27th february,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter

February 27 , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I

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Reps probe Stallion Group, Popular Foods, Olam over N43b

import duty evasion

By Luke Ajulo

February 27, 2015 00:26:08am GMT |

National Assembly

WorldStage Newsonline-- The House of Representatives

on Thursday approved a motion to investigate all

investor companies involved in rice importation under

the new policy. Specifically, three major companies-

Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nig Lt were

said to have exceeded their approved quota and evaded

payment of import duties to the Federal Government to

the tune of about N43 billion.

The investigation was expected to ascertain the exact amount owed government by the affected

companies.In addition, the investigation would ascertain the approved quota for each importer against

their excess imports in metric tons.Appropriate measures for recovering the debt would also be

recommended by the investigation panel. The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of the

prayers of a motion by Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) who accused major importers of conniving with

foreign investors to undermine the nation's economy.He said: "Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam

Nig Ltd in collusion with their foreign investors have imported rice exceeding their approved quota and

thus owe the Federal government about N28.399 billion.

"Stallion Group and Popular Foods with an unpaid outstanding import duty of over N15 billion have

imported another 85,000mts of rice into the country."The actions of the companies are capable of

scuttling the country's self-sufficiency drive in rice production and act and also deny the Federal

government the needed revenue on import duties".The motion was unanimously adopted when it was out

to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.The report on the investigation was expected to be turned

in three weeks.

Courtesy:http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=news&newscid=20936&catid=2

House to Probe Rice Importers 27 Feb 2015

Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal

Muhammad Bello in Abuja
The House of Representatives Thursday resolved to investigate

companies involved in rice importation under the federal government policy aimed at

encouraging investment in local rice production.

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The crux of the matter that precipitated the motion that led to the

resolution was the allegation that some companies in concert with

some foreign investors have imported the commodity in a manner that

exceeded “their approved quota and thus owe the federal government

about N28,399 billion.

”The companies fingered are: Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nigeria Limited. The

House regretted that Stallion Group/ Popular Foods, with an unpaid outstanding import duty of

over N15 billion, has imported another 85,000 metric tonnes of rice into the country.Hon. Simon

Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) expressed concern “that the actions of these companies are capable of

scuttling the nation’s self-sufficiency drive in rice production and an act which deny the federal

government the needed revenue on import duties.”

Tags: Nigeria, Featuered, News, Aminu Tambuwal

Courtesy:http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/house-to-probe-rice-importers/202850/

PhilRice Agusan is best branch station anew

February 26, 2015

REMEDIOS T. ROMULADEZ, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- PhilRice Agusan received

the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest – an annual internal competition organized by the

Institute to elevate and improve the modalities in promoting new technologies in rice production.

It also aims to highlight the best-fit practices of the stations in rice Research and Development

(R&D).PhilRice Agusan was also recognized for successfully and creatively executing the

Intensified Rice-Based Agri-bio Systems (IRBAS) program in support of PhilRice’s major

advocacy, the Rural Transformation Movement (RTM).RTM aims to help reduce poverty by

promoting diversified farming and agri-business ventures.

Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support services including training,

inputs, custom services, technologies, product development and packaging, and marketing.“I

thank the PhilRice management for organizing this contest and all my colleagues for keeping our

station beautiful,” said Abner T. Montecalvo, station manager.PhilRice Midsayap and Batac

placed second and third, respectively, and were cited for creating a strategic research direction

and for continually improving their internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated

Management Systems standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.The following awards

were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baños; Most Interactive Field Day to Negros;

and Most Innovative External Linkage to Bicol.

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The judges traveled across the country to evaluate each station based on the following: IRBAS (Rural

Transformation Campaign Execution); level of mechanization; organization of field day; varietal demo;

client satisfaction; innovations; internal processes and financial reports; housekeeping and safety; state of

infrastructure; income generation; and station management.The judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former

director for communications of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

(ICRISAT); Dr. Genaro San Valentin and Thelma Padolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan, founder

of Good Food Community; and Donald Mateo, from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development

and Mechanization (PHilMech).

PhilRice Agusan had earlier received the Best Field Day (2011) and Best Station awards (2013).

