16 july ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter 2016

www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For information : Mujahid Ali [email protected] 0321 369 2874

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www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com

Vol 7,Issue VII July 16 ,2016



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Editorial Board Chief Editor

Hamlik Managing Editor

Abdul Sattar Shah

Rahmat Ullah

Rozeen Shaukat English Editor

Maryam Editor

Legal Advisor

Advocate Zaheer Minhas

Editorial Associates

Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid

Javed Islam Agha

Ch.Hamid Malhi

Dr.Akhtar Hussain

Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui

Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF)

Islam Akhtar Khan Editorial Advisory Board

Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim Assistant Professor, Gomal University DIK

Dr.Hasina Gul Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK

Dr.Hidayat Ullah Assistant Professor, University of Swabi

Dr.Abdul Basir Assistant Professor, University of Swabi

Zahid Mehmood PSO,NIFA Peshawar

Falak Naz Shah Head Food Science & Technology ART, Peshawar

Today Rice News Headlines...

Farm mechanization training ends today

Congress just passed a bill that could change the way you buy food

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1516

SNA Conference: Thinking Rice in the School Cafeteria and Beyond

07/15/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

California Rice Harvest Expected To Be Near Normal

CreekSpeak looks at salmon grown in rice fields

Avoid ‗miracle‘ rice, just eat a carrot!

Piñol aims rice security, but critics are skeptical

Enrollment period for 2016 USDA safety net coverage ends Aug. 1


5,000 rice farmers to benefit from CBN anchor borrower programme

in Kogi

Rice: 25,000 MT of Long Grain Rice Sold to the Ivory Coast

Monsoon covers entire country two days before its normal date: IMD

Rajkot Foodgrain Prices- Jul 15

Lounge review: Tamarind, Bengaluru

News Detail...

Farm mechanization training ends today Published: 15 July 2016

THE weeklong Farm Mechanization Training (FMT) that aims to

equip local farmers with knowledge and skills on production of

manual rice milling machine, solar grain drier and peanut shelling

machine will conclude today.

The FMT is being held at the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) farm near

King George, East Honiara with about 13 participants from Western and

Isabel provinces in attendance.

The training was opened on Monday by the Permanent Secretary for the

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Jimmy Saelea.



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Saelea said ―this training is to equip rice farmers and other technical staff to appreciate the

development and adoption of small-scale low cost and energy efficient machinery for use by

subsistence farmers in PNG and Solomon Islands.

―I encourage all trainees to gain as much knowledge as possible from the training.

―You are the few lucky ones to be given the opportunity to be the first for this subject matter

training,‖ he said.

Saelea said that processing, preservation and quality improvement of agricultural crops for the

benefit of local population will always be assured of any government of the day‘s support,

including the current DCC government which recognizes and is committed to encouraging and

supporting rural development.

Director of Extension and project sub coordinator Michael Ho‘ota also said, ―this is a new area

of development within the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) with the objective of this

project to develop and adopt small-scale low cost energy efficient machines for use by

subsistence farmers in PNG and SI.

―The continuity and expansion of this project should enable MAL to produce efficient low cost

subsistence small machines for our farmers in the rural areas,‖ he said.

The week long training involves production of manual rice milling machine and training on how

to use the solar grain drier and peanut shelling machine.

FMT is jointly funded by the European Union and Solomon Islands government of Solomon

Islands project on enhancing productivity of land and labour through small scale mechanization

for subsistence farmers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands.

Training is facilitated by a trainer from NARI -PNG and his Solomon Islands counterpart.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11044-farm-mechanization-training-ends-today

Congress just passed a bill that could change the way you

buy food

Rafi Letzter

A scientist shows "Golden Rice" (R) and ordinary rice at the International Rice Research

Institute in Los Banos, Laguna south of Manila, August 14, 2013. Erik De Castro / Reuters

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11044-farm-mechanization-training-ends-today

http://www.techinsider.io/author/rafi-letzter

http://www.techinsider.io/author/rafi-letzter



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The US House of Representatives

passed a bill Thursday that would

change the way companies label

genetically-engineered (GE) foods

sold in this country, often referred

to as GMOs. The bill directs the

Department of Agriculture to write

rules establishing a national

standard for how GE products are

labeled. Companies will be

allowed to use text, symbols or a

QR code to let consumers know

about GE ingredients in their

products. A federal labeling law

would nullify Vermont's existing

GMO labeling law, which is seen

as more stringent than the rules

proposed by the current bill, and prevent individual states from writing their own laws regulating

the labels on genetically engineered foods.

There is no evidence that genetically-modified foods pose any particular danger to people. And

the case against them relies heavily on disinformation.

Representatives passed the bill with a 306 to 117 vote. Since it already cleared the Senate last

week, it will become law pending President Barack Obama's signature. Obama is not expected to

veto the law.

