2nd may ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter 2016

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

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

Vol 7,Issue IV May 2 ,2016



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Editorial Board Chief Editor

Hamlik Managing Editor

Abdul Sattar Shah

Rahmat Ullah

Rozeen Shaukat English Editor

Maryam Editor

Legal Advisor

Advocate Zaheer Minhas

Editorial Associates

Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid

Javed Islam Agha

Ch.Hamid Malhi

Dr.Akhtar Hussain

Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui

Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF)

Islam Akhtar Khan Editorial Advisory Board

Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim Assistant Professor, Gomal University DIK

Dr.Hasina Gul Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK

Dr.Hidayat Ullah Assistant Professor, University of Swabi

Dr.Abdul Basir Assistant Professor, University of Swabi

Zahid Mehmood PSO,NIFA Peshawar

Falak Naz Shah Head Food Science & Technology ART, Peshawar

Today Rice News Headlines...

Asia’s top rice producers under pressure as drought hurts crop to

increase food security fears

As Asia’s rice crop shrivels, food security fears resurface

Cambodian Rice Quotes ( Updated 25-02 April/May 2016 )

Shirley Spear's three-salmon kedgeree

EATING RICE MAY BE HARMFUL FOR YOUR KIDS: STUDY

Wheat, rice basmati fall on reduced offtake

What to do with agriculture in 2016 and beyond

Focusing on local demand gives more business

SKUAST-K to revive rice variety Zag in Tangdhar

Thailand takes world's top rice exporter crown in Q1

Seized Containers Belong to Westco, Not UCI, Rice Importer

Clarifies

VIETNAM, INDIA RICE SELLERS INCREASE SOME OF THEIR

QUOTES TODAY; OTHER ASIA RICE QUOTES UNCHANGED

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1463

News Detail...

Asia’s top rice producers under pressure

as drought hurts crop to increase food

security fears

PUBLISHED : Monday, 02 May, 2016, 2:28pm

UPDATED : Monday, 02 May, 2016, 3:51pm

Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shock waves around

the world, Asia’s top rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought

that threatens to cut output and boost prices of a staple for half the world’s

population.World rice production is expected to decline for the first time this

year since 2010, as failing rains linked to an El Nino weather pattern cut crop

yields in Asia’s rice bowl.



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PrintEmail A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter India, while the number two supplier Thailand is

facing a second year of drought. Swathes of farmland in Vietnam, the third-biggest supplier, are

also parched as irrigation fed by the Mekong river runs dry.

The three account for more than 60 per cent of the global rice trade of about 43 million tonnes.

“As of now we haven’t seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1940487/asias-top-rice-producers-under-pressure-drought-hurts-crop-increases-food#add-comment

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1940487/asias-top-rice-producers-under-pressure-drought-hurts-crop-increases-food#add-comment

http://www.scmp.com/print/news/asia/article/1940487/asias-top-rice-producers-under-pressure-drought-hurts-crop-increases-food

http://www.scmp.com/print/news/asia/article/1940487/asias-top-rice-producers-under-pressure-drought-hurts-crop-increases-food



4

such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can’t last forever,” said James

Fell, an economist at the International Grains Council.

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19

million tonnes, the biggest year-on-year drop since 2003, according to Reuters calculations based

on US Department of Agriculture data.Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive. In

2008, lower Asian rice output due to an El Nino prompted India to ban exports, sending global

prices sky-rocketing and causing food riots in Haiti and panic measures in big importers such as

the Philippines.

As of now we haven’t seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had

such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can’t last forever

JAMES FELL, ECONOMIST AT THE INTERNATIONAL GRAINS COUNCIL

Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to supervise subsidised

rice sales and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging Vietnam and others

to sell the country more rice.The world has suffered a series of food crises over the past decade

involving a range of grains due to adverse weather.In the case of rice, benchmark Thai prices hit

a record around US$1,000 a tonne in 2008. Price spikes like this typically also boost demand for

other grains such as wheat, widely used for noodles in Asia, and soybeans and corn used for food

or feed.While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier this month hit US$389.50, the

strongest since July and up 13 per cent from an eight-year low of US$344 in September.

