September 16,2015

All About Rice News

Daily

Vol 5,Issue XIV

Global Rice E-Newsletter

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News Headlines...

Basmati in free fall, farmers lose sleep

Farmers hail govt agriculture package
No relief for rice exporters in PM relief package: Reap
Farmers divided over agricultural relief
PM announces Rs 341 billion agriculture package
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/16-Sep-2015/pm-announces-rs-341-billionagriculture-package
Pakistan to award $3.2 billion to farmers to bolster agriculture
Kharif foodgrain output seen lower at 124.05 million tonnes
Submerged flood tolerant rice plants survive inundation
Fresh depression scales up monsoon over East, Central India
Gloomy path ahead for Vietnams rice brands
Top Rice Exporter Sees Crop at Two-Decade Low on Water Shortage
India's 2015/16 summer rice output to drop on poor rainfall: Government
PH to buy more rice on top of planned 750,000 T imports
Falling rice prices land UAE traders in soup
Commercial Bank empowers southern rice millers with awareness programme
DOST: Hallmark of a scientist is innovation
Still Importing Rice: Firm Clarifies Denies Beef With Partners
GM crops can address food security challenge
Policy reforms needed to climate-proof agriculture sectorexpert
News shared byUSA Rice Daily
Rice farmers get unexpected support from NASA study
U.S. Rice Industry Rejects Emerging TPP Deal With Japan; Presses For Changes
Syngeta launches fast acting pesticide, tomato hybrids, rice seed varieties
Oasis brings authentic Yemeni cuisine to Tempe
Light option with grains offers departure
Coromandel In Southport: Elegant Contemporary Indian In Southport

News Detail...

Basmati in free fall, farmers lose sleep

State govt mulls withdrawal of 7 per cent tax, exporters seek bailout package
This year, PUSA 1121 is getting Rs 2,000 per quintal for farmers and the recently introduced
basmati variety PUSA 1509 is fetching the growers just Rs 950 to Rs 1,200 per quintal The price
of non-basmati paddy is fetching growers Rs 1,450 per quintalThe reason for low basmati prices
in India is that prices in the export market have fallen drastically from $1,800 three years ago
to $650-$700 nowThis is because exporters have been selling their basmati on direct advance to
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West Asian buyers and now their payments are stuck, mostly in IranIn the wake of this and fall
in basmati exports, the prices in local markets have taken a beating
Ruchika M Khanna
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 16
Prices of new varieties of basmati PUSA 1121 and PUSA 1509 have had a free fall,
sending the farmers and state Agriculture Department in a tizzy.With the price falling much
below the price of non-basmati varieties, the state government is likely to enter the market to
salvage the basmati growers by offering to withdraw certain taxes.This year, PUSA 1121 is
getting Rs2,000 per quintal for farmers and the recently introduced basmati variety PUSA 1509
is fetching the growers just Rs950 to Rs1,200 per quintal.Comparatively, the price of nonbasmati paddy which is procured on a minimum support price is fetching growers Rs 1,450
per quintal.The reason for low basmati prices in India is that prices in the export market have
fallen drastically - from $1,800 three years ago to $650 to $700 now. This is because exporters
have been selling their basmati on direct advance to West Asian buyers and now their payments
have been stuck, mostly in Iran.
In the wake of this and fall in basmati
exports, the prices in local markets have
taken a beating.Sources in the state
Agriculture Department have told The
Tribune that considering the seriousness
of the issue, a meeting was held
between Chief Minister Parkash Singh
Badal and Agriculture Minister Tota
Singh yesterday, wherein the poor price
fetched by basmati and its impact on the
already stretched rural economy because of successive poor returns fetched by farmers on almost
all crops wheat, cotton, sugarcane and now basmati since last year was
discussed.Agriculture Minister Tota Singh said the government was apprised of the grave
situation and necessary steps were being initiated to salvage the situation. We have also called a
meeting with the arhitiya association (commission agents) and rice industry tomorrow to discuss
the way forward, he said.
Sources in the state Agriculture Department say the state government is mulling withdrawing at
least 7 per cent tax on basmati (two per cent each of market fee and rural development fee and
three per cent Punjab infrastructure development fund) if the arhtiyas (commission agents) were
to buy basmati. It is learnt that since the private basmati rice millers did not clear the dues of
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commission agents for 2014, the government could offer them tax rebate so as to encourage them
to buy basmati from the growers and then export it.
In Punjab, the total area under paddy this year is 28 lakh hectares, with the area under basmati
varieties pegged at 7.63 lakh hectares and the remaining area being sown under non-basmati
varieties like PR 124 and PUSA 44.This is the second successive year when the prices of basmati
varieties have fallen, mainly due to shortfall in exports to West Asia.Till 2013, basmati varieties
were getting Rs4,000 to Rs5,500 per quintal, which has now fallen to just Rs2,000 for 1121 and
Rs900 to Rs1,200 for 1509.Vijay Setia, former president of the All India Rice Exporters
Association and a leading rice exporter, says the Government of India should immediately
impose an export tax of $200 per tonne and plough this tax to help farmers. There is need to
watch the farmers interest, he said.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association too said it was facing a huge
crisis because of declining exports.Ashok Sethi, director of the association, said, Besides
plummeting prices, they also have to deal with frequent search and seizure operations launched
on them by the Income Tax sleuths. They have sought a special bailout package, including
interest subvention on bank loans and export advances.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/basmati-in-free-fall-farmers-lose-sleep/134119.html

Farmers hail govt agriculture package

Staff Reporter
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 - IslamabadSmall farmers hailed on Tuesday the mega
agriculture package worth Rs 341 billion announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for farmers
and said, the package would help boost agriculture production in the country. During last
several years farmers of the country were facing difficulties due to the flash floods, decreasing
trend of agriculture commodities prices and increasing prices of agriculture inputs, so the
announcement of the package would act like a catalyst for the farmers across the country, said
Muhammad Nasir, President of Kissan Welfare Association talking to APP by phone.
He said small farmers of rice and cotton would get Rs 5000 per acre as cash support which is
really an encouraging move by the government. Moreover, he said announcement of subsidy on
urea, interest free loans for installing solar tube wells and exemption of taxes would encourage
the farmers to put maximum efforts in growing their agriculture produce ultimately resulting in
bumper production of the commodity. He however urged the government to implement the
announcement in letter and spirit so the benefit could reach all the deserving farmers.
Secretary General Kissan Bachao Tehreek, Ahmad Noor Dhudi also appreciated the mega
package of the government saying that it would help revive the agriculture industry which is
backbone of the countrys economy. He also urged the government for devising easy mechanism
for disbursement of the benefit to all farmers without discrimination.
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A small farmer from South Punjab, Amir Abbas appreciated the announcement of the package
and said he would now get a cash support of Rs 5000 per acre for cultivating cotton on his land
besides getting subsidy on agriculture inputs. Meanwhile in a statement issued by the Kissan
Board Pakistan, Chairman of the Board, Arsalan Khakwani urged to implement the provision of
Rs 5000 per acre cash support.
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=273259

No relief for rice exporters in PM relief package: Reap

September 16, 2015 ARACHI - Rafique Suleman, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of
Pakistan (REAP) has shown concerns over the announcement of Relief Package by Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif for farmers in which no relief announcement was made for Rice Export
Sector. He questioned that whether the announced subsidy of Rs.5,000 per acre will solve the
problems of rice crisis, as this cash support for farmers is not sufficient for Basmati rice farmers.
He added that the so-called support price of Rs.1600 for Super Basmati Paddy is not realistic, as
the prevailing market rates for Super Basmati Paddy is Rs.800 and still there is a huge difference
of Rs.800 which have to be considered by government.
He shared some of the important suggestions, which REAP has given to the government but the
same were not considered.The suggestions included rollover of all bank limits without penalties
should be allowed under Running Finance as well as Export Refinance where settlement should
be extended from current 180 days to 360 days. State Bank of Pakistan related cost of funds for
all 100pc markup paid/payable on ERF/ FE/ Running Finance should be refunded without
penalty and the borrowers may pay only the banks spread as per documented realities available
with all banks for their respective clients who are rice millers or rice exporters for the period July
2014 to September 2015.
He recommended that refund of 100pc Withholding Tax paid by rice exporters from the period
July 2014 to June 2015 and refund of 10pc invoice value to all rice exporters for shipments from
July 2014 to June 2015 and withdrawal of 3.5pc withholding tax on local purchase of rice.One of
the most important issues, he said, is the lack of Research & Development in rice as the Rice
Research Institutes were failed to provide any new and good quality seed of Basmati rice since
last 15 to 20 years. He added that rice exporters were facing severe problems with shipping
companies due to the sudden increase in their charges on arrival of new rice crop.
He demanded Sales Tax Refund claims of rice exporters must have been refunded on fast track
basis, adding that TDAP has no sufficient funds to undertake the activities for marketing and
promotion of Pakistani rice. The REAP urged the government to allocate additional budget for
TDAP to increase the exports from Pakistan.He said that if rice exporters concerns were not
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addressed and their proposals were not considered, then rice export trade will have to see
alarming crisis and rice exporters will have to struggle very hard to survive, as the circumstances
are not in favour of rice exporters. http://nation.com.pk/business/16-Sep-2015/no-relief-for-riceexporters-in-pm-relief-package-reap