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the

Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on November 5, 1985 (as amended) to

help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all

Filipinos. (PhilRice Web Team/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Courtesy:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701424840597/philrice-agusan-is-best-branch-station-

anew#sthash.0Y1bqgyj.dpuf

Philippines to import 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand

and Vietnam Friday, 27 February 2015 08:40

The Philippines will sign deals with Thailand and Vietnam to import 500,000 tonnes of rice

as the country looks to boost buffer stock ahead of the lean harvest season

According to the USDA, the Philippines may import 1.6mn tonnes of rice in 2015. (Image

source: Paul Suesskind/Flickr)

According to the country’s National Food Authority

(NFA), the country is expected to sign the contracts for the

rice deal on or before 10 March 2015.NFA is an

agricultural agency, which is responsible for ensuring the

food security of the country and the stability of supply and

price of rice.“Thailand had offered to sell 100,000 tonnes

of rice worth US$780 per tonne. The prices were lower

than Vietnam’s offers, but Vietnam agreed to match

Thailand’s bid and the country will ship the remaining

150,000 tonnes of rice.

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All shipments will arrive in the Philippines by 30 April 2015,” added NFA.In 2015, NFA may

import rice between 500,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes. The NFA currently imports most of the

rice requirement for buffer stocking.Despite record high domestic harvests in recent years,

including last year’s output, the Philippines remains one of the world’s biggest rice buyers. In

2014, the Philippines imported around 1.7mn tonnes of rice.

Courtesy:http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5063:

philippines-to-import-500-000-tonnes-of-rice-from-thailand-and-vietnam&catid=1083&Itemid=98

Rice stockpiles to be cleared in 2 years

Petchanet PratruangkraiThe Nation/Asia News NetworkFriday, Feb 27, 2015

Despite delaying a plan to release rice under an auction,

the Commerce Ministry is confident it will be able to

clear huge stocks within two years, said Commerce

Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya.He said that the

ministry planned to release up to 18 million tonnes of

rice via auctions and negotiate with rice-import

countries to receive huge amounts under government-

to-government (G-to-G) contracts.The general said that

Thailand had between 17-18 million tonnes stockpiled,

and it recently negotiated to sell 2 million tonnes to China.Although the ministry wanted to clear

the warehouses, Chatchai said, the government would carefully consider all proposed contracts

through the G-to-G and bidding processes to ensure transparency and prevent contracts

defaulting.

If any bidder were found have a suspect background, the ministry would not sell rice to that

dealer.Under the plan to clear rice stocks, the ministry previously announced it aimed to sell

about 10 million tonnes under many methods this year, including selling about one million

tonnes via general auction each month.However, the ministry could sell only about 500,000

tonnes through an auction in January, and will on March 6 open the second auction for one

million tonnes after missing the February auction date.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of

the Foreign Trade Department, said that the ministry had already sold more than two million

tonnes of rice in the first two months of the year.Of those, she said about 1.5 million tonnes was

sold under G-to-G contracts.

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She said that the government was confident of releasing rice amounts as planned because many

traders were interested in joining the government's auctions due to the main harvest season

ending.Moreover, she said that in August the ministry would release low-grade rice grain to the

market to supply the manufacturing sector.

Courtesy:http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/rice-stockpiles-be-cleared-2-years#sthash.nj4y2wYb.dpuf

Thailand offers lowest rice bid price By Anna Leah E. Gonzales | Feb. 27, 2015 at 11:05pm

Thailand on Friday offered the lowest bid to supply 500,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines

this year to boost Manila’s buffer stocks for the lean season.The National Food Authority invited

Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to supply rice under a government-to-government

procurement deal. Cambodia did not join the auction.The NFA Council earlier agreed to import

250,000 metric tons with 25 percent brokens and 250,000 MT with 15 percent brokens of well-

milled long grain white rice to augment the country’s stock, especially during the lean season

that starts in July.

