18th november,2017 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

Daily Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter November 18, 2017 Volume 9 | Issue XI

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Pakistan can capture India’s $260m rice share in EU Pakistan can earn $260 mn from basmati rice exports after EU ruling Rabi acreage up 5% but wheat sowing dips Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods Rice exporters seek grant to sideline India in European market Iraq says buys 90,000 tonnes of US rice in direct deal Thailand extends deadline to offload 2 mln T of rice left in stockpiles to 2018 Bangladesh rice agreement is still ‘valid’ Interest in U.S. Rice Runs High in Shanghai Rice export to China on decline: Reap Zakaria asks KCCI to identify fine quality exportable goods Reap seeks government’s support to capture India’s $260 million business with EU Belarus, Pakistan to step up cooperation in agriculture Economy Kuttanad wetlands to get new lease of life Researchers create "golden potato" that can reduce diseases in developing nations Exporters seek govt support to capture EU rice market ‘Pakistan-Kazakhstan trade value holds immense potential’ Rice prices in India rise on improved demand, fresh supply caps gains Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods: Ashwani Kumar Arora of LT Foods Baby Rice Flour Market Research and Projections 2022 on Consumer Needs, Pricing strategy, Revenue and Growth Rate Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Punjab, Haryana procure 238 lakh tonne paddy Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Pernia appeals to Congress: Lift QR on rice Why you should stop eating white rice, according to a physician 1

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Rice News Detail…

Pakistan can capture India’s $260m rice share in EU November 17, 2017 Salman Abduhu

LAHORE - Pakistan can capture India’s $260 million rice business with the European Union following the EU’s zero tolerance on Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.

Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah said that Pakistan can target India’s basmati rice share in the EU market, following the stringent policies placed by the European Union on the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity. From January 1, 2018, all countries that export basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01 mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries, including India .

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Samee said that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 ton to 350,000 ton, grabbing the share of 200,000 tons of Indian rice export to EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 percent of basmati crops. He said that Pakistan’s farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops.

“Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de-facto ban on Indian exports,” he added.

India had exported rice of around 350,000 tons worth $260 million to the European Union countries in last fiscal year, 70 percent of which has tricyclazole limit of 1mg/1kg. Samee demanded the government to announce matching grant to shelve Pakistani product at the international store chains. Pakistan’s brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati rice in European countries’ renowned mega stores with the financial support of the government.

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share , because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India .” He said that Basmati rice export had been facing severe competition from India . He regretted that lack of research and nonavailability of new seeds has caused low yields, adding that the high input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive. He urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest exporting sector in line with other export-oriented industries enabling them to be price competitive in the international market to bridge the ever increasing gap of trade deficit of the country. He said rice is the second biggest exporting sector after textile but it was always ignored by the government.

Meanwhile, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan organised an awareness for its members which was also addressed by REAP Chairman Samee Ullah Naeem. Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH was the guest speaker of the seminar, aimed at discussing the challenges being faced by the rice exporters to European market.

Unger said Pakistan has a huge potential of rice export but its exporters should pay attention towards meeting the specifications of their importers. He said that rice export to European countries was picking up but the exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and also new regulations being made by these markets. However, he said that

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan had reduced to almost negligible level. http://nation.com.pk/17-Nov-2017/pakistan-can-capture-india-s-260m-rice-share-in-eu

Pakistan can earn $260 mn from basmati rice exports after EU ruling Last Updated On 17 November,2017 06:17 pm

The Chairman of Rice Exporters Association requested the government to intervene in the matter.

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan can make inroads at the European Union and boost the exports of basmati rice where the content of pesticides found higher compared to the new rulings effective from January 1, 2018.Sameeullah Naeem, Chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) told Dunya News on phone from Lahore that an opening has been created following the new ruling of the European Union.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter He said recently basmati rice arriving from India was tested and about 70% of the commodity was found with chemical content known as Tricylazole chemical. Chairman explained this chemical was found as farmers usually use it as fungicide against Bacteria Blight and Blast. The amount of the chemical has been higher as per new ruling. According to new formation the content of the chemical in rice should be around 0.01mg per kilogram but after testing the chemical has been detected at 0.5 mg per kilogram which has hazardous.

Following these revelation, Pakistani exporters could capture the market to the tune of nearly 200,000 metric tons of basmati rice. Exporters could capture the EU market and could boost the exports by nearly 260 million dollars.

However, the Chairman REAP explained that it could be possible if the government intervene in the matter and give support and incentive to exporters. “We need to market and place our products in chains of super markets in the EU which requires heavy investment�, he said.

Our basmati rice is high quality rice with graceful fragrance and above all our growers do not use chemical and pesticide on the commodity, he said. It is the best time to grab this opportunity and enter the EU market with a bang. http://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/414935-Pakistan-can-earn-$260-mn-from-basmati-rice-exports-afterEU-ruling

Rabi acreage up 5% but wheat sowing dips OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER There is a drastic 20 per cent drop in wheat sowing in the current rabi season so far, as compared to the corresponding week last year, data released by Agriculture Ministry showed on Friday.

Against 75.07 lakh hectares (lh) last year this time, sowing this year so far was at 60.19 lh.Overall area under cultivation went up nearly 5 per cent to 230.36 lh (219.47 lh).Much of this increase has come from sowing of pulses which has gone up 34 per cent to 81.24 lh.Similarly, area under rabi rice too increased 31 per cent to 8.57 lh.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

On the other side, there is a 3 per cent drop in area under oilseeds cultivation with the acreage coming down to 49.78 lh 51.30 lh).Coarse cereals, too, registered a 17 per cent jump in acreage with the area so far covered going up to 30.59 lh as compared to 26.11 lh during the same period in the previous season

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rabi-acreage-up-5-but-wheat-sowingdips/article9965511.ece 6

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Greg Hilburn, USA TODAY NetworkPublished 9:32 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017 | Updated 10:16 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said Congress is already working on the 2018 Farm Bill to provide "security to farmers, ranchers and foresters." Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network An enormous rice order from Iraq this week has already boosted prices and morale for Louisiana farmers.Iraq's 90,000 metric ton buy was the country's second order for American long grain milled rice through a new trade agreement or memorandum of understanding between the countries. "It's a blessing," said Acadiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot, who was named the 2016 Rice Farmer of the Year by the USA Rice Federation and Rice Farming Magazine. "It's already perked up the cash market here and even in futures prices."

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, the state's only member on the House Agriculture Committee, has been lobbying for the advancement of the agreement. He wrote a letter to U.S. Ambassador Douglas Silliman Tuesday asking for help to close the deal."It's a great day for Louisiana rice," said Abraham, R-Alto. "It's a good shot in the arm for our farmers."

Fontenot was hosting Gov. John Bel Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain Friday morning at his Ville Platte farm as part of Edwards' and Strain's statewide listening tour. "My shop has never been so clean," said Fontenot, laughing.

"I'm confident some of this order will be filled with Louisiana rice, but it has an impact on everybody's rice," said Fontenot, who is the midst of harvesting his ratoon, or second, rice. "This is a big opportunity for us."Strain said expanding trade "is really the only thing that can move the needle on price and product. This is an exciting contract; every contract is critical to agriculture's growth," he said.

Abraham and Fontenot said the sale will have even greater impact because it's happening late in the year, a rarity.

USA Rice President Betsy Ward agreed.“This will make 120,000 metric tons of U.S. rice going into Iraq since the MOU was signed in 2016,” said Ward in a USA Rice story. “This sale comes

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter at an excellent time and will give the entire industry a welcome boost as we head into the holiday season. http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/11/17/congressman-abraham-great-day-la-rice/873817001/

Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Submitted by Eleven on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 17:23 Writer: Nilar The illegal outflow of rice via China’s border routes needs to be addressed through existing policies, regional rice-mill associations and local rice merchants have told the government.The export of rice without licence via Muse and Lwejel regions along the border with China, they said. Many bags of rice are being smuggled out of the country on a daily basis.Nay Lin Zin, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, expressed concern that prices could rise if the illegal outflow of rice continues to be tolerated. Inaccurate figures regarding local demand and export volumes could affect prices, he said.“For this problem, the private sector can only give information to the relevant ministries. Coordination with other departments and taking action are up to the relevant government departments,� he said.From April to November 3 this fiscal year, over 1.86 million tonnes of rice were exported, earning over US$558.143 million (761.675 billion kyat). The 1,861,609.897 toness of rice (including broken rice) were exported to 78 countries.

During a rice sector development seminar and joint meeting between the central executive committee and the executive committee of the Myanmar Rice Federation held in Yangon on April 29, president Chit Khaing said he had submitted a letter urging the government to take necessary steps with the trade policy as Chinese merchants were coming directly to Yangon and Bago regions to buy rice.

This would be likely to cause a problem in the long run, he predicted. http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/12460

Asia rice india prices rise improved demand fresh supply capsgain Asia ice: India Prices Rise on Improved Demand, Fresh Supply Caps Gains

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter A woman winnows rice in a field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India November 10, 2017. (Reuters Photo/Amit Dave) By : Koustav Samanta | on 4:00 AM November 17, 2017 Category : International, Asia-Pacific

Bengaluru. Rice prices in India climbed this week, buoyed by improved overseas demand, but rising supplies from a new season crop capped gains for the staple grain in the world's top exporter.India's 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $2 per tonne to $399 to $402 per tonne.

"There was an improvement in demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. African buyers were also making inquires," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice was quoted at $380-$387 a tonne, freeon-board (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $375-$387 last week.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Thai Hom Mali rice won the title of "World's Best Rice" at this year's World Rice Conference held in Macau last week and traders said this will have a positive impact on global demand for Thai rice.

"Due to floods in the northeast (part of Thailand) this year, where Hom Mali rice is grown, output of the crop has dropped, causing prices to rise. With this new development, I expect prices to rise further," said a Bangkok-based trader.Traders were also optimistic that South Korea's tender to buy 132,790 tonnes of rice for December-March arrival may result in demand for Thai rice.

Overall, however, traders said demand was slow, and with new crops expected to enter the market starting the end of this month, prices could drop.Meanwhile, Bangladesh cancelled its first-ever deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice over a delay in shipments, officials said on Tuesday. The deal was signed in August at $453 a tonne.

The country has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after floods damaged its crops and, despite deals with several rice exporting countries including Myanmar and Bangladesh, is still battling to build its reserves.In Vietnam, the benchmark 5 percent broken rice was quoted at $400-405 a tonne, free-on-board (FOB) Saigon, little changed from the high levels last week due to continuous shortage of supply, traders said.

"The recent harvest mainly served domestic demand and didn't affect export price. New crop yield was available, but prices stayed high," a trader in Ho Chi Minh City said."We won't have larger supply until the end of the winter-spring crop season in March."

Sowing for the winter-spring crops, one of Vietnam's two major rice crop seasons, is expected to start only by late November or December as flood waters in the rice-growing Mekong Delta have not completely receded, the trader added http://jakartaglobe.id/international/asia-rice-india-prices-rise-improved-demand-fresh-supply-caps-gains/

Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods rice accounts for about two-thirds of our sales, while trading and value-added products, such as brown rice, make up the rest. Q. How important is North America in your growth strategy? We are a $500million company and 30 percent of our revenue comes from America, so it’s our biggest export market, and will be for the foreseeable future. LT has more than 45 percent of the basmati rice market in the US with brands like Daawat

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter LT Foods

Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods: Ashwani Kumar Arora of LT Foods

MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora on how LT Foods, the commodity trader, morphed into a global food giant on the back of basmati rice and health food.

Organic growth: Ashwani Kumar Arora, MD and CEO, LT Foods In the 1980s, LT Foods was one of India’s biggest commodity traders in rice, grains, pulses and beans. Today, bulk rice constitutes 33 percent of its turnover at 1.3 lakh tonnes, while it sells 2.67 lakh tonnes of branded basmati rice annually, and is the world’s second largest rice miller, according to global marketing research firm AC Nielsen. But if you peel back the layers of the LT Foods onion, you will discover bigger ambitions. “We want to be recognised as a global food company, not a commodity trader,” says its MD and CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora (52), whose father started the business as a grains trader in the 1950s. Arora’s father, Raghunath, set up the firm’s first rice mill in 1978 in Punjab’s Bhikhiwind village, close to India’s border with Pakistan. Since then, the BSE-listed company has established a footprint in 65 countries through its brands Daawat, Royal, and Hadeel.

In November 2016, LT Foods set up a joint venture with Japan’s Kameda Seika Co to make healthy rice snacks for South Asia. Last year, it also bought the Gold Seal Indus Valley and Rozana rice brands from Hindustan Unilever to boost its presence in the Middle East. In the US, it sells branded rice, organic cereals, sauces and Spanish grape seed oil. A few years ago, it introduced a pricey line of organic healthy foods, ecoLife, which sells superfoods like quinoa and roasted freekeh. Sales of healthy food products will top $1 trillion in 2017, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Arora speaks to Forbes India about the company’s playbook and putting consumers’ health on priority. Edited excerpts: Q. Is the firm’s transformation from a commodity trader to a food company driving growth? My father started the business as a trading company in the 1950s, but to have long-term sustainability it was necessary to create a food business with strong brands.

While it is important to offer a quality product, branding is often at the heart of the companies that thrive. Over a 30-year journey, we have vigorously transformed into a global food company by establishing strong brands like Daawat, Royal, Hadeel and ecoLife. Today, the trend is health plus convenience. At LT Foods, we are developing our product range based on that theme.

Millennials are pushing for healthier, more eco-friendly foods.

Euromonitor says sales of healthy food products will top $1 trillion in 2017 Q. LT Foods has an estimated revenue of $500 million. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? LT Foods expects revenue to double to $1 billion by 2022. We have a clear roadmap.

We are leveraging our brands to build an export-driven global food company. Improvements in procurement, processing, sales and distribution should lift operating profit as a percentage of revenue to 15 percent in the coming years from 12 percent. Life is like a giant chessboard where you have to be completely aware in the moment, but also thinking of a few moves ahead.

At LT Foods, we are preparing for the future by creating products that are aligned to changing consumer preferences. We are concentrating on our organic foods portfolio which will be a growth driver, even as our core rice business provides strong cash flows. Q. How much rice do you sell in India and what is your market share? LT Foods annually sells about 2 lakh tonnes of branded basmati rice in India, and has a 20 percent market share. Branded packaged and Royal.

In July, we purchased the 817 Elephant brand to boost sales in the US and Canada. We’ve also partnered with Walmart and US specialty grocer Trader Joe’s. Q. You launched a $15-million rice processing plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to cater to Europe.

What are your investment plans for America? I don’t want to break down numbers, but we are making sizeable investments. In October, we launched our ready-to-serve rice plant in Houston, Texas. We are creating jobs through our main office in California, regional offices in Houston and New Jersey, and warehouses across the country. We also have a big marketing budget for the US. Q. How do you remain responsive to shifting consumer needs? Historically, the traditional tactics of advertising, promotion and price moved markets.

It is not so easy now. The energy in a marketing-driven company was ‘yelling’ a message. In contrast, a new-age market-driven company ‘listens’ to its customers. As a responsive brand, we keep track of relevant platforms that will help us reach and listen to our customers. For example,

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter we listened to our customers’ frustrations about how brown rice took ages to cook. In response, we developed our 12-minute ‘quick cook brown rice’ and it became an instant success. We have 80 percent market share of the branded brown rice market in India. We also launched Rozana Gold Plus, which has a mix of 80 percent basmati and 20 percent quick cook brown rice. Also, we are selling direct-to-consumers via digital platforms, making scale of distribution less of a differentiator. Q. How do you compete with KRBL Ltd and Kohinoor Foods?

