7th may,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice E-Newsletter May 07 , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I

From brittle to plastic in 1 breath 07-May-2015 What if peanut brittle, under certain conditions, behaved like taffy? Something like that happens to a two-dimensional dichalcogenide analyzed by scientists at Rice University.Rice researchers calculated that atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide can take on the qualities of plastic through exposure to a sulfur-infused gas at the right temperature and pressure.That means one

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine can deform it without breaking it -- a property many materials scientists who study twodimensional materials should find interesting, according to Rice theoretical physicist Boris Yakobson and postdoctoral researcher Xiaolong Zou; they led the study that appeared in Nano Letters.

Molybdenum disulfide, the object of study in many labs for its semiconducting properties, interested the Rice lab because of the characteristics of its grain boundaries. Two-dimensional materials like graphene are actually flat, atom-thick sheets. But 2-D molybdenum disulfide is a sandwich, with layers of sulfur above and below the molybdenum atoms.When two sheets join at different angles during growth in a furnace, atoms at the boundaries have to compensate by improvising "defective" arrangements, called dislocations, where they come together.The researchers determined it may be possible to promote the movement of those dislocations through environmental control of the gas medium. This would change the material's properties to give it superplasticity, which allows it to be deformed beyond its usual breaking point.Plastic materials can be rearranged and will hold their new shape. For example, a plumber can bend a metal pipe; that bendable quality is plasticity.

Yakobson noted such materials can become brittle again with further changes in the environment."Generally, the coupling of chemistry and mechanics is quite rare and scientifically difficult to understand," said Yakobson, whose group at Rice analyzes materials by calculating the energies that bind their atoms. "Corrosion is the best example of how chemistry affects mechanical behavior, and the science of corrosion is still in development."For molybdenum disulfide, they found two mechanisms by which boundaries could overcome activation energy barriers and lead to superplasticity. In the first, called direct rebonding, only one molybdenum atom in a dislocation would shift in response to external forces. In the second, bond rotation, several atoms would shift in opposite directions.

They calculated that the barrier for direct rebonding, while less dramatic, is much lower than for bond rotation. "Through the rebonding path, the mobility of this defect changes by several orders of magnitude," Yakobson said. "We know from the mechanics of materials that brittle or ductile qualities are defined by the mobility of these dislocations. What we show is that we can affect the tangible property, the stretchability, of the material."Yakobson suggested it may be possible to tune the plasticity of dichalcogenides in general and that it may also be possible to eliminate the defects from a 2-D dichalcogenide sheet by treating the dislocations "to allow them to rapidly diffuse away and vanish or to form interesting aggregated states. " That would likely open the way to the easier manufacture of dichalcogenides that need particular electrical or mechanical properties for applications, he said."We think of these twodimensional materials as an open canvas, theoretically speaking," he said. "You can very quickly read and write changes to them. Bulk materials don't have this openness, but here, every atom is in immediate proximity to the environment." http://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/152751/from-brittle-to-plastic-in-1-breath.html

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How Adesina contravened presidential order on rice importation

BY OUR REPORTER ON MAY 7, 2015NATIONAL

We’ll respond later –Minister’s aide As the crisis surrounding the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina deepens; fresh facts have emerged on how he allegedly contravened a presidential order by granting rice importation licences to unqualified businessmen and women.An impeccable source in the Presidency told our correspondent that in May 2014, there was a presidential directive to give import licences to already existing rice millers in the country who were qualified and had the capacity to deliver following a meeting among ministers of Trade and Investment; National Planning; Finance and Agriculture to that effect. The import licence was to augment the shortfall in the local rice production capacity.

Consequently, a letter dated July 8, 2014 from the Office of the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy announced the directive to relevant government agencies and bodies which included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Budget Office Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Nigerian Export Promotion Council; Raw Materials Research and Development Council, ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigerian Customs Service and Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission.owever, from May last year when the order was given, nothing was done towards implementation until December, when Adesina allegedly gave licences to non-existing rice millers, an action that angered qualified rice millers in the country.

It was also revealed that the current spat between the minister and major rice millers was as a result of the breach of the presidential directive, as none of them was granted the import licence as directed by the Presidency.In fact, the crisis got to its head when it was discovered that those who got the import licence began seeking the existing rice millers to sell the licences to them, as they lacked the capacity to undertake the task.Among other things, it was also disclosed that there was no inter-ministerial committee formed as instructed by the President to deliberate on the issue as the quotas were issued unilaterally by Adesina at the minister‘s discretion.

It equally alleged that the total quota allocation was not as per the supply gap of the rice required by the nation as major stakeholders were not involved and that the quotas were issued retrospectively which, as alleged, is against the legal framework of the nation.When contacted to react to the allegations, Adesina‘s aide, Dr Olukayode Oyeleye, said the minister was going to respond in details in due course, insisting that no comments could be made on the spot. http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=118265

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Customs Blacklists Rice Importers Over N20bn Unpaid Tariffs Samson Echenim — May 7, 2015 5:52 am |

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it has blacklisted some major rice importers allegedly owing the federal government about N20 billion in unpaid customs duties.The trade facilitating service also said it was set to initiate criminal proceedings against the affected importers for their unwillingness to offset the said amount even after the expiration of two ultimatums, resulting in the advertised publications of their names in some national dailies on April 14, 2015.

The NCS spokesman, Mr Wale Adeniyi, disclosed this to journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at a workshop for officers of the service.He said, ―Management has decided to enforce the Customs Law. It is not about sanctions yet; it is just about asking them to pay what they owe the federal government. We recognise that it might take some time to file charges and so to enable them feel the full impact of the decision, we have also decided to block them on the PAAR platform. ‖Adeniyi said the service would adopt every legitimate measure to ensure that every kobo due to the federal government is paid by the importers.―We have the law that empowers us to prosecute any person or company that contravenes the Customs Act. This is clearly an offence against the Customs Law and that is why management is taking this decisive measures,‖ he said.He explained that the affected companies, as far as the service is concerned, already secured themselves concessions to import, noting that the act of importing in excess of what they obtained approval for was already an overstretch of the privileges.―Hence, none of them should think of coming to request for another round of concessions again,‖ he said. http://leadership.ng/news/431564/customs-blacklists-rice-importers-over-n20bn-unpaid-tariffs

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CARI workers packaging the seed rice

Mr. Marshall: “Our project remains on course.�

CARI Produces 504 Metric Tons Seed Rice Wed, 05/06/2015 - 23:41 admin As local farmers plead for support By: Gloria T.Tamba

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Mr. Aaron Marshall, team leader at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, has disclosed that 504 metric tons of seed rice was produced during the Ebola period.Making the disclosure over the weekend in Gbarnga in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer he said following the deadly Ebola outbreak, a lot of work was done at CARI. He said that before the outbreak of Ebola, farmers in Lofa, Nimba and in other counties had produced more rice and other foodstuff.―At CARI, there are several streams of research going on. We are researching different varieties of rice that would take only 70 -90 days to germinate to yield more varieties of rice.―Now that Ebola has drastically reduced, we have increased our workforce. They were reduced by 250 during the Ebola crisis but have now been increased to 500 to the extent that the warehouse is producing 500 metric tons of seeds rice, and 50 hectares of cassava, which he described as the biggest progress CARI has made,‖ Mr.Marshall said.