Farmers divided over agricultural relief

By Shahram Haq / Photo: Ayesha Mir
Published: September 16, 2015

Drastic slump in commodity prices has proven to be a major blow to growers, especially cotton
farmers. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
LAHORE: While the government quarters seemed pleased with announcing a relief
package for farmers, in lieu of the slump in commodity prices, different farmer groups
were still displeased.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a Rs341-billion bailout, to be implemented in different
phases, that would focus on direct cash transfers, subsidies, loans and reducing input
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costs.However, farmers associations said parts of the package were disclosed in the budget
announcement in June, but the relief was yet to reach the sector.The announcement of
Rs5,000 per acre support for cotton and rice growers will open new doors of corruption, said
Pakistan Kissan Ittehad President Khalid Khokhar. Our main demand was to announce the
support price for these two commodities, but we failed to convince the premier as the support
price announcement, especially for cotton, was not in favour of textile lobbies.
As per the farmers, cotton and rice growers are facing a per-acre loss of between Rs30,000 to
Rs35,000. They say Rs5,000 as subsidy is insufficient.Talking about fertiliser support, farmer
lobbies claimed that the price of urea has already been increased by Rs200 per bag, and this
subsidy was announced by Ishaq Dar in the budget due to farmers protests.There is a high
possibility that support price announced for farmers would be masticated, said Pakistan Rice
Mills Association Chairman Faisal Cheema. This might give some relief to the growers. But
who will buy the paddy from farmers when the godowns are overloaded with existing stocks?
The announcement of a support price, on the other hand, will help the entire supply chain as
there is a liquidity crunch in the commodity market.
Some still positive
However, some farmers were optimistic at the package announcement. The per acre subsidy
will help around 65% of the farmers. In current circumstances, when government is facing
budgetary constraints, this is a good omen, said Farmers Associates Pakistan Director Hamid
Malhi.However, he added that the move could help farmers but would not help to lift the entire
market due to the liquidity crunch. The current situation is likely to remain for a few more years
as the World Bank has predicted that commodity prices are likely to remain stagnant, he added.
Rice exporters feel left out
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman has said that the rice
export sector is not going to get any help from the relief package.In a press release on Tuesday,
he said the announced subsidy of Rs5,000 per acre is not sufficient for basmati rice farmers. He
said that one of the most important issues is the lack of research and development in rice sector.
Our rice research institutes have failed to introduce new and high quality seed of basmati rice
since the last 15 to 20 years, said Suleman. Exporters are facing severe problems with shipping
companies due to the sudden increase in their charges.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2015
http://tribune.com.pk/story/957535/farmers-divided-over-agricultural-relief/

PM announces Rs 341 billion agriculture package

APP
September 16, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a Rs

341 billion relief package for small farmers, which includes direct cash
support and provision of soft agriculture loans.Addressing the Farmers
Convention at Jinnah Convention Centre, the prime minister said the
package was aimed at introducing progressive agriculture on scientific lines, reducing production
cost of crops and making the small farmers prosperous. The prime minister said the countrys
development was directly related to the uplift of its agriculture sector, particularly farmers. He
said that under the package, small farmers would get Rs 147 billion as direct benefit, while Rs
194 billion had been allocated for agriculture loans.
He said the farmers cultivating rice and cotton at up to 12.5 acres of land would be given cash
support of Rs 5,000 per acre. The government on this facility will bear the cost of Rs 20 billion
each for rice and cotton crops. Nawaz said the global cost reduction of agriculture commodities
had affected the income of farmers beside increase in prices of seeds, fertiliser and pesticides,
which had resultantly enhanced the cost production. The prime minister announced setting up a
Rs 20 billion fund to reduce prices of fertilisers which will lessen Rs 500 per bag of Potassium
and Nitrate fertilisers.
Also, the government was negotiating with local fertiliser manufacturers and gas companies to
revert the increase in prices of fertilisers, which had gone up by Rs 200 per bag. He said it had
been decide to provide Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to fertiliser companies to overcome the
shortage of gas supply. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the government would bear the Rs 2.5
billion premium on the agricultural insurance, which will benefit 0.7 million small farmers. He
said solar tubewells would be provided on mark-up free loans to the farmers who own up to 12.5
acre of land.
The mark-up of seven years would be paid by the federal government with a cost of Rs 14.5
billion. He said this would ensure a saving of Rs 1,600 and Rs 500 per day for the farmers
running tubewells on diesel for five hours daily and on petrol for same duration, respectively. He
stated that the electricity price for running tubewells at peak hours had been fixed at Rs 10.35 per
unit and Rs 8.85 at off-peak hours. He said the sales tax on these bills, amounting to Rs 7 billion,
would be borne by the federal government. The prime minister said the customs duty, sales tax
and withholding tax on the agriculture machinery had been reduced from 45 percent to nine
percent.
He said rice millers had been given full exemption on the turnover tax for year 2015-16. He said
the traders of agriculture commodities, fruits, vegetables and fish would get an exemption of
three years on income tax while the sales tax on cold chain machinery had been reduced from 17
to seven percent. Nawaz said the installation of production unit of halal meat that will be
registered before December 31, 2016 will be given a four-year exemption on income tax. Banks
in general show reluctance in giving loans to small farmers due to risks involved which, he said,
could be overcome through provision of guarantees.
Prime Minister Nawaz said the government would provide Rs 30 billion as fifty percent
guarantee to banks on loans. This will benefit around 0.3 million farming households through Rs
0.1 million each with collateral loans. He said that the time-limit to pay back Rs 34 billion
outstanding loan on the rice traders had been extended up to June 30, 2016. The State Bank of
Pakistan is working to reduce the mark-up rate on agriculture loans by two percent which would
give a benefit of Rs 11 billion per anum to farmers, Nawaz said.
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He said the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and commercial banks would provide one-window
facility to the farmers seeking loans. The value of production unit had been increased from Rs
2,000 to Rs 4,000, which would help farmers get double the amount of loan against their land
value. The prime minister said a committee has set up under the supervision of Federal Minister
for National Food Security Sikandar Hayat Bosan which would work out ways to increase peracre yield and reduce cost of agriculture inputs.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/16-Sep-2015/pm-announces-rs-341-billion-agriculture-package

Pakistan to award $3.2 billion to farmers to bolster

agriculture
By By Asad Hashim / Reuters on Sep 15, 2015 at 9:47 a.m.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistani farmers will receive $3.2 billion in grants, subsidies and loan
advances from the government, says Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a bid to spur sluggish
growth in one of the country's main economic sectors.The new schemes represent the
government's largest economic development programme for the agricultural sector since it was
voted into office in 2013.The funds will be provided through immediate cash grants and
subsidies on agricultural inputs worth $1.4 billion, while loan advances worth $1.85 billion will
also be made and disbursements begin this year, he says."
The conditions of the agricultural sector do not inspire confidence," Sharif said as he announced
the new package at a farmers' convention in Islamabad.The reforms and grants will primarily
target small farmers, classified as those with holdings of 12.5 acres or fewer.The package
includes immediate cash grants for rice and cotton farmers, cuts in fertiliser prices, and a
government scheme to pay insurance premiums for farmers who cannot afford them.It also
includes collateral guarantees for loans, and tax breaks for the dairy, poultry and fish farming
sectors.Agriculture accounts for roughly 23.8 percent of Pakistan's gross domestic product,
according to the country's central bank. Wheat, cotton, rice, sugar cane and corn being its main
crops.
Tags:News, Nation and World, Pakistan, Farm, corn, Sugar, Dairy
http://www.agweek.com/news/nation-and-world/3839291-pakistan-award-32-billion-farmers-bolsteragriculture

