8th may,2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

8th May,2018 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

Rice research facility to come up at Srikakulam THE HANS INDIA | May 08,2018 , 06:32 AM IST

The front view of Naira Agriculture College in Srikakulam where RRRI is proposed

Srikakulam: The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) has proposed to set up Regional Rice Research Institute (RRRI) for South India at Naira Agriculture College here.

The CRRI, a part of Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), is located in Cuttack in Odisha will be supervising the functioning of the RRRI along with the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU).

The proposed RRRI has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR. As per MoU, 25 acres has to be allocated to RRRI. At present, two rice research institutes are in Assam and Jharkhand states. The proposed RRRI would be conducting research on paddy varieties in soils of coastal belts across the country.

Speaking to The Hans India, PV Krishnayya, Associate Dean of Naira Agricultural College, said that higher officials of the ANGRAU have agreed to allot required lands for NRRI. Scientists D Chinnam Naidu and P Venkata Rao of Krishi Vignana Kendram (KVK) said that the proposed RRRI would be a boon to coastal belts in south Indian states to study on new suitable varieties of paddy.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/AndhraPradesh/2018-05-08/Rice-research-facility-to-come-up-atSrikakulam/379608 VN to supply rice to the Philippines Update: May, 07/2018 - 19:00Stack of rice pallets at VINAFOOD’s factory in HCM CIty. — VNA/VNS Photo Đình Huệ

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has won a bid to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines after the National Food Authority (NFA)’s auction on importing 250,000 tonnes.

The remaining 120,000 tonnes will be supplied by Thai producers.According to NFA, Việt Nam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15 per cent broken rice to the Philippines at US$526.5 per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice at $517.5 per tonne.

Vietnamese and Thai enterprises will deliver 100,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice from now until May 31. The deadline for the supply of rice from Việt Nam and Thailand is May 16 for 25 per cent broken rice and June 30 for 15 per cent broken rice.

NFA said it would open another auction on importing rice on May 22.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Việt Nam’s rice export value in the first four months reached VNĐ1.092 billion, a year-on-year increase of 38.3 per cent. This result was possible in the beginning of the year when Việt Nam won contracts to export rice to large markets.

Indonesia opened two auctions on importing rice in the first quarter of 2018 after two years. The first auction was in January, where Việt Nam won a bid to supply 141,000 tonnes. In the second auction in April, the country won an export contract of supplying 300,000 tonnes to Indonesia.

Delivery time for the rice exports is from May to July.

The export value of rice has also increased sharply this year because of the high demand in China and the Philippines. Iraq is also emerging as one of the strong importers of Vietnamese rice.

According to the Việt Nam Food Association, the export volume of rice this year is expected to reach some 6.5 million tonnes. Of this, about 2.7 million tonnes will be shipped to China, 800,000 tonnes to the Philippines, 800,000 tonnes to Indonesia, 500,000 tonnes to Malaysia, 200,000 tonnes to Iraq and one million tonne to Africa. — VNS

http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/427531/vn-to-supply-rice-to-thephilippines.html#mKFdXojdIMVp3LDc.99

Vietnam wins contract to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines

Monday, 2018-05-07 09:40:24 Font Size:

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Vietnamese rice exports are positive with a range of recent winning bids.

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NDO – Vietnam has won a bid to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, announced the Philippines' National Food Authority (NFA).

Accordingly, out of a total of 250,000 tonnes of rice in the deal offered by the Philippines, Vietnam will supply 130,000 tonnes and the remaining 120,000 tonnes will be provided by Thai businesses.

The NFA said that Vietnam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15% broken rice to the Philippines at US$526.5 per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice at US$517.5 per tonne.

The shipment will arrive at the designated ports in the Philippines in three deadlines, not later than May 31 for the first package of 40,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice, June 15 for the remaining 40,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice and June 30 for the 50,000 tonnes of 15% broken rice.

In addition, the NFA will also open a new bid for rice supply on May 22.

Statistics from the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade show that rice export turnover in the first four months in 2018 reached US$1.1 million tonnes, up 22.3% in volume and 38.3% in value annually. The positive increase is mainly due to a range of winning contracts for exporting rice to large markets since the beginning of the year.

Along with the recent rice contract to the Philippines, rice exports in the near future look set to flourish after a long time in difficulties, experts have said. In addition to the Indonesian market, since the beginning of 2018, rice export turnover has also increased sharply due to the significant increase in demand from the Chinese and the Philippines’ market. In addition, Iraq is also emerging as one of the strongest importers of Vietnamese rice.

With favourable momentum, the Vietnam Food Association predicts that the rice export volume will reach about 6.5 million tonnes for the whole year. http://en.nhandan.org.vn/business/item/6128502-vietnam-wins-contract-to-supply-130-000-tonnes-ofrice-to-the-philippines.html

GIEWS Country Brief: Senegal 03-May-2018 from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Published on 03 May 2018 — FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT  Favourable rains and continued Government support contributed to obtain bumper cereal output in 2017 

Feed and water availability impacts livestock condition as dry season progresses



Cereal prices stable or declining in recent months



Food security situation mostly stable although pockets of food insecurity prevail

Above-average cereal production gathered in 2017 Seasonal dry conditions prevail in most parts of the country. Land preparation and planting of the 2018 cereal crops will begin with the arrival of the rains, usually from June.

Harvesting of the 2017 maize and millet crops, the major coarse grains produced in the country, was completed last November 2017, while the rice harvest was concluded in January 2018.

Favourable weather conditions and continued Government support to the agricultural sector have contributed to obtain a bumper cereal crop for the third consecutive year. The 2014-2017 National Programme for Self-Sufficiency in Rice was designed to increase domestic rice production and reduce rice import requirements by providing subsidized seeds and fertilizers.

Although the programme ended, the Government pledged to continue the provision of subsidized inputs also in the 2018/19 marketing year.

Official estimates put the 2017 aggregate cereal production at about 2.5 million tonnes, about 18 percent above the previous year’s already record output and over 35 percent above the last fiveyear average. Although the cereal planted in 2017 increased by only about 2.5 percent compared to the previous year, average yields of millet, maize and sorghum rose by 34, 21 and 12 percent, respectively.