We aim to increase our annual rice processing volumes to 5 lakh tonnes in two years, from 4 lakh tonnes, by outsourcing to mills owned by others. We don’t want to invest capital and there is a lot of idle capacity available. We respect our competition and keep tweaking our portfolio to keep up with changing market dynamics. I believe growing our portfolio beyond rice towards health foods puts us in a strong position competitively. Q. The 2014 sweepstakes, where you gave away a Mercedes-Benz car in the US to the winner of ‘25 Ways to Win With Basmati Rice’, created a buzz. Are sweepstakes part of your marketing strategy? These initiatives are an integral part of our marketing strategy. When it comes to promotions, contests, sweepstakes and so on, we are all the same—we all want to win! These initiatives connect customers to our products. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/real-issue/millennials-are-pushing-to-eat-healthierecofriendly-foods-ashwani-kumar-arora-of-lt-foods/48677/1

Rice exporters seek grant to sideline India in European market LAHORE: Rice exporters have sought government’s support to capture most of India’s $260million rice business with the European Union as the 28-nation bloc has adopted a zero tolerance policy for the Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains. Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Chaudhry Sameeullah Naeem sought the assistance at a seminar organised by the association for the awareness of its members. Naeem emphasised that Pakistan could target India’s basmati rice market in the EU following upcoming application of stringent policies by the bloc to the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity. From January 1, 2018, all countries that export basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit for Tricyclazole to 0.01mg per kg. Until now, the EU has been accepting 1mg per kg in rice shipped from different countries including India.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

‘Made in Pakistan’ expo planned in UK Naeem suggested that Pakistan could enhance rice exports to the EU from 150,000 tons to 350,000 tons by grabbing Indian exports of 200,000 tons which may be stopped due to the strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers over more than 70% of basmati crop. But Pakistani farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their produce.

“Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require the use of fungicide and we can gain from the restriction on Indian exports,” Naeem said. India exported around 350,000 tons of rice worth $260 million to EU countries in the previous fiscal year. Of these, 70% had 1mg per kg of Tricyclazole. He pressed the government to announce a grant to help promote Pakistani rice in the international store chains. “Pakistan’s brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati in renowned mega stores of European states with financial support of the government,” he said.

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share because it will take at least two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter ” Naeem pointed out that basmati rice exports had been facing stiff competition from India and decried that lack of research and unavailability of new seeds had resulted in low productivity.

“High input costs have made Pakistan’s basmati totally uncompetitive,” he said and urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest export sector in order to enable them become price competitive and bridge the widening trade deficit. “Rice is the second biggest export sector after textiles but it has always been ignored by the government,” he remarked.

The Main Dish Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH, while discussing the challenges faced by the exporters of rice to the European market, said Pakistan had a huge potential but the exporters should pay attention to meeting specifications of the importers. “Rice exports to European countries are picking up, but exporters should pay attention to issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and new regulations being put in place by these markets. However, complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan have dropped to almost negligible levels,” he added. Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2017.

Iraq says buys 90,000 tonnes of US rice in direct deal

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter BAGHDAD: Iraq’s trade ministry said on Thursday it had bought 90,000 tonnes of US rice in a direct deal outside of the tender process. The deal was signed with ADM at the price of $648 a tonne, Mohammed Hanoun, a spokesman for the ministry, said. European traders said the deal was for long grain milled rice for November 2017-February 2018 shipment.

Iraq on Nov. 6 also confirmed it had purchased 500,000 tonnes of wheat in a direct purchase, from Cargill, ADM and a third unnamed firm. Iraq’s cabinet in May authorised the ministry of trade to make direct purchases of wheat and rice to guarantee food security. The Middle East buyer had been struggling to import the grains for its food subsidy programme after introducing new payment and quality terms that kept traders away from its international tenders earlier this year. https://www.brecorder.com/2017/11/17/381819/iraq-says-buys-90000-tonnes-of-us-rice-indirect-deal/

Thailand extends deadline to offload 2 mln T of rice left in stockpiles to 2018 BANGKOK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Thailand has extended a deadline to offload the remaining 2 million tonnes of rice for animal consumption or industrial use in state stockpiles from the end of this year to an unspecified date next year, the commerce ministry said on Friday.

The country’s military government inherited 18.7 million tonnes of rice built up under the previous government’s rice subsidy scheme, and has since held several auctions since taking power in May 2014.

Nanthawan Sakuntanak, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told reporters the deadline was extended in order to avoid an oversupply of rice ahead of an upcoming harvest season.

“There is less than 2 million tonnes of rice in the stockpiles,” Nanthawan said. She did not say exactly when in 2018 the deadline would be for eliminating the stockpiles.Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, exported 9.22 million tonnes of rice in the first 10 months of the year, the highest volume among top exporters, according to the commerce ministry.The country said in August it expected to export 11 million tonnes of rice this year, exceeding its initial forecast of 10 million tonnes. The country exported 9.63 million tonnes of rice in 2016.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter The ministry said it has government-to-government deals to sell 100,000 tonnes of white rice to China and 150,000 tonnes of parboiled rice to Bangladesh next year. (Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Suphanida Thakral; Editing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Kenneth Maxwell) https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N1NN2DY

Bangladesh rice agreement is still ‘valid’ Commerce Ministry officials and members of the private sector will fly to Bangladesh next month to discuss a new purchasing agreement for milled rice, after Bangladesh recently cancelled an order of the commodity. The purchasing agreements for Cambodian milled rice are part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August between Bangladesh and Cambodia, according to which the kingdom is to sell about one million tonnes of rice in the five years leading up to 2022.

Ministry of Commerce (MoC) spokesman Long Kem Vichet told Khmer Times yesterday that both countries are now negotiating a new rice deal based on the MoU. “After running into some stumbling blocks, the negotiations for the rice deal have not concluded yet,” he said. “The MoU we signed with Bangladesh is still valid, so we are still sending rice to Bangladesh, but we are now negotiating a new purchasing agreement.

“In December, we will go to Bangladesh again to discuss the details of the deal.” Reuters has reported that Bangladesh terminated the deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice due to a delay in the shipment. Badrul Hasan, the head of Bangladesh’s state grain buyer, said the deal was cancelled after Cambodia failed to supply the rice on time. Hun Lak, the vicepresident of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said the deal was cancelled because Bangladesh has high requirements about the way the export process is conducted.

“Their requirements are difficult for us to meet because we ship ‘Free On Board’ (FOB), using a delivery schedule and payment method that is convenient for us,” Mr Lak said. Mr Vichet reiterated that the MoU was still in place and that Cambodia will supply rice to the South Asian nation once details of the new purchasing agreement are worked out. Bangladesh, the world’s fourth-biggest rice producer, has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after flash floods in April hit domestic output. As a result, the country is facing dwindling stocks and high local prices. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/bangladesh-rice-agreement-is-still-2018valid2019

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Bangladesh rice agreement is still ‘valid’ Commerce Ministry officials and members of the private sector will fly to Bangladesh next month to discuss a new purchasing agreement for milled rice, after Bangladesh recently cancelled an order of the commodity. The purchasing agreements for Cambodian milled rice are part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August between Bangladesh and Cambodia, according to which the kingdom is to sell about one million tonnes of rice in the five years leading up to 2022.

Ministry of Commerce (MoC) spokesman Long Kem Vichet told Khmer Times yesterday that both countries are now negotiating a new rice deal based on the MoU. “After running into some stumbling blocks, the negotiations for the rice deal have not concluded yet,” he said. “The MoU we signed with Bangladesh is still valid, so we are still sending rice to Bangladesh, but we are now negotiating a new purchasing agreement. “In December, we will go to Bangladesh again to discuss the details of the deal.”

Reuters has reported that Bangladesh terminated the deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice due to a delay in the shipment.

Badrul Hasan, the head of Bangladesh’s state grain buyer, said the deal was cancelled after Cambodia failed to supply the rice on time. Hun Lak, the vice-president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said the deal was cancelled because Bangladesh has high requirements about the way the export process is conducted. “Their requirements are difficult for us to meet because we ship ‘Free On Board’ (FOB), using a delivery schedule and payment method that is convenient for us,” Mr Lak said. Mr Vichet reiterated that the MoU was still in place and that Cambodia will supply rice to the South Asian nation once details of the new purchasing agreement are worked out.

Bangladesh, the world’s fourth-biggest rice producer, has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after flash floods in April hit domestic output. As a result, the country is facing dwindling stocks and high local prices. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/bangladesh-rice-agreement-is-still-2018valid2019

Interest in U.S. Rice Runs High in Shanghai

By Sarah Moran SHANGHAI, CHINA -- The overwhelming number of visitors to the USA Rice booth at the Food and Hotel China (FHC) show here this week, and their interest in U.S. rice, is a good indication of how ready the Chinese market is for U.S.-grown rice."While the importers generally understood the status of U.S. access to the China rice market, they all were interested

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter to know when the process would conclude and when they could enter into purchase contracts to import U.S. rice," said Jim Guinn, director of USA Rice Asia Promotion Programs.

At the USA Rice booth, a chef prepared dishes for sampling using five different types of U.S. rice from the South and California. "During the cooking demonstration, we were able to stress the quality, variety, and safety of U.S. rice -- important attributes to high-income consumers in China," said Guinn.

USA rice also met with the U.S. Consul General (CG) as well as USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) staff from four regional offices and Beijing. "The CG was aware of U.S. rice market access issues, and was reminded that the U.S. rice industry believes the China market represents a significant opportunity, but may require additional assistance in the political arena to get past the final hurdles to actual shipments of U.S. rice," said Guinn.

Guinn concluded, "We encouraged FAS to stay engaged with their Chinese counterparts to complete the access process. Once true access is gained, we would like close coordination between the affected Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) and China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) port officials to solve any issues that may arise with first shipments of U.S. rice."

China remains the largest producer and consumer of rice in the world and annually imports more than five million metric tons.

USA RICE DAILYRice export to China on decline: Reap 

R EC O R D ER R E PO R T

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N O V 1 6 T H, 2 0 1 7

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K A R AC H I

Rafique Suleman Senior Vice Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has said that Pakistani rice exporters are putting their untiring efforts towards the growth of Pakistan's economy and looking new markets to enhance the rice exports up to $2 billion by end of this fiscal year.He was talking to a delegation of China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corporation (Group) led by Li Lin deputy G M, visited REAP Karachi office on Wednesday with Consular Attaché Zhang Hao Consulate of China. During the meeting former chairman REAP Mahmood Moulvi, Fawad Gharib, Safdar Mehkari, Qayum Paracha, Chela Ram and others were also present.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Rafique Suleman informed the delegation that Pakistani rice exporters, besides making efforts to fine new export markets, updating their rice mills to meet the required standards of China and other countries to increase rice exports in general.He informed that rice export to China is on decline due to tariff barrier. However, it will give a big boost if Pakistan can also get Duty Free Benefit in Free Trade Agreement like ASEAN Countries, he added. He requested the Counselor AttachĂŠ of China to take up this matter with Chinese Authorities.

He said that Pakistani is one of best basmati and Irri rice producer in the world and being a neighbor country China can import rice at cheap rates.

Senior Vice Chairman REAP also presented REAP's Shield to the Chinese delegation and thanked them for their visit to REAP House, Karachi. Leader of Chinese delegation appreciated the efforts of Pakistani rice exporters and assured their full cooperation in the matter. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171116235356/

Zakaria asks KCCI to identify fine quality exportable goods 

R EC O R D ER R E PO R T N O V 1 7 T H, 2 0 1 7 K A R AC H I

Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Muhammad Nafees Zakaria has called for export of the finest quality goods because these products represent Pakistan abroad. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), he said Pakistani exporters usually export traditional items such as rice, surgical and sports goods etc, whereas many other important products including fisheries, dairy products and basmati rice etc., have not been tapped. Said items too have to be introduced in different markets around the world including Malaysia, he proposed.

In this regard, Nafees Zakaria advised KCCI to carry out a detailed study which must focus on identifying those Pakistani products and services which can be exported to Malaysian market.

"Although it is a small market of 30 million population, other important markets within the proximity of Malaysia including Vietnam, Thailand and Brunei must also be taken into consideration," he suggested, asking the KCCI officials to also include this aspect in the study so that these could also be tapped by Pakistani exporters.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Similarly, he further said, Malaysian business community could also explore opportunities available not only in Pakistan but also in its neighbouring countries. Zakaria said a state-of-theart Display Centre would be established at Pakistan's High Commission in Malaysia with the support and cooperation of the business/ industrial community. He said that a single country exhibition would also be organized in Malaysia in April, 2018. He said that it would be made sure that this exhibition should not be held on the dates of the KCCI's My Karachi Exhibition which is also set to be held in April.

The envoy requested Karachi Chamber to ensure its participation in the single country exhibition in Malaysia and help identify numerous sectors which should be focused at the planned event.

He assured that during his three-year long tenure, he would make all-out efforts to rebuild the image of Pakistan and improve its perception by highlighting the true colours and actual potential of his country. He said he was fully committed but he could achieve the desired goals without the support and cooperation of business community. He vowed to strive to look for the right Malaysian businessmen and industrialists, particularly from the Pakistani diaspora who are keen to enhance trade with Pakistan "I will not only be focusing on enhancing trade but will equally be concentrating on furthering the political relations which are also essential to facilitate trade," he asserted. Zakaria was of the opinion that Pakistan's exports had been shrinking as the industrialization had squeezed and the local production was narrowing, leaving no surplus for exports. He said that the value addition was also being ignored by Pakistani manufacturers and raw material was largely being exported which was the basic reason behind the descending exports.

Citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he advised KCCI to fully involve in this project by constantly remaining in touch with the Planning Division as it has been observed that the business community is not much acquainted with the significance and developments of this project. "Business community of Karachi must identify the areas of investment in CPEC project and accordingly devise strategies to fully benefit from this project," he urged.

KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik pointed out that Pakistan exported goods worth $138.53 million to Malaysia whereas its imports stood at $924.52 million, indicating the overall trade volume heavily in favour of Malaysia. He asked Zakaria that High Commission must take serious steps to make trade volume between the two countries balanced and KCCI would support if any initiative in this regard is taken.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter "To improve Pakistan's trade and investment ties with Malaysia, the paramount interest of Pakistan's High Commission should be to rebuild the image of Pakistan, particularly Karachi where the security situation has substantially improved," he exhorted. On CPEC, KCCI president said, the government has been facilitating the Chinese business community only whereas not much attention was being given to the business and industrial community of Karachi.

"CPEC will not be successful if the government continues to pay attention to Chinese businessmen and investors only, while the local business community is largely ignored," he alerted. Malik was of the view that the business community of Karachi, which deserves to be saluted, continued to carry out their activities despite so many odds including widespread corruption, poor law and order, rigid taxation policies and massive discretionary powers. He said business community of Karachi requires a level playing field and one-window operations in order to enhance exports.

