20th march, 2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

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Minister calls for distribution of imported rice to push down prices Rice Millers Seek Education For Farmers On Quality Paddy Standard Talks on with Sri Lanka to export more rice: Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy Nigeria: Food Security Council - Private Sector to Play Advisory Role - Presidency AP State govt will compensate losses of millers: Somireddy EOCO & Food and Drugs Board Must Check the Rice Menace Health Canada gives all clear for Golden Rice U.S. Rice Industry Stands to Lose from Trump Tariffs Madhya Pradesh loses GI tag claim for Basmati; India may ask Pakistan to check farming Alleviating hunger through biofortification Louisiana Rice: Bird-Repellent — Rebate, Update On Headed Rice Label The Global chef: Temper, Temper Q1 palay output expected to remain above 4.5MMT Mekong delta makes efforts to have 9.3 million tons of rice Thailand to export 9.5 million tons of rice this year Rice Prices No GI tag for Madhya Pradesh’s Basmati rice Rice exporters in fear as move to hike MSP will make it expensive in global markets Nigeria: How Dangote Is Boosting Rice Production Indonesia’s Bulog extends timeframe for importing 500,000 T of rice

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www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 0321 3692874

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News Detail…

Minister calls for distribution of imported rice to push down prices The Jakarta Post Jakarta | Mon, March 19, 2018 | 05:20 pm Workers unload Vietnamese rice at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Feb. 13. The shipment is part of 346,000 tons of rice imported by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to push down prices of the commodity. (Antara/ Kornelis Kaha) Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution has called on the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to distribute imported rice that is currently stored at its warehouses to push prices of the commodity down.Darmin said the move was crucial because the harvest season would reach its peak in April, when rice prices are expected to increase.“I have asked the presidential staff and the [food] task force to [discuss the matter] with Bulog; don‟t just leave the imported rice in locked warehouses,” Darmin said as reported by kompas.com on Monday.

In January, the government decided to import 500,000 tons of rice due to increasing prices in the market. By doing so, it aimed to stabilize prices and provide Bulog with sufficient stock of the commodity.

However, Bulog procurement director Andrianto Wahyu Adi said later that the agency was only able to import 346,000 tons of rice, or 69.2 percent of the planned amount, due to time constraints.

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“The price of rice has yet to decrease. Therefore, we need to do everything we can to push prices down prior to the start of the fasting month [in May],” Darmin added (bbn) http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/03/19/minister-calls-for-distribution-of-imported-rice-to-pushdown-prices.html

Rice Millers Seek Education For Farmers On Quality Paddy Standard

FILE PHOTO: Rice farm in Nigeria.

Some rice millers have called on the Federal Government, agencies and stakeholders to educate farmers and paddy traders on quality paddy standard so as to standardise the trade in paddy.

The millers made the call in Abuja on Monday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the just-concluded Paddy Grading Training, organised by Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI).

Mr Ashi Yangedue, the Production Manager of Kclysat Food and Beverages Limited, said that the training was significant to them, adding that although they had existing standards but the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) standard would unify the rice sector.

“Some of us are familiar with the requirements of the new standard because we were part of the stakeholders that drafted the standard.

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“Our standards have been synchronised with the SON standard and the uniform grading standard will be applied to paddy rice in all the rice mills.

“All the rice mills in the country will be on the same page. It is good to have quality standard because rice farmers will know what their expectations, the different mills notwithstanding; so, there will be uniformity,‟‟ he said.

Yangedue urged the Federal Government and others stakeholders to train rice farmers, paddy traders on the new paddy grading standard in order to facilitate a synergy between them and the millers.

“The CARI training is purely practical and this has increased our knowledge on paddy grading but we do not have some of the equipment, which was introduced to us, in our factory.

“Since we have seen the usefulness of the equipment, my company is planning to acquire the equipment, so as to enable to move from manual way rice grading to scientific way of doing things,‟‟ he said.

Mr Vinod Godara of Stallion Group said that the CARI training on the paddy grading standard would help to bring paddy traders and millers on the same platform to produce quality rice with quality grading specifications.

“Although each mill has its peculiar grading standard but SON brought its own quality standard to harmonise all the paddy grading standards of the different rice mills so as to have a uniform grading standard.

“It has enlightened us about the importance and quality of paddy standard; at the same time, it has economic benefits because if rice millers are able to buy quality paddy, the output will definitely come out well,‟‟ he said.

Godara said that the Stallion Group, Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied Industries Limited had organised rice millers‟ out-grower programme for over 14,000 farmers in 16 states across the country.

“We have been doing this training for the past 10 years and it is aimed at enabling us to get quality paddy but the SON quality standard will really go a long way to ensure the production of quality paddy across the country.

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“I urge other millers, Federal Government and other stakeholders to educate farmers and paddy traders on the importance of the SON grading standard because it will boost rice production and the country‟s economy as a whole,‟‟ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Micheal Okunoye, Head, Administration, Paddy and Out-growers, Onyx Rice Mills, said that the SON standard would unify the whole paddy purchasing and grading system in the country.

“It will go a long way to help us spend less time in educating farmers since we now have unified system in the country.

“It will give us guarantee and confidence in buying paddy anywhere in the country; it will promote profitability for us and we will spend less time in cleaning paddy.

“The SON standard will also solve the issues of rice admixture, uniformity of size, empty shell, immature paddy, pest damage and discoloured grains, among others,‟‟ he said. https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2018/03/19/rice-millers-seek-education-for-farmers-on-quality-paddystandard/

Talks on with Sri Lanka to export more rice: Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy DECCAN CHRONICLE. Mar 20, 2018, 7:37 am IST UpdatedMar 20, 2018, 7:37 am IST

Colombo has already agreed to import 1 lakh tonne.