The NFA said 50 percent of the volume awarded would be delivered not later than March 31 this

year, while the balance would be shipped not later than April 30, 2015Thailand offered to supply

100,000 metric tons with 15 percent brokens at $441 per metric ton, while Vietnam tendered

250,000 metric tons at $442.50 a ton.Both offers were below the reference price of $442.94 per

metric ton.NFA special assistant to the administrator Patricia Galang-De Jesus said Vietnam

agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $441 per metric

ton.

For the 25 percent brokens, Thailand offered to supply 100,000 metric tons at $421 per metric

ton while Vietnam tendered 250,000 tons at $424.50 a ton.The NFA said both offers were also

lower than the $425.85 per metric ton reference price.“For the 25 percent brokens, Vietnam also

agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $ 421 per metric

ton,” De Jesus said.NFA procurement committee chairman Piolito Santos said the agency would

recommend the results of the government-to-government offers for final approval of the NFA

Council.“We expect to complete the issuance of notice of award not later than March 3. The

signing of contract will not be on March 4 to 10,” Santos said.

Courtesy:http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/27/thailand-offers-lowest-rice-bid-price/

Pricey rice may mar auction

27 Feb 2015 at 07:45 3,885 viewed0 comments

NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

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The government's ambitious attempt to sell its rice

stocks could hit a snag as demand ebbs for costly

Thai grains.Thailand is likely to face difficulty

selling rice now that global market demand is

slowing amid greater supply and price competition,

said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of

the Thai Rice Exporters Association.World rice

trade is estimated at 41 million tonnes this year,

down from an earlier forecast of 42 million tonnes,

he said.

Worse still, Vietnamese rice prices have dropped significantly, with 5% white rice quoted at

US$350 a tonne. The price of Thai 5% white rice, meanwhile, is as high as $400-405 a

tonne."We expect most buying nations are now delaying their purchases to wait and see about

the rice price situation," Mr Chookiat said.As a result, he predicts tepid participation from

bidders in the state's second rice auction of an additional 1 million tonnes to take place next

week, with the government selling 400,000 tonnes at best.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general

of the Foreign Trade Department, said the government was set to call the second auction for an

additional 1,008,837 tonnes next Thursday.

The total includes 762,700 tonnes of 5% white rice, with the rest comprising 10% white rice,

15% white rice, 25% white rice, 10% white glutinous rice and broken rice.The rice up for sale

will be available at 124 state warehouses in 33 provinces, with the names of qualified bidders

announced next Friday.The government sold about half the nearly 1 million tonnes of rice put up

during the year's first auction last month.The plan is to dispose of 17 million tonnes of rice in

state stockpiles within two years, with 10 million tonnes to be sold this year.Sales this year will

consist of both premium-grade rice (60%) and substandard grains (40%).Keep up-to-date with

the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call *4513910

Courtesy: Bangkok Post

B10bn budget to aid farmers' co-ops

27 Feb 2015 WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS

The government plans to spend about 10 billion baht to promote the business roles of rice and

palm growers' cooperatives nationwide. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Related search

Agricultural cooperatives, rice farmers, palm oil

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to spend 9.9 billion baht on improving the

business capabilities of rice and oil palm farmers' cooperatives over the next five

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years.Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Pitipong Phuengboon Na Ayudhaya said on

Thursday the government intended to strengthen the organisations of rice farmers and palm

growers, who made up a substantial proportion of the farming community.

About 6.5 billion baht would fund projects

to enable rice growers' cooperatives in 19

provinces to gather and process more

paddy. Their paddy collection capabilities

should increase from 450,000 tonnes in

2014 to 948,000 tonnes by 2019, and their

rice processing capability should rise from

53,000 tonnes in 2014 to 134,000 tonnes in

2019, Mr Pitipong said.Members of rice

farmers' cooperatives grew rice in 26

million rai of land, which accounted for

48% of all paddy fields in the country, and they produced 11.3 million tonnes of grain, about

39% of the national crop, the minister said.

