9th march,2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

9th March,2018 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-newsletter by Riceplus Magazine www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Several policies in Pakatan's manifesto not feasible: Shabery Cheek 9 March Last updated on 9 March 2018 - 06:07pm G.Surach newsdesk@thesundaily.com

2018

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03:44pm

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. — AFP CYBERJAYA: Several policies laid out in Pakatan Harapan's newly released manifesto is not feasible, said Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, today. Citing the issue of better food security contained in the manifesto, Ahmad Shabery said the Barisan Nasional-led federal government have been addressing the issue throughout its administration."The ministry gives a huge emphasis to such matters with our rankings among Asean countries, Malaysia is placed at number two behind Singapore.

"Singapore's food security would be higher than us because they are not a food-producing country. They are not producing rice, poultry or rearing cattle for beef among others."However, in comparison to other food-producing countries in the region like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam for instance, we are better off," he told reporters after presenting the 2017 Excellent Service Awards to the ministry's staff at the Cyberview Resort & Spa, here today.

He emphasised that food security isn't just about stocking up rice but also overall food throughout the country to ensure easier access for the rakyat.

Among other things contained in the manifesto which he opined as debatable is the proposal to have an open market, instead of having Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) as the present single importer for rice in the country.

"This is a debatable proposal, if the markets are opened to everyone, then the price of rice, imported or local will start varying and if the imported rice turns out to be cheaper it will surely affect the livelihood of over 250,000 paddy farmers in the country.

"Their concept threatens the farmer," he said.His comments came after Pakatan Harapan led by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad released their manifesto last night.

The issue on enhancing better food security and addressing Bernas' monopoly is listed as the tenth pledge contained in the manifesto.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2018/03/09/several-policies-pakatans-manifesto-not-feasible-shaberycheek

Worldwide Rice Flour Market Overview 2022 Companies, Region, Imports and Exports Analysis March 8, 2018 - by amit.p

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Trade war will have negative impact on Arkansas' agricultural exports This chart illustrates the impact of tariffs on Arkansas agriculture.

AYETTEVILLE – If trade partners inflict a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. soy, rice, corn, and grain sorghum, Arkansas could take a $383 million hit in overall value-added to its economy, according to an analysis released Thursday by economists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Also Thursday, President Trump announced plans to impose import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, with exemptions for Canada and Mexico. ―Agriculture in the United States is a potentially likely target for retaliation,‖ said Eric Wailes, distinguished professor and L.C. Carter endowed chair of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. And ―Arkansas is a major oilseed and grain exporter to China, Canada, and Mexico among others.‖ Wailes, along with department colleagues Alvaro Durand-Morat, assistant professor of agricultural economist; and technical assistant Leah English, prepared an analysis of potential impact on rice, corn, soybeans and sorghum exports should the U.S. implement trade tariffs. ―If the value of Arkansas‘ oilseed and grain sectors each fell by 14 percent the result would be an output loss of $243.7 million in the oilseed farming sector and $191 million in the grain farming sector,‖ Wailes said.

The team said those losses could adversely affect Arkansas employment by around 4,438 jobs, reduce labor income by $261 million and reduce overall value-added to the state economy by

$383 million. The reduced crop production values are relative to the 2017 preliminary no-tariff estimates reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Here is the analysis by commodity: Rice The U.S. is fifth-largest exporter of rice in the world and exports an annual average 3.4 million metric tons, or 54 percent of production. Arkansas accounts for about 50 percent of the U.S. rice economy. Mexico, Japan and Canada are the major export markets for U.S. rice. In their analysis, the economists assumed that only Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Turkey, Japan, the European Union and Taiwan would retaliate. ―Both the U.S. long grain and medium grain rice markets stand to lose from the retaliatory measures of the selected importing countries,‖ Durand-Morat said. ―We estimate total U.S. rice production and exports to drop 1.3 percent and 3 percent, respectively, and domestic consumption increases marginally, as a result of the implementation of import tariffs on U.S. rice.‖ The total value of U.S. rice production would decrease by $151 million due to a combination of lower producer prices and output. Rice producers‘ welfare, measured by the producer surplus, would decrease by $118 million. U.S. consumers would benefit from the trade restrictions through lower prices, increasing their welfare some $66 million.

Exports to Mexico and Canada would decrease significantly, but the impact would be much smaller in Japan because it already imposes high restrictions on rice imports. Other customers such as Haiti and Colombia would also benefit from the decrease in U.S. rice prices and expand their imports, which partially offsets the decrease in trade with the countries imposing the retaliatory import tariff on U.S. rice.

Soybeans

The U.S. is a major exporter of soybeans with China being its biggest market. In 2016, Arkansas ranked No. 11 in share of U.S. soybean sales of nearly $1,592 billion, 3.8 percent of total U.S. soybean receipts. A 25 percent tariff would result in a 14 percent loss of value and a 19 percent decline in export volume. Between 2015 and 2017, the average volume of U.S. net soybean exports is 55.7 million metric tons or 49 percent of domestic production.

Corn The U.S. is also a major exporter of corn, with the largest markets being Mexico, Japan, Colombia and South Korea. Arkansas ranks 19th among states in corn production. The average volume of corn exports from the U.S. for 2015-2017 is 52.9 million metric tons or 14 percent of domestic production. A 25 percent tariff would mean a 14 percent decline in value and a 44 percent loss in exports.

Sorghum The U.S. is the major exporter of sorghum with most of the shipments sold to China. The average volume of U.S. sorghum exports for the 2015-17 period is 7.12 million metric tons or 58 percent of domestic production. Among U.S. states, Arkansas ranked ninth in value of sorghum production in 2016 at $17 million. Using a similar model as for soybeans and corn, U.S. sorghum prices would decline by 18 percent, while volume of exports would fall 12 percent. http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/local_business/article_c21e3d98-236e-11e8-9b276f90d9dc47b2.html

Do higher U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum mean less rice exports?

Steel and aluminum tariffs could hurt U.S. rice export market. Tariffs officially announced Thursday.

Mar 08, 2018 President Trump may follow through as early as today on last week's announcement that he will impose import duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum (see USA Rice Daily, March 2, 2018). [Trump did announce steep tariffs Thursday afternoon] Threats of retaliation have raised fears in U.S. agriculture because farm exports are an easy target for foreign governments seeking to push back on U.S. import restrictions. The European Union quickly issued a retaliation list that targeted imports from the United States of steel, apparel, and agriculture goods, including U.S. rice.

"The President is acting under authority of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 which allows for import restrictions for national security reasons," said USA Rice COO Bob Cummings. Members of Congress, private sector groups, and foreign governments have weighed in urging restraint and, if imposing tariffs is warranted, to selectively apply the duties to specific countries.

The EU has threatened to challenge the higher import duties in the World Trade Organization. "This is a little-used provision of U.S. trade law and questions about the policy objectives of higher import duties, and how and on which countries they will be applied has raised tremendous uncertainty which is not helpful to U.S. rice producers and exporters," said Cummings.

The EU is a 55,000 metric ton market for U.S. exporters, valued at $42 million. "We have worked for a decade to rebuild the EU market following the Liberty Link incident and have seen renewed interest and demand for U.S. rice in recent years. U.S. rice exports to the EU are already constrained by a complex and discriminatory system of quotas and duties, and any increase in tariffs would set back our progress," said Cummings.

Prospective market access could also be at risk. The United States and China signed a phytosanitary agreement last year that brought a new market for U.S. milled rice closer than at

any point after more than a decade of effort. Negotiations continue on implementation in a difficult overall trade relationship.

"We are well aware of the challenges created by China's domestic and international trade policies," said Michael Rue, California producer and chairman of the USA Rice Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee. "Our response should be tailored while we continue a focus on expanding U.S. exports in this market."

Analysis by the University of Arkansas shows a decline in U.S. rice production and exports of 1.3 percent and 3 percent, respectively, if countries retaliate on imports of U.S. rice. "While the estimates do not appear large, any drop in production and exports goes right to the bottom line of producers, millers, and exporters," concluded Cummings. http://www.deltafarmpress.com/rice/do-higher-us-tariffs-steel-and-aluminum-mean-less-rice-exports

India rice rates up on steady demand; stronger baht props up Thai rates Arpan Varghese

BENGALURU (Reuters) - Rice prices rose in top exporter India this week on healthy demand amid lower supplies, while gains in the local currency and prospects of a deal with the Philippines pushed up rates for the staple grain in Thailand.

A woman spreads paddy crop for drying at a rice mill on the occasion of International Women's Day, on the outskirts of Agartala, March 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jayanta Dey/Files

India‘s 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $3 per tonne to $422-$426, the second straight week of gains. ―Inquiries are rising from African countries. Asian buyers are also showing interest,‖ said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

Supplies are falling, forcing exporters to quote higher prices, said another exporter also based in Kakinada.

India‘s non basmati rice exports during April-December jumped 39.5 percent from a year ago as Bangladesh and Benin raised purchases.

Meanwhile, demand for the grain from Bangladesh, which has emerged as a major rice importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, would stay strong for the next few months, given the high domestic rates, an official with the food ministry in Bangladesh said on Thursday.

In Thailand, benchmark 5 percent broken rice rates climbed to $408-$410 per tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, from $395-$400 last week, amid a stronger baht and hopes of a prospective deal with the Philippines.

Speculation is rife that the Philippines will hold an auction later this month to import 250,000 tonnes and many Thai exporters are interested in this deal, a trader said. ―The fluctuation in prices at the moment depends on the currency exchange rate only because there‘s no actual demand,‖ a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

The baht was on track for its second straight week of gains. [EMRG/FRX] A stronger baht translates to higher export prices in U.S. dollars. ―Many exporters have (also) been buying rice now because of low prices recently,‖ the trader added.

Prices rose in Vietnam as well, with rates for its 5 percent broken variety gaining to $418-$425 a tonne from $410-$415 a week earlier as farmers pinned their hopes on new government-to-government deals, even though shipments out of the country were falling. ―We are having difficulty clinching new deals with buyers, as Vietnamese prices are relatively higher now,‖ said a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader, adding buyers were seeking $405-$408.