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Agriculture minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy with MLC Beeda Ravichandra, former minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, APIIC chairman Dr P. Krishnaiah and joint collector A.MD. Imtiaz in Nellore on Monday. (Photo: DC) Nellore: Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said the authorities were trying to secure order for export of an additional 1 lakh tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka while pointing that the paddy production in SPSR Nellore district during the current harvesting season has been very good. During a review with officials from various departments including agriculture and revenue, he said Sri Lanka had placed order for 1 lakh metric tonnes of rice. Efforts are in progress, however, to secure order for another 1 lakh MTs. He asked officials to pay Rs 630 in addition to the MSP of Rs 1590 per putti (850 kg) of paddy (NLR 34449 variety; Nellore masoori). He warned the millers against colleting one and half kg of paddy additionally for every bag. He said government will bear any loss that the millers may incur while referring to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's directions on the issue.

Pointing to the 28 lakh puttis of paddy harvested so far, he said 6 lakh puttis had already reached the paddy procurement centres. He found fault with YSRC leaders for blaming him over the irregularities on part of rice millers. He assured the procurement of paddy damaged by rain, he slammed YSRC leaders for politicising the issue. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Collector A. Md. Imtiaz said they have established 168 paddy purchase centres with 94 of

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them being active. He added that the collection is at a brisk pace at Kottavellanti, Kovur, Atmakur, AS Peta, Mahimalur, Sangam, Duvvur, Dama Nellore and Nayudupeta among other centres https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200318/talks-on-with-sri-lanka-to-export-morerice-somireddy-chandramohan-re.html

Nigeria: Food Security Council - Private Sector to Play Advisory Role - Presidency The private sector will play an advisory role in the National Food Security Council to be inaugurated on March 26 by President Muhammadu Buhari, a Presidency official said in a statement.Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said this in Abuja on Monday.He said Mr. Buhari was aware of the huge interest indicated by the private sector since the composition of the council was announced, as well as the reservations expressed by groups that felt left out.

"We wish to emphasise that the Council constituted by the president was more of a think-tank that would focus mainly on policy, while various groups from the private sector would be called upon to make sectoral presentations from time to time.

"Everybody will be carried along as the Council will work closely with all stakeholders," Mr. Shehu said.On March 13, Mr. Buhari announced the establishment of Council at a meeting with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors.

Others at the meeting were the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and the governors of Jigawa, Abubakar Badaru and Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu.

The Council is expected to appraise the impact of the issues on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta fishing communities, agricultural research institutions and extension services.

It will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria as well as address the problem of smuggling, piracy and banditry. http://allafrica.com/stories/201803200020.html

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AP State govt will compensate losses of millers: Somireddy THE HANS INDIA | Mar 20,2018 , 12:48 AM IST

Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy

Nellore: Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has swiftly responded on the issue of farmers, who were losing 1.5-2 kg rice per each bag to the millers as part of paddy procurement.

Addressing the media at R&B Guest House here on Monday, the Minister said the millers were getting a loss of Rs 630 per putti and hence they were collecting an additional quantity of 1.5 to 2 kg per bag from the farmers.

Now, the state government would compensate the losses of the millers by rectifying the technical error, he stated adding the farmers are happy as they would not be losing any additional quantity of rice. The Minister said orders effecting the change would be issued shortly.

He also said the millers were purchasing the paddy at the MSP of Rs 1,590 for grade-A paddy variety and the stocks were being used as PDS rice. So, the millers were getting low price facing losses as they were being paid at the cost of normal variety, Somireddy stated.

The issue has been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and he also accepted to support the farmers, the Minister said. He said procurement was done up to 28-30 lakh Puttis till now in the district.He said they had received 1 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) of rice from Sri Lanka earlier and

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trying to get one more order of the same quantity. There is no demand for Nellore BPT 34449 variety rice now when compared to the previous years, the Minister said. It was 3.35 lakh MT procured during 2015-16 and 25,000 MT during 2016-17.

Further, he said millers in the district gave bank guarantees for Rs 30 crore and they were insisting for Rs 150 crore keeping in view of difficulties faced earlier with cheques issued. He said they had formed a committee in which Joint Collector and former MLA Sridhara Krishna Reddy are members to monitor the activity.

He said certificate from the local VRO is sufficient for any problems in e-crop booking.

Somireddy refuted criticism of the YSRCP MLA K Govardhan Reddy demanding to reveal loopholes that were giving scope for corruption. http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-20/AP-State-govt-will-compensatelosses-of-millers-Somireddy-/367803

EOCO & Food and Drugs Board Must Check the Rice Menace Fadi Dabbousi Samih

The Food and Drugs Board must as a matter of expediency check the wholesalers of rice. It seems that an unethical canker is being silently played out on the Ghanaian. Dirty and unwholesome rice is put out on the market for sale to unsuspecting consumers who think that they are buying the product genuinely imported from Vietnam, China, or elsewhere. It is almost befuddling how majority of the rice found on the market is labelled “perfumed rice” that has no semblance of aromatic fragrance when cooked at all. As a connoisseur for good food and an appreciably “good” cook (as attested by those who have tasted of my culinary magic), I tend to cringe at the disgusting and unethical manner with

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which some importers take Ghanaian consumers for granted. In fact it is another form of insulting the faculty of the good people of this country.

Not too long ago, there was a hullabaloo about plastic rice. Of course, there is nothing of this sort because the chemical composition of plastic cannot make it possible to cook, not even with artificial modification. It just can‟t happen. Maybe, in a few thousand years, when the whole of humanity has turned into witches and wizards, the possibility could be entertained, but as for now, plastic rice is just not possible.

However, what is possible is the importation of “too gyimi” rice and bagging it locally in labelled sacs to seem as if it is quality fragrance rice. There are numerous brands on the market that do not conform to standards, but are being sold to unsuspecting consumers as one thing when in reality they are another. I have heard numerous complaints that suggest that rice swept off the floor of warehouses (termed “sweeping rice”) is cleaned and bagged as fragrance rice.

Even the non-fragrance US rice is sometimes mixed with bad quality rice in order to maximise profits.

I am told that these cases are known to some unscrupulous officials who just want to create disfavour for the FDB and its Boss. Let this be a warning to all the miscreants who think that they can sabotage the nation and go scot-free. Ghanaians are all too discerning now, and will not allow the machinations of a few individuals to connive with nation wreckers to destroy the gains that we have begun to chalk as a nation in most recent times. The CEPS must also sit up because it would seem that their corruption knows no limits and appreciates no bounds.

