22nd march,2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

                         

Global Rice Syrup market Research Report Released with growth, latest trends & forecasts till 2022 Pakistan to export 100 tons hybrid rice seeds for first time in April Health Canada approves GM Golden Rice, not intended for sale in Canada Global Rice Flour Market Outlook 2018-2022: Huangguo, RoseBrand, ChoHeng, BIF, LiengTong Kyzylorda rice producers to manufacture animal feed from rice hulls SCIENTISTS SHED LIGHT ON THE ROLE OF ABSCISIC ACID IN RICE DISEASE RESISTANCE Philippines seeks May arrival for 250,000 T rice imports Higher rice prices added pressure to Philippine inflation On Duterte's orders, NFA Council speeds up rice procurement The National Food Authority Council targets the arrival of fresh rice stocks by mid-May Rice price to fall further, says Food Minister Subsidy amounting to Rs. 60 lacs 8 thousand will be provided to farmers for procuring modern agricultural equipments : Maan Smugglers Cheer as Nigeria Tries to Keep Foreign Rice Away ODISHA IMPORTS WHEAT, CEREALS TO MEET NEEDS Indonesia increases rice quota for Pakistan Evasco plays with fire Farmers Defying Suggestions that Apples Can’t Be Grown in PNG Marion Maurice Blocker Rice import from India: some realities Arkansas Approves Resolution to Establish Identity for Rice, Protect Consumers 2,200-Year-Old ‘Rice Wine’ Found in China Rice Cosumption Rate Increasing PNG Rice Consumption Rate Increasing Rice Prices COLOMBIA: Country Begins White Rice Exports To Canada Thai Commerce Ministry considers rice stock release

             

On Buhari’s Food Security Council Customs intercepts exotic vehicles, trailers of rice, others worth N2.5bn in March Pakistan to export 100 tons hybrid rice seeds for first time in April Bennigan’s Signs Multi-Location Agreement To Expand Into The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan Rice Market Research including Growth Factors, Development Trends and Types & Application by Regions 2022 Food group exports post 21.74pc growth in 8 months Trade deal: Pakistan set to become member of hybrid rice seed exporting club 97 percent of national rice assistance distributed Water saver: Millet scores over rice Rice import from India: some realities Rice basmati slides on weak demand Thailand Sees Main Rice Crop Up 7 Percent.

Thailand looks to intergovernmental deals to boost rice exports Rice basmati slides on weak demand

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

1

News Detail…

Global Rice Syrup market Research Report Released with growth, latest trends & forecasts till 2022 March 21, 2018 3 Min Read

Leon Gaban !

Questale has just released a comprehensive market research report for Global Rice Syrup Market. This report focuses on top players in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering Wuhu Deli Foods , Axiom Foods and Wuhu Haoyikuai Food .―This report is a professional account, which gives thorough knowledge along with complete details pertaining to Global Rice Syrup Market. The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Rice Syrup Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment., it contains diverse profiles of key market players such as Wuhu Deli Foods , Axiom Foods and Wuhu Haoyikuai Food .‖ – said a Spokesperson with Questale.

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/globalrice-syrup-market-research-report-2018/297710 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of

2

product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

This research report for Global Rice Syrup Market explore different topics such as product scope, product market by end users or application, product market by region, market size for the specific product, sales and revenue by region, manufacturing cost analysis, Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Market Effect Factors Analysis, market size forecast, and more. The research gives a forecast for the Global Rice Syrup industry till the year 2022.

The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Rice Syrup Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment. Furthermore, it contains diverse profiles of key market players.

Mazor countries have a very crucial role in the global market and the latest report for Global Rice Syrup Market study the status of development and future trends in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia. The report also splits the products by applications and by type to deeply and fully research and disclose the market situation and future prediction.

About Global Rice Syrup Market Research Report This report is vital for any player in the industry, thanks to the comprehensive outlook that is provided. Considering all the vital details that it encloses, it is important for any new player entering the arena so that they can get a good idea and study the market before making any crucial decision. The report will answer queries about the present market developments, opportunity cost, and more.

On product basis, each report shows the revenue (in USD), sales volume (K units), market share, product price (in USD per unit), and rate of growth of each kind. They are primarily divided into Brown Rice , White Rice and Certified Organic Rice .

3

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at:: https://questale.com/report/global-ricesyrup-market-research-report-2018/297710 About Questale Questale is one of the leading agencies in the world to offer market research reports using globally acknowledged methodologies and innovative tech tools. It is known for providing some of the best-selling reports across an extensive range of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, automotive, consumer goods, food & beverages, cosmetic, construction, and electronics to name a few. https://tokenfolks.com/global-rice-syrup-market-research-report-released-with-growth-latest-trendsforecasts-till-2022/62973/

Pakistan to export 100 tons hybrid rice seeds for first time in April 21.03.2018 | UkrAgroConsult Pakistan is all set to export the first ever consignment of 100 tons heat-tolerant rice seeds to the Philippines next month, a senior industry official said – a shipment that is long-awaited since the country begun experimenting hybrid technology over a decade back. ―The first ever consignment of 100 tons high-yielding hybrid rice seed is expected to be exported to the Philippines in April, which will be sufficient to cultivate about 15,000 acres of land,‖ Shahzad Ali Malik, chief executive officer (CEO) of hybrid seed company Guard Agricultural Research and Services told journalists early this week.

The success of Pakistani scientists in developing prime rice seed varieties was a result of partnership with Chinese researchers, led by Yuan Longping, in 2004 after development of hybrid seed breeding technique across the coastal belt of Sindh.

The country was expecting to ship the maiden consignment of hybrid rice seeds last year, but it was delayed because officials said it takes a long process from harvesting and grading to regulatory procedures before such seed gets ready for the plantation.

Malik said as the hybrid seed is produced in harsh weather of coastal belt it is suitable for plantation in changing climate of China and other Far Eastern countries of Asia, offering lucrative exports market. ―India can also take huge benefits from this seed technology.‖ Guard Agricultural Research‘s chief, while talking about climate change and its impact on agroecosystems, said the need to develop heat-tolerant and drought-resistant hybrid rice seed varieties becomes immensely important due to climate change. Production of premium quality seed by the private sector is a big achievement as public sector institutions or multinationals monopolise the seed development. Malik said his company also carried out hybrid rice trials for seed multiplication in South-Central districts of Punjab.

4

―The step would prove very beneficial in increasing area of hybrid rice in Punjab by offering low cost of production to growers,‖ he added. ―Consequently, production of hybrid rice varieties would lead to opening of more export avenues, a win-win situation for researchers, farmers and the economy.‖ Hybrid seed varieties, being cultivated in Sindh coastal belt, have a very healthy production capacity of seven to eight tons/hectare. One of the varieties has strong roots and stem systems, enhancing its endurance against high winds.

Chinese researchers are also helping their Pakistan counterparts to introduce super-hi hybrid variety of rice with 18 tons/hectare yield potential.

Philippines, one of the world‘s biggest rice producers and importers, is facing invariable import supplies, keeping the country at the risk of food shortages. Introduction of hybrid seed on vast scale is seen as a solution to the problem. The south east Asian nation‘s rice crop season would start during the next month. It wants to increase area under hybrid rice cultivation to 30 percent.

Only high-yielding hybrid rice varieties could help in tremendously increasing yields without increasing acreage, achieving vertical growth potential. In the recent years, even Thailand and some other major producers had to import rice to meet its demand mainly due to inconsistent performance of agriculture due to multiple factors. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/pakistan-to-export-100-tons-hybrid-rice-seeds-for-first-time-in-april

5

Health Canada approves GM Golden Rice, not intended for sale in Canada Thursday, 22 March, 2018, 08 : 00 AM [IST] Ottawa Health Canada has given its nod to genetically-modified (GM) or genetically-engineered Vitamin Aenhanced Golden Rice, although it is not intended for sale in Canada and has not yet been approved by regulators in the intended markets. ―Health Canada should not be spending public resources to assess the safety of GM foods that will not be sold in Canada,‖ said Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN).

Golden Rice is genetically engineered to have Vitamin A and is promoted as part of a solution to Vitamin A deficiency, which is a serious public health problem in many developing countries, but not in Canada. Golden Rice is intended for distribution in the Philippines, as well as other countries, including Bangladesh, India and Indonesia, where rice is a major staple food.

Farmers‘ and consumers‘ rights networks in the Philippines have expressed alarm about Canada‘s approval. The networks are concerned that a national policy loophole could enable proponents to use Canada‘s approval as a safety stamp to introduce Golden Rice in the Philippines and start feeding trials, including with children and pregnant women. ―We also question why the International Rice Research Institute is seeking safety approval from Canada, Australia and the United States, while farmers and consumers in Asia who plant and eat rice as a staple are left in the dark.

Promoting readily available, diverse and safe Vitamin A food sources from sustainable and ecological farming is the long term solution to combat malnutrition, ensure food security and health, not genetically modified crops like Golden Rice,‖ said Cris Panerio of MASIPAG, a farmers‘ network in the Philippines which is part of the Stop Golden Rice! Network, a pan-Asian network of over 30 groups.

Health Canada, which posted its approval decision recently, follows a 2017 approval by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. ―The Canadian government has just waded into a huge global controversy that should be left to Asian farmers and consumers to decide, not Canadian regulators,‖ said Eric Chaurette of international development group Inter Pares.

In a recent letter responding to a request from CBAN for a rationale for the departmental review of Golden Rice, Health Canada said, ―Developers often choose to seek authorisation in Canada as a first step in their regulatory plan even if they do not plan to sell the product in Canada.‖ ―This precedent could set Canada up as a global regulatory haven for companies that want a seal of approval for their GM product,‖ said Thibault Rehn of Quebec network Vigilance OGM, adding, ―The government should consult the farmers and consumers to decide which GM foods it should evaluate.‖

6

While Health Canada has stated that the GM rice is not intended for sale in Canada, they state their safety assessment was conducted in order to determine whether this rice variety could be sold in Canada as food. ―We need to first give the people and government of the Philippines time to assess and debate Golden Rice, before we weigh in,‖ said Chaurette. http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/health-canada-approves-gm-golden-rice-not-intended-for-sale-incanada-41925

Global Rice Flour Market Outlook 2018-2022: Huangguo, RoseBrand, ChoHeng, BIF, LiengTong kingjohn 1 day ago 0 12 3 minutes read

The latest industry report that focuses on Rice Flour Market and gives a professional and in-depth Global Rice Flour market analysis and future prospects of Rice Flour market 2018. The analysis report begins with the audit of the business condition and characterizes industry chain structure, then highlighted Industry size and forecast of Rice Flour market during 2018-2023. This report covers the current market conditions, competitive landscape containing all-inclusive key players and segmented by Product Type, Applications and the Geographies regions like the United States, Europe, China, Japan, India and South-east Asia.

For Free Sample Copy of the Report, Ask Here: qynews.biz/527/#Request-Sample This report presents the realistic view with manufacturing value, market share (%), growth rate, income, sales revenue of every kind is mentioned. The report gives the ongoing market size of the Global Rice Flour market and its growth rate based on most recent 5 years history records close by organization profile of top players/producers such as BurapaProsper, ThaiFlourIndustry, RoseBrand, ChoHeng, KodaFarms, BIF, LiengTong, Bob‘sRedMillNaturalFoods, PornkamonRiceFlourMills, Huangguo. Additionally, It provides accurate statistics by segments of Rice Flour market support to manage future accommodation and to settle on essential choices for improvement. The study report further spotlights on market materials, limits and in addition gives information on development and trends, innovations, CAPEX cycle and the dynamic structure of Rice Flour market.