Feed and water availability impacts livestock condition as dry season progresses With the progress of the ongoing dry season, as of March 2018, 19 out of the 42 departments reported feed stock deficits, leading to livestock degradation. While pasture remains locally available, grazing is affected by bush fires (so far about 14 000 hectares burnt) and increased competition on pastures by animals from Mauritania. Watering remains a challenge with the majority of the surface ponds seasonally drying out and pastoralists forced to rely only on underground wells.

Cereal prices declining Prices of coarse grains remained stable or declined in January 2018 on account of the good 2017 harvest and average demand for stockpiling. Prices of local and imported rice have remained mostly stable. On average, the country imports about 1.8 million tonnes of cereals, including 1.2 million tonnes of rice and 500 000 tonnes of wheat, covering almost half of the country’s total domestic cereal requirements. India, Thailand and Brazil are the largest suppliers of rice.

Food security situation mostly stable although pockets of food insecurity prevail A large segment of the Senegalese population relies on traditional agriculture and livestockrelated activities to maintain their livelihoods and, therefore, remains in a state of chronic vulnerability due to unpredictable seasonal rains and climatic conditions. Moreover, the high import dependency rate for food exposes the population to fluctuations in the global market.

Despite three consecutive years of above-average harvests, pockets of food insecurity prevail.

According to the latest ―Cadre Harmonisé‖ analysis, between June and August 2018, about 750 000 people (out of 15 million inhabitants) are projected to be in Phase 3: ―Crisis‖ and above, with an increase from about 420 000 in March-May 2018.

Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. https://reliefweb.int/report/senegal/giews-country-brief-senegal-03-may-2018

Rice prices on the rise DECEMBER 21, 2007 00:00 IST SHARE ARTICLE

S. Vydhianathan CHENNAI: Rice prices in the State are on the rise due to export to Sri Lanka and movement restrictions by the Andhra Pradesh Government.

The price of ―Sona‖ variety, which was Rs.17 a kg till last month, is now selling at Rs.20 per kg at the wholesale market. In retail, it is one rupee more.

Fresh varieties, selling at Rs.14 a kg, have also registered an increase of Rs.1.50 a kg.

Wholesale traders here said exporters purchased a bulk of the quantity from the market as the profit margin in export was higher compared to that in retail sales.

The other factor was the movement restriction by the Andhra Pradesh Government. Amara Visweswara Rao of the Tamil Nadu Foodgrains

Merchants Association said the Andhra Pradesh Government had allowed mill owners to move rice to other States, including Tamil Nadu, only till December 30. From the New Year onwards, the movement would be restricted. As the Government was planning to supply rice at subsidised prices to its card holders, it was looking to build a substantial stock, to the tune of 37 lakh tonnes.

Wholesale and retail traders in Tamil Nadu did not build up stock in the last two months apprehending a fall in prices. This also contributed to the increase in prices, he added.

An increase in the open market price would normally lead to more than usual offtake of rice at the Public Distribution System. At present, only 40 to 45 per cent of the 1.84 crore cardholders purchased PDS rice. The percentage could increase in the coming weeks. But the State had sufficient stock to meet a possible increase in demand. The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation has not received paddy in the current kuruvai season, as against 3.29 lakh tonnes in the previous season. Corporation officials said delta farmers did not raise kuruvai this time as water from the Mettur reservoir was not released on the scheduled date of June 12. However, it would be compensated in the samba season as there would be more arrivals.

A majority of farmers would sell their produce to the corporation as the minimum support price for paddy had increased from Rs.650 per quintal to Rs.825 per quintal for Grade A variety and Rs.620 to Rs.795 per quintal for the common variety. The corporation is expected to purchase about 16.5 lakh tonnes of samba paddy as against 12.78 lakh tonnes in the last season. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Rice-prices-on-therise/article14898782.ece

Rice, corn output up in first quarter of 2018 (UPDATED) Some 4.7 million metric tons of rice is produced between January to March of this year, up 6.8% from the same period last year. Corn production is at 2.5 million metric tons, gaining some 4.2% year-on-year.

Ralf Rivas Published 3:50 PM, May 07, 2018 Updated 4:48 PM, May 07, 2018

BAYANIHAN FOR THE STAPLE. A community finishes a palay season dafter harvest, taking advantage of the good weather in Pangasinan. Photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Rice and corn production improved during the first quarter of the year, according to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.Some 4.7 million metric tons of rice were produced between January to March of this year, up 6.8% from the same period last year. Corn production was at 2.5 million metric tons, gaining some 4.2% year-on-year.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) attributed the growth to farmers' increased adoption of modern technologies.―Farmers now use good quality seeds. There is now greater awareness and they realize that using quality seeds can increase their harvest two-fold,‖ said Piñol.The DA is also confident that the country is on track to hit the 97% target of rice sufficiency this year. ―We don’t want to go beyond that because we don’t have a program on how to export our rice.

Prices will fall in the market, farmers could take a hit if we have an oversupply,‖ Piñol said.

Output figures may be stable, but several factors in play have made life harder for farmers. For instance, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice) says farmers earned 10% less because of the implementation of the tax reform law.

The agriculture chief says he is in favor of increasing ―to an extent‖ the farmgate price of palay.

"I favor increasing [the farmgate price], but we cannot just carelessly bring it up to a level where consumers will be affected," Piñol said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average farmgate palay price is at P20.79 per kilogram, as of May 2, up 0.39% the average price two weeks ago. Moreover, consumers still took a hit despite the steady supply, due to the low supply of affordable rice.

Last week, the National Food Authority awarded the supply of 250,000 metric tons of rice imports to Vietnam and Thailand to remedy the issue.To encourage farmers to sell their produce to the NFA, the DA is planning to reward them with farm implements and machinery.

"If they sell around 20 metric tons [of palay], you will have one power tiller," Piñol added. –

Rappler.com https://www.rappler.com/business/201955-rice-corn-output-first-quarter-2018

Saba Industries pumping $100m into modernisation of SE Asia’s rice sector Economy May 07, 2018 15:32

By The Nation

Saba Industries, a privately held producer and global exporter of rice and other commodities, is investing US$100 million (Bt3.18 billion) in Southeast Asia’s rice industry to help modernise the sector, promote organic rice farming and improve farmers’ quality of life.

