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NE’s rice beer has therapeutic value’
TNN | Jan 26, 2015, 06.00 AM IST
GUWAHATI: The humble rice beer, which is brewed in many ethnic households across the
northeast, has been found to have many nutritional values including antioxidant properties that may
Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com
January 26, 2015 Volume 5, Issue I
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be beneficial in fighting several diseases.Researchers from the Jorhat-based College of Home
Science (CHS)'s department of food and nutrition, Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and the
Tamil Nadu-based Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) have found antioxidant
activity in rice beer samples in the laboratory.
The research on rice beer samples was carried out by Deep Jyoti Bhuyan and Mridula Saikia Barooah
of the CHS's department of food and nutrition, Sudipta Sankar Bora of AAU and K Singaravadivel of
IICPT."The antioxidant activity in the rice beer samples was most likely caused by the presence of
phenolic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids from various indigenous herbs used in the preparation of
the starter culture cake. These compounds are known to inhibit the oxidative mechanism that are
responsible for many disorders and diseases in humans such as infections, diabetes, arthritis,
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's diseases, AIDS and so on," their research paper stated.
The researchers have pointed out that besides being consumed as a beverage by different tribes in the
region, rice beer is also traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. They highlighted some traditional
therapeutic use of rice beer by the Karbi community of Assam, which uses the brew called Hor Acho
to cure dysentery and pharyngitis."If Japan's traditional brew sake could become popular
internationally, the northeast's particular variety of rice beer has all the potential to become a value-
added beverage. That is why we made a scientific intervention on the traditional rice beer of the
northeast so that we could find out its nutritional and therapeutic properties. We need to carry out
more scientific studies on it for further value-addition," Barooah said.
Different tribes have their own names and tradition of brewing rice beer, which has an important role
in their socio-cultural lives. The northeast has over 150 tribes and 200 sub-tribes, each of them
having unique traditions of making rice beer. The preparation of the rice beer is an intricate and
sophisticated process handed down through the generations. Usually, it is the women of the tribe who
are involved in making the rice beer.
Source with thanks:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/NEs-rice-beer-has-therapeutic-
value/articleshow/46014461.cms
Nigeria: Rice Import Duty Debtors Must Pay - Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N16 billion to be deployed for the Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development's 2015 dry season farming.Announced this at AgriFest 2015 exhibition of Made-in-
Nigeria agricultural produce at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Friday, the President expressed appreciation
to Nigerian farmers for taking up the opportunities provided by his administration's agriculture reforms,
which have boosted food production in the country."Great farmers of Nigeria, you can rely on me as the
farmers' President. Be assured of my support at all times.
"To further boost your efforts to produce more food for our country, I am pleased to announce here today,
the release of N26 billion towards the 2015 Dry Season Farming Programme," he said.The Federal
Government launched a National Dry Season Farming Programme in 2012 to facilitate all-year round
food cultivation and production.The President directed the ministry to provide annual financial support to
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further spur the famous traditional fishing competition and festival in Argungu in Kebbi State and
promote fishing eco-tourism.He declared that Nigeria "is producing more food than ever before. Our
national food production has grown by 21 million metric tons within the past three years. Our food import
bill declined from N1.1 trillion in 2009 to N634 billion in 2013 and continues to decline.
"He disclosed that with government's support to private refineries to process crude palm oil in the
country, Nigeria hopes to become self-sufficient in palm oil by next year.According to him, "Over N45
billion in private sector investments in new oil palm plantations are ongoing. We expect 70,000 hectares
of new plantations to allow Nigeria to become self-sufficient in palm oil production by 2016."He noted
that over six million rice farmers have received improved rice seed varieties, thus boosting domestic rice
production by an additional seven million metric tons, adding that he would not allow rice importers
owing the government to go scot-free."High quality Nigerian rice is now competing favourably with
imported rice in the markets.
"Our rice millers have taken advantage of these new opportunities, and the number of integrated rice mills
has expanded from one, at the beginning of this administration, to 24 today."I eat Nigerian rice and can
tell you that it is better than imported rice. Nigeria, our dear country, will not be held hostage by rice
importers. There will be no sacred cows under my watch. All those owing Nigeria on rice import duties
must pay."The President pledged that his administration would "continue to support our livestock herders
with improvement in grazing facilities, watering points, establishment of ranches, stock routes and
provision of veterinary services."We will continue to work hard to end cattle rustling and rebuild trust and
cooperation between farmers and herders.
"Jonathan thanked the private sector agribusiness leaders, who are working to boost agro-processing and
add value to all the produce in the agricultural sector to the tune of about N900 billion.His words: "I
celebrate the efforts of the financial institutions, from banks to micro-finance institutions that have now
begun to lend more to farmers and agribusinesses."Our development partners have seen the turnaround in
the agriculture sector and are actively supporting the sector. Over N900 billion ($5 billion) of private
investments have come into the sector in the last three years."Selected Nigerian farmers, rice producers,
seedling dealers and other agro-allied operators on the occasion gave testimonies of their improved
production and conditions of services.The President toured exhibition stands at the fair grounds featuring
only Nigerian-made agricultural produce.
Source with thanks:http://allafrica.com/stories/201501250117.html
Hunt for new rice markets a priority
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION January 26, 2015 1:00 am
THE Thai Rice Exporters Association will join forces with the Commerce Ministry for a business mission
to potential new rice-import markets such as Iran, Iraq, and other Middle East countries. The move will be
a bid to increase rice sales this year in the face of fears that falling oil prices will affect the purchasing
power of major importers of Thai rice.TREA president Charoen Laothamatas said the association was
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scheduled to join many trade missions with the Ministry of Commerce because Thailand needed to
aggressively promote its rice plans and activities to "knock on the doors" of potential new importers.
"Due to the lowering oil price, some major import countries such as Nigeria and other countries in Africa,
where their incomes have relied mainly on the oil price, could be affected and cause a lower order for
rice," he said."The ministry and the association thus have plans to promote more rice sales to other
potential markets such as Iran, Iraq, and other countries in the Middle East to encourage them to buy Thai
rice."Charoen said that Iran and Iraq used to be major Thai rice importers, but they suspended imports for
a few years due to a defaulted contract with a private exporter. Now was a good time to boost the
confidence of those countries, he added.