This Global Rice Flour market research report splits into Product Type such as RiceFlour, BrownRiceFlour, GlutinousRiceFlour, Other and it segmented by Application/end users like RiceNoodleandRicePasta, SweetsandDesserts, Snacks, Bread, ThickeningAgent, Other ; on the basis of Gross Margin, Pricing, Sales profit (Million USD) of industry size & forecast with the help of their yearly functions and operations.

Any Inquiries about Rice Flour Market report, Visit Here: qynews.biz/527/#Buying-Inquiry Regionally, This Rice Flour Market report divides into several regions by consumption, production, revenue (million USD), growth rate (CAGR) of Rice Flour market in this key regions such as North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, South-east Asia (India, China, Japan, Korea) and many more which are forecasts during 2018-2023.

7

Global Rice Flour Market research report supports to define the outline of all products advanced in granular detail, with the critical impression of latest developments and turning points like organizations currently performing in the world over the market. With most recent 5 years revenue figure, the report further describes a tremendous suggestion for individuals and associations about present-day business speculation chances of Rice Flour market before assessing its probability.

This Report contains 15 Chapters to profoundly show the Global Rice Flour Market: Chapter 1, to explain Introduction, market review, market risk and opportunities, market driving force, product scope of Rice Flour Market; Chapter 2, to inspect the leading manufacturers (Cost Structure, Raw Material) with sales Analysis, revenue Analysis, and price Analysis of Rice Flour Market; Chapter 3, to show the focused circumstance among the best producers, with deals, income, and Rice Flour market share in 2017 and 2018; Chapter 4, to display the regional analysis of Global Rice Flour Market with revenue and sales of industry, from 2018 to 2022; Chapter 5, 6, 7, to analyze the key countries (United States, China, Europe, Japan, Korea & Taiwan), with sales, revenue and market share in key regions; Chapter 8 and 9, to exhibit International and Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis, Trade Type Analysis; Chapter 10 and 11, to analyze market by-product type and application/end users (industry sales, share, and growth rate) during 2014 to 2018; Chapter 12, to show Rice Flour Market forecast by regions, forecast by type and forecast by application with revenue and sales, from 2018 to 2025; Chapter 13, 14 & 15, to specify Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source of Rice Flour market buyers, merchants, dealers, sales channel.

Key Features of the Rice Flour Market: • Detailed research of the standard Rice Flour market makers can ask the entire market to review the modernize plans and propelling examinations.

• Accurate overview of Rice Flour market depends upon expansion, drive confining components and point of speculation can presume the market progress.

• The investigation of developing Rice Flour market fragment and the dominating business sector will deal with the readers to plan the business strategies.

• The essential appraisal identified with Rice Flour industry like the cost, sort of uses, the meaning of product, demand, and supply elements are acknowledged in this study report.

Thanks for reading this report; you can also get specific chapter wise or region wise report variant across the World.

Referral News Network: qynews.biz/ https://anglophonetribune.com/news/global-rice-flour-market-outlook-2018-2022-huangguo-rosebrandchoheng-bif-liengtong/

Kyzylorda rice producers to manufacture animal feed from rice hulls

BY STAFF REPORT IN BUSINESS ON 22 MARCH 2018

ASTANA – The Kyzylorda region Chamber of Entrepreneurs will be putting the phrase reduce-reuse-recycle into action. The organisation, which studied the leading rice-producing countries, found many South Korean

8

farmers use a processing technology that recycles the hulls. The chamber plans to help its own growers by covering half the expense of the equipment.

―We came out with a proposal to subsidise 50 percent of the cost, stimulating farmers to install the Korean facility,‖ said chamber head Galymbek Zhaksylykov at a regional meeting.

The equipment is in demand by Korean and Kazakh rice producers. The cost varies from $122,925 to $221,220 and the acquisition will ensure the growth of rice farmers‘ incomes and increase tax deductions. By assisting in negotiations with suppliers and providing a portion of the funding, the chamber hopes to motivate farmers to make the purchase.

Rice hulls contain lignin, a complex polymer substance, and Kyzylorda farmers have long faced the problem of how to use them. Lignin is unsuitable for animal feed, nor does it decompose in the open air or soil. While the hulls contain 20 percent lignin, they also have 70 percent nutrients, including various medicinal components. The recycled hulls can be used as an easily digested additive in animal feed. ―There are two ways to dispose of lignin in the rice hull, to chop or to destroy the lignin form under high pressure compression. We found the facility in a South Korean company,‖ said Zhaksylykov. ―About 530,000 tonnes of rice were harvested in Kyzylorda region in 2017. Ninety thousand tonnes of rice hull remain after the grain processing that are burned or thrown away,‖ he added.

Approximately 600 million tonnes of rice hulls are buried or burned annually around the world, causing negative effects on the environment and human health as the silicon dioxide they contain does not decompose under the ground. The substance does not conduct heat, however, and is widely used in construction and manufacturing electrical products.

Regional scientists discovered another way to use rice hulls last summer. They created a new technology where the grain coverings would be mixed with liquid glass and calcium chloride to form papercrete, a lightweight concrete used in construction. Using the hulls would reduce the cost, making papercrete an economical and environmentally friendly product. https://astanatimes.com/2018/03/kyzylorda-rice-producers-to-manufacture-animal-feed-from-rice-hulls/

9

SCIENTISTS SHED LIGHT ON THE ROLE OF ABSCISIC ACID IN RICE DISEASE RESISTANCE Lesion mimic mutants exhibit spontaneous cell death, thus, can be studied to understand the mechanism of cell death and disease-resistance. Although these mutants have been characterized in rice, the relationship between lesion formation and abscisic acid (ABA) is quite unknown. A team led by Liao Yongxiang from Sichuan Agricultural University in China identified a rice mutant, named lesion mimic mutant9150 (lmm9150).

The mutant exhibits spontaneous cell death, enhanced growth, and resistance to rice bacterial and blast diseases.Researchers found that cell death in the mutant was accompanied with excessive accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Enhanced disease-resistance and upregulation of defense-related genes were also found to be associated with cell death. ABA levels in the lmm9150 mutant were also significantly reduced. Further analysis revealed a point mutation in the OsABA2 gene, a vital gene for ABA synthesis, in the lmm9150 mutants.

Through CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of OsABA2, the researchers generated gene-edited lines with similar phenotypes to lmm9150, proving that OsABA2 was truly responsible for the lmm9150 mutant.This data revealed the connection of ABA deficiency to cell death and provided insights into the role of ABA in rice disease-resistance.

For more information, read the article in Frontiers in Plant Science. http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=16292

Philippines seeks May arrival for 250,000 T rice imports Higher rice prices added pressure to Philippine inflation Image used for illustrative purpose Getty Images

By Enrico dela Cruz, Reuters News MANILA - The Philippines said on Thursday the 250,000 tonnes of rice it had planned to import should arrive in May, a month earlier than previously announced, to ensure there is ample government stocks ahead of the country's lean harvest season.

The Philippines, a frequent rice importer, saw domestic prices of the staple grain increase by 3-4 percent in late January and rise further in the succeeding weeks, as state stockpiles dropped to their lowest in more than two decades.

Higher rice prices added pressure to Philippine inflation, which hit an annual pace of 3.9 percent in February, the fastest in more than three years.

10

Rice imports will boost the buffer stock of the National Food Authority (NFA), the state grains procurement agency supplying cheaper rice to the local market, Jonas Soriano, assistant secretary at the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, told reporters.

The arrival of rice imports should help keep domestic prices stable before and during the lean harvest season starting July, he said.

"Even with sufficient supply of rice for the entire country today, the NFA management is directed to start their procurement process," said a statement by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, which Soriano read at a media briefing.Evasco chairs the NFA Council, a panel of government economic managers, that approves riceimports.

Soriano said the NFA's stocks have hit a level that can cover just less than two days of domestic consumption, well below the required 15-day inventory.

As of Feb. 1, however, the country's overall rice inventory, which includes those held by private traders and households, stood at nearly 1.8 million tonnes, sufficient for 53 days, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

As discussed earlier, the NFA will conduct a tender to buy rice among producers and traders, such as those from Vietnam and Thailand, the Philippines' traditional suppliers of the grain.

(Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/Philippines_seeks_May_arrival_for_250000_T_rice_imp orts-ZAWYA20180322071629/

11

On Duterte's orders, NFA Council speeds up rice procurement The National Food Authority Council targets the arrival of fresh rice stocks by mid-May Pia Ranada @piaranada Published 11:43 AM, March 22, 2018 Updated 1:00 PM, March 22, 2018

TALKING RICE. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with National Food Authority (NFA) Council Chairman and Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr on the sidelines of an NFA Council meeting. Malacañang photo

MANILA, Philippines – Upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte, the National Food Authority (NFA) Council authorized the start of procurement of 250,000 metric tons of rice, targeting arrivals by mid-May. Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr told Rappler on Thursday, March 22, that Duterte ordered the "immediate" procurement of the 250,000 metric tons to replenish NFA rice stocks.

The NFA Council has standby authority to activate the procurement.

"The council ordered immediately. That was after the meeting, to start the procurement activities….The earlier resolution was to let the 250,000 MT of rice arrive in June. This time, because of the order of the President, we made it earlier, so they arrive middle of May," Evasco said in a phone call.

The President met with the NFA Council and NFA Administrator Jason Aquino on Monday, March 19. Evasco was tasked by Duterte to head the NFA Council.

During the Monday meeting, he gave the order for the immediate importation but he allowed the NFA Council to decide on the procurement method. Evasco said Aquino insisted on governmentto-government (G2G) procurement but the council prefered government-to-private (G2P) importation, which prevailed.

Safeguarding vs corruption

12

Aquino had also wanted to amend the terms of reference for G2P importation but Evasco said

13

doing so would further delay the procurement process because the council would have to discuss the changes.

"It was made clear in front of the President that the council does not want G2G because it bleeds government finances," said Evasco.In G2G, the Philippine government will have to take out a loan in order to purchase rice from another government, for instance, Vietnam or Thailand.

Evasco said corruption can taint even G2P importation if put in the hands of unscrupulous private importers, but added that the terms of reference approved by the council ensure safeguards and transparency measures. G2G procurement, meanwhile, is less transparent.

"At least with the terms of reference, it can obstruct any attempt to take advantage of the monetary change during the bidding. It is an international bidding where there are international observers so we can really get the lowest price of rice," explained Evasco.

He said NFA management appeared to be siding with those who want to make money out of G2G importation.

"They really intend to take advantage of the purchase of rice for some people to make money," he said.

When asked who seem to be taking advantage of the system, Evasco said, "Management, because they are pushing for G2G." Aquino has yet to respond to Rappler's request for comment on the allegation, as of posting.

'NFA Council not blocking rice' Evasco was also frustrated with newspaper articles, columns, and social media posts claiming he and the NFA Council are "delaying" or "blocking" the importation of rice to the detriment of poor Filipino households who need cheap NFA rice.

He vehemently denied this.

"I was so surprised that in newspapers, social media, they are saying we blocked the purchase of rice. Hindi naman ganoon (It's not like that)," he said.

He said that the NFA Council's go signal for procurement activities to begin, so that rice imports arrive in May, is proof that it is not blocking the process. – Rappler.com https://www.rappler.com/nation/198709-duterte-orders-nfa-council-speed-up-rice-procurement

Rice price to fall further, says Food Minister UNB NEWS Wednesday 21 March, 2018 05:28:58 pm Food Minister Qamrul Islam inaugurates 3 concurrent events organised by CEMS Global at ICCB on Wednesday. Photo: UNB Dhaka, Mar 21 (UNB) - Food Minister Qamrul Islam on Wednesday assured the consumers that the price of rice would decrease further. ―Comparing to the neighbouring countries, rice prices are not higher in Bangladesh and the price of rice is currently decreasing. We have started importing rice and the price will decrease further,‖ the minister said.