Kharif foodgrain output seen lower at 124.05 million tonnes

Our Bureau

Poor rains to drag production of rice, pulses, coarse cereals

New Delhi, September 16:

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A consecutive deficient monsoon is likely to take its toll on Kharif crop production, according to
the first advance estimates released by the Agriculture Ministry here on Wednesday. While
almost all the crop segments foodgrain, coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds are likely to miss
their targets, output estimates for most major crops appear to be marginally different from the
first advance estimates for the Kharif season of the 2014-15 crop year (July-June) that was also
hit by a poor monsoon. Total foodgrain production, including rice, coarse cereals and pulses, is
likely to touch 124.05 million tonnes (mt) this Kharif, 1.78 per cent lower than last years final
estimate of 126.31 mt.
However, the early estimate this kharif is higher than last years early estimate of 120.27 mt a
3.14 per cent increase. Rice production is pegged at 90.61 mt compared to 88.02 mt last year but
lower than the target of 106.1 mt. Total production of coarse cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi
is expected at 27.88 mt, slightly higher than the first estimate of 27.05 mt in 2014-15. Kharif
maize production is expected to be 3.2 per cent lower at 15.51 mt. Output of kharif pulses such
as arhar, moong and urad are seen at 2.61 mt, 0.86 mt and 1.37 mt. While the estimates for urad
and moong are expected to be slightly higher than the previous years early estimates of 1.15 mt
and 0.71 mt, it is lower for arhar that was expected at 2.74 mt last year.
Oilseeds buck the trend
Total output for the oilseeds complex is pegged at 198.90 lakh tonnes (lt), about 1.1 per cent
higher than the 1st estimate in 2014-15 of 196.64 lt. Soyabean production is expected at 118.32
lt, slightly higher than last year, while output of groundnut despite 3 per cent lower acreage
compared to last year is estimated at 51.07 lt, higher than the 50.24 lt expected last year.
Cash crops wilt
Cotton production is likely to slide by 3.2 per cent to 335.07 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) in 201516, compared to the early estimate of 346.23 lakh bales last year. Cotton acreage is lower by 8.4
per cent this Kharif as of September 11.
Jute and mesta output is also expected to decline by nearly 5 per cent in 2015-16 to 108 lakh
bales (of 180 kg each).
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Yields

impacted

This is the second consecutive year of a poor monsoon and irrigation coverage needs to be
increased. The rural population will always be at risk from droughts in rain-fed areas. So while
rice output may remain steady, for others yields will be impacted by less rainfall and moisture in
the soil, said DK Joshi, Senior Director and Chief Economist, Crisil. Around 96 per cent of
sowing has been completed even as the country recorded a 16 per cent rainfall deficit between
June 1 and September 16. Severely stressed mainly rain-fed areas include Marathwada, central
Maharashtra, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat. A monsoon
resurgence this month in the southern peninsula has brought some relief in regions like north
interior and coastal Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
(This article was published on September 16, 2015)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/kharif-foodgrain-output-seen-lower-at12405-million-tonnes/article7659894.ece

Submerged flood tolerant rice plants survive inundation

posted : 15 Sep, 2015 00:00:00
RANGPUR, Sept 14 (BSS): The submerged plants of flood tolerant rice varieties survived inundation for
up to two weeks and resumed normal growth after recession of the floodwater in the country's floodprone areas this season.The inundated plants of flood tolerant BRRI dhan51, BRRI dhan52, BINA dhan11
and BINA dhan12 Aman rice plants sustained submergence for 15 days in Kurigram, Gaibandha,
Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Jamalpur, Sirajganj, Mymensingh and other districts.
According to beneficiary farmers of the Stress Tolerant Rice for Poor Farmers in Africa and South Asia
(STRASA) Project, their submerged and 'apparently' rotten flood tolerant variety Aman rice plants are
growing now normally after recession of floodwater.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is funding the STRASA-IRRI Project to expand cultivation
of stress tolerant rice by implementing the Seed Multiplication Programme with GO-NGO collaboration.
Farmers Ariful Haque Batul, Shahjada Mian and Salek of village Najirdigar in Rangpur said their
growing plants of BRRI dhan51, BRRI dhan52 and BINA dhan12 remained submerged for 13 to 14 days
at a stretch during the recent floods.Farmer Rafikul Islam of village Farshkura under Nageswari upazila in
Kurigram said that growing plants of BINA dhan11 successfully sustained submergence for 10 days at a
stretch at the end of last month.
Farmers Nadalal of village Dakshin Rajpur and Mohammad Shamim of village Katapara in Lalmonirhat
said their submerged plants of BRRI dhan52 and BINA dhan11 sustained submergence for 15 days in two
phases respectively this season.

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After a few days of recession of floodwater, the 'rotten' remains of the 'damaged' tender plants of these
flood-tolerant rice varieties started growing again and their crop fields turned green within the next two
weeks, they said."The apparently damaged rice plants of flood-tolerant rice varieties resumed normal
growth despite inundation for two weeks after recession of floodwater while traditional variety
submerged Aman rice plants were completely damaged," they said.
Farmers Shaheron Begum, Asadul and Ojifa Begum of village Char Najirdaho under Kawnia upazila in
Rangpur said the growing plants of BINA dhan11 rice were submerged in their fields on August 21 last
and the floodwater water was yet to recede.Farmer Janab Ali of village Dorsha in Mymensingh said
floodwater submerged his BRRI dhan51 rice plants on 1.05 acres of land for two weeks in the first phase
and still remain under water since September 9 in the second phase.
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/09/15/107922

Fresh depression scales up monsoon over East, Central India

Vinson Kurian
Thiruvananthapuram, September 16:

A monsoon depression has formed over South Odisha on Wednesday as the previous days wellmarked low crossed the coast and intensified over land. The rare depression late in the season
promises a sustained spell of heavy to very showers for East India, North Peninsular India,
Central India and West India over the rest of the week.
May intensify

In fact, model predictions, including by the

India Met Department, sees the depression
largely keeping its strength as it marches over
east Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, west
Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The odd
prediction goes on to suggest it might undergo
another round intensification over land as it
approaches the Arabian Sea. This is likely to
happen over western Maharashtra. Forecasters
are not ruling out potential for further mischief
since the projected path would take the system
for a run-in with a cyclonic circulation each over
north-west Madhya Pradesh and the Kutch area.
If this were to happen, this would lead to a flareup over the Kutch from the combine, following
which it would split yet again into two and head
off tangent from each other. While the bigger of
the two is seen ploughing into the deserts of west Rajasthan, the smaller remnant would slip out
into north-east Arabian Sea and push away.
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Heavy rain forecast
In this manner, Wednesdays depression might be able to deliver moderate to heavy rainfall from
to East India, Central India, West India, and North-West India, in that order. The US Climate
Prediction Centre more or less agrees with this outlook. In fact, it sees the wet spell being
sustained for a second week that ends September 28, thanks to latent activity in the Bay of
Bengal. Though late in the season to be of any significant gains to the kharif cop, the rains
through the week will help improve water levels in the reservoirs over the North Peninsula,
Central India and West India.
The overall rain deficit for the country as whole is unchanged from Tuesday at 16 per cent.
North-West India and Central India, the worst hit, share 20 per cent each. The deficit is 15 per
cent over South Peninsula and seven per cent over East and North-East India. The ongoing rains
may not bring about a drastic change in the deficit scenario during this last month of the
monsoon.
(This article was published on September 16, 2015)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/fresh-depression-scales-up-monsoon-over-eastcentral-india/article7659888.ece

Gloomy path ahead for Vietnams rice brands

VietNamNet Bridge Vietnam's rice prices are much lower than the brand-name rice from Thailand and
Pakistan. New policies need to be developed to help farmers increase income.