Under the Commerce Ministry plan, Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya will visit Hong
Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Italy, and Indonesia. Charoen said that rice
exports this year should be as high as last year - up to 11 million tonnes - due to high demand in the world
market and drought problems in some rice-producing countries.He said the price of Thai rice was
expected to be steady this year. The price has climbed slightly over the past few months due to the
strengthening baht. At the moment, the export price of rice is quoted at US$405-$410 (Bt13,200-
Bt13,350) for 5 per cent white rice, while Vietnamese rice is quoted $370 per tonne.
Source with thanks:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Hunt-for-new-rice-markets-a-priority-
30252635.html
Pakistani businessmen invited to invest in Afghanistan
our correspondent
Sunday, January 25, 2015
From Print Edition
KARACHI: Pakistani investors can set up their industrial units in Afghan tax-free zones
that would help them penetrate in the Afghan market along with gaining access to the
Central Asian Republics, said Janan Mosazai, ambassador of Afghanistan.
Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(KCCI) on Saturday, the ambassador said the Afghan government is ready to offer additional
facilities to Pakistani investors as compared to investors from other countries with a view to
further strengthen economic and trade ties between the two countries.Pakistan and Afghanistan
must work jointly to deal with common issues of terrorism, illiteracy, poverty, water shortages,
energy crisis and infrastructure development, etc, he said.
The ambassador asked the Karachi Chamber to organise a delegation‘s visit to Afghanistan to
explore trade and investment opportunities.Identifying various sectors for undertaking joint
ventures, he said the business communities of the two countries can undertake joint ventures in
agriculture, education, construction, mining, precious stones, natural resources and other
important sectors of the economy.―There is also a huge potential in Afghanistan for Pakistani
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rice exporters who cannot only export rice to Afghanistan, but also to the Central Asian
Republics through Afghanistan,‖ he said.Mosazai stressed the need to develop highways,
railways and air links between two countries.―Various memorandums of understanding and
agreements had already been signed in this regard, now it is high time to implement all these
projects,‖ he said.
Earlier, KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra said the local industry of Pakistan suffers badly
due to misuse of Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement. In order to effectively deal with the
situation, he proposed the duties and taxes on imported goods arriving at the Pakistani ports for
Afghanistan should be collected on behalf of the government of Afghanistan by Pakistan
Customs and transmitted to the Afghan government upon evidence of transit goods reaching
their declared destination, which would surely help deal with the smuggling and misuse of
APTTA.
Source with thanks:http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-297908-Pakistani-businessmen-invited-
to-invest-in-Afghanistan
Commodity prices decline in Sindh
Mohammad Hussain Khan
PRICES of crops like onion, cotton, paddy and sugarcane are depressed in Sindh, while
farmers continue their outcry against the government, urging it either to regulate prices or
subsidise farm inputs.
Crop prices have recorded a decline, starting from last year‘s kharif to the current rabi season. To
make matters worse, cane-growers are being paid less than the officially notified rate, as millers
insist they can‘t afford to buy the crop at official rate.Fluctuations in commodity prices cannot be
isolated from the subsidy and free-market mechanisms, since multiple factors govern the
agriculture sector. Unless the underlying issues in farming are addressed, the price distortion will
not go away.Theoretically, a free market idea sounds good. But price distortion is usually linked
with the working of the free market.
The developed world, including countries like the US and Japan and those in the EU provide
huge subsidy to their farm sector. This lends credence to the fact that they lack comparative
advantage and remain uncompetitive.On the other hand, Pakistani farmers not only have the
potential to get higher per acre yields, but also the comparative advantage.Subsidy, say
stakeholders, is opposed by the developed world, but it subsidises its own farm sector.Presently,
India‘s export of agri commodities to Pakistan is the main cause of the low prices here. This is
more a case of institutional support and an enabling marketing environment in Pakistan rather
than that of subsidy.
There is a strong need to curb the exploitation of farmers by the market.India is a case in point.
It subsidises agriculture despite being part of the WTO. Some reports put the annual amount of
subsidy at 100bn Indian rupees.The cotton season has just concluded in Pakistan, with farmers
not getting a fair price — a fact admitted by the Economic Coordination Committee. On the
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other hand, India decided to procure 10m bales this season to keep its minimum support price
(MSP) intact in the larger interest of farmers.Out of 10m, about 5m bales have already procured,
says Mahesh Kumar, former chairman of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCA), while
referring to cotton market reports.
The Indian government is ready to buy 15m bales to support farmers, if needed.―Comparatively,
the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) lifted only 88,000 bales across Pakistan, despite the
ECC‘s decision to buy 1m bales at Rs3,000 per 40kg for seed cotton producers. Procurement has
closed now after having lasted for just 11 days.‖This is one example of the government‘s
indecisiveness or inaction, and translates into monetary losses for the farmers. So, growers
remain reluctant to modernise farms or use vital farm inputs. The cost of inputs continues to rise
unchecked, defeating the idea of subsidy or support price, and benefitting input-suppliers.With
poor investment, farmers don‘t get the desired productivity and find it hard to compete
internationally. Access to free market is not unhindered either.
According to Mahmood Nawaz Shah, a progressive farmer, China slapped a quota on cotton
imports this year to stabilise prices domestically.India gives huge subsidy and developed
countries create inefficient producers by artificially reducing the cost of production. ―The
European and American markets deny access to Pakistani textile products at the pretext of
regulatory duties. With tariff or non-tariff barriers, can we think that the market is free and offers
a level playing field to everyone?‖
The Sindh government remains indifferent to
the farmers‘ plight. After the 18th amendment,
agriculture became a provincial subject, but
the province has yet to build capacity to
deliver. For instance, paddy growers get
Rs800-900 per 40kg, which they used to get
years ago. The Sindh government, this year,
proposed the price of Rs1,000 for irri-6, but
didn‘t officially notify the price. Nabi Bux
Sathio, general secretary of the Sindh
Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), argues that
the government doesn‘t ensure administrative
protection for the growers. And it doesn‘t even exercise its authority to ban the cultivation of rice
in cotton-growing area.Resultantly, the surplus rice production depresses prices. ―The cultivation
of rice in the cotton zone not only results in a surplus, but causes water-logging and affects
cotton production. Same is the case with sugarcane, as the government looks the other way. We
lack institutional support so we suffer financially.