He was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of concurrent three exhibitions on food and agriculture, organised by CEMS Global - Conference and Exhibition Management Services Ltd. in the Seminar Hall of International Convention Centre Bashundhara (ICCB).

The three events are- '3rd Food & Agro Bangladesh International Expo 2018', '3rd Agro Chem Bangladesh Expo 2018‘ and '3rd International Poultry & Livestock Expo 2018‘.

14

Qamrul Islam said the United Nations World Food and Agriculture Organization had published a report on the situation of global food security. The organization had also identified the consistency of Bangladesh's progress in achieving food security for long periods, which is an example for the world.

15

He said ―Currently the farmers are getting electricity, fertilizer, water whatever are needed to work in the field.

The government has done whatever it needs to do for the farmers. The country is now self-sufficient in food production.‖ Stressing on maintaining the rice price in a standard level, the minister said, ―Rice is the staple in the country.

And the farmers make their living through this rice. If they do not get the price of rice properly they will turn away from rice production.‖ Chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, Director-General of Rural Development Academy (RDA, BOGRA) M. A. Matin, CEO of CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific Shahid Sarwar were present among others.

A huge number of agents, distributors, importers, trading companies, wholesalers, retailers, hotels, business representatives, the consumers and other bulk purchaser assembled.

Around 130 exhibitors from nine countries namely Thailand, Indonesia, USA, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Russia and Vietnam are showcasing their products and services.

Concurrently, CEMS Global and BSAFE Foundation will jointly organise a concurrent seminar titled 'FoodCon Bangladesh 2018' on Thursday.

A discussion will be held on the topic ‗Safe Food and Clean Environment through Sustainable Agriculture‘.

The show will remain open for traders and public visitors from 10.30 am to 8.30pm every day from until March 24.

Subsidy amounting to Rs. 60 lacs 8 thousand will be provided to farmers for procuring modern agricultural equipments : Maan TWO FARMERS MACHINERY BANKS WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENTS AT LOW RENT

16

Web Admin 5 Dariya News S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) , 21 Mar 2018 Farmers in district SAS Nagar will be encouraged to stop burning of wheat & rice stubble in field. On the other hand subsidy amounting to Rs. 60 lacs 8 thousand will be provided to farmers for procuring modern machinery like Paddy Straw Chopper/ Multure Sub-Soiler, Super Straw Management System, Hydraulic MB Plough, Happi-seeder etc. This will help in protecting the environment from harmful gases produced during burning of stubble and will also maintain the soil fertility resulting in lesser use of chemical fertilisers. This was stated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Charandev Singh Maan while presiding over a meeting at District Administrative Complex with a committee formed for the implementation of Sub-Mission on Agricultures Mechanism in district SAS Nagar.Additional Deputy Commissioner said that, President of this committee will be Deputy Commissioner Mohali Smt. Gurpreet Kaur Sapra whereas Chief Agriculture Officer Parminder Singh will be member secretary and Deputy director horticulture will serve as joint member secretary.

Representatives from Animal Husbandry Department, Agriculture Science Centre, Cooperative Societies, Lead Bank Mohali, Deputy Project Director (AATMA) Safal Kisan/ Self Help Groups have been included as member of committee. This committee will monitor the scheme and Agriculture and Farmer welfare department will work as nodal agency. S. Maan said that under the scheme, two farmer machinery banks will be established which will provide modern machinery at lesser rents tot the farmers. He said that modern machinery worth Rs. 10 lacs will be kept under 1 bank under the scheme, upon which govt. will provide subsidy of Rs. 8 lacs. he said that these banks will provide rental machinery on reduced rates to the farmers which will help in increasing the income of farmers by using modern machinery.During the meeting Tarsem Chand & Yashpal Sharma PCS (Under Training), Deputy Director Dairy Sewa Singh, Senior Officer Fishery, Deputy Director Horticulture Tarlochan Singh, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry Parmatma Saroop, Veterinary Officer Dr. Tejinder Chattan, Chief LEad Bank Manager Sh. Sanjeev Agarwal, Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies Amrik Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture Science centre Mohali Dr. Yashwant Singh, Progressive Farmer & representatives of Self Help Groups were also present. http://www.5dariyanews.com/news/221737-Subsidy-amounting-to-Rs-60-lacs-8-thousand-willbe-provided-to-farmers-for-procuring-modern-agricultural-equipments-Maan

Smugglers Cheer as Nigeria Tries to Keep Foreign Rice Away Share on Faceboo k Share on Twitter Share on Lin ked in Share on Reddit Share on Goo gle+

 

Photographer: Xaume Olleros/Bloomberg

By Paul Wallace and Ruth Olurounbi March 22, 2018, 4:01 AM GMT+5 Updated on March 22, 2018, 4:29 PM GMT+5 Buhari wants Nigeria to be self-sufficient in rice this year Smuggling from much-smaller neighbor Benin has soared

17

At Nigeria‘s normally manic border post of Seme, Lasisi Fanu says business has all but ground to a halt.

He and other customs agents who help clear goods coming into Africa‘s biggest economy from its smaller neighbor Benin say the long lines of trucks loaded with rice that used to jam the crossing have dwindled. The slowdown is a result of import restrictions and tighter border policing as President Muhammadu Buhari seeks to diversify the oil-dependent economy by boosting agriculture, especially rice production.

Two years ago, Buhari set 2018 as a target to end Nigeria‘s status as the world‘s second-largest importer of the grain after China and become self-sufficient. He‘s since overseen investments of almost $1 billion in farming and milling, virtually banned rice importers from buying foreign exchange, raised tariffs to as high as 60 percent and pushed the central bank to lend to farmers.

Confident his administration is making progress, he told growers this month that ―our policies are working.‖ Thai Rice But the numbers tell a different story: they suggest smuggling is rife because local producers are struggling to meet growing demand in the nation of 180 million people, where rice is favored over traditional staples such as yams and cassava by an increasingly urbanized population.

Nigeria grew 3.7 million metric tons of rice in 2017, a 4 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At the same time, imports rose 19 percent to 2.5 million tons, the USDA said.

Many imports are smuggled in from Benin, which despite a population of 11 million -- barely 5 percent of Nigeria‘s population -- is now the world‘s biggest buyer of rice from Thailand, the number two exporter globally. Official shipments to Nigeria have plummeted by more than 95

18

percent in the past four years, while those to Benin have surged, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. ―This is Nigeria and people are cutting corners,‖ said Fanu, the customs agent. ―They bring in the rice through the many unofficial border crossings further north. They‘re everywhere. The government knows it. It‘s very difficult to police.‖ More Production or More Smuggling?

Nigeria's official imports of Thai rice have plummeted, while Benin's have soared Source: Thai Rice Exporters Association With its far lower tariffs and better-run ports, Benin has a long history of smuggling goods to Nigeria, from frozen chicken to tomatoes and cars.

Edward George, Ecobank Transnational Inc.‘s London-based head of research, estimates that 90 percent of Benin‘s rice is bound for its bigger neighbor. Smugglers offload Thai and Indian rice from the port of Cotonou and take most of it to Nigeria‘s largest city, Lagos, which sits just across the Seme border in the south. Some even truck it as far as Niger, where they collude with customs officials before taking it to northern Nigerian cities such as Kano. ―A text message comes saying: ‗Go!,‖‘ says George. ―And they drive through. The border gates are open and the guards are looking in the other direction. The evidence is very clear that smuggling is continuing on a large scale. It‘s a massive problem.‖ Once it enters Nigeria, traders often repackage and sell it as local rice.

While the government touts the decline of official imports as evidence that Nigeria is producing more rice, smuggling fills the gap between demand and supply, according to Ade Afeko, a member of the nation‘s main manufacturing body. ―It seriously needs to be curbed,‘‘ Afeko said from Kano, which he says is ―swamped‘‘ with foreign rice.

While smuggling from Benin and Niger has increased, it‘s still feasible to end rice imports this year, said Olukayode Oyeleye, a spokesman of the Ministry of Agriculture.

George at Ecobank thinks the powerful smuggling industry will be difficult to curb. ―There are so many vested interests in the smuggling of rice and there‘s so much demand,‖ he said.

Bad Roads Nigeria faces a tough task reviving its agricultural sector, which went into decline when oil was discovered in the 1950s. Farmers battle with a host of problems: poor-quality seeds, a dearth of financing to buy or borrow equipment such as tractors, bad roads and a lack of warehousing.

Most farmers harvest their crop by hand on an average 0.4 hectares (1 acre) of land, which makes it difficult to achieve economies of scale, according to Dimieari Von Kemedi, managing director of Alluvial.

Alluvial is buying crops in central and southeastern Nigeria with the aim of supplying half a million tons of rice a year to millers by 2020. It‘s targeting yields of 4 tons per hectare, almost double what growers currently achieve, but still only half what efficient Asian farmers produce. ―We need to get better yields,‖ said Von Kemedi. ―If you don‘t, it‘s hard to make money. It‘s why, despite the tariffs and currency restrictions, you can‘t keep foreign rice at bay.‖

19

Other companies moving into large-scale rice farming include Dangote Group, controlled by Africa‘s richest person, Aliko Dangote, Singapore-based Olam International Ltd. and TGI Group, a local conglomerate.

Dangote Investments Dangote is investing almost $300 million this year to boost production and set up processing plants in the north, targeting a million tons annually by 2020. To achieve that, it needs to help farmers get access to cheap loans and good seeds, improve their irrigation systems and mechanize production, according to Robert Coleman, a former tobacco planter in Zimbabwe who oversees Dangote‘s rice operations. ―We see smuggling of rice through our borders as a real threat to local production and we are counting on the government to mitigate this threat,‖ said Coleman. Growers need to ―transition from being subsistence farmers to successful small businessmen. Once you can achieve this, there will be an agricultural revolution.‖ Fanu, the customs agent at Seme, says the government is right to increase local production, but he isn‘t convinced import restrictions are the way to go. ―Almost everyone eats rice -- it‘s the common man‘s food,‖ he says. ―The issue is whether we can grow enough at the moment.‖ — With assistance by Hayley Warren https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-21/smugglers-run-riot-as-nigeria-tries-to-keepforeign-rice-at-bay

ODISHA IMPORTS WHEAT, CEREALS TO MEET NEEDS Thursday, 22 March 2018 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR | in Bhubaneswar4 Odisha has been importing wheat, cereals, edible oils and potato from other States for long to meet people‘s day-to-day needs.This was revealed from the information furnished in the State Assembly by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surjya Narayan Patro in response to a question of Congress MLA Naba Kishore Das on Wednesday.

As per data of NSS 68th Round survey, the State‘s onion and sugar productions were more than requirement in 2014-15. However, the State imported onion and sugar in 2015-16 and 2016-17 as productions were less than requirement. However, it limped back during the current year, 2017-18, when 3.78 lakh metric tonne of onion and 2.36 lakh MT of sugar have been produced compared to requirement of 3.36 lakh MT and 2.11 lakh MT, respectively.

The data said the State has remained self-sufficient in rice production for long, excepting 201516 when 5.18 lakh MT of rice was imported. However, the State‘s pulses production has remained more than requirement uninterruptedly for the last four years. The State produced 79.19 lakh MT of rice and 8.01 lakh MT of pulses against annual needs of 67.37 lakh MT and 2.79 lakh MT, respectively, during the current year, 2017-18.

Odisha imported 5.12 lakh MT of wheat against annual need of 5.19 lakh MT and 64.48 lakh metric tonne of cereals against annual need of 73.46 lakh MT in 2017-18. Similarly, it imported 0.17 lakh metric tonne of edible oil and 9.51 lakh metric tonne of potato against annual needs of 2.45 lakh MT and 12.53 lakh metric tonne respectively.

20

The Minister informed that Odisha imports wheat mostly from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and pulses from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Similarly, edible oil is procured from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and onion from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. However, potato is imported from West Bengal only, he said.

