3rd January,2019 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newlsetter

January 03 ,2019 Vol 10 ,Issue 1

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‫چاولوں کی کوى صی قضن صحت کے لیے فائذٍ هٌذ؟‬ ‫جنوری ‪ 3 9102‬ویب ڈیسک‬

‫یوں تو چاول نشاستے سے بھزپور غذا ہے اور یہ صحت کے لیے نہایت فائدہ مند غذا سمجھی جاتی ہے‪ ،‬لیکن کیا‬ ‫واقعی ایسا ہی ہے؟‬ ‫ہوًے کا اًحصاس اس تات پش ہے کہ کھائے جاًے والے چاول چاولوں کے صحت کے لیے مفید هاہشیي کا کہٌا ہے کہ‬ ‫کش قضن کے ہیں۔‬ ‫ایک تحقیق هیں هاہشیي کا کہٌا تھا کہ صفیذ چاول غزائیت کے اعتثاس صے کن ہوتے ہیں۔ صفیذ چاولوں صے هلوں هیں‬ ‫پشوصیضٌگ کے دوساى وٹاهي تی‪ٓ ،‬ائشى‪ ،‬اوس سیشے صاف کشدیے جاتے ہیں۔‬ ‫گو کہ اس هیں ٓائشى اوس وٹاهي تی تھشپوس هقذاس هیں هوجود ہوتے ہیں اوس پشوصیضٌگ کے تاوجود اى کی هقذاس صفیذ‬ ‫چاولوں هیں تشقشاس سہتی ہے لیکي سیشے تالکل صاف ہو جاتے ہیں۔‬ ‫یاد سہے کہ سیشہ ہاضوے کو تہتش تٌاًے کے لیے ًہایت هذدگاس ہے اوس سیشے کے تغیش چاول هوٹاپے کا صثة تٌتے ہیں۔‬

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‫دوصشی طشف تھوسے یا تشاؤى چاول اپٌے هکول غزائی اجزا کے صاتھ هوجود ہوتے ہیں کیوًکہ اى کی پشوصیضٌگ کے‬ ‫دوساى صشف اى کا تیشوًی چھلکا ًکاال جاتا ہے جو کھاًے کے قاتل ًہیں ہوتا۔‬ ‫تھوسے چاولوں هیں ایٌٹی ٓاکضیڈًٹش‪ ،‬وٹاهي ای اوس سیشہ تھشپوس هقذاس هیں هوجود ہوتا ہے۔ هاہشیي کے هطاتق ایک کپ‬ ‫پکے ہوئے تھوسے چاولوں هیں ‪ 5.3‬گشام سیشہ ہوتا ہے جثکہ اصی هقذاس کے صفیذ چاولوں هیں ایک گشام صے تھی کن‬ ‫سیشہ هوجود ہوتا ہے۔‬ ‫تحقیق کے هطاتق تھوسے چاولوں هیں صثالشیي ًاهی ایک اوس هادٍ هوجود ہوتا ہے جو حیشت اًگیز طوس پش صفیذ چاولوں‬ ‫هیں هوجود ًہیں ہوتا۔ یہ تلٌذ فشاس خوى یعٌی ہائی تلڈ پشیشش صے تحفظ فشاہن کشتا ہے۔‬

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‫ کا خطشٍ تھی کن کشتے ہیں۔‬2 ‫اصی طشح تشاؤى چاول ریاتیطش ٹائپ‬

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‫هاہشیي کی تجویز ہے کہ چاولوں کو کھاًے صے قثل اى کی تہتش قضن کا اًتخاب کیا جائے تاکہ اى هیں هوجود غزائیت صے‬ ‫فائذٍ اٹھایا جاصکے۔‬

Pokkali rice is going places Aathira Perinchery KOCHI, JANUARY 01, 2019 22:18 IST

Pokkal

Scientists turn to pokkali to develop rice varieties tolerant to salinity, temperature Not many Malayalis may have heard about pokkali, but Kerala‘s very

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own indigenous rice variety is inspiring scientists the world over to develop new rice cultivars in an effort to build resilience against climate change.

Several teams of researchers have turned to pokkali to study how the indigenous rice variety, which is traditionally cultivated only in the districts of Ernakulam, Thrissur and Alappuzha, is able to thrive in naturally-occurring saline coastal paddy fields.

A team, including scientists from New Delhi‘s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has found through a series of experiments conducted over six years that the high expression of a specific gene – OsIF – stabilizes the plant‘s photosynthetic machinery in high salinity conditions, thereby playing a crucial role in pokkali‘s tolerance to salty conditions.

‘Transgenic’ rice The team developed a new rice variety by moving this single gene from pokkali to IR64 (a high-yielding variety cultivated in more than 200 countries). They found that this resulting ‗transgenic‘ or modified rice was even more tolerant to salty conditions and high temperatures than pokkali itself.

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―Pokkali has an excellent gene pool which is very useful for salinity tolerance,‖ said Professor Ashwani Pareek of JNU, co-author of the study published in Scientific Reports, who has been studying the genetic basis of pokkali‘s impressive salinity tolerance for the past two decades.

In his laboratory, at least a dozen unique genes from pokkali have been identified and characterised for stress tolerance.

Salt tolerance Kochi‘s Rice Research Station (RRS) also created a similar variety in 2015 by moving another portion of pokkali‘s DNA (named Saltol QTL, which has also been shown to aid the plant‘s salt tolerance) into Jyothi, one of the State‘s popular rice breeds.

Named Jyotsna and released officially less than a year ago after successful field trials in 2017, the new variety is now being distributed to farmers, said Shylaraj K.S., Director of the RRS. Useful traits On an average, pokkali fields yield only around one-and-a-half tonnes per hectare, she said. ―While pokkali‘s best yields are up to four tonnes per hectare, Jyotsna easily produces up to six tonnes in good soil conditions,‖ she said.

Several foreign research institutes, including the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, have also been studying pokkali‘s gene pools and has identified a portion of DNA on one of its chromosomes that is crucial for salt tolerance, said Dr. Pareek.

With pokkali also being tolerant to submergence in water for a week, it does have numerous useful traits, said Dr. Shylaraj. As a result, farmers reported that pokkali fields in Kadamakkudy and Varapuzha were relatively unaffected by the floods that ravaged paddy fields where other short rice varieties were cultivated, she said.

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Need for conservation In a recent review of Kerala‘s indigenous rice varieties published in the journal Current Science, scientists at Chennai‘s M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation argue that given the wide range of such adaptations of these indigenous rice varieties as well as their ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions, conserving them is critical in promoting climate-resilient agriculture. ―Unpredictable monsoons and higher temperatures are fallouts of climate change and we need high-yielding varieties that can trump over these,‖ said Dr. Pareek. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pokkali-rice-is-going-places/article25883722.ece

Pockets of hope in PHL agri sector

By BusinessMirror Editorial

January 2, 2019 IT was on Christmas day when the finance chief, who is also a former agriculture secretary, reminded the country of the difficulties confronting the Philippine farm sector. In a recent business forum, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said even the private sector has started worrying about the problems hounding the agriculture sector. (See, “Agriculture sector’s woes worry Duterte govt, private sector—DOF,” in the BusinessMirror, December 25, 2018). The ills that have long plagued the sector—low productivity, inability of farmers to access affordable credit, lack of infrastructure—made it difficult for the government to ensure that the country can produce enough food needed by 106 million Filipinos.

While the acceleration of inflation, which peaked in September 2018, was unfortunate for millions of Filipinos, it focused the spotlight on a sector that has been neglected for years. Nearly 11 years after the Philippines was forced to pay through its nose for imported rice, it took several tweaks in the Department of Agriculture‘s farm policies, as well as increases in its budget that enabled the agency to roll out a number of initiatives seeking to raise productivity and income.

One such initiative is the mechanization program of the government. Increasing productivity cannot be done sans the equipment that would help farmers do their work and cut costs. In February 2018, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol announced that the government has

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earmarked P400 million for the program that would encourage farmers to take out loans if they want to buy agricultural equipment. (See, ―Piñol announces P400-M farm mechanization loan program,‖ in the BusinessMirror, February 20, 2018). The government is also moving toward encouraging foreign businessmen to invest in the assembly of farm equipment in the Philippines. (See, ―South Korean firms to assemble farm machines in PHL,‖ in the BusinessMirror, November 22, 2018).

Part of the mechanization program is the pilot testing of drones to spray fertilizer on vegetable farms in Benguet. Apart from cutting cost, drones will keep farmers from getting sick, as they will no longer have direct contact with dangerous chemicals. Because of these advantages, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has also started testing drones in rice farms and is hopeful that young Filipinos will be encouraged to go into planting rice. (See, ―Drones may attract youth to rice farming—PhilRice,‖ in the BusinessMirror, December 11, 2018).

The decision of the Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority to strictly enforce a classification-trading scheme for abaca starting 2018 has encouraged farmers to produce more.

The resulting increase in the price of the iconic Philippine fiber is likely to have expanded output by 6 percent to 76,000 metric tons in 2018, from the previous year‘s 72,000 MT. (See, ―Abaca output seen rising as overseas demand soars,‖ in the BusinessMirror, January 1, 2019). The Philippines is still the world‘s top producer and supplier of abaca, and the government would do well to capitalize on this to help boost export receipts.