‖ Urea prices, he says, remain beyond the reach of an average small grower. It was Rs560 per
bag in 2008 and now stands at Rs1,855. Urea was imported for Rs35bn in 2013-14, but never
reached small farmers, he says. ―Urea factories increase their prices, saying they are not getting
gas and the government claims that 75pc of their gas needs are met. This shows that the
regulatory environment is non-existent.‖Besides, the government lacks the required storage
capacity for the surplus output. Sindh can‘t procure wheat beyond 1.3m tonnes for want of
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storage. And it hires private facilities to hold this 1.3m tonnes. Ad-hocism mars policymaking,
which affects producers.
Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, January 26th , 2015
Japan proposes boosting imports of US rice
Nikkei Asian ReviewSunday, Jan 25, 2015
20150125_NikkeiAR_RiceJapUS.jpg
The minimum access quota for tax-free rice imports is 770,000 tons, Japan currently imports just over 10
thousand tones of US rice.
TOKYO - Japan has proposed a plan to add US rice imports to the
Japan-US trade negotiations. This is a key to making progress on
the overall Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, government
sources said.The Japanese government will likely increase the
tariff-free quota for imported rice and import more than 10
thousand tons of additional rice from the US, according to
sources.The US has also ceased its request that Japan ease its strict
standards imposed on car imports, according to sources.
These moves will likely help the two countries to reach an agreement in spring, adding momentum to the
conclusion of all TPP negotiations among the 12 member countries.Japanese delegates, including the
Ambassador in charge of Economic Diplomacy Takeo Mori, will meet with the US Trade
Representative's acting deputy Wendy Cutler and others in Washington to work out details, starting
Wednesday.
Read the full article here. Source with thanks:http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-proposes-boosting-imports-us-rice
Palay prices still declining, says statistics agency Ronnel W. Domingo
10:00 PM | Monday, January 26th, 2015
THE SLIDE in the farmgate prices of palay persists, with a kilo fetching P18.63 as of the third
week of January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).PSA monitoring
showed that the average price of paddy rice had fallen by P3.24 a kilo since peaking at P21.87 in
June for the non-fancy varieties.The price for rice in the husk is still above the National Food
Authority‘s (NFA) procurement budget per kilo. NFA now relies almost exclusively on
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importation of milled rice to maintain its inventory at required level.Mandated to ensure stable
supply and price of the staple grain, NFA buys palay at a basic rate of only P17.
Including fees for delivery and drying, the NFA‘s effective buying rate is P17.70 a
kilo.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Philippines is expected to again
import 1.8 million tons of milled rice this year amid projections that growth in domestic
production will be insignificant if not nil.This would mean the Philippines—in particular the
NFA—will have to depend again on large volumes of imports in order to meet consumer demand
as well as maintain stockpiles, the FAO added.As of Dec. 1, the nation‘s stock of milled rice
swelled for the third consecutive month, gaining two days to be enough for 87 days of
consumption.
The supply grew to 3.03 million tons from 2.95 million tons in the previous month amid the
harvest season for the year‘s main crop.Latest data from the PSA show that the NFA‘s inventory
climbed to 490,000 tons, 96 percent of which is imported.The NFA‘s stock was good for 14 days
of consumption, one day short of the agency‘s mandate of keeping at least 15-days‘ supply. Source with thanks:http://business.inquirer.net/185545/palay-prices-still-declining-says-statistics-agency
Thai Junta Unloading Mountain of Rice Amid World Surplus By Supunnabul Suwannakij Jan 26, 2015 10:55 PM PT
Photographer: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg
In a government building outside Bangkok, along the
murky Chao Phraya River,Thailand‘s ruling junta is
preparing to unload a mountain of rice on an already
oversupplied world. And there‘s more on the way.The
biggest exporter stockpiled 17.8 million metric tons after
former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spent $27
billion since 2011 buying at above-market prices to aid
farmers. The move threatened the nation‘s credit rating
and helped fan months of protests. She was ousted in
May by military leaders, who now plan to auction the grain over two years, with 1 million tons
set for sale at the Department of Foreign Trade on Jan. 29.
With global output poised to be near last year‘s record, Thailand will ship more this year than
any country ever, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show. The staple for half the world
plunged to a four-year low in Chicago, helping cut food costs that the United Nations says are
the lowest since 2010.
―We have plenty of rice,‖ said Mamadou Ciss, who‘s traded the grain since 1984 and is president
of Alliance Commodities (Suisse) SA in Geneva. ―Thailand still has huge stocks available,
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compared with world trade. Anything more than 10 million tons will take time to clear. Prices
will stay weak.‖
Photographer: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg
Global reserves are 30 percent above a 10-year average,
UN Food & Agriculture Organization data show.
Production for 2014-2015 in the U.S., the fifth-largest
exporter, is seen rising by the most in a decade,
expanding global grain inventories already at all-time
highs following record global harvests of wheat, corn
and soy.
Buying Spree
The Thai buying spree from November 2011 to February
2014 filled more than 1,000 warehouses and left inventories
equal to about 42 percent of what the world‘s importers
bought in 2014. Exports from the country will surge 9.7
percent to a record 11.3 million tons this year, USDA data
show.Protest groups that opposed Yingluck‘s government
say the rice-buying program was part of a pattern of
corruption by politicians allied with her brother, Thaksin
Shinawatra, who was deposed as prime minister in a 2006 coup. Since Thaksin‘s ouster, the
country has been divided between supporters of the Shinawatra family, mostly farmers in the
north and northeast, and opponents who are mostly urban and middle-class.Yingluck was
impeached on Jan. 23 for failing to heed warnings about the spiraling cost of rice subsidies,
which the FAO said were unsustainable. She also faces criminal prosecution. Yingluck denies
the corruption charges and defends the subsidies, saying they raised wages for the millions of
farmers who voted for her party in the 2011 elections and boosted economic growth.
Photographer: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg
Every Election
Junta leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha is seeking to clear the warehouses without torpedoing the
market, saying on Jan. 26 the government wants to accelerate sales to reduce inventory costs
while ensuring prices are acceptable. Since government buying began, Thai 5 percent
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broken rice, an Asia benchmark, tumbled 35 percent from a three-year high of $647 a ton in
2011 to $420 on Jan. 21.
On theChicago Board of Trade, futures reached $10.81 per 100 pounds on Jan. 26, the lowest
since 2010, and traded at $11.035 on Tuesday.The government may get unexpected help from a
dry spell that‘s reducing output. In the central basin north of Bangkok, irrigation officials shut
the taps after reservoir levels fell to a 15-year low. Farmers are growing the smaller of two
annual harvests that normally accounts for a quarter of production. The lack of water may cut
output 31 percent to 6.7 million tons, the lowest in a decade, government data show.