The State had targeted to produce 95.75 lakh MT rice, 0.18 lakh MT wheat, 11.54 lakh MT cereals, 10.20 lakh MT pulses and 8.48 lakh MT edible oil seeds during the current year. http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/odisha-imports-wheat-cereals-to-meetneeds.html

Indonesia increases rice quota for Pakistan The Newspaper's Staff ReporterMarch 22, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Indonesia has allocated a higher quota of rice imports from Pakistan under the preferential trade agreement.As per agreement, eight Pakistani rice exporters got orders for 6,250 tonnes each, totalling 50,000 tonnes after the bidding process.An official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce said that this single transaction will be worth around $22.5m.It is expected that after the notification of an additional 20 tariff lines, which include Pakistan‘s top export potential by the Indonesian authorities, exporters of these products will benefit from it.

The notification of the 20 tariff lines will be issued by the Indonesian authorities after completing official formalities.

Meanwhile, kinno exports have already increased due to longer available time limit for exports allowed by the Indonesian authorities this year.

The PTA, signed in February 2012 and operationalised in September 2013 will bring more opportunities for the Pakistani exporters, helping reduce trade deficit between the two countries.

After bilateral negotiations, the Commerce Division was successful in getting greater market access to Indonesian market.

The negotiations to get unilateral market access on 20 high priority tariff lines and increased access for Pakistan‘s agricultural products were initiated in 2017.

These culminated during the visit of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo on January 26-27.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2018 https://www.dawn.com/news/1396825

Evasco plays with fire

BY JOJO ROBLES ON MARCH 22, 2018

JOJO ROBLES IT‘S already been reported that President Rodrigo Duterte is unhappy with some of his Cabinet members, though he didn‘t really say if he‘s firing anyone soon. I‘m guessing, however, that Duterte must be very unhappy with Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. these days—and that Evasco himself seems hell-bent on going to the head of the line that leads out of the Duterte Cabinet.Last Monday, Duterte presided for the first time over a meeting of

21

the National Food Authority Council, the governing body of a bunch of agencies in charge of, among other things, rice importation. Duterte had one message to the council: replenish the depleted rice stocks of the National Food Authority by importing 250,000 metric tons of rice immediately.

But after the president left the NFAC meeting, the assembled officials, led by Evasco, did not act on Duterte‘s directive. There was no resolution passed by the body authorizing NFA Administrator Jason Aquino to start the importation process, which is a requirement for such transactions.

The council is headed by Evasco, the former rebel priest and Maribojoc, Bohol, town mayor who is believed to be one of the officials closest to Duterte. And this is not the first time that Evasco has acted in direct opposition to Duterte‘s orders in the matter of rice importation.

Last year, Duterte declared in a press conference that he was firing Evasco‘s undersecretary, Maia Halmen Valdez, for engineering the extension of the importation permits of private companies under the Minimum Access Volume scheme at the height of the rice harvest season.

As Evasco‘s deputy and designated representative in the council, Valdez reportedly forced Aquino to allow two shipments of rice to be imported, over and above the objections of the NFA. (Note: the NFA is only one of the agencies under the council. Evasco is council chairman representing the president himself, just like he is also chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council as Duterte‘s alter ego.)

Evasco should have learned something from his subordinate‘s firing. But he didn‘t, as his subsequent inaction on Duterte‘s directive last February to import 250,000 metric tons of rice to address the NFA‘s severe buffer stock shortage.

In the first week of February, Duterte directed the council to start the process of government-togovernment importation in response to reports from Aquino that NFA stocks had fallen to critical levels. If the NFA had been allowed by the council to start the paperwork right away, the stocks would have arrived by the end of March, at the latest.

But Evasco convinced the council to delay the importation until June, once again effectively countermanding a direct order from the president. Furthermore, the secretary got the council to agree that any importation should be done by private importers in a MAV-like scheme, even if Duterte had specifically wanted a government-to-government importation, which would be cheaper and less prone to corruption and the ―hijacking‖ of NFA stocks to private retailers, who mix the cheap rice with more expensive, well-milled varieties in order to jack up prices.

Evasco remains convinced that NFA rice, which has vanished from retail outlets, should remain scarce to the point where people no longer look for it and get used to buying more expensive commercial varieties. But this goes against the NFA‘s mandate to stockpile the staple to provide the poor with cheaper alternatives and to be able to immediately deploy rice during times of calamity.

Then Duterte presided over last week‘s NFAC meeting, where he essentially repeated the importation order in person. But Evasco, as one news report said, decided to ―recalibrate‖ the president‘s directive with the support of the heads of the other agencies that make up the NFAC. ***

22

I don‘t know why Evasco thinks he can keep pushing for the corruption-riddled private importation of rice and for basically taking the position that he can ignore the direct orders of the president, who has merely delegated to him all the power he has as the Cabinet Secretary. All I know is, this is just the sort of official misbehavior that has given people like Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno and National Irrigation Authority Peter Tiu Laviña a one-way ticket out of their government jobs; and even Evasco will admit that Sueno and Laviña are close and longtime associates of Duterte, as well.

If Evasco doesn‘t mend his ways, he could very well be the next Cabinet member that gets fired.

At the very least, he can‘t say—like the others in the ever-lengthening list of those who think their closeness to the president makes them immune to removal—that he wasn‘t warned. http://www.manilatimes.net/evasco-plays-with-fire/387743/

Farmers Defying Suggestions that Apples Can’t Be Grown in PNG 22/03/2018 Scott Waide 325 Views

A farmer showing off locally grown apples. Photo credit: Lydia Paul As Papua New Guinea‘s National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) continues limited studies into apple production, the fruit is already being cultivated in various parts of the country on a small scale.

In Morobe, Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Eastern Highlands, farmers are defying long-held suggestions that apples can‘t be grown in Papua New Guinea.

In Hakwange in Menyamya District of the Morobe Province, a farmer brought apple samples to a public gathering. While he didn‘t get the support he wanted, he told more than 200 people that he had planted more than 20 trees on the mountainside across the river.

He said it was difficult to get to but it was a start and he wanted government support.

Recently, more pictures have emerged of other farmers in Menyamya who have been growing

23

apples in abundance.

For NARI, this is an encouraging development despite the fact that there is very little government support in this area of research. ―This is not considered as a priority,‖ says Dr Sim Sar, of the National Agriculture Research Institute in Lae. ―The key aspect of apple growing is that the flowering is triggered by seasonal change during winter. ―In Papua New Guinea, commercial farming can happen but there has to be good management using hormonal treatment to induce flowering. ―But it is encouraging to see that farmers are growing apples from the seeds in high altitudes where the climate is good.‖ Apples are not the only ―foreign‖ fruits being grown in Papua New Guinea.

In Jiwaka, Morobe and Eastern Highlands provinces, families are farming grapes. The backyard vineyards are challenging lethargic government agricultural priorities.

After being unseated in the 2017 elections, Former Morobe Governor, Kelly Naru began a small venture producing beverages using locally grown grapes in the Boana area of Nawaeb District. ―We must appreciate the abundance in talent, wisdom, capacity and the blessings from the creator. Papua New Guineans must learn to utilize these opportunities to our benefit,‖ he told the Post Courier.

With the Papua New Guinea Government‘s push for import reduction, local companies are slowly making the shift at the commercial level.

Mainland Holdings, which has a diversified portfolio of products including poultry, crocodiles, chickens and feed, has begun growing sorghum to reduce import dependence on Australia.

Trukai, PNG‘s biggest rice distributor is also expanding local production. By the end of 2018, 200 hectares of rice in Morobe will be ready for harvesting. This is just part of a 500-hectare production farm in just one province.

Other provinces have also begun planting rice as part of Trukai‘s push to reduce its dependence on rice imports from Australia. http://www.emtv.com.pg/farmers-defying-suggestions-that-apples-cant-be-grown-in-png/

Marion Maurice Blocker Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Marion Maurice Blocker, 61, of Roe, Ark., passed from this life Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at his home. The son of the late Floyd Blocker, he was born in Caraway and raised in Elaine. A 1974 graduate of Elaine High School, he later graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. He had been a Stuttgart area resident since 1991 and was a Program Associate 3 for the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center. Family was very important to Maurice as he stayed in touch with his many cousins and lifelong friends and considered his co-workers as family.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Jo Laffoon Blocker of Stuttgart and many close cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with the Rev. Larry Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery.

24

The family will receive visitors Thursday from noon until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Maurice's Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity brothers.

Friends may sign the online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com. of http://www.thetown-crier.com/story/2495111.html.

Rice import from India: some realities Bangladesh should not entirely rely on rice import from India and try to explore new opportunities. Photo: Star/file Subash Dasgupta In 2017, a large quantity of rice was imported from India and mainly from the bordering state of West Bengal. Exact figures of imported rice from India are not known yet and, most probably, it will not be known and, as always, approximate figures are the basis for following the trend in Indo-Bangladesh trade in rice. One is left with this impression based on the experience of rice imports from India during 1998 floods.

In 1998, government figures showed 4.2 million tonnes of rice were imported from India. Of this amount, 2.2 million tonnes were imported to make up for the shortage created by floods and 2 million tonnes to cover the usual annual deficit in domestic rice production. At that time, the only land port of entry of Indian rice into Bangladesh was Benapole. Bangladesh's customs authority at this checkpoint provided figures of Indian rice imports that don't match official government statistics. When the Indian central bank (as sole authority of opening letter of credit) was approached to verify which estimates were correct, it provided a different figure. It shows uncontrolled border trade played a significant role in entry of Indian rice into Bangladesh. It is likely this scenario may also play out in current situation.

Last year when price of coarse rice was rising rapidly, I had the opportunity to observe the coarse rice auction systems in Bardhaman district of West Bengal auction place and the price at auction was Rs 20-21 per kg subject to availability of rice in the auction place. Sometimes the price rose to Rs 22-23 during short supply. The price of rice in the local market of West Bengal at that time was Rs 28-30/kg. Price of one kg was equivalent to Bangladeshi Tk 26-27. In the local market of Bangladesh rice price during the same period was Tk 42-43. I was told that upon reaching Benapole border rice price increases to Rs 26-27 per kg, which is equivalent to Tk 34-35. Price of one kg rice within Bangladesh until it reaches local market increased Tk 9-10 taka. The issue is here whether there is any scope to reduce the cost of transportation and handling of the merchandise during transit so as lower the retail price of imported rice in local markets.

India's total rice production in 2016-2017 (October/September) was 107-107.5 million tonnes against the demand of 99 million tonnes. It means India has a maximum exportable surplus of 8.5 million tonnes of rice, of which 4.5 million tonnes are Basmati rice. In other words, only 4 million tonnes of conventional rice is available for export. As India maintains close friendly relations with other countries to further its geo-strategic interests, Bangladesh should be mindful of a stark reality that India cannot be taken as granted as the sole source of importing rice.

Additionally, India has its some own internal problems in different states in handling rice issues.

25

For example, the central government of India requested West Bengal state government to provide it with some quantity of rice for supply in other rice-deficit states of India. For its part, the West Bengal government has its mid-day meal programmes and supply of rice to the people living below the poverty line. The West Bengal state government's programme of subsidising rice to poor people is larger in scope than the central government's programme.

However, the state government has been facing some problems to run these two programmes.

The system of procurement in West Bengal is as follows: farmers sell their paddy to the millers and millers sell milled rice to the government. However, this year, due to higher price in local market, farmers are not giving the paddy to the millers. The system is that millers should buy rice only from real farmers (government provides identity card to the real farmers) and not from individuals other than farmers.