Vietnam exported 339,706 tonnes of rice in February, down 31 percent from January, but exports in the first two months 2018 rose 13.2 percent from a year earlier to 831,504 tonnes, customs data showed. https://in.reuters.com/article/asia-rice/india-rice-rates-up-on-steady-demand-stronger-baht-props-up-thairates-idINKCN1GK1K2

Global Rice Seed Market Size 2018- (DupontPionner and Hancock Farm & Seed Company)

By Divyang Nayar March 9, 2018

The research report on Global Rice Seed Market 2018 keenly identifies important facets of the industry. The analysis covers Rice Seed market size, current trends, drivers, challenges, opportunities, as well as key Rice Seed market segments. It is based on historical data and current Rice Seed market needs. Also entails different Rice Seed business approaches adopted by the decision makers. That strengthens Rice Seed growth and make a superior stand in the industry. The Rice Seed market will grow with a significant CAGR during 2018 to 2022. The report isolates the entire Rice Seed market on the basis of key players, regions, applications, and types.

To begin with, it figures out major Rice Seed industry frameworks, rules, regulations, and policies.

Then presents an estimation of Rice Seed market share, market dynamics, and leading players. Later, it lists out new Rice Seed propositions to improve business values. In addition, it discovers the Rice Seed market status, current/future projects, consumption and growth rate. It also looks for world Rice Seed market chain analysis, cost and price of raw material. Moreover, it reveals Rice Seed downstream/upstream analysis, and import/export details.

The study provides basic details of the product such as Rice Seed scope, segmentation, overview.

Likewise, it covers demand/supply statistics, Rice Seed investment feasibility, and factors that inhibit the growth of an industry. Particularly, it presents Rice Seed product demand, annual revenue and

growth aspects of the industry. The upcoming Rice Seed market sections along with the current ones help key players, decision makers, and readers to plan various Rice Seed business approaches accordingly.

Do you want to access sample pages? Just click here: http://emarkets.eu/global-rice-seedmarket/#request-sample

Different Segments of Global Rice Seed Market: The study highlights a regional as well as global classification of Rice Seed market.

Correspondingly, the regional analysis of Rice Seed industry comprises of China, USA, India, South East Asia, Europe and Japan. Additionally, the Rice Seed report shows a keen market study of different vendor and suppliers. It explains Rice Seed industry chain structure, competitive landscape, and analysis of Rice Seed market price in detail. It equally studies world Rice Seed industry size followed by forecast period and environment.

Major leaders of the world Rice Seed market are Bayer, Inc, DupontPionner, Jiangsu Dahua, Gansu Dunhuang Seed, Kester‘s Nursery, Nidera, Grand Agriseeds, The Great Northern Wilderness Kenfeng seed Limited by Share , China National Seed, Dabeinong, CP Seed, Zhongnongfa Seed, Longping High-tech, Hancock Farm & Seed Company , Winall Hi-tech Seed, Grand Agriseeds Technology, HEFEI FENGLE SEED, Goldoctor and Syngenta.

Primary applications of global Rice Seed industry includes Application 1 and Application 2.

Different product categories listed in Rice Seed market report are Type 1 and Type.

Do you have any query?, enquire here: https://market.biz/report/global-rice-seed-marketicrw/83608/#inquiry

Who will be the readers of Global Rice Seed market research report? * Rice Seed Product managers, industry executives, chief executive officers of the industries. * Scientists, investigators, Rice Seed research analysts, and laboratory experts. * Universities, students, interns, professors and other academic institutions interested in Rice Seed market. * Authors, journalists, editors, and webmasters want to know about Rice Seed. * Private/governmental bodies, project managers involves in Rice Seed industry. * Existing or upcoming Rice Seed market players.

Major remarks of Global Rice Seed Market report: The Rice Seed report administers a list of manufacturers, regions where the market has deep-dived.

Coupled with their annual revenue and Rice Seed sales, it illustrates product types and applications.

This report gives Rice Seed market forecast 2018-2022, revenue, sales, and market growth.

Additionally, worldwide Rice Seed market report figures out encouraging outcomes, cost analysis, influencing/inhibiting factors. The report predicts Rice Seed market risk, threats, opportunities, and driving forces. It analyzes past/current market outlines to anticipate future Rice Seed business plans and bearings in detail. It describes a list of prevailing Rice Seed market players along with impending ones.

The concluding paragraph of the Rice Seed market report reveals research findings, results, conclusions. Similarly discloses various Rice Seed data sources, traders/distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, sales channel, and appendix. In a word, the overall Rice Seed report is a valuable document for people interested in Rice Seed market. https://importantevents24.com/2018/03/09/global-rice-seed-market-size-2018-dupontpionner/

Bug Breeding In Floodplains Meant To Help Salmon Food Supply

By Angela MusallamMarch 8, 2018 at 10:46 pm Filed Under:Knights Landing KNIGHTS LANDING (CBS13) — An effort is underway to beef up California‘s salmon.

A group of UC Davis scientists is partnering with the conservation group California Trout to grow bugs in floodplains to feed salmon.

The scientists say rivers in California don‘t provide much food for salmon, which they say are already on the brink of extinction.

Levees are separating salmon from their traditional food source, and the group of scientists is now working to bridge that gap. ―We can‘t get the fish from the river to the rice fields, but we are able to get the food in the rice fields to the fish,‖ said Carson Jeffres, an aquatic biologist at UC Davis who launched the project.

It was an idea in the works for about two decades, to help a nearly extinct population of salmon.

Now Jeffres and his group of scientists are applying it at River Garden Farms in Knights Landing. ―Bugs are the base of the food chain, the bugs are what make fish,‖ says Jacob Katz, lead scientist at California Trout.

The bugs, called water fleas, are planted in rice fields to mimic floodplains where salmon traditionally went to get their fish food.

Jeffres and Katz have spawned water fleas for the past few years.

They reproduce by the millions each day. ―At the drain of the field, we just pull the plug, and the whole field drains into a canal which then leads to the river,‖ said Jeffres.

The fish food then flows into the Sacramento River where salmon can feed.

Both Jeffres and Katz say the results so far are striking. ―They‘re robust, they‘re strong, they have shoulders and a belly, they‘ve packed their lunch, they‘re ready for that long journey to the ocean, and they have a much better likelihood of surviving,‖ Katz added.

Surviving and reproducing and hopefully avoiding extinction.

For now, the bug-hunting duo is holding their breath. ―We are really making a system that makes a much brighter future for California, for people, and for fish.‖ So far about a handful of farmers around the Sacramento region have opened up their rice fields to grow bugs.

Jeffres and Katz say they hope the movement will spread throughout the state. http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/03/08/bugs-for-salmon/

Do Higher U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Mean Less Rice Exports?

By Jesica Kincaid

WASHINGTON DC -- President Trump may follow through as early as today on last week's announcement that he will impose import duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum (see USA Rice Daily, March 2, 2018). Threats of retaliation have raised fears in U.S. agriculture because farm exports are an easy target for foreign governments seeking to push back on U.S. import restrictions. The European Union quickly issued a retaliation list that targeted imports from the United States of steel, apparel, and agriculture goods, including U.S. rice.

"The President is acting under authority of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 which allows for import restrictions for national security reasons," said USA Rice COO Bob Cummings. Members of Congress, private sector groups, and foreign governments have weighed in urging restraint and, if imposing tariffs is warranted, to selectively apply the duties to specific countries.

The EU has threatened to challenge the higher import duties in the World Trade Organization. "This is a little-used provision of U.S. trade law and questions about the policy objectives of higher import duties, and how and on which countries they will be applied has raised tremendous uncertainty which is not helpful to U.S. rice producers and exporters," said Cummings.

The EU is a 55,000 metric ton market for U.S. exporters, valued at $42 million. "We have worked for a decade to rebuild the EU market following the Liberty Link incident and have seen renewed interest and demand for U.S. rice in recent years. U.S. rice exports to the EU are already constrained by a complex and discriminatory system of quotas and duties, and any increase in tariffs would set back our progress," said Cummings.

Prospective market access could also be at risk. The United States and China signed a phytosanitary agreement last year that brought a new market for U.S. milled rice closer than at any point after more than a decade of effort. Negotiations continue on implementation in a difficult overall trade relationship.

"We are well aware of the challenges created by China's domestic and international trade policies," said Michael Rue, California producer and chairman of the USA Rice Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee. "Our response should be tailored while we continue a focus on expanding U.S. exports in this market."

Analysis by the University of Arkansas shows a decline in U.S. rice production and exports of 1.3 percent and 3 percent, respectively, if countries retaliate on imports of U.S. rice. "While the estimates do not appear large, any drop in production and exports goes right to the bottom line of producers, millers, and exporters," concluded Cummings.

WASDE Report Released

WASHINGTON, DC -- The 2017/18 U.S. rice supply and use estimates are unchanged relative to last month. The projected season-average farm price (SAFP) for all rice classes are unchanged at the midpoint. The SAFP for all rice is $12.50 per cwt at the midpoint of the range of $12.10 to $12.90.

Global 2017/18 rice production is raised to a new record of 486.3 million tons, fractionally surpassing last year's record. Almost all of the production increase is for India, where production is raised to 110 million tons, based on the India government updated data for 2017/18. The increase in India's production more than offsets a reduction in Sri Lanka, where production is now below average for the second consecutive year. Global 2017/18 trade is raised to a record 47.3 million tons, mainly on higher exports expected from India with greater exportable supplies. World ending stocks are projected increasing to 143.1 million tons for 2017/18, which would match the second highest on record. China now holds over 66 percent of total stocks.

Read the full report here.

Simplify GMOs for public – former Dept. Minister tells scientists Source: Ghana|Myjoyonline.com | Joseph Opoku-Gakpo | Joy News Date: 08-03-2018 Time: 03:03:09:pm

A former Deputy Agric Minister has urged scientists to simplify the issue of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology for ordinary members of the public to properly understand.Dr Ahmed Alhassan Yakubu said this is the only way to get Ghanaians to embrace the GMO technology which he describes as a good one, and avoid the negative perception that it is bad for the country.―The scientific community must wake up to that call of simplifying science for the consumption of ordinary people who do not necessarily have a scientific background,‖ he said.He said this after the public screening of science movie Food Evolution at the Silver Bird Cinema in Accra,

organized by civil society group Alliance for Science Ghana.

Directed by American Academy Award-nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy and narrated by science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson, 'Food Evolution' explores the polarized debate that the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the world‘s food chain has generated over the years.

It discusses the critical role science and innovation play in building a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone, as the world‘s population rises to an estimated population of nine billion by 2050. ―I agree that the demand for science to be simplified for everyday understanding is a legitimate demand, particularly that people in society are now more conscious about what product they consume and, therefore, they will always be ready to ask questions,‖ Dr Alhassan said.

He insisted that GMOs are nothing harmful and would play a major role in helping transform Ghana‘s agricultural sector.