‘Welcome Development’
―The reduction in production this season would be a welcome development for the Thai
government, whose priority is now to get rid of the surpluses,‖ said Concepcion Calpe, a senior
economist at the Rome-based FAO.Kwanchai Mahachuenjai, a 54-year-old farmer in Ayutthaya,
said he cut planting almost in half to 120 rai (47.4 acres) because he‘s getting less water. Yields
will drop to 300 to 400 kilograms per rai from 700 to 800 kilograms, he said.
A decline in the quality of the stockpiles also may limit the impact of sales on prices, which
reflect food-grade grain. An audit in 2014 found about 80 percent was substandard and almost 4
percent was poor quality, destined for non-food uses.Most is still food-grade quality and can be
sold as long as it‘s kept dry and fumigated, said Somkiat Makcayathorn, secretary-general of the
Thai Rice Exporters Association.
While the government doesn‘t want to buy rice, it plans other support. About 40 billion baht
($1.2 billion) has been earmarked for payments to the poorest farmers, and officials are
encouraging the growing of other crops, including sugar.For now, the government is focused on
unloading 10 million tons this year and 7.8 million tons in 2016. This week‘s auction will be the
biggest amount since 2004, said Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general at Department
of Foreign Trade.―It‘s good timing to sell because of low supply ahead of second-crop
harvests,‖ Somkiat said. ―Prices will stay under pressure until the government clears the huge
inventories.‖
To contact the reporter on this story: Supunnabul Suwannakij in Bangkok
[email protected]
To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Poole at [email protected] Jake
Lloyd-Smith, Steve Stroth Source with thanks:http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-26/thai-junta-unloading-mountain-of-rice-
amid-world-surplus.html
Yingluck will be arrested if she tries to flee: NACC
The Nation
January 26, 2015 1:00 am
Former PM faces IndIctment from attorney general over rIce scheme, while EC probes her
spending on trip prior to election last year
Page 11
Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who now faces criminal charges over the rice-
pledging scheme, could be arrested if she shows any intention of leaving the country to avoid the
court trial, the anti-graft body said yesterday.Impeachment by the junta-installed National
Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday was not the end of her troubles because the Office of the
Attorney General has decided to indict her in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political
Office Holders in connection with the rice-pledging scheme.
The Election Commission is also looking at evidence to decide whether or not she used state
funds and resources for a political campaign ahead of the February 2 election last year, which
was the subject of major street protests.National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)
secretary-general Sansern Polajiak said the public prosecutor has one month to write and submit
a criminal writ to the Supreme Court.After drafting of the writ is completed, prosecutors have to
coordinate with the NACC to inform Yingluck that she has to report to the Attorney General on
the day the suit is filed at the court.
If Yingluck fails to turn up, the Attorney General will ask the NACC to fetch her. If it looks like
she intends to flee the country, the NACC would ask the police to issue a warrant for her arrest.
However, Sansern said he believed the former PM was ready to stand trial to fight the
charges.Former Pheu Thai Party MP Amnuay Khlangpha said the party would not protest over
the prosecution of Yingluck on criminal charges or her impeachment because the party wanted
peace and stability. He believed Yingluck would not flee the country because she has already
announced her intention to fight the charges in accordance with justice procedures.
While some have said they see Yingluck's impeachment as a chance to open the door for an
amnesty and reconciliation, Amnuay believes it would be "extremely appropriate" to issue an
amnesty law."Reconciliation is just 'lip service' without amnesty. These two must go hand in
hand," Amnuay said.National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Winthai Suvari
said Yingluck's prosecution was a separate matter that had nothing to do with reconciliation. The
NLA voted freely without any influence from the NCPO.He said Yingluck must still observe the
NCPO's rules and seek permission if she wants to travel abroad, which she has not made done
since she was impeached and indicted on criminal charges over the rice-pledging scheme.
Winthai said there were no political "undercurrents" that might spark a new round of political
conflict after Yingluck's impeachment. There had been only comments from people with
different political attitudes.Former education minister Chaturon Chaisang posted on his
Facebook page that Yingluck's impeachment was not carried out democratically and the intent
was to get the Shinawatra family out of politics.He foresaw more "ill intentions" of the May 22
coup, such as hitting the strength of Pheu Thai Party, reducing the role and power of elected
parties, allowing an unelected prime minister, senators and independent agencies, and increasing
the authority of the Constitutional Court.
Page 12
"I am not instigating protests but the voice of the people is always meaningful and once the
collective voice gets louder, it would be strong enough to suspend disaster to democracy,'' he
said.Pheu Thai's acting deputy spokesman Anusorn Iam-saard denied reports that Yingluck
would hold a press conference at different places over her impeachment. He said Yingluck
would prove her innocence through the justice system.He said the party hopes that once
democracy returns to the country, justice will prevail. "What happened [with her impeachment]
is the torment that must be kept in our heart.
We will wait till the day the election comes," he said.Inquiries into Yingluck's activities are not
over yet. Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen said the EC sub-panel had not
completed its probe into the allegation that Yingluck used state funds and resources while
campaigning in the North and Northeast prior to the February 2 election. He said five panel
committees would tentatively finish their probe before the end of January but he had no idea if
they could wrap up the probe as expected, as he could not interfere.
Source with thanks:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Yingluck-will-be-arrested-if-she-
tries-to-flee-NAC-30252666.html
Hunt for new rice markets a priority ECONOMIC 2015/01/26 11:31:23HePingSiJie.comPETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAITHE
NATION January 26, 2015 1:00 am
THE Thai Rice Exporters Association will join forces with the Commerce Ministry for a
business mission to potential new rice-import markets such as Iran, Iraq, and other Middle East
countries. The move will be a bid to increase rice sales this year in the face of fears that falling
oil prices will affect the purchasing power of major importers of Thai rice.
TREA president Charoen Laothamatas said the association was scheduled to join many trade
missions with the Ministry of Commerce because Thailand needed to aggressively promote its
rice plans and activities to ―knock on the doors‖ of potential new importers.―Due to the lowering
oil price, some major import countries such as Nigeria and other countries in Africa, where their
incomes have relied mainly on the oil price, could be affected and cause a lower order for rice,‖
he said.―The ministry and the association thus have plans to promote more rice sales to other
potential markets such as Iran, Iraq, and other countries in the Middle East to encourage them to
buy Thai rice.‖Charoen said that Iran and Iraq used to be major Thai rice importers, but they
suspended imports for a few years due to a defaulted contract with a private exporter. Now was a
good time to boost the confidence of those countries, he added.