The matter of callous officers of CEPS (Customs Excise and Preventive Service) has been a national dilemma. Quite recently there was the alleged issue of forcing open containers and sharing items with importers against their free will. Even reefers of cheese and dairy products worth tens of thousands of US Dollars are said to be ransacked in a very corrupt manner.

Actually, what is being discussed in the business circles is that so long as the CEPS persons are buyable, then anything is possible. Do you still wonder why Ibrahim Mahama was able to issue over 44 dud cheques to CEPS and go free? Meanwhile, people who may just fall short of a few

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hundred cedis to pay duty on vehicles or goods watch painfully as demurrage accumulates to add to the heartache of finally seeing someone come from nowhere and bid to buy them at 10% of their original price. Of course that is by collusion with officers and auctioneers. Their injustice brings so much pain to the backless Ghanaian. In Akan Parlance, it is said, “Aboa )ne dua, Nyame na 3pra ne ho,” to wit, “The animal that has no tail, GOD fans (the flies off) its skin.”

Nevertheless, the FDB and EOCO must sit up to check the collusion of CEPS and importers of food items into this country in order to reduce and nip this trend in the bud. The nation cannot continue to be taken for granted by greedy importers some being Ghanaian, and others foreigners. Theft and chicanery know no race, colour, or creed; they do not belong to ethics, morals, or sound judgment. That is why we need to form one body in the fight against corruption. If care is not taken, one day, these business fraudsters in collusion with corrupt CEPS and other officials will package shit of all colours and label it Shit‟o‟. Then we all will smell pepper!!!

By Fadi Dabbousi https://www.modernghana.com/news/842449/eoco-food-and-drugs-board-must-check-the-ricemenace.html

Health Canada gives all clear for Golden Rice

By AGDAILY Reporters Published: March 19, 2018 Follow AGDAILY After a thorough scientific assessment, the Canadian government has ruled that Golden Rice poses no greater risk to human health than rice varieties currently available on the Canadian market.Golden Rice is the name of a rice that has been genetically modified to produce betacarotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. This beta-carotene gives the rice grains the yellowish color that has inspired its name.

In 2017, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of Golden Rice, aka Provitamin A Biofortified Rice Event GR2E. In order to determine whether this rice variety could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured

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that GR2E rice is safe for consumption, that the increased provitamin A levels posed no risk to Canadian consumers, and that it still had all its nutritional value.

Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conducted a thorough analysis of the data and the protocols provided by the applicant to ensure the validity of the results.

Following this assessment, it was determined that the changes made in this rice variety did not pose a greater risk to human health than rice varieties currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that GR2E would have no impact on allergies, and that there were no differences in the nutritional value of GR2E compared to other traditional rice varieties available for consumption except for increased levels of provitamin A. While this news is a positive step forward for Golden Rice, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has indicated that this product is not intended to be sold in Canada at this time.

https://www.agdaily.com/news/health-canada-golden-rice/. It i

U.S. Rice Industry Stands to Lose from Trump Tariffs

By Lesley Dixon ARLINGTON, VA -- The U.S. rice industry could suffer from retaliatory tariffs in response to proposed steel and aluminum import tariffs, according to a study released last week by economists at the University of Arkansas (UofA) System Division of Agriculture.

The UofA analysis estimates the impact on U.S. rice if trading partners Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Turkey, Japan, Taiwan, and the European Union retaliate in response to a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports recently announced by President Donald Trump.

Within days of the President's announcement, the EU published a list of imports from the United States, including rice, which could be subject to retaliation. The EU has not moved beyond refining this list (still including rice) while top officials of the EU Commission explore with their U.S. counterparts possible exemption of the EU as a whole or for certain steel and aluminum products from the EU. The United States exported 58,000 metric tons of rice to the EU last year, valued at $42 million.

"We estimate total U.S. rice production and exports drop 1.3 percent and 3 percent, respectively, and domestic consumption increases marginally, as a result of the implementation of import tariffs on U.S. rice," stated the economic analysis report.

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According to the report, while lower rice prices could benefit consumers by $66 million, lower prices could also negatively affect U.S. rice producers to the tune of $118 million.

The analysis focused on the potential effect of retaliatory tariffs for Arkansas overall (including rice), estimating that the state could lose $383 million, as well as 4,428 jobs and $261 million of labor income.

"This analysis shows the potential downside for our industry from higher U.S. tariffs on products far from rice and agriculture," said USA Rice COO Bob Cummings. "The higher duties are effective March 23 and the administration over the weekend announced procedures for importers of specific steel and aluminum products to claim an exemption, so it's early to quantify the impact of the President's action. U.S. agriculture exports are an easy target for retaliation and affected countries could adopt the U.S. national security argument and restrict farm imports in response. The consequences of protectionism are rarely good for U.S. agriculture," concluded Cummings.

Madhya Pradesh loses GI tag claim for Basmati; India may ask Pakistan to check farming The Geographical Indication Registry has dismissed Madhya Pradesh's plea for its inclusion in the Basmati growing region.

New Delhi | Updated: March 19, 2018 4:42 PM

There were many instances in the past as companies tried to register their products under Basmati, since it commands a premium in the global market. (Reuters) The Geographical Indication (GI) Registry has dismissed Madhya Pradesh‟s plea for its inclusion in the Basmati growing region saying there is no „corroborative evidence‟ to suggest that the aromatic variety is grown in the state.

The GI Registry in an order passed on March 15 has said: “This tribunal reaches a conclusion that there is proper demarcation of cultivation area in the GI application filed by the respondent applicant (Apeda). The opponent (MP government and others) failed to prove the Basmati cultivation in the claimed with supporting documents. A mere plea without supported by any

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corroborative evidence, has no gravity in the eye of Law. In finale, the oppositions are

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disallowed as lack of merit.”