Chairman of Alliance for Science Ghana John Awuku Dziwornu who also participated in the panel discussion said farmers in the country including himself are eagerly awaiting the commercialisation of GMOs to help resolve the challenges they face in their work. ―We can‘t wait to have them,‖ he said.

Ghana Country Coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Dr. Richard Ampadu, former Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Prof. Walter Alhassan, and Daniel Osei Ofosu of the Programs for Biosafety Systems all advocated the introduction of GMOs into Ghana saying they hold the key to food production.

GMOs are crops produced from seeds which have been altered genetically to introduce desired traits like pest resistance and drought tolerance from other living organisms.

Following the passage of the Biosafety Act by Parliament in 2011, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been undertaking field trials for GM cotton, cowpea and rice to allow for their introduction in the country.

Some civil society groups have kicked against the plans but the scientists say the technology is only an advanced form of plant breeding procedures that will pose no health nor socio-economic harm to the country.

More than 250 people participated in the screening of the movie including members of the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences (IAAS) of the University of Ghana.

Some of the participants who spoke after the screening described the movie as an educative piece that needs to be seen by a lot more people so they can understand the issues driving the GMO debate. https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2018/march-8th/simplify-gmos-for-public-former-dept-ministertells-scientists.phphttps://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2018/march-8th/simplify-gmos-for-public-formerdept-minister-tells-scientists.php

Kebbi farmers cultivate 400,000 hectares of rice, says Bagudu Published March 9, 2018

Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja No fewer than 200,000 farmers now grow rice on over 400,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State, the state government has said.

The Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu, recently said that the number of farmers cultivating rice in state had continued to grow.

He also called for greater lending to those in the agriculture, stressing that if the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation could spend billion s of naira on petrol subsidy, it should be willing to spend massively on the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

The governor said it was gratifying to note that Kebbi State‘s contribution to rice production in Nigeria had significantly helped the country in cutting down the massive importation of rice.

He noted that Nigeria‘s rice import had dropped by over 90 per cent, adding that although much income was not generated by the state through rice production, many farmers of the commodity across the state had been financially empowered.

Bagudu said, ―It is heart-warming for us to know that we are able to create wealth for rice farmers and that as a result of the production of rice in Kebbi, Nigeria has been able to reduce its importation of rice by over 90 per cent. This is good news and it shows that a

lot of people in not just Kebbi State are now producing rice and very soon, we will start exporting the commodity. ―In Kebbi, there are farmers who are under the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers programme. We also have those who work for private companies. A large number of farmers numbering about 200,000 are into rice production in our state and they now cultivate on not less than 400,000 hectares of land across the state.‖ Calling for greater investment in agriculture, Bagudu stated that N54bn was the total amount made available for the rice revolution programme by the CBN, while about N4tn was used by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to save the banking sector some years back. ―So for the fact that N54bn was used for rice revolution and we have this kind of impact, you will agree with me that it is something commendable. It therefore means that we need massive investment in agriculture and greater lending should be channelled to this sector,‖ he said.

The governor added, ―Countries that achieved food sufficiency spent decades supporting agriculture and subsidising inputs for farmers, among other forms of support. So, it is important we look for better ways to support this sector for the gre ater good of all.‖ Earlier, the state‘s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mohammed Dandiga, also said over 200,000 farmers were involved in the cultivation of rice across the 16 local government areas in Kebbi.

He said, ―For us, this is something very important, considering the impact which it has on wealth creation for these farmers, particularly since the past two years. ―We are working hard to increase the participation of others who are interested in agriculture because we now have off-takers. Nigerian rice is now the preferred choice, unlike what it used to be in the past and this is because we now have standard rice mills in Kebbi and some other parts of the country.‖

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Senate urges regulatory agencies to check rice smuggling ByNews Agency of Nigeria March 9, 2018

The Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, has called on relevant agencies of the government to check rice smuggling to enhance Nigerian economic development.

Uzodinma made the call during the committee‘s meeting with the Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, and beneficiaries of rice importation waivers/concessions on Thursday, in Abuja.

He noted that the committee was mandated by the Senate to identify those behind rice smuggling and by the end of the investigation the committee would submit its report to the Senate. ―We have identified the various identities of these people and we will submit the report to the senate in plenary. ―The senate will take the decision on how best to stop those people because it has affected negatively the growth of our economy and the growth of genuine business activities.

The lawmaker said the activities of the smugglers had hindered economic growth, calling on the government to stop the menace. ―What is startling is that these people are in all the sectors of the economy. ―If we continue this way it means that at the end of the day, we will be left with no economy at all and unemployment will continue to swell. ―So the government must take courage to bring these people to book and curb the excesses of these people and ensure there is genuine economic growth and business activity in the country.‖ Responding, Lokpobiri said a lot of jobs and trillions of naira were lost as a result of smuggling. ―You cannot actually quantify what we are losing. We must do everything humanly possible to promote local production and milling of rice.

―We are now producing over 17 million metric tonnes of paddy (rice as harvested from the fields, and before it is milled) as against the 7 million metric tonnes produced when we came into government. ―We are still improving on the capacity of rice milling. As government is interested in protecting our farmers: we will do everything legally possible ―about smuggling of the commodity.

The minister said the 2014 policy with regards to rice production was meant to encourage local industries to go into rice milling.

According to the minister, rice smuggling is an infraction to the policy. ―The policy then was that if you have a rice mill in Nigeria, you will be given some quota to import rice to be able to cover the gap that existed between the local production and local consumption. ―And if you import rice as a rice miller you are going to pay 10 per cent duty and then 20 per cent levy. ―But the policy was also extended to rice traders who were given quota to import rice and their own was 10 per cent duty and 60 per cent levy. ―The list of companies that you directed us to come with were the companies that benefited from that policy but there were infractions,‖ he said.

Consumer confidence takes a turn for the worse  

9 Mar 2018 at 04:00 1 NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

The prices for rice and other commodities are rising, a major reason for the first drop in consumer confidence in seven months. (File photo).Consumer confidence dropped for the first time in seven months in February, as people were worried about low commodity prices, the baht's strength, the political situation and wage rises.

According to the latest survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), February's consumer confidence index stood at 79.3, down from 80 in January, which was a three-year high.

"In February, people were concerned about farm commodity prices, particularly for rice, rubber, tapioca and maize," said Thanavath Phonvichai, vice-president for research at the UTCC. "Some people also thought a minimum wage hike could slow economic growth. With higher costs, companies might seek to replace workers with technology, resulting in job losses."

Mr Thanavath said falling consumer confidence also shows Thailand's economic growth remains uneven, failing to help certain sectors. For instance, higher rice prices are benefiting only millers, not farmers, he said.

More importantly, people were worried about political stability after the military government postponed the sought-after general election to February next year.

"The fall is a bit surprising given the emergence of positive factors such as export growth and rising economic figures," said Mr Thanavath.

"Most consumers felt their income had yet to cover the higher costs of living, while government funds were not yet distributed to low-income people, with only some business segments benefiting."

The Commerce Ministry reported last month the country's customs-cleared exports rose 17.6% year-on-year in January to US$20.1 billion, the highest increase in 62 months.

The export surge was led by cars and parts, computers and parts, rubber products, plastic pellets, chemicals, finished oil, electrical circuits, machinery and parts, and steel and steel products.

Imports in January surged 24.3% from a year earlier to $20.2 billion (631 billion baht), resulting in a trade deficit of $119 million in January.

The Commerce Ministry said demand from key markets remained strong, while the baht's strength had scant impact on shipments.

Exports rose to all major markets, especially South Asia, where shipments surged 26.1% yearon-year last month.

Also seeing strong growth were exports to Japan (up 26.3%), the US (11.3%), the EU (8.9%), Asean (14.3%) and Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (18.4%).

Shipments to Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States also grew.

Exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products rose for the 15th straight month in January, up 16.2% year-on-year to $2.86 billion, led by rice, tapioca products, sugar, frozen poultry, and frozen and canned seafood.

The government's planning unit forecast Thailand's exports would grow 6.8% this year against 9.7% growth in 2017 and a marginal 0.1% increase in 2016.

This year's private consumption is forecast to grow on par with last year's rate of 3.2%, up from 3% in 2016.

The state planning agency predicts Thailand's economic growth in a range of 3.6-4.6% this year, compared with 3.9% in 2017 and 3.3% in 2016.

"Spending could improve in the second half, if there is a more broad-based economic recovery in the second quarter and consumers have more confidence in the political situation," said Mr Thanavath. https://www.today.ng/news/nigeria/94732/senate-urges-regulatory-agencies-check-ricesmuggling

Vigilance officials raid rice mill and PDS rice stock point

By TOI 

| Friday | 9th March, 2018

VISAKHAPATNAM: The officials of Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the district conducted raids at a rice mill and a stock point of public distribution system PDS ) rice in the district on Friday.The sleuths sealed a rice mill named Sri Saio Seetha Traders Rice Mill at Theruvupalli village in Rambilli mandal and an illegal PDS rice stock point at Gorli

Dhramavaram village in Atchutapuram mandal in the district.The Vigilance team, under the guidance of SP (vigilance wing) D Koteswara Rao, conducted raides with Inspector Srinivasa Rao, Tahesildar Sumabala and civil supplies officials.They also seized a Bolero vehicle along with 12 tonnes of PDS rice worth Rs 5 lakh during the operation.The officials booked the rice mill owner S Babu Rao and illegal stock point holder Nagaraju under Section 6A of the Essential Commodities Act VISAKHAPATNAM: The officials of Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the district conducted raids at a rice mill and a stock point of public distribution system PDS ) rice in the district on Friday.The sleuths sealed a rice mill named Sri Saio Seetha Traders Rice Mill at Theruvupalli village in Rambilli mandal and an illegal PDS rice stock point at Gorli Dhramavaram village in Atchutapuram mandal in the district.The Vigilance team, under the guidance of SP (vigilance wing) D Koteswara Rao, conducted raides with Inspector Srinivasa Rao, Tahesildar Sumabala and civil supplies officials.They also seized a Bolero vehicle along with 12 tonnes of PDS rice worth Rs 5 lakh during the operation.The officials booked the rice mill owner S Babu Rao and illegal stock point holder Nagaraju under Section 6A of the Essential Commodities Act.

https://www.nyoooz.com/news/visakhapatnam/1052377/vigilance-officials-raid-rice-mill-andpds-rice-stock-point/

In Ecija, grains fit for pets snapped by buyers amid price hike Philippine Daily Inquirer / 06:35 AM March 09, 2018

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ—Cheap rice, often bought to feed pets like dogs, has been sufficient for poor families who cannot cope with spiraling rice prices in the market, due to the absence of National Food Authority (NFA) supply.