Under the Commerce Ministry plan, Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya will visit
Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Italy, and Indonesia. Charoen said
that rice exports this year should be as high as last year – up to 11 million tonnes – due to high
demand in the world market and drought problems in some rice-producing countries.e said the
price of Thai rice was expected to be steady this year. The price has climbed slightly over the
past few months due to the strengthening baht.At the moment, the export price of rice is quoted
at US$405-$410 (Bt13,200-Bt13,350) for 5 per cent white rice, while Vietnamese rice is quoted
$370 per tonne.
Credit - http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Hunt-for-new-rice-markets-a-priority-30252635.html
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Thailand: Financial losses from rice pledging scheme likely to
exceed estimated 682 billion baht, says Finance Ministry
26.01.2015
Financial losses incurred from rice subsidy schemes dating back to 2004 are likely to exceed the
estimated 682 billion baht, says the Finance Ministry, the Bangkok Post reports.If rising
depreciation and missing milled rice from warehouses are taken into account, the combined
losses will be higher than the recent estimate, finance permanent secretary Rungson Sriworasat
said on January 21.
The subcommittee overseeing accounting affairs of all rice subsidy schemes earlier estimated
losses from buying 84 million tonnes of milled rice in the 15 schemes from 2004-14 amounted to
682 billion baht, with the Yingluck Shinawatra government's programme alone accounting for
518 billion.But that estimate did not take into account depreciation or missing rice from
warehouses inspected by a team working for PM's Office Minister ML Panadda
Diskul.According to the inspection of 17 million tonnes of milled rice bought under the previous
government's scheme, only 2.19 million tonnes were deemed of standard quality and classified as
Grade A rice.
Some 14.4 million tonnes were judged to be substandard Grade B, while the rest was classified
as Grade C because it was either rotten or had been registered incorrectly.The rice-pledging
scheme was a major policy that helped to sweep Ms Yingluck to power in the 2011 general
election.However, its guaranteed purchase of every single grain at a pledging price of 40-50%
above marketprices incurred a substantial cost to taxpayers.Thailand also lost its crown as the
world's biggest rice exporter, as the scheme, which ran for five crops, encouraged farmers to
grow low-quality rice that normally took less time to cultivate.
The joint committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Office of the
Attorney-General on Tuesday agreed to press criminal charges against Ms Yingluck for alleged
dereliction of duty in overseeing the rice scheme and causing massive damage to the state.The
NACC also recommended that former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, his ex-deputy
Poom Sarapol and 19 others be indicted for graft for their roles in government-to-government
rice sales.
Manas Jamveha, director-general of the Comptroller-General's Department, said his department,
which is responsible for seeking compensation from those alleged to have caused damage to the
state, was awaiting the Commerce Ministry's report."Damaged state agencies must submit a
summary report of the charge to verify all information," he said."They must set up a committee
to launch the probe again before arranging the report."
Source with thanks:http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/thailand-financial-losses-from-rice-pledging-scheme-
likely-to-exceed-estimated-682-billion-baht-says-finance-ministry
Page 14
Unending Controversy About Nigeria’s Rice Policy Saturday, 24 January 2015 17:28
Written by Joke Falaju, Abuja
Stakeholders Seek Investigation Of Quota Regime
THE backward integration policy of the Federal
Government in the rice value chain for some time
have been generating heated debate in the media, with
some investors accusing government of granting
import waiver to stakeholders who do not have
investment in the rice sector. Of concern to them is
the granting of arbitrary waiver and import quota to
investors still planning to invest locally, at the expense
of some others already having rice farms and mill
factories in Nigeria. For instance, whereas Elephant
Group, which has a planned investment, got an
investor allocation of 61,770, Ebony Agro with two functional rice mill got an Existing Miller
Allocation of 15,000mt without getting allocation as an investor.
Also, MIKAP rice got an allocation of 82,897mt as an investor and existing miller, while Stine
Rice, an investor with existing rice mill, got allocation of 30,000mt. Although a group of rice
millers told The Guardian that the policy is the best any government can venture into to
encourage local investors at the expense of stiff competition from foreign products, many of
them have faulted the manner by which the policy is being implemented. But President
Goodluck Jonathan, during the AgriFest 2015 Celebration of Nigeria‘s Agriculture, held at
Eagles Square, Abuja on Friday, read the riot act, insisting that ―all those owing Nigeria on rice
import duties must pay.
‖ ―Nigeria, our dear country, will not be held hostage by rice importers. There will be no sacred
cows under my watch. All those owing Nigeria on rice import duties must pay,‖ said Mr.
President. According to him, ―high quality Nigerian rice is now competing favourably with
imported rice in the markets. Our rice millers have taken advantage of these new opportunities,
and the number of integrated rice mills has expanded from 1 (one) at the beginning of this
administration, to 24 today. And they are all here today. I celebrate you all. I eat Nigerian rice
and can tell you it is better than imported rice.
‖ In his opening speech, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said: ―We have here
today over 20,000 farmers and agribusinesses from the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT. Today,
they are here to celebrate the achievements of your Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The
agricultural transformation agenda has turned around the lives and destinies of millions of
farmers.
Page 15
‗Farmers from across the country daily besiege my office asking to have an opportunity to thank
the President who has done so much for them. If I were to request for appointments for the
delegations that daily want to meet you, your calendar for two years cannot accommodate them,‖
Adesina said. Co-chairman of the rice investor Group, Mr. Tunji Owoeye, took sides with
government, stating that the view being expressed by some stakeholders are unfair to
government officials, who have worked hard to midwife the policy.Indeed, the government had
come up with the new rice policy as part of its efforts to ensure self-sufficiency in production,
and to protect local investors, to the point they can reasonably stand on their feet.
The policy was developed based on what is produced presently against the obvious shortfalls.
Supposedly, the policy should encourage local investors against those whose core interest was
importing and selling locally without the mind of contributing to the national dream of self-
sufficiency; but some stakeholders allege that ‗portfolio investors‖ without clear investments on
ground are truncating the policy by reselling their quotas.