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According to data from the World Food Organization (FAO) in 2015, the export prices of
Pakistans Basmati rice and Thailands jasmine rice were above $1,000 per ton in 2012-2015. At
the same time, 5% broken rice of Vietnam has never reached the price of $500/ton.In the period
from 2004 to 2012, the average price of imported rice in Vietnam was always higher than the
average export price.In 2008 and 2012, the average price of imported rice in Vietnam was over
$1,000 per ton, while the average export price was less than $600 per ton. We can understand
that due to diverse tastes, we still import rice with a small volume. But it is unfortunate that we
have to import high-quality rice at high prices, but have only low-quality rice for export.
Therefore, the problem of building a Vietnamese rice brand is more urgent than ever. Recently,
the Prime Minister signed Decision 706/QD-TTg on building a brand for Vietnamese rice until
2020, with the vision to 2030.Currently, some local companies are trying to develop a brand of
rice, for example, the organic rice brand "Hoa Sua" of Vien Phu Viet Nam Company, exported to
the UK, or "Hat Ngoc Troi" brand of An Giang Plant Protection Company for the domestic
market and for export.
These firms have their own rice fields or have close connections to high-quality rice
areas.Looking to Thailand or Cambodia, all rice brands are directly managed by enterprises.
Obviously, to form a rice product of high quality, the rice production process should be linked in
a chain, in which the enterprise is the most important link. This link helps connect farmers and
output markets, controls the process of growing high quality rice, and builds brands and markets
the brand to consumers. In building rice brands, enterprises play the key role.
Enterprises needs to be untied
Looking back on the process of innovation in the last 30 years, the turning point in terms of
policy for the rice sector is the policy "Contract 10". In essence, "Contract 10" motivated farmers
to cultivate and increase production because they were the main beneficiaries of their rice fields.
The current question is: who has enough motivation to create branded and high quality rice?
"The historical role" of farmers is to produce enough rice to supply sufficient output for the
domestic market. They have successfully completed that role for 30 years. But farmers do not
have much incentive to produce better rice without influence from the state, entrepreneurs and
researchers because rice traders only purchase fresh rice without needing to know about the
quality.The state and researchers are motivated but they do not directly produce and benefit from
rice. That leaves only entrepreneurs, who seek long-term profits in the market, and have real
motivation for the production and sale of high quality rice. When they have a profit, their
partners, farmers, will also benefit. Therefore, only businesses and farmers can decide whether
we can produce high quality and branded rice.
Therefore, the most important thing in terms of policy right now is to offer support towards
market forces, namely businesses and farmers, making them feel that they can benefit from the
creation of the brand, from the production of high quality rice. With such policies, both farmers
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and businesses will create a sustainable and lasting link.The absence of rice brands of Vietnam at
recent international food fairs shows that the impetus for the parties is not sufficient, and the
policy barriers to this issue are still large. Businesses are still tied somewhere and they need to be
untied. That is the basis for Vietnam to create another "Contract 10" policy, oriented to rice
enterprises.While the State-owned Vietnam Food Corporations (Vinafood) is still struggling to
find ways to create brands of rice for export, some private companies have actively set up links
with farmers to produce special rice. Dr. Nguyen Duc Thanh, director of the Vietnam Economic
Policy and Research Institute (VEPR), said private enterprises are the "gladiators" bringing
Vietnam rice brands to the world arena. However, the will to fight of these gladiators is being
eroded by policies and mechanisms. The next article will address the limited policy that should
be removed so that rice enterprises can be "unleashed".
Nguyen Quang Thai - Nguyen Khac Giang
(Vietnam Institute for Economic Policy Research)
Tags:Gloomy path ahead for Vietnams rice brands,
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/special-reports/141325/gloomy-path-ahead-for-vietnam-s-ricebrands.html

Top Rice Exporter Sees Crop at Two-Decade Low on Water

Shortage
Supunnabul Suwannakij
September 16, 2015 3:26 AM PDT

Rice production in Thailand may plunge to the lowest level in 19 years as dry weather may
prompt the worlds largest shipper to further restrict plantings to preserve water supply.Output of
rough rice may decline to as low as 22.98 million metric tons in 2015-16, the least since 199697, assuming there is no planting during the dry season starting in November, Thailands Office
of Agricultural Economics said in an e-mailed reply to Bloomberg questions on Tuesday. Thats
down 30 percent from 32.62 million tons a year earlier.A smaller crop from the Southeast Asian
nation, which accounts for about a quarter of the global trade, may tighten supply just as El Nino
threatens to parch fields in Asia and disrupt harvests worldwide.
Global production will fall for the first time since 2009-10 as flooding and drought in major
growers damage crops, while consumption expands for a sixth year, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture estimates. Futures in Chicago have risen 10 percent this year, reaching a one-year
high on Sept. 14.A potential fall in output could gradually boost prices by up to $20 a ton by the
end of this year, said Kiattisak Kanlayasirivat, a Bangkok-based director at Ascend
Commodities SA, referring to export prices of 5-percent broken white rice, an Asian benchmark.
Domestic prices may climb to 9,000 to 10,000 baht ($278) a ton from around 8,000 now, he
said.Production may total 24.69 million tons if 20 percent of rice is planted in the dry season,
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according to the Thai office. Annual output averaged 36.39 million tons in the past five years, it
said.
Water Supply
Farmers wont be allowed to plant crop from Nov. 1 to April 30 as lower-than-average rainfall
causes insufficient water supply, Farm Minister Chatchai Sarikulya told reporters on Sept. 11.
Cabinet is yet to make an official announcement on prohibiting plantings.Growers need to reduce
plantings or switch to other crops that consume less water as rainfall this year is about 25 percent
below a historical average, resulting in declining water reserves, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a
government spokesman, told reporters Wednesday. State agencies are working on measures to
support farmers, he added.World rice production for 2015-16 is forecast at 475.76 million tons,
down from 478.65 million projected in August, the USDA said in a report last week.
Consumption was estimated at 487.42 million tons for the same year.Futures on the Chicago
Board of Trade traded at $12.920 per 100 pounds at 4:52 p.m. in Bangkok. Prices rose to
$13.080 this week, the highest since July 2014.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-16/top-rice-exporter-sees-crop-at-two-decade-low-onwater-shortage

India's 2015/16 summer rice output to drop on poor rainfall:

Government
By Madhvi Sally, ET Bureau | 16 Sep, 2015, 06.43PM IST

The country's food grain production from

summer-sown crops is likely to drop 1.8 %
from a year ago to 124.05 million tonnes.
NEW DELHI: Kharif foodgrain production is
expected at 124.05 million tonnes this season,
1.79% less than last year, as per the first
advance estimate of the agriculture ministry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the
ministry attributed the likely fall in production
to deficit rains in some states. However, with
the area under kharif planting seen an increase
of over 1.76% year on year at 101.2 million
hectare, the production figures could increase as harvest progresses.
"These are preliminary estimates and would undergo revision based on further feedback from the
states," the ministry release said. The cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has
been deficient by 15%, which is higher than rainfall deficit of 12% last year. The agriculture
ministry said that on account of timely onset of monsoon as well as government multiple
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interventions with contingency plans, timely advisories and regular monitoring of seed and
fertiliser availability, estimated production of most of the crops during the current kharif season
is higher than the first advance estimate of 2014-15. In 2014-15, as per the fourth advance
estimate, the country saw kharif production touched 126.31 million tonnes.
In 2013-14, the country saw a record kharif foodgrain production of 129.24 million tonnes. Rice
production in kharif 2015-16, is estimated to be 90.61million tonnes, 0.27% less than the
previous year. The crop has been planted on 36.84 million hectares against 36.65 million
hectares a year ago. Grain analyst Tejinder Narang said the estimate would not have any impact
on grain prices. "Rabi planting of paddy has yet to take place and it is likely to make up. Rice
exports are expected to fall this year, so we should have ample supplies in the country," he said.
Production of coarse cereal has been estimated at 27.88 million tonnes with a significant decline
in maize. Maize crop production is pegged at 15.5 million tonnes against 16.4 million tonnes last
year. Kharif pulses (tur and urad) production in 2015-16 has been pegged at 5.56 million tonnes
against 5.60 million tonnes a year ago.
Pravin Dongre, chairman of India Pulses and Grain Association, said the planting was higher
than the previous year and that the farmers are hoping that rains are well distributed in the last
phase. Area under pulses till last week had increased by 11% over the previous year at 11 million
hectares. Production of oilseeds such as groundnut, soyabean and castorseed has been estimated
to increase to 19.89 million tonnes this year against 18.3 million tonnes last year. An official
from an edible oil company, however, expressed strong doubts about the estimates. "The
ministry says soyabean production will be 11.83 million tonnes compared to 10.53 million
tonnes in the previous year. We expect it to be lesser than that," the person said. Cotton
production is expected to be 33.5 million bales of 170 kg each, lower by 2 million bales over the
previous year, while sugarcane production has been estimated at 341.43million tonne, lower by
7.93 million tonnes than the last year.
The Economic Times