Basmati is grown in 77 districts of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The aromatic rice variety is also grown in a few districts of Punjab in Pakistan.“The mandate of GI is to protect products of historical origin that have as a result acquired global reputation just as France has done for champagne. Therefore area expansion either from India or from Pakistan would be detrimental to the GI tag of Basmati. This verdict reiterates the message internationally that India upholds principle of GI in letter and spirit,” said Priyanka Mittal, director of India‟s largest basmati exporter KRBL Ltd.The Chennaibased Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in February 2016 had directed the GI Registry to issue a certificate of registration to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and reconsider afresh only the plea of inclusion of 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Apeda, which had applied for the GI tag for Basmati rice in 2008 and got the registration after seven years of legal battle, had moved the Intellectual Property Appellate Board in 2014, challenging GI Registrar‟s first decision (in December 2013) that directed it to file an amended GI application by including all areas where basmati rice is cultivated, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. While other states stayed away from the legal battle, MP has been following it by roping in growers, millers and agriculture scientists.

Apart from the state government, there were Madhya Kshetra Basmati Growers Association Samiti, Narmada Cereals, SSA International (from Raisen district), Daawat Foods and Madhya Kshetra Basmati Exporters Association who had sought inclusion of 13 districts. The parties to the oppositions are given three months to file the appeal, if any, in the IPAB, Chennai.

“If these parties do not proceed further in the legal battle, the GI for basmati will be settled and India can initiate GI registration for the aromatic rice in other countries where there is a chance of infringement of the name,” said an industry official citing the example of Champagne, which

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has been registered in India under GI by France‟s Comite Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) in 2010.

There were many instances in the past as companies tried to register their products under Basmati, since it commands a premium in the global market.

In the latest order, the GI registry said as per the direction of the IPAB, it has heard both sides on the limited issue of inclusion of 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh — Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Sheopur, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur and Narshinghpur.

The registry has said that the documents and evidence filed by the state and others show the importance, special characters of rice cultivated in MP but not the Basmati cultivation in the traditional growing area. “Opponent has therefore failed to satisfy the fundamental requirement of popular public perception of Basmati-cultivation in Madhya Pradesh as mentioned by the honourable IPAB Chennai,” the order said.

Alleviating hunger through biofortification Amjad MahmoodMarch 19, 2018

ALMOST two billion people in the world face hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiencies because essential vitamins and minerals are missing from their diet. Deficiencies of micronutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin A may lead to stunted growth, poor cognitive development, increased risk of infections, and among women it may cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth.In Pakistan, where an overwhelming majority of people live in rural areas, around 80 per cent of the population suffer from hidden hunger.

Short-term strategies being used the world over to overcome micronutrient deficiencies include food supplements and food fortification. But both these approaches are expensive as they require repeated investment.Punjab plans to introduce Rs3.5bn, five-year project aimed at enhancing nutrition of staple crops, fruits, vegetables and their products

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Supplements do treat multiple micronutrient deficiencies, but the strategy is resource-intensive and does not tackle the real cause of the problem: dietary inadequacy.

Some private-sector companies have been offering fortified wheat flour and food products like bread. But they meet the requirements of a limited, especially well-off, people as the poorest families do not have access to commercially processed foods.

Agriculture authorities in Punjab have recently planned an intervention for downtrodden people, often those affected the most by hidden hunger. The Rs3.5 billion biofortification project aims at enhancing nutrition of staple crops, fruits, vegetables and their products in the climate change scenario.

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Under the five-year plan, iron and zinc-enriched, disease-resistant and high-yielding wheat, rice, maize, canola and citrus varieties will be developed at various research institutes of the Punjab agriculture department.

Dr Javaid Ahmad, director for wheat at the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, says most Pakistanis cannot afford costly food supplements and mostly use wheat flour as their daily diet. Therefore, the institute plans to develop wheat varieties that are rich in iron and zinc.Being a lengthy process is the only disadvantage of this strategy, as developing an iron- and zinc-rich variety may take eight to 10 years, he says. As a medium-term measure, studies are being conducted to find out fertilisers that may increase iron and zinc contents in the crop through soil application. This approach may take around three years.

In the short run, efforts are afoot to develop products which can be mixed with flour to increase the volume of micronutrients, he says, and stresses that the enhanced level of iron, zinc and vitamins will not affect the flavour and colour of food products.

He rules out fears expressed by some health professionals that an overdose of minerals and vitamins may lead to health complications, arguing that bio-fortified crops have already been introduced in 30 countries and from nowhere any health hazard has been reported because of the consumption of the iron- and zinc-rich food. “The products will be locally tested from all aspects before being marketed for the consumption of the general public,� he says.Some agro traders fear that bio-fortified crops and food products may be unacceptable in international markets like the European Union and North America where people are either not faced with micronutrient deficiency or prefer supplementation to biofortified diet.

Samiullah Chaudhry, chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, says the association approached Punjabâ€&#x;s agriculture authorities with similar fears because rice is also among the crops included in the biofortification project.

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However, they were assured that the bio-fortified rice lines will be introduced only in a limited area. Moreover, the packaging of the bio-fortified crop and products will clearly show that the packed content is high in iron and zinc so that it lands only in the hands of interested buyers.

Dr Ahmad of the AARI says that there is no question of damage to the export business, as the institute will not cross the internationally admissible limits or standards of biofortification in any case, no matter the products are launched locally or internationally.However, a senior faculty member of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, throws a word of caution. “Much will depend on the model being used for biofortification,” he says, requesting not to be named because his department is a rival to the AARI. “It will be better to use a model without GMO (genetically modified organism) lines for the sake of health. Otherwise, you will have to go for rigorous health tests before introducing bio-fortified food products.”

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, March 19th, 2018

https://www.dawn.com/news/1396085/alleviating-hunger-through-biofortification

Louisiana Rice: Bird-Repellent — Rebate, Update On Headed Rice Label March 15, 2018

By Dustin Harrell, Louisiana Rice Extension Specialist, LSU Rice Research Station, Crowley Photo: Louisiana State University

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Predation of rice seed by birds is problematic in Louisiana rice annually. Typically, we see the highest bird pressure in rice planted south of I-10. In 2017, we also saw a higher than normal

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blackbird pressure on rice north of I-10. Several fields had to be replanted due to bird predation in that region last year.