The investment will span two years and is perhaps one of the largest investments in the region’s rice industry.

With its investment, India-headquartered Saba Industries is buying outdated and abandoned rice mills in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and converting them into storage facilities with bio-energy rice dryers that can help combat the effects of climate change.

The company will also buy farmers’ rice paddies and supply farmers with equipment, seeds and organic fertiliser – all free of charge.

This represents a sea change from the centuries-long practice of farmers being forced to purchase everything necessary to farm, leaving them with mounting debt and continuing the cycle of poverty. Saba Industries also trains farmers in organic farming, company founder and chairman Malini Saba said in a press release on Monday. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30344790

16 firms keen on supplying rice to PHL Published May 8, 2018 12:54pm

By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, GMA News

A total of 16 firms bought bid documents on importing 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice, in line with the government’s efforts to boost the country’s supply of the commodity.

In a pre-bid conference in Quezon City on Tuesday, the National Food Authority (NFA) reported that the firms are from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Those from Thailand include Asia Golden Rice Co. Ltd., Capital Cereals Co. Ltd., Ponglard Co. Ltd., Thai Capital Corps Co. Ltd., and Thai Hua Co. Ltd. Those from Vietnam are Gia International Corp., Gentraco Corp., Hiep Loi Joint Stock Co., Khiem Than Ltd., Phan Minh Investment Production Trading Services, Vietnam Nothern Food Corp. (VinaFood I), and Vietnam Southern Food Corp.

(VinaFood II).

And those from the Philippines are Paritas Trading Corp., Singapore-headquartered Olam International Ltd. and Maxwill (Asia) Ptr. Ltd., and Dubai-headquartered Phoenix International Ltd. Under the terms of reference released by the NFA on Tuesday, the rice importations will be in two shipments.

The first batch of 200,000 MT of 25 percent brokens is required to arrive in the Philippines not later than July 31, 2018. The 25 percent brokens is a rice category, of which 25 percent has been broken into two or more pieces during the milling process

The second batch of 50,000 MT of 15-percent brokens is required to arrive not later than Aug. 31, 2018.

The terms specified that the rice must have been harvested on or after November 2017, and must be freshly milled within four months before loading and shipping to the Philippines. —VDS, GMA News http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/652616/16-firms-keen-on-supplying-rice-tophl/story/

Importing soybeans has a hidden cost LAST UPDATED ON MAY 7TH, 2018 AT 10:29 PM BY ELENA MOTIVANS

We live in a globalized, capitalist world. As a result, there is ruthless competition between countries all over the world to offer produce and products at the cheapest price. It is well known that companies that export food sacrifice their environment by destroying natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands to grow monocultures. It has been thought that countries that import food are then saved these costs on their own environment. It turns out that competition and crop choices, influenced by the imported products, also have negative environmental consequences.

Local farmers often get outcompeted by foreign companies because they usually produce crops on a smaller-scale and do not have expensive equipment, which can make production more efficient. In a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at Michigan State University looked at how being outcompeted can force farmers to make decisions that are more detrimental to the environment. In particular, they looked at the trade of soybeans in China. ―What is obvious is not always the whole truth,‖ said Jianguo ―Jack‖ Liu director of MSU’s Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability and senior author of the paper. ―Unless a world is examined in a systemic, holistic way, environmental costs will be overlooked.‖ The demand for soybeans has drastically increased in China as the population is becoming more affluent. China now buys 60% of the world’s exported soybeans, mostly from Brazil. Chinese farmers are not able to compete with these ultra cheap prices.

An expansive soybean field in the USA. Image credits: Nyttend.

We know all about how Brazil is destroying its rainforest to produce crops instead.

When Chinese farmers are not successful growing soybeans, they switch to other crops that could need more nutrients and water. Chinese farmers often switched to growing rice or corn, instead of soybeans. While soybeans are a relatively sustainable crop, requiring little input, the other options aren’t so environmentally friendly. The researchers studied the soil in China’s most productive cropland in the northeast of the country. The soybean fields that were converted to rice paddies produced the most nitrogen pollution, while those converted to cornfields produced the second most. In an analysis of 160 studies, countries that imported soybeans, such as Vietnam and Japan, had higher nitrogen pollution. ―This research demonstrates a surprising environmental impact of global agricultural trade,‖ says Betsy Von Holle, a director of the National Science Foundation’s Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems program, which funded the study. ―If the importing country switches from a more sustainable crop, such as soybeans, to one that needs more water and nutrients, such as corn, the nitrogen pollution that results can harm the environment of the importing country.‖

This study about soybeans is not the only case of this phenomenon. Mexico was outcompeted by cheap American corn and now grows vegetables that demand more nitrogen. There are hidden impacts of the current economic system, which put more strain on the environment and water supplies.

Journal reference: Sun et al. 2018. Importing food damages domestic environment: Evidence from global soybean trade‖. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

How much money can a solar roof save you in Punjab?

Profit from your roof space: find local deals on solar in your area, eliminate your power bill, and join the solar revolution. https://www.zmescience.com/science/importing-soybeans-hidden-cost/

IDPs rice scandal: Obaseki’s Chief of Staff drags newspapers to court 7th May 2018 Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin-City Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, has dragged The Guardian Newspapers before a Benin High court over alleged ―general and/or exemplary or aggravated damages for libel‖.

The case which was filed on behalf of Mr. Akerele’s his twin brother, Kehinde, a legal practitioner.

The suit related to a report which the newspaper reportedly published earlier in the year with the title ―Probe of alleged diversion of relief materials begins in Edo‖.

Recall that at the time of the report, which was published by many other local and national dailies, 4, 781 bags of rice out of the 6,822 ostensibly approved for the Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Uhogwa in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state by the Federal Government was alleged to have been diverted.

The rice which the state government insisted was judiciously disbursed, saw the Nigerian Police inviting Chief Dan Orbih, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for questioning after he said the governor must account for the missing bags of rice.

But in reaction, the state government said that all the bags of rice and other items like shoes, apart from the ones that were damaged in storage before they were allocated, were distributed to the Internally Displaced Persons camp and other orphanage homes within the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said then that ―The allegation is laughable and completely false and is a design of detractors to smear the image of a performing government. ―They have tried and failed on all other fronts, now they have stooped lower to a commodity as cheap as rice.‖ However, Akerele in his four paragraph claims before the court, is asking for an order for the newspaper to pay him N250 million as general and/or exemplary or aggravated damages for libel and another N2.5million as costs.