Broken grains NFA distributes rice to stabilize prices but the agency is waiting for imported rice to arrive in June before it could release stocks to the market. ―Sorter‖ rice, so called because it is made up of whole, broken and chalky grains gathered at the end of the milling process, is sold for P27 a kilogram in most stalls here. Rice millers use a color sorter machine that removes milled grains with defects and impurities.

These cheaper stocks occasionally need more cleaning because these come with ―sweepings, seeds of weeds, some small stones and ‗kala‘ (yellowish grains),‖ according to a local retailer, who asked not to be named.

―Sorter rice used to be bought only by rich buyers, but is now fed to their pet animals like dogs.

But it is fit for human consumption,‖ the retailer said.

Prices soar Those who buy NFA rice have become sorter rice consumers since January when the agency stopped distributing their allocations to retailers.

Retailers get 15 bags (each weighing 50 kg) of sorter rice each week. Bought at P25 a kg, retailers sell each bag with a P2 markup.

Since the third week of February, wholesale prices of rice have increased from P36.90 to P40.33 a kg, while retail prices for well-milled rice have climbed from P39.31 to P43.10 a kg, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. It said prices of commercial rice increased by at least 20 percent since the first week of January.

NFA allocations here were cut from 20 bags a week to five bags in December 2017 and were suspended in the early weeks of January. —ANSELMO ROQUE

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/973911/in-ecija-grains-fit-for-pets-snapped-by-buyersamid-price-hike#ixzz59FUGNL6q

Short-Grain Rice Seed Market Overview, Growth, Demand And Forecast Research Report To 2022 March 8, 2018 - by Carol Harris

Short-Grain Rice Seed Market Report provides current scenario, opportunities, restraints, drivers and the growth forecasts of the market for 2018-2022. The Short-Grain Rice Seed industry report firstly announced the Short-Grain Rice Seed Market fundamentals: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on.

The Short-Grain Rice Seed Market Report offers an inclusive and decision-making overview, including definitions, classifications and its applications. And is anticipated to reflect a positive growth trend in forthcoming years as well.

Global Short-Grain Rice Seed market competition by top manufacturers/players, with ShortGrain Rice Seed sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players including: Company 1; Get Sample PDF of report here Some of major points covered in TOC: Introduction of Short-Grain Rice Seed Market: Brief Introduction, development status of Short-Grain Rice Seed.

Manufacturing Technology of Short-Grain Rice Seed: Development, Analysis, Trends of Short-Grain Rice Seed Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers: Company, Company Profile, Product Information, Production Information, Contact Information 2012-2017 Global and Chinese Market of Short-Grain Rice Seed: Global Capacity, Production and Production Value of Short-Grain Rice Seed Industry, Cost and Profit, Market Comparison, Supply and Consumption, Import and Export.

Market Status of Short-Grain Rice Seed Industry: Market Competition by Company, Market Competition by Country (USA, EU, Japan, Chinese etc.), Market Analysis of Short-Grain Rice Seed Consumption by Application/Type 2017-2022 Market Forecast of Global and Chinese Short-Grain Rice Seed Market:Capacity, Production, and Production Value, Cost and Profit Estimation, Market Share, Supply and Consumption, Import and Export Analysis of Short-Grain Rice Seed Market Chain: Industry Chain Structure, Upstream Raw Materials, Downstream Industry Market Dynamics of Short-Grain Rice Seed Industry: Industry News, Development Challenges & Opportunities Proposals for New Project: Market Entry Strategies, Countermeasures of Economic Impact, Marketing Channels, Feasibility Studies of New Project Investment

On the basis of Product Type, Short-Grain Rice Seed market report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into: Type 1; On the basis on the end users/applications, Short-Grain Rice Seed market report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, including: Application 1; For Further Details, Get in Touch with our Experts here Market Effect Factors Analysis: Technology Progress/Risk: Substitutes Threat, Technology Progress in Related Industry. Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change.

Economic/Political Environmental Change. Short-Grain Rice Seed Market Segment by Countries: North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc., South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina), Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia), And More‌ In the end, Short-Grain Rice Seed Market report elaborates Manufacture Analysis using Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price, Cost and Gross Margin Comparative Analysis by major Manufacture. https://factsweek.com/245140/short-grain-rice-seed-market-overview-growth-demand-andforecast-research-report-to-2022/

CM to open harvest festival STAFF REPORTER

KANHANGAD, MARCH 08, 2018 23:05 IST Rice from the fete will feed those attending Vayanattukulavan Theyyam The four-day Vayanattukulavan Theyyam Festival will begin at Kanhangad on May 3.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate a harvest festival at the Thulichery paddy fields here organised in connection with the event on March 11.

The rice from the paddy fields will be used to feed the faithful attending the Theyyam festival organised by the Kottachery Pattarakanni Raashi Devasthanam, organising committee chairman K. Venurajan Nambiar told the media here.

The committee had sought assistance of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agriculture Department, and the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) to ensure the availability of vegetables and other items to feed the faithful expected to turn up for the event.

Interestingly, paddy cultivation was taken up on the 22-acre Thulichery paddy fields that had been left fallow for over 22 years.

The committee anticipates a harvest of 40 quintals of paddy, which is expected to yield 20 quintals of rice. The organisers are hopeful of selling the surplus 10 quintals rice after meeting the requirements of the festival.

Buoyed by the guidance and financial support of ₹3 lakh offered by the Agriculture Department and the CPCRI, the committee, under the aegis of the devasthanam, has decided to cultivate the paddy field, owned by 22 individuals, every year Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar inaugurated the sowing of the field on November 6 last year. Hybrid ―Shreya‖ rice variety developed by the Moncompu Rice Research Station was used in the cultivation.

CPCRI Director P. Chowdappa, Kanhangad municipal chairman V.V. Rameshan, and Ajanur grama panchayat president P. Damodaran will attend the harvest festival, which will be presided over by Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/cm-to-open-harvestfestival/article22986988.ece

Basmati Rice market Research Report Released with growth, latest trends & forecasts till 2022 March 8, 2018

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

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/basmati-rice-market-report-by-company-regions-typesand-applications-global-status-and-forecast-to-2025/266744 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

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

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

Mazor countries have a very crucial role in the global market and the latest report for Basmati Rice Market study the status of development and future trends in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia. The report also splits the products by applications and by type to deeply and fully research and disclose the market situation and future prediction. https://tokenfolks.com/basmati-rice-market-research-report-released-with-growth-latesttrends-forecasts-till-2022/35335/

CERN, Largest Super-Collider, Suffering Massive Explosion Is Fake News Shawn Rice — March 8, 2018 CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, suffering a massive explosion is fake news. There is no truth to a report that a large explosion occurred at one of the world‘s largest and most respected centres for scientific research. CERN‘s business is fundamental physics in that their research looks to find out what the Universe is made of and how it works.

Where did the fake news originate? SomeonesBones published the fake news article on March 6, 2018, reporting that CERN suffered a massive explosion. You can read the fake news below.

Last Tuesday, an experiment gone awry killed three scientists and caused catastrophic damage to the planet‘s largest super-collider, known as project CERN, a nefarious coalition of politically controlled scientists eager to subvert scientific achievements in the name of furthering ominous ventures that threaten humanity.

Dr. Ravi Mutnaj, a New Delhi based physicist formerly attached to CERN, said the incident occurred when scientists tried to enhance the collider‘s magnetic coils by adding an additional eighteen hundred super magnets to the existing ninety-six hundred. The combined pull of the magnets, in conjunction with nine thousand filaments of magnetized cable, generate a force over 100,000 times more powerful than the gravitational pull of Earth. Dr. Mutnaj said the accident occurred as the scientists attempted to create an interdiminsial gateway–or portal–to a parallel universe. As protons fired across a seventeen-mile circular track six hundred feet beneath the ground, he said, temperatures rose to unprecedented levels, which caused a cascading system

failure and a detonation that instantly obliterated a five mile stretch of the track and incinerated the trio of scientists working on the project.

However, there is no truth to the above story. For one thing, there has been on legitimate news coverage of such an explosion occurring at CERN. You will also not find any mention of this alleged explosion in any recent press releases from CERN or on its Twitter account.

Maarten Schenk of Lead Stories noted the following inaccuracies with the above story. His research explained that the fake news gets wrong the fact that there is no ―project CERN.‖ While operating the largest particle collider in the world, CERN‘s collider is known as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The LHC first started up on Sept. 10, 2008, and remains the latest addition to CERN‘s accelerator complex. The LHC consists of a 27-kilometer ring of superconducting magnets with a number of accelerating structures to boost the energy of the particles along the way.

Lead Stories found an error in the story‘s mention of the LHC being 600 feet when in fact the collider sits between 150 to 450 feet underground. Finally, Lead Stories noted how it is suspicious that there is a lack of reference to ―Dr. Ravi Mutnaj‖ in a search on Google Scholar for his name.

Recently, CERN announced that a project called PUMA (antiProton Unstable Matter Annihilation) aims to transport antimatter from one CERN facility to another in order to investigate exotic nuclear phenomena. Antimatter vanishes instantly when it meets matter.

Nonetheless, people were still fooled by this fake news and shared it on social media to further help spread the confusion. Here are some examples of people sharing the fake news on social media. https://www.business2community.com/world-news/cern-largest-super-collider-suffering-massive-explosionfake-news-02027657https://www.business2community.com/world-news/cern-largest-super-collider-sufferingmassive-explosion-fake-news-02027657

JICA, DOTR to beef up PH capacity on railway management March 8, 2018, 10:00 PM

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade (left) and JICA Senior Representative Tetsuya Yamada show the signed Record of Discussion for a technical cooperation project to beef up the country‘s human resources capacity on railway management.The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Transportation (DOTR) are teaming up to build a Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) as part of the Philippine government‘s move to beef up the country‘s human resources capacity on railway management.

This developed as JICA and DOTR signed the Record of Discussion (RD) for a new technical cooperation project.

The project will begin April, 2018 until March, 2023 and includes capacity building and dispatch of 26 experts from Japan.

The PRI, once established will be the country‘s first professional body that will handle human resource development, and research on the country‘s expanding railway systems, a component of the Build, Build, Build agenda that aims to sustain the Philippines‘ economic growth. ―JICA welcomes the opportunity to assist the Philippines in promoting seamless mobility and sustainable development that will benefit many Filipinos. Through this project with DOTR, Japanese experts can help train personnel and develop curriculum on railway operations and management,‖ said JICA Senior Representative Tetsuya Yamada.