He said at present CARI is working along with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to restore the productive assets of farmers and farmers‘ groups by building essential infrastructure to support food production.He indicated that through the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP), Africa Rice and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CARI is now producing and providing seeds and other improved varieties to small-scale farmers and in return the farmers after they harvest their farms bring back some seed rice to CARI.―CARI has in recent years increased its cassava production from 25 to 50 hectares of 20 improved varieties of cassava that could produce ten times,‖ he said.Mr. Marshall said, CARI, as an agriculture institution, will continue to work with local farmers to enable them grow and sell more food as well as increase their livelihoods.

The institution, he said has over the years, renovated three fish ponds but has now increased to ten ponds to maintain fingerlings that will be harvested and given to farmers.CARI team leader disclosed that the institution is not free from challenges, stating that the issue of funding and capacity remain major challenges to the institution.He said some ways the Ministry of Agriculture is solving the problems is by offering scholarships to students to build their capacity.He said during the heat of the Ebola outbreak, activities at the center slowed down, and kept functioning.In an interview with a local farmer Mr. Napoleon Rennie, who is operating on 100 acres of farmland in Zeanzue, he said he has been farming for the past several years and has not benefitted from CARI activities.

He said he hoped to receive support from CARI, including seed rice to improve his farming activity to boost productivity.Another farmer Madam Faith Flomo told the Daily Observer, ―I plant peppers, okra and rice in Wainsue and I want support from the government. It‘s my hope that CARI will provide me seeds to let me grow more food.‖She also said she would like to have more seeds for improved farming.Mr. Aaron Marshall, team leader at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, has disclosed that 504 metric tons of seed rice was produced during the Ebola period.

Making the disclosure over the weekend in Gbarnga in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer he said following the deadly Ebola outbreak, a lot of work was done at CARI.He said

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine that before the outbreak of Ebola, farmers in Lofa, Nimba and in other counties had produced more rice and other foodstuff.―At CARI, there are several streams of research going on. We are researching different varieties of rice that would take only 70 -90 days to germinate to yield more varieties of rice.―Now that Ebola has drastically reduced, we have increased our workforce. They were reduced by 250 during the Ebola crisis but have now been increased to 500 to the extent that the warehouse is producing 500 metric tons of seeds rice, and 50 hectares of cassava, which he described as the biggest progress CARI has made,‖ Mr.Marshall said.

He said at present CARI is working along with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to restore the productive assets of farmers and farmers‘ groups by building essential infrastructure to support food production.He indicated that through the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP), Africa Rice and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CARI is now producing and providing seeds and other improved varieties to small-scale farmers and in return the farmers after they harvest their farms bring back some seed rice to CARI.―CARI has in recent years increased its cassava production from 25 to 50 hectares of 20 improved varieties of cassava that could produce ten times,‖ he said.Mr. Marshall said, CARI, as an agriculture institution, will continue to work with local farmers to enable them grow and sell more food as well as increase their ivelihoods.

The institution, he said has over the years, renovated three fish ponds but has now increased to ten ponds to maintain fingerlings that will be harvested and given to farmers. CARI team leader disclosed that the institution is not free from challenges, stating that the issue of funding and capacity remain major challenges to the institution.He said some ways the Ministry of Agriculture is solving the problems is by offering scholarships to students to build their capacity.He said during the heat of the Ebola outbreak, activities at the center slowed down, and kept functioning.

In an interview with a local farmer Mr. Napoleon Rennie, who is operating on 100 acres of farmland in Zeanzue, he said he has been farming for the past several years and has not benefitted from CARI activities.He said he hoped to receive support from CARI, including seed rice to improve his farming activity to boost productivity.Another farmer Madam Faith Flomo told the Daily Observer, ―I plant peppers, okra and rice in Wainsue and I want support from the government. It‘s my hope that CARI will provide me seeds to let me grow more food.‖She also said she would like to have more seeds for improved farming. http://www.liberianobserver.com/agriculture/cari-produces-504-metric-tons-seedricehttp://www.liberianobserver.com/agriculture/cari-produces-504-metric-tons-seed-rice

Where is Smokey Mountain's Tony Lambino now?

ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at 05/06/2015 12:09 PM

MANILA -- Remember singer Tony Lambino, who became famous as part of the singing group Smokey Mountain?

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Lambino, who along with James Coronel, Geneva Cruz and Jeffrey Hidalgo were the original members of the group formed by Ryan Cayabyab in the 1990s, is now the head of communication at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).Appearing on "Kris TV" on Wednesday, Lambino said he was working in the United States before joining the IRRI more than a year ago."I was working at the World Bank in Washington DC and then the opportunity became available and I applied," Lambino said.Asked if he still gets to sing, Lambino said: "Sometimes. In church."Aside from being part of Smokey Mountain, Lambino is the original singer behind the OPM hit "Harana." http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/06/15/where-smokey-mountains-tony-lambinonow

National Science Foundation Awards $5.5 Million Grant for Rice Research MAY 5, 2015 9:02 PM0 COMMENTS

By REBECCA BLAIR Cornell researchers received a $5.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to use genome editing techniques to improve rice cultivation on Friday.Genome editing is a process by researchers can alter an organism‘s DNA. Cornell researchers will use this grant to ―focus on such quantitative traits in rice as disease resistance and tolerance to acidic soils,‖ according to a University press release.―We have the ability to open the genome like a book, go to a certain chapter and a specific word and change the word or correct its spelling,‖ said lead scientist Adam Bogdanove in the release.

This is significant because rice is a ―staple crop that feeds half the world‘s people,‖ according to the University. Increasing the quality and reliability of the rice crop could have profound humanitarian implications.―Scientists are also in a race against time to double the production of cereal crops on limited arable land by 2050, when the global population could reach 9.5 billion,‖ the University said.Bogdanove said researchers have already identified section of rice DNA which could present the opportunity for beneficial genome editing.―Now, we don‘t have to do years of breeding; we can just make the precise changes needed in a few short steps,‖ he said. http://cornellsun.com/blog/2015/05/05/national-science-foundation-awards-5-5-million-grant-for-riceresearch/

Rice farmers to get coupons for seed, fertilizer 6 May 2015 at 17:57 3,345 viewed6 comments WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS

Rice growers are about to get discount coupons from the government to cut their costs. (Photo by Patipat Janthong) The government plans to distribute discount coupons to rice farmers to help them cut cultivation costs in the coming season.Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said economic ministers agreed on Wednesday that rice growers should have get coupons or cards to claim discounts on www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine the purchase of cultivation materials, including seed and fertiliser. The discounts will be more effective than handing out cash subsidies to the farmers, he said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha chaired the economic ministers' meeting and ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to implement the assistance programme.For the upcoming crop season, the

government also hopes to convince some rice farmers to switch to sugarcane in order to ensure good prices for rice, the spokesman said.Sugar futures, meanwhile, plunged to their lowest prices since 2009 in New York last month as rising output from Thailand to India exacerbated a global glut.

Finally, the government is offering 1 million baht in aid to each of about 3,000 sub-districts where rice growers have always suffered from water shortages. The money will be spent to reduce cultivation costs, Dr Yongyuth said.Get full Bangkok Post printed newspaper experience on your digital devices with Bangkok Post e-newspaper. Try it out, it's totally free for 7 days.

Importer charged a 3rd time Philippine Daily Inquirer 5:27 AM | Friday, May 8th, 2015

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Customs on Thursday filed a third set of smuggling cases against the owner of New Dawn Enterprises for the allegedly illegal importation of 260,000 kilograms of sugar worth some P13 million.The BOC accused the firm‘s owner, Michael Abella, of violations of the Tariff and Customs Code, not having produced any import permits and for misdeclaring the shipments.The illegal shipments of 10 container vans of refined sugar arrived in December 2014 at the Port of Cagayan de Oro.In its import documents, New Dawn allegedly

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine misdeclared the sugar imports as kitchenware and tiles.A valid import permit is required for all sugar importations. All sugar importations without an import permit is unlawful, the BOC said.