In addition, Akerele is asking the court for an order so that the newspaper and one other, can publish a ‖ well- worded retracted apology in a similarly conspicuous manner‖. http://sunnewsonline.com/alleged-idps-rice-scandal-obasekis-chief-staff-drags-newspapers-court/

Rice research facility to come up at Srikakulam THE HANS INDIA | May 08,2018 , 06:32 AM IST

The front view of Naira Agriculture College in Srikakulam where RRRI is proposed

Srikakulam: The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) has proposed to set up Regional Rice Research Institute (RRRI) for South India at Naira Agriculture College here.

The CRRI, a part of Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), is located in Cuttack in Odisha will be supervising the functioning of the RRRI along with the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU).

The proposed RRRI has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR. As per MoU, 25 acres has to be allocated to RRRI. At present, two rice research institutes are in Assam and Jharkhand states. The proposed RRRI would be conducting research on paddy varieties in soils of coastal belts across the country.

Speaking to The Hans India, PV Krishnayya, Associate Dean of Naira Agricultural College, said that higher officials of the ANGRAU have agreed to allot required lands for NRRI. Scientists D Chinnam Naidu and P Venkata Rao of Krishi Vignana Kendram (KVK) said that the proposed RRRI would be a boon to coastal belts in south Indian states to study on new suitable varieties of paddy. http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-05-08/Rice-research-facility-to-comeup-at-Srikakulam/379608

Commerce Minister Tarpeh Should Heed the LMA’s Plea—to Import Rice

By Webmaster Admin May 8, 2018

President George Manneh Weah did a good thing last week by successfully getting rice importers to reduce the price of rice by three and four dollars. That was a good beginning, though the rice

retailers—those who sell by cup—contend that they are unable to reduce their price per cup due to the very high exchange rate between the Liberian and United States dollars.

We wonder whether the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) can intervene here to ensure that the President’s move to reduce the price of the national staple benefits all, including those who cannot yet afford to buy even a 25kg bag of rice and must, therefore, buy their rice by cup. We are talking here about the really poor people—those for whom President Weah really meant to be favorably affected by the reduction in the price of rice per bag.

We reckon that Mr. Weah’s meeting with the rice importers to plead with them to reduce the price per bag, especially since there was a drop in the world price, was a gesture in furtherance of his ―propoor‖ agenda. So we encourage the Commerce Minister, the CBL Governor and other stakeholders to hang heads immediately to ensure that the poorest of the poor reap the desired benefit of the President’s move. We have three more points to make in this Editorial.

First, that Minister Tarpeh and the government as a whole should support the wish of the Liberian Marketing Association (LMA) to enter the rice importing business. We have three reasons for this suggestion. First, to empower the LMA by enabling them to enter the import market and thereby gain the necessary experience, that could lead them to import other products, instead of leaving this major sector of business to foreigners.

Secondly, work with the LMA achieve a competitive advantage in the imported rice business. This means that rice consumers would get a break by being able to buy rice cheaper from somewhere— from the LMA. We earnestly hope that the LMA would support our argument for selling cheaper rice. Commerce and other stakeholders should welcome such a worthy initiative to benefit the poor.

Thirdly, we pray that the LMA has carefully studied the issue of rice importation so that they know fully well what they are getting into, and are determined to—and will make—a success at it. Our second point is this: In order to prepare themselves for such a major undertaking, that could catapult the LMA into a multi-million United States dollar enterprise, the LMA should SERIOUSLY consider RESTRUCTURING itself, so that it becomes less a top-heavy organization and more one that really carves a meaningful and dynamic relationship with the marketers on the ground throughout the country.

The LMA should engage some serious organizational consultants to help the body to engage in a constructive restructuring exercise. Thirdly—and this is our first time confronting the Weah government on this matter—PLEASE, MR. PRESIDENT LEND YOUR VIGOROUS, EARNEST AND SUSTAINED SUPPORT TO OUR RICE FARMERS. There are many serious rice farmers in the country, especially those in Lofa, Bong, Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties. One of the leaders among them is John Selma of Voinjama District, who two years ago mobilized many Lofa rice planters and together they produced thousands of metric tons of rice.

The Daily Observer named Mr. Selma the newspaper’s Person of the Year, 2016.

The LMA, working with the Liberian government, could enter a constructive engagement with Liberian rice farmers with ONE aim in mind—helping our rice farmers to market their rice. We hope that the LMA and the Liberian government can seriously collaborate on this worthy initiative to connect with Liberian rice farmers in order to empower them to market their rice more effectively and profitably.

If and when this is done, our rice farmers will be empowered to produce more and more rice which they know they can sell. Soon Liberia would be able to achieve self-sufficiency in the national staple. https://www.liberianobserver.com/opinion/editorials/commerce-minister-tarpeh-should-heed-the-lmasplea-to-import-rice/

16 firms keen on supplying rice to PHL Published May 8, 2018 12:54pm

By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, GMA News

A total of 16 firms bought bid documents on importing 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice, in line with the government’s efforts to boost the country’s supply of the commodity.In a pre-bid conference in Quezon City on Tuesday, the National Food Authority (NFA) reported that the firms are from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Those from Thailand include Asia Golden Rice Co. Ltd., Capital Cereals Co. Ltd.,

Ponglard Co. Ltd., Thai Capital Corps Co. Ltd., and Thai Hua Co. Ltd. Those from Vietnam are Gia International Corp., Gentraco Corp., Hiep Loi Joint Stock Co., Khiem Than Ltd., Phan Minh Investment Production Trading Services, Vietnam Nothern Food Corp. (VinaFood I), and Vietnam Southern Food Corp.

(VinaFood II).

And those from the Philippines are Paritas Trading Corp., Singapore-headquartered Olam International Ltd. and Maxwill (Asia) Ptr. Ltd., and Dubai-headquartered Phoenix International Ltd. Under the terms of reference released by the NFA on Tuesday, the rice importations will be in two shipments.