Bruce Tolentino of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned

about Asia’s vulnerability.“In general prices are still stable right now. They’re inching up

though, and what will drive things over the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major

producing countries.”Although India’s rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot

temperatures are threatening a second crop in eastern regions.Traders see further price gains by

June as India’s next big crop is not due until September and Thailand’s main crop by year end.



5

The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tonnes, down from 479 million tonnes in 2015

and the first decline in six years.

Thailand’s last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the

USDA has forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tonnes this year.“The

government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs after

two years of drought,” said one Bangkok-based trader.In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5 per cent

this year to 44.5 million tonnes, while exports would be 8.7 million tonnes, steady on a previous

projection, the government said.As much as 240,000 hectares of paddy have been destroyed by

drought and salination in the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.A

Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam’s latest

harvest “is 5 to 6 per cent lower than last year.

”Thailand and Vietnam harvest three crops a year.Some Asian countries are already looking to

raise imports.Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60 per cent to two

million tonnes from a few years ago.China, the world’s top importer, taking about 5 million

tonnes annually, is expected to continue this buying pace. IGC has forecast China’s 2016

production will fall short of consumption for a third consecutive year.The Philippines had the

lowest stocks since October in March despite importing 750,000 tonnes and its procurement

agency has standby authority to ship an additional 500,000 tonnes.“Although El Nino has

entered its weakening stage, the risk of higher food prices remains given the onset of the summer

season,” said Philippine Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1940487/asias-top-rice-producers-under-pressure-

drought-hurts-crop-increases-food



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As Asia’s rice crop shrivels, food security fears resurface

A farmer walking at his drought-hit rice field in Nonthaburi province outside Bangkok. Photo: AFP

PUBLISHED: 7:21 AM, MAY 2, 2016

SINGAPORE — Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shockwaves around the

world, Asia’s top rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought that threatens to cut

output and boost prices of a staple for half the world’s population.World rice production is

expected to decline for the first time this year since 2010, as failing rains linked to an El Nino

weather pattern cut crop yields in Asia’s rice bowl.A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter

India, while the No 2 supplier Thailand is facing a second year of drought. Swathes of farmland

in Vietnam, the third-biggest supplier, are also parched as irrigation fed by the Mekong river

runs dry.The three account for more than 60 per cent of the global rice trade of about 43 million

tonnes.“As of now we haven’t seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we

have had such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can’t last forever,” said

Mr James Fell, an economist at the International Grains Council (IGC).

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19

million tonnes, the biggest year-on-year drop since 2003, according to Reuters calculations based

on US Department of Agriculture data.Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive. In

2008, lower Asian rice output due to an El Nino prompted India to ban exports, sending global

prices sky-rocketing and causing food riots in Haiti and panic measures in big importers such as

the Philippines.Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to

supervise subsidised rice sales and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging

http://www.todayonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_gallery_image_lightbox/public/photos/43_images/25830875.jpg?itok=3I69q1P7



7

Vietnam and others to sell the country more rice.The world has suffered a series of food crises

over the past decade involving a range of grains due to adverse weather.In the case of rice,

benchmark Thai prices hit a record around US$1,000 (S$1,344) a tonne in 2008. Price spikes like

this typically also boost demand for other grains such as wheat, widely used for noodles in Asia,

and soybeans and corn used for food or feed.While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier

this month hit US$389.50, the strongest since July and up 13 per cent from an eight-year low of

US$344 in September.

FIRST FALL IN WORLD CROP SEEN FOR 6 YEARS

Mr Bruce Tolentino of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned

about Asia’s vulnerability.“In general prices are still stable right now. They’re inching up

though, and what will drive things over the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major

producing countries.”Although India’s rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot

temperatures are threatening a second crop in eastern regions.Traders see further price gains by

June as India’s next big crop is not due until September and Thailand’s main crop by year

end.The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tonnes, down from 479 million tonnes in

2015 and the first decline in six years.