New Dawn Enterprises is already facing separate charges for the illegal importation of rice.The BOC slapped New Dawn with smuggling charges for the first time in January, for the illegal importation of glutinous rice worth P28 million. The shipment arrived at the Cagayan de Oro Port in November 2014, BOC records showed.The second case was filed two months later in March, again for illegally importing rice worth P15.6 million in December 2014.―We are hoping for the speedy resolution by the Department of Justice of the case we are filing today, as well as the other cases we have already filed, if only to send the strong message that we are really serious in the fight against smuggling,‖ said Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina in a statement.–Tina G. Santos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/690022/importer-charged-a-3rd-time#ixzz3Yw2PQgnX

Korea signs FTA with Vietnam Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy Yoon Sang-jik and Vietnamese Industry & Trade Minister Vu Huy Hoang signed the Korea-Vietnam FTA in Hanoi on May 5 in the presence of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng. According to the agreement, Korea and Vietnam will eliminate 94.7 percent and 92.4 percent of their tariffs based on the amounts of imports, respectively.The rice market is excluded from the agreement, and no further market opening is scheduled for sensitive primary industry items like onions, squid, green tea, and chili pepper. The tariffs on tropical fruit, ginger, garlic, and pork will be removed within 10 years, and those on natural honey and sweet potato starch within 15 years.

According to the Korea International Trade Association, exports from Korea to Vietnam reached US$6.58 billion in the first quarter of this year, showing an 18.3 percent increase from a year earlier. In that quarter, only China and the United States recorded more exports to Vietnam than Korea did. The increase in the exports is especially eye-catching in that Korea‘s overall exports declined 2.9 percent in Q1 this year, when those to the ASEAN region, Japan and China fell 17.6 percent, 22.0 percent and 1.5 percent as well, respectively.

During the same period, Korea‘s imports from Vietnam increased 17.3 percent to US$2.03 billion and the bilateral trade volume went up 18.1 percent to US$8.61 billion. The latter broke the US$30 billion mark last year, when the volume added up to US$30.34 billion by showing a 7.4 percent growth. Last year, Korean companies accounted for 14.7 percent of the imported goods market of Vietnam to be second only to Chine, which took up 29.6 percent of it.

Source: businesskorea.co.kr http://www.freshplaza.com/article/139379/Korea-signs-FTA-with-Vietnam

Cornell gets grant to study, improve rice crop Staff report12:45 p.m. EDT May 7, 2015

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(Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cornell University will receive a nearly $5.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to use genome editing techniques to study and improve rice crop sustainability.The funding will be allocated over four years, according to a news release from U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both D-N.Y. http://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/2015/05/07/cornell-nsf-grant-ricecrop/70946842/

Asia Rice-Prices hit multi-month lows but fail to attract buyers * Thai prices hit their lowest since June 2014 * Vietnamese rice prices are the lowest since February * Myanmar aims to boost rice exports to 2 mln tonnes

By Ho Binh Minh HANOI, May 6 (Reuters) - Asian rice export prices fell to multi-month lows this week after holidays in the region and demand remained thin, traders said on Wednesday.Thailand's 5 percent broken white rice RI-THBKN5-P1 eased to $385-$387 a tonne, free on board (FOB), the lowest since June 2014, traders said.The Thai price, which dropped below $400 on April 1, is still above the price for similar-grade Vietnamese rice, which stood this week at $355-$360 a tonne, FOB.Vietnam's 25 percent broken rice fell to $330-$335 a tonne, FOB, the lowest since Feb. 11, after market regulators lowered the minimum export price for the variety by nearly 3 percent, but that still failed to tempt buyers, traders said.The indicative quotations this week are

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine below the floor of $340 a tonne in effect since April 30."Prices are low but there's still no demand," a trader at a foreign firm in Ho Chi Minh City said.Thailand, the world's secondbiggest rice exporter last year, was on holiday from May 1 to 5 while Vietnam only reopened its markets on Monday after a public holiday from April 28 to May 1.

The Thai government will take part in a tender to be held by the Philippine government later this month for between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes, Chutima Bunyapraphasara, permanent secretary at the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday."The tender in the Philippines is another (Thai) government effort to push up prices," a Bangkok-based trader said. "They have to try everything they can."An industry source in Manila told Reuters there was a plan to tender for 310,000 tonnes.But a spokesman for the National Food Authority, the Philippines' state grain agency, said its council, which approves rice imports, had yet to issue any advisory on new approvals.

Elsewhere in the region, Myanmar plans to raise its rice exports in the fiscal year that started in April by 10.5 percent to 2 million tonnes, said Lu Maw Myint Maung, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, citing demand from China and Europe.China bought 1.11 million tonnes from Myanmar in the fiscal year that ended in March, accounting for around 60 percent of the country's exports, based on Myanmar Commerce Ministry data. (Additional reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK; Erik dela Cruz in MANILA and Aung Hla Tun in YANGON; Editing by Alan Raybould) http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/06/asia-rice-idINL4N0XX2V520150506

Farmers reap gains from new model Tran Van Quang, a farmer in Hau Giang Province in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, has increased his profit from rice farming by at least 18 per cent since he began to apply a new farming model developed locally.Farmers harvest the winter-spring crop 2014-15 in Hau Giang Province. Many farmers in the province's Vi Thuy District have adopted a new farming model to increase productivity and reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides. (Photo: VNA/VNS) Some 88 farmers in Vi Thanh Commune, Vi Thuy District, had adopted the "3 down-3 up" model to increase productivity, quality, and economic effectiveness and reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides, he said.The model, developed by the province's Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Centre, had enabled farmers like him to reduce seed usage by 30-40kg per hectare and nitrogenous fertilisers by 50-70kg and save 30 per cent on pesticides compared to traditional farming methods, he said.On the other hand, productivity had reached "an average of 6.1 tonnes per hectare compared with 5.8 tonnes in nearby fields that did not adopt in the model," he added.

In Thanh Dong A Commune, Kien Giang Province, many rice farmers have adopted a technique called "alternate wetting and drying", or AWD, and benefited.Do Ngoc Kim, one of them, said that the new farming method had helped his family reduce fertiliser and pesticide use while increasing rice yields by 10 per cent and profits significantly.At his co-operative, where members had applied the new farming method on 270ha a year ago, the figure had increased to 500ha now, he said.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Phan Huy Thong, director of the National Agriculture Extension Centre, said with its more than 1.8 million hectares under rice, the delta contributed more than half of the country's rice output and 92 per cent of exports.

But farmers' incomes were very low due to high costs and unstable prices, he told a forum titled "Improving economic efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta" in Hau Giang on May 5.

The overuse of chemical fertilisers and burning straw after harvest following traditional farming methods caused greenhouse gas emissions, he said.In 2000, CO2 emissions in Viet Nam had been over 150 million tonnes of which the agricultural sector accounted for 65.09 million tonnes, with emissions from rice farming accounting for well over half.To reduce the emissions and improve economic efficiency in rice production, many new and advanced farming models have been adopted in the country, especially the delta.They include the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), "3 down-3 up", AWD, and the "1 must-5 decrease" (Must use certified seeds, reduce sowed seeds, crop protection chemicals, nitrogenous fertilisers, water use, and post-harvest losses).