The first batch of 200,000 MT of 25 percent brokens is required to arrive in the Philippines not later than July 31, 2018. The 25 percent brokens is a rice category, of which 25 percent has been broken into two or more pieces during the milling process The second batch of 50,000 MT of 15-percent brokens is required to arrive not later than Aug. 31, 2018.The terms specified that the rice must have been harvested on or after November 2017, and must be freshly milled within four months before loading and shipping to the Philippines. —VDS, GMA News http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/652616/16-firms-keen-on-supplying-rice-tophl/story/

VN to supply rice to the Philippines Update: May, 07/2018 - 19:00 |Stack of rice pallets at VINAFOOD’s factory in HCM CIty. — VNA/VNS Photo Đình Huệ

Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has won a bid to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines after the National Food Authority (NFA)’s auction on importing 250,000 tonnes.

The remaining 120,000 tonnes will be supplied by Thai producers.

According to NFA, Việt Nam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15 per cent broken rice to the Philippines at US$526.5 per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice at $517.5 per tonne.

Vietnamese and Thai enterprises will deliver 100,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice from now until May 31. The deadline for the supply of rice from Việt Nam and Thailand is May 16 for 25 per cent broken rice and June 30 for 15 per cent broken rice.

NFA said it would open another auction on importing rice on May 22.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Việt Nam’s rice export value in the first four months reached VNĐ1.092 billion, a year-on-year increase of 38.3 per cent. This result was possible in the beginning of the year when Việt Nam won contracts to export rice to large markets.

Indonesia opened two auctions on importing rice in the first quarter of 2018 after two years. The first auction was in January, where Việt Nam won a bid to supply 141,000 tonnes. In the second auction in April, the country won an export contract of supplying 300,000 tonnes to Indonesia.

Delivery time for the rice exports is from May to July.

The export value of rice has also increased sharply this year because of the high demand in China and the Philippines. Iraq is also emerging as one of the strong importers of Vietnamese rice.

According to the Việt Nam Food Association, the export volume of rice this year is expected to reach some 6.5 million tonnes. Of this, about 2.7 million tonnes will be shipped to China, 800,000 tonnes to the Philippines, 800,000 tonnes to Indonesia, 500,000 tonnes to Malaysia, 200,000 tonnes to Iraq and one million tonne to Africa. — VNS

Read more at http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/427531/vn-to-supply-rice-to-thephilippines.html#ZiAFtyu7W6KYupzu.99http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/427531/vn -to-supply-rice-to-the-philippines.html#SqL1rGViBwDvjRam.97

Vietnam wins bid to supply rice to Philippines VNA TUESDAY, MAY 08, 2018 - 9:27:00

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam has won a bid to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines after the National Food Authority (NFA)’s auction on importing 250,000 tonnes.The remaining 120,000 tonnes will be supplied by Thai producers.According to NFA, Vietnam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15 percent broken rice to the Philippines at 526.5 USD per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25 percent broken rice at 517.5 USD per tonne.

Vietnamese and Thai enterprises will deliver 100,000 tonnes of 25 percent broken rice from now until May 31. The deadline for the supply of rice from Vietnam and Thailand is May 16 for 25 percent broken rice and June 30 for 15 percent broken rice.

NFA said it would open another auction on importing rice on May 22.According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s rice export value in the first four months reached 1.092 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 38.3 percent. This result was possible in the beginning of the year when Vietnam won contracts to export rice to large markets.Indonesia opened two auctions on importing rice in the first quarter of 2018 after two years. The first auction was in January, where Vietnam won a bid to supply 141,000 tonnes. In the second auction in April, the country won an export contract of supplying 300,000 tonnes to Indonesia. Delivery time for the rice exports is from May to July.

The export value of rice has also increased sharply this year because of the high demand in China and the Philippines. Iraq is also emerging as one of the strong importers of Vietnamese rice.

According to the Vietnam Food Association, the export volume of rice this year is expected to reach some 6.5 million tonnes. Of this, about 2.7 million tonnes will be shipped to China, 800,000 tonnes to the Philippines, 800,000 tonnes to Indonesia, 500,000 tonnes to Malaysia, 200,000 tonnes to Iraq and 1 million tonnes to Africa.-VNA https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-wins-bid-to-supply-rice-to-philippines/130697.vnp

Global Basmati Rice Market Growth by 2023: Amira Nature Foods, KRBL Limited, LT Foods and Best Foods

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Arkansas Planting Report: On and Off, and Finally On Again

By Emily Woodall

Stay with it LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Every farmer knows the tried but true saying: "The only thing predictable about the weather, is that it's unpredictable." And here in Arkansas, that statement is just as true for 2018 as it has been in years past.

During the months of March and April, Arkansas farmers had small windows of perfect planting weather between the many cold and wet periods Mother Nature threw at them. Many times, planting had to wait because it was too cold or too wet, then farmers would have a few days to plant before it turned wet and cold again.

Eric Vaught from North East Arkansas reports that the majority of rice in his area has been planted and many were able to finish planting last week. Notwithstanding the unpredictable weather, he said most of the stands look very promising and despite fears that they would have to flush the fields during one dry period to enable the rice to emerge, the rains came again.

"We expect the fields that were planted last week to germinate and emerge over the next week thanks to the light rain that moved across our area last Thursday and Friday," said Vaught. "If the weather cooperates over the next month, very little replanting is expected which would be a relief to producers everywhere."

Near Newport, Jennifer James reports that her operation is not finished planting. "According to the calendar, we should be done but, thanks to the wet weather, we're playing catch-up. The drill seeding equipment gets in the fields as soon as conditions allow and right now, we've got tractors with their lights on, working after dark."

Jay Coker, a rice farmer in South East Arkansas, said 75 percent of the crop is planted already which is in line with their historical average. However, the cool, wet weather has slowed crop progress. Much of the rice that was planted from late March to mid-April is struggling right now due to bird damage and seedling damage from being in the ground too long which has caused less than optimal stands.

"Rice that was planted in late April is off to a great start," said Coker. "Even with this less than ideal weather, I expect crop yields will still be normal since rice is such a resilient and forgiving crop."

Half of loans in emergency fund repaid: Rural Development Bank Chea Vannak / Khmer Times Share:

Workers move sacks of rice at a warehouse in Cambodia. KT/Chor Sokunthea

Half of public funds disbursed last year in the form of loans to aid the ailing rice sector has been repaid, according to a representative of the Rural Development Bank.