PH to buy more rice on top of planned 750,000 T imports

Reuters
Posted at 09/16/2015 12:37 PM

MANILA - The Philippines plans to buy more rice on top of its planned 750,000 ton of imports
via a tender that will close on Thursday, the country's economic planning chief said."We will,"
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told foreign correspondents in a forum, when
asked if the government will import additional volumes.The country's state grains procurement
agency, National Food Authority, has sought 750,000 tons for delivery from November to March
next year amid falling stocks and a crop-damaging El Nino dry weather pattern that is forecast to
be among the strongest in 65 years.
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http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/09/16/15/ph-buy-more-rice-top-planned-750000-t-imports

Falling rice prices land UAE traders in soup

Haseeb Haider/Abu Dhabi
Filed on September 16, 2015 | Last updated on September 16, 2015 at 08.03 am

Between 40-50 commodity traders, dealing in rice, sugar, edible oil, and frozen chicken legs,
have defaulted in the last three-four months on their banking obligations, traders and bankers
said. In a new episode of the defaulting saga, a large number of commodity traders at Dubai's Al
Ras wholesale market have gone bust, creating a crisis at over a dozen local and foreign banks
and financial institutions, sources said.Between 40-50 commodity traders, dealing in rice, sugar,
edible oil, and frozen chicken legs, have defaulted in the last three-four months on their banking
obligations, traders and bankers said.
The defaulting traders, at least 25 of whom are reportedly missing, also owe millions to the
market, said Mian Sajjad Ahmed, managing director of Batala General Trading at the Al Ras
wholesale market.The sources attribute the trouble to a glut in the market caused by a bumper
basmati crop in India and Pakistan and an Iranian ban on imports from India. Prices of Indian
basmati rice plummeted from $610 per metric tonne to $305-443 in 2014-15.In Pakistan, basmati
prices plunged 40 per cent to $730-750 in 2014-15 from $1,000. India's premium long grain rice
1121 is sold at $750 per metric tonnes, Sella basmati traded at $720-730 and Pakistan's IRRI386 is sold at $750, all down from $1,200-1,300 at the start of the year.
According to a retailer in Dubai, prices of Pakistani rice brands Falak and Mehran sustained a
downward trend, with Falak available in market at as low as Dh28 on offer for a 5kg bag,
compared to the Dh45 normal price."Indian brands - Dawat, Pride of India and India Gate among
others - also fluctuated in rates depending on hypermarket and grocery stores, but overall these
brands sustained stable trend in the market, ranging from Dh9 to Dh14 per kilogram," he said.
Sajjad told Khaleej Times that out of 50 traders, only four companies were operating out of the
Al Ras wholesale market, and the rest were having offices elsewhere in the Jabel Ali Free Zone,
Sharjah and Ajman."On the average, these small and medium enterprises had borrowed Dh20-25
million," a source at a multinational bank said. However, one firm's exposure is as big as Dh150
million, while several borrowed between Dh50 and Dh100 million, he said.The bankers fear they
may have to write off Dh2 billion-Dh2.5 billion this financial year due to the crisis.
A banker said in most cases the default was not "wilful", a view also echoed by Sajjad. One
company owner fled with not only his bank loan, but his own Dh1.5 million and another Dh20
million from the market, Sajjad said, while another trader paid all his creditors before he
left.According to him, it all started with the plunge in prices. Sajjad said some genuine traders
could not pay on time following which banks suddenly stopped their credit line and demand to
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pay their dues.This panicked the traders, said Sajjad, who blamed nervous bankers for creating a
crisis out of nothing.
However, Sajjad said most of the
companies, whose names were
revealed to him by Khaleej Times,
were never heard before. They were
not at all involved in foodstuff
business but may have built their
books to con the banks."The whole
situation developed in just two
months, as everything was fine until
Eid Al Fitr," he said.One banker said
at least 20-25 defaulted traders have
already left the country to avoid legal
action, including immediate arrest and litigation for recovery.He said at least four rice traders
sold a total of 40,000 metric tonnes of rice in the market at 40-50 per cent discount. At least a
dozen of traders have not defaulted, but they are in a dire straits and unable to meet their
commitments with the banks and market.Traders dealing in Indian rice were largely affected
when Iran put a temporary ban on imports from India in November 2014 on the grounds of
having adequate stocks and for political reasons.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/local/falling-rice-prices-land-uae-traders-in-soup

Commercial Bank empowers southern rice millers with

awareness programme
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently
conducted a programme to enhance the
proficiency in rice milling of rice millers in the
deep South under the Bank's initiative to assist
micro businesses and SMEs countrywide by
providing them with essential knowledge.The
programme, organised by the Bank's
Tissamaharama Agriculture and Micro Finance
Unit (AMFU) with the assistance of the Bank's
Ambalantota, Hambantota and Tissamaharama
branches, benefitted 40 rice millers with
knowledge on developing their rice mills and
optimising their resources.
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It was conducted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Inland Revenue
Department and the Institute of Post-Harvest Technologies.Officials of the Central Bank
conducted a session on financial literacy development covering fund management, the difference
between formal and informal sector borrowings, how to identify legal tender notes, the Central
Bank's loan schemes and characteristics of Pyramid systems.
Representatives of Institute of Post Harvest Technologies covered key aspects of effective paddy
storing by explaining some of the techniques of modern paddy storing methods, how to reduce
post-harvest losses, how to enhance profitability and new machinery.Among the senior
representatives of the organisations involved in conducting the programme were Sirimevan
Bandara Wasala, Commercial Bank's Regional Manager, Southern, Upali Hettiarachchi Regional Manager of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Matara Branch, H M K BRathnayake,
Senior Engineer of the Institute of Post-Harvest Technologies, A.Gamage Somapala, Assistant
Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department and Kapila Danasiri, a lecturer on positive
thinking.
The Commercial Bank has conducted similar programmes for SMEs and micro entrepreneurs in
areas such as Narammala, Galle, Monaragala, Wellawaya, Badulla, Passara, Bandarawela,
Welimada, Weligama, Koggala, Karapitiya, Matara, Batticaloa,Ampara, Kurunegala, Jaffna,
Vavuniya, Hingurakgoda and Kandy in the recent past.The Bank's Agriculture and Micro
Finance Units are located in Ratnapura, Narammala, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Kilinochchi,
Bandarawela, Wellawaya, Hingurakgoda, Galewela, Atchuvely, Vavuniya and Tissamaharama.
They identify and support people who need financial assistance for Agri/Micro businesses,
provide guidance on how to improve their businesses and help resolve difficulties.
http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=business/commercial-bank-empowers-southern-rice-millers-awarenessprogramme#sthash.oYyMmIJZ.dpuf

DOST: Hallmark of a scientist is innovation

September 16, 2015
Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA6) - - Innovation can revolutionize and enrich way of life.This was
the gist of the message of Assistant Secretary Dr. Urdujah Tejada of the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) during the opening of the 2015 Regional Invention Contests and
Exhibits (RICE) which will run until September 17 at SM City Iloilo.Tejada also said that
innovation is one of the most important attributes of a scientist aside from knowledge and skills.
She cited in her message how innovation saved Apple, a multi-billion dollar company, when it
was in bad shape and close to bankruptcy. She said founder Steve Jobs, instead of laying off
some employees and cutting cost resorted to innovate its way out from its predicament.
Innovations after innovations, the company has revolutionized computers, entertainment, music,
retail, mobile and telecommunications.More than saving a company from bankruptcy, it can
maintain or better yet create jobs that can support thousand of families, said Tejada. She added
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that innovation can also save the Philippines from pits of poverty.To spark the interest of
Filipinos in innovating, DOST encourages and engages Filipinos to participate in RICE, a
strategy that supports the vision of Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global
Competitiveness.RICE also pushes active involvement of the youth in Research and
Development with the aim to increase the critical mass of researchers who will become future
scientists.This year, a total of 61 entries from student researchers both in the secondary and
college levels from the different schools in the region is presented in the RICE at SM City Iloilo.
This is aside from the 25 entries coming from local inventors and professionals.Tejada said
through activities like RICE it will be possible for the country to not only keep up with other
countries technologies, but will be able to set technological standards which other countries
must keep up with.
The Philippines ranked 79th, in terms of innovation or the ability to produce brand new
technologies while Singapore ranks 11th, Malaysia 21st, Indonesia 41st and Cambodia 103rd.
On the other hand, in terms of technological readiness and the ability to adopt technologies, the
Philippines ranked 69th with Singapore occupying the 2nd rank, Malaysia as top 30, Thailand
ranked 42, Indonesia 75th and Vietnam 86th.We have gone far enough in terms of conducting
researches which are resource-based and we are ready to face the challenges as we integrate with
the other ASEAN countries, said Tejada. (JCM/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931442374140/dost-hallmark-of-a-scientist-isinnovation#sthash.M2wutme4.dpuf