Huynh Quang Tin of the Mekong Delta Research Development Institute said after four years of piloting the AWD model in five places in the delta, productivity had increased by 10 per cent and profits by 17 per cent compared to traditional methods.Furthermore, efficient irrigation methods helped effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said.Hoang Van Hong of the National Agriculture Extension Centre said last year the centre had implemented the "3 down-3 up" and SRI models in 13 places in the delta.

This models helped farmers not only save seeds, agricultural inputs, and irrigation costs, but also make optimal profits, improve soil quality and reduce green house gas emissions, he added.Thong said despite their benefits, the new farming models were expanding very slowly since farmers were not provided with sufficient information, and this should be improved.The agricultural sector would consider expanding the low-carbon farming model to produce highquality rice to meet consumer demands and make agriculture sustainable, he said.Local authorities and farmers should consider their land conditions to adopt a suitable new farming method, he added.Organised by the centre and the Hau Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the forum attracted more than 400 delegates, including 250 farmers from the delta.

Source: VNS http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2015/5/113657/ www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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DA to provide additional rice storage facilities May 7, 2015 Written by Joel dela Torre Published in Nation THE Department of Agriculture yesterday announced its plan to establish more rice storage facilities and upgrade existing ones through public-private partnership.Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the target of these rice mills will be near production areas to lessen both transportation time and cost.―In areas where the private sector is reluctant to invest, we will take the lead,‖ he said.Alcala added that the they are also eyeing collapsible drying facilities for distribution to farmer cooperatives.

The DA is bent to improve the postharvest stage in rice production to address cost issues while promoting new cost-effective technologies to increase the milling recovery rate of rice. Alcala said in some areas, milling facilities are obsolete resulting in as low as 50 percent milling recovery (50 kgs of rice for every 100 kgs of palay).―Escalating the milling recovery rate to at least 65% could lessen the cost of rice to consumers by about P1 per kilogram,‖ Alcala said.The DA aims to harvest 20 million metric tons of rice for 2015.―Hindi natin mapapalaki ang ating supply kung hindi naman natin mapapaganda ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka,‖ Alcala stressed. http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/da-to-provide-additional-rice-storage-facilities

Asia Rice-Prices hit multi-month lows but fail to attract buyers * Thai prices hit their lowest since June 2014 * Vietnamese rice prices are the lowest since February * Myanmar aims to boost rice exports to 2 mln tonnes

By Ho Binh Minh HANOI, May 6 (Reuters) - Asian rice export prices fell to multi-month lows this week after holidays in the region and demand remained thin, traders said on Wednesday.Thailand's 5 percent broken white rice RI-THBKN5-P1 eased to $385-$387 a tonne, free on board (FOB), the lowest since June 2014, traders said.The Thai price, which dropped below $400 on April 1, is still above the price for similar-grade Vietnamese rice, which stood this week at $355-$360 a tonne, FOB.Vietnam's 25 percent broken rice fell to $330-$335 a tonne, FOB, the lowest since Feb. 11, after market regulators lowered the minimum export price for the variety by nearly 3 percent, but that still failed to tempt buyers, traders said.

The indicative quotations this week are below the floor of $340 a tonne in effect since April 30."Prices are low but there's still no demand," a trader at a foreign firm in Ho Chi Minh City said.Thailand, the world's second-biggest rice exporter last year, was on holiday from May 1 to 5 while Vietnam only reopened its markets on Monday after a public holiday from April 28 to May 1.The Thai government will take part in a tender to be held by the Philippine government later this month for between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes, Chutima Bunyapraphasara, permanent

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine secretary at the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday."The tender in the Philippines is another (Thai) government effort to push up prices," a Bangkok-based trader said. "They have to try everything they can.

"An industry source in Manila told Reuters there was a plan to tender for 310,000 tonnes.But a spokesman for the National Food Authority, the Philippines' state grain agency, said its council, which approves rice imports, had yet to issue any advisory on new approvals.Elsewhere in the region, Myanmar plans to raise its rice exports in the fiscal year that started in April by 10.5 percent to 2 million tonnes, said Lu Maw Myint Maung, joint secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation, citing demand from China and Europe.China bought 1.11 million tonnes from Myanmar in the fiscal year that ended in March, accounting for around 60 percent of the country's exports, based on Myanmar Commerce Ministry data. (Additional reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK; Erik dela Cruz in MANILA and Aung Hla Tun in YANGON; Editing by Alan Raybould)

Police told to speed up probe into 1.75 million tonnes of rotten and adulterated rice

BY EDITORON 2015-05-06THAILAND

Police told to speed up probe into 1.75 million tonnes of rotten and adulterated rice

BANGKOK: — The National Police Office has been told to speed up investigation into the 1.75 million tonnes of adulterated and rotten rice stored at 186 warehouses throughout the country. www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Mrs Chintana Chaiwannakarn, board chairwoman of Public Warehouse Organisation, said Wednesday that she was ordered by commerce permanent secretary Ms Chutima Booyaprapat to coordinate with the Marketing Organisation for Farmers to notify the National Police Office to try to wrap up their investigation into the 1.75 million tonnes of rotten rice and adulterated rice within June.

The 1.75 million tonnes of rice are made up of 54,000 tonnes of adulterated rice, 653,000 tonnes of rotten rice and one million tonnes of C-grade grains.Both criminal and civil lawsuits will be taken against the warehouse owners and rice surveyors.As for the adulterated and C-grade rice, they are to be sold by auction whereas the rotten rice are to be sold to ethanol producers.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/police-told-to-speed-up-probe-into-1-75-million-tonnes-ofrotten-and-adulterated-rice/59153/

Nigeria: Alleged N21 Billion Rice Import Duty Evasion - I Don't Have Power to Give Waivers - Adesina

By Emman Ovuakporie and Gabriel Ewepu

Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina Tuesday said as a minister he does not give waivers to importers and that it was a case of the hunter being hunted by those that should be hunted.Adesina who appeared before the adhoc-committee on 'Rice Imports Quota And Duty Payments' said "I was the first to raise the alarm via press release issued on January 2 alerting the nation that rice importers were not paying import duty"." As it is now, it is a situation where the hunter is being hunted as I clearly stated in the release that about N36billion is being owed by importers and those owing must pay back to the treasury" http://allafrica.com/stories/201505061159.html

Making rice cultivation more eco-friendly

BY MARA CEPEDA POSTED ON 05/07/2015 11:17 AM | UPDATED 05/07/2015 6:07 PM

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FARMING. Filipino farmer Gamaliel Pagharion inspects his rice farm in Pigcawayan the rice producing town of North Cotabato province in southern Mindanao on May 9, 2008. File photo by Mark Navales/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – Producing Juan‘s meal-time favorite – a cup of steaming, freshly cooked rice – is a complicated task.There‘s the constant problem of meeting the daily demand for it, what with rice being the most consumed food product by Filipinos.The Food and Agriculture Organization said that while the Philippines is an agricultural country, it has ―begun to develop an untenable dependence on imported rice to ensure sufficient national stocks.‖More recently, a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) showed that rice cultivation is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.Ironically, however, agriculture is also one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. The US Environmental Protection Agency reported that 29% of the Philippines‘ emissions come from the agricultural sector.How then should the Philippines solve this problem?

According to the UNDP, it‘s through the proposed Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA), a holistic approach that will hopefully address the issues of climate change, food security, water saving, and poverty eradication.It involves the creation of a policy providing

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine farmers with economic incentives to switch from continuous flooding to Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and to sustain its use in the long run.To diversify the country‘s agricultural transformation, farmers will also be offered technical training under a support package.