Repayment of outstanding loans will likely be suspended until the harvest season comes to an end.

In October, the government expanded its emergency fund for the sector to $50 million, with final payments set for May. Only $36 out of the available $50 million were disbursed, and half of the loans taken out have already been repaid, said Kao Thach, chief executive at RDB. ―About half of the money borrowed has been repaid. The millers who have not fulfill their obligation yet have asked to postpone payments for one or two months as farmers have not finished harvesting,‖ he said. ―If we allow them to delay payments, RDB will use own its own funds to pay the government by the agreed date,‖ Mr Thach said. ―We made this decision because we want to help businesses in the sector.‖ With many lacking the infrastructure needed to store large amounts of produce, millers did not find it necessary to take out more loans, leaving half of money in the emergency fund unused, Mr Thach explained.

In 2016, the government launched its emergency fund, which aims to help rice millers purchase paddy rice from farmers. The money is available in the form of loans disbursed by RBD. For the period 2016-2017, $27 million were made available.

Hun Lak, vice president of Cambodia Rice Federation, said the reason no more millers took advantage of the emergency fund this year is that the supply of paddy rice in the country is low. ―Officially, paddy rice production in 2017 equalled 10 million tonnes, but a lot of it didn’t stay in the country and was sent abroad by unregistered exporters,‖ he said. ―If

the supply of paddy rice is low, rice millers are not likely to take loans as they want to avoid paying the interest rate. This is why the fund was not exhausted.‖ However, demand for funding may be higher this year, particularly as a number of storage facilities come online in key rice-producing provinces. ―We hope all the money in the fund will be disbursed this year. If more is needed, the government will make it available,‖ he said.

Last year, the government provided $30 million in loans for building silos and warehouses for storage purposes. The new facilities will be finished in June in Battambang, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng and Takeo.

The new silos and warehouses will halt the flow of paddy rice out of the country, Mr Lak said. ―When the new storage facilities come online, less paddy rice will be sent out of the country by informal exporters.‖ https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50487286/half-of-loans-in-emergency-fund-repaid-rural-developmentbank/

Communal harmony panacea for all problems: Valmiki Samaj leaders

Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj leaders Vijay Danav and Yashpal Chaudhary being felicitated at Ahmedgarh.

Tribune photo

Our Correspondent Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 7 Vijay Danav and Councillor Yashpal Chaudhary, chief conveners of the National Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj, have called upon the leaders of various social, religious and political organisations to stand united against antinational forces which are bent upon disrupting the hard-earned peace and communal harmony of the state.

The leaders were addressing office-bearers and activists of various organisations during an event at Bajrang Akhara here on Sunday.

Ahmedgarh Vidya Parcharak Sabha leader Ravinder Puri presided over the function and the Municipal Council president was the chief guest. Terming communal harmony as panacea for all present-day problems, Vijay Danav regretted that people with vested interests had been exploiting sentiments of members of various communities and the tendency had resulted in huge losses due to frequent agitations and bandhs during the past few years.

Danav and Chaudhary maintained that no religion advocated violence, disrespect to women and atrocities against the poor and the downtrodden.

Municipal Council President Suraaj Mohammad, Ahmedgarh Vidya Parcharak Sabha manager Kedar Nath Kapila, Social Welfare Organisation president Sunit Hind, Rice Millers’ Association general secretary Manoj Kumar were among those present. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/communal-harmony-panacea-for-all-problems-valmikisamaj-leaders/586033.html

Japan's price-conscious consumers turn to foreign rice Australian and other imports find their way into homes and restaurants HISAO KODACHI, Nikkei staff writerMay 07,

2018 15:30 JST

With no brands of Japanese rice that sell for 300 yen or less per kilogram, one Japanese supermarket chain has turned to Australian rice.

TOKYO -- Prices for domestic rice are rising in Japan, driving consumers to cheaper foreign-grown varieties, the imports of which are still strictly regulated. But as more supermarkets and restaurants offer low-cost foreign rice, straining import caps, foreign rice producers are expected to call on the country to open its rice market wider.

In late March, supermarket opera

tor Seiyu began selling Australian rice for the first time in five years, touting its low price. A 4kg-bag goes for 1,180 yen ($10.79), 20% cheaper than Japan's popular Nanatsuboshi variety. Seiyu is offering the Australian grain at all of its 144 stores in the Kanto region and other parts of the country.

Japan has long protected its rice farmers by restricting imports. But after policies that reduced rice acreage for nearly 50 years through 2017 and encouraged the growing of feed rice, annual production of domestic rice for direct consumption has dropped 11% over the past five years to 7.3 million tons. This has pushed up prices for the third straight year, with retail prices about 10% higher than last year.

Seiyu worked with trading house Sumitomo Corp. and rice wholesaler Yamatane on pricing for the Australian import. "There were no brands of Japanese rice for 300 yen or less per kilogram, and Australian rice satisfied Seiyu's demand," said Yamatane President Motohiro Yamazaki.

Foreign rice producers view the price surge as an opening to lobby Japan to accept more imports. In early April, Australia's ambassador to Japan, Richard Court talked to Japanese rice distributors, outlining the history of Australian rice and saying some of it is similar in taste to Japanese varieties.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership signed in March allows Australia to export up to 8,400 tons of rice to Japan annually. The imported rice is expected to go directly to market.

Meanwhile, the U.S. decision to withdraw from the TPP under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump disappointed American rice farmers. The trade pact would have allowed them to export up to 70,000 tons to Japan. In 2016, the U.S. Trade Representative said that TPP benefits to the U.S. grain market would come mainly from Japan.

In 1993, Japan was forced to open its rice market and now imports up to 770,000 tons annually under a minimum-access quota system, with rice for direct consumption limited to 100,000 tons. The remaining imports are earmarked for processed foods or animal feed.

Overall, 60% of imported table rice comes from the U.S., 30% from Australia and the remainder from other countries.

Imported rice for direct consumption accounts for only about 1% of Japan's total consumption. But the recent price hikes caused demand for imports to hit the 100,000ton limit for the first time in five years during the fiscal 2017 rice auction.