The Nigeria Rice Investor Group had explained that the quota allocation given to both existing
rice miller and investors in equity was based on the supply gap of import grade rice of 1.5million
metric tonnes, ―existing millers and others with expressed interest submitted Domestic Rice
Production Plan (DPP) and based on the submissions, a total of 1.3million metric tones of rice
import quota was issued to 25 qualifying millers at the preferential levy of 20 percent and duty of
10 percent. The remaining 0.2 million metric tonnes of rice imports was given at a higher levy
and duty of 10 percent. To the group, government should be commended for its transparency,
―This is the first time that the government is so transparent in allocation of quota in this industry,
because they ensure that nobody is shut out, farmers, millers, traders and outgrowers
(smallholder farmers) have all being considered‖.
Owoeye said that the government had contacted them as an association to provide a list of their
investments in the rice value chain. ―We contacted all our members to send details of their
investment to the government, which they all complied with; and, based on this list, allocations
were given. If government had wanted to sweep the allocation of quota under the carpet they
wouldn‘t have contacted the association.‖ He, however, agreed that some quota beneficiaries
are trading their slots to interested buyers at 60 to 80 percent levy having got the same at 20
percent.
He said it implied that 60 percent levy is lower than what is charged as penalty, otherwise why
would anyone pay above that to buy from those who got the waiver. ―It may not be the best
policy, but we moved from a static position to a position where investors were encouraged, and
government came up with the criteria for assessing and qualification to be part of the investment
Page 16
concession. Government had looked at four areas in assessing investment in local rice value
chain. They looked at Domestic Rice Production Plan, Paddy Purchase Outlook –from paddy
Application Center, Paddy Purchase from out-grower scheme and farmers purchase and
ownership of milling facility.
Owoeye submitted that it was not possible for any investor without veritable production plan to
benefit from quota allocation, as the ministry has a team that goes to verify this fact, in terms of
production, rice farming, milling capacity and outgrowers scheme. Chairman Mikap Rice and
former Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Andoaka, said before the administration of
President Jonathan came on board, the issue of quota was not made public, as nobody knew how
it was being distributed.
―But this government changed; and now, local rice millers are getting the quota. So people who
monopolised it feel that something is wrong.‖ He alleged that it was the cabal (the big-time rice
importers) that are faulting government‘s action. He said he was not going to speak as if he is
taking sides with the government on the new rice policy, but maintained that no government in
recent times have given attention to agriculture like the current administration is doing, ―because
I am a direct beneficiary of the transformation in that sector, I started a small mill and in less
than five years I have expanded to 8.5 tonnes because of the support have received from the
government.
On the Rice Quota, he said he never knew what it was all about. ―I was surprised when I got a
call from the Ministry of Agriculture that, based on what the Minister saw in my factory and
Ashi Rice owned by the Governor of Benue State, we should come over and get the rice quota. I
never lobbied for it, even when I was in government, it never happened. I am the Secretary of the
Rice Millers Association, many of our members have confirmed to have gotten the quota. We
simply went to the registry and were given the quota. Anybody who doubts this level of
transparency has other things in mind,‖ he noted. Meanwhile, another rice investor commended
the backward integration policy, but faulted the manner in which the policy was being
implemented.
He noted that government applied the backward integration policy in an effort to stop cement
importation and today, Nigeria has not only attained self-sufficiency in cement production but
will soon become a net exporter.‖ He said: ―During the period, government did not allow
investors to import finished goods; it had to be the unfinished ones, so that it is brought to their
factory and processed, and gradually importation of cement was reduced. That was the same
advice we gave to the minister to discourage importation of finished rice and then encourage
Page 17
importation of brown rice so that it is milled and packaged in the country. However, the reverse
is the case.‖
He expressed the fear that, with the way government is going about the implementation of the
policy, local rice millers may be forced out of business, because they may not be able to compete
favourably with the foreign rice, thereby discouraging many of the farmers from growing paddy,
which would in turn affect plans to attain self sufficiency in rice production. It would be noted
that presently there is glut in the rice market, as it is flooded with foreign rice. Distributors would
rather buy cheaper foreign rice at N6500, as against the local rice which gets to the market at the
price of N8,700.
The rice investor disclosed that due to late release of the quota allocation, and the removal of the
embargo placed on rice importation, many of the investors went ahead to import rice at 30
percent duty, having seen that they qualify for quota allocation, thereby flooding the market with
over 1.2million mt of rice. He lamented that because of the present glut in the rice market, many
local millers have stopped production, because there is no market for their produce. On the way
out of the crisis, the investor said the Federal Government should do all it can to end smuggling,
as foreign rice still makes its way into the Nigerian market through the Cotonou/Seme borders.
He also called for proper management of the import regime and the quota allocation.
The source urged government to provide mechanisation and irrigation facilities, as well as
planting materials for rice farmers across the country. He said with the glut in paddy rice in the
north, there is still less production in the Southeast, as rice farming is still being done with hoe
and cutlass; and, since there are no irrigation facilities, rice farming is done once a
year. Chairman of Stine rice, Akai Egwuomwu, noted that the policy was a good one that
could ensure self sufficiency in rice production.
However, government need to look into the manner in which it was being implemented,
especially in the area of granting waivers. He said waivers should not be given randomly, rather
government should anchor it on the milling capacity of the so-called investors. He lamented
that government was giving preferential treatment to investor, who had planned investment
against some others that have been in the business for the past four years. He said: ―A miller
spend not less that N2billion in establishing a mill, and after spending so much money, it would
be unfair if government do not give them consideration.‖
He also advised that waiver should be given for brown rice as this would further strengthen the
capacity of the local millers. A representative of one of the rice farms, told The Guardian that
there is no truth in the claim that they are owing the Federal Government, as the minister cannot
Page 18
retroactively impose a quota in December 2014 and request payment of excess duties for
importations made when quota was not in place and then want to impose penalty on them.He
said: ―There are about 10-11 of them who imported beyond the allotted quota and their names
were not mentioned.
The importation we did was based on our level of investment in the rice value chain. We have an
existing investment of $100million.‖ He said though the government mean very well, the way
quotas are being given to people without established mills, as against those with established
mills, needs to be checked. He further observed that there is an existing production gap of
3million metric tonnes, with government only giving concession of 1.3million mt. He wondered
what would happen to the remaining gap of 1.7million metric tonnes.
On the way out of the crisis, he said there is the need for the Ministry of Agriculture, Finance,
Trade and Investment, National Planning to do a thorough investigation of the quota regime and
also streamline the method in which it is being granted, and ensure that it is not done
randomly. He, however, frowned at the granting of waiver to import brown rice, saying it
would affect paddy production.