The AMIA will target a total of 750,000 hectares of irrigated rice fields nationwide to potentially bring about a 12,151-kiloton carbon dioxide emission reductions by 2020.This sector-specific climate change instrument was reviewed by the following: UNDP, Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Asian Development Bank, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, International Rice Research Institute, and National Irrigation Administration.

Alternative irrigation technology

ECO-FRIENDLY. The UNDP report suggests doing alternatives inafarming. Photo from IRRI The widespread practice of continuously flooding rice fields up until the harvest season contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions of the Philippines.

As a replacement, the AMIA will promote the use of AWD, also called controlled or intermittent irrigation, in rice cultivation.In AWD, a perforated field water tube is inserted into the ground so farmers can monitor the depth of water table in the field.This modified water management and methane mitigation scheme leads to a shorter period for rice field flooding and better soil aeration.AWD also has the following benefits: More rice grains, higher zinc availability and lodging resistance, better root anchorage, improved equity, and reduced pest infestation and upstream-downstream conflicts in canal irrigation systems.

More rice, less conflict The implementation of the AMIA is expected to positively contribute to food security in the Philippines.The use of AWD will increase the total irrigated area, as more water will be available for irrigation, especially during the dry season.Several research and pilot projects also showed that AWD can increase rice yields up to 5%.A PhilRice report on a pilot project showed that AWD use can potentially decrease conflict in farming communities. According to the report,

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine farmers working around the downstream irrigation network receive less water than those working upstream.AWD allows for a more even distribution of irrigation water among farmers.

Hindrances The UNDP noted that ―there is no concrete action plan‖ presently in place to support the adoption of more efficient irrigation systems in the country.The report also said that farmers are likely to revert back to continuous flooding after trying AWD. This is because the new irrigation scheme has ―no particular gains‖ on water management, as farmers pay for irrigation fees based on land area size and not on amount of water used.

AWD is also more labor-intensive because farmers will have to attend to the fields more often to follow a set irrigation calendar.Since 2005, several attempts have been made to implement AWD in big irrigation systems in the country such as in the Upper Pampanga and Magat River Integrated Irrigation Systems.On September 11, 2009, the DA also issued DA Administrative Order 25 or the ―Guidelines on the Adoption of Water Saving Technologies (WST) in Irrigated Rice Production Systems in the Philippines.‖The UNDP report said it is the only existing policy that supports the AWD, but it has not been fully implemented yet.

Four years later, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala released a memorandum to mainstream climate change in DA‘s programs, policies and budget, which includes the AMIA.According to the UNDP report, AMIA‘s 5-year implementation plan will begin through the creation of an inter-agency Rice Sector AMIA Supervisory Board by September 2015. – Rappler.com http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/92423-making-rice-cultivation-more-ecofriendly

WATCH: Rice black bugs infest Iloilo community Posted at 05/07/2015 11:58 AM JARO, Iloilo – Residents of Barangay Bito-on are complaining about black rice bugs infestation in their community.The black rice bugs emit foul odor and can also cause itchiness when it comes in contact with the skin.The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said the insect is common in rainfed and irrigated wetland environments and prefers continuously cropped irrigated rice areas and poorly drained fields.IRRI explained that black bug flight patterns are affected by the lunar cycle.''On full moon nights, large numbers of adults swarm to light sources,'' IRRI said.The Department of Agriculture (DA) has offered to give biological agents to control the spread of the bugs, which were also cited in Dumangas, Zarraga, Leganes, and Santa Barbara in Iloilo.

Umagang Kay Ganda, 7 May 2015

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/05/07/15/watch-rice-black-bugs-infest-iloilocommunity

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GenSan council may soon require ‘half-rice’ on menus in city eateries May 7, 2015 9:29pm

It may soon be easier to order just half a cup of rice at eateries in General Santos City, once a proposed measure is passed by the city council. The city council is now taking up the proposal with food establishment owners, GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon" reported Thursday.

The report said the proposal is in support of the Philippine Rice Research Institute's "Be Riceponsible" campaign, to prevent wastage of rice.Once it is passed, the measure will require eateries such as carinderias, restaurants and fast-food outlets and catering services to allow "halfrice" on their menus. Penalties include P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 plus cancellation of business permit for the third offense. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/483590/news/regions/gensan-council-may-soon-require-halfrice-on-menus-in-city-eateries

APEDA INDIA NEWS International Benchmark Price Price on: 01-05-2015

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

1

Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

5850

2

Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

4375

3

Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)

3425

1

Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2100

2

Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2000

3

Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

1800

1

Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

4600

2

Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

5100

3

Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

3000

Apricots

Garlic

Ginger

Source:agra-net

For more info

Market Watch Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 05-05-2015 Domestic Prices

Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product

Market Center

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

3200

3400

Rice

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 2

Bargarh (Orissa)

Other

2200

2400

3

Taliamura (Tripura)

Other

2500

2700

1

Amirgadh (Gujarat)

Other

1200

1760

2

Chakulia (Jharkhand )

Other

1820

2010

3

Aklera(Rajasthan)

Other

1360

1550

1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

1600

1900

2

Sirhind(Punjab)

Other

1500

1800

3

Kashipur(Uttrakhand)

Other

800

900

1

Nilagiri (Orissa)

Other

1700

1900

2

Bilga (Punjab)

Other

1500

1500

3

Kharupetia(Assam)

Other

1000

1200

Wheat

Papaya

Carrot

Source:agra-net

For more info

Egg

Rs per 100 No Price on 04-05-2015 Product

Market Center

Price

1

Pune

288

2

Chittoor

303

3

Hyderabad

248

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ per package Price on 04-05-2015

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

Low

Mexico

Yellow

22

24.50 21

Onions Dry

High Package: 50 lb sacks

1

Atlanta

2

Baltimore

California

Yellow

21

3

Detroit

Michigan

Yellow

7

Cucumbers

9 Package: cartons film wrapped

1

Atlanta

Canada

Long Seedless

2 3

9.50

12

Detroit

Canada

Miami

Mexico

Long Seedless

8

10

Long Seedless

11

Grapefruit

12 Package: 4/5 bushel cartons

1

Atlanta

Florida

Red

16

16

2

Chicago

Florida

Red

14.50

16

3

Miami

Florida

Red

13

13

Source:USDA

Rice lovers beware, your favorite food may be poisoning you Don't panic. Not yet, at least.(Reuters/Kham)

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Julian TysonProfessor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst Researchers have known for some time that the food and drink we allconsume contains arsenic.Should we be concerned? Aren‘t we protected by federal regulations? Actually, no—we are not. In the US, as in many countries, the government regulates the concentration of arsenic in drinking water, but does not regulate the concentration of arsenic in any other drink or food. We have a mercury-in-food regulation; why don‘t we have an arsenic-in-food regulation?

One important difference is that all of the compounds of mercury we find in food are equally toxic. This is not the case for arsenic. Although we normally think of arsenic compounds as potentially harmful, most of the arsenic we eat is harmless. Seafood, which contains by far the highest concentrations of arsenic, delivers it as arsenobetaine, an organic chemical containing arsenic that is innocuous to us humans.How then should arsenic in food be regulated? To do that well, we need to develop better ways to determine the amounts of arsenic and other chemicals in our foods.

Focus on riceScientists are still in the early days of collecting data on the arsenic content of food.

So far, we think the only widely consumed foodstuffs with the potential for long-term health problems due to the arsenic content are rice and all rice-derived products, such as flour, cakes, crackers and infant formulas.

