to conclude the exact cost of the rice-pledging scheme this week.Appearing upset with the move, Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach said the Finance Ministry committee's task is to follow the money trail of the scheme, not to inspect the scheme. He said it is the government's job to plug the project's loopholes.Besides the anticipated huge loss, the pledging scheme is also implicated in a corruption case. Vicha Mahakhun, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, said the agency has now inspected half of the documents used to substantiate allegations that some companies are benefiting from the scheme.

India’s Saudi rice import share reaches 63 percent 17.09.2013

India's share in Saudi rice import is 63 percent with the basmati rice much in-demand, said the Indian delegation from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is in Riyadh to participate in the ongoing international agriculture and agro-industry trade show, in which India is the largest participating country with 40 companies.―Sixty three percent of rice import to Saudi Arabia comes from India with the Indian basmati much in demand,‖ said the Indian official.The government is keen to increase export of basmati rice by providing assistance to Indian exporters with mounting trade delegations abroad and participation in international fairs, the official stated.India, the largest supplier of rice to the Kingdom, is also getting more orders as Indian companies have renewed their efforts to fulfill the ever increasing demand from the Gulf country, which is one of the world’s largest rice importer.Rice is a major staple food of the people in the Kingdom with an average annual per capita consumption of about 43 kg.

The country is dependent on rice imports to meet its growing requirements.According to statistics provided by the commerce and Industry ministry of India, the country's basmati rice export to the Kingdom till April-May this year was 138,704 million tons valued at $171.15 million, whereas the export of non-basmati rice during the same period was 22629.83 tons with its value to the tune of $13.58 million.Rehan Zaheer, a top official from the Indian ministry of food processing industry urged Saudi businessman and agriculture companies to invest in India's food processing sector, especially in rice and meat processing.He, however, clarified that India does not allow direct investment in farmlands.India recently relaxed foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in a number of key sectors, including food processing and agro-based industries as the hike in caps with liberalizing routes will stimulate FDI inflows into the country.Ajit Kumar, a high official from the Indian ministry of commerce and industry said that Saudi Arabia was an important market for Indian rice, especially basmati, and one of the largest market in GCC countries in terms of productivity. ―We look forward to the Saudi market for our services in value added products,‖ he said."There is a huge opportunity to look at food processing industry and we are looking forward to the growing demand of the

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industry,‖ he added.He also disclosed that a Saudi delegation including some senior officials of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority will visit India this year to check the conditions of abattoir in order to grant licenses for meat processing in the Kingdom's interest.Apart from rice, major Indian products being exported to Saudi Arabia include buffalo, sheep and goat meat, as well as fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, confectionery and other processed foods that will be showcased at the Indian pavilion in the agro-industry trade show.

The four-day agro-food exhibition, which ends on Wednesday at Riyadh International Convention Center, features a dedicated Indian pavilion comprising 40 companies.The pavilion will showcase export products from India’s major companies, which include APEDA represented by its General Manager S.S. Nair, Nutrilite agro products Pvt Ltd., Indian food tech Ltd. and Kabir foods apart from the ministries of food processing and commerce and industry.India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), the premier trade promotion agency of the government of India, has organized India's participation in the India pavilion.The visitors to the exhibition can visit the India pavilion to savor biryani, the Indian cuisine, made of basmati rice, and other processed foods from India.

They will also be benefited from the personal presence of selected and leading exporters of agro-products including rice, chutneys and pickles, ready-to-eat snacks, processed foods and other Indian delicacies.Senior officials from ITPO, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the exhibitors are also available to explain the characteristics of Indian food in detail and hold extended discussions on matters related to the subject, including investment in Agro-food sector in India.According to the Indian embassy, Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest trading partner of India and their bilateral trade crossed $43 billion in 2012-2013.India’s huge agro resource base and host of natural advantages make it a chosen destination for sourcing a variety of agricultural products.

The embassy figures suggest that the total Indian agricultural exports were $221 billion during 2012-2013, of which Saudi Arabia accounted for $120 billion during this period.The 32nd edition of this bi-annual event is the Kingdom’s leading food industry event providing an opportunity to introduce new products, equipment, and technologies.Attended by the region’s food trade and business professionals, it is considered a unique platform to expand existing exports or establish new ones, at the center of the region’s fastest growing market.