Farmers are not happy with this approach because very often millers do not buy farmers' rice saying quality is not good, moisture contents are high and lack of money to the millers and delays in cashing miller cheques received from the government by selling milled rice to the government as government has no money in their account. In these circumstances, farmers incur losses in labour and transportation costs for bringing paddy to the millers. Media reports say in some places, to avoid this situation, a group of farmers sell their rice to the middlemen and certify that he/she is authorised by farmers to sell their rice to the millers. This system also did not work due to dishonesty of the middlemen.

Because of above situations both social safety net programmes of the state government are under threat and government has very little options to overcome this situation. However, one of the options may be to reduce export of rice to Bangladesh in future.Other points to take into account for long run rice import from India is that the MSP (minimum support price) of rice has been increased 1.5 times of the cost of production and will be effective since October 2018. It has been announced in the recent budget of 2018-2019.

It may cause rice price hike in India.

Another point is that rice is grown in India mainly in monsoon period and is considered as rainfed crop and the major winter crop of India is wheat and not rice. In view of that production and productivity performance of rice depends mainly on rainfall distribution in the country. In India only 40 percent of rice areas are irrigated. The third point is that the geo-political landscape has been changing very rapidly in this region. It may stand as one of the weighty factors of receiving rice from any country including India.

Considering the above situation, Bangladesh should not entirely rely on rice import from India and try to open up new opportunity for importing rice. We have to remember that Bangladesh's efforts to import rice from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand in 2017 were less successful. It says policies in this regard should be more straightforward and transparent and country capacity to negotiate import deals will also play a crucial role.

The writer is the former senior technical officer of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. He can be reached at subashdasgupta@gmail.com. of http://www.thedailystar.net/business/rice-import-india-some-realities-1551643

26

Resolution to Establish Identity for Rice, Protect Consumers

By Lesley Dixon LITTLE ROCK, AR -- This week, Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a resolution to establish a standard of identity for rice using the common understanding of the term "rice." The resolution outlines measures the State legislature will take to establish a definition of rice that aligns with international standards.

CODEX, the international food safety standard of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, defines rice as "whole or broken kernels from the Oryza sativa L. plant," but unlike most commercial grains, rice has no standard of identity in the United States. This has emboldened purveyors of what the rice industry calls "rice pretenders;" food that has gone through the process of being "riced" but that contains no rice at all, such as so-called "cauliflower rice."

Any regulation Arkansas passes as a result of this resolution will lay the groundwork for establishing a standard of identity for rice on the national level."This resolution is important because we are seeing a definite clash in the marketplace from the confluence of consumers wanting to know exactly what they are eating and advances in food science that allows developers to chase any kind of trend and spit out a product," said Michael Klein, vice president of domestic promotion at USA Rice. "Rice is a grain, not a shape."

The State resolution will be delivered to each member of the U.S. Congressional delegation from Arkansas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Scott Gottlieb.

Although the language of the resolution also includes four species of grasses from the genus Zizania known as wild rice, it does not currently mention African rice (Oryza glaberrima), a separate but related heirloom species grown in small quantities in the U.S. According to Lauren Waldrip Ward, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation, the resolution is not intended to exclude such varieties. "It's a first step for the Arkansas legislature to establish a statewide, and someday a nationwide, standard of identity that eliminates any lack of clarity in the marketplace about what rice truly is. The purpose is not to exclude other rice types, but to hold rice imposters accountable."

Klein said, "USA Rice has already raised this issue several times on the federal level with both the FDA and USDA, including directly with Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue. We will continue to press for a standard of identity for rice and proper product representation in the marketplace and can now point to the Arkansas resolution as positive steps."

27

2,200-Year-Old ‘Rice Wine’ Found in China Mar 21, 2018 by News Staff / Source |

A team of researchers from the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archeology in China has unearthed a bronze kettle with liquor dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

2,200-year-old liquor. Image credit: Li Yibo, Xinhua.

The 2,200-year-old bronze kettle is a sacrificial vessel among 260 other items found in Qin Dynasty tombs in China‘s Shaanxi province.

28

―The kettle had its opening sealed with plants and natural fibers,‖ said Dr. Zhang Yanglizheng, an archaeologist with the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archeology. ―Surprisingly, we found about 10 fl oz (300 ml) of liquor in it.‖ ―The liquor was milky white when we found it, and was a little muddy,‖ he said. ―Later test showed that it was composed of high concentration amino acid substances and also small amounts of protein and fatty acids, which made it similar to yellow rice wine we drink nowadays.‖ The team also unearthed a 2-foot (60 cm) long bronze sword with ‗octahedrons in the middle to increase the weapon‘s effectiveness.‘ ―This copper sword should have been a combat weapon,‖ Dr. Zhang said. ―There are obvious signs of wear on the sword, which suggests that it was used in a lot of wars by its owner.‖ ―Another important find was a 5.5-inch (14 cm) long turtle plastron shell with a dozen punches inside the shell and burn marks on its edge suggesting that it was used by a fortune-teller for divination.‖ http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/qin-dynasty-liquor-05838.html

Rice Cosumption Rate Increasing RICE Consumption Rate In Papua New Guinea (PNG) Has Increased To 63 Per Cent Compared To Global Rice Consumption.

March 22, 2018 RICE consumption rate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has increased to 63 per cent compared to global rice consumption.Managing Director for Innovative Agro Industries Limited (IAI) Ilan Weiss said the high consumption rate has shown that PNG is spending a lot on imports and less on exports.―PNG‘s rice consumption is going at 63 per cent rate than the global rice consumption therefore we need to grow rice locally,‖ Mr Weiss said.

In a presentation at the National Planning summit in Lae, Mr Weiss said the establishment of a local rice industry in the country will create over 8000 employment opportunities for the people and importantly generate foreign currency.

He said creating agricultural industries locally would see more money parked in the country then going out on exports. ―The development of agricultural industries would create other economic benefits and capacity building for the country,‖ Mr Weiss said.

IAI is currently operating a local milk manufacturing company outside Port Moresby and is now embarking on developing rice in the country and has identified potential areas suitable for the project. ―The company is currently reviewing locations throughout the country for its first ever highly mechanised commercial rice project in the country,‖ Mr Weiss said.

Mr Weiss said in order to generate revenue that remains in the country; the company is operating a dairy project in Port Moresby that is manufacturing milk locally in the nation‘s capital, Port Moresby.

https://postcourier.com.pg/png-rice-consumption-rate-increasing/

PNG Rice Consumption Rate Increasing 29

RICE Consumption Rate In Papua New Guinea (PNG) Has Increased To 63 Per Cent Compared To Global Rice Consumption.

March 22, 2018 RICE consumption rate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has increased to 63 per cent compared to global rice consumption.Managing Director for Innovative Agro Industries Limited (IAI) Ilan Weiss said the high consumption rate has shown that PNG is spending a lot on imports and less on exports. ―PNG‘s rice consumption is going at 63 per cent rate than the global rice consumption therefore we need to grow rice locally,‖ Mr Weiss said.In a presentation at the National Planning summit in Lae, Mr Weiss said the establishment of a local rice industry in the country will create over 8000 employment opportunities for the people and importantly generate foreign currency.

He said creating agricultural industries locally would see more money parked in the country then going out on exports.―The development of agricultural industries would create other economic benefits and capacity building for the country,‖ Mr Weiss said.IAI is currently operating a local milk manufacturing company outside Port Moresby and is now embarking on developing rice in the country and has identified potential areas suitable for the project.―The company is currently reviewing locations throughout the country for its first ever highly mechanised commercial rice project in the country,‖ Mr Weiss said.Mr Weiss said in order to generate revenue that remains in the country; the company is operating a dairy project in Port Moresby that is manufacturing milk locally in the nation‘s capital, Port Moresby. https://postcourier.com.pg/png-rice-consumption-rate-increasing/

Rice Prices as on : 22-03-2018 12:24:33 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals Current

Price % change

Season cumulative

Modal

Prev.

Modal

Prev.Yr %change

Rice Bindki(UP)

500.00

-44.44

17608.00

2250

2260

-

Varanasi(Grain)(UP)

370.00

-2.63

4653.00

2240

2200

4.19

Manjeri(Ker)

290.00

NC

1450.00

3700

3700

NC

Jasra(UP)

225.00

800

528.50

2450

2400

-

30

Gondal(UP)

220.00

51.72

4457.50

2150

2140

NC

Gorakhpur(UP)

215.00

34.38

1582.50

2140

2160

1.90

Siliguri(WB)

162.00

-1.82

2902.00

2700

2700

NC

Bharthna(UP)

150.00

200

5484.00

2350

2320

-

Kalipur(WB)

77.00

-9.41

813.00

2700

2700

17.39

Rampurhat(WB)

75.00

NC

735.00

2500

2500

19.05

Beldanga(WB)

70.00

27.27

420.00

2800

2850

16.67

Jangipura(UP)

60.00

114.29

488.00

2120

2110

-

Risia(UP)

57.70

-61.53

4006.30

1650

1700

-

Ghaziabad(UP)

55.00

-21.43

1745.00

2645

2625

12.55

Basti(UP)

53.00

-15.2

1549.50

2150

2150

2.14

Samsi(WB)

53.00

-1.85

815.50

3300

3300

10.00

Gauripur(ASM)

47.00

4.44

1091.00

4500

4500

NC

Cachar(ASM)

40.00

NC

1400.00

2400

2400

9.09

Sahiyapur(UP)

36.50

14.06

1175.00

2150

2145

-

Gajol(WB)

32.10

-30.37

731.70

3550

3450

22.41

Muzzafarnagar(UP)

32.00

52.38

687.00

2710

2685

-

Lakhimpur(UP)

32.00

6.67

837.00

2180

2170

2.83

Jayas(UP)

31.00

14.81

795.50

2050

2040

2.50

Chorichora(UP)

26.50

6

316.00

2150

2140

-

Balrampur(UP)

25.00

525

78.00

2300

1960

6.48

Madhoganj(UP)

21.00

-40

2013.50

2165

2150

-0.23

Jaunpur(UP)

20.00

-33.33

656.30

2125

2140

2.16

Kayamganj(UP)

20.00

42.86

299.00

2260

2290

0.44

31

Naanpara(UP)

20.00

11.11

731.00

2150

2150

-

Raiganj(WB)

20.00

-20

472.00

3250

3400

30.00

Tamkuhi Road(UP)

19.00

-32.14

459.00

2150

2150

-

Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)

18.00

5.88

96.00

2800

2700

21.74

Rampur(UP)

16.00

6.67

146.50

2340

2350

-

Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)

15.80

NC

232.80

3000

3000

11.11

Saharanpur(UP)

15.00

-21.05

541.00

2700

2685

14.41

Islampur(WB)

15.00

-25

402.50

3350

3500

48.89

Kolaghat(WB)

15.00

NC

92.00

2800

2800

21.74

Champadanga(WB)

12.00

-25

139.00

3400

3400

25.93

Badayoun(UP)

11.00

-8.33

215.00

2400

2360

-

Allahabad(UP)

10.00

-88.89

3455.00

2600

2550

16.07

Sirsaganj(UP)

10.00

-33.33

374.00

2560

2550

12.53

Deogarh(Ori)

9.00

NC

177.00

2500

2500

NC

Mirzapur(UP)

8.00

-11.11

255.50

2130

2135

-

Dibrugarh(ASM)

7.70

-23

298.60

2400

2400

6.67

Khurja(UP)

7.00

-12.5

383.00

2600

2615

-

Muradabad(UP)

7.00

NC

142.00

2420

2400

-

Chitwadagaon(UP)

7.00

16.67

111.70

2000

2000

-

Silapathar(ASM)

6.60

247.37

59.70

2600

2600

-13.33

Unnao(UP)

6.00

NC

111.10

2125

1950

3.66

Vishalpur(UP)

6.00

-3.23

34.50

2400

2345

-

Farukhabad(UP)

5.50

NC

104.80

2310

2300

4.52

Kosikalan(UP)

5.50

-38.89

14.50

2510

2520

-

32

Kottayam(Ker)

5.00

-16.67

37.00

4000

4000

-9.09

Paliakala(UP)

4.80

-60

782.60

2180

2150

-

Kalyanpur(Tri)

4.00

14.29

40.00

2990

2980

6.79

Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)

3.00

20

65.90

3000

3000

20.00

Robertsganj(UP)

2.80

-82.5

206.80

2245

2210

-

Jahangirabad(UP)

2.00

NC

60.50

2580

2575

11.93

Balarampur(WB)

1.82

-1.09

29.55

2680

2640

14.53

Tundla(UP)

1.50

-16.67

65.50

2620

2510

-

Kasganj(UP)

1.00

-75

29.00

2600

2650

-

Billsadda(UP)

1.00

25

108.80

2250

2230

-

Fatehpur Sikri(UP)

0.70

-12.5

15.80

2540

2570

-0.78

Published on March 22, 2018 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article23319158.ece

COLOMBIA: Country Begins White Rice Exports To Canada 3/20/2018 5:48 PM ET (Agencia CMA Latam) - Colombia made its first export of white rice to Canada after four years of joint work between public and private sectors to open that market.