About 3.4 billion baht would be spent to promote the integration of palm plantations, increase

palm oil production, and support growers' capabilities for gathering and processing palm nut

yields. Keep up-to-date with the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call

*451391000 to subscribe – 39 baht/month (7 days free, available in Thailand only) Bangkok Post

SMS News: Deliver only trustworthy news on SMS

Courtesy: The Bangkok Post

In Victory for Farmers, USDA Extends Base Acre and Yield

Update Deadline

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today Agriculture Secretary Tom

Vilsack announced a one month extension for producers to

update yield history and reallocate base acres for the new

commodity programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The

previous cutoff date had been today, but the new deadline is now

March 31, 2015."This flexibility provided by the department is

greatly appreciated by farmers in every state and region, but is especially important to those of us

in rice producing regions as we are already in the field preparing ground for this year's crop,"

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said John Owen, a Louisiana grower and Chairman of the USA Rice Federation Producers'

Group.

"Without this extension, thousands of farmers would not have the opportunity to align the new

programs with their most recent plantings and yields and would be substantially disadvantaged in

what looks to be a rough few years in farm country due to depressed commodity prices."If no

changes are made to yield history or base acres by March 31, 2015, the farm's current yield and

base will be used. Additionally, a program election of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made

by March 31, 2015, or there will be no 2014 payments for the farm and the farm will default to

PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year.

"I hope everyone takes these deadlines seriously," Owen said, "if all the owners and producers

involved in an operation aren't on the same page and haven't signed the proper documentation,

no financial assistance will be available for losses from last year's crop." Owen encouraged all

growers to visit or call their local FSA office today.

Contact: Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471

World Market Price Meeting Covers Reporting

Mechanisms, Thailand, South Korea and More

Keith Glover

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday morning, the World Market Price

Subcommittee convened to discuss planting prospects for the coming

year, rice price reporting to National Agricultural Statistics Service

(NASS), and trade issues facing the rice industry.Representatives

from NASS answered questions and clarified reporting guidelines.

ccurate reporting of prices received by farmers is especially important

this year for the successful execution of programs under the 2014

farm bill. "It is critically important the prices reported reflect what

farmers are actually receiving for their rice," said Subcommittee Chairman Keith Glover.

"This will ensure U.S. farmers enrolled in the new ARC/PLC programs will be covered for

losses due to uncontrollable price declines, which is the intent of the program." The U.S.

Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) updated the group on the

ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. At the subcommittee's request, FAS also

shared information on Thai rice stocks and their Rice Paddy Pledging program as well as South

Korea's progress implementing new tariff rates.The 2013-15 USA Rice Foundation Leadership

Class also attended the meeting, having graduated from their two-year program earlier in the

week.

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They saw first-hand the variety of topics covered by the World Market Price subcommittee, and how

members work with government officials to tackle tough issues facing the U.S. rice industry.Chairman

Glover was pleased with the depth of topics discussed on Thursday, saying, "We expressed our most

sincere appreciation to USDA and NASS for working with the U.S. rice industry."

Contact: Kristen Dayton (703) 236-1464

USA Rice Launches Flickr Account: Get Up Close and

Personal with USA Rice

Calling all shutterbugs!

ARLINGTON, VA -- Ready for your close up? The USA Rice Federation

is launching its Flickr account, a popular website designed to optimize the

process of sharing photos publicly."Flickr is an effective way to organize

pictures into photo albums based on location and event," explained

Michael Klein, USA Rice's vice president for marketing, communications,

and domestic promotion."We're going to provide a structured platform for

USA Rice members, the media, and nutrition professionals to access and

download high resolution images that depict the many dimensions of the

rice industry.

"USA Rice's Flickr account debuts with an extensive array of pictures from

the recent Government Affairs Conference and will be frequently updated

with pictures of USA Rice conferences and events. Flickr will also serve as an exclusive,

behind-the-scenes look at the rice industry that will keep our members informed about

everything that is happening at USA Rice. Klein added he's looking forward to including images

of rice production to help tell the industry's story, and members are encouraged to submit

pictures from their rice operations for inclusion.To submit images for consideration, email

Colleen Klemczewski at [email protected]. A link to the Flickr account will be added to the

USA Rice website in an effort to make it easily accessible to USA Rice members and the public.