The PRI project will be located in the depot of the Metro Manila Subway Project in Valenzuela City.

Under the project, DOTR will be working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), railway operators, and Japanese experts in developing curriculum and training trainers for the institute.

Already, a high level Philippine delegation led by the transport chief visited the Tokyo Metro‘s training center in Japan. Said facility is one of the most sophisticated human resource development centers for Japan‘s railway sector.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Metro Manila Subway, another JICA-assisted transport infrastructure project, last year as part of the government‘s investments in transport infrastructure. Also, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Peter Cayetano signed the Exchange of Notes on the project in the presence of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Duterte as part of the two countries‘ bilateral agreement in the ASEAN Summit in Manila last November.

JICA is also assisting the Philippines for its new elevated railway connecting Malolos, Bulacan, and Tutuban, Manila under the US$2B North-South Commuter Railway Project, the first biggest Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan given by Japan to a partner nation.

This is not the first time that JICA is assisting the Philippines‘ institutional capacity. Since the 1960s, JICA has helped train personnel and build centers including the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Maritime Polytechnic Training Center, UP Information Technology Development Center, and National Center for Transportation Studies among others. https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/03/08/jica-dotr-to-beef-up-ph-capacity-on-railwaymanagement/

New Report Provides 2011-2018 Overview of Global Rice Market March 8, 2018

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

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/globalrice-market-research-report-2018/267062 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

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

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On product basis, each report shows the revenue (in USD), sales volume (K units), market share, product price (in USD per unit), and rate of growth of each kind. They are primarily divided into If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.,and.

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at:: https://questale.com/report/global-ricemarket-research-report-2018/267062 About Questale Questale is one of the leading agencies in the world to offer market research reports using globally acknowledged methodologies and innovative tech tools. It is known for providing some of the best-selling reports across an extensive range of industries, including aerospace & defense,

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Rice Cookers Market Research, Growth Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts Report 2022 March 8, 2018 - by akshay.j

Rice Cookers Market report provides Emerging Market trends, Manufacturer Share, Market Segmentation, regional outlook and comprehensive analysis on different market segments. The Rice Cookers Market provides detailed analysis of Rice Cookers Market Overview, Segmentation by Types, Potential Applications and Production Analysis.

Rice Cookers market report focusses on global and regional market, providing information on major players like manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, traders, customers, investors and etc., major types, major applications and etc. Data type include capacity, production, market share, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, growth rate, consumption, import, export and etc.

Industry chain, manufacturing process, cost structure, marketing channel are also analyzed in this report.

Request for Sample Report of Rice Cookers Market @ http://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/request-sample/11023304 Global Rice Cookers market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Rice Cookers sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD), Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data, Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top playersincluding: Midea Tiger ZOJIRUSHI Toshiba Matsushita Mitsubishi Sanyo Philips

LG

On the basis of product type, Rice Cookers market report displays the production, revenue, price, Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) and growth rate of each type (2012-2022), primarily split into: Electric Rice Cookers Gas Rice Cookers

On the basis on the end users/applications, Rice Cookers market report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, including: Major applications are as follows: Household Commercial

Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions covering: Europe, North America, China, Japan, Southeast Asia Inquire for further detailed information about Rice Cookers industry @https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11023304 Major Highlights of Rice Cookers Market report: Market Overview., Market shares and strategies of key players, Manufacturing Analysis of Rice Cookers, Sales Market Forecast, New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis, In-depth market segmentation Finally, Rice Cookers Market report is the believable source for gaining the market research that will exponentially accelerate your business. This research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications. Rice Cookers Industry report gives the principle local, economic situations with the item value, benefit, limit, generation, supply, request and market development rate and figure and so on.

Rice Cookers industry report additionally Present new task SWOT examination, speculation attainability, and venture return. https://thefinancialconsulting.com/rice-cookers-market-research-growth-opportunitiesanalysis-and-forecasts-report-2022/249570/

New Report Provides 2011-2018 Overview of Global Basmati Rice Market March 8, 2018

Kyle Hill

Questale has just released a comprehensive market research report for Global Basmati Rice Market. This report focuses on top players in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering KRBL Limited, Amira Nature Foodsand LT Foods. ―This report is a professional account, which gives thorough knowledge along with complete details pertaining to Global Basmati Rice Market. The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Basmati Rice Market and its revenue generation.

Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment., it contains diverse profiles of key market players such as KRBL Limited, Amira Nature Foodsand LT Foods.‖ – said a Spokesperson with Questale.

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/globalbasmati-rice-market-research-report-2018/267053 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

This research report for Global Basmati Rice Market explore different topics such as product scope, product market by end users or application, product market by region, market size for the specific product, sales and revenue by region, manufacturing cost analysis, Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Market Effect Factors Analysis, market size

forecast, and more. The research gives a forecast for the Global Basmati Rice industry till the year 2022.

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

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

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

On product basis, each report shows the revenue (in USD), sales volume (K units), market share, product price (in USD per unit), and rate of growth of each kind. They are primarily divided into If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.,and. https://tokenfolks.com/new-report-provides-2011-2018-overview-of-global-basmati-ricemarket/

Global Basmati Rice Market 2018 Industry Growth, Size, Trends, Share, Opportunities and Forecast to 2025 MarketResearchNest.com adds ―Basmati Rice Market Report by Company, Regions, Types and Applications, Global Status and Forecast to 2025‖new report to its research database. The report spread across 146 pages with multiple tables and figures in it.

Global Basmati Rice Market Research Report 2018 to 2023 presents an in-depth assessment of the Basmati Rice Market including enabling technologies, key trends, market drivers, challenges, standardization, regulatory landscape, deployment models, operator case studies, opportunities, future roadmap, value chain, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents forecasts for Basmati Rice Market investments from 2018 till 2023.

This report studies the Basmati Rice development status and future trend in Global, focuses on top players in Global, also splits Basmati Rice by type and by applications, to fully and deeply research and reveal the market general situation and future forecast.

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This study answers several questions for stakeholders, primarily which market segments they should focus upon during the next five years to prioritize their efforts and investments. These stakeholders include Basmati Rice Market Manufacturers such as: KRBL Limited, Amira Nature Foods, LT Foods, Best Foods, Kohinoor Rice, Aeroplane Rice, Tilda Basmati Rice, Matco Foods, Amar Singh Chawal Wala, Hanuman Rice Mills, Adani Wilmar, HAS Rice Pakistan, Galaxy Rice Mill, Dunar Foods, Sungold

Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Basmati Rice in these regions, from 2018 to 2023 (forecast), covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam)) South America (Brazil etc.)

Middle East and Africa (North Africa and GCC Countries

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The Basmati Rice Market displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily Split into; 1.

2.

3.

4.

Indian Basmati Rice Pakistani Basmati Rice Kenya Basmati Rice Other

And On the Basis Of Application, the Global Basmati Rice Market is segmented into: 1. Direct Edible 2. Deep Processing Key Reasons to Purchase:

1. To gain insightful analyses of the market and have comprehensive understanding of the Global Basmati Rice market and its commercial landscape 2. Assess the Basmati Rice production processes, major issues, and solutions to mitigate the development risk.

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4. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by leading respective organizations.

5. To understand the future outlook and prospects for Basmati Rice market

Key Questions Answered in This Report?

1. How has the Basmati Rice market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

2. What are the key regional markets in the Global Basmati Rice industry?

3. What are the key end-use industries for Basmati Rice?

4. How has the Basmati Rice market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

5. What are the key regional markets in the Global Basmati Rice industry?

6. What are the key end-use industries for Basmati Rice?

7. What are the price trends of Basmati Rice?

8. What are the various stages in the value chain of the Basmati Rice industry?

9. What are the key driving factors and challenges in the Basmati Rice industry?

10. What is the structure of the Basmati Rice industry and who are the key players?

11. What is the degree of competition in the Basmati Rice industry?

12. What are the profit margins in the Basmati Rice industry?

13. What are the key requirements for setting up an Basmati Rice manufacturing plant?

14. How is Basmati Rice manufactured?

15. What are the various unit operations involved in an Basmati Rice plant?

16. What is the total size of land required for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

17. What are the machinery requirements for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

18. What are the raw material requirements for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

19. What are the packaging requirements for Basmati Rice?

20. What are the transportation requirements for Basmati Rice?

21. What are the utility requirements for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

22. What are the manpower requirements for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

23. What are the infrastructure costs for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

24. What are the capital costs for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

25. What are the operating costs for setting up an Basmati Rice plant?

26. What will be the income and expenditures for an Basmati Rice plant?

27. What is the time required to break-even?

Table of Contents

1.1 Basmati Rice Product Overview 1.2 Basmati Rice Market Segment by Type

1.2.1 Indian Basmati Rice 1.2.2 Pakistani Basmati Rice 1.2.3 Kenya Basmati Rice 1.2.4 Other 1.3 Global Basmati Rice Market Size by Type 1.3.1 Global Basmati Rice Sales and Growth by Type 1.3.2 Global Basmati Rice Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018) 1.3.3 Global Basmati Rice Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018) 1.3.4 Global Basmati Rice Price by Type (2013-2018) 1.4 North America Basmati Rice by Type 1.5 Europe Basmati Rice by Type 1.6 Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice by Type 1.7 South America Basmati Rice by Type 1.8 Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice by Type

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https://www.communiqueasia.com/2018/03/08/global-basmati-rice-market-2018-industrygrowth-size-trends-share-opportunities-forecast-2025/

How women weeding Italy's rice fields took on fascism and became heroines of the left

Italian female rice weeders in the 1950s. Photo: public domain, Bramfab via Wikipedia.

8 March 2018 09:28 CET+01:00

Rarely remembered today, the women who once toiled in Italy's rice fields tell a remarkable story of agitation and activism, writes sociology and modern languages specialist Flora Derounian.

In an era before the dawn of pesticides and mechanisation, an all-female workforce was employed to ―disinfect‖ and harvest Italy‘s rice crops. These Italian rice weeders may be a thing of the past, but they have a remarkable political legacy.

Italy was, and remains, Europe‘s largest rice producer. The rice weeders, known in Italian as ―mondine‖, could be found knee-deep in flooded fields from May until July, across Italy‘s ―rice belt‖ which spans the northern regions of Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and the Veneto. In my ongoing research, I study oral histories of rice weeders who worked between 1940 and 1965, collected from several interview projects and documentaries.

Idyllic though the glassy mirrors of the flooded rice fields may seem now, the paddies often resounded with the sound of weeders‘ protest songs. To avoid punishment for talking during working hours, weeders developed an incredible repertoire of polyphonic call-and-response songs, often lamenting miserable working conditions or exploitative employers.