Fast-food operator Yoshinoya Holdings started using U.S. rice at its beef-bowl restaurants about a year ago. Restaurant chains Kourakuen Holdings and Saint Marc

Holdings have also begun serving U.S. rice, and the USA Rice Federation is trying to have sushi restaurant operators do the same.

"Japan should not be content growing brand-name rice alone," said Makoto Hirayama, president of rice wholesaler Kitoku Shinryo. Several types of high-grade rice costing about 3,000 yen per 5kg have been on the market for years, but with real wages in Japan marking their first on-year decline in two years in 2017, consumers are becoming more price-conscious. Many households apparently prefer to spend less than 2,000 yen for the same amount.

Prices for domestic rice are also rising as more production is diverted to feed markets, and the amount available for direct consumption is falling. The production of feed rice now nearly equals 10% of that for table rice. With increasing amounts of domestic rice destined for the high-grade and feed sectors, the low-price category is opening up to foreign rice growers.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Trends/Japan-s-price-conscious-consumers-turn-to-foreign-rice

Indonesian government plans to turn hazecausing Mega Rice Project around

The Peatland Restoration Agency has identified 1,250 square kilometres of peat areas with agricultural potential, which is a part of the agency’s pilot project to test methods of developing agriculture without using fires.

Indonesian government abandoned the Mega Rice Project, leaving behind a dried-out wasteland that burns on a large scale almost every year. Image: CIFOR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via IFPRI Flickr

By Hans Nicholas Jong, Mongabay.com Monday 7 May 2018

Share this story 

The Indonesian government plans to resurrect small tracts of the failed Mega Rice Project in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, by restoring abandoned peat areas and developing agriculture there.

The plan was initiated by the nation’s Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG), which was established in the wake of the 2015 fire and haze crisis. That year,

fires swept across Indonesia’s vast peat swamp zones, which have been widely drained and dried for agriculture. Smoke from the fires sickened half a million Indonesians and polluted the air above neighboring countries.

Indonesia blocks major haze-causing drainage canal ―A lot of it burned in 2015,‖ BRG chief Nazir Foead said on the sidelines of a national gathering of peat farmers in Kiram village, South Kalimantan province last weekend, referring to the former Mega Rice Project area. ―So it’s better to restore it while at the same time increasing its agricultural productivity.‖ The Mega Rice Project was initiated in 1996 by former strongman President Suharto. He aimed to turn Central Kalimantan province into the nation’s rice bowl, at a time when paddy fields on the country’s main central island of Java were widely being converted for other uses.

To do that, the army general sought to carve out 1 million hectares of agricultural land — an area eight times the size of Los Angeles — from the peat swamps of Central Kalimantan.

Thousands of excavators and tens of thousands of workers were deployed to clear peat forests and dig some 4,600 kilometers (2,900 miles) of drainage canals to keep the soil dry enough in the rainy season and the crops irrigated in the dry season.

The megaproject was an unmitigated disaster, with not a single blade of productive rice ever grown. The nutrient-poor peat soil proved too unforgiving for Java-style rice cultivation. Jakarta ultimately abandoned it, leaving behind a dried-out wasteland that burns on a large scale almost every year.

Rather than keep abandoning them, it’s better to revive the productivity of these areas.

Nazir Foead, chief, Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG)

―The lands are already cleared, and the canals have been built, but they are abandoned,‖ Nazir said. ―These areas have turned into bushes, and they often catch fire and become rat nests.‖ To return the fire-prone wasteland to its former condition, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing is blocking drainage canals in the area, focusing on the biggest canal in the network, in the district of Pulang Pisau.

Meanwhile, the BRG has a project to establish agricultural areas where the land is prepared for planting without using fire. The first round of that project, done in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, saw seven hectares (17 acres) in Pulang Pisau turned into rice paddies. Now the BRG wants to try 10 square kilometers (four square miles). Nazir sees the former Mega Rice area as a good fit. ―Rather than keep abandoning them, it’s better to revive the productivity of these areas,‖ he said.

To avoid repeating Suharto’s mistake, the ministry and BRG have mapped areas of shallow peat they see as potentially suitable for agriculture. The ministry came up with 1,450 square kilometers (600 square miles) in the former Mega Rice Project area, while the BRG identified 1,250 square kilometers (480 square miles). ―We’re currently trying to set up the pilot project with the Ministry of Agriculture on a 1,000-hectare land in Pulang Pisau district, Central Kalimantan,‖ he said.

Previously, the BRG helped a village in Pulang Pisau develop agriculture without using fire, starting from a one-hectare plot of peat soil. Now, there’s seven hectares of peat in the village developed without using fires. ―We’ve done that on a small scale, now we want to try with 1,000 hectares of peat,‖ Nazir said.

We would be grateful if you would consider joining as a member of The EB Circle. This helps to keep our stories and resources free for all, and it also supports independent journalism dedicated to sustainable development. It only costs as little as S$5 a month, and you would be helping to make a big difference. http://www.eco-business.com/news/indonesian-government-plans-to-turn-haze-causing-mega-riceproject-around/

North Queensland's unique environment makes it ideal for growing rice Jessica Johnston7 May 2018, 6:04 p.m.

News

SunRice General Manager Tom Howard.

Aa NORTH Queensland’s potential as a future rice growing center has been named as part of Australian company SunRice’s strategic five year plan.

SunRice executives travelled to the Burdekin last month, where they hosted a field day to discuss progress of the Northern Australian rice research program.

They also provided updates about local variety and agronomic trials being undertaken in the North.

SunRice General Manager AGS, Grower Services and Agronomic Development, Tom Howard, also outlined opportunities for North Queensland’s rice industry within the company’s five-year strategic plan. ―The provenance of Australian rice and the global food trend towards healthy eating are core elements of our five-year strategy that have particular relevance for the North Queensland rice industry,‖ Mr Howard said. ―North Queensland’s pristine environment is highly regarded around the world and we are aiming to build on that with our research into developing Low GI and soft cooking long grain rice varieties specific for this region. ―North Queensland has strong synergies with SunRice’s strategy to position Australia as the supply source of choice for premium branded rice markets and to help us continue to meet solid domestic and international demand for clean, green Australian rice.‖ Attendees also heard how the $4 million federally funded Northern Australia rice research program was advancing the development of optimal rice varieties for the region’s unique tropical environment and the best farming systems to support these varieties.