Contact: Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446

Japan Announces Results of 13th Ordinary Import Tender

in FY 2014

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Country of

Origin

Variety Number of

Importer

Quantity (MT) Participated

Bidders

Amount of

Bids (MT)

USA Non-glutinous

milled rice

(medium grain)

3 36,000 20 240,000

Thailand Non-glutinous

milled rice

(long grain)

3 14,856 17 92,568

Grand Total 6 50,856 37 332,568

Avg Price for

Successful Bids

JPY 94,736/mt

JPY 102,315/mt

(tax excluded)

(tax included)

Millers take brunt of blockade

700 rice mills in Pabna shut as transport cost goes up Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, Pabna

Things may not seem that bad in the capital, but elsewhere

the almost two-month-long blockade coupled with

frequent hartal has hit every aspect of people's lives very

hard. With inter-district communications snapped,

businesses have come to a near-halt, education is in

tatters, farmers are counting heavy losses and people

venture out of their homes in constant panic. In this series,

we look at how the blockade and shutdown are affecting

public life outside Dhaka. Three of the four mills in Joynagar village in Pabna were closed after the non-stop blockade began early last month. Photo: Star

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Like most businesses of the country, commercial rice milling in Pabna district has been hit hard

by the ongoing blockade and hartals by the anti-government alliance.Millers are counting hefty

losses due to a sharp rise in transportation cost and drop in sales.As a result, around 700 out of

800 rice mills in one of the largest rice producing districts of the country have been closed after

the BNP-led alliance began the countrywide transport blockade on January 6, said Idris Ali

Bishwas, president of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.

Over 10,000 people have lost their jobs in the

process, he told The Daily Star recently."Due to

the shortage of transports, processed rice could

not be sent to markets across the country. On the

other hand, millers could not bring paddy from

the wholesale markets to their mills," said Main

Uddin, district food controller of Pabna.The

district's Ishwardi upazila alone has 650 rice

mills, over 500 mills of which have been shut

down since the blockade began, said Fazlur Rahman Malitha, president of Ishwardi Rice

Producers' Association.

The mill, is now open but operating with 10 people, half its usual workforce. The photos were taken a few days ago. Photo: Star

He said rice millers are incurring huge losses due to the fall in prices of rice. The rising volume

of import of rice from India also dealt another blow.Miller Touhidul Islam of Joynagar village

said he had lost Tk 2 lakh as his mill was closed from January 10 to February 20."Over 200

sacks of rice, processed early January, have remained stacked in my warehouse. I cannot sell

them due to a shortage of transports. As I could not sell rice, I can't buy paddy. So, I had to keep

my mill closed."

However, Touhid last week bought some paddy in Jessore, but he had to count the transport cost

twice the usual rate as most truck owners are not operating their vehicles, fearing attacks by

blockaders. Opposition blockaders have firebombed and damaged over a thousand vehicles in

their bid to cripple the country's communications and supply networks.And those, who are

operating vehicles defying the odds, are charging double the normal fare.

"Due to the rise in transport cost, the production cost of each sack of rice has increased by Tk

200-300," Touhid said. "On the other hand, local retailers are reluctant to pay the additional

price. Rather, they are going for the cheaper rice imported from India."At retail level, imported

coarse rice is being sold at Tk 28-29 per kg while the local variety is being sold at Tk 35-36 per

kg.

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What's worse for Touhid is that he could not pay the installments of bank loans."In a normal

situation, I would earn Tk 2 lakh a month. But now I earn nothing," he said, urging the political

parties to resolve the current crisis as quickly as possible for the sake of businesses.Mizanur

Rahman Babu, also from Joynagar, has kept his mill shut for two weeks now."If I run the mill, I

would face a loss of Tk 1.5-2 lakh every month. But if the mill is closed, then the loss will be Tk

30,000-40,000 … So, it is better to keep the mill shut,” said Mizan.

The rice millers fear they would face an even direr situation if the political stalemate

continues."If the [political] situation does not become normal soon, most rice millers would face

huge financial losses, as they have to repay bank loans even if there is no production at all," said

Idris of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.

http://www.thedailystar.net/millers-take-brunt-of-blockade-67000

First Global Pesticide Runoff Map Shows Streams At Risk

Posted by News Editor in At Risk, Latest News, RSS, Water on February 27, 2015 3:19 pm

LEIPZIG, Germany, February 27,

2015 (ENS) – The application of

insecticides poisons streams in roughly

40 percent of the global land surface,

new research reveals. Streams in the

United States, the Mediterranean,

Central America and Southeast Asia are

most at risk.These findings are drawn

from the first global map to be modeled

on insecticide runoff to surface waters,

which has just been published in the

journal “Environmental Pollution” by an

international team of scientists.