As one Italian senator put it in 1953, the labour of rice weeders deserved its own circle of hell in Dante‘s inferno. Apart from eight-hour days under the beating sun, rice weeders were tormented by malaria-carrying mosquitoes and malnourishment, and suffered much higher miscarriage rates than other women workers.

When the actress Silvana Mangano was shown how to imitate the rice weeders‘ labour for her role in cult left-wing film Bitter Rice in 1949, she reportedly said: ―Like this, for eight hours? I wouldn‘t do this work even for a million a day!‖ A number of the women in the interviews I‘m studying met with Mangano in 1948 as extras on the set of the movie.

Knee-deep in protest It is perhaps because of these exploitative conditions that collective and political activism thrived in the rice fields. From the 1900s, rice weeders joined up in their droves to left-wing organisations such as the Italian communist and socialist parties, but also to the Unione donne italiane (the Italian Women‘s Union) and working class institutions such as the Case del popolo (People‘s Houses) and cooperatives.

Under Italian fascism, between 1922 and 1943, other left-wing groups were forced underground.

But the rice weeders won important concessions from the fascist government through strikes and protest. These concessions included paid travel, and improved provisions for food and shelter.

During the Nazi occupation of Italy, many rice weeders deserted the rice fields, and in 1944 refused to work for their oppressors. Some did not return to work until the fall of fascism.

The rice weeders were also active in Italy‘s liberation from the Nazis. Many interviewees were part of the Italian Resistance. Some recalled hiding partisans in their homes, or acting as couriers between battalions.

Tragically, as with women‘s wider participation in the liberation of Italy from the Nazis and fascists, the weeders‘ contributions to the war have often gone unrecognised. One interviewee who was a rice weeder and member of the resistance recalled how after the war her husband was given an award for his role as a partisan. When she too was offered an award, her husband intervened, saying ―one in the house is enough‖.

Sisters of Togliatti The weeders also protested against their replacement by agricultural machinery. One rice weeder who worked in Filo, Bologna during World War II, recounted in an interview: We went up against the combine harvesters, together on the land … and we stopped them. My husband told me ‘One of these days they won’t stop’. I replied, ‘I would happily die for my work’.

The weeders‘ role was definitively replaced by pesticides and mechanisation in the 1960s.

In the interviews I‘m studying, the women made frequent references to left-wing figures, such as Italian communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, who they sung about as a ―workers‘ champion‖.

Others declared themselves to be the ―sisters of Togliatti‖. One woman, who lived in Medicina, recounted: We felt that the fight for liberation was, yes, a fight against the Germans and the fascists, but also a great source of hope for us peasants, who were so exploited and poor.

Heroines and martyrs Today, Italy‘s rice weeders have gained a cult following for their songs and their dress. Choirs now perform the weeders‘ songs at festivals in Italy and abroad, sometimes in incongruous collaborations with young rock bands.

A trailer for the film Bitter Rice.

The success of the film Bitter Rice catapulted the weeders into the public consciousness because of how they dressed. Previously, the weeders had worn long skirts in the fields, but in the film Mangano wore shorts and ripped stockings. The weeders subsequently adopted this style, and it became their most remembered – and reproduced – characteristic.

The weeders are also remembered for the assassination of Maria Margotti, who was shot by a member of the police during an agricultural protest in May 1949. Her death was used by the Italian left as evidence of the state‘s repression and abuse of the working classes. Elements of the Italian communist party used Margotti‘s death to encourage popular resistance to the Christian Democrat government.

Because of the weeders‘ reputation for left-wing support, it was convenient for the Italian left to portray Margotti as a weeder. However, my ongoing research shows that Margotti was not, in fact, a contracted rice weeder, but worked at the local brickyard. After Margotti‘s death, the ANPI, the National Association of Italian Partisans for ex-resistance members, offered to care for her children. Her daughters subsequently received intense media exposure, and she continues to be used as a martyr for left-wing causes.

The rice weeders‘ activism and agitation was remarkable. Yet, my research has revealed that over time their memory has been in turn silenced, sexualised, or – as Margotti‘s case shows – used for political ends.

India rice rates up on steady demand; stronger baht props up Thai rates Arpan Varghese

BENGALURU (Reuters) - Rice prices rose in top exporter India this week on healthy demand amid lower supplies, while gains in the local currency and prospects of a deal with the Philippines pushed up rates for the staple grain in Thailand.

A woman spreads paddy crop for drying at a rice mill on the occasion of International Women's Day, on the outskirts of Agartala, March 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jayanta Dey/Files

India‘s 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by $3 per tonne to $422-$426, the second straight week of gains. ―Inquiries are rising from African countries. Asian buyers are also showing interest,‖ said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

Supplies are falling, forcing exporters to quote higher prices, said another exporter also based in Kakinada.

India‘s non basmati rice exports during April-December jumped 39.5 percent from a year ago as Bangladesh and Benin raised purchases.

Meanwhile, demand for the grain from Bangladesh, which has emerged as a major rice importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, would stay strong for the next few months, given the high domestic rates, an official with the food ministry in Bangladesh said on Thursday.

In Thailand, benchmark 5 percent broken rice rates climbed to $408-$410 per tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, from $395-$400 last week, amid a stronger baht and hopes of a prospective deal with the Philippines.

Speculation is rife that the Philippines will hold an auction later this month to import 250,000 tonnes and many Thai exporters are interested in this deal, a trader said. ―The fluctuation in prices at the moment depends on the currency exchange rate only because there‘s no actual demand,‖ a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

The baht was on track for its second straight week of gains. [EMRG/FRX] A stronger baht translates to higher export prices in U.S. dollars.

―Many exporters have (also) been buying rice now because of low prices recently,‖ the trader added.

Prices rose in Vietnam as well, with rates for its 5 percent broken variety gaining to $418-$425 a tonne from $410-$415 a week earlier as farmers pinned their hopes on new government-to-government deals, even though shipments out of the country were falling. ―We are having difficulty clinching new deals with buyers, as Vietnamese prices are relatively higher now,‖ said a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader, adding buyers were seeking $405-$408. Vietnam exported 339,706 tonnes of rice in February, down 31 percent from January, but exports in the first two months 2018 rose 13.2 percent from a year earlier to 831,504 tonnes, customs data showed.The country could export 6.5 million tonnes of rice in 2018, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Sunday. https://in.reuters.com/article/asia-rice/india-rice-rates-up-on-steady-demand-stronger-baht-props-up-thairates-idINKCN1GK1K2

Rice exporters demand industry status March 08, 2018 Our Staff Reporter

LAHORE - The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has asked the government to declare the rice sector as an industry and provide it all incentives in line with other five zero rated export sectors.

This was expressed by the speakers of at a dinner reception held in honour of Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana organized by the rice exporters here at a local hotel.

The reception was also addressed by the REAP chairman Samee Ullah Naeem, UBG chairman Iftikhar Malik, LCCI former president, REAP former chairman Shehzad Ali Malik, Pir Nazim Hussain and members of the Association.

Samee Ullah said that government's support and investment in holding foreign exhibitions should be made a policy to brand Pakistani basmati ricethe world over.

He said that Pakistan's share in overall basmati export has gradually decreased compared to India, mainly due to the bigger crop size in the neighboring country, and government support to farmers to keep growing the variety while focusing on crop yield with subsidized inputs.

Samee Ullah said that India is more organized, while in Pakistan individual millers try but remain inconsistent either due to lower international prices, product quality and lack of support from the government to establish brand image.

He believed that a diverse product range, including the export of rice , would help Pakistan tap international markets and increase its foreign exchange earnings.

Rajwana congratulated the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan for organizing a prestigious Award Ceremony recently in Dubai to promote riceexports.He said that Pakistani rice has been exported to more than 100 countries of the world, expressing the hope that this trend will continue with the same zeal in future.

He assured REAP team of his support for the betterment of rice industry of Pakistan.

Iftikhar Malik said that demand for Pakistani rice has increased due to its special fragrance, colour and quality across the world.

He called for consistency in research and development work in agricultural sector besides raising investment in research to achieve food security in future.

He said that public-private sector should join hands for increasing investment in agriculture research.

He said that adding value to the farm produce is crucial for increasing farmers' income and establishing agri-related industries in the rural areas will not only provide employment but also help in minimizing migration to cities. https://nation.com.pk/08-Mar-2018/rice-exporters-demand-industry-status

Rice exports forecast to hit 4 million tonnes in two years THIHA KO KO 08 MAR 2018

Myanmar farmer ploughs the land with a machine plougher to grow rice at a field. Photo - EPA

Myanmar rice exports are forecast to hit 4 million tonnes by the 2020-21 fiscal year, according to estimates provided by the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) at the Myanmar Rice Federation Stakeholder Forum 2018 in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday.

At those levels, revenues from the export of rice could reach $1.5 billion within the two – year period.

Myanmar exported around 3 million tonnes of rice worth $900 million during the 11 months between April 2017 and February of the current 2017-18 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. That‘s the highest level of rice exports for Myanmar in 70 years.

The country is forecast to export around the same volume of rice in 2018-19, but expects to draw over $1 billion in revenues as local rice quality improves, according to the MRF. As production methods improve, the country is expected to export around 3.5 million tonnes of rice worth $1.2 billion in 2019-20.

Myanmar produces 13 million -14 million tonnes of rice every year. Around 10 million tonnes is consumed locally. That‘s K5 trillion worth of local consumption during the 11 months to February 28 of the current fiscal year, according to the MRF. Myanmar rice is mainly exported to China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, western Africa and parts of Europe. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/rice-exports-forecast-hit-4-million-tonnes-two-years.html

Thai jasmine rice harvest set for first decline in a decade

Prices of premium agricultural export surge, helped by strong baht APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand's production of premium rice has fallen this year for the first time since the country began growing the crop more extensively a decade ago in an effort to shift agriculture to more value-added export products.

Premium-grade white rice -- a long-grain, fragrant variety called hom mali, or jasmine rice -- is normally sold to upscale restaurants in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as some Thai restaurants in Europe.

The drop is due to both unfavorable weather and a U-turn in government policy. It will have an impact on overall rice exports for 2018 at a time when these are already challenged by the baht's strength against the dollar.

Total output of premium Thai rice is expected to fall by 40% to around 4 million tons from 6.1 million tons (in paddy base) in 2017, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. The association normally makes a fairly precise projection of the annual output based on surveys of farmers and the rice industry each March.