He also sought High Commissioner's assistance for promoting Karachi Chamber's 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, effectively, amongst Malaysian business community. He said the three-day exhibition scheduled to be held on April 20-22, next year, will provide a perfect opportunity to Malaysian business community to showcase their products and services in front of more than 1 million visitors. Senior vice president Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, vice president Rehan Hanif, former President Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171117235661/

Reap seeks government’s support to capture India’s $260 million business with EU RECORDER REPORT NOV 17TH, 2017 LAHORE The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has sought the government's support to capture India's US 260 million dollars rice business with the European Union (EU) following the EU's zero tolerance on Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.The demand was raised by REAP Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah Naeem at a seminar organized by the association for raising awareness amongst its members about rice exports potential. Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH was the guest speaker of the seminar wherein challenges being faced by the rice exporters to European market were discussed.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Unger said Pakistan possesses huge potential of rice export and its exporters should pay attention towards meeting the specifications of their importers. He said rice export to the European countries was picking up but the exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and also new regulations being made by these markets.

However, he said that complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan had reduced to almost negligible level. REAP Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah said that Pakistan can target India's basmati rice share in the EU market following the stringent policies placed by the European Union about the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity.From January 1, 2018, all countries exporting basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01 mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries including India, he pointed out. Chaudhry Samee said that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 ton to 350,000 ton, grabbing the share of 200,000 tons of Indian rice export to the EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 percent of basmati crops, he said, adding: "Pakistan's farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops. Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de-facto ban on Indian exports."

Samee Ullah urged the government to announce matching grant to shelve Pakistani product at the international store chains. Pakistan's brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati rice in European countries' renowned mega stores with the financial support of the government, he added. "This presents an opportunity to grab India's market share because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India," he said.

He said Basmati rice export had been facing severe competition from India. He regretted that lack of research and non-availability of new seeds has caused low yields, adding that the high input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive. He urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest exporting sector in line with other export-oriented industries enabling them to be price competitive in the international market to bridge the ever increasing gap of trade deficit of the country. He said rice is the second biggest exporting sector after textile but it was always ignored by the government. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171117235683/

Belarus, Pakistan to step up cooperation in agriculture Economy www.ricepluss.com / www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com Contact Online Advertisement : mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell: 0321 369 2874

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

16.11.2017 | 14:04 fvkoktgm Photo courtesy of Belarus' embassy in Pakistan MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Pakistan have agreed to step up cooperation in agriculture.

The decision has been laid down in the protocol of the fourth meeting of the joint group on cooperation in agriculture that took place in Islamabad on 16 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian embassy in Pakistan.

The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo, the Pakistani delegation was headed by First Deputy Minister of National Food Security and Research Abbas Maken. In the document, the sides praised the positive dynamics of strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture and food, including in the implementation of agreements reached during the third meeting of the joint working group in Minsk on 24 February.

Belarus and Pakistan confirmed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, taking more effective measures to increase mutual trade turnover, developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and joint cooperation in agriculture. During the meeting, the parties too note of a steady growth in mutual supplies of agricultural products. At the same time, it was stressed that the volume of trade turnover between Belarus and Pakistan does not meet the agreements made at the highest level to increase the trade between the two countries. In this regard, the

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter parties expressed mutual interest in expanding the range of supplies. Belarus confirmed its readiness to supply milk powder, cheeses, condensed and concentrated milk, butter, canned products from poultry meat and beef to the Pakistani market. Pakistan intends to increase direct supplies of rice, potatoes, mangoes and citrus fruits.

The parties agreed to help each other in the search for trading partners interested in the supply of agricultural products to the markets of Pakistan and Belarus. The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between business representatives of Belarus and Pakistan for setting up joint milk processing enterprises in Pakistan, companies producing whole milk products (ice cream, drinking yogurt, cheese, yoghurt) and baby food using Belarusian milk powder and technologies.

The sides agreed to continue work on the harmonization of phytosanitary and veterinary standards, the exchange of information in the field of quarantine and plant protection for the organization of import and export supplies of agricultural products. The participation in exhibitions and fairs organized in Belarus and Pakistan was also discussed. Thus, Pakistan would like to take part in Belagro 2018, bring a national exposition to the event. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information between the scientific institutions of the two countries on the latest achievements in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, cooperation between scientific institutions in the field of animal husbandry, breeding and animal health, development of new machinery, equipment and mechanisms in demand on Pakistan's market.

An exhibition of Belarusian and Pakistani agricultural products opened on 15 November.

Business representatives held talks during the event. On 17 November the Belarusian delegation is expected to get familiar with several Pakistani agricultural enterprises, meet with members of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Pakistani regions, and hold negotiations on the establishment of joint ventures.

ABOUT ECONOMY Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Over half of Vitebsk Oblast-made innovative products bound for export Yesterday 16:29 First massproduced Belarusian Geely Atlas NL3 rolls out of new BelGee car factory Yesterday 15:29 Hope for robust business cooperation between Belarus, Germany Yesterday 15:12 Belagroprombank, Helaba sign agreement on long-term financing Yesterday 12:23 BACK TO LIST LATEST

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter NEWS Georgian parliament delegation to visit Belarus on 20-22 November Yesterday 19:57 Politics Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Economy Lukashenko: The government will continue helping Belarusians find jobs Yesterday 19:28 President BelarusGermany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 Economy Central government, Minsk Oblast administration instructed to develop Zhodino Yesterday 18:58 President Belarus' National Stadium to feature Chinese motifs Yesterday 18:56 President Belarus-Russia draft mutual visa recognition agreement nearing finalization Yesterday 18:40 Politics WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Economy Belarus' Gorodok District, Russia's Dedenevo sign agreement on cooperation Yesterday 18:12 Society Belarusian car maker BelGee promised big government contracts Yesterday 18:04 President Makei: Belarus will make every effort to bring East and West together Yesterday 18:02 Politics Belarus counts on EU's support with new global dialogue initiative Yesterday 17:43 Politics Belarus president encourages BelGee car maker to set up own engineering department Yesterday 17:42 President Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 Economy Full-value relations with European Union named vital for stability in Belarus Yesterday 17:23 Politics Longer warranty period for Belarus-made Geely cars under consideration Yesterday 17:13 President Lukashenko: Decree to stimulate purchase of Belarusian cars will be signed soon Yesterday 17:10 President Belarus wants Eastern Partnership to prioritize well-being of societies Yesterday 17:02 Politics Lukashenko on car production launch in Belarus: My dream has come true Yesterday 16:50 President EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Economy ALL NEWS WEATHER Minsk +2..+4°C 0..+2°C IN PICTURES Prodexpo 2017 in Minsk If you use BelTA’s materials, you must credit us with a hyperlink to eng.belta.by. Belarus, Pakistan to step up cooperation in agriculture Economy 16.11.2017 | 14:04 fvkoktgm Photo courtesy of Belarus' embassy in Pakistan MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Pakistan have agreed to step up cooperation in agriculture. The decision has been laid down in the protocol of the fourth meeting of the joint group on cooperation in agriculture that took place in Islamabad on 16 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian embassy in Pakistan. The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo, the Pakistani delegation was headed by First Deputy Minister of National Food Security and Research Abbas Maken. In the document, the sides praised the positive dynamics of strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture and food, including in the implementation of agreements reached during

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter the third meeting of the joint working group in Minsk on 24 February. Belarus and Pakistan confirmed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, taking more effective measures to increase mutual trade turnover, developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and joint cooperation in agriculture. During the meeting, the parties too note of a steady growth in mutual supplies of agricultural products. At the same time, it was stressed that the volume of trade turnover between Belarus and Pakistan does not meet the agreements made at the highest level to increase the trade between the two countries. In this regard, the parties expressed mutual interest in expanding the range of supplies. Belarus confirmed its readiness to supply milk powder, cheeses, condensed and concentrated milk, butter, canned products from poultry meat and beef to the Pakistani market. Pakistan intends to increase direct supplies of rice, potatoes, mangoes and citrus fruits. The parties agreed to help each other in the search for trading partners interested in the supply of agricultural products to the markets of Pakistan and Belarus. The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between business representatives of Belarus and Pakistan for setting up joint milk processing enterprises in Pakistan, companies producing whole milk products (ice cream, drinking yogurt, cheese, yoghurt) and baby food using Belarusian milk powder and technologies. The sides agreed to continue work on the harmonization of phytosanitary and veterinary standards, the exchange of information in the field of quarantine and plant protection for the organization of import and export supplies of agricultural products. The participation in exhibitions and fairs organized in Belarus and Pakistan was also discussed. Thus, Pakistan would like to take part in Belagro 2018, bring a national exposition to the event. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information between the scientific institutions of the two countries on the latest achievements in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, cooperation between scientific institutions in the field of animal husbandry, breeding and animal health, development of new machinery, equipment and mechanisms in demand on Pakistan's market. An exhibition of Belarusian and Pakistani agricultural products opened on 15 November. Business representatives held talks during the event. On 17 November the Belarusian delegation is expected to get familiar with several Pakistani agricultural enterprises, meet with members of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Pakistani regions, and hold negotiations on the establishment of joint ventures.

Share:fvkoktgmPrint version MORE ABOUT ECONOMY Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Over half of Vitebsk Oblast-made innovative products bound for export Yesterday 16:29 First mass-produced Belarusian Geely Atlas NL3 rolls out of new

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter BelGee car factory Yesterday 15:29 Hope for robust business cooperation between Belarus, Germany Yesterday 15:12 Belagroprombank, Helaba sign agreement on long-term financing Yesterday 12:23 BACK TO LIST LATEST NEWS Georgian parliament delegation to visit Belarus on 20-22 November Yesterday 19:57 Politics Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Economy Lukashenko: The government will continue helping Belarusians find jobs Yesterday 19:28 President Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 Economy Central government, Minsk Oblast administration instructed to develop Zhodino Yesterday 18:58 President Belarus' National Stadium to feature Chinese motifs Yesterday 18:56 President Belarus-Russia draft mutual visa recognition agreement nearing finalization Yesterday 18:40 Politics WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Economy Belarus' Gorodok District, Russia's Dedenevo sign agreement on cooperation Yesterday 18:12 Society Belarusian car maker BelGee promised big government contracts Yesterday 18:04 President Makei: Belarus will make every effort to bring East and West together Yesterday 18:02 Politics Belarus counts on EU's support with new global dialogue initiative Yesterday 17:43 Politics Belarus president encourages BelGee car maker to set up own engineering department Yesterday 17:42 President Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 Economy Full-value relations with European Union named vital for stability in Belarus Yesterday 17:23 Politics Longer warranty period for Belarus-made Geely cars under consideration Yesterday 17:13 President Lukashenko: Decree to stimulate purchase of Belarusian cars will be signed soon Yesterday 17:10 President Belarus wants Eastern Partnership to prioritize well-being of societies Yesterday 17:02 Politics Lukashenko on car production launch in Belarus: My dream has come true Yesterday 16:50 President EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Economy ALL NEWS WEATHER Minsk +2..+4°C 0..+2°C IN PICTURES Prodexpo 2017 in Minsk http://eng.belta.by/economics/view/belarus-pakistan-to-step-up-cooperation-in-agriculture106781-2017/

Kuttanad wetlands to get new lease of life T. Nandakumar THIRUVANANTHAPURAM , NOVEMBER 16, 2017 20:01 IST

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter The Kuttanad wetland ecosystem development package that had ground to a halt after a series of lapses in implementation, is set to receive a fresh lease of life. The government has launched a move to revive the project with the focus on ecological security of the region.

Two high-level meetings convened by the Chief Secretary recently decided to prepare an action plan after a thorough evaluation of the activities taken up so far under the package. Official sources said the discussions centred on how the remaining programmes could be dovetailed with the Haritha Keralam Mission.

“The new project would focus on sanitation, water supply, flood control and management of waterbodies. Promotion of organic farming and responsible tourism are also expected to get priority,” an official said.

Launched in 2010 for the overall development of the region and the residents, the Kuttanad package was conceived as a solution to the degradation of the aquatic environment and the health hazards faced by the people. The project included proposals for ecological restoration, flood control, development of agriculture and fisheries, sanitation and drinking water supply.

Central funds Prepared by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, the project received a massive dose of funds from the Central government. Yet it failed to achieve most of its objectives. Critics point out that the lion’s share of the funds had gone to the construction of bunds by the Irrigation Department. By June last year, out of the ₹1,268.13 crore sanctioned for various programmes and activities, only ₹780 crore had been utilised.

“The Kuttanad region is on the verge of a crisis. Desperate measures are called for to address the situation on multiple fronts,” says K.G. Padmakumar, Director, International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea-level Farming, Thottapally. Dr. Padmakumar sees the need for a course correction with the focus shifting from hard engineering solutions to soft options such as biofencing and temporary bunds.

Concurring with the view, R. Sridhar, Programme Director, Thanal, stresses the need to link ecological restoration with disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. He also calls for stakeholder consultations and deployment of appropriate technology.

Dr. S. Leenakumary, former Head of the Rice Research Station at Moncombu under Kerala Agricultural University, said the restoration of the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem was closely tied

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter to ecofriendly methods of agriculture and water conservation. “It is important to identify the failures and take corrective action,” she said. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kuttanad-wetlands-to-get-new-lease-oflife/article20492040.ece

Researchers create "golden potato" that can reduce diseases in developing nations News-analysis tech2 News Staff Nov, 18 2017 11:03:01 IST Researchers have engineered a potato in a lab that has the potential to reduce malnutrition and diseases in developing nations. The potatoes contain a higher amount of vitamins A and E than regular potatoes, and are yellow in colour, because of which they are referred to as "golden potatoes". A 150 gram serving of the golden potato to a child can deliver up to 45 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 34 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin E. The same amount can deliver 15 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 17 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin E to women of reproductive age.

Image: Ohio State University Study author Mark Failla says, "More than 800,000 people depend on the potato as their main source of energy and many of these individuals are not consuming adequate amounts of these vital nutrients. These golden tubers have far more vitamin A and vitamin E than white potatoes, and that could make a significant difference in certain populations where deficiencies – and related diseases – are common."

The researchers were trying to engineer a potato that primarily provided more vitamin A, but were pleasantly surprised when the resulting vegetable also contained a high amount of vitamin E. The study has been published in PLOS ONE.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Potato is the most consumed plant food worldwide after rice, wheat and corn. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, and vitamin E protects the nerves, muscles and the immune system. As a staple part of the diet in developing nations, where residents depend

on

starchy

foodstuff

for

sustenance, the golden potato has the potential to prevent death and diseases.

tech2 News Staff

Exporters seek govt support to capture EU rice market The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated November 17, 2017

KARACHI: Sacks of rice being uploaded on a cargo ship at the port in this file photo.

LAHORE: Pakistan has a huge potential for rice exports to European Union but the exporters must pay attention towards meeting import specifications, said Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH. He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) on Thursday to discuss the challenges faced by Pakistani rice exporters in the European market.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Rice exports to European countries are picking up but exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and new regulations being made by these markets, Mr Unger said. However, he said, complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan have reduced to almost negligible levels.

On the occasion, rice exporters sought government support to capture India’s $260 million rice business with the European Union, following the EU’s zero tolerance policy on tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.Reap Chairman Chaudhry Sameeullah Naeem said Pakistan can target India’s Basmati rice share in the EU market following stringent policies placed by the European Union on the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter He asserted that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 tonnes to 350,000 tonnes, grabbing the share of 200,000 tonnes of Indian rice exports to the EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations.

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share, because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India,” he added.

From Jan 1, 2018, all countries that export Basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries including India.

Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 per cent of Basmati crops.

The Reap chief stressed that Pakistani farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops.

“Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de facto ban on Indian exports,” he said.

India exported around 350,000 tonnes of rice worth $260 million to the European Union countries during the last financial year, 70pc of which has tricyclazole limit of 1mg per 1kg.

Mr Naeem demanded the government to announce matching grant to display Pakistani product at international chains.