The opening up of more export markets via trade deals forged by the government in recent years will also allow the Philippines to improve its export numbers. The Philippines can look to its neighbors in Southeast Asia and the members of the European Free Trade Association if it intends to increase its shipments of agricultural products. Manila has yet to take full advantage of the Asean Free Trade Area and the government would do well to undertake a study that will identify more products it can export to this market.The Duterte administration still has more than three years to implement other strategies for the agriculture sector under its Philippine Development Plan. There is no magic pill that can instantly remove the ills plaguing the farm sector, but inaction and complacency will make it harder for Philippine agriculture to fully recover. https://businessmirror.com.ph/pockets-of-hope-in-phl-agri-sector/

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Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2018 Worth Craving For

By Ainy Siddiqui January 1, 2019

Pakistani food is known for its aromatic and spicy unique taste. From Biryani to pasta, our recipes are loved by everyone.This year has literally just flown by. We‘ve had a lot of new addition of recipes on our dining table that are loved and appreciated by masses.

Let us recall which recipes remained most popular recipes of 2018 Russian Salad Russian Salad is also regarded as Oliver Salad. It is popularly consumed in many European countries, post Soviet countries, Mongolia, Iran, Latin America, India, and Pakistan. The most loved Russian Salad recipe is made with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, apples, carrots, smoked chicken, and some pineapple chunks. It is seasoned with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper,

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yogurt, and cream. Delicious and nutritious Russian salad is best starter recipe to serve at lunch or dinner.

Dhaba Style Mash Ki Daal Dhaba style Mash Ki Daal is immensely popular and delicious dish in Pakistan. This recipe got its name from its traditional Dhaba restaurants style cooking. Lentils, onions, garlic, spice, butter, cumin powder, red chili, and pepper are the major ingredients to prepare the ultimate traditional Dhaba style Mash Ki Daal. Unique style of preparation distinguishes it from your regular Daal.

Chapli Kebab Are you a fan of yummy roadside Chapli Kebabs? Bring the taste of Peshawari cuisine to your dining table by learning and preparing Peshawari Chapli Kabab recipe posted on this page. It is made from minced beef or mutton. You can try it for dinner, lunch or as a snack and can serve it with chatni, salad, or paratha.

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Yakhni Pulao Yakhni Pulao is a dish made out of rice cooked in a seasoned Yakhni (broth). The broth can be made from mutton, beef, or chicken and beef. It is a popular main course meal which is served with gravy dish, mint chutney, yogurt, or Salad.

Special Chicken Karahi Mouthwatering special Chicken Karahi is certainly one of the most popular main course dish in Pakistan. This dish is served with Tandoori Roti, Paratha, or Naan. The special element is its style of preparation that makes it more popular.

Chicken Malai Boti Chicken Malai Boti is a popular Pakistani BBQ dish. As the name suggests, the recipe comprise of Malai (cream) for preparation along with other ingredients to get its creamy texture. This creamy Chicken Malai Boti recipe is often prepared at homes and restaurants and served as a starter.

Chicken Shashlik Chicken Shashlik is yet another popular dish from Pakistani cuisine. This dish can be served with gravy, boiled rice, and egg fried rice. Chicken Shashlik is certainly one of the most popular dishes of 2018.

Chicken Nihari Chicken Nihari is a popular Pakistan recipe served at every dinner, lunch, or wedding function. It is a mild flavored thick curry made with Desi Masala ingredients. This recipe can be garnished with ginger slices and served with fried onions, lemon, green chilies, and Naan. Many local restaurants and highway restaurants are serving Nihari all over Pakistan. This recipe remained one of the most popular one during 2018.

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Chicken Manchurian Chicken Manchurian is one of the most popular dishes in Pakistan. Being a renowned dish from Chinese cuisine, Chicken Manchurian is served with Vegetable Fried Rice. The sweet, sour, and spicy taste of Chicken Manchurian is loved by children and adults equally.

Dum Ka Qeema Dum ka Keema recipe is cooked with aromatic spices such as white cumin, red chili, all spices, yogurt, brown onions, and fresh herbs. Dum ka Keema recipe comprises of high nutritional value and is perfect for children. This dish is served in all leading restaurants of Pakistan.These are some of the most loved recipes of 2018. We hope that the journey of taste continues in 2019!

Texas has enough sun and wind to quit coal, Rice researchers say Erin Douglas Jan. 2, 2019 Updated: Jan. 2, 2019 9:20 p.m.

1of 2By coordinating wind energy with solar production, Texas could replace coal, a new study finds.Photo: John Davenport, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

2of 2A West Texas solar farm. By coordinating wind energy with solar production, Texas could replace coal, a new study finds.Photo: OCI Solar Power Texas might have the perfect environment to quit coal for good.Texas is one of the only places where the natural patterns of wind and sun could produce power around the clock, according to new research from Rice University.

Scientists found that between wind energy from West Texas and the Gulf Coast, and solar energy across the state, Texas could meet a significant portion of its electricity demand from renewable power without extensive battery storage. The reason: These sources generate power at different times of day, meaning that coordinating them could replace production from coal-fired plants. ―There is no where else in the world better positioned to operate without coal than Texas is,‖ said Dan Cohan, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University

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who co-authored the report with a student, Joanna Slusarewicz. ―Wind and solar are easily capable of picking up the slack.‖ Texas is the largest producer of wind energy in the United States, generating about 18 percent of its electricity from wind. Most of the state‘s wind turbines are located in West Texas, where the wind blows the strongest at night and in the early spring, when demand is low.

The resource, however, can be complemented by turbines on the Gulf Coast, where wind produces the most electricity on late afternoons in the summer, when power demand is the highest. Solar energy, a small, but rapidly growing segment of the state‘s energy mix, also has the advantage of generating power when it is needed most — hot, sunny summer afternoons.

In the summer, Gulf Coast wind generation could overtake West Texas wind capacity from about 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. when sea breezes kick in, Rice research showed. From about 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., solar power average capacity also could exceed wind generation in West Texas, which increases as evening turns to night.

In the winter, winds in West Texas strengthen and generation increases, dropping off about 9 a.m., when solar energy begins to ramp up. ―It‘s all a matter of timing,‖ said Dan Woodfin, senior director of system operations at the state‘s grid manager, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

Weather, however, remains unpredictable. Texas would still need battery storage and natural gas-fired power plants to fill in gaps when, for example, winds might slacken earlier than expected.

Coal still generates about 25 percent of the state‘s power, but its share is shrinking. Since 2007, coal used in generating electricity has decreased 36 percent. Last year, Vistra Energy of Dallas shut down three coal-fired plants in Texas, citing changing economics in the power industry that make it difficult for coal to compete.

Texas has more than 20,000 megawatts of installed wind capacity, which could rise to 38,000 megawatts by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A megawatt can power about 200 Texas homes on a hot summer day.

Solar energy, however, has developed more slowly in Texas, despite the abundance of sunshine.

Texas installed about 2,500megawatts of solar capacity in 2018.

Texas is still the sixth-largest solar energy state. Though solar energy generation capacity Texas is expected to triple over the next five years, it makes up less than 1 percent of the state‘s energy mix. But the cost for utility-scale solar systems has fallen between 10 to 15 percent every year from 2010 to 2016, according to the Energy Department.

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And as those costs continue to fall, energy specialists said, more investment will flow to solar projects. ―We‘ll see more of a pivot toward solar in Texas,‖ said Josh Rhodes, a Ph.D. research associate at the University of Texas at Austin‘s Energy Institute. ―The price to install solar continues to fall really fast.‖ Texas, and the rest of the nation, have dramatically increased reliance on renewable resources in recent years.Wind and solar are expected to provide about 11 percent of of the nation‘s electricity next year, according to the Energy Department, up from 10 percent in 2018.

The flood of natural gas from the Permian Basin and other shale formations in the United States also is putting pressure on coal as generators turn to the cheaper, cleaner burning fuel and shut down more expensive coal plants, said Scott Jell, an electricity analyst with the Energy Information Administration, an agency of the Energy Department. No new coal plants are getting built in Texas or anywhere else in the continental United States. ―We‘re poised on the edge of a much cleaner grid than we have today,‖ Cohan said. ―There‘s an opportunity with coal coming offline to have wind and solar step up. It‘s the cheapest way to do things, whether or not you care about the environment.‖ https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Texas-has-enough-sun-and-wind-to-quit-coalRice-13501700.php

TO REPRODUCE, NEW RICE PLANT CLONES ITSELF JANUARY 2ND, 2019POSTED BY ANDY FELL-UC DAVIS

Plant biologists have discovered a way to make crop plants replicate through seeds as clones.

The discovery, which plant breeders and geneticists have long sought, could make it easier to propagate high-yielding, disease-resistant, or climate-tolerant crops and make them available to the world‘s farmers.

Since the 1920s, many crops have been grown from hybrid seeds created by crossing two varieties. These hybrids can have superior qualities in areas such as yield or pest resistance. But the seeds of hybrid crops don‘t produce plants with the same qualities.