Mr Howard said the new research aimed to build on the work SunRice was doing to improve productivity and profitability for North Queensland rice growers. ―SunRice is currently managing a series of rice trials across the Burdekin, Tully and Gordonvale regions looking at district varieties, breeding programs, nutrition management and disease management and we look forward to the outcomes. ―This project will support the strong appetite among North Queensland growers to integrate rice as a complementary crop into their existing farming systems. ―North Queensland has the ideal environment for growing rice as a rotational high value crop - it can assist growers to improve their cash flow by utilising fallow land and generating significant

profits for their farm business, along with potentially improving soil condition and breaking disease cycles through crop rotation.‖ https://www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/5386275/rice-growing-potential-in-north/?cs=4735

Rice, corn output up in first quarter of 2018 08.05.2018

| UkrAgroConsult Some 4.7 million metric tons of rice is produced between January to March of this year, up 6.8% from the same period last year. Corn production is at 2.5 million metric tons, gaining some 4.2% year-on-year.

Rice and corn production improved during the first quarter of the year, according to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.Some 4.7 million metric tons of rice were produced between January to March of this year, up 6.8% from the same period last year. Corn production was at 2.5 million metric tons, gaining some 4.2% year-on-year.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) attributed the growth to farmers' increased adoption of modern technologies.―Farmers now use good quality seeds. There is now greater awareness and they realize that using quality seeds can increase their harvest two-fold,‖ said Piñol.he DA is also confident that the country is on track to hit the 97% target of rice sufficiency this year. ―We don’t want to go beyond that because we don’t have a program on how to export our rice.

Prices will fall in the market, farmers could take a hit if we have an oversupply,‖ Piñol said.Output figures may be stable, but several factors in play have made life harder for farmers.

For instance, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice) says farmers earned 10% less because of the implementation of the tax reform law.

The agriculture chief says he is in favor of increasing ―to an extent‖ the farmgate price of palay."I favor increasing [the farmgate price], but we cannot just carelessly bring it up to a level where consumers will be affected," Piñol said.According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average farmgate palay price is at P20.79 per kilogram, as of May 2, up 0.39% the average price two weeks ago.

Moreover, consumers still took a hit despite the steady supply, due to the low supply of affordable rice.ast week, the National Food Authority awarded the supply of 250,000 metric tons of rice imports to Vietnam and Thailand to remedy the issue.To encourage farmers to sell their produce to the NFA, the DA is planning to reward them with farm implements and machinery.

"If they sell around 20 metric tons [of palay], you will have one power tiller," PiĂąol added. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/rice-corn-output-up-in-first-quarter-of-2018

Reflecting on possessions can curb people's impulse buying Practice provides a way of mentally 'shopping the closet' and quells desire to buy, experts find RICE UNIVERSITY

HOUSTON - (May 7, 2018) - Consumers who reflected on their recently used personal belongings experienced less desire for an unexpectedly encountered product, were less likely to buy impulsively and expressed a lower willingness to pay for new products, according to a new paper by marketing and consumer behavior experts at Rice University.

"Should I Buy This When I Have So Much? Reflection on Personal Possessions as an AntiConsumption Strategy" advances the theory that the desire to consume, like willpower, may function as a limited motivational resource that becomes depleted upon reflecting about favored personal possessions and leaves less desire for subsequent shopping urges.

The study was authored by Utpal Dholakia, the George R. Brown Professor of Marketing at Rice's Jones Graduate School of Business, and Rice doctoral students Jihye Jung and Nivriti Chowdhry. It will appear in the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing later this year.

"Reflection is about thinking deeply and remembering in detail how you used any one of your possessions recently," Dholakia said. "In our research, we've found it helps if the reflected-upon possession is something functional, like a kitchen implement, a lawn mower or a wristwatch."

The researchers conducted four studies. One of them was an online survey that included 165 United States-based participants, with an average age of 37 and consisting of equal male and female participation. Participants were prompted to "describe your recent experience with a product.

Specifically, we would like you to think of any product that you purchased, currently own and have used recently."

Two examples of participants' reflections give a sense of the exercise: 

"I have a pair of light Nike running shoes I used this morning. I bought them about a year ago for about $80. The reason I bought them was because my brother has a same pair which I tried on and really liked ... I used them this morning to go for a run. I went for a run around the neighborhood for half an hour. I really like these shoes because they're really light and they breathe easy. ... Sometimes I use them at work since I do a lot of walking and they are so comfortable." -- 25-year-old male



"I just purchased a Kindle Fire. It is black. I can read books and access the internet. It opens a world of novelty to me. I read a book in bed and checked the weather this morning before even getting up. I spent about 45 mins. I also downloaded several apps. I was lying down and the ease of Kindle use allowed me to comfortably read without noise to wake up my partner." -- 29-year-old female

The study had two other conditions. One was a control condition in which participants didn't do anything. In the other condition, participants formed a plan to use a possession they hadn't recently used, which is a common situation many people face because they have so many things they haven't used lately, the authors said.

After this experimental manipulation, study participants were given five products: a cashmere sweater, a stainless steel watch, a coffee maker, a chair and a box of high-quality chocolates. For each item, participants indicated how much they were willing to pay (WTP) for it. The researchers calculated a WTP index for each participant by standardizing each item's WTP and then adding the values.

The researchers found that those who had reflected on using their possession recently had a much lower WTP for a basket of products than either the control or the plan conditions. The total WTP for the five items of those who reflected was $227, compared with $265 for the control group and $281 for the planning group. In other words, reflection about recently used possessions lowered the person's willingness to pay for new items by about 14 percent compared with the control condition, the researchers found.

The other three studies - online surveys including a total of 867 U.S.-based participants, with about equal gender representation -- tested whether recalling the recent use of a personal possession would affect consumers' desire for and likelihood of purchasing an item impulsively; investigated the moderating role of hedonic (pleasurable) versus utilitarian (practical) possessions in producing consumption desire depletion; and ruled out an alternative explanation for the moderating role of the type of possession.

"The findings of these studies show that reflection about the recent use of one's possessions provides an effective method to quell the shopping urge and to reduce consumption," the authors wrote.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-05/ru-rop050718.php