Source with thanks:http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/business/195183-unending-controversy-about-nigeria-
s-rice-policy#sthash.ogLIxiTC.dpuf
Small scale rice dealers slam Trade Ministry
The Small Scale Rice Dealers Association of Ghana (SSRIDA-GH) has said the assertion by
Ministry of Trade and Industry that the total ban of rice importation is detrimental to the state is
not nationalistic.The media report attributed to Mr Ibrahim Murtala, Deputy Minister of Trade
and Industry said Ghana‘s rice self sufficiency is about 30 per cent and government consider as a
high priority to see the country productivity high.He, however, said a total ban on rice
importation is not the ideal thing to do and would also be in violation of World Trade
Organisation regulations.
Mr Murtala said the country must also improve the quality and quantity of rice production.The
Minister was reacting to a call by SSRIDA-GH to Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure an
outright ban of rice importation.It said the ban on inland rice importation is not only having
negative impact on the traders but also discriminatory and in favour of the major players in the
industry.A statement issued by Yaw Korang, National Coordinator of SSRIDA-GH said given
monopoly of large scale importation of the commodity to foreigners is unfair, and so if
Page 19
government finds it untenable for small-scale rice dealers to be in business then an outright ban
would be necessary .
―The ban as it stands now is pushing poor Ghanaians out of business and helping foreign traders
to thrive,‖ the statement.The statement said the ministry on October 14, 2013 served a notice of
ban on inland importation of rice stating that with effect from November 1, 2013, all imports of
rice shall be done through only the Kotoka International Airport, Tema and Takoradi Ports.―This
directive gave SSRIDA-GH only two weeks ultimatum to fold up our trading business through
the border. As petty traders, our capital base would not allow us to do our business through the
air or by the sea. The directive also came at a time when we had made orders with loans for
goods for the Christmas festivity.
―We humbly wish to state that our business is only a threat to the monopoly being practiced by
foreign rice importers, whose activities are a threat to the nation`s economy because they do the
importation under the cover of warehousing and sell their products for high prices in dollar
equivalence before paying their revenue and sometimes run-off without paying.We do our
business in the CFA-FRANC and pay our duty into the consolidated fund at the borders before
we are allowed to bring our goods into the country to sell.The statement asked Dr Ekwow Spio-
Garbrah, the sector Minister to review the ban on inland importation of rice or prohibit the trade
in Ghana.
However another statement by the SSRIDA-Ghana says the 500 million dollars spent annually to
import rice is a drain to the national economy and could be used to step up the productivity of the
crop.It said great rice producing nations like Thailand dreamt big and were nationalistic enough
to go great length to achieve the feat.The statement said: ―Nigeria was able to do it and now local
rice is in high demand in the West African nation.‖It said for the Ministry to say that total ban of
rice importation is not feasible is ―too simplistic, unpatriotic and uninspiring. It can be done if we
embrace the challenge‖, the statement said.
Source with thanks:http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/artikel.php?ID=343839
Nigeria: Agriculture Will Soon Overtake Oil - Adesina
By Christiana Nwaogu
The minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has boasted that the
agricultural sector would topple the nation's oil sector in no distant time.According to him, this is
feasible because the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which is a brainchild of
President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda, is geared towards ushering in
agricultural sector-led economic growth.Speaking on the AGRIFEST 2015, an international
Agriculture Exhibition organised by his ministry to aid the sector in achieving green revolution,
Page 20
Adesina said that as the price of crude oil plummets, he is convinced that agriculture will be the
new mainstay of the nation's economy.
The minister reeled out the achievements of his ministry to include the recent disbursement of
N122million grant to 27 Nagropreneurs across the six geo-political zones as a measure of
boosting agricultural production and also promoting its newly established project, the Youth
Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP).Noting that Nigeria's greater future for
inclusive growth lies in agriculture, he said food production had risen massively and as a nation,
Nigeria has produced additional 21 metric tons of food within the last three years.Adesina listed
other milestones of the ministry under him to include the establishment of Marketing
Corporation, nationwide census of farmers and supply of subsidised fertilisers to 14million
farmers.
Explaining that the elaborate event is aimed at creating a distinct platform that will further boost
the country's agriculture, he added that it will also keep Nigerians abreast of the latest evolution
in technologies and food production.Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the
minister at the event, saying agriculture is now the lifeline for Nigeria.He said, "As crude oil
prices decline, we must create new wealth from the richness of our soils, the vastness of our
rivers and the abundance of our cheap labour. We will produce more, and we will industrialise
the agricultural sector."When I appointed Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the minister of agriculture, I
charged him to turn agriculture around. My vision was clear - turn agriculture away from being a
sector for managing poverty to one for creating wealth. We now see agriculture as a business, not
as a development programme".
Noting that the rice revolution is taking place across the country, the president said while high
quality Nigerian rice is now competing favourably with imported rice in the markets, rice
importers cannot hold the country hostage.He said, "Nigeria, our dear country will not be held
hostage by rice importers. There will be no sacred cows under my watch. All those owing
Nigeria on rice import duties must pay.""Rice farmers across the country have a new lease of
life, due to the transformation taking place in the sector.
Over 6 million rice farmers have received improved rice seed varieties, boosting domestic rice
production by an additional 7 million metric tons.""Our rice millers have taken advantage of
these new opportunities, and the number of integrated rice mills has expanded from 1 (one) at the
beginning of this administration, to 24 today. And they are all here today. I celebrate you all. I
eat Nigerian rice and can tell you it is better than imported rice".
Source with thanks:http://allafrica.com/stories/201501260511.html
California Rice Commission, Rice Farmers Hold Annual
Grower Meetings
West coast info session
YUBA CITY & WILLIAMS, C
Page 21
A -- More than 200 growers attended the California
Rice Commission's (CRC) annual grower meetings
last week. USA Rice Federation Vice President of
Government Affairs Ben Mosely attended the
meetings and met with growers and industry
representatives from around the region to discuss
California specific initiatives and issues. George
Soares, with the law firm Kahn, Soares and Conway,
gave a presentation on the state's political outlook,
including a discussion of the ongoing water
availability issues, the California water bond, and the
statewide political climate.
Randy Russell, long time consultant for CRC, discussed farm policy and the political atmosphere
in Washington as it relates to agriculture. Russell highlighted issues for rice farmers to be aware
of in the new Congress, including budget and debt ceiling issues, trade, and tax reform. Finally,
Jeff Yasui, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency in Davis,
California, talked about new and existing crop insurance policies."With the political landscape
shifting beneath our feet, these face-to-face meetings are invaluable," said Mosely. "Excellent
information was provided and I think everyone came away more prepared to tackle challenges
ahead."