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The ability to produce a clone, an exact replica, of a plant from its seeds would be a major breakthrough for world agriculture. Instead of purchasing expensive hybrid seeds each year, which is often beyond the means of farmers in developing countries, farmers could replant seeds from their own hybrid plants and derive the benefits of high yields year after year.

Imtiyaz Khanday and Venkatesan Sundaresan stand with the cloned rice plants in a greenhouse in December 2018. (Credit: Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

About 400 species of wild plants can produce viable seeds without fertilization. Called apomixis, this process seems to have evolved many times in plants—but not in commercial crop species. ―It‘s a very desirable goal that could change agriculture,‖ says Venkatesan Sundaresan, professor of plant biology and plant sciences at the University of California, Davis.

‗BABY BOOM‘ GENE The researchers discovered that the rice gene BBM1, belonging to a family of plant genes called ―Baby Boom‖ or BBM, is expressed in sperm cells but not in eggs. After fertilization, BBM1 is expressed in the fertilized cell but—at least initially—this expression comes from the male contribution to the genome.

BBM1, they reasoned, switches on the ability of a fertilized egg to form an embryo.

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The researchers first used gene editing to prevent the plants from going through meiosis, a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Instead, the egg cells form by mitosis, inheriting a full set of chromosomes from the mother.

Then they caused these egg cells to express BBM1, which they would not normally do without fertilization. ―So we have a diploid egg cell with the ability to make an embryo, and that grows into a clonal seed,‖ Sundaresan says.

So far, the process has an efficiency of about 30 percent, but the researchers hope they can increase efficiency with more research. The approach should work in other cereal crops, which have equivalent BBM1 genes, and in other crop plants as well, Sundaresan says.

BASIC BIOLOGY, MAJOR RESULTS ―The beauty of this work is that it addresses fundamental questions in plant biology about how a fertilized egg begins to develop into a new plant,‖ says Anne Sylvester, a program director at the National Science Foundation, which supported the research. ―This basic understanding, combined with new asexual breeding technologies, opens the door for breakthroughs in plant agriculture by avoiding the loss of beneficial traits that can occur through sexual reproduction.‖ The research appears in the journal Nature.

Additional authors of the paper are from UC Davis; Iowa State University; and INRA in Versailles, France. The Innovative Genome Institute, a joint venture between UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco that focuses on applying genome editing to solve global problems, and the National Science Foundation funded the research. https://www.futurity.org/plant-reproduction-clones-1946652/

Resolving the winter ordeal India could work with IRRI & ASEAN nations to collectively develop sustainable alternatives to deal with the persistent issue of straw burning Anish Tore2 Jan 2019 6:51 PM Nobody can ignore the winter smog in Delhi, probably because the smog is the only thing that one can see with bare eyes in the capital's now infamous winters! Though a report by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, shows that vehicles and industries contribute the most to the pollution in National Capital Region (NCR), pollution arising from farmers burning crop residue in the regions adjoining NCR has taken the centre stage recently

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. Despite states blaming each other for the problem, it is now well established that 'stubble burning' by farmers of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi itself is a major contributor to the deadly smog-soaked winters. The government responded to this problem by doing something it loves to do – banning crop residue burning. The government seems to have a problem of memory loss, otherwise, it would have remembered that almost all of its previous attempts to ban such practices failed disastrously. India could have learned from the international experience – where similar bans imposed by Communist China and the semi-authoritarian Philippines failed to persuade or coerce rice farmers.

Another initiative of granting subsidies to farmers to buy machines that help in 'rice straw management', has also failed to take off in an expected manner. Both the ban and the subsidygrant initiatives have the classical markings of being 'top-down' interventions, which, on most occasions, are bound to fail. However, India could take lessons from the Philippines in this regard. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI), in association with some farmer groups, NGOs and university students, organises an annual 'Dayami Festival' to spread awareness about the harmful effects of rice straw burning and the available alternatives to sustainably manage the straw. In Filipino, the word 'Dayami' refers to 'hay' or 'grass straw'.

Almost everyone has a role in this festival, for example, the 2017 Dayami festival saw university students making artistic representations of insects (using leftover rice straw) that are killed due to stubble burning. On the sidelines of the festival, activists and scientists affiliated to PRRI & various NGOs provide tips to farmers on utilising leftover rice straw. The suggestions include ploughing the rice straw back into the field as a natural fertiliser (paddy cultivation is particularly nutrient intensive), supplying paddy straw for generation of bio-energy, and using the paddy straw as a substrate for mushroom cultivation.

At the festival, the emphasis was not on preventing rice stubble burning (as in the Indian case) but to minimise the costs for farmers who opt for alternative methods of paddy straw disposal and supplementing the farmers' source of income. This approach, involving different sections of society in the pursuit of a solution, is expected to be much more effective compared to the 'carrot-and-stick approach' of the Indian State, where it offers subsidies for rice stubble management on the one hand and aims to take penal action against farmers who continue to burn rice stubble on the other. There is already an element of distrust between farmers' groups and the state over long-standing issues, including crop prices and insurance. Recently, farmers from across the country gathered on the streets of the national capital on November 29 and 30, 2018, with a long list of grievances.

In this backdrop, paddy cultivators are less likely to respond to the government only initiatives due to the high levels of animosity. The problem of crop residue burning can't be solved by technical or legal interventions alone. We need teams of doctors, scientists, activists and students to engage with farmers and farmer organisations and look for solutions together. The People's

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Science Movement (PSM) is one such platform to achieve the target, wherein health, pollution and environmental degradation form the basis of most of its programmes. A full-fledged intervention by the PSM in the problem of stubble burning may also provide a convenient entry point for the PSM in the northern agrarian belt.

By helping the paddy farmers transition to a better, more sustainable style of farming, the PSM might be able to develop a constituency for itself in the region. Since we live in an increasingly globalised world, we must make an attempt to seek global solutions to our local problem of paddy straw burning. Rice is one of the top three food crops in the world and the staple food of an overwhelming majority of Asians. Media reports and research papers have highlighted how the problem of paddy straw burning raised concerns in the Philippines, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. We might be able to develop additional methods to sustainably dispose of paddy straw via collaborative research efforts and co-operation with other rice-producing countries in the ASEAN bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while attending the ASEAN summit in the Philippines in 2017, paid a visit to both the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) as well as PRRI. During the visit, the PM donated two varieties of rice to IRRI to bolster their rice-gene bank, when he was also informed about IRRI's work to develop flood-resistant rice varieties, which would help a world threatened by extreme events and Climate Change. During this visit, steps were also taken to operationalise the newly inaugurated South Asian centre of IRRI, located in Varanasi. Thus, a well laid out infrastructure for future co-operation in development and dissemination of better rice varieties was put in place during Modi's visit.

Though PRRI & IRRI are already conducting research to find ways to sustainably manage paddy straw; this issue, curiously, did not figure in the list of priorities of the Indian delegation during PM Modi's visit. There already exists an infrastructure for agricultural co-operation between India and IRRI. It would be wise to see if there exists a possibility to collaborate and find common solutions to the vexed problem of paddy straw burning.

Further, India could explore the possibility of collaborating with countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar who similarly witness large-scale paddy straw burning. Cooperation between India and ASEAN countries, in their common pursuit towards finding sustainable solutions to the problem of straw burning, will add another layer to the scientific & people-to-people (P2P) diplomatic co-operation between the two. (The views expressed are strictly personal) http://www.millenniumpost.in/opinion/resolving-the-winter-ordeal-334513 http://www.millenniumpost.in/opinion/resolving-the-winter-ordeal-334513

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China Admits Exceeding Agricultural Domestic Support Limits

By Sarah Moran

WASHINGTON, DC -- After a substantial delay in notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO), last month China made public its 2011-2016 agricultural domestic support notifications. In all six of these notifications, China's support exceeded its WTO commitments.

Chinese domestic agricultural support comes mainly in the form of price support and government procurement. The Chinese government buys crops if the price falls to a government-announced minimum. This inflates the price of various Chinese commodities, creating artificial incentives for Chinese farmers to increase production.

In 2016, the U.S. brought a case to the WTO regarding China's high levels of domestic support for corn, wheat, and rice producers. The U.S. argued that China's support of these three crops exceeded permissible levels by nearly $100 billion. China's recent notifications show that it did in fact go over its support commitment for those years ($21 billion in 2015) but China did not note any change in its methodology for calculating domestic support, which is a fundamental aspect of the U.S. case against China. The WTO is expected to make a final decision on this case within the next couple months.

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Over the past several years, China has overhauled its subsidy programs, cutting and eventually eliminating the minimum prices for corn, cotton, and soybeans. In 2017, Beijing began to cut minimum prices for rice for the first time and further cut prices by 2-9 percent in 2018.

"When China joined the WTO, it committed to implementing an agriculture regime that would facilitate market access consistent with international obligations and yet it has continued to frustrate the U.S. rice industry through an improper support system," said Bobby Hanks, chairman of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee. "While it's promising to see them overhauling their subsidy programs, it doesn't nullify the harm it's caused our industry over the past several years, or the need for them to fully comply with their WTO commitments."