"This export of rice is in line with our policy of diversification of the exportable supply, but also shows the deepening of our Trade Agreement with Canada, where the income of this product is tax-free," said the Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mar?a Lorena Gutierrez.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Juan Guillermo Zuluaga, said that "this is the first market, because we are doing a job to open other international destinations such as Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Chile, although we already have eligibility with Canada and Venezuela."

In 2017, Canada imported 389,797 tons of rice and its main supplier was the United States with 227,765 tons, followed by Thailand with 90,001 tons.

by Agencia CMA Latam For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com http://www.rttnews.com/2874433/colombia-country-begins-white-rice-exports-to-canada.aspx

33

Thai Commerce Ministry considers rice stock release VNA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 - 14:50:

A Thai man dries paddy rice (Photo: Bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok (VNA) - The Commerce Ministry of Thailand plans to hold talks with the Thai Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) on releasing 900,000 tonnes of hom mali rice to encourage farmers to delay selling their stocks, thus curbing any negative effects on premium rice prices.The BAAC has set aside more than 80 billion baht (2.56 billion USD) in loans and grants for rice farmers who delay selling their 2017-2018 rice harvest.

Under the loan scheme, 21 billion baht has been offered to delay selling paddy, 3 billion baht earmarked for farmers, 12.5 billion baht to buy paddy to increase rice prices and 47.3 billion baht in grants available to those rice growers signed up for the programme.

The credit package was offered based on average rice prices for the past three years — 10,800 baht a tonne offered for hom mali and glutinous paddy, 7,200 baht per tonne for white rice paddy and 8,500 baht per tonne for Pathum Thani fragrant paddy.

Retail rice farmers are each limited to 300,000 baht in loans, while agriculture cooperatives,

34

farmer clusters and community enterprises are capped at 300 million baht, 20 million baht and 5 million baht, respectively.-VN https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thai-commerce-ministry-considers-rice-stock-

On Buhari‘s Food Security Council Mitro Ofada rice Last week‘s announcement by President Muhammadu Buhari that he would inaugurate and head a National Food Security Council has sparked debates among stakeholders in the green community or agricultural space. The move coming at a time when the Food and Agriculture Organisation has declared that 29 African countries, including Nigeria are among 37 countries in the world in dire need of external food aid is instructive and demonstrates the President‘s commitment to not just food selfsufficiency but monumental growth in the agricultural sector, which holds all the aces to Nigeria‘s long march towards economic diversification.

In his 2018 budget presentation speech at the National Assembly last November, the President did not leave anyone in doubt as to his unwavering commitment towards food security. ―Food Security is an important aspect of this Administration‘s National Security agenda. Any person involved in smuggling of food items is a threat to our National Security and will therefore be dealt with accordingly. A Committee chaired by the Vice President is working on this matter.

A key part of their work will be the reactivation of the Badagry Agreement signed between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin in 2003,‖ Buhari had told his audience at the packed Senate chambers, venue of the joint session of the National Assembly.

That declaration appears set to be achieved by the Council. While playing host to the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers Association and Rice Distributors, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefile and Governors Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi in Abuja, Buhari had reechoed the link between food security and national security. ―Our experiences today of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrates that our quest for food security has a direct link to our national security objectives,‖ the president said.

35

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, after the meeting, the presidency said that the committee members include 6 governors, 7 cabinet ministers, security chiefs, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria among others.

According to the statement, the broad objectives of the Council will include, developing sustainable solutions to the farmers–herdsmen clashes; Climate Change and Desertification and their impact on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta Fishing Communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling. The Council will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria.

However, a careful study of the council‘s membership and mandate reveals some loopholes that could stand in the way of any meaningful impact by the council. .

That the council has the President and other key government functionaries as members is laudable. But the inclusion of too many government officials with no private sector representation is to say the least, counterproductive. In a move, typical of an afterthought, government has said that the private sector‘s role will be purely advisory. This is certainly not the way to go if we need serious policy dialogue in the council. From Kano to Lagos, Enugu to Port Harcourt, a lot of private sector initiatives that have tremendously impacted Nigeria‘s drive towards food security dot her landscape. It is therefore a poor choice made in the compilation of membership for a council whose work clearly cannot be achieved without private sector input. In an age when the most desirable model for development, locally and internationally, is public private partnership, such an anomaly is a threat to the actualisation of the council‘s mandate.

Again, there is the fear that the council may be unable to meet regularly to deliberate on this allimportant national agenda as it is peopled by persons who have a lot in their hands already.

President Muhammadu Buhari‘s headship of the council could slow down its pace of work. The president heads among others his government, the Federal Executive Council, National Security Council, National Council of State, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Heading this council will further put a strain on the president who has repeatedly blamed his perceived sluggishness on his advanced age.

Given that the inclusion of the Delta State Governor in the Council is to reflect geographical representation, it is my opinion that the Edo State Governor should have represented the SouthSouth region in the council. While it is arguable that Delta State does not have as much impactful agricultural ventures as Edo, it is on record that the former has not come under attacks from the Fulani herdsmen as the latter. Same argument could be made against Plateau Governor‘s inclusion in the council as opposed to his counterpart from Nigeria‘s Food Basket, Benue. In a bid to tackle smuggling, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service should have been named as a member as against his Immigration Service counterpart.

On the eve of a general elections year in Nigeria, the selection of six first-time governors who may be seeking re-election is another miss for the council. From practice, governance takes a back seat or subsumed by politicking in a pre-election year. Most of these council members will spend a better part of the year rallying for votes in a bid to stave off defeat at the ballots. We

36

must learn to halt the practice of assembling persons who are too busy to function into critical committees such as this. For example, in its more than two months in existence, what tangible results could be attributed to the Vice President‘s committee on farmer-herder clashes or the Dave Umahi-led sub-committee empaneled by that committee?

The exclusion of interested parties in the sector such as farmers and the nomadic cattle breeders is another flaw which should be addressed if the committee is to effectively address the challenges for which it has been created.With just a woman in the council, gender activists are once again spited by the Buhari administration that has gained notoriety for not pursuing the affirmative action. This is more saddening when we consider the fact that women are pillars in food security as recognised last year in Abidjan when two women were awarded the 2017 Africa Food Prize for their outstanding effort to improve farming in Africa. ―It gives me immense pride that this year‘s winner are both women. This is a clear demonstration that women in Africa are at the forefront in terms of connecting the rising food needs and the continent‘s vision for prosperity that is driven by agriculture and agri-business,‖ said former Nigerian president and Chairperson of the Prize Committee, Olusegun Obasanjo at the award presentation.

The council‘s mandate appears to be a worse challenge when compared to its membership.

The council seeks to address issues relating to agricultural research institutions. Yet, there is no representation from any of the agricultural research institutions, the twenty-three agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or even Agricultural specialists from the universities.

Where does the Committee chaired by the Vice President on the farmer-herder clashes with the governors of Taraba and Ebonyi as members stand in this Council, given that the Vice President is not named as a member? Again, why is the Vice President who currently chairs a committee to curb smuggling, one of the core mandates of the council excluded from the council?

It therefore appears that the Council is one that duplicates the functions already outsourced to committees months ago as could be seen from the mandates of the two committees chaired by the Vice-President.

It is imperative to note that for a successful policy dialogue in the proposed council and any of such council in the future, issues such as these must be addressed if we are keen about setting national agenda and achieving same in record time.

Osita Odafi is a journalist. He writes from Lagos. https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2018/03/21/on-buharis-food-security-council/

Customs intercepts exotic vehicles, trailers of rice, others worth N2.5bn in March ON MARCH 22, 201812:50 AMIN NEWS1 COMMENT By Godfrey Bivbere & Esther Onyegbula lagos—Federal Operations Unit, FOU, the anti-smuggling arm of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted exotic vehicles, trailer load of imported rice, poultry products and other products with Duty Paid Value, DPV of over N2.5 billion between March 1st and 19th. Customs Area Controller, CAC, of

37

the Unit, Garba Uba Mohammed, who disclosed this, said the seized items included 16 exotic vehicles mostly 2017 model, 7201 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 12 trailers, 1,172 cartons of frozen poultry products, 1,352 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 72 bales of used clothing, 464 pieces of used tyres, 407 sacks of Pangolin scales and 629 pieces of textile Ankara material among others. Customs The vehicles included two Lexus jeep (2016, 2017 model), one Rolls Royce, one Lincoln limousine (2014), three Toyota Camry (2009, 2013 and 2017 models) one Toyota Rav 4, one Toyota Avalon (2016) one Dogde.

The 16 exotic vehicles alone have a DPV of over N340 million. While six vehicles were impounded based on intelligence at a shop along Lekki – Epe expressway, the remaining 10 were intercepted while on information patrol at various locations.

According to Mohammed, ―the ban on the importation of foreign rice through the land was to encourage local production.‘‘ Therefore, the need to support the Federal Government policy on rice is to encourage local rice farmers, the millers and patronize our own nutritional rice cannot be over emphasized.‖ Among the seizures was the interception of eight trucks laden with 3,351 bags rice and 669 jerry cans of vegetable oil along Iseyin, Oyo/Osun Axis and also the evacuation of 1,253 bags of rice from a warehouse in Ogbomosho. based on credible intelligence despite resistance. Also, 407 sacks of Pangolin scales weighing 10,263kg was evacuated from an apartment at 64 Opebi road off Toyin street, Ikeja Lagos within the period under review with a DPV of N2,1 billion (two billion ninety four million, two hundred and forty three thousand, four hundred and fifty six naira, sixty kobo. In the spirit of inter agency cooperation the pangolin scales and the suspects will be handed over to Nigeria environment standards and regulatory enforcement agency (NESREA) for further investigation in collaboration towards protecting our natural habitat and protecting our endangered species. Five suspects were arrested in connection with these 89 seizures. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/customs-intercepts-exotic-vehicles-trailers-rice-others-worth-n25bn-march/

Pakistan to export 100 tons hybrid rice seeds for first time in April Listen

38

LAHORE: Pakistan is all set to export the first ever consignment of 100 tons heat-tolerant rice seeds to the Philippines next month, a senior industry official said – a shipment that is long-awaited since the country begun experimenting hybrid technology over a decade back. ―The first ever consignment of 100 tons high-yielding hybrid rice seed is expected to be exported to the Philippines in April, which will be sufficient to cultivate about 15,000 acres of land,‖ Shahzad Ali Malik, chief executive officer (CEO) of hybrid seed company Guard Agricultural Research and Services told journalists early this week.

39

The success of Pakistani scientists in developing prime rice seed varieties was a result of partnership with Chinese researchers, led by Yuan Longping, in 2004 after development of hybrid seed breeding technique across the coastal belt of Sindh.