Application of pesticide on the West Bank (Photo courtesy Helmholtz Center)

Until now the global extent of the

potential water pollution from the

application of insecticides has remained

largely unknown, according to the

authors, who are researchers from the

Helmholtz Center for Environmental

Research and the University of

Koblenz-Landau together with

scientists from the University of Milan,

Aarhus University and Aachen

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University. “Our analysis provides a global map of hotspots for insecticide contamination that

are a major risk for biodiversity in water bodies.

To our knowledge this is the first study that assesses insecticide contamination of water bodies

on a global scale,” says Professor Dr. Matthias Liess from the Helmholtz Center, who serves on

the scientific advisory board for Germany’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Use of Plant

Protection Products.The authors estimate that about four million tons of agricultural pesticides

are applied annually around the world, equating to an average of 0.27 kilograms per hectare of

the global land surface.Pesticide contamination of streams kills their invertebrate inhabitants

such as insects, crustaceans, snails and worms. These small creatures are often used as indicators

of the health of streams.“We know from earlier investigations that pesticides can reduce the

biodiversity of invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems by up to 42 percent and that we can expect

an increased application of pesticides as a result of climate change,” explains Dr. Liess.

Pesticide is applied to an Egyptian tomato field. (Photo by Mohamad Khedr)

He warns also of an increase in the application of pesticides in many developing countries as

farmers switch from traditional agricultural practices to more intensive ones.The researchers

produced several world maps. The vulnerability map only takes into account the geographic and

climatic background.The risk map shows the risks from this natural vulnerability through human

land use.“The risks of insecticide exposure to water bodies increased significantly the further

South one travelled on a North-South gradient in Europe, North America and Asia, mainly

driven by a higher insecticide application rate as a result of higher average temperatures,” said

Dr. Mira Kattwinkel, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and

Technology.

Because the economy and the population are growing rapidly in many countries of the southern

hemisphere, scientists expect a higher insecticide application rate in those countries in the future

to cover an increase in agricultural production.Daily rainfall intensity, terrain slope, and

insecticide application rate play an equally important role as well as the crops cultivated,”

explains junior professor Dr. Ralf Schäfer from the University of Koblenz-Landau.“In order to

test such complex models, we therefore carried out control measurements of insecticide

contamination in freshwater ecosystems from four different regions,” he said.In Southeast Asia,

countries such as the Philippines or Vietnam are greatly affected.

Helmholtz Center researchers are looking into solutions for such regions together with the

International Rice Research Institute, in an attempt to reduce pesticide application rates.One

approach could be to revitalize the functioning of ecosystems so that the natural competitors of

rice pests can help to avoid their mass reproduction and subsequent harvest yield losses.In

another approach, buffer zones along the edges of water bodies where chemicals are not applied

can reduce the negative impacts of pesticides.The researchers intend to use the global map to

sensitize citizens and authorities about this issue in vulnerable regions and to stimulate local

investigations.

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http://ens-newswire.com/2015/02/27/first-global-pesticide-runoff-map-shows-streams-at-risk/

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 27

Month Price Net Change

March 2015 $10.470 + $0.085

May 2015 $10.745 + $0.090

July 2015 $11.985 + $0.085

September 2015 $11.060 + $0.085

November 2015 $11.255 + $0.115

January 2016 $11.345 + $0.115

March 2016 $11.345 + $0.115

APEDA Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-

02-2015

APEDA Statistics

Today's Leads

Seller Leads Buyer Leads

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Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-02-2015

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs/Qtl

Product Market Center Variety Min

Price Max Price

Maize

1 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1450 1450

2 Bellary (Karnataka) Local 1201 1286

3 Saharsa (Bihar) Other 1310 1400

Paddy(Dhan)

1 Borsad (Gujarat) Other 1200 1400

2 Kota (Rajasthan) Other 1381 2214

3 Saharsa(Bihar) Other 1360 1400

Pine Apple

1 Chala (Kerala) Other 1800 1850

2 Sirhind(Punjab) Other 2000 2800

3 Kangra(Himachal Pradesh) Other 2800 3000

Brinjal

1 Attingal (Kerala) Other 1500 2000

2 Angul (Orissa) Other 1000 1500

3 Gumla(Jharkhand) Other 1000 1600

Source: agmarknet for more products

Egg Rs per 100 No.