USA Rice Daily

US rice wants sales after China lifts ban 12/31/18 5:06 PM By Bill Tomson KEYWORDS APHIS CHINA EXPORTS RICE USA RICE FEDERATION USDA China is technically open to U.S. rice now – the Chinese ban was lifted Friday - but trade can‘t begin flowing yet thanks to bureaucratic steps that remain unfinished, according to U.S. industry officials. https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/11778-us-rice-wants-sales-after-china-lifts-ban

Indian owned rice mill targets to record 500 tonnes of daily production in Nigeria 2 January, 2019

The Kano-based Indian owned rice mill, Amarava, has said it is targeting to record 500 tonnes of daily production by June this year after recording 250 tonnes to boost local self-sufficiency.

Subhash Chand, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, gave the assurance that the production capacity of the mill was being expanded to hit 500 tonnes by June.

The multi-million naira state-of-the-art rice mill, owned by an Indian national, was inaugurated

by President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano.

He added that the investment was part of the overall efforts of the High Commission to help Nigeria attain self-sufficiency in rice production.

Chand said that India was supportive of Nigeria‘s efforts to fully localise rice production, disclosing that many Indian companies were already among the leading millers in Nigeria.

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He said that the mill was built with machineries produced in Nigeria with local contents by Indian and Nigerian technological experts.

―India has been maintaining good relationship with Nigeria and will continue to do so.‖ ―Through Nigeria-India‘s cordial relationship, Indian investors are already investing in Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production,‖ he said.

Chand noted that technical partnership was another area of mutual benefits to the two nations.

In 2017, Nigeria‘s rice consumption stood at 7.9 million tonnes, while the production rate has increased to 5.8 tonnes per annum from previous 5.5 million tonnes due to Federal Government‘s local rice production policy.

The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) had also reported that the country now has 12 million rice producers because of the opportunity provided by the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Amarava Agro Processors Limited, a subsidiary of Fullmark Group, was established at Amarawa Village, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, with an initial 288 metric tonnes daily capacity.

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Buhari said at the inauguration that Nigeria‘s continued dependence on rice importation had put a strain on the economy as well as the nation‘s food flow.

He added that a substantial amount of the nation‘s foreign exchange went into rice importation yearly, noting the mill will help Nigeria to progress towards food self-sufficiency. https://www.politicalanalysis.co.za/indian-owned-rice-mill-targets-to-record-500-tonnes-of-daily-productionin-nigeria/

Philippines prompts brown rice programme RiceBIS Negros Agrarian Reform Cooperative (RiceBIS NARCO), Sitio Timawa Farming Association (STOFA) and Tison-Aida Farmers Association (TAFA) in Negros Occidental in the Philippines reached a number of stakeholders through the brown rice agro-enterprise day and feeding programme

The events aimed to promote brown rice as an agroenterprise venture and as a healthy option for consumption. (Image source: ehpien/Flickr) More than 800 students participated in the feeding programme conducted by RiceBIS NARCO in Cansilayan Elementary School in Murcia, Negros Occidental, while about 200 participants were involved in the event organized by STOFA and TAFA in Valencia Ko Elementary School, Victorias City.

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The three organisations are not only information allies for the stated events but are also PhilRice Negros‘s partners in the Rice Business Innovations System Community Programme, which was designed to enhance farmer organizations‘ agro-enterprise. The events aimed to promote brown rice as an agro-enterprise venture and as a healthy option for consumption. The promotion was done through the distribution of knowledge products from PhilRice, brief talks and serving of brown rice meals. In one event, Jose Arnel E Cordova, RiceBIS Community Programme focal person, encouraged the participants to support farmers‘ brown rice enterprise by patronising their products and partnering with them in terms of financing, service provision, and even joining the organizations to further strengthen them. Brown rice enterprise and consumption promotion were participated in by stakeholders like parents in the locale, LGU and barangay crucial officials, farmers and returning OFWs who are aspiring to be part of the farming community in the area. http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/crops/agriculture/philippines-prompts-brown-riceprogramme

CHINA BUYS FIRST-EVER U.S. RICE For the first time in history, China has bought rice from the U.S. A report in the South China Morning Post says customs officials approved U.S. rice for import last week. U.S. rice officials don‘t know just how much China will buy but they do know it‘s a market they‘ve been trying to break into for a long time.

Johnny Sullivan of Producers Rice Mill, Incorporated, in Arkansas says, ―China is a monster of a market. That fact is based on the consumption rate of rice in China. The unreal part of the story is China could chew through the entire U.S. rice crop in 14 days.‖ The news comes as leaders from both China and the U.S. will get together for trade negotiations in January. The two sides began a temporary cease-fire in December by agreeing to postpone any tariff increases for 90 days while they try to negotiate a settlement.

After a six-month lull, China had recently begun purchasing U.S. soybeans again, so there is some optimism as the negotiations draw near. http://kticradio.com/agricultural/china-buys-first-ever-u-s-rice/

NFA says its dangerous to leave rice under the mercy of the open market

By Madelaine B. Miraflor The National Food Authority (NFA) is hoping to keep its enforcement and regulatory functions even after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Rice Tariffication Law, which effectively liberalizes rice importation in the Philippines.

This, as it would be dangerous to leave the rice sector under the mercy of the open market, the agency pointed out. The Rice Tariffication Bill already made it through the bicameral committee

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this month and now awaits the final signature of Duterte.

The purpose of the bill couldn‘t be more straightforward. The Philippines will now allow the entry of more imported rice, without any cap, as long as it is slapped with corresponding tariff.

NFA, however, feels uncertain about a lot of things. In an earlier statement, the agency said it is now ―looking into its future role‖ should the rice tariffication bill approved by the Senate and House of Representatives be signed into law by the President. Under Senate Bill 1998, rider provisions were inserted that clipped most of the powers and functions of NFA in implementing its food security and stabilization role.

NFA said it was left with the mere function of buffer stocking for one specific purpose, which is to sustain the disaster relief programs of the government during natural or man-made calamities.

In a recent statement, NFA‘s Officer-in-Charge Administrator Tomas Escarez emphasized the importance of enforcement and regulatory function of the NFA. ―The grains industry is one of the most important sectors of our economy as it directly affects everyone because we all eat rice.

Leaving it under the mercy of the open market without any regulation is just too dangerous,‖ Escarez said. ―Hopefully, we can continue this even with the approval of the rice tariffication bill so we that quality and low-priced rice will still be available to our citizens, especially the poor,‖ he added.

Throughout 2018, the state-run grains agency has collected millions just from grains trading violations this year as part of its efforts to intensify its rice and market monitoring activities. In a 25 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m , mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

statement, NFA said it has apprehended at least 8,826 grains businessmen for various violations of grains trading rules and also collected at least P10.

78 million in fines as of November 30. Escarez said the NFA was able to improve its regulatory efforts by tapping other employees to assist enforcement officers nationwide. With more manpower, NFA was able to inspect 168,140 business establishments, resulting to the increased number of apprehended erring rice traders and total fines collected.

Rice stock at 2.1 mln tonnes at end-2018 – Indonesia Bulog JAKARTA, Jan 3 (Reuters) - * Indonesia state food procurement agency Bulog said on Thursday it had 2.1 million tonnes of rice stock at the end of 2018, after procuring 3.2 million tonnes of rice equivalent domestically during the year. https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N1Z3154

Baghel govt orders fresh SIT probe into PDS scam TNN | Jan 2, 2019, 12:52 IST

Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh chief minister RAIPUR: The state government on Tuesday decided to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the multi-crore PDS scam that surfaced during the BJP regime in which many people, including two IAS officers, are facing charges of corruption.

A meeting of state cabinet, presided over by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, decided that all probable angles of the PDS scam need to be thoroughly probed.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, food and civil supplies minister Mohammad Akbar and agriculture minister Ravindra Chaube said the investigating agency, which probed the case earlier, had apparently investigated only six pages of a purported diary which contained 107 pages with names of alleged beneficiaries of the scam.

They claimed that names of many powerful people, including politicians and bureaucrats, figured in the diary recovered during raids at the offices of state civil supplies corporation. The ACB, which probed the case, had made 27 people as accused in the PDS scam and had filed two chargesheets in the courts. Among them are two IAS officers - the then civil supplies secretary Dr Alok Shukla and the then managing director of the state civil supplies corporation Anil Tuteja.

According to the ACB, the corporation allowed rice millers to supply poor quality PDS rice to the BJP-led state government and received commission from them. The commission was distributed among the entire hierarchy of government functionaries. During the raids, the ACB

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had also seized around Rs 4 crore in cash from the drawers of bureaucrats, allegedly involved in the scam.

Ever since the scam came to light in 2015, the then opposition Congress has been describing it as "mother of all scams" pointing out that the money involved was more than Rs 36,000 crore.

Commercial Rice Production in PNG Shows Great Promise 02/01/201903/01/2019 EMTV Online

By Elizabeth Guka – EMTV News Cadet Journalist Rice, a much-loved staple food Rice is a common food that is eaten in most parts of the world.

Whether imported or locally grown, produced and supplied, people love having rice in their diet.

They depend on rice to add balance to the meals they prepare on their table.

In Papua New Guinea, the bulk of the population in towns and capital cities consume rice on a daily basis. Even those in the rural areas, despite having a surplus of fresh vegetables, also opt to consume rice on a weekly basis based on their financial capabilities to purchase this favourite grain.

Increase in the demand for rice With rice being a staple food for people all over the world, its demand has increased.