Some Democrats and consumer advocates argue that the law does not go far enough in requiring

companies to disclose GE ingredients. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts), ranking member on

the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee, made this case on the House floor.

"The debate about GMO labeling is about transparency and the right of every American to know

what's in the food they eat," he said. "It's very simple. The best approach would be a clear and

easy-to-understand label or symbol, not some crazy QR code that only creates more hassle and

confusion." (Many Americans do not own smartphones, which are needed to scan and

understand QR codes.)

Republicans, for their part, have argued that a national labeling standard falls in line with science

and best practices for government regulation. Consumer Reports notes that the bill has also

received support from industry groups, like the National Corn Growers Association.

https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s764/BILLS-114s764eas.pdf

http://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/House-to-vote-on-bill-that-bocks-vermonts-gmo-labeling-law/


http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_case_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_and_errors.html

http://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/287743-house-passes-gmo-labeling-bill

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-07-13/obama-ready-to-sign-food-label-bill-consumer-groups-find-suspect

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-07-13/obama-ready-to-sign-food-label-bill-consumer-groups-find-suspect

http://mcgovern.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mcgovern-americans-want-gmo-labeling-and-congress-should-listen





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Employees stock shelves near a sign supporting non genetically modified organisms (GMO) at

the Central Co-op in Seattle, Washington. Thomson Reuters

In remarks emailed to Tech Insider, William Hallman, chair of the Department of Human

Ecology at Rutgers University, noted that the bill as written only applies to particular

"recombinant forms of genetic engineering, and might exclude products with genes edited using

CRISPR or other methods." He also noted that products that don't include DNA, like sugar or

olive oil, might not require labeling.

It remains unclear, he wrote, how exactly this law will impact consumer attitudes toward GE

foods:

It is interesting that this proposed solution would theoretically give consumers the ability to

know whether their food is 'bioengineered', for which 'right to know' advocates have been

actively pushing. On the other hand, packages would not have to bear special labels such as those

required by the Vermont law (Act 120). Our data and that of others suggests that a label saying

that a product was 'produced with genetic engineering', as the Vermont law requires, is likely to

be seen by consumers as an indication that the product is undesirable.

In other words, a national labeling standard might be a blessing for companies worried that

existing state labels make their products look dangerous to customers.

http://www.techinsider.io/congress-passes-gmo-labeling-bill-2016-7

http://geneticexperts.org/senators-reach-agreement-on-mandatory-labeling-bill-for-genetically-engineered-foods/

http://www.techinsider.io/scientists-unveil-the-most-clever-crispr-gadget-so-far-2016-4



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APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1516

[email protected]

International Benchmark Price

Price on: 13-07-2016

Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price

Honey

1 Argentine 85mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 2140



White Sugar

1 CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t) 868

2 Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t) 691

3 Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t) 615

Sultanas

1 Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t) 2990

2 South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t) 2978

3 Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t) 1500

Source: oryza, agra-net For more info

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 12-07-2016

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price

https://www.agra-net.com/



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Maize

1 Haveri (Karnataka) Local 1715 1715

2 Dhekiajuli (Assam) Other 1400 1600

3 Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh) Other 1592 1801

Paddy(Dhan)

1 Kasargod (Kerala) Other 1500 1600

2 Kalol (Gujarat) Other 1725 1925

3 Savali (Maharashtra) Other 2200 2300

Mousambi

1 Sirhind (Punjab) Other 2000 2800

2 Barara (Haryana) Other 2500 3500

3 Mechua (West Bengal) Other 3400 3500

Onion

1 Kannur (Kerala) Other 1700 1800

2 Jatni (Orissa) Other 1050 1150

3 Jagraon (Punjab) Other 800 900

Source:agmarknet.nic.in

SNA Conference: Thinking Rice in the School Cafeteria and

Beyond

By Colleen Klemczewski

http://agmarknet.nic.in/

mailto:[email protected]



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SAN ANTONIO, TX- Nearly 7,000 school nutrition

professionals from across the nation descended upon the

Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center here this week for

the School Nutrition Association's (SNA) Annual

National Conference to learn about the latest and greatest

in food, beverage, supply equipment, and service

solutions. The 3 day conference featured lengthy

dedicated exhibit hall hours, where USA Rice hosted a

popular, interactive booth.

Attendees lined up to spin USA Rice's famous prize

wheel that tested their knowledge of U.S. rice. Every

prize wheel contestant walked away with a rice crispy

cake made using U.S.-grown rice and educational

information about the many benefits that rice brings to the table. While they were waiting in line

to spin the wheel and answer some rice trivia, attendees picked up packets of kid-friendly rice

recipes and a Rice 101 Cooking Guide that contained rice preparation information for

foodservice professionals.

A new feature this year at the USA Rice booth was a recipe contest that asked participants to

submit a creative rice bowl concept for use as a standardized K-12 recipe. Several hundred

people entered the contest for a chance to win a cash prize and serve as a consultant during the

development of their winning recipe.