He said Basmati rice export have been facing severe competition from India, regretting the lack of research and non-availability of new seeds which caused low yields. High input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive, he added.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1370963https://www.dawn.com/news/1370963

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter ‘Pakistan-Kazakhstan trade value holds immense potential’

KARACHI: Trade value between Pakistan and Kazakhstan could increase manifold from the existing below $25 million, but lack of logistics network keeps the immense bilateral trade potential underexplored, a business policy advocacy group said.

Pakistan mainly exported rice, medicaments and medical equipment worth $23.93 million, a minuscule 0.5 percent of the country’s total exports, to the central Asian nation in 2016. “A much larger trade value is possible between the two countries,” Pakistan Business Council (PBC) said in a report.PBC estimates exports trade potential at $182.28 million, identifying four items with major export potential for Pakistan. They include medical appliances ($73,95m), medicaments for therapy ($70.63 million), medicaments with hormones ($28.91 million) and bandages ($4.25 million).

Kazakhstan, having a population of less than Karachi, is a landlocked country with restricted access to the open seas. The central Asian nation’s top origin of imports includes Russia, China and Germany. The council, which represents 62 member organizations from the private sector,

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter said the bilateral trade is very limited despite a huge potential, “which unfortunately is not being achieved due to the lack of a logistics network.”

“The law and order in Afghanistan has been unstable for many years which makes trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan unsafe and time-consuming,” it added. The trade route between the two countries relies on the Regional Cooperation for Development Highway, which goes through Afghanistan to Almaty Kapshagay Highway in

Kazakhstan. Pakistan Business Council further said imports from the central Asian country could also increase to as much as $75.32 million from the current $2.71 million. Pakistan’s top 10 imports, in 2016, include sodium dichromate, dried lentils, road tractors, fermented tea and filament yarn of polyester.

Items with the highest import potential for Pakistan include dried lentils ($33.59 million), parts for boring or sinking machinery ($20.23 million) and boards and cabinets for electric control ($12.13 million). Kazakhstan earns more than $36 billion a year from exports, 75 percent of which comprise of natural fuels.

The country’s top export destinations are Italy, China and Russia. The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations since the latter’s independence from Soviet Union in December 1991.

Kazakhstan initially enjoyed a positive trade balance with Pakistan which turned negative in 2011 when imports from Pakistan increased to $29.58 million, while exports decreased to only $3.95 million. Kazakhstan ranks 35 amongst 190 countries in the ease of doing business index published by the World Bank as compared to 147 for Pakistan https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/244756-pakistan-kazakhstan-trade-value-holds-immense-potential

Rice prices in India rise on improved demand, fresh supply caps gains

By Reuters | Published: 16th November 2017 07:27 PM | Last Updated: 16th November 2017 07:27 PM |

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

BENGALURU: Rice prices in India climbed this week, buoyed by improved overseas demand, but rising supplies from a new season crop capped gains for the staple grain in the world's top exporter.

India's 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $2 per tonne to $399 to $402 per tonne.

"There was an improvement in demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. African buyers were also making inquires," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice was quoted at $380-$387 a tonne, free-onboard (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $375-$387 last week.

Thai Hom Mali rice won the title of "World's Best Rice" at this year's World Rice Conference held in Macau last week and traders said this will have a positive impact on global demand for Thai rice.

"Due to floods in the northeast (part of Thailand) this year, where Hom Mali rice is grown, output of the crop has dropped, causing prices to rise. With this new development, I expect prices to rise further," said a Bangkok-based trader.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Traders were also optimistic that South Korea's tender to buy 132,790 tonnes of rice for December-March arrival may result in demand for Thai rice.

Overall, however, traders said demand was slow, and with new crops expected to enter the market starting the end of this month, prices could drop.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cancelled its first-ever deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice over a delay in shipments, officials said on Tuesday. The deal was signed in August at $453 a tonne.

The country has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after floods damaged its crops and, despite deals with several rice exporting countries including Myanmar and Bangladesh, is still battling to build its reserves.

In Vietnam, the benchmark 5 percent broken rice was quoted at $400-405 a tonne, free-onboard (FOB) Saigon, little changed from the high levels last week due to continuous shortage of supply, traders said.

"The recent harvest mainly served domestic demand and didn't affect export price. New crop yield was available, but prices stayed high," a trader in Ho Chi Minh City said.

"We won't have larger supply until the end of the winter-spring crop season in March."

Sowing for the winter-spring crops, one of Vietnam's two major rice crop seasons, is expected to start only by late November or December as flood waters in the rice-growing Mekong Delta have not completely receded, the trader added. http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/nov/16/rice-prices-in-india-rise-onimproved-demand-fresh-supply-caps-gains-1703043.html

Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods: Ashwani Kumar Arora of LT Foods MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora on how LT Foods, the commodity trader, morphed into a global food giant on the back of basmati rice and health food UTTARA CHOUDHURY NOV 17, 2017

Organic growth: Ashwani Kumar Arora, MD and CEO, LT Foods

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

In the 1980s, LT Foods was one of India’s biggest commodity traders in rice, grains, pulses and beans. Today, bulk rice constitutes 33 percent of its turnover at 1.3 lakh tonnes, while it sells 2.67 lakh tonnes of branded basmati rice annually, and is the world’s second largest rice miller, according to global marketing research firm AC Nielsen. But if you peel back the layers of the LT Foods onion, you will discover bigger ambitions. “We want to be recognised as a global food company, not a commodity trader,” says its MD and CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora (52), whose father started the business as a grains trader in the 1950s.

Arora’s father, Raghunath, set up the firm’s first rice mill in 1978 in Punjab’s Bhikhiwind village, close to India’s border with Pakistan. Since then, the BSE-listed company has established a footprint in 65 countries through its brands Daawat, Royal, and Hadeel.

In November 2016, LT Foods set up a joint venture with Japan’s Kameda Seika Co to make healthy rice snacks for South Asia. Last year, it also bought the Gold Seal Indus Valley and Rozana rice brands from Hindustan Unilever to boost its presence in the Middle East. In the US, it sells branded rice, organic cereals, sauces and Spanish grape seed oil. A few years ago, it introduced a pricey line of organic healthy foods, ecoLife, which sells superfoods like quinoa and roasted freekeh. Sales of healthy food products will top $1 trillion in 2017, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

Arora speaks to Forbes India about the company’s playbook and putting consumers’ health on priority. Edited excerpts:

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Q. Is the firm’s transformation from a commodity trader to a food company driving growth?

My father started the business as a trading company in the 1950s, but to have long-term sustainability it was necessary to create a food business with strong brands. While it is important to offer a quality product, branding is often at the heart of the companies that thrive. Over a 30year journey, we have vigorously transformed into a global food company by establishing strong brands like Daawat, Royal, Hadeel and ecoLife.

Today, the trend is health plus convenience. At LT Foods, we are developing our product range based on that theme. Millennials are pushing for healthier, more eco-friendly foods.

http://www.forbesindia.com/article/real-issue/millennials-are-pushing-to-eat-healthier-ecofriendly-foodsashwani-kumar-arora-of-lt-foods/48677/1

Baby Rice Flour Market Research and Projections 2022 on Consumer Needs, Pricing strategy, Revenue and Growth Rate The Global Baby Rice Flour Market research report is a respected source of information which offers a telescopic view of the current market status. Both established and new players in the Global Baby Rice Flour industry can use this report for complete understanding of the market.

Various key factors are discussed in the report, which will help the buyer in studying the Global market on competitive landscape analysis of prime manufacturers, trends, opportunities, marketing strategies analysis, Market Effect Factor Analysis and Consumer Needs by major regions, types, applications in Global market considering the past, present and future state of the Baby Rice Flour industry. The report provides a thorough overview of the market including definitions, classifications, applications and chain structure.

To understand Table of Content, illustrative tables and figures request a sample report of Global Baby Rice Flour market report @ http://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/request-sample/10478991

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Market Research report focus on these types: – Type I, Type II ; Market Research report focus on these applications: – Application 1, Application 2 . This report contains studies by regions in Global market, especially North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focusing top manufacturers in global market, with Production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering following top players like Heinz, Gerber, Hipp, Nestle, Beingmate and many more.

Several important areas are covered in this Global Baby Rice Flour market research report. Some key points among them: – What Overview of Baby Rice Flour Market Says? This Overview Includes Diligent Analysis of Scope, Types, Application, Sales by region, manufacturers, types and applications; What Is Global Baby Rice Flour Market Competition considering Manufacturers, Types and Application? Based on Thorough Research of Key Factors; Who Are Baby Rice Flour Industry Key Manufacturers? Along with this survey you also get their Product Information (Type, Application and Specification) Global Baby Rice Flour Manufacturing Cost Analysis –This Analysis is done by considering these prime elements like Key RAW Materials, Price Trends, Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials, Proportion of Raw Materials and Labour Cost in Manufacturing Cost Structure; Global Baby Rice Flour Industrial Chain Analysis; Global Baby Rice Flour Marketing strategies analysis by Market Positioning, Pricing and Branding Strategy, Client Targeting; Global Baby Rice Flour Effect Factor Analysis: – Technology Process/Risk Considering Substitute Threat and Technology Progress in Global Baby Rice Flour Industry, Consumer Needs or What Change Is Observed in Preference of Customer, Political/Economical Change; What is Global Baby Rice Flour Market forecast (2017-2022) Considering Sales, Revenue for Regions, Types and Applications?

Topics such as sales and sales revenue overview, production market share by product type, capacity and production overview, import, export, and consumption are covered under the development trend section of the Global Baby Rice Flour market report. Lastly, the feasibility analysis of new project investment is done in the report, which consist of a detailed SWOT analysis of the Global Baby Rice Flour market.

CATEGORIESUNCATEGORIZEDHTTP://WWW.MILITARYTECHNOLOGIES.NET/2017/11/16/BABY-RICE-FLOUR-MARKETRESEARCH-AND-PROJECTIONS-2022-ON-CONSUMER-NEEDS-PRICINGSTRATEGY-REVENUE-AND-GROWTH-RATE/

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Greg Hilburn, USA TODAY NetworkPublished 9:32 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017 | Updated 10:16 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017 U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said Congress is already working on the 2018 Farm Bill to provide "security to farmers, ranchers and foresters." Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network

(Photo: Avery Davidson/Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation) CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE

An enormous rice order from Iraq this week has already boosted prices and morale for Louisiana farmers.Iraq's 90,000 metric ton buy was the country's second order for American long grain milled rice through a new trade agreement or memorandum of understanding between the countries."It's a blessing," said Acadiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot, who was named the 2016 Rice Farmer of the Year by the USA Rice Federation and Rice Farming Magazine. "It's already perked up the cash market here and even in futures prices."Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, the state's only member on the House Agriculture Committee, has been

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41

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter lobbying for the advancement of the agreement. He wrote a letter to U.S. Ambassador Douglas Silliman Tuesday asking for help to close the deal."It's a great day for Louisiana rice," said Abraham, R-Alto. "It's a good shot in the arm for our farmers."

Fontenot was hosting Gov. John Bel Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain Friday morning at his Ville Platte farm as part of Edwards' and Strain's statewide listening tour. "My shop has never been so clean," said Fontenot, laughing.

"I'm confident some of this order will be filled with Louisiana rice, but it has an impact on everybody's rice," said Fontenot, who is the midst of harvesting his ratoon, or second, rice. "This is a big opportunity for us."Strain said expanding trade "is really the only thing that can move the needle on price and product. This is an exciting contract; every contract is critical to agriculture's growth," he said. Abraham and Fontenot said the sale will have even greater impact because it's happening late in the year, a rarity.USA Rice President Betsy Ward agreed.“This will make 120,000 metric tons of U.S. rice going into Iraq since the MOU was signed in 2016,” said Ward in a USA Rice story. “This sale comes at an excellent time and will give the entire industry a welcome boost as we head into the holiday season.”

http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/11/17/congressman-abraham-great-day-la-rice/873817001/

Punjab, Haryana procure 238 lakh tonne paddy IANS | Chandigarh Last Updated at November 17, 2017 20:48 IST

Agrarian states Punjab and Haryana have procured over 238 lakh tonnes of paddy so far, Food and Supplies Department officials said here on Friday.Punjab has procured over 171.35 lakh tonnes and Haryana over 66.73 lakh tonnes, heading towards a record paddy procurement this season.Government agencies have procured 98.5 per cent of the paddy arriving in the grain markets in Punjab and nearly 95 per cent in Haryana. The remaining paddy has been procured by rice millers and private traders.

42

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Punjab is expecting a record procurement of over 182 lakh tonnes of paddy this year compared with over 168 lakh tonnes in of the bumper crop last year.Paddy arrival in Haryana is much higher than the over 61 lakh tonnes that arrived in the state's grain markets corresponding period last year.

The procurement, which began in both states on October 1, will continue till November end.The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned over Rs 33,800 crore for paddy procurement in Punjab in this kharif season Business Standard

Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Eleven on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 17:23 Writer: Nilar The illegal outflow of rice via China’s border routes needs to be addressed through existing policies, regional rice-mill associations and local rice merchants have told the government.

The export of rice without licence via Muse and Lwejel regions along the border with China, they said. Many bags of rice are being smuggled out of the country on a daily basis.

Nay Lin Zin, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, expressed concern that prices could rise if the illegal outflow of rice continues to be tolerated. Inaccurate figures regarding local demand and export volumes could affect prices, he said.“For this problem, the private sector can only give information to the relevant ministries. Coordination with other departments and taking action are up to the relevant government departments,� he said.From April to November 3 this fiscal year, over 1.86 million tonnes of rice were exported, earning over US$558.143 million (761.675 billion kyat). The 1,861,609.897 toness of rice (including broken rice) were exported to 78 countries.

During a rice sector development seminar and joint meeting between the central executive committee and the executive committee of the Myanmar Rice Federation held in Yangon on April 29, president Chit Khaing said he had submitted a letter urging the government to take necessary steps with the trade policy as Chinese merchants were coming directly to Yangon and Bago regions to buy rice.This would be likely to cause a problem in the long run, he predicted. http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/12460

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Pernia appeals to Congress: Lift QR on rice Friday, November 17, 2017

By JEANDIE O. GALOLO AMID third quarter growth of 6.9 percent that made the Philippines the second fastest growing economy in Asia, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) appealed for more support for the agriculture sector. In a speech delivered during the press conference on the performance of the Philippine economy for third quarter 2017, Socio Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia pressed Congress to remove the quantitative restriction on rice. “We request Congress to amend domestic laws governing the rice sector. Our traditional way of helping farmers has been to artificially increase the price of rice.

This adversely affects consumers especially the poor, and yes, including the farmers who are also consumers, and discourages them from producing what could be the more optimal crop choice given their context,” Pernia said. Based on the Agricultural Tariffication Act, the Philippines follows a minimum access volume (MAV) on rice set at 805,200 metric tons. The removal of the MAV is expected to lower prices of rice, with more and cheaper rice imports, that is deemed beneficial to consumers.

“Removing the quantitative restriction on rice, whilst providing technical and other assistance to farmers on crop diversification, will reduce the consumer price of rice and encourage farmers to make the most productive use of their land and labor resource,” said Pernia. The official also cited the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which outlines measures to increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk, as well as their access to economic opportunities, new technology and financial instruments.

“We have to remember that agriculture is a key to economic growth and development. But, as our population increases, and as we expand our physical capacity in terms of roads, bridges, housing and commercial establishments, we need to think of breakthrough innovations in our agricultural sector,” he said.