The only protection we have is AV-1011, which is a bird repellent made by Arkion Life Sciences. It is a liquid seed treatment that can be applied to rice seed at your local seed distributor. The active ingredient in AV-1011 is anthraquinone. The chemical is non-lethal to the birds and is actually found in 94 known plant species. When a bird eats a treated seed, it gives them digestive distress, and this is what deters them from eating more seed.

One thing for certain is that the AV-1011 seed treatment works, but it is not cheap. It is applied based on the seeding rate of the field. For example, the average price for the seed treatment on a 65-pounds-per-acre seeding rate is about $16.50 per acre. Typical hybrid seeding rates around 22 pounds per acre is less expensive and would cost about $6.41 per acre.

Arkion has announced a grower rebate program for the 2018 season to help alleviate some of the cost. The rebate is $25 per gallon of AV-1011. The savings per acre for a 65-pound-per-acre seeding rate would be about $2.33 per acre. If you plant 1,000 acres, that adds up to quite a bit of savings.

For hybrids, the savings would be around 90 cents per acre or $900 per 1,000 acres. Rebate forms will have to be filled out and rebate checks will be mailed out in December. More detailed information about the rebate program can be found here. The AV-1011 label and safety data sheet are posted on the AgCenterâ€&#x;s rice webpage and can be accessed directly with the following hyperlinks: label and SDS. Progress on headed rice repellent label Bird predation on headed rice is also a big problem. Research with a formulation of anthraquinone for repelling predation on headed rice is making progress. Problems with this treatment involves determining the application rates, and the rain fastness of the product.

Research with the product however looks very promising.

An EPA registration is being filed by Arkion for this type of treatment and hopefully we will have a solution for bird feeding on harvest-ready rice in the next couple of years https://agfax.com/2018/03/15/louisiana-rice-bird-repellent-update-rebate-update-on-headed-rice-label/

The Global chef: Temper, Temper

BY NANCY KRCEK ALLEN

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Mar 17, 2018

The key to a busy cook's success is a working knowledge of quick, flavor-enhancing techniques.

These may come from watching other cooks or from a well-used collection of flexible dishes.

Techniques free cooks to work unscripted from what‟s in the pantry: the same technique may feature chicken one time, tofu another and chickpeas yet another.

Flavor tricks are guaranteed to elevate a good dish to memorable. Every chef worth her salt has simple secrets to big flavor: a couple of anchovies tossed into the onions as they sauté prior to preparing a tomato sauce, a tablespoon of smoky bacon fat in pie dough, a dash of fish sauce stirred into fish soup or the rind from a chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano simmered into stew.

Sensual, complex and creative, Indian cuisine is a fruitful place to mine for simple-but-big-flavor tricks. The flavors of India may seem formidable for novice cooks with the fantastically diverse number of spices, herbs, legumes and strange vegetables available. So it‟s wise to start simply. A humble but profoundly useful technique called “tempering” is a place where a home cook may begin making richly flavorful Indian dishes without fear.

Tempering (aka chaunk, tadka or baghar) is the process of cooking a series of aromatic seasonings, spices or herbs quickly in hot ghee or oil. The aim is to infuse the fat with flavor, which will provide quick distribution in a dish. Tempering allows the cook to layer seasonings by stirring it in at the end to an already seasoned dish or by adding one or two temperings to unseasoned food. It is part of what makes Indian cooks remarkable magicians of seasoning.

Indian cooks use tempering as a flavor device in two ways. They might sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, ginger, garlic, chilies and spices in ghee or oil to form a flavor foundation much like French cuisine‟s mirepoix to which they will add other foods to cook. (This foundation, known as a daag when tomato is added, may form the base of a curry. Freeze the daag in small batches for quick meals. Then stir in other ingredients like chicken, shrimp, cooked chickpeas or vegetables for a quick curry.)

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As a flavor-infusing addition, Indian cooks heat a series of whole or ground spices and seasonings in hot ghee or oil and pour them into pre-cooked, hot, seasoned or unseasoned food like lentils, rice, potatoes, beans or vegetables. You might begin your first tempered dish with the simple instructions below.

Invasions, trade and conquests on the Indian sub-continent, as diverse as Aryan, Mongolian, Persian, Turkish, Greek, Chinese, Arab, Portuguese and British, have left their mark on India‟s fascinating cuisine. India‟s vast and refined repertoire of cooking methods and intensely creative food offerings illustrate a rich arsenal of flavoring that any cook would be wise to investigate.

Signature Technique: Flavor Tempering 1. Choose from whole and ground seasonings: Gingerroot, onion, dried or fresh chillies, whole spices like cuminseed or dark mustard seed, fresh curry leaves and ground spices like, curry powder (masala), turmeric and coriander. Whole spices liven up a curry with individual flavor notes. Ground spices and masalas form a softer, more muted backdrop.

Start simple — with three or four — until the flavors are familiar. Think of classic combinations: cooked carrots with onion, ginger, cumin or caraway; cauliflower might beg for the citrus flavor of coriander and the pungent spiciness of chilies and curry leaf; bland cooked legumes would benefit from lots of onion, ginger, curry spices and chilies.

2. Over moderate heat, for more control, and in a heavy-bottomed sauté or saucepan, heat ghee or oil until hot, but not smoking. Intensity of flavor depends on heat, how long spices are cooked, and what order they go into the pan — singly or all together. Get everything ready BEFORE you begin because this is a quick moving technique.