"We are really excited about the level of participation for this new healthy rice bowl recipe

contest," said Katie Maher, USA Rice's director of domestic promotion. "It was an engaging

element of our booth that encouraged attendees to think of rice as a versatile ingredient that can

be paired with many other nutritious foods. The menu options really are endless when it comes

to rice."

During this year's conference, USA Rice staff also met with key school nutrition influencers

from Iowa, Kansas, and Louisiana to discuss new opportunities for incorporating rice onto

school menus and to learn how USA Rice can continue providing useful resources to schools.

May the best rice bowl recipe win!



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"It's crucial for us to take time to make these connections with people who are responsible for

menu planning and food purchasing decisions," said Maher. "It affords us the opportunity to

share our resources with them and to reiterate our message that rice is a central component of a

healthy, well-balanced diet in school lunchrooms and at home."

07/15/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Rice

High Low

Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -

Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -

Futures: ROUGH RICE

High Low Last Change

Sep '16 1065.0 1052.0 1052.0 -7.5

Nov '16 1086.0 1080.0 1080.0 -7.5

Jan '17 1112.5 1112.5 1105.5 -7.0

Mar '17

1125.0 -7.0

May '17

1144.0 -7.0

Jul '17

1158.0 -7.0

Sep '17

1158.0 -7.0

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4AE4M-QBl

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4QE4I-UAl

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0BA5IlQQh



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Rice Comment

Rice futures ended the week on a negative note. The WASDE report showed mostly

offsetting changes, but 16-17 ending stocks are projected at their highest level since 85-86 thanks

to large increases in California medium grain stocks. The all rice on farm average price was

lowered, again a result of lower prices in California. September has bounced off support near

$10.25, with the next upside target at last week’s high of $10.94 ½.


Amy Quinton

Thursday, July 14, 2016 | Sacramento, CA | Permalink

Rice field in the Sacramento Valley.

Photo / California Rice Commission

http://www.capradio.org/about/bios/amy-quinton/

http://www.capradio.org/77708



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California farmers are growing about 545,000 acres of rice this year, about 100,000 acres more

than each of the last two years.

Jim Morris with the California Rice Commission says this year is an average planting, but it‘s

welcome news to rice farmers who have had to idle fields during the drought.

―Rice was one of the most impacted crops in all of California from the drought and that impact

not only affects the farmers directly it affects our economy," says Morris. "It also hurts the

wildlife habitat that the rice fields provide.‖

Harvest gets underway in September. California is the nation‘s second largest rice producing

state. Almost all of the sushi rice in the nation is grown in the Sacramento Valley.

Morris says California rice contributes $5 billion to the state‘s economy and flooded fields help

provide habitat for migrating birds.

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2016/07/14/california-rice-harvest-expected-to-be-near-normal/

CreekSpeak looks at salmon grown in rice fields Deo Ferrer – Daily Democrat File Photograph Nigiri Project researcher Dr. Jacob Katz pulls a sample of

zooplankton from the water. Katz will be speaking at CreekSpeak later this month.

By Democrat staff

Posted: 07/14/16, 8:48 AM PDT |

Putah Creek Council‘s third CreekSpeak

presentation of 2016, on Thursday, July

21, will feature Dr. Jacob Katz speaking

about how an ongoing research project

in the Yolo Bypass is changing the

relationship between productive

farmland and wildlife conservation. In

the last four years, researchers have

worked with landowners to grow salmon

in rice fields and recreate some of the

seasonal floodplains that once covered

California‘s Central Valley. Called the

―Nigiri Project,‖ this effort demonstrates

the potential to create fish and bird

habitat while maintaining agricultural production on those same lands.



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Katz is the director for California Trout‘s Central California region. He focuses on integrating

biologic science and natural history into the management and operation of California‘s water

infrastructure. Through the Nigiri Project, he is developing ways to get greater fish and wildlife

benefit out of working agricultural landscapes while ensuring that California is always home to

self-sustaining runs of wild salmon.

The CreekSpeak presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Margaret Parsons Room of the Winters

Community Library, 708 Railroad Ave, Winters.

All CreekSpeak events are on the third Thursday of the month, and alternate locations between

the Davis Veterans Memorial Center Club Room (203 E. 14th St.) and the Winters Community

Library. CreekSpeak talks are free to Putah Creek Council members and open to the public. A $5

donation is requested from those who have not yet joined the Council.

More information about these presentations is available at www.putahcreekcouncil.org, or by

calling Putah Creek Council at 795-3006

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/article/NI/20160714/FEATURES/160719955

Avoid ‘miracle’ rice, just eat a carrot! Published Jul 16, 2016, 12:48 am IST

Updated Jul 16, 2016, 12:48 am IST

Golden rice is a false miracle.