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Countries that grow and mass produce rice, export it to other countries that cannot be able to produce rice due to certain natural weather conditions, climate change issues, or other geographical reasons.

There are also countries that are able to produce rice, but lack the technical capability or the required machinery to produce rice for their people.

It is evident that the demand for rice has increased, and also with the issue of food security, there is now a need for PNG to venture into commercial rice production.

Commercial rice production will not only secure the food security of the country, but will also bring investors into the country. This means that there could be improvements in the country‘s economy, and also there could be a market demand for home-grown PNG rice.

PNG Rice Imports In PNG, rice is imported in large amounts.

PNG imports about 98 percent of the 400,000 kilos of rice that is consumed by Papua New Guineans. Imports come from countries like Thailand, which is a major supplier of rice.

Other major importers of rice into PNG include Homestate Co-operation Limited, and Australia‘s SunRice.

The two major suppliers of rice in PNG Homestate Ltd is a Thailand company that commercially produces rice on a large scale, and then exports that rice to other countries. This is where PNG comes in as an importer of rice.

Homestate Ltd., whilst exporting rice to PNG through the years, has also set up bases in Port Moresby, Alotau, Rabaul, Mt. Hagen with the head office in Lae. The company imports rice products such as the much-loved popular Jasmine rice that many Papua New Guineans purchase at shops.

SunRice is an Australian Company that produces rice as well. The company came into PNG to invest, and started off under the name, ―Ricegrowers-Australia Pty. Limited, with only one type of white and brown rice produced, packaged and sold. Now the company has expanded to PNG and has changed its brand name to ―Trukai‖, which is now the most popular food brand in PNG, with assets including a 200,000 plus tonne rice mill and packaging plant, with 12 national supply centres in the country.

The expansion of Trukai Trukai has now expanded to include other branches throughout the country. Trukai also produces short grain, long grain and medium grain rice products with various package varieties for customers to choose from.

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Trukai also imports rice that is grown in Australia.

Currently, Trukai is supporting small scale rice farming in some parts of PNG to encourage the development of the rice industry to suite the high demand of rice, with pilot rice farm projects established in West New Britain, Northern (Oro), Morobe and Central Provinces.

So if these pilot rice projects can prove that PNG can be able to produce its own rice, then why is PNG still importing rice from other countries?

The answer to that would be to look closely at what PNG still lacks.

Though it has been proven that PNG can produce its own rice, the production can go as far as the growing and harvesting of the raw product, with the testing, milling, producing, packaging and selling of the product done by big commercial companies such as Trukai.

Reasons why PNG still cannot mass produce rice include the following:    

There is a shortage in skilled man-power There is still a need for more technical expertise No proper machinery Small scale rice farming still ongoing in certain areas, but cannot be commercially viable due to lack of required facilities.

With these mentioned issue-areas, it is evident that PNG still has a long way to go in terms of commercial rice production.

In terms of man-power, PNG has local farmers throughout the country who have been trained through Trukai rice pilot projects; however, there is still a growing need to train more local PNG farmers who are willing to grow rice.

Even if PNG does have the required skilled man-power in the future, technical expertise on operating rice production areas as well as the necessary machinery will still be required for the whole production process.

PNG Government’s stance With the increase in demand for rice as the main staple food of PNG, food security is also crucial.

With food security being an issue of concern in the country, the PNG Government, signed a Memorandum of Agreement in November last year (during APEC) with the Philippines Government, for Philippines to help provide technical assistance and training of local PNG farmers to increase the capability of PNG to commercially mass produce rice in the future.

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The MOA included commitment to establishing a trial rice project at the 14 Mile area, on land belonging to the Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby. The trial rice project started in October 2018 with 25 hectares of rice being planted as trial.

Reasons why the Philippines is investing in the rice project Philippines has invested in such a project as this, due to current rice shortage in their own country.

Despite having the necessary technical capabilities, skilled man-power, required equipment, and the knowledge on how to operate and maintain the required machinery needed for the project, Philippines faces a great challenge in food security. This is because it does not have enough of the staple food (rice) to cater for its growing population, which is much higher compared to PNG‘s estimated population of more than 8 million.

In the agreement, Philippines, upon providing the technical assistance for the rice project, will also benefit from this project. The agreement reached by both countries involves Philippines providing PNG with technical assistance in exchange for being a major importer of PNG rice in the near future.

This means that after PNG produces enough rice to feed the bulk of population in the country, the surplus will be bought and exported to the Philippines, by the Philippines Government.

Achievements of the project Upon the establishment of the trial rice project, nineteen (19) skilled Filipino rice technicians were sent from Philippines to PNG, with the necessary equipment, to assist in the project‘s trial stage. These technicians also helped to train local PNG farmers in the 14 Mile area, who showed interest in learning to grow rice.

The first batch of harvest of the trial rice project took place at the farm on 21st December 2018, where PNG‘s Minister for Agriculture & Livestock, Benny Allan, and Philippines Ambassador to PNG, Bien Tejano, officiated at the harvest.

With the successful harvest of the first trial rice project, positive feedback of the trial rice project has come from the PNG government and the Philippines government through its Embassy in Port Moresby.

This harvest has shown that there is great promise that PNG can be able to commercially produce its own rice.

Expansion of project:Following the success of the trial rice project, the PNG government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has more plans of expanding the project into other parts of the country.

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With technical assistance from the Philippines government, PNG is set to venture into commercial rice production this year (2019), once proper facilities and necessary technical areas are in place, which also includes the training of local PNG farmers in the country.

With that, Minister, Benny Allan, announced the PNG government‘s commitment to this project through an allocation of K8 million for the expansion of this project this year.

The project will now go into full swing, with the training of local farmers selected from various provinces in the country, to be on full-time training at the 14 Mile rice farm area. The farmers will then go back to their provinces after the training and input what they have learnt into their local rice farms in their respective provinces.

The 14 Mile trial rice project area will act as a seed bank for other rice project centres in the country where the project will be extended to. In that way, the rice farms may grow and expand to increase the commercial rice production in the country, which will inturn bring investment opportunities for other countries to invest in home-grown PNG rice at a large scale.

Rice and tech: Amazon reveals how loyalty system is aiding blockchain data collection

By Tingmin Koe 02-Jan-2019 - Last updated on 02-Jan-2019 at 01:04 GMT

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Dr Werner Vogels, chief technology officer at Amazon.com, was speaking at the 5th International Rice Congress. A reward system is effective in motivating farmers to provide rice farming data, as seen in the case of Indonesian rural farmers, according to e-commerce giant Amazon.

Dr Werner Vogels, chief technology officer at Amazon.com elaborated the above example during the 5th International Rice Congress held in Singapore.

Citing the use of HARA – a block chain data exchange platform, Vogels said its rewards system has helped to collect information that was hardly available in the past.

Under the system, points are given each time the farmer provides information. Farmers can in turn use the points accumulated to buy fertilisers and agricultural necessities at discounted rate.

With HARA, farmers‘ data, geo-tagging, agricultural activities in the field, weather data, land, satellite, and market information are collected. ―There is an incentive to start contributing data that is actually immediately impacting farmers.

This is an amazing system to start creating dataset for understanding the farmers,‖ Vogels said.

The data collection not only provide ways to raise farmers‘ productivity, but also provide farmers with alternatives to uplift their financial status.

This is because HARA provides individual record of the farmers useful for bank loan applications. In this way, the farmers can enjoy easier access to bank credit and reduces the chances of them approaching illegal moneylenders. ―Many of the farmers really have no access to financial resources at all and given that they have no identity and hardly information about the farmers and so it is really hard for them to get access a loan. Most of them would go to the loan sharks.‖ ―These datasets are increasingly important for everyone in Indonesia because it really drives access to things like insurance and microloans for the farmers.‖ Vogels said that there were similar projects in Columbia and he hoped to improve the livelihood of at least two million farmers using similar methods by 2020.

More collaborative research As data generated becomes larger, collaboration and sharing of data was needed to accelerate research, Vogels said. ―Research in the past often happened on private dataset and maybe the results are published on papers‖, however, very people would have access to the dataset for research to be repeatable, he said.

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The purpose of open data is thus to drive repeatable research and accelerate research. ―You can outreach your research by working with other people. However, traditional data acquisition was too hard.‖ To facilitate collaboration, storing information in the cloud and making them publicly available is required. ―(Cloud storage) significantly lowers cost of research and accelerates research because everybody now has access to the same dataset.‖ Amazon currently runs the Amazon Web Services (AWS) open data program which makes data from a number of organisations available, including International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and NASA etc.

For IRRI, a total of 3,024 sequenced rice genomes from 89 countries are made available on the program.

With the data, researchers can identify genes associated with crop yield, climate stress tolerance, and disease resistance.