The general cooking order:

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n Whole spices: brown mustard seed should turn ash-grey. Fenugreek gets bitter when overcooked. Add whole spices in order of toasting: n Dark roast/first additions: cinnamon stick, clove, black cardamom, star anise, nutmeg, brown mustard n Medium roast/second additions: coriander, cumin, dry split lentils n Light roast/third additions: fennel, caraway, fenugreek, kalonji (nigella) n Dal: dry split, skinned lentils like split, skinned mung beans should be browned to impart nutty taste. n Fresh chilies: Slivered fresh chilies should blister. n Curry leaves: fresh curry leaves should shrivel. n Dry chilies, spices, and masalas: dry and ground spices should sizzle, foam, and darken a shade. Asafoetida powder should be added last and cooked only a few seconds. n Onions, gingerroot, and garlic: Sliced, minced, or grated. If large amounts of onions are used, cook them separately. n Tomatoes: Very moist foods like tomatoes bring heat down and stop the toasting process.

3. Add other ingredients like vegetables, meat, or seafood and cook with the tempering or pour the tempering into a cooked dish. Season with salt and pepper and perhaps lime juice and cilantro or mint, and serve.

Basmati Rice with Cumin

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Yields 4 to 6 servings 2 C. white basmati rice, rinsed and drained 2 T. ghee or clarified butter 2 t. cumin seeds 1 t. dark mustard seed 1/4 to 1/2 C. finely sliced shallots 1. Pour rice and 3-1/4 cups cold water into a heavy pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover pot and cook exactly 15 minutes. Turn off heat and rest rice 15 minutes while you prepare the tempering. Do not stir the rice. This resting period will allow the cooked rice to firm enough so that it will not break when you fluff in the tempering.

2. Heat the fat in a small skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers and is hot, but not smoking, stir in the cumin and mustard seeds. Cook until they crackle, about 10 to 15 seconds.

Stir in the shallots and cook until they begin to brown. Season with a little salt, and scrape tempering into the rice (replace the lid). When the rice has rested its full 15 minutes, toss the tempering with the rice with a fork. Serve immediately.

Coconut Lentil Dal with Green Chillies This could be soup or dal depending on the amount of liquid added to the lentils. Indian chefs prefer small yellow onions because they have less liquid and brown faster. Serve with hot, cooked basmati rice. For added flavor, stir in peeled and diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash to lentils as they cook.

Yields 2 quarts, 8 to 12 servings

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2 C. red or pink split lentils (masoor dal) 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled 1 t. ground turmeric 1/2 t. salt 14-oz. can unsweetened full fat coconut milk Tempering: 3 T. coconut oil 1 t. cumin seeds 1 t. dark mustard seed 1 C. finely sliced or diced onion 1 jalapeĂąo or serrano chili, stemmed, seeded and diced 1 T. minced fresh ginger root 1 t. ground coriander 2 t. curry powder Fresh lime juice Sliced cilantro for garnish

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Rinse lentils very well in strainer and drain. Pour into a 6-quart saucepan. Add 4 cups water, garlic, turmeric and salt. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cover pan. Add up to 1 cup more water as needed. Simmer until lentils are thick and creamy, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in coconut milk.

Heat another small saucepan over medium heat and add coconut oil. When oil is shimmering-hot but not smoking, stir in the whole spices. Cook until they crackle, about 15 seconds. Add the onions, season with salt and sauté until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Toss in chili and ginger and cook until chili wilts, about 1 minute. Add ground spices and cook 15 to 20 seconds more.

Remove tempering pan from heat. Scrape tempering into hot cooked lentils. Place lid on the lentils and rest 15 to 20 minutes. Season lentils with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Serve hot.

Nancy Krcek Allen has been a chef-educator for more than 25 years and has taught professional and recreational classes in California, New York City and Michigan. Her ulinary textbook, “Discovering Global Cuisines” was released in March 2013. http://www.record-eagle.com/news/local_news/the-global-chef-temper-temper/article_6f5c5ea4-cafc-5d7d-b37eee7cb9f5fa44.html

Q1 palay output expected to remain above 4.5MMT

By Jasper Y. Arcalas March 18, 2018 THE country‟s palay production in the first quarter could still remain above the 4.5-million metric ton (MMT) level and higher than the previous year‟s output, despite the detrimental effects of pests and typhoons, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In its report, titled “Updates on January-March 2018 Palay and Corn Estimates,” the PSA revised downward its production forecast for the first quarter to 4.59 MMT, from 4.67 MMT it projected in January.“This may be higher by 3.8 percent from the previous year‟s output of 4.42 MMT,” the PSA said in the report published recently.

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The PSA said it reduced its projection following reports of typhoon damages and pest infestations in some rice-producing provinces of the country.

“The possible factors contributing to the decrease of palay output may be due to effects of typhoons Urduja in Capiz and Vinta in Zamboanga Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay last December 2017,” it said.“Lower yield in Mindoro Oriental and Leyte resulting from occurrence of rains during the reproductive and maturing stages of palay and rice-bug infestation in Tarlac and Iloilo,” it added.

Due to these reasons, the PSA now projects that total palay area harvested in the January-toMarch period “may contract by 547 hectares from the 1.0192 million hectares.” Meanwhile, average palay yield in the first quarter would settle at 3.85 MT per hectare, slightly lower than the 3.92 MT per hectare projected yield in January, the PSA said.

The report noted that about 223,780 hectares, or 18.77 percent, of the updated standing crop for the January-to-March period have been harvested.The PSA added that around 619,520 hectares, or 68.1 percent, of the farmers‟ planting intentions for the second quarter have materialized.

“Of the [1.587 million] hectares standing palay crop, 46.9 percent were at vegetative stage; 31.7 percent, at reproductive stage; and 21.4 percent, at maturing stagem,” the report read.In the same report, the PSA also reduced its corn-output forecast in the first quarter to 2.46 MMT, from the 2.49-MMT projection in January.“This may be higher by 4.1 percent from the previous year‟s output of 2.37 MMT,” it said.“Harvest area may decline by 0.1 percent from the 720,210-hectare level. Likewise, yield per hectare may drop to 3.42 MT per hectare, from 3.45 MT per hectare,” it added.