Norman Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution, died on September 9, 2009. Alfred G. Gilman

died on December 23, 2015. Both were Nobel laureates and now both dead. Gilman was a

signatory to a recent letter condemning Greenpeace and its opposition to genetic engineering.

How many Nobel laureates does it take to write a letter? Easily ascertained — the dead Gilman

and 106 others were enlisted in ―supporting GMOs and golden rice‖. Correct answer — 107,

dead or alive. The laureates were rounded up by Val Giddings (senior fellow, Information

Technology and Innovation Foundation), Jon Entine (author of Abraham‘s Children: Race,

Identity and the DNA of the Chosen People) and Jay Byrne (former head of corporate

communications, Monsanto). Real people don‘t have the luxury of getting Nobel laureates to

write 1/107th of a letter, ―chosen‖ folk do. Evidently. Cornell University is a ―chosen‖ institution

— central to genetically modified public relations. The Cornell Alliance of Science is funded by

Bill Gates, just like the failed golden rice experiment.

The Nobel laureates accuse Greenpeace of killing millions by delaying ghost rice — something

the biotech industry accuses me of doing, for the same reason. Unlike golden rice — whose

failure to launch is the industry‘s own failure, the opposition to genetic engineering (and hence

golden rice) is very real and successful. As Glenn Stone, a rice scientist at Washington

University, states: ―The simple fact is that after 24 years of research and breeding, golden rice is



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still years away from being ready for release.‖ It is Borlaug‘s Green Revolution monocultures

that contributed to malnutrition by destroying biodiversity, which destroys the diversity of

nutrients we need to be healthy. As Navdanya research has shown, biodiversity produces more

food and nutrition per acre. Borlaug‘s ghost is still shaping the industrial agriculture ―miracles‖

based on monocultures of the mind and spin in place of science.

It is now more than 20 years since the ―miracle‖ golden rice began to be promoted as the excuse

to allow patents on life. The last time golden rice was resurrected when Patrick Moore of Allow

Golden Rice Now was sent to Asia to push the failed promise. Women of the world organised

and responded to Moore — Diverse Women for Diversity issued a declaration on International

Women‘s Day in 2015 titled Women and Biodiversity Feed the World, not Corporations and

GMOs. Golden rice is genetically engineered rice with two genes from a daffodil and one gene

from a bacterium. The resulting GMO rice is said to have a yellow colouring, which is supposed

to increase beta-carotene — a precursor of Vitamin A. It has been offered as a potential miracle

cure for Vitamin A deficiency for 20 years. But golden rice is a false miracle. It is a disease of

nutritionally empty monocultures offered as a cure for nutritional deficiency. In fact, golden rice,

if successful, will be 400 per cent less efficient in providing Vitamin A than the biodiversity

alternatives that women have to offer. To get your daily requirement of Vitamin A, all you need

to eat is one of the following:

Two tablespoons of spinach or cholai (amaranth) leaves or radish leaves

Four tablespoons of mustard or bathua leaves

One tablespoon of coriander chutney

One-and-a-half tablespoon of mint chutney

One carrot



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One mango

So, if you want to be four times more efficient than 107 Nobel laureates, just eat a carrot!

Not only do these indigenous alternatives based on women‘s knowledge provide more Vitamin

A than golden rice ever will, and at a lower cost, but also provide multiple other nutrients. Our

critique of golden rice is that even if it is developed, it will be inferior to the alternatives women

have in their hands and minds. Women are being blocked from growing biodiversity and

spreading their knowledge to address malnutrition, by rich and powerful men and their

corporations who are blind to the richness of the earth and our cultures. Through their

monoculture of the mind, they keep imposing monocultures of failed technologies, blocking the

potential of abundance and nourishment. As I wrote in 2000, blindness to biodiversity and

women‘s knowledge is a blind approach to blindness prevention.

Grain.org concluded in Grains of delusion: Golden rice seen from the ground, way back in 2001:

―The best chance of success in fighting Vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition is to better use the

inexpensive and nutritious foods already available, and in diversifying food production systems

in the fields and in the household. The euphoria created by the Green Revolution greatly stifled

research to develop and promote these efforts, and the introduction of golden rice will further

compromise them. Golden rice is merely a marketing event. But international and national

research agendas will be taken by it.‖

The Giddings-Entine-Byrne Nobel PR stunt was timed to coincide with the US Senate vote on

the Dark Act — the denial to Americans of the right to know what they eat. With two decades of

the GMO experiment failing to control pests and weeds, creating super pests and super weeds

instead, there is now an attempt to push through the ―next generation‖ of GMOs — such as

―gene drives‖ for exterminating nutrient-rich species like the amaranth. Amaranth, a weed to the

107 Nobel laureates, is a richer source of Vitamin A than golden rice has promised it will be,

when it grows up. The laureates would have us round up all the Vitamin A we already have in

abundance, create deficiencies by exterminating it with RoundUp, and provide golden rice to

alleviate the absence of Vitamin A.