“Food production needs to be more efficient, having to make do with less land; industrial crop production needs to expand in order to supply the raw materials required by the manufacturing sector. This will increase the value of agriculture, and hence, the income of farmers,” he added.

The agriculture sector grew by 2.5 percent in the third quarter, behind services that grew by 7.1

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter percent and industry at a faster rate of 7.5 percent. For the third quarter, the Philippines’ GDP growth was second to Vietnam at 7.5 percent, and ahead of China’s 6.8 percent.

Overall, year-to-date growth of the Philippine economy rested at 6.7 percent. “All of us know, and there is a growing consensus on this, that the country’s growth cannot be measured by GDP alone. It is not sufficient to guide us in policy and business decisions,” the official reminded stakeholders. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2017/11/18/pernia-appeals-congress-lift-qr-rice-575387

Pakistan can capture India’s $260m rice share in EU November 17, 2017

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Salman Abduhu

LAHORE - Pakistan can capture India’s $260 million rice business with the European Union following the EU’s zero tolerance on Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.

Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah said that Pakistan can target India’s basmati rice share in the EU market, following the stringent policies placed by the European Union on the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity. From January 1, 2018, all countries that export basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01 mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries, including India .

Samee said that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 ton to 350,000 ton, grabbing the share of 200,000 tons of Indian rice export to EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 percent of basmati crops. He said that Pakistan’s farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter “Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de-facto ban on Indian exports,” he added.

India had exported rice of around 350,000 tons worth $260 million to the European Union countries in last fiscal year, 70 percent of which has tricyclazole limit of 1mg/1kg. Samee demanded the government to announce matching grant to shelve Pakistani product at the international store chains. Pakistan’s brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati rice in European countries’ renowned mega stores with the financial support of the government.

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share , because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India .” He said that Basmati rice export had been facing severe competition from India . He regretted that lack of research and nonavailability of new seeds has caused low yields, adding that the high input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive. He urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest exporting sector in line with other export-oriented industries enabling them to be price competitive in the international market to bridge the ever increasing gap of trade deficit of the country. He said rice is the second biggest exporting sector after textile but it was always ignored by the government.

Meanwhile, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan organised an awareness for its members which was also addressed by REAP Chairman Samee Ullah Naeem. Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH was the guest speaker of the seminar, aimed at discussing the challenges being faced by the rice exporters to European market.

Unger said Pakistan has a huge potential of rice export but its exporters should pay attention towards meeting the specifications of their importers. He said that rice export to European countries was picking up but the exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and also new regulations being made by these markets. However, he said that complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan had reduced to almost negligible level. http://nation.com.pk/17-Nov-2017/pakistan-can-capture-india-s-260m-rice-share-in-eu

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Pakistan can earn $260 mn from basmati rice exports after EU ruling Last Updated On 17 November,2017 06:17 pm

The Chairman of Rice Exporters Association requested the government to intervene in the matter.

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan can make inroads at the European Union and boost the exports of basmati rice where the content of pesticides found higher compared to the new rulings effective from January 1, 2018.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Sameeullah Naeem, Chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) told Dunya News on phone from Lahore that an opening has been created following the new ruling of the European Union.

He said recently basmati rice arriving from India was tested and about 70% of the commodity was found with chemical content known as Tricylazole chemical. Chairman explained this chemical was found as farmers usually use it as fungicide against Bacteria Blight and Blast. The amount of the chemical has been higher as per new ruling. According to new formation the content of the chemical in rice should be around 0.01mg per kilogram but after testing the chemical has been detected at 0.5 mg per kilogram which has hazardous.

Following these revelation, Pakistani exporters could capture the market to the tune of nearly 200,000 metric tons of basmati rice. Exporters could capture the EU market and could boost the exports by nearly 260 million dollars.

However, the Chairman REAP explained that it could be possible if the government intervene in the matter and give support and incentive to exporters. “We need to market and place our products in chains of super markets in the EU which requires heavy investment�, he said.

Our basmati rice is high quality rice with graceful fragrance and above all our growers do not use chemical and pesticide on the commodity, he said. It is the best time to grab this opportunity and enter the EU market with a bang. http://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/414935-Pakistan-can-earn-$260-mn-from-basmati-rice-exports-afterEU-ruling

Rabi acreage up 5% but wheat sowing dips OUR BUREAU 49

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 17:

There is a drastic 20 per cent drop in wheat sowing in the current rabi season so far, as compared to the corresponding week last year, data released by Agriculture Ministry showed on Friday.

Against 75.07 lakh hectares (lh) last year this time, sowing this year so far was at 60.19 lh.Overall area under cultivation went up nearly 5 per cent to 230.36 lh (219.47 lh).Much of this increase has come from sowing of pulses which has gone up 34 per cent to 81.24 lh.Similarly, area under rabi rice too increased 31 per cent to 8.57 lh.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter On the other side, there is a 3 per cent drop in area under oilseeds cultivation with the acreage coming down to 49.78 lh 51.30 lh).Coarse cereals, too, registered a 17 per cent jump in acreage with the area so far covered going up to 30.59 lh as compared to 26.11 lh during the same period in the previous season

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rabi-acreage-up-5-but-wheat-sowingdips/article9965511.ece

Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Greg Hilburn, USA TODAY NetworkPublished 9:32 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017 | Updated 10:16 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said Congress is already working on the 2018 Farm Bill to provide "security to farmers, ranchers and foresters." Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network An enormous rice order from Iraq this week has already boosted prices and morale for Louisiana farmers.Iraq's 90,000 metric ton buy was the country's second order for American long grain milled rice through a new trade agreement or memorandum of understanding between the countries. "It's a blessing," said Acadiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot, who was named the 2016 Rice Farmer of the Year by the USA Rice Federation and Rice Farming Magazine. "It's already perked up the cash market here and even in futures prices."

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, the state's only member on the House Agriculture Committee, has been lobbying for the advancement of the agreement. He wrote a letter to U.S. Ambassador Douglas Silliman Tuesday asking for help to close the deal."It's a great day for Louisiana rice," said Abraham, RAlto. "It's a good shot in the arm for our farmers."

Fontenot was hosting Gov. John Bel Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain Friday morning at his Ville Platte farm as part of Edwards' and Strain's statewide listening tour. "My shop has never been so clean," said Fontenot, laughing.

"I'm confident some of this order will be filled with Louisiana rice, but it has an impact on everybody's rice," said Fontenot, who is the midst of harvesting his ratoon, or second, rice. "This is a big opportunity for us."Strain said expanding trade "is really the only thing that can move the needle on price and product.

This is an exciting contract; every contract is critical to agriculture's growth," he said.

Abraham and Fontenot said the sale will have even greater impact because it's happening late in the year, a rarity.

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51

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter USA Rice President Betsy Ward agreed.“This will make 120,000 metric tons of U.S. rice going into Iraq since the MOU was signed in 2016,” said Ward in a USA Rice story. “This sale comes at an excellent time and will give the entire industry a welcome boost as we head into the holiday season. http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/11/17/congressman-abraham-great-day-la-rice/873817001/

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Thailand extends deadline to offload 2 mln T of rice left in stockpiles to 2018 NOVEMBER 17, 2017 / 12:49 PM / BANGKOK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Thailand has extended a deadline to offload the remaining 2 million tonnes of rice for animal consumption or industrial use in state stockpiles from the end of this year to an unspecified date next year, the commerce ministry said on Friday.

The country’s military government inherited 18.7 million tonnes of rice built up under the previous government’s rice subsidy scheme, and has since held several auctions since taking power in May 2014.

Nanthawan Sakuntanak, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told reporters the deadline was extended in order to avoid an oversupply of rice ahead of an upcoming harvest season.

“There is less than 2 million tonnes of rice in the stockpiles,” Nanthawan said. She did not say exactly when in 2018 the deadline would be for eliminating the stockpiles.Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, exported 9.22 million tonnes of rice in the first 10 months of the year, the highest volume among top exporters, according to the commerce ministry.The country said in August it expected to export 11 million tonnes of rice this year, exceeding its initial forecast of 10 million tonnes. The country exported 9.63 million tonnes of rice in 2016.

The ministry said it has government-to-government deals to sell 100,000 tonnes of white rice to China and 150,000 tonnes of parboiled rice to Bangladesh next year. (Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Suphanida Thakral; Editing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Kenneth Maxwell)

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter NOVEMBER 17, 2017 / 12:49 PM /

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BANGKOK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Thailand has extended a deadline to offload the remaining 2 million tonnes of rice for animal consumption or industrial use in state stockpiles from the end of this year to an unspecified date next year, the commerce ministry said on Friday. The country’s military government inherited 18.7 million tonnes of rice built up under the previous government’s rice subsidy scheme, and has since held several auctions since taking power in May 2014.

Nanthawan Sakuntanak, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told reporters the deadline was extended in order to avoid an oversupply of rice ahead of an upcoming harvest season.“There is less than 2 million tonnes of rice in the stockpiles,” Nanthawan said. She did not say exactly when in 2018 the deadline would be for eliminating the stockpiles.

Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, exported 9.22 million tonnes of rice in the first 10 months of the year, the highest volume among top exporters, according to the commerce ministry.The country said in August it expected to export 11 million tonnes of rice this year, exceeding its initial forecast of 10 million tonnes. The country exported 9.63 million tonnes of rice in 2016.The ministry said it has government-to-government deals to sell 100,000 tonnes of white rice to China and 150,000 tonnes of parboiled rice to Bangladesh next year. (Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Suphanida Thakral; Editing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Kenneth Maxwell)https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N1NN2DY

Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Submitted by Eleven on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 17:23 Writer: Nilar The illegal outflow of rice via China’s border routes needs to be addressed through existing policies, regional rice-mill associations and local rice merchants have told the government.The export of rice without licence via Muse and Lwejel regions along the border with China, they said. Many bags of rice are being smuggled out of the country on a daily basis.Nay Lin Zin, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, expressed concern that prices could rise if the illegal outflow of rice continues to be tolerated. Inaccurate figures regarding local demand and export volumes could affect prices, he said.“For this problem, the private sector can only give information to the relevant ministries. Coordination with other departments and taking action are up to the relevant government departments,” he said.From April to November 3 this fiscal year, over 1.86 million tonnes of rice were exported, earning over US$558.143 million (761.675 billion kyat). The 1,861,609.897 toness of rice (including broken rice) were exported to 78 countries.

54 During a rice sector development seminar and joint meeting between the central executive committee and the executive committee of the Myanmar Rice Federation held in Yangon on April 29, president Chit Khaing said

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter he had submitted a letter urging the government to take necessary steps with the trade policy as Chinese merchants were coming directly to Yangon and Bago regions to buy rice.

This would be likely to cause a problem in the long run, he predicted. http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/12460

Asia Rice: India Prices Rise on Improved Demand, Fresh Supply Caps Gains A woman winnows rice in a field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India November 10, 2017. (Reuters Photo/Amit Dave) By : Koustav Samanta | on 4:00 AM November 17, 2017 Category : International, Asia-Pacific

Bengaluru. Rice prices in India climbed this week, buoyed by improved overseas demand, but rising supplies from a new season crop capped gains for the staple grain in the world's top exporter.India's 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $2 per tonne to $399 to $402 per tonne.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter "There was an improvement in demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. African buyers were also making inquires," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice was quoted at $380-$387 a tonne, freeon-board (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $375-$387 last week.

Thai Hom Mali rice won the title of "World's Best Rice" at this year's World Rice Conference held in Macau last week and traders said this will have a positive impact on global demand for Thai rice.

"Due to floods in the northeast (part of Thailand) this year, where Hom Mali rice is grown, output of the crop has dropped, causing prices to rise. With this new development, I expect prices to rise further," said a Bangkok-based trader.Traders were also optimistic that South Korea's tender to buy 132,790 tonnes of rice for December-March arrival may result in demand for Thai rice.

Overall, however, traders said demand was slow, and with new crops expected to enter the market starting the end of this month, prices could drop.Meanwhile, Bangladesh cancelled its first-ever deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice over a delay in shipments, officials said on Tuesday. The deal was signed in August at $453 a tonne.

The country has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after floods damaged its crops and, despite deals with several rice exporting countries including Myanmar and Bangladesh, is still battling to build its reserves.In Vietnam, the benchmark 5 percent broken rice was quoted at $400-405 a tonne, free-on-board (FOB) Saigon, little changed from the high levels last week due to continuous shortage of supply, traders said.

"The recent harvest mainly served domestic demand and didn't affect export price. New crop yield was available, but prices stayed high," a trader in Ho Chi Minh City said."We won't have larger supply until the end of the winter-spring crop season in March."

Sowing for the winter-spring crops, one of Vietnam's two major rice crop seasons, is expected to start only by late November or December as flood waters in the rice-growing Mekong Delta have not completely receded, the trader added http://jakartaglobe.id/international/asia-rice-india-prices-rise-improved-demand-fresh-supply-caps-gains/

Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods www.ricepluss.com / www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com Contact Online Advertisement : mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell: 0321 369 2874

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter rice accounts for about two-thirds of our sales, while trading and value-added products, such as brown rice, make up the rest. Q. How important is North America in your growth strategy? We are a $500million company and 30 percent of our revenue comes from America, so it’s our biggest export market, and will be for the foreseeable future. LT has more than 45 percent of the basmati rice market in the US with brands like Daawat LT Foods Millennials are pushing to eat healthier, eco-friendly foods: Ashwani Kumar Arora of LT Foods MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora on how LT Foods, the commodity trader, morphed into a global food giant on the back of basmati rice and health food.

Organic growth: Ashwani Kumar Arora, MD and CEO, LT Foods In the 1980s, LT Foods was one of India’s biggest commodity traders in rice, grains, pulses and beans. Today, bulk rice constitutes 33 percent of its turnover at 1.3 lakh tonnes, while it sells 2.67 lakh tonnes of branded basmati rice annually, and is the world’s second largest rice miller, according to global marketing research firm AC Nielsen. But if you peel back the layers of the LT Foods onion, you will discover bigger ambitions. “We want to be recognised as a global food company, not a commodity trader,” says its MD and CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora (52), whose father started the business as a grains trader in the 1950s. Arora’s father, Raghunath, set up the firm’s first rice mill in 1978 in Punjab’s Bhikhiwind village, close to India’s border with Pakistan. Since then, the BSE-listed company has established a footprint in 65 countries through its brands Daawat, Royal, and Hadeel. In November 2016, LT Foods set up a joint venture with Japan’s Kameda Seika Co to make healthy rice snacks for South Asia. Last year, it also bought the Gold Seal Indus Valley and Rozana rice brands from Hindustan Unilever to boost its presence in the Middle East. In the US, it sells branded rice, organic cereals, sauces and Spanish grape seed oil. A few years ago, it introduced a pricey line of organic healthy foods, ecoLife, which sells superfoods like quinoa and roasted freekeh. Sales of healthy food products will top $1 trillion in 2017, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

Arora speaks to Forbes India about the company’s playbook and putting consumers’ health on priority.

Edited excerpts: Q. Is the firm’s transformation from a commodity trader to a food company driving growth? My father started the business as a trading company in the 1950s, but to have long-term sustainability it was necessary to create a food business with strong brands. While it is important to offer a quality product, branding is often at the heart of the companies that thrive. Over a 30-year journey, we

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter have vigorously transformed into a global food company by establishing strong brands like Daawat, Royal, Hadeel and ecoLife. Today, the trend is health plus convenience. At LT Foods, we are developing our product range based on that theme. Millennials are pushing for healthier, more eco-friendly foods.