The reduced outlook has pushed up the price to $1,150 a ton this week, a more than 50% increase from $750 a ton last year.

The initial target for this year was around 5 million tons. Farmers normally start sowing in May, near the time of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok at the start of the rainy season. Harvesting starts in October or November.

Production of premium rice rose until 2016, when it reached 6.1 million tons, and remained little changed in 2017.

The reduced output of premium rice and higher prices could result in a bigger overall drop in Thailand's rice exports this year. Jasmine rice accounts for 30% to 40% of total annual exports of between 8 million tons and 10 million tons, in milled base.

Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said Thailand faces "fierce competition" at a time when the strong baht has pushed Thai offer prices to uncompetitive levels. Major competitors include India and Vietnam.

Charoen blamed the reduced output on excessive rains during the harvesting period that reduced yields. https://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Commodities/Thai-jasmine-rice-harvest-set-for-first-decline-in-adecadehttps://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Commodities/Thai-jasmine-rice-harvest-set-for-first-decline-in-adecade

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- March 07, 2018 Reuters Staff Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-March 7, 2018 Nagpur, Mar 7 (Reuters) – Gram and tuar prices recovered in Nagpur Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) on good seasonal demand from local millers amid weak supply from producing regions. Upward trend on NCDEX, fresh rise in Madhya Pradesh pulses and reported demand from South-based millers also helped to push up prices.

About 1,800 bags of gram and 700 bags of tuar reported for auction in Nagpur APMC, according to sources.

FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor.

TUAR * Tuar gavarani and tuar Karnataka reported higher in open market on good demand from local traders. * Wheat mill quality firmed up in open market here on increased buying support from local traders.

* In Akola, Tuar New – 3,900-4,100, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean) – 7,200-8,000, Moong Mogar (clean) 7,000-7,400, Gram – 3,700-3,900, Gram Super best – 5,400-5,800 * Other varieties of wheat, rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in weak trading activity.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close Gram Auction 3,300-3,800 3,200-3,650 Gram Pink Auction n.a.

2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 3,400-4,075 3,350-4,075 Moong Auction n.a.

3,900-4,200 Udid Auction n.a.

4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a.

2,600-2,800 Wheat Mill quality Auction 1,680-1,752 1,680-1,760 Gram Super Best Bold 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000 Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.

Gram Medium Best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400 Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,000 3,900-4,050 Desi gram Raw 3,850-3,950 3,800-3,900 Gram Kabuli 12,500-13,100 12,500-13,100 Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800 Tuar Fataka Medium-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400 Tuar Dal Best Phod-New 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Tuar Dal Medium phod-New 5,600-5,900 5,600-5,900 Tuar Gavarani New 4,400-4,500 4,350-4,450 Tuar Karnataka 4,600-4,800 4,550-4,750 Masoor dal best 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000 Masoor dal medium 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700 Masoor n.a. n.a.

Moong Mogar bold (New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000 Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000 Moong dal Chilka 5,700-6,700 5,700-6,700 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.

Moong Chamki best 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000 Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 7,800-8,500 7,800-8,500 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,500 5,900-6,500 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,100 5,900-6,100 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,800-5,300 4,800-5,300 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,650-2,750 2,600-2,700

Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,500 3,400-3,500 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,300 4,200-4,300 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,100 2,000-2,100 Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,850-1,950 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,350-2,450 2,350-2,450 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,200 2,100-2,200 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,200-4,000 3,200-4,000 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,800 2,400-2,800 Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,400 3,000-3,400 Rice BPT new (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700 Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800 Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,800 4,200-4,800 Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,200 3,600-4,200 Rice HMT new (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600 Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,500 4,900-5,500 Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG) 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Rice Shriram new (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500 Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 6,100-6,500 6,100-6,500 Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) 5,500-5,900 5,500-5,900 Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 35.4 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 17.2 degree Celsius Rainfall : Nil FORECAST: Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 35 and 17 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices) www.Reuters.com

Consumer confidence takes a turn for the worse  

9 Mar 2018 NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

The prices for rice and other commodities are rising, a major reason for the first drop in consumer confidence in seven months. (File photo).Consumer confidence dropped for the first time in seven months in February, as people were worried about low commodity prices, the baht's strength, the political situation and wage rises.

According to the latest survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), February's consumer confidence index stood at 79.3, down from 80 in January, which was a three-year high.

"In February, people were concerned about farm commodity prices, particularly for rice, rubber, tapioca and maize," said Thanavath Phonvichai, vice-president for research at the UTCC. "Some people also thought a minimum wage hike could slow economic growth. With higher costs, companies might seek to replace workers with technology, resulting in job losses."

Mr Thanavath said falling consumer confidence also shows Thailand's economic growth remains uneven, failing to help certain sectors. For instance, higher rice prices are benefiting only millers, not farmers, he said.

More importantly, people were worried about political stability after the military government postponed the sought-after general election to February next year.

"The fall is a bit surprising given the emergence of positive factors such as export growth and rising economic figures," said Mr Thanavath.

"Most consumers felt their income had yet to cover the higher costs of living, while government funds were not yet distributed to low-income people, with only some business segments benefiting."

The Commerce Ministry reported last month the country's customs-cleared exports rose 17.6% year-on-year in January to US$20.1 billion, the highest increase in 62 months.

The export surge was led by cars and parts, computers and parts, rubber products, plastic pellets, chemicals, finished oil, electrical circuits, machinery and parts, and steel and steel products.

Imports in January surged 24.3% from a year earlier to $20.2 billion (631 billion baht), resulting in a trade deficit of $119 million in January.

The Commerce Ministry said demand from key markets remained strong, while the baht's strength had scant impact on shipments.

Exports rose to all major markets, especially South Asia, where shipments surged 26.1% yearon-year last month.

Also seeing strong growth were exports to Japan (up 26.3%), the US (11.3%), the EU (8.9%), Asean (14.3%) and Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (18.4%).

Shipments to Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States also grew.

Exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products rose for the 15th straight month in January, up 16.2% year-on-year to $2.86 billion, led by rice, tapioca products, sugar, frozen poultry, and frozen and canned seafood.

The government's planning unit forecast Thailand's exports would grow 6.8% this year against 9.7% growth in 2017 and a marginal 0.1% increase in 2016.

This year's private consumption is forecast to grow on par with last year's rate of 3.2%, up from 3% in 2016.

The state planning agency predicts Thailand's economic growth in a range of 3.6-4.6% this year, compared with 3.9% in 2017 and 3.3% in 2016.

"Spending could improve in the second half, if there is a more broad-based economic recovery in the second quarter and consumers have more confidence in the political situation," said Mr Thanavath.

Abbasi directs speedy finalisation of GI law Mubarak Zeb KhanUpdated March 09, 2018 ISLAMABAD: International brands continue selling Pakistan-origin goods due to nonfinalisation of Geographical Indication (GI) Law that aims to protect commercial heritage of the country‘s products including Basmati rice and Ajrak.The law is pending for the last 17 years due

to differences between large lobbies leading to failure of market place regulation.However, the Federal Cabinet in its meeting held early this week has authorised the Commerce Division to initiate legislation on the GI Law.A senior officer in the Commerce Division told Dawn that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi had directed the officials to speed up the process to finalise the draft law.

The draft law will again be submitted to the cabinet for approval before being presented to the parliament. ―We will send the draft to the Law Division for vetting,‖ the official added. The GI Law can protect various products including Hunza apricots, Charsadda/Peshawari chappal, Multani halwa, Sindhi Ajrak, Sargodha‘s kinno, Kasuri methi, Sindhri mango, Dir knives, Swat wild mushrooms, Nili-Ravi buffalo, Chaman grapes, Pashmina shawls, etc.

The delay in the legislation is costing heavily to the exchequer because of the unintended theft of intellectual prosperity in GI‘s belonging to Pakistan.

For example, Morocan Ajrak skirts were sold by international retailer H&M earlier this year.

Dolce & Gabbana introduced food processors bearing the funky Pakistani truck art while Paul Smith launched Peshawari chappal.

A draft law was already written in consultation with all stakeholders but was placed on the back burner for the past one year.

The Commerce Division has been working on the GI Law since 2000. The draft has been vetted many times by the authorities concerned, but no action has been taken so far.As per the proposed law, the term of registration of an authorised user of a geographical indication will be for a period of 10 years from the date of filing of application for registration. This exclusive right over the use of GI will be extendable for another 10 years.

GI is an intellectual property right (IPR) which gives the right to a person over the creation of their minds for a certain period of time. Member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) need to give protection to GIs under Article 22-24 of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) agreement.

Unless Pakistan provides GI protection, it cannot obtain the same for its own goods in other countries that have the GI Law.The GI Law covers a wide variety of products that include industrial, agricultural, horticultural and others. In the absence of the GI Law, Pakistan cannot claim exclusive GI of Basmati rice.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2018 https://www.dawn.com/news/1394101/abbasi-directs-speedy-finalisation-of-gi-law

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- March 09, 2018 Reuters Staff Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-March 9, 2018 Nagpur, Mar 8 (Reuters) – Gram and tuar prices firmed up again in Nagpur Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) on good demand from local millers amid high moisture content arrival.

Easy condition in Madhya Pradesh gram prices and release of stock from stockists also pushed down prices.

About 1,000 bags of gram and 1,200 bags of tuar reported for auction in Nagpur APMC, according to sources.

FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor.

TUAR * Tuar gavarani reported down in open market on lack of demand from local traders. * Batri dal showed weak tendency in open market here on poor demand from local traders. * In Akola, Tuar New – 3,900-4,100, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean) – 7,200-8,000, Moong Mogar (clean) 7,000-7,400, Gram – 3,700-3,900, Gram Super best – 5,400-5,800

* Wheat, rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in weak trading activity.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close Gram Auction 3,250-3,560 3,200-3,500 Gram Pink Auction n.a.

2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 3,500-4,010 3,400-4,100 Moong Auction n.a.

3,900-4,200 Udid Auction n.a.

4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a.

2,600-2,800 Wheat Mill quality Auction 1,700-1,786 1,680-1,750 Gram Super Best Bold 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000 Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.

Gram Medium Best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400 Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,000 3,900-4,050 Desi gram Raw 3,800-3,900 3,800-3,900 Gram Kabuli 12,500-13,100 12,500-13,100 Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800 Tuar Fataka Medium-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400 Tuar Dal Best Phod-New 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Tuar Dal Medium phod-New 5,600-5,900 5,600-5,900 Tuar Gavarani New 4,350-4,450 4,400-4,500 Tuar Karnataka 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Masoor dal best 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000 Masoor dal medium 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700 Masoor n.a. n.a.