The country was expecting to ship the maiden consignment of hybrid rice seeds last year, but it was delayed because officials said it takes a long process from harvesting and grading to regulatory procedures before such seed gets ready for the plantation.

Malik said as the hybrid seed is produced in harsh weather of coastal belt it is suitable for plantation in changing climate of China and other Far Eastern countries of Asia, offering lucrative exports market. ―India can also take huge benefits from this seed technology.‖ Guard Agricultural Research‘s chief, while talking about climate change and its impact on agroecosystems, said the need to develop heat-tolerant and drought-resistant hybrid rice seed varieties becomes immensely important due to climate change. Production of premium quality seed by the private sector is a big achievement as public sector institutions or multinationals monopolise the seed development. Malik said his company also carried out hybrid rice trials for seed multiplication in SouthCentral districts of Punjab. ―The step would prove very beneficial in increasing area of hybrid rice in Punjab by offering low cost of production to growers,‖ he added. ―Consequently, production of hybrid rice varieties would lead to opening of more export avenues, a win-win situation for researchers, farmers and the economy.‖ Hybrid seed varieties, being cultivated in Sindh coastal belt, have a very healthy production capacity of seven to eight tons/hectare. One of the varieties has strong roots and stem systems, enhancing its endurance against high winds.

Chinese researchers are also helping their Pakistan counterparts to introduce super-hi hybrid variety of rice with 18 tons/hectare yield potential.

Philippines, one of the world‘s biggest rice producers and importers, is facing invariable import supplies, keeping the country at the risk of food shortages. Introduction of hybrid seed on vast scale is seen as a solution to the problem. The south east Asian nation‘s rice crop season would start during the next month.

It wants to increase area under hybrid rice cultivation to 30 percent. Only high-yielding hybrid rice varieties could help in tremendously increasing yields without increasing acreage, achieving vertical growth potential. In the recent years, even Thailand and some other major producers had to import rice to meet its demand mainly due to inconsistent performance of agriculture due to multiple factors.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/294944-pakistan-to-export-100-tons-hybrid-rice-seedsfor-first-time-in-april

Bennigan’s Signs Multi-Location Agreement To Expand Into The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan By: Bennigan's Master franchising agreement is latest bold move in brand‘s global expansion.

March 20, 2018 // Franchising.com // DALLAS - Bennigan‘s has long been one of the most popular American restaurant brands across the globe. Its focus on chef-driven food, innovative drinks and friendly Irish hospitality has helped it stand apart from other concepts that have come and gone over the years.

On St. Patrick‘s Day, Bennigan‘s - the largest Irish-themed casual dining brand in the U.S. executed a Master Franchise Agreement with Baila Group of Companies to open four locations in all the major cities of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The first of these locations is expected to open within a year‘s time in Punjab, Pakistan.

40

The current plan is to expand into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but the Baila Group of Companies is also looking into the growth and demand of bringing Bennigan‘s into other central Asian markets. ―We are confident that Bennigan‘s will be enthusiastically embraced in Pakistan,‖ said Junaid Parvez, Deputy Managing Director of Baila Group of Companies. ―We chose to franchise with Bennigan‘s for a variety of reasons. Bennigan‘s has an impressive history of success internationally thanks to its distinct atmosphere, architecture, and the food is truly phenomenal.

The brand has a very compelling ROI and offers a world class level of support and training.

Possibly the biggest reason for why we chose Bennigan‘s was because of the heartwarming memories that I cherish from frequently visiting Bennigan‘s when I was a child. We want to share those memorable experiences with everyone in Pakistan.‖ The Baila Group of Companies is based in Sialkot, Pakistan. Its main business includes agriculture, rice processing and export, and ceremonial halls. The owners of the Baila Group also have a prominent presence in the construction industry of the state of Qatar. ―The Pakistani market is limitless,‖ said Parvez Iqbal, Managing Director of Baila Group of Companies. ―And all of us Pakistani‘s that are oversees have an obligation to show the Pakistani people what the world has to offer.‖ The menu in the new restaurants will be strict to Pakistani culture and religion. The entire menu will be Halal; pork and alcohol will not be offered. ―We simply couldn‘t ask for a better franchise partner than Junaid to introduce our brand to Pakistan,‖ said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan's President & CEO. ―Bennigan‘s is one of the few American brands that is just as popular overseas as it is at home. That‘s because of extraordinary franchisees like Junaid who have a passion for ‗bleeding green‘ and understands the importance of delivering memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day.‖ The chef-driven neighborhood restaurant chain renowned for its generous portions and Irish hospitality is redefining casual dining across the United States and in locations throughout Mexico, Central America, Asia and the Middle East.

Since the end of 2012, the company has opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg and Frederick, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Melbourne, Fla., Lexington, Ky.; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; Obarrio, Panama; Doha, Qatar; Dubai, UAE; and a corporate location in Panama City, Fla. Additional restaurants are planned for Florida, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina; and internationally in Mexico, Central America, Bahrain, Australia and India.

For your nearest location, menu, hours and additional information, visit Bennigans.com.

You‘re with friends at Bennigan‘s. The American Legend!

About Bennigan‘s Bennigan‘s is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining.

With chef-driven food and warm, friendly Irish Hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day. Every member of the team "bleeds green" and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. Bennigan's focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes, innovative food, Legendary service and other salesgenerating initiatives has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.

41

Media Contact: Jami Zimmerman Champion Management Vice President Of Public Relations O: 972.930.9933 C: 469.426.7657 jzimmerman@championmgt.com SOURCE Bennigan‘s https://www.franchising.com/news/20180320_benniganrsquos_signs_multilocation_agreem ent_to_ex.htmlBasmati

Rice Market Research including Growth Factors, Development Trends and Types & Application by Regions 2022 March 20, 2018 - by mangesh

Basmati Rice Market Report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the Basmati Rice Industry for 2018-2022. Basmati Rice Market report analyses the industry potential for each geographical region based on the growth rate, macroeconomic parameters, consumer buying patterns, market demand and supply scenarios.

Basmati Rice Market analysis reports provide a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists and competitive analysis. It provides the overview with growth analysis and futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data. The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis. This Basmati Rice market study provides comprehensive data which enhances the understanding, scope and application of this report.

Global Basmati Rice Market competition by top Manufacturers, with sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each Manufacturer; the top Manufacturers including KRBL Limited, Amira Nature Foods, LT Foods, Best Foods, Kohinoor Rice, Aeroplane Rice, Tilda Basmati Rice, Matco Foods, Amar Singh Chawal Wala, Hanuman Rice Mills, Adani Wilmar, HAS Rice Pakistan, Galaxy Rice Mill, Dunar Foods, Sungold and Many others.

The report split global into several key Regions, with sales (Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Basmati Rice for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and India.

Request for Sample of Report@ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/requestsample/11168349 Basmati Rice Market Report provides comprehensive analysis of key market segments and subsegments with evolving market trends and dynamics, changing supply and demand scenarios by quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecasting, Tracking current trends, challenges, and Competitive insights. Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughs for business development.

42

In this Basmati Rice Market analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis is included in the report. Basmati Rice Market report provides the main region, market conditions with the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. the Basmati Rice Market report makes some important proposals for a new project of Basmati Rice Industry before evaluating its feasibility.

Purchase Basmati Rice Market Research Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/purchase/11168349 Some of major points covered in TOC: Market Overview: Scope & Product Overview, Classification of Basmati Rice by Product Category (Market Size (Sales), Market Share Comparison by Type (Product Category)), Basmati Rice Market by Application/End Users (Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application), Market by Region (Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region, Status and Prospect (2012-2022)).

Basmati Rice Market by Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application: Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Types & Applications (Sales and Market Share, Revenue and Share Volume and Value) Basmati Rice Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data: Company, Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors, Product Category, Application and Specification with Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin, Main Business/Business Overview.

Basmati Rice Market by Manufacturing Cost Analysis: Key Raw Materials Analysis, Price Trend of Key Raw Materials, Key Suppliers of Raw Materials, Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials, Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure (Raw Materials, Labour Cost), Manufacturing Process Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers: Industrial Chain Analysis, Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing, Raw Materials Sources, Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders: Marketing Channel (Direct & Indirect Marketing), Marketing Channel Development Trend, Market Positioning (Pricing Strategy, Brand Strategy, Target Client), Distributors/Traders List Inquire for further detailed information about Basmati Rice Market @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11168349 Reasons for Buying Basmati Rice Market Report: It provides a forward-looking perspective on different driving factors or restraining market growth. Basmati Rice market report provides a six-year forecast assessed based on how the market is predicted to grow. It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors. Basmati Rice market report helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments. https://businessservices24.com/104101/basmati-rice-market-research-including-growth-factorsdevelopment-trends-and-types-application-by-regions-2022/

Food group exports post 21.74pc growth in 8 months Last Updated On 21 March,2018 03:18 pm

During the period from July-February, 2017-18 food commodities worth US$ 2.842 billion were exported

43

ISLAMABAD (APP): Food group exports from the country during 8 months of current financial year grew by 21.74 percent as compared the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-February, 2017-18 food commodities worth US$ 2.842 billion were exported as compared to the exports of US$ 2.334 billion of same period of last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.The rice exports increased by 22.14 percent as 2,669,935 metric tons of rice valuing US$ 1.261 billion exported as compared the exports of 2,395,029 metric tons worth of US$ 1.033 billion of same period last year, it added.

Meanwhile, the exports of basmati rice grew by 10.61 percent and about 258,586 metric tons of basmati rice worth of US$ 272.422 million were exported in last eight months of current financial year as against the exports of 256,848 metric tons valuing US$ 246.296 million of same period last year.About 108,262 metric tons of fish and fish preparation worth US$ 264.188 million exported as compared the exports of 89,032 metric tons valuing US$ 239.788 million of same period last year, the data reveled.

The other commodities which had witnessed positive growth in their respective exports including vegetables by 39.78 percent, tobacco by 123.62 percent, oil seed and nuts by 8.60 percent respectively.

The country earned US$ 137.650 million by exporting about 418,775 metric tons of vegetables in first eight months of current financial year as compared the exports of US$ 98.475 million and 363,506 metric tons of same period last year.

On the other hand, food commodities worth US$ 437.087 million exported in month of February, 2018 as compared the exports of US$ 318.448 million of same month of last year, showing an increase of 37.48 percent.

44

Meanwhile, imports of the food commodities into the country during last eight months grew by 6.32 percent as food commodities worth US$ 4.216 billion were imported into the country as compared the imports of US$ 3.965 million of same period last year, the data added. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/432163-Food-group-exports-growth-eight-months-Pakistan

Trade deal: Pakistan set to become member of hybrid rice seed exporting club

By Our Correspondent March 21, 2018

Following various national regulatory procedures, the first consignment is expected to be exported in April PHOTO:EXPRESS

LAHORE: Pakistan is all set to become a member of the elite hybrid rice seed

exporting club next month, after executing the pioneering trade deal with the Philippines. Following various national regulatory procedures, the first high yielding hybrid rice seed consignment of 100 tons is expected to be exported in April.

This seed will be sufficient to cultivate about 15,000 acres of land. As this hybrid seed is produced in harsh weather conditions of Sindh‘s coastal areas, it is suitable for plantation in the changing climate of China and other far eastern countries of Asia, offering tremendous export market. Even, our neighbouring 45

country, India can take huge benefits from this seed technology, said Guard Agricultural Research and Services CEO Shahzad Ali Malik.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2018. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1665207/2-trade-deal-pakistan-set-become-member-hybrid-rice-seedexporting-club/

97 percent of national rice assistance distributed Reporter: antara 20th March 2018

Illustration. Rice for the poor (raskin) in Cipinang Rice Market Market, East Jakarta. (ANTARA PHOTO/Fakhri Hermansyah)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The distribution of social assistance in the form of rice for the poor, during the period of January-March 2018, has reached 97 percent of the nationwide distribution coverage.Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Puan Maharani, explained during a press conference at the ministry`s office in Jakarta on Tuesday that the distribution of non-cash food assistance has also reached 86 percent in 44 cities, with 1.2 million beneficiary families.