Euromonitor says sales of healthy food products will top $1 trillion in 2017 Q. LT Foods has an estimated revenue of $500 million. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

LT Foods expects revenue to double to $1 billion by 2022. We have a clear roadmap. We are leveraging our brands to build an export-driven global food company. Improvements in procurement, processing, sales and distribution should lift operating profit as a percentage of revenue to 15 percent in the coming years from 12 percent. Life is like a giant chessboard where you have to be completely aware in the moment, but also thinking of a few moves ahead.

At LT Foods, we are preparing for the future by creating products that are aligned to changing consumer preferences. We are concentrating on our organic foods portfolio which will be a growth driver, even as our core rice business provides strong cash flows. Q. How much rice do you sell in India and what is your market share? LT Foods annually sells about 2 lakh tonnes of branded basmati rice in India, and has a 20 percent market share. Branded packaged and Royal. In July, we purchased the 817 Elephant brand to boost sales in the US and Canada. We’ve also partnered with Walmart and US specialty grocer Trader Joe’s. Q. You launched a $15-million rice processing plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to cater to Europe.

What are your investment plans for America? I don’t want to break down numbers, but we are making sizeable investments. In October, we launched our ready-to-serve rice plant in Houston, Texas. We are creating jobs through our main office in California, regional offices in Houston and New Jersey, and warehouses across the country. We also have a big marketing budget for the US. Q. How do you remain responsive to shifting consumer needs? Historically, the traditional tactics of advertising, promotion and price moved markets.

It is not so easy now. The energy in a marketing-driven company was ‘yelling’ a message. In contrast, a new-age market-driven company ‘listens’ to its customers. As a responsive brand, we keep track of relevant platforms that will help us reach and listen to our customers. For example, we listened to our customers’ frustrations about how brown rice took ages to cook. In response, we developed our 12-minute ‘quick cook brown rice’ and it became an instant success. We have 80 percent market share of the branded brown rice market in India. We also launched Rozana Gold Plus, which has a mix of 80 percent basmati and 20 percent quick cook brown rice. Also, we are selling direct-to-consumers via digital platforms, making scale of distribution less of a differentiator. Q. How do you compete with KRBL Ltd and Kohinoor Foods?

We aim to increase our annual rice processing volumes to 5 lakh tonnes in two years, from 4 lakh tonnes, by outsourcing to mills owned by others. We don’t want to invest capital and there is a lot of idle capacity

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter available. We respect our competition and keep tweaking our portfolio to keep up with changing market dynamics. I believe growing our portfolio beyond rice towards health foods puts us in a strong position competitively. Q. The 2014 sweepstakes, where you gave away a Mercedes-Benz car in the US to the winner of ‘25 Ways to Win With Basmati Rice’, created a buzz. Are sweepstakes part of your marketing strategy? These initiatives are an integral part of our marketing strategy. When it comes to promotions, contests, sweepstakes and so on, we are all the same—we all want to win! These initiatives connect customers to our products. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/real-issue/millennials-are-pushing-to-eat-healthier-ecofriendly-foodsashwani-kumar-arora-of-lt-foods/48677/1

Rice exporters seek grant to sideline India in European market LAHORE: Rice exporters have sought government’s support to capture most of India’s $260million rice business with the European Union as the 28-nation bloc has adopted a zero tolerance policy for the Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains. Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Chaudhry Sameeullah Naeem sought the assistance at a seminar organised by the association for the awareness of its members. Naeem emphasised that Pakistan could target India’s basmati rice market in the EU following upcoming application of stringent policies by the bloc to the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity. From January 1, 2018, all countries that export basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit for Tricyclazole to 0.01mg per kg. Until now, the EU has been accepting 1mg per kg in rice shipped from different countries including India.

‘Made in Pakistan’ expo planned in UK Naeem suggested that Pakistan could enhance rice exports to the EU from 150,000 tons to 350,000 tons by grabbing Indian exports of 200,000 tons which may be stopped due to the strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers over more than 70% of basmati crop. But Pakistani farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their produce.

“Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require the use of fungicide and we can gain from the restriction on Indian exports,” Naeem said. India exported around 350,000 tons of rice worth $260 million to EU countries in the previous fiscal year. Of these, 70% had 1mg per kg of Tricyclazole. He pressed the government to announce a grant to help promote Pakistani rice in the international store chains. “Pakistan’s brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati in renowned mega stores of European states with financial support of the government,” he said.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share because it will take at least two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole. ” Naeem pointed out that basmati rice exports had been facing stiff competition from India and decried that lack of research and unavailability of new seeds had resulted in low productivity.

“High input costs have made Pakistan’s basmati totally uncompetitive,” he said and urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest export sector in order to enable them become price competitive and bridge the widening trade deficit. “Rice is the second biggest export sector after textiles but it has always been ignored by the government,” he remarked.

The Main Dish Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH, while discussing the challenges faced by the exporters of rice to the European market, said Pakistan had a huge potential but the exporters should pay attention to meeting specifications of the importers. “Rice exports to European countries are picking up, but exporters should pay attention to issues like

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter aflatoxins, pesticide residue and new regulations being put in place by these markets. However, complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan have dropped to almost negligible levels,” he added. Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2017.

Iraq says buys 90,000 tonnes of US rice in direct deal

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s trade ministry said on Thursday it had bought 90,000 tonnes of US rice in a direct deal outside of the tender process. The deal was signed with ADM at the price of $648 a tonne, Mohammed Hanoun, a spokesman for the ministry, said. European traders said the deal was for long grain milled rice for November 2017-February 2018 shipment.

Iraq on Nov. 6 also confirmed it had purchased 500,000 tonnes of wheat in a direct purchase, from Cargill, ADM and a third unnamed firm. Iraq’s cabinet in May authorised the ministry of trade to make direct purchases of wheat and rice to guarantee food security. The Middle East buyer had been struggling to import the grains for its food subsidy programme after introducing

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter new payment and quality terms that kept traders away from its international tenders earlier this year. https://www.brecorder.com/2017/11/17/381819/iraq-says-buys-90000-tonnes-of-us-rice-indirect-deal/

Thailand extends deadline to offload 2 mln T of rice left in stockpiles to 2018 BANGKOK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Thailand has extended a deadline to offload the remaining 2 million tonnes of rice for animal consumption or industrial use in state stockpiles from the end of this year to an unspecified date next year, the commerce ministry said on Friday.

The country’s military government inherited 18.7 million tonnes of rice built up under the previous government’s rice subsidy scheme, and has since held several auctions since taking power in May 2014.

Nanthawan Sakuntanak, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told reporters the deadline was extended in order to avoid an oversupply of rice ahead of an upcoming harvest season.

“There is less than 2 million tonnes of rice in the stockpiles,” Nanthawan said. She did not say exactly when in 2018 the deadline would be for eliminating the stockpiles.Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, exported 9.22 million tonnes of rice in the first 10 months of the year, the highest volume among top exporters, according to the commerce ministry.The country said in August it expected to export 11 million tonnes of rice this year, exceeding its initial forecast of 10 million tonnes. The country exported 9.63 million tonnes of rice in 2016.

The ministry said it has government-to-government deals to sell 100,000 tonnes of white rice to China and 150,000 tonnes of parboiled rice to Bangladesh next year. (Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Suphanida Thakral; Editing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Kenneth Maxwell) https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N1NN2DY

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Commerce Ministry officials and members of the private sector will fly to Bangladesh next month to discuss a new purchasing agreement for milled rice, after Bangladesh recently cancelled an order of the commodity. The purchasing agreements for Cambodian milled rice are part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August between Bangladesh and Cambodia, according to which the kingdom is to sell about one million tonnes of rice in the five years leading up to 2022.

Ministry of Commerce (MoC) spokesman Long Kem Vichet told Khmer Times yesterday that both countries are now negotiating a new rice deal based on the MoU. “After running into some stumbling blocks, the negotiations for the rice deal have not concluded yet,” he said. “The MoU we signed with Bangladesh is still valid, so we are still sending rice to Bangladesh, but we are now negotiating a new purchasing agreement.

“In December, we will go to Bangladesh again to discuss the details of the deal.” Reuters has reported that Bangladesh terminated the deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice due to a delay in the shipment. Badrul Hasan, the head of Bangladesh’s state grain buyer, said the deal was cancelled after Cambodia failed to supply the rice on time. Hun Lak, the vicepresident of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said the deal was cancelled because Bangladesh has high requirements about the way the export process is conducted.

“Their requirements are difficult for us to meet because we ship ‘Free On Board’ (FOB), using a delivery schedule and payment method that is convenient for us,” Mr Lak said. Mr Vichet reiterated that the MoU was still in place and that Cambodia will supply rice to the South Asian nation once details of the new purchasing agreement are worked out. Bangladesh, the world’s fourth-biggest rice producer, has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after flash floods in April hit domestic output. As a result, the country is facing dwindling stocks and high local prices. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/bangladesh-rice-agreement-is-still-2018valid2019

Interest in U.S. Rice Runs High in Shanghai

By Sarah Moran SHANGHAI, CHINA -- The overwhelming number of visitors to the USA Rice booth at the Food and Hotel China (FHC) show here this week, and their interest in U.S. rice, is a good indication of how ready the Chinese market is for U.S.-grown rice."While the importers generally understood the status of U.S. access to the China rice market, they all were interested

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter to know when the process would conclude and when they could enter into purchase contracts to import U.S. rice," said Jim Guinn, director of USA Rice Asia Promotion Programs.

At the USA Rice booth, a chef prepared dishes for sampling using five different types of U.S. rice from the South and California. "During the cooking demonstration, we were able to stress the quality, variety, and safety of U.S. rice -- important attributes to high-income consumers in China," said Guinn.

USA rice also met with the U.S. Consul General (CG) as well as USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) staff from four regional offices and Beijing. "The CG was aware of U.S. rice market access issues, and was reminded that the U.S. rice industry believes the China market represents a significant opportunity, but may require additional assistance in the political arena to get past the final hurdles to actual shipments of U.S. rice," said Guinn.

Guinn concluded, "We encouraged FAS to stay engaged with their Chinese counterparts to complete the access process. Once true access is gained, we would like close coordination between the affected Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) and China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) port officials to solve any issues that may arise with first shipments of U.S. rice."

China remains the largest producer and consumer of rice in the world and annually imports more than five million metric tons.

USA RICE DAILY

Rice export to China on decline: Reap 

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Rafique Suleman Senior Vice Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has said that Pakistani rice exporters are putting their untiring efforts towards the growth of Pakistan's economy and looking new markets to enhance the rice exports up to $2 billion by end of this fiscal year.He was talking to a delegation of China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corporation (Group) led by Li Lin deputy G M, visited REAP Karachi office on Wednesday

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter with Consular Attaché Zhang Hao Consulate of China. During the meeting former chairman REAP Mahmood Moulvi, Fawad Gharib, Safdar Mehkari, Qayum Paracha, Chela Ram and others were also present.

Rafique Suleman informed the delegation that Pakistani rice exporters, besides making efforts to fine new export markets, updating their rice mills to meet the required standards of China and other countries to increase rice exports in general.He informed that rice export to China is on decline due to tariff barrier. However, it will give a big boost if Pakistan can also get Duty Free Benefit in Free Trade Agreement like ASEAN Countries, he added. He requested the Counselor Attaché of China to take up this matter with Chinese Authorities.

He said that Pakistani is one of best basmati and Irri rice producer in the world and being a neighbor country China can import rice at cheap rates.

Senior Vice Chairman REAP also presented REAP's Shield to the Chinese delegation and thanked them for their visit to REAP House, Karachi. Leader of Chinese delegation appreciated the efforts of Pakistani rice exporters and assured their full cooperation in the matter. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171116235356/

Zakaria asks KCCI to identify fine quality exportable goods 

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Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Muhammad Nafees Zakaria has called for export of the finest quality goods because these products represent Pakistan abroad. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), he said Pakistani exporters usually export traditional items such as rice, surgical and sports goods etc, whereas many other important products including fisheries, dairy products and basmati rice etc., have not been tapped. Said items too have to be introduced in different markets around the world including Malaysia, he proposed.

In this regard, Nafees Zakaria advised KCCI to carry out a detailed study which must focus on identifying those Pakistani products and services which can be exported to Malaysian market.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter "Although it is a small market of 30 million population, other important markets within the proximity of Malaysia including Vietnam, Thailand and Brunei must also be taken into consideration," he suggested, asking the KCCI officials to also include this aspect in the study so that these could also be tapped by Pakistani exporters.

Similarly, he further said, Malaysian business community could also explore opportunities available not only in Pakistan but also in its neighbouring countries. Zakaria said a state-of-theart Display Centre would be established at Pakistan's High Commission in Malaysia with the support and cooperation of the business/ industrial community. He said that a single country exhibition would also be organized in Malaysia in April, 2018. He said that it would be made sure that this exhibition should not be held on the dates of the KCCI's My Karachi Exhibition which is also set to be held in April.

The envoy requested Karachi Chamber to ensure its participation in the single country exhibition in Malaysia and help identify numerous sectors which should be focused at the planned event.

He assured that during his three-year long tenure, he would make all-out efforts to rebuild the image of Pakistan and improve its perception by highlighting the true colours and actual potential of his country. He said he was fully committed but he could achieve the desired goals without the support and cooperation of business community. He vowed to strive to look for the right Malaysian businessmen and industrialists, particularly from the Pakistani diaspora who are keen to enhance trade with Pakistan "I will not only be focusing on enhancing trade but will equally be concentrating on furthering the political relations which are also essential to facilitate trade," he asserted. Zakaria was of the opinion that Pakistan's exports had been shrinking as the industrialization had squeezed and the local production was narrowing, leaving no surplus for exports. He said that the value addition was also being ignored by Pakistani manufacturers and raw material was largely being exported which was the basic reason behind the descending exports.

Citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he advised KCCI to fully involve in this project by constantly remaining in touch with the Planning Division as it has been observed that the business community is not much acquainted with the significance and developments of this project. "Business community of Karachi must identify the areas of investment in CPEC project and accordingly devise strategies to fully benefit from this project," he urged.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik pointed out that Pakistan exported goods worth $138.53 million to Malaysia whereas its imports stood at $924.52 million, indicating the overall trade volume heavily in favour of Malaysia. He asked Zakaria that High Commission must take serious steps to make trade volume between the two countries balanced and KCCI would support if any initiative in this regard is taken.

"To improve Pakistan's trade and investment ties with Malaysia, the paramount interest of Pakistan's High Commission should be to rebuild the image of Pakistan, particularly Karachi where the security situation has substantially improved," he exhorted. On CPEC, KCCI president said, the government has been facilitating the Chinese business community only whereas not much attention was being given to the business and industrial community of Karachi.

"CPEC will not be successful if the government continues to pay attention to Chinese businessmen and investors only, while the local business community is largely ignored," he alerted. Malik was of the view that the business community of Karachi, which deserves to be saluted, continued to carry out their activities despite so many odds including widespread corruption, poor law and order, rigid taxation policies and massive discretionary powers. He said business community of Karachi requires a level playing field and one-window operations in order to enhance exports.