Contact: Evan Spencer (703) 236-1476
Source with thanks:USA Rice Federation
Japanese rice: the new, safe luxury food in China
By By Alexandra Harney and Yuka Obayashi | Reuters – Sun, 25 Jan, 2015
By Alexandra Harney and Yuka Obayashi
SHANGHAI/TOKYO (Reuters) - First it was European infant formula, then New Zealand milk.
Now Chinese consumers are adding Japanese rice to the list of everyday foods they will bring in
from abroad at luxury-good prices because they fear the local alternatives aren't safe.The volume
of rice imported from Japan remains small - 160 tonnes last year, according to Japan's National
Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations.
But that is more than triple the total in 2013, a trend that illustrates Chinese consumers'
dwindling confidence in the safety of the country's own agricultural produce."Chinese rice
farmers use pesticides," said a seller identified as Ying Ying, who started offering Japanese rice
on the Taobao online marketplace last August. "Japanese rice isn't polluted by heavy
metals."Pollution from industrialization has exacted a heavy toll on China's soil and water. In
Page 22
May 2013, officials in Guangdong province in southern China said 44 percent of rice samples
contained excessive levels of the metal cadmium.
A study by the Ministry of Environmental Protection last April estimated that 16.1 percent of
China's soil was contaminated. In parts of the country, soil pollution is so bad that some rice
farmers refuse to eat what they grow.After the cadmium revelations, some Chinese consumers
began to see rice from Thailand as an affordable and safe substitute.In contrast, Japanese rice is
neither cheap nor easy to find in China. Japanese rice imported by Chinese grain trader COFCO
sells for 74 Chinese yuan ($12) a kg on PinStore, an online supermarket run by Japanese trading
house Sumitomo Corp.
Domestic rice sells there for as little as 7.5 yuan per kg.As demand grows, Chinese consumers
are increasingly turning to online platforms such as Taobao, run by Alibaba, to buy rice directly
from individuals in Japan.One person seems to have paid as much as 1,499 yuan ($241) for five
kg, according to Taobao.
Steep prices, though, are no deterrent for some."Much tastier than Chinese rice. Worth every
cent - great texture and taste," one delighted buyer wrote on Taobao.To meet demand, some
Chinese producers now say they use Japanese seeds and promote their rice as a safer alternative
to purely domestic strains.Zhejiang Xinxie Yueguang Agricultural Science and Technology says
its Echizen brand rice is safe and grown with "water from pure sources and strict quality
control". The packaging says the rice is a Japanese variety.
But Echizen rice is grown in Changxing county, a hub of lead-acid battery production in eastern
Zhejiang province. Battery production can be highly polluting.Li Jun, general manager at
Zhejiang Xinxie Yueguang, insisted the company's rice had passed tests for lead, cadmium,
mercury, pesticides and other chemicals by state inspectors.The company had also found other
areas to grow rice where there was less concern about pollution, Li said.The Chinese eat around
120 million tonnes of rice a year and the country imported more than 2.2 million in the first 11
months of 2014, including 1.2 million tonnes from Vietnam and 626,000 tonnes from Thailand,
customs data shows.
Japan is a small rice exporter - just 3,777 tonnes in January to November 2014, according to
agriculture ministry data - but it is looking to boost shipments to Asian countries as part of a
wider push to export more agricultural products.However, if the trend to China looks
encouraging, any further increase through normal export channels may be slow: the Chinese
Page 23
authorities have given just one Japanese rice mill clearance to send polished rice.Others have
begun an application process but that has stalled. Some would-be suppliers have been waiting for
three years, a Japanese government official said.
($1 = 6.2275 Chinese yuan)
(This version of the story corrects paragraph 2 to make clear the reference is to imports from
Japan)
(Additional reporting by Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Alan Raybould)
Source with thanks:http://news.yahoo.com/japanese-rice-safe-luxury-food-china-211610709--
finance.html
Efficient rice farming to curb emissions
New water- and cost-efficient farming techniques will allow Vietnam to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in wet rice production by 15 to 20 percent by 2020, said Mai Van Trinh, Director of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Institute for Agricultural
Environment.Trinh was speaking at a recent conference on the first phase of the Project on
Reduced CH4 Emissions in Wet Rice Cultivation in Vietnam , jointly held by his institute and
the Manila-based International Rice Research Institute in Hanoi .
To achieve the target, the ministry will use the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a plan in
which farmers will increase productivity, quality and economic effectiveness, while reducing
pesticides and nitrogenous fertilisers, he said.In addition to these measures, the ministry will also
encourage farmers to use green production methods. The sector will also apply Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP) in cultivation, which means using techniques that consume less
fertilisers and water, employing better land preparation techniques and reducing methane
emissions.
Another technology mentioned at the conference was Alternative Wetting Drying
(AWD)."Actually, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice growing, the institute has tried
AWD while implementing a project on reducing CH4 emissions in wet rice cultivation," Trinh
said, adding that AWD is no longer strange to rice growers in Vietnam, as it has already been
incorporated in several other programmes, including SRI.Vu Duong Quynh, the project
coordinator, said a major challenge with SRI is water management. Most problems are caused by
the unfavourable terrain in many areas, fragmented rice fields and a lack of cooperation between
irrigation staff and farmers.
Page 24
This is especially troublesome considering the fact that efficient irrigation is the best way to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.To overcome these difficulties, Quynh said that in its first
phase, from October 2014 to June 2016, the project intends to collect lessons learnt from
efficient irrigation models and to gather data on land and infrastructure in each province, to make
a water-efficient irrigation map."When looking at this map, one can read out which province can
apply AWD, as not all types of land are suitable for this technology," Quynh said. In the second
phase, the project will incorporate other technologies.
VNA
Tags:rice farming to curb emissions
Source with thanks:http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/122110/efficient-rice-farming-to-curb-
emissions.html
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
CME Group (Preliminary): Closing Rough Rice Futures for January 26
Month Price Net Change
March 2015 $10.885 - $0.125
May 2015 $11.145 - $0.125
July 2015 $11.390 - $0.120
September 2015 $11.070 - $0.120
November 2015 $11.170 - $0.120
January 2016 $11.260 - $0.120
March 2016 $11.260 - $0.120
USA Rice Federation