Copyright - Unless otherwise stated all contents of this web site are © 2019 - William Reed Business Media Ltd - All Rights Reserved - Full details for the use of materials on this site can be found in the Terms & Conditions Related topics: BUSINESS, ASIAN TASTES, SUPPLY CHAIN, INDUSTRY GROWTH, ALL ASIA-PACIFIC, SOUTH EAST ASIA, FOOD SAFETY, TRADITIONAL AND STAPLE FOODS

China Finally Okays U.S. Rice Imports BEIJING, CHINA -- USA Rice's office in China reports that China Customs announced today on its official website that the China market is opened for the import of U.S. milled rice effective from December 27, 2018, in accordance with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Protocol signed between the United States and China from July of 2017 . "This is a tremendous milestone that has taken more than a decade to reach and is a result of the insistence from USA Rice in including rice as a step in resolving the trade dispute between China and the U.S.," said USA Rice Chair Charley Mathews, Jr., a California rice farmer. "As with all our dealings with China, the devil is in the details, and we have many questions, including when the first sales will be made, but this is definitely good news for our producers and millers as we enter the New Year."

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Recently China made large purchases of U.S. soybeans that received widespread media coverage, however, imports of U.S. rice were illegal in China and several administrative steps, such as today's action by China Customs, were necessary before actual sales could take place.

China will now need to post the list of approved U.S. export mills and facilities of milled rice developed in consultation between the U.S. rice industry, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and China's Agricultural Inspection Service. In 2017, USA Rice worked with U.S. and Chinese government officials to facilitate Chinese inspections of some 10 U.S. mills and facilities interested in exporting rice to China to demonstrate their compliance with the complex U.S.-China phytosanitary protocol.

"What is still not 100 percent clear is whether China has published the complete list of all the U.S. facilities approved to ship to China," said Bobby Hanks, Chair of USA Rice's International Trade Policy Committee and a Louisiana miller. "We will be looking in the days ahead to USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative for clarification to make sure that all approved U.S. facilities are eligible. We of course are looking for the first confirmed rice sale to China. This important day for the U.S. rice industry is the result of the trade policy leadership of the Trump administration and the commitment of Secretary Perdue to open new markets for U.S. agriculture," concluded Hanks.

BEIJING, CHINA -- USA Rice's office in China reports that China Customs announced today on its official website that the China market is opened for the import of U.S. milled rice effective from December 27, 2018, in accordance with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Protocol signed between the United States and China from July of 2017

"This is a tremendous milestone that has taken more than a decade to reach and is a result of the insistence from USA Rice in including rice as a step in resolving the trade dispute between China and the U.S.," said USA Rice Chair Charley Mathews, Jr., a California rice farmer. "As with all our dealings with China, the devil is in the details, and we have many questions, including when the first sales will be made, but this is definitely good news for our producers and millers as we enter the New Year."

Recently China made large purchases of U.S. soybeans that received widespread media coverage, however, imports of U.S. rice were illegal in China and several administrative steps, such as today's action by China Customs, were necessary before actual sales could take place.

China will now need to post the list of approved U.S. export mills and facilities of milled rice developed in consultation between the U.S. rice industry, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and China's Agricultural Inspection Service. In 2017, USA Rice worked with U.S. and Chinese government officials to facilitate Chinese inspections of some 10

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U.S. mills and facilities interested in exporting rice to China to demonstrate their compliance with the complex U.S.-China phytosanitary protocol.

"What is still not 100 percent clear is whether China has published the complete list of all the U.S. facilities approved to ship to China," said Bobby Hanks, Chair of USA Rice's International Trade Policy Committee and a Louisiana miller. "We will be looking in the days ahead to USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative for clarification to make sure that all approved U.S. facilities are eligible. We of course are looking for the first confirmed rice sale to China. This important day for the U.S. rice industry is the result of the trade policy leadership of the Trump administration and the commitment of Secretary Perdue to open new markets for U.S. agriculture," concluded Hanks. https://www.usarice.com/detail/post/usa-rice-daily/2018/12/28/china-finally-okays-u.s.-riceimports

Arkansas rice stakeholders will have annual meeting in Stuttgart AGRICULTURENEWS BRIEFS

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net) December 31, 2018 12:31 pm

The Arkansas Rice Council and Arkansas Rice Farmers will hold their annual meeting and trade show Jan. 8 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart.

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It will begin with an update from USA Rice CEO Betsy Ward. A legislative overview will highlight both state and federal issues, including the Farm Bill and tax exemptions. State Senator and Agriculture Committee Chairman John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, will speak to the upcoming regular session of the 92nd General Assembly.

U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist Drew Westerman will provide analysis on groundwater levels, trends and forecasts for rice-growing regions. In addition to a legislative overview and water outlook, the event will also highlight estate planning and the rice checkoff program. ―It is our responsibility as growers to educate ourselves on industry issues and this annual meeting provides an ample opportunity to do just that while networking with other producers and industry stakeholders,‖ said Jeff Rutledge, Chairman of the Arkansas Rice Federation. ―The recent passage of the Farm Bill and upcoming state legislative session are both topics all farmers should be familiar with, as well as groundwater trends and progress of the checkoff program,‖ Rutledge added.

The event will include an industry trade show and conclud https://talkbusiness.net/2018/12/arkansas-rice-stakeholders-will-have-annual-meeting-in-stuttgart/

Rice Shortages Hamper Recovery Efforts in Laos 2018-12-31

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Buffaloes on the roof of a house in the flooded Sanamxay District, Attapeu Province on July 24 Photo courtesy of an RFA listener Rice shortages are the latest setback in Laos‘ relief efforts for victims of the country‘s worst flood disaster in decades.

The rupture of a dam in July inundated 12 villages and killed at least 43 people in Champassak and Attapeu provinces, leaving hundreds more missing. Now up to 3,000 victims are facing hardship as relief rice is running out. ―We don‘t have enough rice to distribute to the victims,‖ a labor and social welfare official in Attapeu‘s Sanamxay district told RFA‘s Lao Service on Friday. ―Our rice stocks are running low, so we haven‘t been able to distribute December rations to a lot of the victims,‖ the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said that the district has reported the shortage to the central government, but there has not been any response yet.

On Dec. 20, a victim living in one of Sanamxay‘s temporary shelters posted on social media that many families in the area were running out of rice because village leaders were keeping the rice in their own homes without distributing it to villagers.

Asked about the shortfalls, District Governmor Bounhome Phoummasane told RFA on Friday: ―We‘ve distributed all the rice for the month of December as planned.‖ ―Whether we have enough rice for next month, I don‘t know yet. We‘ve submitted the request to the province, and I think they‘ve forwarded that request to the [central] government,‖ the district governor said.

Phoummasane said that the victims aren‘t suffering major hardships while in their temporary living situations. ―They, the villagers, have everything [they need] except independence,‖ he said.

The food shortage comes on top of other problems with relief efforts. Many of the victims were promised living stipends of about $12 a month, but some have not received the stipend in months.

Other victims have reported there is little access to clean drinking water and shortages of water needed for irrigation during the dry season.

Meanwhile, infrastructure damaged by the floodwaters remains in disrepair, making some villages inaccessible.

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Reported by RFA's Lao Service. Translated by RFA's Lao Service. Written in English by Eugene Whong. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/rice-shortage-12312018140625.html

Export Of Basmati Rice India is the largest exporter of Basmati rice, which is one of the major varieties of aromatic or scented rice. Details of exports of Basmati Rice during April-October, 2018, as compared to the same period during 2017, are as under: Year

Quantity (MT) Value (Rs. Crore.)

Apr-Oct. 2017-18 2371108

15208

Apr-Oct. 2018-19 2294787 16963 Source: DGCI&S While there is a marginal decline of 3.28%in quantity terms, in value terms the exports have grown by 11.54%. As such, there is no question of any major hardship due to non-export of basmati rice.

The major export destination for basmati Rice are Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Yemen Republic, USA, and UK. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an autonomous organisation under the administrative control of Department of Commerce, has been mandated with the export promotion of Basmati rice. APEDA has been able to register Basmati Rice as a Geographical Indication (GI) in February 2016. APEDA, in collaboration with the trade, has also established Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF), which undertakes various activities for development and export promotion of Basmati rice. Moreover, APEDA has also been providing assistance to the Basmati rice exporters under various components of its export promotion scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. *** http://www.publicnow.com/view/8118C3E8DE4D194A03D47A5B0B126552AD52448B?2018-12-3114:00:13+00:00-xxx2344

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Rice Prices as on : 02-01-2019 02:53:22 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals Current

Price % change

Season cumulative

Modal

Prev.