He also sought High Commissioner's assistance for promoting Karachi Chamber's 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, effectively, amongst Malaysian business community. He said the three-day exhibition scheduled to be held on April 20-22, next year, will provide a perfect opportunity to Malaysian business community to showcase their products and services in front of more than 1 million visitors. Senior vice president Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, vice president Rehan Hanif, former President Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171117235661/

Reap seeks government’s support to capture India’s $260 million business with EU RECORDER REPORT NOV 17TH, 2017

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter LAHORE The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has sought the government's support to capture India's US 260 million dollars rice business with the European Union (EU) following the EU's zero tolerance on Tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.The demand was raised by REAP Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah Naeem at a seminar organized by the association for raising awareness amongst its members about rice exports potential. Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH was the guest speaker of the seminar wherein challenges being faced by the rice exporters to European market were discussed.

Unger said Pakistan possesses huge potential of rice export and its exporters should pay attention towards meeting the specifications of their importers. He said rice export to the European countries was picking up but the exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and also new regulations being made by these markets.

However, he said that complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan had reduced to almost negligible level. REAP Chairman Chaudhry Samee Ullah said that Pakistan can target India's basmati rice share in the EU market following the stringent policies placed by the European Union about the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity.

From January 1, 2018, all countries exporting basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01 mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries including India, he pointed out. Chaudhry Samee said that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 ton to 350,000 ton, grabbing the share of 200,000 tons of Indian rice export to the EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations. Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 percent of basmati crops, he said, adding: "Pakistan's farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops. Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de-facto ban on Indian exports."

Samee Ullah urged the government to announce matching grant to shelve Pakistani product at the international store chains. Pakistan's brand can get space by replacing Indian basmati rice in European countries' renowned mega stores with the financial support of the government, he added. "This presents an opportunity to grab India's market share because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India," he said.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter He said Basmati rice export had been facing severe competition from India. He regretted that lack of research and non-availability of new seeds has caused low yields, adding that the high input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive. He urged the government to extend financial support to the second biggest exporting sector in line with other export-oriented industries enabling them to be price competitive in the international market to bridge the ever increasing gap of trade deficit of the country. He said rice is the second biggest exporting sector after textile but it was always ignored by the government. https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/11/20171117235683/

Belarus, Pakistan to step up cooperation in agriculture Economy

16.11.2017 | 14:04 fvkoktgm Photo courtesy of Belarus' embassy in Pakistan MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Pakistan have agreed to step up cooperation in agriculture. The decision has been laid down in the protocol of the fourth meeting of the joint group on cooperation in agriculture that took place in Islamabad on 16 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian embassy in Pakistan.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo, the Pakistani delegation was headed by First Deputy Minister of National Food Security and Research Abbas Maken. In the document, the sides praised the positive dynamics of strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture and food, including in the implementation of agreements reached during the third meeting of the joint working group in Minsk on 24 February.

Belarus and Pakistan confirmed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, taking more effective measures to increase mutual trade turnover, developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and joint cooperation in agriculture. During the meeting, the parties too note of a steady growth in mutual supplies of agricultural products. At the same time, it was stressed that the volume of trade turnover between Belarus and Pakistan does not meet the agreements made at the highest level to increase the trade between the two countries. In this regard, the parties expressed mutual interest in expanding the range of supplies. Belarus confirmed its readiness to supply milk powder, cheeses, condensed and concentrated milk, butter, canned products from poultry meat and beef to the Pakistani market. Pakistan intends to increase direct supplies of rice, potatoes, mangoes and citrus fruits.

The parties agreed to help each other in the search for trading partners interested in the supply of agricultural products to the markets of Pakistan and Belarus. The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between business representatives of Belarus and Pakistan for setting up joint milk processing enterprises in Pakistan, companies producing whole milk products (ice cream, drinking yogurt, cheese, yoghurt) and baby food using Belarusian milk powder and technologies.

The sides agreed to continue work on the harmonization of phytosanitary and veterinary standards, the exchange of information in the field of quarantine and plant protection for the organization of import and export supplies of agricultural products. The participation in exhibitions and fairs organized in Belarus and Pakistan was also discussed. Thus, Pakistan would like to take part in Belagro 2018, bring a national exposition to the event.

Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information between the scientific institutions of the two countries on the latest achievements in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, cooperation between scientific institutions in the field of animal

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter husbandry, breeding and animal health, development of new machinery, equipment and mechanisms in demand on Pakistan's market.

An exhibition of Belarusian and Pakistani agricultural products opened on 15 November.

Business representatives held talks during the event. On 17 November the Belarusian delegation is expected to get familiar with several Pakistani agricultural enterprises, meet with members of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Pakistani regions, and hold negotiations on the establishment of joint ventures.

ABOUT ECONOMY Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Over half of Vitebsk Oblast-made innovative products bound for export Yesterday 16:29 First mass-produced Belarusian Geely Atlas NL3 rolls out of new BelGee car factory Yesterday 15:29 Hope for robust business cooperation between Belarus, Germany Yesterday 15:12 Belagroprombank, Helaba sign agreement on longterm financing Yesterday 12:23 BACK TO LIST LATEST NEWS Georgian parliament delegation to visit Belarus on 20-22 November Yesterday 19:57 Politics Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Economy Lukashenko: The government will continue helping Belarusians find jobs Yesterday 19:28 President Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 Economy Central government, Minsk Oblast administration instructed to develop Zhodino Yesterday 18:58 President Belarus' National Stadium to feature Chinese motifs Yesterday 18:56 President Belarus-Russia draft mutual visa recognition agreement nearing finalization Yesterday 18:40 Politics WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Economy Belarus' Gorodok District, Russia's Dedenevo sign agreement on cooperation Yesterday 18:12 Society Belarusian car maker BelGee promised big government contracts Yesterday 18:04 President Makei: Belarus will make every effort to bring East and West together Yesterday 18:02 Politics Belarus counts on EU's support with new global dialogue initiative Yesterday 17:43 Politics

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Belarus president encourages BelGee car maker to set up own engineering department Yesterday 17:42 President Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 Economy Full-value relations with European Union named vital for stability in Belarus Yesterday 17:23 Politics Longer warranty period for Belarus-made Geely cars under consideration Yesterday 17:13 President Lukashenko: Decree to stimulate purchase of Belarusian cars will be signed soon Yesterday 17:10 President Belarus wants Eastern Partnership to prioritize well-being of societies Yesterday 17:02 Politics Lukashenko on car production launch in Belarus: My dream has come true Yesterday 16:50 President EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Economy ALL NEWS WEATHER Minsk +2..+4°C 0..+2°C IN PICTURES Prodexpo 2017 in Minsk If you use BelTA’s materials, you must credit us with a hyperlink to eng.belta.by.

Belarus, Pakistan to step up cooperation in agriculture Economy 16.11.2017 | 14:04 fvkoktgm Photo courtesy of Belarus' embassy in Pakistan MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Pakistan have agreed to step up cooperation in agriculture. The decision has been laid down in the protocol of the fourth meeting of the joint group on cooperation in agriculture that took place in Islamabad on 16 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian embassy in Pakistan. The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo, the Pakistani delegation was headed by First Deputy Minister of National Food Security and Research Abbas Maken. In the document, the sides praised the positive dynamics of strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture and food, including in the implementation of agreements reached during the third meeting of the joint working group in Minsk on 24 February. Belarus and Pakistan confirmed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, taking more effective measures to increase mutual trade turnover, developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and joint cooperation in agriculture. During the meeting, the parties too note of a steady growth in mutual supplies of agricultural products. At the same time, it was stressed that the volume of trade turnover between Belarus and Pakistan does not meet the agreements made at the highest level to increase the trade between the two countries. In this regard, the parties expressed mutual interest in expanding the range of supplies. Belarus confirmed its readiness to supply milk powder, cheeses, condensed and concentrated

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter milk, butter, canned products from poultry meat and beef to the Pakistani market.

Pakistan intends to increase direct supplies of rice, potatoes, mangoes and citrus fruits.

The parties agreed to help each other in the search for trading partners interested in the supply of agricultural products to the markets of Pakistan and Belarus. The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between business representatives of Belarus and Pakistan for setting up joint milk processing enterprises in Pakistan, companies producing whole milk products (ice cream, drinking yogurt, cheese, yoghurt) and baby food using Belarusian milk powder and technologies. The sides agreed to continue work on the harmonization of phytosanitary and veterinary standards, the exchange of information in the field of quarantine and plant protection for the organization of import and export supplies of agricultural products. The participation in exhibitions and fairs organized in Belarus and Pakistan was also discussed. Thus, Pakistan would like to take part in Belagro 2018, bring a national exposition to the event.

Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information between the scientific institutions of the two countries on the latest achievements in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, cooperation between scientific institutions in the field of animal husbandry, breeding and animal health, development of new machinery, equipment and mechanisms in demand on Pakistan's market. An exhibition of Belarusian and Pakistani agricultural products opened on 15 November. Business representatives held talks during the event. On 17 November the Belarusian delegation is expected to get familiar with several Pakistani agricultural enterprises, meet with members of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Pakistani regions, and hold negotiations on the establishment of joint ventures. Share:fvkoktgmPrint version MORE ABOUT ECONOMY Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Over half of Vitebsk Oblast-made innovative products bound for export Yesterday 16:29 First mass-produced Belarusian Geely Atlas NL3 rolls out of new BelGee car factory Yesterday 15:29 Hope for robust business cooperation between Belarus, Germany Yesterday 15:12 Belagroprombank, Helaba sign agreement on longterm financing Yesterday 12:23 BACK TO LIST LATEST NEWS Georgian parliament

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter delegation to visit Belarus on 20-22 November Yesterday 19:57 Politics Localization rate at new Belarusian car factory to exceed 50% in 2018 Yesterday 19:43 Economy Lukashenko: The government will continue helping Belarusians find jobs Yesterday 19:28 President Belarus-Germany tighter cooperation in electric transportation suggested Yesterday 19:16 Economy Central government, Minsk Oblast administration instructed to develop Zhodino Yesterday 18:58 President Belarus' National Stadium to feature Chinese motifs Yesterday 18:56 President Belarus-Russia draft mutual visa recognition agreement nearing finalization Yesterday 18:40 Politics WB to invest about $570m in Belarusian economy within five years Yesterday 18:23 Economy Belarus' Gorodok District, Russia's Dedenevo sign agreement on cooperation Yesterday 18:12 Society Belarusian car maker BelGee promised big government contracts Yesterday 18:04 President Makei: Belarus will make every effort to bring East and West together Yesterday 18:02 Politics Belarus counts on EU's support with new global dialogue initiative Yesterday 17:43 Politics Belarus president encourages BelGee car maker to set up own engineering department Yesterday 17:42 President Belarus-Ukraine interregional cooperation hailed as promising Yesterday 17:29 Economy Full-value relations with European Union named vital for stability in Belarus Yesterday 17:23 Politics Longer warranty period for Belarus-made Geely cars under consideration Yesterday 17:13 President Lukashenko: Decree to stimulate purchase of Belarusian cars will be signed soon Yesterday 17:10 President Belarus wants Eastern Partnership to prioritize wellbeing of societies Yesterday 17:02 Politics Lukashenko on car production launch in Belarus: My dream has come true Yesterday 16:50 President EAEU central banks discuss approaches to building common financial market Yesterday 16:43 Economy ALL NEWS WEATHER Minsk +2..+4°C 0..+2°C IN PICTURES Prodexpo 2017 in Minsk http://eng.belta.by/economics/view/belarus-pakistan-to-step-up-cooperation-inagriculture-106781-2017/

Kuttanad wetlands to get new lease of life T. Nandakumar THIRUVANANTHAPURAM , NOVEMBER 16, 2017 20:01 IST

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

The Kuttanad wetland ecosystem development package that had ground to a halt after a series of lapses in implementation, is set to receive a fresh lease of life. The government has launched a move to revive the project with the focus on ecological security of the region.

Two high-level meetings convened by the Chief Secretary recently decided to prepare an action plan after a thorough evaluation of the activities taken up so far under the package.

Official sources said the discussions centred on how the remaining programmes could be dovetailed with the Haritha Keralam Mission.

“The new project would focus on sanitation, water supply, flood control and management of waterbodies. Promotion of organic farming and responsible tourism are also expected to get priority,” an official said.

Launched in 2010 for the overall development of the region and the residents, the Kuttanad package was conceived as a solution to the degradation of the aquatic environment and the health hazards faced by the people. The project included proposals for ecological restoration, flood control, development of agriculture and fisheries, sanitation and drinking water supply.

Central funds Prepared by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, the project received a massive dose of funds from the Central government. Yet it failed to achieve most of its objectives.

Critics point out that the lion’s share of the funds had gone to the construction of bunds by the Irrigation Department. By June last year, out of the ₹1,268.13 crore sanctioned for various programmes and activities, only ₹780 crore had been utilised.

“The Kuttanad region is on the verge of a crisis. Desperate measures are called for to address the situation on multiple fronts,” says K.G. Padmakumar, Director, International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea-level Farming, Thottapally. Dr. Padmakumar sees the need for a course correction with the focus shifting from hard engineering solutions to soft options such as biofencing and temporary bunds.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Concurring with the view, R. Sridhar, Programme Director, Thanal, stresses the need to link ecological restoration with disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. He also calls for stakeholder consultations and deployment of appropriate technology.

Dr. S. Leenakumary, former Head of the Rice Research Station at Moncombu under Kerala Agricultural University, said the restoration of the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem was closely tied to ecofriendly methods of agriculture and water conservation. “It is important to identify the failures and take corrective action,� she said. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kuttanad-wetlands-to-get-new-lease-oflife/article20492040.ece

Researchers create "golden potato" that can reduce diseases in developing nations News-analysis tech2 News Staff Nov, 18 2017 11:03:01 IST Researchers have engineered a potato in a lab that has the potential to reduce malnutrition developing

and

diseases

nations.

The

in

potatoes

contain a higher amount of vitamins A and E than regular potatoes, and are yellow in colour, because of which they are referred to as "golden potatoes". A 150 gram serving of the golden potato to a child can deliver up to

45

percent

of

the

daily

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter recommended intake of vitamin A and 34 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin E. The same amount can deliver 15 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 17 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin E to women of reproductive age.

Study author Mark Failla says, "More than 800,000 people depend on the potato as their main source of energy and many of these individuals are not consuming adequate amounts of these vital nutrients. These golden tubers have far more vitamin A and vitamin E than white potatoes, and that could make a significant difference in certain populations where deficiencies – and related diseases – are common."

The researchers were trying to engineer a potato that primarily provided more vitamin A, but were pleasantly surprised when the resulting vegetable also contained a high amount of vitamin E. The study has been published in PLOS ONE. Potato is the most consumed plant food worldwide after rice, wheat and corn. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, and vitamin E protects the nerves, muscles and the immune system. As a staple part of the diet in developing nations, where residents depend on starchy foodstuff for sustenance, the golden potato has the potential to prevent death and diseases. tech2 News Staff

Exporters seek govt support to capture EU rice market The Newspaper's Staff ReporterUpdated November 17, 2017

KARACHI: Sacks of rice being uploaded on a cargo ship at the port in this file photo.

LAHORE: Pakistan has a huge potential for rice exports to European Union but the exporters must pay attention towards meeting import specifications, said Thomas Unger of Eurofins Global Control GmbH.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) on Thursday to discuss the challenges faced by Pakistani rice exporters in the European market.

Rice exports to European countries are picking up but exporters should pay attention towards issues like aflatoxins, pesticide residue and new regulations being made by these markets, Mr Unger said. However, he said, complaints of aflatoxins in rice consignments from Pakistan have reduced to almost negligible levels.