Price on 26-02-2015

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Product Market Center Price

1 Mysore 283

2 Nagapur 246

3 Namakkal 255

Source: e2necc.com

International Benchmark Price

Price on: 26-02-2015

Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price

Garlic

1 Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1800

2 Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 2000

3 Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1300

Ginger

1 Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 4600

2 Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 5100

3 Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 3000

Guar Gum Powder

1 Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 4230

2 Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 1550

3 Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 2950

Source:agra-net for more products

Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ / package

Price on 26-02-2015

Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High

Potatoes Package: 50 lb cartons

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1 Atlanta Colorado

Russet 21 21.50

2 Baltimore Idaho Russet

22.50 24

3 Chicago Idaho

Russet 18 20

Cucumbers Package: cartons film wrapped

1 Atlanta Mexico Long Seedless

12 13.50

2 Chicago Canada

Long Seedless 13.50 13.50

3 Dallas California

Long Seedless 21 21

Grapes Package: 4/5 bushel cartons

1 Atlanta Peru Red Globe

20.50 21.50

2

More from this Week's Government Affairs Conference

USA Rice Producers' Chairman

John Owen presents

Rice Industry Champion Award

to Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and

USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley at

USA Rice-DU luncheon

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Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA)

meets with Louisiana delegation

Carl Brothers briefing

House Ways & Means staff

Keith Glover and Nolan Canon

Chuck Wilson (third from left)

enjoys lunch with the

Rice Leadership Class

Rice Leadership Class at

GAC General Session

From left: Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR)

with AR producers Steve Orlicek and

Joe Mencer

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Chris Crutchfield and Todd Burich take a load off at the end of GAC

Devant: 500 acres in Felicity for rice farming

By Joel Julien [email protected]

Story Created: Feb 26, 2015 at 9:51 PM ECT

FIVE hundred acres of land in Central Trinidad previously earmarked to house a military

hospital and support battalion for the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment have now been approved

for rice produc-tion, Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj has said.The land has the

potential of producing some $6 million worth of rice, Maharaj said.Maharaj made the

announcement at the weekly post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in

St Clair yesterday.The land in question, which is located in Felicity, Chaguanas, was previously

owned by Caroni 1975 Ltd.

“Cabinet approved 500 acres of agricultural lands at Felicity, Chaguanas, to be utilised by the

Ministry (of Food Production) for rice cultivation. Under the Ministry’s Food Production Action

Plan 2012-2015, rice has been identified as a key staple to betargeted for increased local

production,” Maharaj said.“One of the main approaches taken to ramp up this production is to

increase the land area under rice production by utilising all available potential rice-growing

areas,” he said.Maharaj said the area in question was previously allocated to the Ministry of

National Security but because nothing has been done with it, Cabinet instead opted to hand the

land over to the Food Production Ministry.“The parcel of land formerly owned by Caroni 1975

Limited was previously allocated to the Ministry of National Security in 2006 for the

establishment of the support and service battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and

military hospital,” Maharaj said.

“However since then to now, no action has been taken with respect to further development and

the land remainedunderutilised,” he said. Maharaj said the soil in the area is “ideally suited” for

rice cultivation.“The Ministry of Food Production has identified that the soil type in this area

consists of Frederick and Bejucal clays, which have been identified by soil scientists as ideally

suited for rice cultivation,” Maharaj said.“When brought into commercial rice cultivation, this

500-acre parcel of land can produce some 2,800 tonnes of paddy or an equivalent of 1,700 tonnes

of rice, valued at approximately $6 million,” he said.