Mr Gates is also supporting this failed miracle, as well as the failed communication through the

Cornell Alliance for Science. He also funds the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and

Harvest Plus, the corporate alliance for biofortification. The corporate-controlled World Food

Prize for 2016 has been announced for ―Biofortification‖. Scientists funded by Mr Gates have

been given the prize for inventing an orange sweet potato. But the Maori in New Zealand had

developed kumara, orange (beauregard) sweet potato, centuries ago. Mr Gates is also funding the

biopiracy research of James Dale of Queensland, who took the Vitamin A-rich indigenous

bananas of Micronesia and declared them to be his invention. The biopiracy of people‘s

biodiversity and indigenous knowledge is what Mr Gates is funding. The Gates fortification or

Nobel fortification, will not nourish people. Fraud is not food

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op-ed/160716/avoid-miracle-rice-just-eat-a-carrot.html



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Piñol aims rice security, but critics are skeptical

July 15, 2016 9:23 pm

by James Konstantin Galvez Reporter

Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol

The Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, reiterated on Friday three ambitious goals: attain

rice self-sufficiency, limit rice imports to the

minimum access volume, and establish a buffer

stock to feed the population for six months in

times of a crisis.To achieve these goals, he is

aiming to increase rice production by at least

one metric ton per hectare each harvest and

instructed the National Food Authority to

increase rice inventory to more than 600 percent

above what is required by law, which is 30

days‘ supply in the lean months and15 days

supply in other times.

Piñol had earlier presented to the Cabinet the preparations his department is making to tackle the

impact of La Niña that is expected to hit the country by the coming November or

December.Meanwhile, his plan for rice buffer stocks met with skepticism at the National Food

Authority. An official of the agency pointed out that a higher inventory of buffer stock would

only result in rice rotting in warehouses because of NFA‘s inability to dispose old rice stocks in

storage. Even worse, the source said, a massive rice inventory would also create depressed farm

gate prices of palay.

The official also said that it would be problematic for the Duterte government to institutionalize

a 6-month buffer stock, noting the financial and logistical restrictions facing the agency.

―Where would they put the rice stocks? Are they going to build or rent new warehouses? Where

would they get the budget?‖ he said.

―Let‘s say we have the funding and that they can buy more palay, the NFA‘s capacity to dry and

mill the grain were very limited,‖ he added.

The official also said that it is ―incumbent to remind the good secretary‖ of the NFA‘s mandate.

―Our mandate is to ensure availability of rice. At the same time, we must also ensure that the

price of rice is low enough to remain affordable to low-income consumers. We are not here to

compete with commercial rice traders,‖ the official said.



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NFA, the source said, can keep rice stocks in good condition for only six months and palay for

nine months. ―A considerable volume of rice in NFA warehouses were more than six months

old, while daily withdrawal at government depositories were at its lowest due to the substantial

presence of commercial rice in the market at competitive prices,‖ the official said.

At the beginning of last month (June), the Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that the

country‘s total rice stock inventory was good for three months—with stocks in the households

sufficient for 34 days, those in NFA depositories for 32 days, and those in commercial

warehouses for 29 days.

Rice stocks was pegged at 3.24 million metric tons, or 7.15 percent higher than the 3.02 million

metric tons level in June 2015, but 12.31 percent lower than the previous month‘s inventory level

of 3.69 million metric tons.

Of this month‘s total rice, 36.13 percent were with the households, 30.74 percent in commercial

warehouses, and 33.13 percent were in NFA depositories. The latter comprised 85.39 percent of

the rice imported.

The NFA was created with the intention of protecting the interests of both rice producers and

consumers. As such, the agency‘s two primary mandates are to stabilize the price of rice and to

ensure food security.

The price stabilization mandate means that the NFA tries to influence prices on two fronts. At

one front, it must support the palay farm despite the reforms undertaken in the past gate price at a

level that is enough to ensure a reasonable return for rice farmers.

A well-placed source in the Department of Agriculture, meanwhile, questioned Piñol‘s target to

increase rice productivity and areas, saying that Philippines remained heavily reliant to the

availability of rain with 60 percent of harvest attributed to rain-fed areas.

The source added that increasing productivity by one metric ton per hectare per harvest would

entail massive funding support from the government.

―Piñol‘s statement is very general. In specific areas, were irrigation is not yet available, this is

possible. However, increasing productivity in majority of irrigated areas, where utilization of

hybrid seeds and farm mechanization are relatively high, this in no long viable,‖ the sources.

―This will also be possible if Piñol will subsidize everything from fertilizers to seeds to

mechanization, not just irrigation,‖ he said.

Piñol earlier said that new areas for planting rice would be opened during his term which will

increase production by 4.8 million metric tons of rice, more than enough to cover the 1.8 million

MT annual rice shortage.