MEKONG DELTA

Thailand’s last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the

USDA has forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tonnes this year.“The

government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs after

two years of drought,” said one Bangkok-based trader.In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5 per cent

this year to 44.5 million tonnes, while exports would be 8.7 million tonnes, steady on a previous

projection, the government said.As much as 240,000 hectares of paddy have been destroyed by

drought and salination in the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.A

Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam’s latest

harvest “is 5 to 6 per cent lower than last year.”Thailand and Vietnam harvest three crops a year.

IMPORTERS ALSO SUFFER

Some Asian countries are already looking to raise imports.

Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60 per cent to two million tonnes

from a few years ago.China, the world’s top importer, taking about 5 million tonnes annually, is

expected to continue this buying pace. IGC has forecast China’s 2016 production will fall short

of consumption for a third consecutive year.The Philippines had the lowest stocks since October

in March despite importing 750,000 tonnes and its procurement agency has standby authority to

ship an additional 500,000 tonnes.“Although El Nino has entered its weakening stage, the risk of

higher food prices remains given the onset of the summer season,” said Philippine Economic

Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra. REUTERS

http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/asias-rice-crop-shrivels-food-security-fears-resurface



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Cambodian Rice Quotes ( Updated 25-02 April/May 2016 )

Variety

&

Percentage

Premium

Jasmine

Rice

(Rumduol)

Purity

>

90%

Wet

Season

Jasmine

Rice

(Rumduol)

Purity

>

85%

Wet

Season

Fragrant

Rice

(Sen Kra

Ob)

>

85%

Dry

Season

Long

Grain

White

Rice IR

5% 775 760 685 455

10% 770 755 .... 450

25% .... .... .... 435

A1 Extra

Super .... .... .... ....

A1 Super .... .... .... ....

FOB Term US$/Ton Phnom Penh or Sihanouk Ville Port (Min 10 Container)

http://mekongoryza.com/en/ricenews/rice-news/49/asia-rice-quotes-unchanged-today.html

Shirley Spear's three-salmon kedgeree



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Shirley Spear's kedgeree

PEAT smoke is evocative of everything Hebridean. The smell of smouldering peats on a still,

dusky evening in Skye, will forever be a part of me.When Eddie and I first arrived at The Three

Chimneys, we had the winter ahead of us to source local supply lines and develop our first menu.

It was a daunting task. The Highlands and Islands Development Board (as it was known back in

1984) had produced a booklet highlighting a number of excellent food producers and suppliers.

This became my Bible. From its pages I found Andy Race, our fish merchant in Mallaig, who

was to become a friend as well as a font of fishing knowledge. I was also interested in a small,

one-man company in Uist that was listed as peat smoking and hand-slicing wild salmon. I

phoned him and he agreed to send me a sample, which duly arrived in the post late on the

following Saturday afternoon at the end of a short, dark January day.

We used the restaurant as our sitting room in those early years, affording ourselves more space

and a roaring fireside during the months when the business was closed to the public. When I cut

open the pack, the peaty aroma from the smoked salmon was a heady experience. I prepared a

plate of thin slices of freshly-baked wholemeal bread, lightly buttered, with the peat smoked

salmon laid atop, seasoned with freshly ground black pepper and fresh lemon juice. Nothing

more. We all relished our first taste. It was a winner.

Sadly, smoking wild salmon became prohibitively expensive a few years later, but by this time,

farmed salmon was more widely used. Andy Race always smoked his own products, including

traditional kippers. I asked him if he would use peat in his smoke mixture and he did with great

results, still selling widely today.The Salmon Kedgeree originated as a means of using up the

off-cuts and tail end of the huge, wild fish I regularly prepped for the restaurant. It is a dish

(more commonly made with curry spiced smoked haddock) associated with the groaning

sideboards of Victorian shooting lodges, laden with help-yourself breakfast dishes keeping hot

under silver cloches.