Still Importing Rice: Firm Clarifies Denies Beef With

Partners
Written by Edwin Genoway, Jr (231886458910), edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.com
Published: 16 September 2015

UCI is still doing business with our partner DRUM. The reports that the stocks of one supplier
were depleted, and UCI moved to another supplier was not true. As you see, there sits an agent
of DRUM- our relationship still exists- Anwar Ezzedine, Chief Executive Officer, United
Commodities Incorporated
Monrovia - The United Commodities Incorporated (UCI) an importer of the nations staple rice
has clarified that it is still importing rice on the Liberian market, dispelling reports that the UCI
and its international contracting company DRUM are no longer working together as it has been
in the past. Citing a report from a local daily, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UCI, Anwar
Ezzedine, said he was accused in the report of conniving with DRUM agents to withdraw larger
quantities of rice than his company had paid for.

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It was also reported by the local daily that in a classic 'sell-pay' scheme, UCI allegedly paid for a
certain amount of rice, but convinced with the DRUM agents to allow the importer to withdraw a
larger consignment than was paid for, with the assurance that the extra rice would be paid for
once sold. The paper reported that when the stocks of one supplier were depleted, UCI moved to
another supplier.Speaking at a news conference in the presence of a representative of DRUM,
Ezzedine said the contract between the UCI and DRUM still exists, contrary to the report in the
local daily. UCI still doing business with our partner DRUM and the story by Daily Observer
that the stocks of one supplier were depleted, and UCI moved to another supplier was not true.
As you see, there sits an agent of DRUM--our relationship still exists, he said while pointing at
the DRUM Representative at the press conference.

He disclosed that there has never been a shortage of rice within the UCI supply, adding that even
during the Ebola crisis, the UCI did not experience rice shortage. He described the information
as a mere jealousy blaming his competitors whom he said want to get into the rice importation
business in Liberia, though he did not mention who are those competitors.I know there are
hands behind it but I will not mention any name now, the rice importation in Liberia is very
sensitive and it needs to be handled with care, he said. "We heard there are lots of people who
want to come into the business and as such they will do all they can to bring us down. Ezzedine
said the publication by the local daily has injured the reputation of his company and as such, the
paper has been sued at the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for actions of damages for
wrong.
The UCI CEO revealed that about 33,000 metric tons of long grain rice was brought into Liberia
on the vessel MV AL MUKHTAR on September 11, 2015. The delivery order, a copy of which
is in the possession of this paper shows that currently there is 1,319,793 bags of rice at the
Freeport of Monrovia imported by the UCI.
http://www.frontpageafricaonline.com/index.php/business-tech/6288-still-importing-rice-firm-clarifiesdenies-beef-with-partners

GM crops can address food security challenge

Farria Naeem

Food is an emotional topic for us all - we care about not only what we eat, but also how it's
grown. But is our stance a balanced one? Are the safeguards we put into place sufficient to
protect us while still allowing to us to benefit from technological innovation?
Today, innovations involving Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are at the frontier of
agriculture, science, and engineering. GMOs include crops, fruits and vegetables which are
developed by combining desirable genes from various species to create new genetically-altered
species that offer enhanced nutritional, productive, and ecological value. A better understanding
of the science behind genetic modification may improve adoption rates and offer sustainable
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solutions to ending extreme poverty and hunger in low-income Bangladeshi households.
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector, particularly those at the fringe like marginal farmers, are
often swayed by popular sentiments and anecdotes. This has regrettably led to a policy
framework in many countries which is at best ambivalent towards GM agriculture technologies.

As with all new technologies, the potential risks and benefits must be identified and quantified.
Over the years, considerable independent research has been undertaken, around the globe, to
evaluate the risks and benefits to animal or public health and the environment from GMOs. A
recent EU report, based on more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25
years of research, and involving more than 500 independent research groups, concluded that
biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not significantly riskier than conventional plant
breeding technologies.

The growing scientific consensus that Genetically Modified (GM) crops are as safe to human
health as traditional ones, may have led to a steady rise in the cultivation of GM crops both in
developed and developing countries in the past few years. The acreage of GM crop cultivation
has grown from 2.0 million hectares in 1996 (the first year of commercial planting) to about 175
million hectares in 2013. In 2013, more than 18 million farmers in 27 countries across the world
made independent choices to grow biotech crops.However, adoption rates of GM crops are still
far from satisfactory, particularly, if one takes into account of GM crops' potential to contribute
towards the problem of food security as well as nutritional and ecological welfare.
Recent research experiments demonstrated how GM seeds can guarantee higher yields and
hazard-resistant crops in countries prone to climate hazards as drought and floods. A study by the
African Development Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute in 2012
concluded that under ideal conditions, the use of GM crops grown by smallholder farmers could
improve gross margins by 114 per cent, reduce pesticide costs between 60-90 per cent, and
improve yields by 18 to 29 per cent.
Researchers in Mozambique and Philippines have successfully experimented with GM varieties
of rice and potatoes that can withstand submersion under water for extended periods. GM
fortified crop variety can also address crucial lack of essential nutrients. In the Philippines
research trials on Golden Rice (developed by the International Rice Research Institute) shows
potential for addressing vitamin A deficiency which could protect millions of children and
pregnant women globally from blindness, growth and immunity impairments.

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The writer is Country Economist, Bangladesh International Growth Centre (IGC).
farria.naeem@theigc.org
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/09/17/108202

Policy reforms needed to climate-proof agriculture

sectorexpert
Agri-Commodities
by Mary Grace Padin - September 16, 2015

The government must institute various reforms to boost the productivity of the local farm sector
and make it resilient against climate change, an expert said.Dennis de la Torre from the
University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance and the
House of Representatives Special Committee on Climate Change said during the opening of the
28th National Rice Research and Development Conference at the Philippine Rice Research
Institute (PhilRice) that there are many challenges that hinder the agriculture sector to become
a key development investment area.Policy reforms should be rolled out to direct the focus of
government institutions, the private sector and foreign investors to agriculture, he said.De la
Torre said there is a need to review the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 and
the Agri-Agra Act of 2009, which both have provisions on finance mobilization.
The Agri-Agra law authorizes the bank sector to devote 25 percent of their loanable money to
agriculture. However, de la Torre said studies show that banks do not comply with the law and
are just willing to pay fines.We should look at our farmers as potential targets for investment in
human capital, de la Torre said in a statement.
He also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development should consider skills in
agriculture as a condition for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a Conditional CashTransfer Program by the government that aims to address poverty.Meanwhile, de la Torre said
the Philippine government should carefully plan how it can mitigate the adverse effects of
climate change.Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration, de la Torre said the annual mean temperature in the Philippines projects
that there would be a widespread warming in most parts of the country by 2020 and 2050.He said
the government should consider the historical and projected data in its efforts against climate
change.
Thats what climate change is forcing us to doto think better, to design, and plan better, he
said.According to him, there have recently been growing concerns on saline intrusion and the
projected rise in the sea level that can affect coastal integrity. This serves as a threat to
agricultural production near the coastlines, he said.De la Torre said research institutions like
PhilRice must continuously develop saline-tolerant crop varieties to address these concerns.The
PhilRice said it has developed saline-tolerant varieties, such as the NSIC Rc184, which has a
maximum yield of 6.3 tons per hectare; NSIC Rc186, with a maximum yield of 4.2 tons per
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hectare; NSIC Rc186, with 3.8 tons per hectare maximum yield; NSIC Rc190 which has 5.1 tons
per hectare maximum yield; and NSIC Rc290, with a maximum yield of 5.7 tons per hectare.
De la Torre, who is the former chief on research and policy development of the Climate Change
Commission, also said the quality irrigation infrastructure could be compromised if they fail to
resist environmental threats. He said implementing agencies would then need to reinstitute
innovations, which would lead to a pain point in funding.The 28th National Rice Research and
Development Conference is annually hosted by the PhilRice and gathers around 500 researchers,
academicians, students, farmers and extension workers from all over the country.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/policy-reforms-needed-to-climate-proof-agriculture-sectorexpert/

USA Rice Daily

In Memory: Pamela Steele
USA Rice is deeply saddened by the
sudden passing of Pamela Steele on
Tuesday,
September
15,
2015.
native of Hayti, Missouri,
Sara Pamela Avis Steele, is survived
by her husband, Gibb Steele, an active
leader in the rice industry, her son,
Gibson, his wife, Elisabeth, and their
two daughters."Pam was a strong
woman who cared deeply for her
family and the land she and Gibb
worked for so many years," said USA
Rice President & CEO Betsy
Ward. "She was a true friend to many
of us in the rice industry and we will
greatly miss her and her wonderful
spirit." Visitation will be at Avon
Methodist Church from 5-7 p.m. on
Thursday. Funeral services will be
held Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the
First Baptist Church, 407 Main Street, in Greenville. USA Rice extends heartfelt condolences to Gibb, his
family, and the friends of Pamela Steele.