Chemical analyses show that regardless of the origin of the rice, four arsenic-containing compounds account for about 95% of the arsenic that is released from rice on cooking. Two of the compounds, together known as inorganic arsenic, are known human carcinogens, and two (monomethyl and dimethylated arsenic) are possibly carcinogenic to humans, according the International Agency for Research on Cancer. If an in-food safety limit set based solely on concentration level, it would designate all food from the aquatic environment to be unfit for human consumption.

There‘s a wide range of arsenic concentrations in food. If an infood safety limit set based solely on concentration level, it would designate all food from the aquatic environment to be unfit for human consumption, even though there is no health risk. So an arsenic-in-food standard needs to specify which arsenic compounds are to be regulated.Also, the health risks depend on the concentrations of the carcinogenic inorganic arsenic, the amount of rice consumed and how often rice is consumed.

Some researchers consider that to keep the risk of getting an arsenic-induced cancer to an acceptable level, daily adult intake should not exceed a quarter cup of uncooked rice, containing no more than 50 parts per billion (ppb), stipulating that children should consume even less in proportion to their body weight.The results for the analysis of a large number of rice and rice products presented by both Consumer Reports and the US Food and Drug Administration show almost all rice tested contained concentrations in excess–sometimes well in excess—of this 50 ppb limit. Brown rice has, in general, concentrations of arsenic higher than those in white rice.

Recent science A staple of diets the world over, rice may also be putting some at risk.(Reuters/Pawel Kopczynski/Files) www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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We do not know how long we have been exposed. Only relatively recently have advances in chemical measurement technology made it possible to detect arsenic compounds at relevant concentrations in foodstuffs.The first results for the measurement of arsenic in rice were made in 1998. The global extent of the contamination was not apparent until 2005, when it was realized that some of the highest concentrations of both inorganic and methylated arsenic compounds are found in rice grown in the US. Results so far show that all rice, regardless of variety and origin, contains easily measurable concentrations of arsenic compounds.

Why is there arsenic in rice? Rice is often grown in fields formerly used for cotton, whose production involved spraying with cacodylic acid (the dimethyl arsenic compound) to kill boll weevil pests, and then with arsenic acid to kill and desiccate the plant prior to mechanical harvesting. Rice also assimilates arsenic to a greater extent than other crops, such as wheat and barley. Groups within the population whose diet consists of largely of rice, such as sufferers from celiac disease, infants, and Asian Americans, should be hoping for action sooner rather than later.

Many of the arsenic-containing compounds that we eat and drink also come from processes involving naturally occurring arsenic, which is widely distributed on the Earth‘s crust. All lifeforms, ranging from bacteria to primates, are capable of transforming the inorganic arsenic compounds derived from the minerals that get into the food web into a series of organic compounds, rendering them less toxic.

Since 2012, advocacy group Consumers Union has been calling for an arsenic-in-food standard and the implementation of arsenic reduction strategies, such as phasing out the use of arseniccontaining pesticides. However, the FDA is still working on a study of the long-term risks and will not consider taking any action until this is complete.Those of us who do not eat more than the amounts recommended by Consumer Reports can probably afford to wait. But groups within the population whose diet consists of largely of rice, such as sufferers from celiac disease, infants, and Asian Americans, should be hoping for action sooner rather than later. Asian Americans are the only US racial/ethnic population for whom cancer is the leading cause of death and a diet heavy on rice could contribute to this.

Better methods needed Not all scientists agree on how to assess the health risks of consuming inorganic and methylated arsenic compounds. But no matter what the basis, at the very least, a meaningful arsenic-in-rice regulation has to be supported by reliable information on the inorganic arsenic concentration.

Unfortunately, the chemical measurement community is making slow progress towards this capability.A recent round-robin proficiency test, in which almost 100 expert laboratories spread across 35 countries participated, involved the determination of the total arsenic and the inorganic arsenic in a carefully prepared rice flour reference material. No matter what the basis, at the very least, a meaningful arsenic-in-rice regulation has to be supported by reliable information on the inorganic arsenic concentration.

Depending on how stringent the evaluation criteria applied were, between 23% and 41% of the participants did not get a satisfactory result for the determination of total arsenic, and between

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 25% and 43% did not get a satisfactory result for the determination of inorganic arsenic.

Furthermore, only a third of the participants actually submitted a result for the inorganic arsenic content, which probably means they were unable to determine the concentration of the mostharmful form.

We know enough to be concerned and consumers should be demanding more information.

Incentives are needed not only to get rice suppliers to implement arsenic-reduction strategies but also to get analytical chemists to collaborate on the development of reliable methods.A hard-tomeet inorganic arsenic-in-rice standard of less than 100 parts per billion would be a good start. In the meantime, choose white rice (basmati or sushi), rinse it in cold water, and cook it in excess water—arsenic-free, of course.

This post originally appeared at The Conversation. atideas@qz.com.

http://qz.com/400329/rice-lovers-beware-your-favorite-food-may-be-poisoning-you/

Thailand: Thai rice occupy over 60 pct of Hong Kong market 5/7/2015

Thai News Service The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department imported49,900 tons of rice from Thailand in the first quarter of 2015, a 48.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.The higher rice exports to Hong Kong (China) brought Thailand's rice exports to all markets to 62.2 percent in the first quarter 2015.Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce Duangkamon Chiambut said the Hong Kong Trade and Industryimported 80,400 tons of rice during the first three months this year, increasing by 0.75 percent.

A drop in Thai Hom Mali rice price and importers' higher confidence in Thai rice were important factors which led to the first quarter growth, the spokesperson added.The strengthening of relations between the Thai government and Hong Kong rice importers also helped Thai rice exports achieved a growth target of higher than 60 percent, she said.In 2013, Thailand exported 6.6 million tonnes of rice, worth 4.42 billion USD, worldwide. In 2014, Thai rice exportswere 10.9 million tons or 5.34 billion USD.-VNA http://www.world-grain.com/news/news%20home/LexisNexisArticle.aspx?articleid=2358418064

Rice Import Duty Waiver: Reps Threaten To Sanction Adesina Posted: 8:05 am, May 7, 2015 by admin Akinwumi Adesina, Minister for Agriculture ABUJA- The House of Representatives has threatened to sanction the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina over failure to appear before its Ad hoc Committee investigating alleged fraud in the ministry.Specifically, the committee is probing alleged evasion of payment of rice import duties and levies by importer and investors.The Chairman of the committee and Deputy

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, made the threat at the public hearing in Abuja to uncover fraud in importation of rice.

In his address, Ogor said, ―this hearing is sequel to a resolution of the House mandating the Ad hoc Committee to investigate alleged fraud abuses, evasion of import duties by rice importers.―The aim is to uncover fraud and expose the endemic corruption in the importation of rice with a view to stemming the tide and boost employment generation as well as strengthen the nation‘s depleting foreign reserve. ―The minister has no reason not to be here because the ministry was duly served the invitation. ―I see no reason why people would be invited to a hearing that‘s for the benefit of the people and will not turn up.―You are a servant of the people just like we all are,‘‘ he said.According to Ogor, what we are doing here is for the benefit of our nation‘s economy; so, before the end of the hearing, we are hoping to see people from the ministry.He threatened that if the ministry‘s officials failed to appear before the committee, it might be forced ‗‘to make some very strong pronouncement. ‖The administration of quota and duty payable on excess importation indicated that the minister gave certain concessions to some importers, who allegedly exceeded their quotas and did not pay liable indemnity.The committee, therefore, questioned the powers of the minister to grant such waiver on the basis of encouraging investment and job creation.According to it, the practice is discouraging local investors who don‘t even have the capacity to utilise their allotted quoten done. http://www.nigerianobservernews.com/2015/05/07/rice-import-duty-waiver-reps-threaten-to-sanctionadesina/#sthash.a0IyNheA.dpuf

Rice importers to pay 36 Billion Naira into FG account Inside AfricaNigeria May 7, 2015 0

Victoria Ayuwei, Per Second News—-The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina Thursday revealed that the alleged rice importation duty scam reported to be 21 Billion Naira is actually 36 Billion Naira, which is to be paid into the Federal Government account by rice importers.