Moong Mogar bold (New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000 Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000 Moong dal Chilka 5,700-6,700 5,700-6,700 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.

Moong Chamki best 7,400-7,900 7,400-7,900 Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 7,800-8,500 7,800-8,500 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,500 5,900-6,500 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,100 5,900-6,100 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,700-5,200 4,800-5,300 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,650-2,750 2,600-2,700 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,500 3,400-3,500 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,300 4,200-4,300 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,100 2,000-2,100

Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,000 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,350-2,450 2,350-2,450 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,200 2,100-2,200 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,200-4,000 3,200-4,000 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,800 2,400-2,800 Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,400 3,000-3,400 Rice BPT new (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700 Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800 Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,800 4,200-4,800 Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,200 3,600-4,200 Rice HMT new (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600 Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,500 4,900-5,500 Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG) 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Rice Shriram new (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500 Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 6,100-6,500 6,100-6,500 Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) 5,500-5,900 5,500-5,900 Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 34.1 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 22.6 degree Celsius Rainfall : Nil FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Possibility of thundery development towards evening.

Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 34 and 23 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices) https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-march-09-2018idINL4N1QR3NK

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- March 08, 2018 Reuters Staff

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-March 8, 2018 Nagpur, Mar 8 (Reuters) – Gram and tuar prices moved down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) on lack of demand from local millers amid high moisture content arrival. Easy condition in Madhya Pradesh gram prices and release of stock from stockists also pushed down prices. About 1,900 bags of gram and 1,250 bags of tuar reported for auction in Nagpur APMC, according to sources.

FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Desi gram raw reported down in open market on poor demand from local traders.

TUAR * Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor. * Moong Chamki showed weak tendency in open market here on poor demand from local traders. * In Akola, Tuar New – 3,900-4,100, Tuar dal (clean) – 6,300-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean) – 7,200-8,000, Moong Mogar (clean) 7,000-7,400, Gram – 3,700-3,900, Gram Super best – 5,400-5,800 * Other varieties of wheat, rice and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in weak trading activity.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close Gram Auction 3,250-3,500 3,300-3,650 Gram Pink Auction n.a.

2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 3,500-4,010 3,500-4,100 Moong Auction n.a.

3,900-4,200 Udid Auction n.a.

4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a.

2,600-2,800 Wheat Mill quality Auction 1,700-1,786 1,680-1,750 Gram Super Best Bold 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000 Gram Super Best n.a. n.a.

Gram Medium Best 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400

Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a Gram Mill Quality 3,900-4,000 3,900-4,050 Desi gram Raw 3,800-3,900 3,800-3,900 Gram Kabuli 12,500-13,100 12,500-13,100 Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,600-6,800 6,600-6,800 Tuar Fataka Medium-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400 Tuar Dal Best Phod-New 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Tuar Dal Medium phod-New 5,600-5,900 5,600-5,900 Tuar Gavarani New 4,400-4,500 4,400-4,500 Tuar Karnataka 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Masoor dal best 4,800-5,000 4,800-5,000 Masoor dal medium 4,500-4,700 4,500-4,700 Masoor n.a. n.a.

Moong Mogar bold (New) 7,500-8,000 7,500-8,000 Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-7,000 6,500-7,000 Moong dal Chilka 5,700-6,700 5,700-6,700 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.

Moong Chamki best 7,400-7,900 7,500-8,000 Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 7,800-8,500 7,800-8,500 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,500 5,900-6,500 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,900-6,100 5,900-6,100 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,800-5,300 4,800-5,300 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,650-2,750 2,600-2,700 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,500 3,400-3,500 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,300 4,200-4,300 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,100 2,000-2,100 Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,000 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,350-2,450 2,350-2,450 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,200 2,100-2,200 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,200-4,000 3,200-4,000 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,800 2,400-2,800 Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,400 3,000-3,400 Rice BPT new (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700 Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800 Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,800 4,200-4,800 Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,200 3,600-4,200 Rice HMT new (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,600 4,200-4,600

Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,500 4,900-5,500 Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG) 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Rice Shriram new (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 9,500-14,000 9,500-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,000-7,500 5,000-7,500 Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 6,100-6,500 6,100-6,500 Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) 5,500-5,900 5,500-5,900 Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 6,000-6,200 6,000-6,200 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,100 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,700-2,000 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 35.6 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 19.9 degree Celsius Rainfall : Nil FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Possibility of thundery development towards evening.

Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 35 and 20 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices)

https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-march-08-2018idINL4N1QQ2YZ

Vietnam invested US$500m in Mozambique during past five year – Envoy Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam, Nguyen Trung says his country has invested about US$500 million in development projects in Mozambique over the last five years.The diplomat said the areas of agriculture and technology are the ones that which received most Vietnamese investment. ―I think we have investment (in Mozambique) of more than US$500 million over a period of five years,‖ Trung told journalists on Wednesday night after bidding farewell to President Filipe Nyusi at the end of his term in the southern African country.

Trung said one of the projects supported by his country in Mozambique was the development of seeds to be used in the large-scale rice production project in Zambezia province. The investment was worth more than US$2 million. According to the diplomat, the project aims to assist university students to focus on rice production. ―They will ensure food security,‖ he said, adding that Vietnam exports rice to Mozambique, and imports cashew nuts. About the technology sector, Trung spoke of Movitel, one of the mobile phone operators in Mozambique, as an example of successful economic cooperation between the

two countries. Movitel, a unit of Vietnam‘s Viettel, is Mozambique‘s third biggest mobile phone operator and has invested over US$120 million during the past five years to build telecommunication infrastructure. https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/vietnam-invested-us500m-in-mozambique-during-past-five-yearenvoy/ Date: 08-Mar-2018

Rice exporters demand industry status LAHORE - The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has asked the government to declare the rice sector as an industry and provide it all incentives in line with other five zero rated export sectors. This was expressed by the speakers of at a dinner reception held in honour of Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana organized by the rice exporters here at a local hotel. The reception was also addressed by the REAP chairman Samee Ullah Naeem, UBG chairman Iftikhar Malik, LCCI former president, REAP former chairman Shehzad Ali Malik, Pir Nazim Hussain and members of the Association.

Samee Ullah said that government's support and investment in holding foreign exhibitions should be made a policy to brand Pakistani basmati rice the world over. He said that Pakistan's share in overall basmati export has gradually decreased compared to India, mainly due to the bigger crop size in the neighboring country, and government support to farmers to keep growing the variety while focusing on crop yield with subsidized inputs. Samee Ullah said that India is more organized, while in Pakistan individual millers try but remain inconsistent either due to lower international prices, product quality and lack of support from the government to establish brand image. He believed that a diverse product range, including the export of rice , would help Pakistan tap international markets and increase its foreign exchange earnings. Rajwana congratulated the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan for organizing a prestigious Award Ceremony recently in Dubai to promote rice exports.

He said that Pakistani rice has been exported to more than 100 countries of the world, expressing the hope that this trend will continue with the same zeal in future. He assured REAP team of his support for the betterment of rice industry of Pakistan. Iftikhar Malik said that demand for Pakistani rice has increased due to its special fragrance, colour and quality across the world. He called for consistency in research and development work in agricultural sector besides raising investment in research to achieve food security in future. He said that public-private sector should join hands for increasing investment in agriculture research. He said that adding value to the farm produce is crucial for increasing farmers' income and establishing agri-related industries in the rural areas will not only provide employment but also help in minimizing migration to cities. https://nation.com.pk/08-Mar-2018/rice-exporters-demand-industry-status

Thai jasmine rice harvest set for first decline in a decade Prices of premium agricultural export surge, helped by strong baht APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

Farmer transplanting rice in a field near Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand. Š Reuters BANGKOK -- Thailand's production of premium rice has fallen this year for the first time since the country began growing the crop more extensively a decade ago in an effort to shift agriculture to more value-added export products.

Premium-grade white rice -- a long-grain, fragrant variety called hom mali, or jasmine rice -- is normally sold to upscale restaurants in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as some Thai restaurants in Europe. The drop is due to both unfavorable weather and a U-turn in government policy. It will have an impact on overall rice exports for 2018 at a time when these are already challenged by the baht's strength against the dollar.

Total output of premium Thai rice is expected to fall by 40% to around 4 million tons from 6.1 million tons (in paddy base) in 2017, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. The association normally makes a fairly precise projection of the annual output based on surveys of farmers and the rice industry each March. The reduced outlook has pushed up the price to $1,150 a ton this week, a more than 50% increase from $750 a ton last year. The initial target for this year was around 5 million tons. Farmers normally start sowing in May, near the time of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok at the start of the rainy season. Harvesting starts in October or November. Production of premium rice rose until 2016, when it reached 6.1 million tons, and remained little changed in 2017.

The reduced output of premium rice and higher prices could result in a bigger overall drop in Thailand's rice exports this year. Jasmine rice accounts for 30% to 40% of total annual exports of

between 8 million tons and 10 million tons, in milled base. Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said Thailand faces "fierce competition" at a time when the strong baht has pushed Thai offer prices to uncompetitive levels. Major competitors include India and Vietnam. Charoen blamed the reduced output on excessive rains during the harvesting period that reduced yields.

He said offer prices for premium rice ranged between $1,150 and $1,200 a ton this week -- well above the $800 to $900 for comparable grades from Vietnam and Cambodia. The strong baht has made matters worse. The currency rose over 9% against the dollar last year, and has strengthened by another 3.9% so far in 2018. Lower output was also a consequence of the military government's policy to devote less farmland to rice cultivation. Thailand's overall rice paddy acreage dropped by 10% to 58 million rai this year from more than 65 million rai in the 2011-13 period. (One rai is 1,600 sq. meters.) During that time, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's civilian government encouraged rice farmers to grow as much as they could. Yingluck's cabinet was ousted by the military in 2014, and had introduced a rice-pledging scheme after taking office in 2011. The government offered to buy rice from farmers at well above market prices, strengthening its popularity among the rural poor.

But government stockpiles swelled to a record-high of 18 million tons of milled rice. The military spent two years drawing down stockpiles. The scheme resulted in more than 600 billion baht ($18 billion) in losses. Official policy now encourages farmers to grow more alternate crops, including sugarcane, cassava, and corn. Thailand was world's biggest rice exporter for three decades before the Yingluck government's policy sent prices up, hurting competitiveness.

India took the lead in 2012. Thailand will remain in second place this year, exporting some 10 million tons against India's 12.5 million tons, according to the U.S. department of agriculture.

Vietnam is expected to come third with 6.3 million tons. https://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Commodities/Thai-jasmine-rice-harvest-set-for-first-decline-in-adecade?page=2