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Japan Academics Meet with USA Rice to Discuss Crop Insurance,

Farm Programs
USA Rice regularly hosts visiting agricultural specialists from Japan to discuss farm policy issues.
ARLINGTON, VA -- Farm policy academics from Ibaraki University and Okayama University met with
USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely and COO Bob Cummings today to discuss
current U.S. rice support policies, especially crop insurance. Japan's Prime Minister Abe is seeking to
reform Japan's rice sector in a bid to reduce costs and bring supply more in line with demand. Current
policies based on direct payments tied to area-restriction programs are not working, and Japan's
government is looking to implement a new insurance-based regime by 2018. Mosely reviewed the
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs provided under the 2014
Farm Bill, and explained new and existing crop insurance policies utilized by rice farmers.

"It's clear Japan intends to move away from direct payments, and their farm policy experts were interested
in knowing about the U.S. experience following the elimination of direct payments," said Mosely. "We
had a very informed exchange of views on the pros and cons of the various crop insurance options
available to U.S. rice farmers and possible applications to Japan."

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Contact: Bob Cummings (703) 236-1473

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the
following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and
the resulting marketing loan gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2015 crop,
which will become effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Rough rice prices decreased $0.10 per cwt for
long grain and $0.11 per cwt for medium/short grain.
MLG/LDP
Rate

World Price

Milled Value
($/cwt)

Rough
($/cwt)

Rough ($/cwt)

Long Grain

14.65

9.25

0.00

Medium/Short Grain

14.16

9.50

0.00

Brokens

8.84

----

----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and
the corresponding loan rates:
U.S. Milling Yields
Whole/Broken
(lbs/cwt)

Loan Rate
($/cwt)

Long Grain

55.01/13.46

6.50

Medium/Short Grain

61.81/8.43

6.50

The next program announcement is scheduled for September 23, 2015.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for September 16

Month

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Price

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Net Change

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November 2015

$12.865

- $0.105

January 2016

$13.150

- $0.100

March 2016

$13.360

- $0.100

May 2016

$13.545

- $0.085

July 2016

$13.700

- $0.040

September 2016

$12.870

- $0.015

November 2016

$12.870

- $0.015

Rice farmers get unexpected support from NASA study

Sep 15, 2015 Logan Hawkes

LCRA disregards needs of

farmers and wildlife in water
restrictions.When
the
Texas
Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ) caved into
pressure brought about by Central
Texas
water
users,
state
lawmakers and local government
officials in communities including
Austin and others around the
Highland Lakes area, rice farmers
and
community
leaders
downstream in the Lower
Colorado River Basin knew the deck was stacked against them.In July, as expected, TCEQ ruled
in favor of upholding an emergency order to withhold water releases from the Highland Lakes
reservoirs that would have aided rice farmers and communities, although the current amount of
water in lakes Travis and Buchanan at the time equaled a number above the 1.4 million acre feet
of combined storagethe level considered adequate to release water downstream.
Lower basin water customers say it's just the latest chapter in an ongoing story of how washing
cars, watering lawns and filling swimming pools in urban centers take precedence over
agriculture and the environment.The plight of rice farmers and communities who rely on water in
the Lower Basin has been escalating since the drought years of the new millennium. Multiple dry
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years prompted the Lower Colorado River Authority's (LCRA) Board of Directors to take an
unprecedented initiative to curtail irrigation water from rice farmers beginning in 2011.For four
years running a water war has pitted farmers, rural community leaders and marine and wildlife
ecologists against densely populated, better financed and more influential municipalities and
recreational communities surrounding the Highland Lakes, one of the fastest growing regions in
the state.
More on rice

Farmers, ranchers and rural leaders, longtime stewards and champions of the lands of Texas, say
they understand the need to conserve water during the ebb and flow periods of climate change
which can bring about flood, famine, and droughtall in a short period of time. And they
bilaterally agree that curtailing river water from widespread use for agriculture was a required
step to help meet the challenges of a long-running and severe drought. They also argue that
responsibility and sacrifice required by emergency drought measures should be shared by all
stakeholders.With abundant rainfall this year and good rains last fall, the issue of irrigation water
from the Colorado River for Texas' largest rice growing region may not be as critical as it was
for the previous three years. But rice producers in Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda Counties,
an area that produces the bulk of Texas' rice crop, point out that deep cuts in rice production in
recent years resulted from LCRA's recommendation to curtail use of Colorado River water for
irrigating their fields.
http://southwestfarmpress.com/grains/rice-farmers-get-unexpected-support-nasastudy?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+September+16%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+Dece
mber+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

U.S. Rice Industry Rejects Emerging TPP Deal With Japan;

Presses For Changes
(Daily News)
Tuesday, 15 September 2015

The U.S. rice industry does not support the agreement it says the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative has reached with Japan on market access for rice and is unlikely to back a final
TPP agreement unless it is renegotiated, according to an official with the USA Rice Federation.
https://wtonewsstand.com/topic/ustr

Syngeta launches fast acting pesticide, tomato hybrids, rice

seed varieties
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Wed, Sep 16th, 2015
To help the Federal Governments agricultural diversification drive, Syngeta Nigeria has
launched Ambligo, a new, fast acting pesticide
that could be used at any time, against many
crop insects, Tuta absoluta, a deadly pest,
which if not controlled could destroy up to 100
percent of the tomatoes in a field.Syngeta also
launched two new tomato hybrids, Chibli and
Kilele, and as well as introduced two local rice
seed varieties in Nigeria at an event held on
Tuesday in Abuja.There are records that
thousands of hectares of tomato cropping are
lost in a matter of hours due to the tuta
absoluta infestation, and investments worth
hundreds of millions on naira lost as a result of
this tomato-consuming pest that ravages products, mainly in the Northern part of the country.At
the event, experts who spoke with BusinessDay, affirmed Ambligos potency to work against a
wide variety of sucking and biting pests in vegetables, potatoes and field crops.
According to them, the product could give up to 21 days protection, meaning that farmers could
reduce the frequency that they need to spray their fields, saving time, energy and money.In
addition to Ampligo, Syngetta also launched Chibili and Kilele hybrid tomato variety for farmers
who grow for both the fresh and for the tomatoes processing market.Kilele, a second hybrid
tomato variety could be harvested over a 10-week period compared to local varieties that could
take four weeks, whereas Chibili boasts of high improved yields and nematodes
resistance.Meanwhile, Nigerias current 2.9 million tons of rice import is set to be averted with
improved seed variety of faro 44 and Faro 52 rice seeds, an improved local variety also launched
by Syngetta. As a result, farmers across Nigeria now have access to high quality seedlings with
assurance of improved germination and yield.
Shachi Sharma, director, Syngetta Nigeria Limited, said they were working with the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development on best ways of boosting agricultural produce in Nigeria.
We are also working with the seed council, quarantine services, research institutes, root
research crop institute in Plateau State, Institute for Agricultural Research in Zaria and other
research institutes, he stated.He disclosed that a value chain study including seed crops that they
carried out in Nigeria found that the country lost about 40 percent of the raw material that was
produced internally, due largely to poor transportation and storage infrastructure. The long shelf
life of this variety would assist the country a lot, Sharma said further.
http://businessdayonline.com/2015/09/syngeta-launches-fast-acting-pesticide-tomato-hybrids-rice-seedvarieties/