On the occasion, rice exporters sought government support to capture India’s $260 million rice business with the European Union, following the EU’s zero tolerance policy on tricyclazole chemical found in Indian grains.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Reap Chairman Chaudhry Sameeullah Naeem said Pakistan can target India’s Basmati rice share in the EU market following stringent policies placed by the European Union on the presence of hazardous pesticides in the commodity.

He asserted that Pakistan can enhance its rice export to EU from 150,000 tonnes to 350,000 tonnes, grabbing the share of 200,000 tonnes of Indian rice exports to the EU which may be stopped due to strict regulations.

“This presents an opportunity to grab India’s market share, because it will at least take two cycles to reduce the consumption of Tricyclazole in India,” he added.From Jan 1, 2018, all countries that export Basmati rice to the EU must bring down the maximum residue limit (MRL) level for Tricyclazole to 0.01mg per kg. Up till now, the EU was accepting 1mg per kg from different countries including India.Tricyclazole is a fungicide used by Indian farmers in more than 70 per cent of Basmati crops.

The Reap chief stressed that Pakistani farmers do not use such chemicals to protect their crops.

“Basmati varieties grown in Pakistan do not require use of the fungicide and stand to gain from the de facto ban on Indian exports,” he said.India exported around 350,000 tonnes of rice worth $260 million to the European Union countries during the last financial year, 70pc of which has tricyclazole limit of 1mg per 1kg.

Mr Naeem demanded the government to announce matching grant to display Pakistani product at international chains.He said Basmati rice export have been facing severe competition from India, regretting the lack of research and non-availability of new seeds which caused low yields. High input costs have made Pakistani Basmati rice totally uncompetitive, he added.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1370963https://www.dawn.com/news/1370963

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter ‘Pakistan-Kazakhstan trade value holds immense potential’

KARACHI: Trade value between Pakistan and Kazakhstan could increase manifold from the existing below $25 million, but lack of logistics network keeps the immense bilateral trade potential underexplored, a business policy advocacy group said.

Pakistan mainly exported rice, medicaments and medical equipment worth $23.93 million, a minuscule 0.5 percent of the country’s total exports, to the central Asian nation in 2016. “A much larger trade value is possible between the two countries,” Pakistan Business Council (PBC) said in a report.

PBC estimates exports trade potential at $182.28 million, identifying four items with major export potential for Pakistan. They include medical appliances ($73,95m), medicaments for therapy ($70.63 million), medicaments with hormones ($28.91 million) and bandages ($4.25 million).

Kazakhstan, having a population of less than Karachi, is a landlocked country with restricted access to the open seas. The central Asian nation’s top origin of imports includes Russia, China and Germany. The council, which represents 62 member organizations from the private sector, said the bilateral trade is very limited despite a huge potential, “which unfortunately is not being achieved due to the lack of a logistics network.”

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter “The law and order in Afghanistan has been unstable for many years which makes trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan unsafe and time-consuming,” it added. The trade route between the two countries relies on the Regional Cooperation for Development Highway, which goes through Afghanistan to Almaty Kapshagay Highway in Kazakhstan. Pakistan Business Council further said imports from the central Asian country could also increase to as much as $75.32 million from the current $2.71 million. Pakistan’s top 10 imports, in 2016, include sodium dichromate, dried lentils, road tractors, fermented tea and filament yarn of polyester.

Items with the highest import potential for Pakistan include dried lentils ($33.59 million), parts for boring or sinking machinery ($20.23 million) and boards and cabinets for electric control ($12.13 million). Kazakhstan earns more than $36 billion a year from exports, 75 percent of which comprise of natural fuels.

The country’s top export destinations are Italy, China and Russia. The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations since the latter’s independence from Soviet Union in December 1991.

Kazakhstan initially enjoyed a positive trade balance with Pakistan which turned negative in 2011 when imports from Pakistan increased to $29.58 million, while exports decreased to only $3.95 million. Kazakhstan ranks 35 amongst 190 countries in the ease of doing business index published by the World Bank as compared to 147 for Pakistan https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/244756-pakistan-kazakhstan-trade-value-holds-immense-potential

Rice prices in India rise on improved demand, fresh supply caps gains

By Reuters | Published: 16th November 2017 07:27 PM | Last Updated: 16th November 2017 07:27 PM | BENGALURU: Rice prices in India climbed this week, buoyed by improved overseas demand, but rising supplies from a new season crop capped gains for the staple grain in the world's top exporter.

India's 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $2 per tonne to $399 to $402 per tonne.

"There was an improvement in demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. African buyers were also making inquires," said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice was quoted at $380-$387 a tonne, free-onboard (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $375-$387 last week.

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Thai Hom Mali rice won the title of "World's Best Rice" at this year's World Rice Conference held in Macau last week and traders said this will have a positive impact on global demand for Thai rice.

"Due to floods in the northeast (part of Thailand) this year, where Hom Mali rice is grown, output of the crop has dropped, causing prices to rise. With this new development, I expect prices to rise further," said a Bangkok-based trader.

Traders were also optimistic that South Korea's tender to buy 132,790 tonnes of rice for December-March arrival may result in demand for Thai rice.

Overall, however, traders said demand was slow, and with new crops expected to enter the market starting the end of this month, prices could drop.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cancelled its first-ever deal with Cambodia to import 250,000 tonnes of white rice over a delay in shipments, officials said on Tuesday. The deal was signed in August at $453 a tonne.

The country has emerged as a major importer of the grain this year after floods damaged its crops and, despite deals with several rice exporting countries including Myanmar and Bangladesh, is still battling to build its reserves.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter In Vietnam, the benchmark 5 percent broken rice was quoted at $400-405 a tonne, free-onboard (FOB) Saigon, little changed from the high levels last week due to continuous shortage of supply, traders said.

"The recent harvest mainly served domestic demand and didn't affect export price. New crop yield was available, but prices stayed high," a trader in Ho Chi Minh City said.

"We won't have larger supply until the end of the winter-spring crop season in March."

Sowing for the winter-spring crops, one of Vietnam's two major rice crop seasons, is expected to start only by late November or December as flood waters in the rice-growing Mekong Delta have not completely receded, the trader added. http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/nov/16/rice-prices-in-india-rise-on-improveddemand-fresh-supply-caps-gains-1703043.html

Congressman Abraham: 'Great day for La. rice' Greg Hilburn, USA TODAY NetworkPublished 9:32 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017 | Updated 10:16 a.m. CT Nov. 17, 2017

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said Congress is already working on the 2018 Farm Bill to provide "security to farmers, ranchers and foresters." Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network Photo: Avery Davidson/Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation) CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE An enormous rice order from Iraq this week has already boosted prices and morale for Louisiana farmers.Iraq's 90,000 metric ton buy was the country's second order for American long grain milled rice through a new trade agreement or memorandum of understanding between the countries."It's a blessing," said Acadiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot, who was named the 2016 Rice Farmer of the Year by the USA Rice Federation and Rice Farming Magazine. "It's already perked up the cash market here and even in futures prices."Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, the state's only member on the House Agriculture Committee, has been lobbying for the advancement of the agreement. He wrote a letter to U.S. Ambassador Douglas Silliman Tuesday asking for help to close the deal."It's a great day for Louisiana rice," said Abraham, RAlto. "It's a good shot in the arm for our farmers."

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Fontenot was hosting Gov. John Bel Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain Friday morning at his Ville Platte farm as part of Edwards' and Strain's statewide listening tour. "My shop has never been so clean," said Fontenot, laughing.

"I'm confident some of this order will be filled with Louisiana rice, but it has an impact on everybody's rice," said Fontenot, who is the midst of harvesting his ratoon, or second, rice. "This is a big opportunity for us."Strain said expanding trade "is really the only thing that can move the needle on price and product. This is an exciting contract; every contract is critical to agriculture's growth," he said. Abraham and Fontenot said the sale will have even greater impact because it's happening late in the year, a rarity.USA Rice President Betsy Ward agreed.“This will make 120,000 metric tons of U.S. rice going into Iraq since the MOU was signed in 2016,” said Ward in a USA Rice story. “This sale comes at an excellent time and will give the entire industry a welcome boost as we head into the holiday season.” http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/11/17/congressman-abraham-great-day-la-rice/873817001/

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Punjab, Haryana procure 238 lakh tonne paddy IANS | Chandigarh Last Updated at November 17, 2017 20:48 IST

Agrarian states Punjab and Haryana have procured over 238 lakh tonnes of paddy so far, Food and Supplies Department officials said here on Friday.Punjab has procured over 171.35 lakh tonnes and Haryana over 66.73 lakh tonnes, heading towards a record paddy procurement this season.Government agencies have procured 98.5 per cent of the paddy arriving in the grain markets in Punjab and nearly 95 per cent in Haryana. The remaining paddy has been procured by rice millers and private traders.

Punjab is expecting a record procurement of over 182 lakh tonnes of paddy this year compared with over 168 lakh tonnes in of the bumper crop last year.Paddy arrival in Haryana is much higher than the over 61 lakh tonnes that arrived in the state's grain markets corresponding period last year.

The procurement, which began in both states on October 1, will continue till November end.The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned over Rs 33,800 crore for paddy procurement in Punjab in this kharif season Business Standard

Millers, merchants urge illegal China-bound rice be stanched Eleven on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 17:23 Writer: Nilar The illegal outflow of rice via China’s border routes needs to be addressed through existing policies, regional rice-mill associations and local rice merchants have told the government.

The export of rice without licence via Muse and Lwejel regions along the border with China, they said. Many bags of rice are being smuggled out of the country on a daily basis.

Nay Lin Zin, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, expressed concern that prices could rise if the illegal outflow of rice continues to be tolerated. Inaccurate figures regarding local demand and export volumes could affect prices, he said.“For this problem, the private sector can only give information to the relevant ministries. Coordination with other departments

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter and taking action are up to the relevant government departments,” he said.From April to November 3 this fiscal year, over 1.86 million tonnes of rice were exported, earning over US$558.143 million (761.675 billion kyat). The 1,861,609.897 toness of rice (including broken rice) were exported to 78 countries.

During a rice sector development seminar and joint meeting between the central executive committee and the executive committee of the Myanmar Rice Federation held in Yangon on April 29, president Chit Khaing said he had submitted a letter urging the government to take necessary steps with the trade policy as Chinese merchants were coming directly to Yangon and Bago regions to buy rice.This would be likely to cause a problem in the long run, he predicted. http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/12460

Pernia appeals to Congress: Lift QR on rice Friday, November 17, 2017

By JEANDIE O. GALOLO AMID third quarter growth of 6.9 percent that made the Philippines the second fastest growing economy in Asia, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) appealed for more support for the agriculture sector. In a speech delivered during the press conference on the performance of the Philippine economy for third quarter 2017, Socio Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia pressed Congress to remove the quantitative restriction on rice. “We request Congress to amend domestic laws governing the rice sector. Our traditional way of helping farmers has been to artificially increase the price of rice.

This adversely affects consumers especially the poor, and yes, including the farmers who are also consumers, and discourages them from producing what could be the more optimal crop choice given their context,” Pernia said. Based on the Agricultural Tariffication Act, the Philippines follows a minimum access volume (MAV) on rice set at 805,200 metric tons. The removal of the MAV is expected to lower prices of rice, with more and cheaper rice imports, that is deemed beneficial to consumers.

“Removing the quantitative restriction on rice, whilst providing technical and other assistance to farmers on crop diversification, will reduce the consumer price of rice and encourage farmers to make the most productive use of their land and labor resource,” said Pernia. The official also cited the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which outlines measures to increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk, as well as their access to economic opportunities, new technology and financial instruments.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter “We have to remember that agriculture is a key to economic growth and development. But, as our population increases, and as we expand our physical capacity in terms of roads, bridges, housing and commercial establishments, we need to think of breakthrough innovations in our agricultural sector,” he said.

“Food production needs to be more efficient, having to make do with less land; industrial crop production needs to expand in order to supply the raw materials required by the manufacturing sector. This will increase the value of agriculture, and hence, the income of farmers,” he added.

The agriculture sector grew by 2.5 percent in the third quarter, behind services that grew by 7.1 percent and industry at a faster rate of 7.5 percent. For the third quarter, the Philippines’ GDP growth was second to Vietnam at 7.5 percent, and ahead of China’s 6.8 percent.

Overall, year-to-date growth of the Philippine economy rested at 6.7 percent. “All of us know, and there is a growing consensus on this, that the country’s growth cannot be measured by GDP alone. It is not sufficient to guide us in policy and business decisions,” the official reminded stakeholders. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2017/11/18/pernia-appeals-congress-lift-qr-rice-575387

Why you should stop eating white rice, according to a physician Erin Brodwin  White rice is a refined carbohydrate, just like white bread, flour tortillas, and most breakfast cereals.  Cleveland Clinic physician Roxanne B. Sukol says refined carbs should be called "stripped carbs" because they've been "stripped of all their nutrition."  Research has tied diets high in refined carbs to weight gain and obesity.  But that doesn't mean all carbs are bad for you — healthy carbs include whole grains like brown rice, wheat bread, beans, and bran.

From a nutritional standpoint, white rice pales in comparison to its whole grain cousin, brown rice.

It gets digested quickly, is rapidly processed into sugar, and only fills you up for a short period of time. In comparison, brown rice is processed slowly, churning out a steady stream of fuel to power your muscles and keep you feeling sharp.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

White rice is a refined carbohydrate, similar to those found in white bread, flour tortillas, and most breakfast cereals. So inferior is it to whole grains that Roxanne B. Sukol, a Cleveland Clinic physician and the medical director of its wellness enterprise, says people should simply call it a "stripped carb" — because it has been "stripped of all [its] nutrition."

In the book "Grocery: The Buying and Selling of Food in America," Sukol told author and chef Michael Ruhlman that these "stripped carbs" were her chief nutritional concern. In rice, they can be easily avoided by choosing brown over white. But refined carbs lurk in dozens of processed foods as well, including granola bars, baked goods, pizzas, and pastas.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter Diets high in refined carbs have been tied to weight gain and obesity. A review of 50 studies on diet and weight gain published in the journal Food and Nutrition Research found that on average, the more refined grains someone ate (like white bread and white rice), the more weight they tended to gain over the study period. By contrast, the more whole grain foods someone ate (like whole-wheat bread and brown rice), the less weight they tended to gain.

"Stripped carbs" start out just like their whole-grain cousins. In the factory, however, food makers remove the grains' nutritious, fiber-rich outer shells, such as the germ and bran. As a result, refined grains have less protein, fiber, and vitamins than whole grains.

Cara Anselmo, a nutritionist and outpatient dietitian at New York's Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center, said another problem with refined carbs like white rice is that they are easy to overeat.

"It's definitely easiest to overdo it with drinks, refined carbs, foods that have added sugar or are highly processed — those are things that we just tend to keep going," she told Business Insider.

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Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter This doesn't mean all carbohydrates are bad, however. Instead of telling clients to ban things like bread and rice from their diets, Anselmo advises swapping foods with refined carbs for whole grain alternatives, like brown rice and whole-grain bread.

"People need to understand there are nutritious carbohydrates," Sukol told Ruhlman.

These include fruits, vegetables, many beans, and legumes, which Sukol said contain a "fiber matrix" that slows down how quickly they get converted to sugar.

Several recent studies suggest that the best diets are based around whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. US News and World Report's analysis of the best eating plans described plant-based diets — which have whole grains and vegetables as their cornerstone — as "good for the environment, your heart, your weight, and your overall health."

If you're looking to make a simple, healthy change to your diet, this might be one to try. http://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-never-eat-white-rice-2017-11

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