But wild salmon, like oysters, was also considered poor man’s food in the olden days, sold

widely in our city pubs and alehouses. A kind of salmon hash called Tweed Kettle, made with

potatoes and flaked salmon, was the equivalent of today’s pub grub.My Three-Salmon Kedgeree

was a great favourite in the restaurant at lunchtime. The smoked products lend a light, spicy

flavour, an alternative to the curry. When we opened The House Over-By, this dish became a

breakfast special, but it also makes a great family brunch or supper dish.

Three-salmon kedgeree

Serves 4/6

To poach the salmon

450g fresh Scottish salmon fillet

4 slices of lemon

2 slices of onion, separated into rings

2 bay leaves

A few sprigs of parsley with stalks

A sprig of fresh fennel or dill with stalks (optional)

8 white peppercorns

Pinch of sea salt

½ lemon, juice only



10

10fl oz dry white wine

10fl oz water

Method

1. Place all ingredients except the salmon into a shallow sauté pan or wide saucepan deep enough

to take the piece of fish. Lay the salmon in the poaching liquid, which should reach about

halfway up the pan, almost covering the fish. Place on a low heat and allow the liquid to come to

simmering point. Cover with a lid, or a piece of close-fitting foil, and cook gently over a low

heat for three minutes. Yurn off the heat and leave to cool with the lid or foil in place.

2. When cool, remove the fish and strain the cooking liquor through a sieve, into a bowl. Discard

the ingredients in the sieve. Before pouring the poaching liquor into a measuring jug, first

measure Basmati rice in the jug, up to the level of 10fl oz. Pour the rice into a sieve and rinse it

under cold running water until the water runs clear and set aside to drain. After measuring the

rice, pour the poaching liquor into the jug. You will need 20fl oz of liquid to cook the rice. If

short on quantity, make it up to the correct amount with some cold water.

To cook the rice and complete the dish

Basmati rice, measured and washed as above

1 medium onion, finely chopped

50g Scottish butter, preferably unsalted

Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon (juice of half can be used in the poaching liquor above)

4 cardamoms, gently crushed with the blade of knife

Sea salt flakes

3 large eggs, hard boiled, cooled and chopped

4 spring onions, sliced

125g hot-smoked salmon

125g peat-smoked salmon (or any well-flavoured smoked salmon)

2 heaped tbsp mixed chopped chives, parsley, and herbs such as dill, fennel, chervil, etc.

A little butter and fresh single cream for serving

Method

1. Melt the butter in a medium-size, thick-bottomed, lidded saucepan. Add chopped onion and

allow to cook for a few minutes. Add the washed rice, crushed cardamoms, lemon zest and a

good pinch of sea salt. Stir well and pour in the poaching liquor. Bring to the boil and

immediately cover with the close-fitting lid, or a layer of foil plus the lid. Turn the heat down

very low for exactly 15 minutes then turn the heat off, but do not remove lid for at least a further

10 minutes.

2. While the rice is cooking, discard any skin and flake the poached salmon into a large mixing

bowl. Add the finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, spring onions, flaked hot-smoked salmon and

peat-smoked salmon cut into small pieces.

3. Once the rice is cooked, remove the cardamoms and add it to the salmon mixture. Fold

ingredients together well with a large metal spoon. Just before serving, stir in the fresh herbs and

check seasoning. The whole dish can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in

the refrigerator at this stage. Individual portions can be reheated, but never reheat rice more than

once.

4. To serve, add a small knob of butter and a tablespoonful of cream per person and reheat

slowly and thoroughly over a low heat. Alternatively, this dish reheats per portion in a

microwave very successfully. Serve piping hot with wedge of lemon and additional hard-boiled

eggs quartered as a garnish if liked.



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EATING RICE MAY BE HARMFUL FOR YOUR KIDS: STUDY

APR 27, 2016HEALTH, LIFESTYLE

Parents, take note! Infants who eat rice and rice products — typical first foods for babies — may

have higher urinary arsenic concentrations than those who do not, a new US study has

warned.Arsenic exposure from rice is a concern for infants and children, researchers

said. Previous research suggests that arsenic exposure in utero — and early in life — may be

associated with adverse effects on foetal growth and child immune and neurodevelopment

outcomes.Infant rice cereal may contain inorganic arsenic concentrations that exceed the

recommendation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) of 200 nanogram/gram (ng/g) for

polished white rice and the new European Union regulations of 100 ng/g for products aimed at

infants.Researchers from Dartmouth College in the US examined the frequency with which

infants ate rice and rice-containing products in their first year of life, as well as the association

with arsenic concentrations in the urine.