The PSA said it cut its corn-production projection following the effects of typhoons Urduja and Vinta in corn-producing provinces, such as Cebu, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.The PSA said planthopper infestation in Ifugao and continuous rains in Isabela, Negros Oriental and South Cotabato reduced the total possible corn output in the said areas.“About 150,810 hectares, or 20.9 percent, of the updated standing crop, have been harvested,” it said. https://businessmirror.com.ph/q1-palay-output-expected-to-remain-above-4-5mmt/

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Mekong delta makes efforts to have 9.3 million tons of rice Monday, March 19, 2018 18:57

Farmers in the Mekong delta have started to sow summer-fall crop with joy because price of rice rose; however, the crop might be good as expected when drought, salinity intrusion and diseases plague will badly affect the crop.

http://sggpnews.org.vn/tags/IGNlcnRpZmllZCByaWNlIHZhcmlldGllcyA=/certified-rice-varieties.html

Thailand to export 9.5 million tons of rice this year

By NNT March 18, 2018

Bangkok – The Department of Foreign Trade announced this past week that Thai rice exports will reach 9.5 million tons this year due to stable high demand in the global market.

Between January and March 2018, Thailand sold 2 million tons of rice to overseas buyers, accounting for an increase of 4.17% year-on-year. The combined value of rice exports rose 22.13% to 999 million US dollars during the period.Global rice production is expected to drop to 484.33 million tons this year due to the low production output among major producers such as India, Bangladesh, USA, South Korea, and Japan, in addition to a slight decrease in rice consumption as some consumers turn to other high-fiber crops.

Even so, the department is confident that Thailand will reach this yearâ€&#x;s rice export target of 9.5 million tons. Due to the lower rice supply in the world market, rice prices have continued to rise domestically and globally.

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Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce has been sending negotiation teams to Thailandâ€&#x;s trading partners to boost rice sales.

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http://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-export-9-5-million-tons-rice-year205025

Rice Prices as on : 20-03-2018 12:13:23 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals Current

Price % change

Season cumulative

Modal

Prev.

Modal

Prev.Yr %change

Rice Silapathar(ASM)

8.90

43.55

51.20

2600

2600

-13.33

Mirzapur(UP)

8.50

-22.73

238.50

2130

2130

-

Dibrugarh(ASM)

4.50

12.5

280.90

2400

2400

6.67

Balarampur(WB)

1.84

1.1

27.73

2640

2650

12.82

Jagnair(UP)

1.10

37.5

42.50

2530

2530

-1.56

Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)

1.00

-60

60.40

2500

2800

NC

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article23300314.ece

No GI tag for Madhya Pradesh’s Basmati rice New Delhi, Mar 19 (KNN) In a recent development, the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry has rejected Madhya Pradeshâ€&#x;s plea for its inclusion in the Basmati growing region. The

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authority in its rejection note has said that there is no „corroborative evidence‟ to suggest that the aromatic variety is grown in the state.

“This tribunal reaches a conclusion that there is proper demarcation of cultivation area in the GI application filed by the respondent applicant (Apeda). The opponent (MP government and others) failed to prove the Basmati cultivation in the claimed with supporting documents. A mere plea without supported by any corroborative evidence, has no gravity in the eye of Law. In finale, the oppositions are disallowed as lack of merit.” the authority said in a statement Basmati, a special kind of rice is grown in more than 70 districts of the country including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on select products that corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15 September 2003. The GI tag makes sure that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name. (With Inputs from a media report) (KNN/DA) http://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/no-gi-tag-for-madhya-pradeshs-basmati-rice

Rice exporters in fear as move to hike MSP will make it expensive in global markets VISHWANATH KULKARNIT+ Want govt to consider extending the price-deficit mechanism to paddy procurement BENGALURU, MARCH 19 Rice exporters, mainly of the non-basmati variety, are getting jittery as the talk of ensuring a higher minimum support price — 50 per cent over the cost of the production gains ground. They fear that any sharp increase in the MSP would push up the prices of the cereal to that extent making the Indian rice uncompetitive in the world market.

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India is the largest exporter of the rice in the world. Shipments in the current financial year have already crossed 10 million tonnes (mt) for the April-January period and are poised to scale a new high, exporters said.

“We are not against the farmers getting a higher MSP. In fact, in the long run, a better price through an increase in MSP would encourage farmers to produce more and that, in turn, would make more grain available for exports benefiting the exporters,” an exporter said.

Policy formulation The government, while increasing the MSP for paddy, should keep the exporters‟ interests in mind and formulate the policy accordingly or else it could lead to distortion in the market, trade sources said.

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“The government can look at extending the price-deficit compensation scheme to paddy procurement so it does not carry on with the burden of maintaining the stocks while allowing exporters to purchase from the markets,� trade sources said.

Exporters said that a price increase of four to five per cent is manageable, but anything beyond that would make the Indian rice uncompetitive in the world market.

Moreover, bulk of the non-basmati exports are destined for countries in Africa and neighbours such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which cannot afford any steep price increase, they said.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have resorted to higher imports from India this year due to a lower domestic crop.

Export market crucial Trade sources said that for India, where rice production is seen scaling a new high of 111.01 mt in 2017-18, sustaining exports is crucial to maintain a healthy price trend in the domestic market.

A stable-to-bearish trend in domestic rice consumption estimated at between 85 and 90 mt annually over the past five years amidst rising production has helped India emerge as the largest exporter of the cereal in recent years.

Besides, a depleted stock level in main competitor Thailand has helped India gain market share.

Over the past decade, Indiaâ€&#x;s rice production has grown from around 93.36 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 109.70 mt in 2016-1 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-exporters-in-fear-as-move-to-hikemsp-will-make-it-expensive-in-global-markets/article23295332.ece

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Nigeria: How Dangote Is Boosting Rice Production The growth recorded in rice production has been facilitated by government policies and private investors like Dangote Group towards making the country achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.Rice is a predominant staple crop in Nigeria, produced in over 18 states of 36 states.

Production has increased at an annual average of 3.7 per cent over the past decade, reaching 3.7 million tonnes in 2017. Growth has been facilitated by an increase in area under cultivation for rice. The area under rice cultivation expanded from about 2.4 million harvested hectares in 2010 to 3.2 million harvested hectares in 2017, the highest in the last five years.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, annual household expenditure on rice accounted for 10 per cent of household food spending and 6.6 per cent of total household spending in 2011.