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Maharaj said this will have a “significant impact” on the local rice industry.“This will indeed

have a significant impact on the local rice industry and directly and indirectly through the

various activities associated with bringing these lands into full commercial rice production,” he

said.Maharaj said the Food Production Ministry was currently working with the Water and

Sewerage Authority (WASA) to rectify the water woes currently being experienced by local rice

farmers.

www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Devant-500-acres-in-Felicity-for-rice-farming-294305261.html

Armed militias in Karachi not acceptable: Nawaz

* PM says ongoing operation in Karachi will not be abandoned half way; peace will be

restored in city by 2018 * Power of gun rests with government, not militants

APP

February 27, 2015

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday

that armed militias in Karachi are not acceptable.He said the

ongoing operation in the port city would not be left half way

and would continue till its logical end. Addressing the

inauguration ceremony of Ninth Expo Pakistan here, the prime

minister said the government was firm in eradicating militancy

and had decided to take solid steps to ensure peace in the country.

The prime minister said the decisive moment had come to bring Karachi’s peace back and make

the city free from the hold of militants. “We are determined that the power of gun would rest

with the government, not with the militants,” he said. He vowed that Karachi would soon be rid

of major crimes including kidnapping for ransom.The prime minister mentioned Zarb-e-Azb

operation being successfully carried out in North Waziristan, and said the decision for this

operation should have been taken much earlier. He said peace in the country would guarantee

economic revival and prosperity. To the foreign investors attending the Expo Pakistan, Sharif

said Pakistan was successfully encountering the spillover security challenges. “Pakistan is

swiftly been brought back to normalcy,” Sharif said and urged the businessmen to set up

industrial units in Pakistan and benefit from the investment-friendly environment. The Prime

Minister said Pakistan would overcome its energy crisis by the end of 2017.

Nawaz Sharif Thursday said his government was committed to make Pakistan the preferred

destination for business and hoped in next three years the country’s exports would rise to US 50

billion. Addressing the launch of Expo Pakistan, country’s biggest trade fair, showcasing largest

collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services, he said that Pakistan was a land of

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business opportunities. “We offer our foreign buyers a very competitive sourcing option. The

captains of our industry have carved out their niche in the world market due to their production

efficiencies and business ethics.”The Prime Minister said his government was dedicated and

committed to economic development of Pakistan.

“I and my team are actively engaged to bring in long term reforms in socio-economic sectors of

Pakistan. We are well aware of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and will do our utmost

to vindicate the trust reposed in us,” the Prime Minister said. He said owing to consistent efforts,

his government has succeeded in enhancing Pakistan’s exports to its highest ever turnover of

over US $ 25 billion during the fiscal year 2013-14.

“I am sure our entrepreneurs will maintain and further accelerate this growth momentum to

achieve export level of US$ 50 billion within three years,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime

Minister said that the government recently approved its Textile Policy, aimed at doubling exports

of textiles and clothing sector from existing US$ 13 billion to US$ 26 billion by the year 2019.

He said that Asia was gradually emerging as the new global economic hub and Pakistan was

fortunate to be located in the high economic growth neighbourhood. He said that Pakistan was

currently not part of this highly competitive economic growth activity but was fully resolved to

achieve a similar target. The prime minister particularly highlighted the performance of Pakistani

textile and apparel industry and said it was considered amongst the world’s leaders.

The bed sheets, quilt covers, T-shirts and jeans produced in Pakistan were sold at international

leading chain stores from discounters to upscale outlets and under leading brand names. Prime

Minister said that Pakistan has modern rice milling and processing industry and its exotic

Basmati rice has made its mark in the world market. All these production advantages offer

“unlimited business opportunities” that has been aptly chosen as the slogan of EXPO Pakistan.

He said as an incentive to adding profitability to business ventures, Pakistan has effectively

negotiated the bilateral, multilateral and pluri-lateral trading arrangements with many regions

and countries in the world enabling its products to enter the foreign markets at lower tariffs. In

this regard he mentioned the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) that was in operation

and aimed at liberalizing trade with its South Asian neighbors.

Courtesy:http://pakistanlink.org/Headlines/Feb15/27/08.htm