Govt needs to ramp up its agricultural zoning advice CHULARAT SAENGPASSA THE NATION September 17, 2013 1:00 am

RUBBER FARMERS have been staging loud protests over recent weeks to demand the government shore up the price of their produce. They need help from the government but they also have to learn to stand on their own feet, as such assistance cannot stay forever.Protest by farmers in Thailand is not uncommon. The country has

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seen similar rallies by the growers of not just rubber trees but also rice, pineapples, palm oil, longan, and many more.The root cause of the problem is that policies and productivity in the agricultural sector are still not good enough.Let's look at the rubber sector first.

Thailand has nearly 15 million rai of rubber plantations. Of these, just 1.75 million rai are in a zone most suited to growing rubber trees. Paddy fields may fare better in this regard but still not well enough. Of 70 million rai of rice fields, just a little over half - 40 million rai, are in the most suitable areas.If the government is to blame, it is because agricultural areas have not been divided into zones.When crops grow in unsuitable areas, farmers need more fertiliser and water, hence pushing up their costs.As the country's policy maker, the government needs to address this issue seriously.

It needs to look into why the cost of farming is high and why the crop price is low, and explain this to farmers in an easy-to-understand language. It also needs to recommend solutions. Farmers must be informed that under the zoning policy, they can't cry for help if they're growing crops not suited to the areas.For instance, if landowners choose to grow a crop that has little chance of yielding a decent return, then officials should advise them about better options. Such a move would benefit not just farmers but the country as a whole.In February, Agriculture Minister Yukol Limlaemthong boasted about the farmland-zoning strategy. In his words, this strategy has the power to revolutionise the country's agricultural sector.

So, why wait?

As per this strategy, the government will offer incentives to farmers who plant the most economically viable crops. Guidelines prepared by the Agriculture Ministry have identified which zones are best for the country's six key economic crops - rice, rubber, cassava, palm oil, corn and sugarcane.If these crops are grown in suitable zones, farm productivity will be higher and farmers will enjoy better income.And if the government can introduce an integrated plan, the farmers will also enjoy lower costs to transport their produce and better access to manufacturing technology that will add value to their goods.Indeed, there are lots of things the government can do to improve the agricultural sector. But to do this, it needs to cut back on its populist mentality.

Through the rice-pledging scheme that gives up to Bt15,000 per tonne of rice, the ruling Pheu Thai may win the hearts - and votes - of rice farmers. But the cost has allegedly topped a massive Bt700 billion under this administration.Aside from zoning, the government needs to boost productivity. In regard to rice, measures are needed to improve quality and processing to generate value-added products.A similar strategy is necessary for other crops, including rubber.The government may have been able to stop the rubber protests by approving measures costing well over Bt20 billion. But this is not a sustainable solution.Unless the government comes up with a real, practical solution, farmers will be back protesting sooner rather than later.

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Golden Rice Study Violated Ethical Rules, Tufts Says Dan Charles September 17, 2013

Genetically modified to be enriched with beta-carotene, golden rice grains (left) are a deep yellow. At right, white rice grains.

(International Rice Research Institute)

Tufts University announced Tuesday that one of its researchers broke ethical rules while carrying out a study of genetically modified "golden rice" in China.According to the Tufts report, the scientific conclusions of the study remain valid. The researchers had found that a single bowl of this rice can supply more than half of a child's daily vitamin A requirement — the most convincing evidence so far that golden rice can, in fact, be a useful tool in fighting malnutrition. But when the study was published last year, anti-biotech campaigners at Greenpeace China immediately called it a scandal, accusing the research team, led by Tufts' Guangwen Tang, of feeding children a "potentially dangerous product" without informing their parents of exactly what the children were eating.

Chinese media started investigating and found evidence that Tang and her collaborators in China had cut corners when it came to informing Chinese parents and Chinese regulatory authorities about details of the study.

According to a report in Nature magazine, Chinese reporters found an email from a Chinese official involved in the study in which he explained that he was dropping any mention of genetic modification in some documents presented to the children's parents because it was "too sensitive."

In December of last year, the Chinese government announced that it was punishing several China-based researchers who were involved in the study, removing them from their jobs. According to the government, the researchers didn't obtain proper approvals before carrying out the study.Some American researchers were skeptical of the Chinese findings. They suspected that the researchers involved in this study were simply the victims of an anti-biotech backlash in China.But Tufts, after spending more than a year carrying out its own review, now says that the study was not "conducted in full compliance with ... policy or federal regulations."

According to the Tufts report, the researchers did not adequately explain the nature of golden rice and made some changes in the study without getting approval from the committee at Tufts that is supposed to review all research involving human subjects.Guangwen Tang will be banned from conducting research on human subjects for two years. For two years after that, any research that she conducts will be under the direct supervision of another investigator.

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