Oasis brings authentic Yemeni cuisine to Tempe

The new restaurant sports homestyle food including a bakery.
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Photo by Ryan Santistevan | The State Press

The Oasis, a Yemeni restaurant and bakery, is pictured on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Tempe.
By Damion Julien-Rohman | 09/15/15 10:00am

Down Apache Boulevard lies row after row of strip malls, each carrying many shops or
restaurants of different cuisine for the students close to the east side of the Tempe campus to
visit. Pizza, sandwich and Asian joints all line the street divided in two by the light rail, so
theres plenty of choices for the discerning foodie.Look a little closer though, and youll see a
small smattering of Middle Eastern restaurants within these malls. Move further up the street and
youll come across a tall building dubbed Oasis, a new restaurant featuring dishes and pastries
from the country of Yemen. ounded only five months ago, Oasis marks the desire of owner
Hussein Alhajjaji to bring food from his native Yemen to the busy streets of Tempe. According
to manager Pamela Garcia, Alhajjaji had owned other businesses in the past, but was having his
first go in the restaurant business here.
"He wants to bring the home (Yemen) experience to here in Arizona," Garcia said. "We have
such a big Arab population, and so far it's working." Around the spacious dining area, posters
hang on the walls with images of the country. Across the way, a big screen TV showcased some
quirky Middle Eastern music videos to set the mood. Hidden from plain sight was a seating area
where guests would remove their shoes to hang out as they ate.It was quiet for a Friday
afternoon, at least when I walked in prior to a late lunch rush. Im remiss in taking away the
popularity of the place, as it currently boasts a four out of five star rating on Yelp as of this
writing. Take-out orders were consistently in and out, and it was hard to find anyone without a
smile on their face.This was immediately apparent when I spoke with Garcia, who had been a
part of Oasis since its inception. She didnt mask her infectious enthusiasm about the wide
spread of food the restaurant had on hand, and was quick to make recommendations
particularly for those that have never tried the cuisine before.
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"We have baked chicken, which is baked for two hours and is half a chicken served over mundi,
which is white rice and basmati rice mixed and seasoned with onion soup and Arabic
seasonings," Garcia said. Garcia went on to list choices that seemed endless including kabsa, a
meat cooked with a tomato paste, then fahsa and salta, a pair of items that she was keen to point
out."Fahsa is the local Yemeni dish," said Garcia. "It's braised lamb served in a skillet, as a lamb
soup." Salta, on the other hand, is made with all vegetables. The wide variances on Oasis' menu
seemed to reflect Garcia's take on the local cuisine."I feel like everything in Arizona is very
generic," she said. "When it comes down to Middle Eastern or anything like that, it's because
they don't focus enough on it. And that is what we're trying to do."
On Garcias recommendation, I asked for the biryani with lamb, which was made with basmati
rice and came with a salad sporting dressings of salsa and yogurt, which is less Dannons and
more of a cream with herbs and spices.It wasnt more than 10 minutes later that I was able to dig
into the big plate of rice and lamb. Garcia explained that the lamb was buried underneath the rice
so it could absorb any flavors that seeped through, and it worked. Supported by the flavors of the
rice, the lamb was juicy and fell off the bone easily, which inspired further digging for more.
The basmati rice coupled with the lamb well, with spices on each bite presenting a whole lot of
flavors as I ate. I couldnt get enough of it, which worked out well there was enough left over
for me to take home as I felt myself getting full from the dish. Too full, in fact, to try one of the
baklavas from the bakery those would wait until next time.
If you're hesitant to try the cuisine of the Middle East, or if you're looking for something new,
Oasis is definitely a place to visit. A sprawling menu and friendly staff are the main draws, and if
you need a suggestion talk to Garcia, or just pick the Biryani. You might not regret it.
Reach the reporter at damionjrohman@gmail.com or on Twitter @legendpenguin
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter

Light option with grains offers departure

By Susan Selasky Detroit Free Press Wednesday September 16, 2015 1:20 AM

Planning a gathering and hoping to skip the pasta and potato salads you have served all summer?
Think rice.A rice salad promises an easy time in the kitchen: Cook the rice, chop a few
vegetables and make a vinaigrette.Why a vinaigrette? You dont want to drown the grains in a
creamy dressing.A rice salad should taste light, with the grains separated not clumped.White
or brown rice, or any exotic version, might be used.These days, grocery stores offer a wide range
including some aromatic choices.Jasmine rice is fragrant and floral, while basmati rice
popular in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes is nuttily nuanced.As long-grain varieties, both
jasmine and basmati are prepared the same as white rice. And, with their slender grains, both are
well-suited to salads.

RICE SALAD WITH AVOCADO AND GRAPE TOMATOES

Makes 5 cups
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For the salad:
3 cups cooked white, basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 large ripe avocado, halved, pitted, diced large
Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 clove garlic, peeled
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions and cilantro
leaves. Add the avocado chunks and toss gently, taking care not to break them up. Season with
salt and pepper.
In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients and process until smooth. Taste
and adjust seasonings as necessary. Pour over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately
or refrigerate.The salad will keep in the refrigerator about 2 days, without the avocados turning
dark, if covered tightly, with plastic wrap directly on it.
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 153 calories, 2 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 9 g fat (1 g
saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 68 mg sodium

Coromandel In Southport: Elegant Contemporary Indian In

Southport
Somosas ($6.50), a standing pyramid of spiced potatoes and peas, is given an elegant presentation, with
salad and sauces to drizzle over the crust. (Elizabeth Keyser / Special To The Courant)
By ELIZABETH KEYSER Special To The Courant
Indian food, in all its glory, at Coromandel

Indian food condenses a vast subcontinent and many cultures into take-out shorthand.
Coromandel in Fairfield's Southport section offers an elegant, contemporary setting in which to
enjoy India's regional cuisine. The regional chainlet, at the forefront of popularizing Indian food
in these parts, has five restaurants (Orange, Newtown, Southport, Stamford and New Rochelle,
N.Y.). Their all-you-can-eat lunch buffets are famous.Sometimes you want to focus on just a few
dishes, so we go for dinner. The Southport location, just off I-95 and near the Boston Post Road,
is in an awkward, one-story 1950s building that has defied other restaurateur's design skills.
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Coromandel has done a terrific job with the design, blending modern white plastic and metal
chairs with white table cloths over blue clothes, and deep yellow napkins. White paper covers the
tabletops, and the layers of cloth give a luxurious, padded feeling. (Tables are small and close
together, and if you order several dishes, your waiter might struggle to fit everything on the
table.)

India is a land of mountains, rivers, foothills,

plains, deserts, rain forests and oceans and bays.
Spice brings the food of the land and people
together. At Coromandel in Southport, dishes aren't
burn-your-mouth spicy; the spice blends are
tempered and aromatic.One appetizer is Badam
Jhinga, shrimp in red chili sauce crunched with
slivered toasted almonds, fresh scallions and
cilantro. The sauce is bright and lively with sweet,
rich butterflied shrimp. The menu calls them called
prawns in the Anglo-Indian style, which sounds so much more interesting, and larger, than
shrimp.
Achari Murgh, chicken in mango sauce, chunks of chicken breast in a bowl of amber-colored
sauce created from an ineffable blend of spices, bloomed in the mouth. Beneath the coating of
sauce, the chicken is white and tender; among the spices is amchoor, a powder made from unripe
green mangoes that adds an Asian sour fruit flavor note and tenderizes the meat. Figuring that
chicken breast would not be the sole cut if this dish were made in India, we ask our courteous
waiter what cut of the chicken would be used in India. The whole chicken, he says, cut into
pieces.
Scented, long-grain white basmati rice is topped with caramelized onions and green peas. We
scoop up meat, sauce and rice with aloo paratha, wheat bread layered with spiced potatoes,
dashed in warm buttery ghee.Coromandel has many choices for vegetarians. Somosas ($6.50),
easy-to-carry street food, the deep-fried crust folded into standing pyramid of spiced potatoes
and peas, is given an elegant presentation, with salad and sauces to drizzle over the crust.
Lamb, too, is a glory of India cooking, and regional choices abound. You can't go wrong with
any of them at Coromandel.
Coromandel, 17 Pease Ave., Southport, is open Monday through Friday, 12 to 2:30 p.m.;
Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, and
Friday and Saturday 5 to 10:30 p.m. 203-259-1213 and coromandelcuisine.com/southport

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