The House of Representatives earlier this week invited the minister in regards to the administration of government policy on rice importation and payable duties/levies on import quota by investors.At the public hearing of Adhoc committee on Rice quota and Duty payment on rice imports quota and Duty payment the minister said, ―I was the one that first raised the issue of monies owed the federal government by importers which is to the tune of 36 billion Naira I do not know when www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine the Hunter had now become hunted.‖One of the leading rice investor in the country, Olam Nigeria Limited, told legislators in the house of representatives that out of its 3 billion import liability debt, the Agric Minister had notified them of 50percent price relief.

However, Mr. Adesina in response to the alleged scam said that he never granted waiver to any rice importing company contrary to allegations that a foreign rice investor enjoyed the minister‘s relief in duty payment bills.‖ I have to be transparent and no company is above the law therefore,any company owing the Nigerian Government must pay‖ he added.Per Second News Thursday obtained a document showing the unethical practice of rice investors in the country.

Source: Per Second News

Iraq Grain Tender Canceled, USA Rice to Meet with U.S. Ambassador ARLINGTON, VA -- Earlier this week, in a move that was only mildly surprising, the Iraqi Not U.S. so not the best

Grain Board canceled their current tender request without explanation or fanfare."The only thing we can predict with any accuracy in this market is the total unpredictability of this market," said Betsy Ward, president & CEO of USA Rice.Ward said that although the U.S. bids are very competitive, and despite regular contact between the government of Iraq, the U.S. government, and USA Rice, she thinks it could be a long time before U.S. rice is sold with any consistency in this country unless something changes dramatically."Frankly, we're disheartened by the lack of progress we're able to make with the Iraqi Grain Board," she added.

"We know our quality and logistics are better, and our prices are lower than South American origins, so one can only speculate as to why they aren't buying U.S. rice."Ward will raise these concerns in what promises to be a frank meeting in Washington tomorrow with the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones. "We're going to share with the Ambassador what we're experiencing here, and we look forward to hearing his take on events and market realities incountry and maybe get a clearer picture of what we can expect in the near term," Ward added.

Contact: Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

USDA Announces $235 Million in Funding for RCPP WASHINGTON, DC -- Earlier this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an

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Bird sanctuary investment of $235 million in funding to be applied towards the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, is a conservation initiative administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that enables local leaders across the country to implement programs that will preserve natural resources in their region.The first round of projects funded through the RCPP was announced earlier this year. USDA awarded $394 million to the first round of RCPP participants in all 50 states that helped fund 115 projects.The rice industry will benefit significantly from the first round of RCPP funding. RCPP grants were awarded to California and Louisiana in addition to a $10 million national grant to USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited.

"These funds are specifically set aside for rice producers and will be used to help them install NRCS approved conservation practices. The initial Rice RCPP was the first of its kind and that got attention at NRCS," said USA Rice's Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely.

Mosely added, "We're in the process of implementing the first award and hope to have growers signing up late summer or early fall, and we're already working on a new proposal for this second phase of the RCPP. We plan to build on that platform of the rice industry's commitment to on-farm management practices that address water quantity, water quality and wildlife habitat."USDA plans to invest $1.2 billion in conservation projects through 2018. The deadline to submit an RCPP proposal is July 8, 2015.

Contact: Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446

Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 62,500 MT for 2014/2015 were down 45 percent from the previous week and 9 percent from the prior four-week average, according to today's Export Sales Highlights report. Increases were reported for South Korea (20,000 MT), Mexico (17,000 MT), Honduras (16,000 MT, including 8,500 MT switched from unknown destinations), Colombia (15,400 MT), and Libya (12,500 MT). Decreases were reported for Turkey (28,500 MT) and unknown destinations (6,000 MT).

Exports of 78,700 MT were up 36 percent from the previous week and 13 percent from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations were Mexico (19,600 MT), Colombia (15,500 MT), Honduras (12,300 MT), Japan (12,200 MT), and Haiti (7,100 MT). This summary is based on reports from exporters from the period April 24-30.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 7 Month

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Price

Page 27

Net Change

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

May 2015

$9.465

- $0.080

July 2015

$9.695

- $0.100

September 2015

$9.965

- $0.100

November 2016

$10.210

- $0.105

January 2016

$10.455

- $0.100

March 2016

$10.505

- $0.100

May 2016

$10.505

- $0.100

Mr. Xi, and others, tear down these walls

By Former Rep. Larry Combest (R-Texas), contributor It is not often when we can so objectively fact-check a claim made in Washington.We are deluged with a cacophony of voices during debates on legislation, each claiming to be authoritative. But when the debate is over, everyone forgets the claims made.One claim during the farm bill debate was that, by unilaterally ending or sharply cutting U.S. farm policy, the United States would achieve credibility on global trade such that it would cause other countries to follow.

Well, since passage of the farm bill — when lawmakers agreed to cut $23 billion, mainly from agriculture — four reports have been published illustrating that the opposite is happening.As support for U.S. farmers and ranchers declines, already high foreign subsidies and tariffs that far exceed U.S. support are reaching record levels.On April 1, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman released a report on foreign trade barriers outlining in more than 400 pages the trade infractions of trading partners, with communist China's list reading like a mob boss's rap sheet.On April 15, J. Wesley Burnett of the College of Charleston prepared a report on behalf of the Americans for Limited Government, citing the bad behavior of our trading partners (as well as some bad U.S. behavior on tax and environmental policies) and concluded that the United States cannot unilaterally disarm because it would put our producers at a competitive disadvantage. Instead, Burnett called on the U.S. to take a hard line to ensure foreign competitors do not continue to violate their trade commitments and prevent the world from moving closer to a free market.

A month earlier, Texas Tech University updated its Foreign Subsidies Database. And, in November of last year, DTB Associates issued its foreign subsidies update. Each of these reports confirmed the findings of the other two, documenting sharply rising foreign subsidies and tariffs, with DTB observing that many countries, including communist China, are exceeding permissible support levels under their trade commitments and are delinquent in complying with annual reporting requirements.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine In short, our trading partners are not following America's example; they are cheating.So, a claim was made and now the verdict is in. We know that the United States cannot unilaterally disarm America's farmers and ranchers and expect the world to simply follow.Unfortunately, "I told you so" is not gratifying. In Washington political circles, winning an argument is everything. And, in the policy realm, in a town up to its eyeballs in reports, these are just four more.But to American farmers and ranchers, the statistics hit home in the form of a 43 percent drop in net farm income, and the victory feels hollow.

Regarding cotton, China amassed 50 million bales into a reserve over four years. Fourteen to 24 million bales came from the global market, rallying global prices. But recently, China changed gears, shorting imports while encouraging domestic overproduction with a price guarantee for its producers at around $1.40 cent per pound, causing global prices to plummet to the 60 cents range. This has wreaked havoc on U.S. cotton farmers operating under a new policy largely predicated on the promise of a free market. Many of these producers are also contending with multiple years of severe drought.