The study included 759 infants born to mothers in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study from

2011 to 2014. The infants were followed up with phone interviews every four months until 12

months of age.At 12 months, dietary patterns during the past week were assessed, including

whether the infant had eaten rice cereal, white or brown rice or foods either made with rice —

such as rice-based snacks — or sweetened with brown rice syrup — such as some brands of

cereal bars. Infant urine samples were collected beginning in 2013 along with a 3-day food

diary.Researchers found that 80 per cent of the 759 infants were introduced to rice cereal in the

first year of life with most (64 per cent) starting at 4 to 6 months of age. At 12 months, 43 per

cent reported eating some type of rice product in the past week; 13 per cent ate white rice and 10

http://www.newsmedialive.com/category/health/

http://www.newsmedialive.com/category/lifestyle/



12

per cent ate brown rice at an average of one to two servings per week. About 24 per cent of

infants ate food made with rice or sweetened rice syrup in the past week at an average of five to

six servings per week. Based on information recorded in food diaries two days before urine

sample collection, 71 infants (55 per cent) consumed some type of rice product in the prior two

days.

Results indicated that arsenic concentrations were higher among infants who ate rice — or foods

mixed with rice — compared with infants who ate no rice. Also, total urinary arsenic

concentrations were twice as high among infants who ate white or brown rice compared with

those who ate no rice. The highest urinary arsenic concentrations were seen among infants who

ate baby rice cereal. It was nearly double for those who ate rice snacks compared with those who

ate no rice.

The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics http://www.newsmedialive.com/eating-rice-may-be-harmful-for-your-kids-study/

Wheat, rice basmati fall on reduced offtake By PTI | 30 Apr, 2016, 04.21PM IST

NEW DELHI: Wheat and rice basmati prices eased by up to Rs 100 at the wholesale grains

market today due to reduced offtake against adequate stocks position on increased supplies from

producing regions. However, barley advanced by on rising demand from consuming industries.

Traders said adequate stocks position on the back of increased supplies from producing regions

against reduced offtake by flour mills kept pressure on wheat prices. They said muted demand

from retailers against sufficient stocks helped rice basmati prices to trade lower.

In the national capital, wheat dara (for mills) shed anotherRs 5 to Rs 1,620-1,625 per quintal.

Atta chakki delivery followed suit and enquired lower by a similar margin to Rs 1,625-1,630 per

90 kg.

In the rice section, rice basmati common and Pusa-1121 variety also slipped to Rs 5,700-5,800

and Rs 4,600-5,500 against last close of Rs 5,800-5,900 and Rs 4,600-5,600 per quintal

respectively.

On the other hand, other bold grains like barley rose by Rs 40 to Rs 1,580-1,585 per quintal.

Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):

Wheat MP (desi) Rs 1,850-2,100, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,620-1,625, Chakki atta (delivery)

Rs 1,625-1,630, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 265, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 265, Roller flour mill Rs

850-860 (50 kg), Maida Rs 930-950 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 980-990 (50 kg).

Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,700,

Basmati common new Rs 5,700-5,800, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 4,600-5,500, Permal raw Rs 1,900-

1,950, Permal wand Rs 2,075-2,125, Sela Rs 2,400-2,500 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,775-1,800, Bajra

Rs 1,600-1,605, Jowar yellow Rs 1,800-1,900, white Rs 3,400-3,500, Maize Rs 1,375-1,385,

Barley Rs 1,580-1,585.

http://www.newsmedialive.com/eating-rice-may-be-harmful-for-your-kids-study/

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/commoditysummary/symbol-MAIZE.cms



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What to do with agriculture in 2016 and beyond by Dr. Emil Javier

April 30, 2016

Control of Pests and Diseases

After availability of water, good seeds and fertilizers, come the need to protect crops from pests

and diseases to raise yields, minimize losses and produce quality products.