Modal

Prev.Yr %change

Rice Gadarpur(Utr)

672.00

-

672.00

1755

-

-

Gazipur(UP)

470.00

-

994.00

2950

-

-

Kanpur(Grain)(UP)

460.00

-

1175.00

2150

-

-

Bharthna(UP)

330.00

-

2703.00

2355

-

-

Hardoi(UP)

270.00

-

1330.00

2260

-

-0.88

Choubepur(UP)

265.00

-

265.00

2585

-

-

Jangipura(UP)

250.00

-

398.00

2250

-

7.14

Sultanpur(UP)

187.50

-

1370.50

2370

-

-

Puranpur(UP)

185.00

-

4165.00

2300

-

-

Shahjahanpur(UP)

180.00

-

4710.00

2365

-

-

Siliguri(WB)

165.00

-

165.00

3700

-

-

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,

Jafarganj(UP)

163.00

-

519.00

2250

-

-

Gondal(UP)

153.00

-

2462.50

2520

-

14.81

Pilibhit(UP)

140.00

-

8548.00

2320

-

-

Mainpuri(UP)

127.00

-

931.00

2740

-

7.45

Naugarh(UP)

105.00

-

1033.50

2225

-

-

Agra(UP)

105.00

-

1109.00

2530

-

-0.78

Asansol(WB)

105.00

-

832.30

3000

-

-

Ballia(UP)

100.00

-

370.00

2355

-

10.56

Lucknow(UP)

98.00

-

668.00

2350

-

-

Madhoganj(UP)

98.00

-

1833.50

2050

-

-

Kalna(WB)

95.00

-

461.00

3000

-

-

Aligarh(UP)

80.00

-

1055.00

2500

-

NC

Faizabad(UP)

80.00

-

315.00

2200

-

3.53

Howly(ASM)

70.00

-

137.00

2500

-

-

Bazpur(Utr)

70.00

-

1308.10

2500

-

-

Jorhat(ASM)

65.00

-

196.00

3200

-

-

Beldanga(WB)

65.00

-

845.00

2600

-

-

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,

Ghaziabad(UP)

60.00

-

1350.00

2725

-

-

Hapur(UP)

60.00

-

890.00

2750

-

-

Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB)

55.00

-

1110.00

2750

-

-

Hanagal(Kar)

49.00

-

233.00

1900

-

-

Bhivandi(Mah)

46.00

-

151.00

3300

-

17.86

Fatehpur(UP)

41.00

-

233.10

2280

-

2.93

Cachar(ASM)

40.00

-

1221.00

2400

-

NC

Allahabad(UP)

40.00

-

420.00

2315

-

-

Lalitpur(UP)

40.00

-

950.00

2590

-

-

Lakhimpur(UP)

40.00

-

657.50

2250

-

-

Mathura(UP)

40.00

-

348.00

2860

-

-

Vasai(Mah)

36.00

-

487.00

3385

-

16.72

Pukhrayan(UP)

35.00

-

188.00

2160

-

-

Basti(UP)

34.00

-

643.50

2210

-

-

Jhargram(WB)

33.00

-

259.00

2700

-

-

Kandi(WB)

32.00

-

138.00

2500

-

-

Saharanpur(UP)

29.00

-

476.00

2745

-

6.40

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,

Jaunpur(UP)

28.50

-

938.00

2300

-

5.50

Islampur(WB)

28.00

-

279.00

3450

-

-

Bareilly(UP)

27.00

-

457.50

2340

-

-

Raiganj(WB)

26.00

-

284.00

3350

-

-

Auraiya(UP)

25.00

-

182.50

2170

-

-

Ulhasnagar(Mah)

22.00

-

152.00

4000

-

-

Naanpara(UP)

22.00

-

345.40

2300

-

-

Kolaghat(WB)

21.00

-

39.00

2620

-

-

Mahoba(UP)

20.00

-

147.60

2175

-

-

Sitapur(UP)

20.00

-

116.00

2210

-

-

Devariya(UP)

20.00

-

393.00

2165

-

0.70

Maharajganj(UP)

20.00

-

40.00

2100

-

-

Wansi(UP)

20.00

-

248.00

2110

-

-

Purulia(WB)

20.00

-

40.00

2600

-

-

Falakata(WB)

20.00

-

180.00

2650

-

-

Alipurduar(WB)

20.00

-

200.00

2650

-

-

Panchpedwa(UP)

19.00

-

481.00

2000

-

-

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,

Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)

18.00

-

36.00

2640

-

-

Sirsaganj(UP)

17.00

-

212.00

2760

-

8.66

Dhekiajuli(ASM)

16.00

-

94.50

2300

-

-

Vishalpur(UP)

16.00

-

328.50

2340

-

-

Giridih(Jha)

15.39

-

154.93

4200

-

-

Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)

15.20

-

265.80

3000

-

-

Jasra(UP)

15.00

-

321.00

2360

-

-

Khurja(UP)

15.00

-

260.50

2610

-

33.85

Kayamganj(UP)

15.00

-

251.00

2460

-

-

Fatehabad(UP)

14.00

-

96.10

2220

-

-

Badayoun(UP)

14.00

-

244.00

2260

-

-

Ghatal(WB)

14.00

-

119.00

2500

-

-

Rasda(UP)

13.00

-

13.00

200

-

-

Farukhabad(UP)

12.00

-

193.50

2650

-

-

Puwaha(UP)

12.00

-

55.00

2350

-

-

Bethuadahari(WB)

12.00

-

12.00

3600

-

-

Karvi(UP)

11.00

-

65.00

2160

-

-

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,

Sheoraphuly(WB)

10.20

-

80.80

3100

-

-

Muradabad(UP)

10.00

-

104.00

2340

-

-

Vilthararoad(UP)

10.00

-

270.00

2150

-

-

Paliakala(UP)

9.00

-

158.50

2275

-

5.81

Jhansi(UP)

8.00

-

43.50

2340

-

-

Chitwadagaon(UP)

8.00

-

137.00

2100

-

5.00

Etah(UP)

7.00

-

79.00

2520

-

-

Tamkuhi Road(UP)

7.00

-

153.50

2135

-

-

Kannauj(UP)

6.50

-

84.60

2510

-

-

Hailakandi(ASM)

6.00

-

12.00

2400

-

-

Unnao(UP)

5.80

-

40.10

2225

-

-

Kosikalan(UP)

5.00

-

53.30

2600

-

-

Mirzapur(UP)

5.00

-

163.50

2275

-

-

Nautnava(UP)

5.00

-

58.00

2300

-

-

Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP)

5.00

-

51.00

2400

-

6.67

Badda(UP)

4.50

-

20.70

2350

-

-

Chandoli(UP)

4.20

-

23.00

2325

-

-

44 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

,

Anandnagar(UP)

4.00

-

100.40

2300

-

-

Buland Shahr(UP)

4.00

-

42.00

2600

-

-

Maudaha(UP)

4.00

-

42.00

2180

-

-

Kalyani(WB)

4.00

-

93.00

3400

-

-

Ranaghat(WB)

3.50

-

34.90

3600

-

-

Alibagh(Mah)

3.00

-

13.00

7200

-

-

Murud(Mah)

3.00

-

13.00

7200

-

-

Jahangirabad(UP)

3.00

-

55.00

2600

-

3.17

Sehjanwa(UP)

3.00

-

96.10

2160

-

-

Tundla(UP)

2.60

-

80.80

2560

-

1.67

Gadaura(UP)

2.50

-

19.20

2200

-

-

Darjeeling(WB)

2.20

-

2.20

3150

-

-

Amroha(UP)

2.00

-

54.00

2600

-

-

Mau(Chitrakut)(UP)

2.00

-

70.60

1775

-

-

Bangarmau(UP)

1.40

-

17.60

2200

-

4.76

Khairagarh(UP)

1.20

-

21.70

2530

-

2.02

Jagnair(UP)

1.10

-

20.00

2540

-

2.01

45 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

,

Jambusar(Kaavi)(Guj)

1.00

-

3.00

3000

-

-

Penugonda(Mah)

1.00

-

12.00

4080

-

-

Fatehpur Sikri(UP)

1.00

-

8.70

2565

-

-0.58

Samsabad(UP)

1.00

-

1.00

2400

-

-

Muskara(UP)

1.00

-

5.60

2250

-

-

Achnera(UP)

0.80

-

14.00

2530

-

1.20

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article25888805.ece

Govt rice procurement reaches 238.8 lakh tons so far PTI | Dec 30, 2018, 11:50 IST New Delhi, Dec 30 () The government has procured 238.8 lakh tonnes of rice in the current 2018-19 marketing season so far, with the buying in Punjab and Haryana almost over, according to official data.

Rice procurement target for the current season (October-September) has been fixed at 375 lakh tonnes. In the previous year, total rice procurement stood at 381.8 lakh tonnes.

Procurement is undertaken by state-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies for the central pool to meet the requirement of food security law. Rice is purchased at the minimum support price (MSP).

According to FCI data, rice procurement has reached 113.3 lakh tonnes in Punjab, 39.09 lakh tonnes in Haryana and 22.42 lakh tonnes in Chhattisgarh so far.

Rice procurement has touched 22.46 lakh tonnes in Telangana, 13.28 lakh tonnes in Uttar Pradesh and 10.7 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh so far, the data showed.

A Food Ministry official said the procurement operation in Punjab and Haryana is almost complete.

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The buying in Chhattisgarh, where farmers had stopped selling their produce in anticipation of a hike in MSP, has resumed after the new government in the state implemented its poll promise.

The rice purchase in eastern states such as Bihar and West Bengal normally starts from January.

At present, the government is procuring rice grown in the kharif season of this year.

Rice output is pegged at 99.24 million tonnes during the 2018-19 kharif season, as against 97.50 million tonnes in the year-ago period, as per the Agriculture Ministry's first crop estimate. LUX ABM

Bangladesh ranks 5th in global wheat imports 03.01.2019 | UkrAgroConsult The country witnessed a robust growth in wheat import during last five fiscal years‘ period, mainly for changing food habit of the countrymen.

With around 5.5 million tons of barely purchased, Bangladesh has emerged as a leading wheat importer in the world with its import volume hitting a record high in the last fiscal year, mainly due to a shift in consumers‘ diet preference and flourishing baked food market, according to the industry insiders.