Piñol also said that he has employed the service of Project NOAH for identifying suitable lands,

noting that more than 2.5 million hectares showed potential as new rice areas.



17

Studies are also being made to determine the viability of low-cost communal irrigation projects,

instead of maintaining irrigation facilities that have become rundown, to reduce production cost

and help farmers become more competitive. Rice production cost in the Philippines is higher

than in Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Critics said that rice sufficiency in the Philippines is unlikely within the next 10 years, citing

geographical conditions, lack of agriculture infrastructure and failed implementation of the

Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The Philippines has less comparative advantage in rice production compared with major rice

exporters like India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam—all blessed with the world‘s large rivers.

Besides, the Philippines is a calamity prone nation with an average of 20 typhoons hitting the

country annually

http://www.manilatimes.net/pinol-aims-rice-security-but-critics-are-skeptical/273989/

Enrollment period for 2016 USDA safety net coverage ends

Aug. 1

Jul 15, 2016

Producers who chose coverage from the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill,

known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs,

can visit Woodward FSA County office through August 1, 2016, to sign contracts to enroll in

coverage for 2016.

The choice between ARC and PLC has already been made by producers but a contract to

participate must be signed each year for the farm to be eligible for program benefits. Please do

not wait until the last week to request an appointment as ―ALL‖ signatures for ―ALL‖ producers

on the contract and supporting documents MUST be in the county office by Aug 1, 2016.

The two programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural

producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities.

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed,

grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium

grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans,

sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity. For more details

regarding these programs, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Call the Woodward office at 580-256-7882 Ext. 2 for more information or to sign up for the

program.

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc



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http://www.woodwardnews.net/news/enrollment-period-for-usda-safety-net-coverage-ends-

aug/article_c5f50f80-4a6e-11e6-bdb0-d3499f292520.ht


Amy Quinton

Thursday, July 14, 2016 | Sacramento, CA | Permalink

Rice field in the Sacramento Valley.

Photo / California Rice Commission

California farmers are growing about 545,000 acres of rice this year, about 100,000 acres more

than each of the last two years.

http://www.capradio.org/about/bios/amy-quinton/

http://www.capradio.org/77708



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Jim Morris with the California Rice Commission says this year is an average planting, but it‘s

welcome news to rice farmers who have had to idle fields during the drought.

―Rice was one of the most impacted crops in all of California from the drought and that impact

not only affects the farmers directly it affects our economy," says Morris. "It also hurts the

wildlife habitat that the rice fields provide.‖

Harvest gets underway in September. California is the nation‘s second largest rice producing

state. Almost all of the sushi rice in the nation is grown in the Sacramento Valley.

Morris says California rice contributes $5 billion to the state‘s economy and flooded fields help

provide habitat for migrating birds

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2016/07/14/california-rice-harvest-expected-to-be-near-normal/

5,000 rice farmers to benefit from CBN anchor borrower

programme in Kogi

Lokoja, July 15, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 5, 000 registered rice farmers in Kogi will benefit

from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) anchor borrower programme.

The state‘s Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mrs Rabi Emaiku, made

this known in a town hall meeting of Rice Value Chain Farmers and stakeholders on Friday in

Lokoja.

Emaiku said that over 5,000 farmers in the state had registered and completed the necessary

documentations required by the CBN to qualify them to access the rice fund.

Emaiku urged stakeholders involved in rice production to harmonise ways to boost and ensure

adequate rice production in the state.

She advised farmers in the state to make good use of the opportunity provided them by the

Federal Government through the CBN to boost production.

"Our associations are ready to give our trust and support to the CBN, Federal and State

governments, and all other stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme in Kogi," she

said.

The chairman also commended the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his efforts and total

support to farmers in making the programme a reality in Kogi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state governor was represented at the

meeting by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Tim Dichie.

http://nannewsnigeria.com/5000-rice-farmers-benefit-cbn-anchor-borrower-programme-kogi




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The governor restated the strong commitment of the state government in making sure that food

security is given priority attention in the state.

The CBN representative, Mr Idris Usman, who is the Head of Development Finance Office of

CBN, Lokoja, said he was there to witness the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that

would be signed by all stakeholders for onward transmission to the CBN for implementation.

Usman noted that 50 per cent guarantee of any amount agreed on in the meeting would be taken

over by the CBN, while 40 per cent by State Government and 5 to 10 per cent by individual

participants.

The stakeholders present at the meeting were: CBN, ADP, UNDP, Federal Ministry of

Agriculture, RIFAN, Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture, Off takers from Kano, Edo and

Anambra States.