Majority of the pests are insects but rodents, birds and snails are also very damaging to crops in

certain locations and at certain times of the year. Pathogens include bacteria, fungi and viruses as

well as nematodes (very tiny worms infesting roots).

The first line of defense is planting of species/varieties best for local growing conditions and

with natural resistance/tolerance to prevalent pests and diseases. Next are quarantine and

sanitation .i.e. removal and burning of diseased materials.

Pests and diseases are also contained by mechanical/physical measures like handpicking, use of

barriers, insect traps and tillage.

Chemical control with synthetic chemicals and botanical preparations is common, standard

practice when resistant varieties are not available and when the usual, cultural practices do not

provide adequate control.

And finally biological control with mass rearing and release of natural agents like wasps,

lacewings and earwigs which prey on insects. Likewise, deployment of certain bacteria, fungi

and viruses which are pathogenic to insects like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These beneficial

microorganisms can also be used to control soil-borne pathogens.

Included among the techniques for biological control is the deployment of male sterile insects

made impotent by irradiation or by use of molecular biology procedures. The sterile males

significantly reduce reproduction rate of target pests and serves as a form of birth control.

Integrated Pest Management

With the advent of potent and relatively inexpressive and easy to apply chemicals, farmers the

world over including our own, have become addicted to massive, indiscriminate use of chemical

pesticides until their long-term unwanted consequences on the health of humans and on the

environment became apparent with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.”

Since then the standards for maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues became

progressively strict (recent example of the rejection of Philippine banana exports to China). The

chemicals classified as highly hazardous (Category I and II in The World Health Organization

[WHO] classification system) have been banned worldwide. They are being replaced by

Category III and IV pesticides, still hazardous nevertheless relatively benign.

http://www.mb.com.ph/author/dr-emil-javier/



14

The world has moved on from the automatic, mindless use of chemical pesticides into the new

paradigm of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A better understanding of the ecology of insects

have shown that the objective of pest control had to be the establishment of acceptable pest

levels below which interventions are not called for. That the emphasis ought to be on control, not

eradication because not only is eradication expensive but also unsafe. Allowing a pest population

to survive at a reasonable threshold reduces selection pressure and prevents build up of resistant

pest populations.

We had been a beneficiary of this global paradigm shift towards 1p.m. The brown plant hopper is

a very serious pest of rice. Entomologists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Philippine Rice Research Institute

(PhilRice) and their counterparts in the national research organizations in Asia, have found out

that withholding chemical sprays during the first 40 days of the rice crop allowed the spiders,

wasps and dragon flies which prey on the brown leafhoppers to build up and provide effective

control of the brown leafhoppers which appear late in the season. This observation led to a

massive drop in application of chemicals in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam as well as among rice

farmers in Indonesia and the Philippines.

More Science Needed

IPM as a broad-based approach for economically controlling pests and diseases without

compromising human health and sustainability of the environment is a continuing challenge. The

preferred methods are breeding for resistance and deployment of biological control agents.

However, unlike synthetic chemicals which we just import, we cannot rely very much on other

countries for our technology requirements for plant breeding and biological control. The species

and strains of insects and pathogens affecting crops are by and large unique to geographic

locations. The methodologies may be similar but we still have to work out the details ourselves.

The recent outbreak of cocolisap in the coconut farms in Batangas, Laguna and Quezon

illustrates the complexity and magnitude of the challenge. Since no other countries were affected

except us there was nobody we can turn to.

Our first problem was species identification. Was this scale insect a native species or an alien

one which somehow eluded our quarantine? Since the local species Aspidiotus destructor is a

minor pest and disappears during the rainy season, it was below the radar of our insect

taxonomists. It took them a while to find out that we are dealing with a second species,

Aspidiotus rigidus.

In the meantime, there was a huge debate in social media between organic farming advocates and

the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) on what pesticides to use to contain the pest outbreak.