Meanwhile, two years ago, Mexico overproduced sugar by about 1 million tons, but kept Mexican sugar prices up by dumping that surplus, plus some, onto the U.S. market. U.S. sugar prices nosedived. The U.S. government ruled that Mexico, which owns one-fifth of its sugar industry and subsidizes all of its industry, was illegally subsidizing and dumping, and by huge margins. And Mexico is not alone in its rich subsidies, with rivals on the world stage like Brazil, Thailand and India.According to DTB Associates, these last three countries, plus China and Turkey, have all exceeded their permissible World Trade Organization (WTO) support limits, while four of the five are also illegally subsidizing their exports of wheat, sugar, corn, rice and wheat flour. China's and India's rice policies alone are distorting global markets and whipsawing U.S. rice producers.

The study goes on to note that most of these countries are delinquent in reporting their subsidies to the WTO and are using bogus methodologies to understate support when they do report. China has apparently not made good on its annual report in four years and, even then, covered subsidies in effect three to six years prior to when the report was made.The upshot is that while Washington was busy working on a farm bill containing reforms and savings, our trading partners have been busy, too — erecting a full range of barriers, from the sanitary and phytosanitary kind erected to lock out U.S. beef, poultry and pork to nonsense biotech objections and heavy (and apparently illegal) subsidies.For the sake of not putting America's farmers and ranchers at an unfair competitive disadvantage, Burnett called on the U.S. not to unilaterally disarm America's farmers and ranchers but to take a hard line in enforcing our existing trade agreements with foreign countries that cheat.Maintaining a modest response to the cheaters by preserving U.S. farm policy is not only the right thing to do, it is also an essential means of maintaining support for trade and the only leverage the United States has in getting our trading partners to one day tear down the walls they have been so busy building.

Combest represented the 19th Congressional District of Texas from 1985 to 2002 and chaired the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Agriculture Committee. He is now a principal at Combest Sell & Associates.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international/240904-mr-xi-and-others-tear-down-thesewalls?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+May+7%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_me dium=email

Government subsidies distort rice exports overseas?

Mar 6, 2015Forrest Laws | Delta Farm Press

Five countries - Thailand, India, Vietnam, Pakistan and the United States - account for 80 percent of all the rice traded in the world.That means market distorting subsidy programs by any of those countries can have a major impact on the rice exports of the others, says Carl Brothers, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Riceland Foods in Stuttgart, Ark.Speaking at the annual Ag Update Meeting at the opening of the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show in Memphis, Tenn., Brothers said Riceland Foods has lessened the impact of the competition for exports by helping increase U.S. consumption of its products from 50 percent some years ago to 75 percent to 80 percent today.

But exports continue to be important for the U.S. rice industry and for producers. That's why the USA Rice Federation has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to begin an investigation of subsidy programs operated in rice-exporting countries, including the United States."Thailand has been the No. 1 rice exporting country for most of my career at Riceland Foods," said Brothers. "But Thailand began a new subsidy program two years ago that paid producers the equivalent of about $10 per bushel to grow rice."As a result of the way they operated the program, their exports dropped from around 11 million metric tons to 7.8 million metric tons in 2013/14, dropping them to No. 3 among exporters.

The program cost the country more than $21 billion. It nearly broke the country. The prime minister who initiated the program is under indictment and the military has taken over the country."India has also been subsidizing its rice production with the result that its exports jumped from 2.8 million metric tons to 10 million metric tons at the same time Thailand's exports were declining, he said. India's exports are expected to decline in 2015/16, however, due to shortages of water for irrigation.

For more on the World rice outlook, visit http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/rice.aspx http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/government-subsidies-distort-rice-exportsoverseas?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+May+7%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_ medium=email

Arkansas crop planting makes quick progress May 6, 2015Ryan McGeeney, University of Arkansas Extension | Delta Farm Press

  

Five major crops now nearly caught up with five-year average in state Growers working overtime to take advantage of available planting window Agronomists urge growers to plant variety of cultivars

Options for better control of resistant weeds in rice

After weeks of lagging well behind the state‘s five-year average in planting progress, Arkansas growers have finally pulled within a few percentage points of historic averages, according to a crop progress and condition report published May 4 by the U.S. Department of www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Agriculture.According to the report, planted corn, cotton, rice, sorghum and soybeans are each within 1 to 5 percent of their respective five-year averages for progress as of May 3, with all five crops surpassing the progress made by this time last year.

Heavy rains throughout the state, especially in the northeast, delayed planting, especially affecting crops such as rice — two-thirds of which is typically planted in the northern half of the state.Jarrod Hardke, Extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said growers around the state are now working overtime to get crops planted.―Their hours are only limited by what their people can handle,‖ Hardke said. ―To see tractors run after dark is not uncommon.‖Hardke said many growers were now faced with the irony of having waited out long weeks of heavy rains only to struggle with a narrow window of time before farmland — particularly that earmarked for rice — becomes too dry to plant or create levees. ―We‘ve very quickly turned that corner from ‗so wet we can‘t get in‘ to ‗so dry we have to inject moisture to get a stand up,‘‖ he said. ―It‘s like the old adage: you‘re never more than two weeks away from a drought.‖Hardke said he and other agronomists with the Division of Agriculture were encouraging growers to plant a variety of cultivars and maturities in order to avoid having ―large blocks of the same things all coming ready for harvest at the same time,‖ which could lead to issues with timely harvest resulting in yield and quality losses http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/arkansas-crop-planting-makes-quickprogress?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+May+7%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

APEDA INDIA NEWS International Benchmark Price Price on: 07-05-2015

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

1

Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

5850

2

Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

4125

3

Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)

3425

1

Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2100

2

Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2000

3

Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

1800

1

Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

4600

2

Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

5100

3

Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

3000

Apricots

Garlic

Ginger

Source:agra-net

For more info

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 07-05-2015 Domestic Prices Product

Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Market Center

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

1

Visnagar (Gujarat)

Other

1750

1810

2

Theni (Tamil Nadu)

Other

1250

1250

3

Solapur (Maharashtra)

Other

1802

2001

1

Amirgadh (Gujarat)

Other

1320

1320

2

Theni (Tamil Nadu )

Other

1260

1320

3

Sangli(Maharashtra)

Other

1350

1410

1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

3800

4000

2

Dasuya(Punjab)

Other

1500

2000

3

Haldwani(Uttrakhand)

Other

1400

1600

1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

2600

2800

2

Bonai (Orissa)

Other

1500

2000

3

Zira(Punjab)

Other

900

1100

Jowar(Sorgham)

Maize

Mousambi

Brinjal

Source:agra-net

For more info

Egg

Rs per 100 No Price on 07-05-2015 Product

Market Center

Price

1

Pune

310

2

Mysore

336

3

Nagapur

280

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ per package Price on 07-05-2015

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

Low

Potatoes

High Package: 50 lb cartons

1

Atlanta

2

Baltimore

Colorado

Russet

23.50

Idaho

Russet

19

3

19

Detroit

Wisconsin

Russet

21

21.50

1

Atlanta

Florida

Round Green Type

10

11

2

Detroit

Georgia

Round Green Type

14.50

16.50

3

Miami

Canada

Round Green Type

11

Cabbage

23.50

Package: 50 lb cartons

Apples

12 Package: cartons tray pack

1

Atlanta

Virginia

Red Delicious

18

18

2

Chicago

Washington

Red Delicious

17.50

20

3

Miami

Michigan

Red Delicious

26

26

Source:USDA

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