Others were Seed Suppliers, Tractorization Company, Sterling Bank, AFAN, SWOFON,

KSARPFUL and various farmers' associations in the state. (NAN)

ASA/YMU/AFA


Rice: 25,000 MT of Long Grain Rice Sold to the Ivory Coast

By Rebecca Bratter, USA Rice DailyJuly 14, 2016

USDA‘s Food Assistance Division has approved the sale of 25,000 MT of long grain rice to the

Ivory Coast as part of their Food For Progress Program (FFPr). FFPr allows for U.S.

commodities in key food assistance markets to be sold by humanitarian groups who then invest



21

the proceeds in the development of a critical agricultural value chain. It is commonly referred to

as ―monetization.‖ In the case of Ivory Coast, the sale of long grain rice will be invested in the

development of the poultry value chain.

This program is an important component of

the U.S. government‘s desire to invest in

helping critical markets achieve agricultural

sustainability and eventually transition to

commercial markets.The Ivory Coast,

traditionally a commercial market for USA

Rice has descended into food insecurity after

years of civil unrest and economic

instability. USA Rice worked closely with

industry, monetization agents on the ground in

the Ivory Coast, and the USDA to determine

the appropriateness of this sale to a former

commercial market. After concluding the sale

would not create any market distortion and

that it made sense to conduct food assistance

activities in a formerly commercial market,

USA Rice encouraged and supported the sale

of rice for food assistance purposes.USA Rice

has been working closely with both USAID and USDA to emphasize both the availability and

advantageous prices of U.S. origin rice. As rice is the most consumed commodity in the world,

it is easily accepted by the target population of food assistance programs, making it a highly

effective tool to combat hunger.―This is the first of what we believe will be multiple new sales of

U.S. rice to the U.S. government for use in food assistance programs in the coming year,‖ said

USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. ―We are continuing our close collaboration with

government agencies to increase rice use to help vulnerable communities around the world.

Monsoon covers entire country two days before its normal

date: IMD

PTI

New Delhi, July 14:

The Southwest Monsoon has covered the entire country two days ahead of its normal date after

reaching the last frontiers of Kutch and Western Rajasthan.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country has so far received four

per cent more rainfall than normal.

http://g.adspeed.net/ad.php?do=clk&aid=257811&zid=71894&t=1468663326&auth=2dccf37914aecf801f0d5f0e752f6645



22

All sub-regions have been receiving good rainfall except the North-East and east region of the

country, where the deficiency has reached 23 per cent.

―The Southwest Monsoon has advanced to remaining parts of north Arabian Sea, Kutch and

West Rajasthan. Thus, it has covered the entire country on July 13,‖ the IMD said in its latest

bulletin.

The monsoon hit Kerala on June 8, seven days after its normal onset date, which marks the start

of the rainy season in the country. In mid-June its progress had reduced considerably due to lack

of traction near Karwar.

However, after that it has made rapid progress. It usually covers the last frontiers of Kutch and

West Rajasthan on July 15. This marks the monsoon covering the entire country.

The IMD has forecast ―above normal‖ rainfall this season.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/monsoon-covers-entire-country-

two-days-before-its-normal-date-imd/article8848853.ece



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Rajkot Foodgrain Prices- Jul 15 Rajkot Foodgrain Prices Open- July 15

Jul 15 Market delivery prices of food grains and pulses at

Rajkot in India's western state of Gujarat opened on a mixed trend,

traders said Friday.

* *

FOOD GRAINS & PULSES

* Gram prices firmed up due to short supply.

* Udid prices dropped due to lack of buying enquiries from mills.

Prices of food grains and pulses in rupees per 20 kilograms, and deliveries

in 100-kilogram bags:

Delivery Auction price Previous price

FOOD GRAIN

Wheat Lokwan 00,320 340-405 345-392

Wheat Tukda 00,625 342-422 343-415

Jowar White 055 275-510 280-540

Bajra 0,020 280-340 290-345

PULSES

Gram 00,115 1,605-1,690 1,640-1,721

Udid 0,070 1,800-2,250 1,750-2,272

Moong 0,465 1,000-1,315 1,031-1,300

Tuar 0,035 1,450-1,724 1,475-1,734

Maize 005 305-370 305-350

Vaal Dsshi 010 1,175-1,650 1,250-1,450

Choli 0,010 1,750-2,000 1,750-2,050

Rajkot market delivery prices in rupees per 100 kilograms:.

Today's Price Previous close

FOOD GRAINS

Wheat Mill quality 1,830-1,840 1,830-1,840

Wheat (medium) 2,100-2,125 2,100-2,125

Wheat (superior best) 2,250-2,275 2,250-2,275

Bajra 1,890-1,900 1,890-1,900

Jowar 2,650-2,700 2,650-2,700

PULSES

Gram 8,800-8,850 8,700-8,750

Gram dal 10,700-10,800 10,700-10,800

Besan (65-kg bag) 7,650-7,700 7,650-7,700

Tuar 09,000-09,100 09,000-09,100

Tuardal 13,600-13,700 13,600-13,700



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Moong 6,500-6,550 6,500-6,550