"With such an achievement, we are considering a plan to expand non-cash food assistance to 24 additional districts and cities," she noted.

She stated that according to a survey, 90 percent of beneficiary families had expressed

46

satisfaction with the social assistance from the government, such as non-cash food assistance, rice social assistance, and aid under the Family Hope Program.She remarked that currently, every beneficiary family can only use non-cash food assistance to get eggs and rice.

She also revealed the government`s plan to distribute non-cash food assistance to 24 additional districts and cities.The government is also planning to add two million beneficiary families, so that the total recipients of social assistance will reach 10 million beneficiary families in 2018.

However, she emphasized that the addition of social assistance will depend on the readiness of all parties, including the central government, channel banks, and local governments.

Reported by Aditya Ramadhan (M052/INE/B003) (T.M052/B/KR-BSR/B003) Editor: Heru Purwanto https://en.antaranews.com/news/115055/97-percent-of-national-rice-assistance-distributed

Water saver: Millet scores over rice TNN | Updated: Mar 21, 2018, 11:18 IST Representative image PANAJI: Cultivation of climate smart crops with shorter durations can enable sustainable water amidst climate-change induced droughts and interstate disputes from imprudent use of this precious natural resource.Presenting a paper on water resource management at a two-day national conference on ‗changing environment: challenges, solutions and strategies‘ organised by Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, M G Chandrakanth, director, Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bangalore said that a major portion (more than 80%) of water is utilised for crop irrigation in India.

India as one of the large rice producers uses massive volumes of water for irrigation. But with water from one acre of rice, at least four acres of millets can be cultivated, he said.

Recommended By Colombia Chandrakanth, who compiled the paper jointly with Kiran Kumar R Patil, assistant professor, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shimoga said that millets being climate smart crops, can be harvested within 70 to 90 days, as

47

compared to 105 days for all other food grains.Millets, a low water crop, are fetching a better price for its dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and protein compared with rice and wheat, and urban population prone to diabetes and health problems are increasingly consuming it.

Considering that the drinking water needs, which are much less than agriculture, are the citizens fundamental right, Chandrakanth called for promotion of such crops and removal of market imperfections to boost farmers profits.

Irrigation water cost has been treated as virtually free, he said. ―Farmers need to be educated on choice of right crops, pumping right volume of water through sound water budgeting, not maximizing output per acre, but maximizing net returns per rupee of the water cost,‖ he said.

The conference featured four plenary sessions, 25 oral presentations and 12 poster presentations as speakers from academic and research bodies such as NEERI, CSIR-NIO, NCAOR, National Institute of Hydrology and Goa University, spoke.

Shalini Dhyani, scientist, National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, spoke on the need to integrate government initiatives to curb harmful effects of climate change with people‘s cooperation https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/water-saver-millet-scores-overrice/articleshow/63388247.cmshttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/water-saver-milletscores-over-rice/articleshow/63388247.cms

Rice import from India: some realities 12:00 AM, March 22, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 10:47 AM, March 22, 2018 Bangladesh should not entirely rely on rice import from India and try to explore new opportunities. Photo: Star/file Subash Dasgupta In 2017, a large quantity of rice was imported from India and mainly from the bordering state of West Bengal. Exact figures of imported rice from India are not known yet and, most probably, it will not be known and, as always, approximate figures are the basis for following the trend in Indo-Bangladesh trade in rice. One is left with this impression based on the experience of rice imports from India during 1998 floods.

In 1998, government figures showed 4.2 million tonnes of rice were imported from India. Of this amount, 2.2 million tonnes were imported to make up for the shortage created by floods and 2 million tonnes to cover the usual annual deficit in domestic rice production. At that time, the only land port of entry of Indian rice into Bangladesh was Benapole. Bangladesh's customs authority at this checkpoint provided figures of Indian rice imports that don't match official government statistics. When the Indian central bank (as sole authority of opening letter of credit) was approached to verify which estimates were correct, it provided a different figure. It shows uncontrolled border trade played a significant role in entry of Indian rice into Bangladesh. It is likely this scenario may also play out in current situation.

48

Last year when price of coarse rice was rising rapidly, I had the opportunity to observe the coarse rice auction systems in Bardhaman district of West Bengal auction place and the price at auction was Rs 20-21 per kg subject to availability of rice in the auction place. Sometimes the price rose to Rs 22-23 during short supply. The price of rice in the local market of West Bengal at that time was Rs 28-30/kg. Price of one kg was equivalent to Bangladeshi Tk 26-27. In the local market of Bangladesh rice price during the same period was Tk 42-43. I was told that upon reaching Benapole border rice price increases to Rs 26-27 per kg, which is equivalent to Tk 34-35. Price of one kg rice within Bangladesh until it reaches local market increased Tk 9-10 taka. The issue is here whether there is any scope to reduce the cost of transportation and handling of the merchandise during transit so as lower the retail price of imported rice in local markets.

India's total rice production in 2016-2017 (October/September) was 107-107.5 million tonnes against the demand of 99 million tonnes. It means India has a maximum exportable surplus of 8.5 million tonnes of rice, of which 4.5 million tonnes are Basmati rice. In other words, only 4 million tonnes of conventional rice is available for export. As India maintains close friendly relations with other countries to further its geo-strategic interests, Bangladesh should be mindful of a stark reality that India cannot be taken as granted as the sole source of importing rice.

Additionally, India has its some own internal problems in different states in handling rice issues.

For example, the central government of India requested West Bengal state government to provide it with some quantity of rice for supply in other rice-deficit states of India. For its part, the West Bengal government has its mid-day meal programmes and supply of rice to the people living below the poverty line. The West Bengal state government's programme of subsidising rice to poor people is larger in scope than the central government's programme.

However, the state government has been facing some problems to run these two programmes.

The system of procurement in West Bengal is as follows: farmers sell their paddy to the millers and millers sell milled rice to the government. However, this year, due to higher price in local market, farmers are not giving the paddy to the millers. The system is that millers should buy rice only from real farmers (government provides identity card to the real farmers) and not from individuals other than farmers. Farmers are not happy with this approach because very often millers do not buy farmers' rice saying quality is not good, moisture contents are high and lack of money to the millers and delays in cashing miller cheques received from the government by selling milled rice to the government as government has no money in their account. In these circumstances, farmers incur losses in labour and transportation costs for bringing paddy to the millers. Media reports say in some places, to avoid this situation, a group of farmers sell their rice to the middlemen and certify that he/she is authorised by farmers to sell their rice to the millers. This system also did not work due to dishonesty of the middlemen.

Because of above situations both social safety net programmes of the state government are under threat and government has very little options to overcome this situation. However, one of the options may be to reduce export of rice to Bangladesh in future.

Other points to take into account for long run rice import from India is that the MSP (minimum support price) of rice has been increased 1.5 times of the cost of production and will be effective since October 2018. It has been announced in the recent budget of 2018-2019. It may cause rice price hike in India.

49

Another point is that rice is grown in India mainly in monsoon period and is considered as rainfed crop and the major winter crop of India is wheat and not rice. In view of that production and productivity performance of rice depends mainly on rainfall distribution in the country. In India only 40 percent of rice areas are irrigated. The third point is that the geo-political landscape has been changing very rapidly in this region. It may stand as one of the weighty factors of receiving rice from any country including India.

Considering the above situation, Bangladesh should not entirely rely on rice import from India and try to open up new opportunity for importing rice. We have to remember that Bangladesh's efforts to import rice from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand in 2017 were less successful. It says policies in this regard should be more straightforward and transparent and country capacity to negotiate import deals will also play a crucial role.

The writer is the former senior technical officer of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. He can be reached at subashdasgupta@gmail.com. http://www.thedailystar.net/business/rice-import-india-some-realities-1551643.

Rice basmati slides on weak demand Rice basmati prices drifted lower by Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale grains market today owing to slackened demand. However, other grains remained steady in thin trade. Traders attributed the fall in rice basmati prices to easing demand against adequate stocks position. In the national capital, rice basmati common and Pusa-1121 variety were down by Rs 100 each to Rs 7,600-7,700 and Rs 6,700-6,800 per quintal respectively. Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal): Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,080-2,280, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,770-1,775 Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,780-1,785, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 260-300, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 255290, Roller flour mill Rs 960-970 (50 kg), Maida Rs 980-990 (50 kg)and Sooji Rs 1,040-1,050 (50 kg). Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,800, Basmati common new Rs 7,600-7,700, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 6,700-6,800, Permal raw Rs 2,325-2375, Permal wand Rs 2,375-2,425, Sela Rs 2,900-3,100 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,975-2,025, Bajra Rs 1,200-1,205, Jowar yellow Rs 1,400-1,450, white Rs 2,800-2,900, Maize Rs 1,4401,445, Barley Rs 1,490-1,500. http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rice-basmati-slides-on-weak-demand118032100474_1.html

Thailand Sees Main Rice Crop Up 7 Percent Thailand's main rice crop output in 2018-19 is estimated to rise more than 7 percent to 25.81 million tons.

(Reuters Photo/Sukree Sukplang) By : Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panarat Thepgumpanat | on 5:00 AM March 21, 2018 Category : International, SE Asia

50

Bangkok. Thailand's main rice crop output in 2018-19 is estimated to rise more than 7 percent to

51

25.81 million tons, according to figures from the country's agricultural economics office.

Thailand, the world's second-largest rice exporter, is estimated to have produced 24.07 million tons of rice in its last main crop.

The current 2017-18 off-season crop, harvested between February and April, is also estimated at 8.16 million tons, 180,000 tons more than an earlier forecast in December due to heavy rainfall.

Thailand looks to intergovernmental deals to boost rice exports    

Supporting farmers is high on the agenda ahead of elections APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer Supporting Thailand's farmers has become a government priority ahead of elections next year. © Getty Images



BANGKOK The Thai government plans to boost rice exports by negotiating sales directly with other governments in a move intended to help struggling farmers ahead of a general election to be held by February next year. https://asia.nikkei.com/magazine/20180322/Politics-Economy/Thailand-looks-tointergovernmental-deals-to-boost-rice-exports

Rice basmati slides on weak demand Press Trust of India | New Delhi Last Updated at March 21, 2018 14:15 IST



Rice basmati weakens on subdued demand Rice basmati slips on muted demand Rice basmati goes up on buying by stockist Rice basmati extends gains on rising demand Rice basmati rules firm on upsurge in demand 

Rice basmati prices drifted lower by Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale grains market today owing to slackened demand.

However, other grains remained steady in thin trade.

Traders attributed the fall in rice basmati prices to easing demand against adequate stocks position.

In the national capital, rice basmati common and Pusa-1121 variety were down by Rs 100 each to Rs 7,600-7,700 and Rs 6,700-6,800 per quintal respectively.

52

Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal): Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,080-2,280, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,770-1,775 Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,780-1,785, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 260-300, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 255-290, Roller flour mill Rs 960-970 (50 kg), Maida Rs 980-990 (50 kg)and Sooji Rs 1,040-1,050 (50 kg).

Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,800, Basmati common new Rs 7,600-7,700, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 6,700-6,800, Permal raw Rs 2,325-2375, Permal wand Rs 2,375-2,425, Sela Rs 2,900-3,100 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,975-2,025, Bajra Rs 1,2001,205, Jowar yellow Rs 1,400-1,450, white Rs 2,800-2,900, Maize Rs 1,440- 1,445, Barley Rs 1,4901,500.(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

53