The country ranks fifth in wheat imports in the world. The other four leading wheat importers are: Egypt (12 million tonnes), Indonesia (9.5 million tonnes), Algeria (8 million tonnes) and Brazil (7 million tonnes). The country‘s wheat import tripled in five years to 5.4 million tonnes in FY 2016-17 from 1.8 million tonnes in FY 2012-13. The import of wheat was 2.7 million tonnes in FY 2013-14, followed by 3.8 million in 2014-15 and 4.2 million in 2015-16.

The country has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat import because supply from India has dwindled as it meets growing domestic demand, said agriculture expert Dr Delwar Hossain.

The South Asian country imports around 5.5 million tonnes of wheat, making it one of the world‘s biggest importers of the grain. Bangladesh‘s output has stagnated at around 1.3 million tons.

A recent report of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations predicted that wheat import requirements for the 2018-19 fiscal for the Bangladesh will be at a record level of over 6 million tones, 34 percent above the previous five-year average following steady increases since 2012-13 fiscal.

The strong demand for wheat reflects a shift in consumers‘ diet preferences as well as the increased use as a substitute for more expensive rice. Similarly, maize import requirements are expected to increase to 1.7 million tonnes, 10 percent more than last year‘s record due to sustained demand for feed. By contrast, rice import requirements are estimated at a well below-average level of 850 000 tonnes reflecting ample supplies from the record output in 2018.

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Overall, cereal import requirements in the 2018-19 marketing year (July/June) are estimated at 8.6 million tonnes, almost 30 percent above the five-year‘s average and 22 percent less than previous year‘s unusual high, said the report.

Talking to The Daily Industry, director (marketing) of PRAN-RFL Group, a leading manufacturer of wheat-based food items, said, ―The consumers‘ dietary habits and lifestyle have changed a lot. Many of them now skip rice in lunch or dinner and have snacks, breads, noodles and other sophisticated food items in which wheat are used.‖ He said they are exporting many wheat-based diversified food products to markets in India, Europe, USA, Malaysia and the Middle-East.

Kamal stressed the need for government efforts to increase wheat production. ―We‘re trying to increase domestic production, develop better breeds and increase the crop‘s acreage,‖ said Naresh Chandra Dev, a top ranking official of the Wheat Research Centre while talking to Daily Industry yesterday.

A FAO report also revealed that, the world would require around 840 million tonnes of wheat by 2050 from current production level of 642 million tonnes and it has to be achieved with less land and resources through genetic, physiological and agronomic interventions, particularly resource conservation technologies. Besides, precision breeding for improving varietal elasticity, new initiatives for climate change monitoring and crop modeling for advance yield forecasts would help in fulfilling future demands. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/bangladesh-ranks-5th-in-global-wheat-imports

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ASIA RICE-INDIA RATES EASE ON FALLING RUPEE, DEMAND; THAI HARVEST TO AUGMENT SUPPLY 1/3/2019 * For Vietnam exporters, 2019 expected to be difficult - trader * Bangladesh imports slow in July-Dec due to tax imposition

By Sethuraman N R BENGALURU, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Rice export prices in India eased from a four-month high this week due to a depreciation of the rupee and sluggish demand, while Thai traders expect prices to drop over the coming weeks as supplies start to arrive from the new season crop amid flat demand.

India's 5 percent broken parboiled variety <RI-INBKN5-P1> was quoted around $376-$383 per tonne this week, compared with $378-$384 last week.

"Prices are moderating due to a weak rupee but still demand from African countries is weak," said an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The rupee fell to a two-week low on Thursday, increasing exporters' margin from overseas sales.

Export prices in India shot up in the second half of last month after the central state of Chhattisgarh, a leading rice producer, raised the minimum paddy buying price.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, rice imports slowed to 106,000 tonnes in July-December due to the imposition of a tax in June, data from the food ministry showed. The country imported a record 3.9 million tonnes of rice in the last financial year that ended in June 2018.

The south Asian country, which emerged as a major importer of the grain in 2017 after floods damaged crops, imposed a 28 percent duty to support its farmers after local production revived.

In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice <RI-THBKN5-P1> was quoted at $380-$400 per tonne, free on board Bangkok, slightly widening from $380-$390 last week as the baht strengthened against the dollar.

Traders said demand for Thai rice had been flat this new year and that supplies from the new harvest would likely bring down prices over the next few weeks.

December to January is usually the rice harvest season in Thailand, but this time there has been some delay in harvesting in some parts of the country.

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"We are now expecting supply from the new harvest to enter the market in early February, so that could affect rice prices this month," a Bangkok-based trader said.

In Vietnam, rates for 5 percent broken rice <RI-VNBKN5-P1> fell to $370-$375 a tonne from $385 a week earlier due to weak demand.

"This year is forecast to be a difficult year for Vietnamese rice exporters due to weaker demand, along with China's move to impose technical barriers on shipments from Vietnam," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.

China has put a cap on the number of Vietnamese companies eligible to export rice to China at 21, and Vietnam is asking China to add more firms to the list, reported the Nong Nghiep Vietnam newspaper.

Government data released last week showed Vietnam's rice exports in 2018 rose 4.6 percent to 6.09 million tonnes. Rice export revenue in the year rose 16 percent to $3.05 billion.

"I think it's time for Vietnamese farmers to reduce their rice growing area and turn parts of their rice fields into fishing farms," said another trader. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/asia-rice-india-rates-ease-on-falling-rupee-demand-thaiharvest-to-augment-supply

Jonathan: I Didn‘t Leave Empty Treasury For Buhari Bakare was quoted as claiming during a recent trip to Canada that President Buhari could not appoint a cabinet for six months because ―he met an empty treasury.‖

BY THIS DAY NEWSPAPERJAN 03, 2019 President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday stated that he did not leave an empty treasury for his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, describing Pastor Tunde Bakare‘s claims to that effect as false and untenable.Bakare was quoted as claiming during a recent trip to Canada that President Buhari could not appoint a cabinet for six months because ―he met an empty treasury.‖But in a statement by one of Jonathan‘s media aides, Reno Omokri, he described Bakare‘s statement as lies and a figment of both the imaginations of President Buhari and Pastor Bakare.―The Jonathan administration left $2.07 billion in the Excess Crude Account when it

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handed over to the Buhari administration on May 29, 2015. This is an easily verifiable fact from both the Central Bank of Nigeria and is also available from other open sources‖, Omokri stated. ―In addition to that, the Jonathan government left a foreign reserves of $29. 6 billion for the incoming government and $5.2 billion was left for the Buhari administration by way of dividend payments from the NLNG. ―Now, there is no way these huge amounts can be described as empty treasury. I challenge Pastor Tunde Bakare to disprove these figures I have given here or take me to court and I will embarrass him there and show him to be the liar that he is.‖He also disputed claims by Pastor Bakare that Nigeria no longer imports rice as untrue.

Omokri said, ―first of all, even the Buhari administration has not claimed that Nigeria is no longer importing rice. What they said, which is also a lie, is that rice imports have reduced. ―But the truth is that Nigeria‘s rice imports have actually increased by 60 per cent as revealed by no less an institution than the United States Department of Agriculture. ―In fact, according to the USDA, not only has Nigeria‘s rice imports increased by 60 per cent, but Nigeria is projected to be the second largest rice importing nation.―These are the exact words of the USDA ―China and Nigeria are projected to remain the largest rice importing countries in 2019, followed by the EU, Cote d‘Ivoire, and Iran. ―You do not have to take my word for this – google it by yourself. The last time Nigeria‘s rice imports went down, according to the USDA, was in 2015 under former President Jonathan.‖ Omokri added that Bakare‘s claims that 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) occupied by Boko Haram are no longer an issue means that Pastor Bakare is out of touch, saying that as he was granting that interview, Baga, Doron-Baga, Kross Kawwa, Bunduran, Kekeno and Kukawa towns are all under Boko Haram/ISWAP‘s control. ―In fact, the Governor of Borno State, a notorious political enemy of former President Jonathan, was forced to hold a press conference on New Year‘s eve where he confessed that the situation has deteriorated and was worse than before. ―For emphasis, the following was the front page headline in the Punch on New Year‘s eve ―Residents flee as Boko Haram takes over Borno communities‖, Jonathan‘s spokesman said. ―There has been mass movement of people out of communities in Borno State through Damaturu the Yobe State capital to Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa States.‖ He added that unlike the Jonathan era, the insecurity in Nigeria is almost total, arguing that ―as I write this today (January 2, 2019, Aminu Bello Masari, the Governor of Katsina State, President Buhari‘s own state, raised an alarm on the insecurity and breakdown of law and order in his state.‖Omokri further stated, ―We are not talking of Zamfara or the North-east. We are talking Katsina. If Buhari cannot secure his own state, is it Nigeria he can secure? And then there is Zamfara State, which is becoming as bad, if not worse, than the Northe-ast.‖ He said that with these unimpeachable facts it is hard pressed to understand why ―Pastor Tunde Bakare cannot respect himself and the calling he claims to have, by using his mouth to speak truth instead of lying like a heathen.‖ http://saharareporters.com/2019/01/03/jonathan-ididn%E2%80%99t-leave-empty-treasury-buhari%E2%80%8B

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