Moongdal 7,100-7,150 7,100-7,150

Udid 12,000-12,100 12,300-12,400

RICE

IR-8 2,200-2,250 2,200-2,250

Basmati Best 7,700-7,800

07,700-07,800

Parimal 2,250-2,300 2,250-2,300

Punjab Parimal 2,550-2,600 2,550-2,600

Basmati Medium 5,300-5,400 5,300-5,400

http://in.reuters.com/article/rajkot-foodgrain-idINL4N1A135T

Lounge review: Tamarind, Bengaluru

A north Indian restaurant at the airport sounds like a bad idea, but Tamarind is neither boring nor

over-the-top. The focus is on delicious food cooked with knowledge and restraint

Sumana Mukherjee

The restaurant interiors.

http://www.livemint.com/Search/Link/Author/Sumana%20Mukherjee



25

A north Indian restaurant at the airport? That, too, one called Tamarind? I have to confess,

enthusiasm levels were rather low for this one. Still, needs must, so off we went to the brand new

Taj Bangalore, located within the greater area of the Kempegowda International Airport, on a

Saturday evening. Bad idea. We spent close to 2 hours on the road, most of it on the stretch

between MG Road and the highway. It was 10pm when we reached, an hour-and-a-half after our

booking.

The good stuff

No one turned a hair at our late arrival or frazzled appearance. Instead, with well-trained finesse,

we were escorted to the restaurant, ensconced at a table we wanted, offered a choice of waters

(still, sparkling, clove-flavoured regular) and presented with the menus. Then our server

discreetly disappeared while we took a deep breath and pulled ourselves together.

When we looked up, there was an amuse-bouche (a tiny, spicy dal-vada lookalike with a hung-

curd and mint garnish) and a ―bread basket‖—flaky ―pastry sticks‖ with four chutneys, including

a very moreish one of spring onions. To wet the throat, we asked for a lemon iced tea (Rs.300)

and a spiced beet-and-apple martini (Rs.750). The cocktail was more apple than beet though and

the spicing levels were mild. Still, a smooth, well-mixed drink.

The food menu itself is a fair balance of old favourites and oddball quirks. We zoomed in

unanimously on the Sheermal Tart Mein Galouti (Rs.1,000), albeit apprehensively, still scarred

by our last encounter with ―fusion‖ Indian. The misgivings turned out to be misplaced because

what arrived at our table were six small kebabs balanced in pastry shells, delicately spiced and

utterly coherent, the base—though it didn‘t quite have the traditional mildly sweet taste—

rescuing the tender galouti from complete collapse as one bit into it. Thus encouraged, for mains

we asked for the Nalli-e-Khas (Rs.1,100), a Lehsooni Khada Palak (Rs.900) and Laal Moth Ki

Dal (Rs.700) with Phulkas (two for Rs.150; not on the menu) and Khushka (Rs.300), steamed

basmati rice. Alongside, we got a Kuti Mirch Jaituni Naan (Rs.150)—naan sprinkled with olives

and red chillies—gratis, as our server insisted it was a house speciality.

That the food will be of a certain quality at a five-star hotel is a given; all too frequently, though,

dishes slip into a safe mediocrity. To stay within the inoffensive limits—for this is ―royal‖ north

Indian, arguably the version of the country‘s cuisines most familiar to foreigner guests—and not

be boring, to push classics yet be respectful of their integrity, is a tricky act. That‘s where

Tamarind scores. Be it the stir-fried spinach dish with whole garlic cloves or the perfectly done

lamb shanks, or even the simple dal, the dishes indicated knowledge and restraint: The white

butter underlined the dishes without coating the tongue, the spices were assertive without being

overwhelming. The takeaway is a wholesome, satisfying comfort meal: just what you need

before boarding that long flight away from the motherland.

For dessert, we tried the Tamarind Ice-cream (Rs.400) simply because it wasn‘t something we‘re

likely to get anywhere else. The cold tartness takes some getting used to, but the taste grows on

you.

The not-so-good



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Why can‘t chefs resist the urge to dress up lamb shanks like phallic symbols? As balanced as the

Nalli-e-Khas was, the leaves and gilded trimmings sprouting from an upright piece struck the

only jarring note of the evening.Two, as much of a work in progress as the area is, better signage

is an absolute necessity. After driving for hours, we spent another 15 minutes trying to figure out

how to access the hotel.

Talk plastic

A meal for two, with one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic drink, one starter, phulkas, rice, two

mains, a dal and a dessert cost Rs.5,837, including taxes.

Tamarind, Taj Bangalore, near Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli, Bengaluru

(66003300). Open from 7.30-11.30pm, only for dinner at present.

http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/brjIyA18QDSPAp1oSdtw5K/Lounge-review-Tamarind-

Bengaluru.html

http://www.livemint.com/r/LiveMint/Period2/2016/07/16/Photos/Leisure/chick.jpg

16 july ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

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