Similarly, the annual consumption per capita of 32kg on rice is the highest of any staple in Nigeria.

Research from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said, between 1961 and 1990, rice consumption increased from 240,000 tonnes to 2.1 million tonnes, growing at an annual average of 7.8 per cent per annum. The rapid increase in rice demand began in the 1970s, coinciding with the discovery of crude oil. The increase in economic growth as a result of the oil discovery raised per capita incomes, and consumption. In addition, the focus on the oil sector led to the neglect of the agriculture sector, resulting in slower growth in production.

It noted that "Nigeria continues to rely on rice importation to meet growing rice demand.

Moreover, urban consumers generally have preference for imported rice as a result of the perceived higher quality. In the past five years however, rice imports have declined 33.3 per cent reaching 2.7 million tonnes in 2017.

This decline has been attributed to reduced demand as a result of government's policies on import substitution, import tariffs and inclusion of rice in the list of 41 items ineligible for forex in the official market. Despite these, Nigeria remains the single largest rice importer in Africa and the world's third largest, with Thailand and India as its largest import sources."According to PwC, the growth recorded in rice production has been facilitated by government policies towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.

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"Government intervention in rice production has leaned towards providing inputs such as improved seedlings and fertilizer to small holder farmers. Also, some state governments have granted land concessions as an investment incentive to large commercial farmers. Towards improving irrigation, government is investing in various irrigation projects. The Zauro irrigation project for instance is targeted at developing water reservoir for the production of 42,000 tonnes of rice.

"In addition, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, funding has been made available to rice farmers at affordable rates through the Anchor Borrower's Programme. Also, favourable trade policies by the government, zero tariffs on machinery and equipment, quotas and licenses have positively impacted domestic rice production."

Recently, the Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme in Jigawa State reached a turning point when the president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote laid a foundation stone for the construction of a multi-billion Naira rice processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa state.The mill with capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa at market rate.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Hadin, Kaugama local government area, Dangote said the commencement of the construction of the integrated rice processing plant was the culmination of series of events which began with the signing of a $1billion agreement with the federal government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa.

"We have continued to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrowers programme thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agroinputs, technical support and secured market for farmers. Also, creating access to finance, mechanization and irrigation services so as to enhance agricultural productivity," he stated Recalling that the Dangote Rice Limited started the outgrowers scheme in 2016 with thousands of hectares of land in Hadejia, Jigawa state, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers. The business mogul said with the new ultra-modern mill enough paddy rice will be grown and harvested for processing.

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According to him, the mill which will take only months for installation and commissioning is the first in the series of five other mills coming up in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States in the first phase, while in the second phase, other mills will be built in Nasarawa, Kogi, and other states.

He said, "when these planned six mills come fully on stream, we will achieve a capacity of seven hundred thousand metric tons per annum of Par boiled rice, which will make Dangote Rice the largest rice producer in Africa and will make a bold step in making Nigeria self-sufficient in Rice production, stop importation save the nation's foreign exchange."

Dangote stated further that towards co-creating value for all stakeholders, the company has engaged about 20,000 out growers who are expected to produce an average of 180,000 tons of paddy rice on about 30,000 hectares of land. We are focused on engaging in the region of 300,000 farmers in the next 12 months when our rice mills are all functional and we achieve steady state."

The group executive director, Devakumar Edwin explained that the Dangote Rice team has been involved in scaling up the outgrower operations to a least 5,000 hectares this season and this will very soon increase and grow to over 15,000 hectares cultivated per cycle or season to fully optimise operations.

He said the establishment of a Multi-billion Naira state-of-the-art integrated rice processing facility to process at least 260 metric tons of rice paddy per day grown which is produced from thousands of local rice out growers within Jigawa state is a giant step forward and expresses his company's confidence and faith in local farmers to continuously stand with Dangote to make this project a success.

Located on 25 hectares site in Hadin, Edwin noted that the mill is earmarked to begin operations in the last quarter of 2018. "During the construction phase and when it becomes fully operational, hundreds of employment opportunities will be created, knowledge transference and skills developed among our teeming youthful population thereby boosting local economy."

According to him, "the Jigawa famers are in for a good times as the 125, 000 metric tons of paddy rice that this plant requires for processing will be brought from the farmers of Jigawa for an estimated purchase price of N14 billion per annum. This is a huge benefit for the farmers in Jigawa. This mill will be producing high quality parboiled rice that competes with the best in the

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world this is in-line with our continuous aim to touch the lives of millions who believe in the Dangote brand.

"Jigawa State is endowed and blessed with vast fertile land, water resources, climate and progressive people, as well as one of the fastest growing agricultural destinations in Nigeria, was identified as an ideal location for us to set up our first facility in Nigeria. This obviously reinforces our commitment to supporting the efforts of the present administration in developing a robust agro-industry in Nigeria.

"We made commitment to Nigerians that we will produce 1 million metric ton of quality par boiled rice. Since then we have embarked on several initiatives towards achieving this objective with support and collaboration from state and federal government agencies, ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, traditional and financial institutions, etc., we continue to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrower program thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes, poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers." http://allafrica.com/stories/201803200103.html

Indonesia’s Bulog extends timeframe for importing 500,000 T of rice * Indonesiaâ€&#x;s state food procurement agency, Bulog, will extend the timeframe for its plan to import 500,000 tonnes rice to June from February, chief executive Djarot Kusumayakti said.* Bulog will open a tender on Wednesday to procure 80,000 tonnes of 5-15 percent broken rice from South Asian countries for May-June arrival. * Bulog said it expects 420,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand, Vietnam and India to arrive by the end of March. * Current rice stocks at Bulog are around 600,000 tonnes, the CEO said. (Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy) https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-indonesias-bulog-extends-timeframe/brief-indonesias-bulogextends-timeframe-for-importing-500000-t-of-rice-idUSJ9N1PC00V

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