The organic farming advocates preferred use of horticultural oils which have a contact mode of

action and non-toxic. They vehemently opposed the use of the new class of relatively benign

pesticides called neonicotinoids.



15

Since the target insects adhere closely to the underneath parts of the leaf, contact pesticides like

horticultural oils could not get to them. Worse, it was difficult to spray the coconut trees which

are tall and most of which are located in far, inaccessible areas. Thus, PCA went ahead with the

neonicotinoids chemicals which were easier to administer and more effective because of their

systemic mode of action.

Mario Navasero and his colleagues at the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at UPLB had

to scramble and survey the devastated coconut plantations in Batangas, Laguna and Quezon in

search of naturally-occurring predators of cocolisap. They found a candidate species, a wasp of

the order Hymenoptera, but there was much still to be done. They had to study the biology of the

candidate biological agent, its cycle and most importantly how it can be commercially mass

produced in the laboratory, what kind of culture medium to use and how best to deploy the

predator in the field.

Fortunately, nature came to our rescue in the guise of Typhoon Glenda which ripped across

Southern Luzon. Typhoon Glenda must have blown the cocolisap away and the affected

coconuts in Batangas, Laguna and Quezon miraculously recovered.

Network of Crop Protection Centers

In the late 70s, at the time of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arturo Tanco, Domingo

Panganiban, the lead implementor of the Masagana 99 rice program and entomologist Fernando

Sanchez, Sr. conceived of a network of regional crop protection centers in the Bureau of Plant

Industry (BPI) with its national headquarters at UPLB.

These centers were adequately staffed with well-trained entomologists, plant pathologists, weed

scientists and ecologists. The centers had well-equipped laboratories with generous bilateral

support from US, Germany and Australia.

Unfortunately, these agencies are now shells of their original status due to lack of support and

neglect. Their research staff have been decimated by the rationalization program imposed on the

DA and its agencies.

The cocolisap mini-tragedy should be warning enough. We may not be as lucky next time.

Use of chemical pesticides ought to be only a last resort whenever everything else fails in the

control of pests and diseases. However, modern plant breeding and development of biocontrol

agents are highly knowledge intensive and very location-specific. We must possess the capacity

to develop these technologies on our own.

Part of the agenda for agriculture for 2016 and beyond should be the massive rehabilitation of the

NCPC at UPLB, the regional crop protection centers of the BPI and the entomology and plant

pathology academic departments of the regional state colleges and universities (SCUs).

***



16

Dr. Emil Q. Javier is a Member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

and also Chair of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines (CAMP). For

any feedback, email [email protected]

http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-

6/#qj28EkLolvfwX3QX.99http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-6/

Focusing on local demand gives more business

By Mansoor Ahmad

April 28, 2016

LAHORE: Domestic commerce is steadily growing in the country as even the large exporters

have realised that they cannot survive any global downturn if they do not have a solid base for

their products in the domestic market.

The thrust towards domestic market has also increased because young consumers are the

dominant force. Retail is a buzz word these days and it is not limited to groceries. Walk-in

customers are being served even at private hospitals and private schools, as the government

services in these fields continue to deteriorate.

Pakistan’s economy has come a long way from licensed based imports when the license holders

used to make tons of money. Exports were then seen as the best business to make money. This

period lasted for a longer period because the rupee was regularly devalued to provide the

exporters with guaranteed profits against their investments. After every three consignments, the

exporters used to get higher returns for the goods as the rupee value used to be higher at the time

of shipment and lower when the export proceeds were received.

Retailing first started in education when hundreds of private schools, colleges and universities

were established by the private sector to fill the vacuum created by the inept public education

system. The healthcare services too were soon dominated by the private sector as government

health services were pathetic. The housing societies were the next to erupt as the state had no

answer to the ever growing housing needs of the population.

Among the manufacturing sectors home appliances started slowly replacing the imported

appliances. Two decades back, the refrigerators, colour television, and air conditioners market

was dominated by imports. Today, the top three brands in each of these categories are produced

in Pakistan along with fully automatic washing machines, microwave ovens and other electronic

gadgets.

Textiles, rice, and leather that comprised the bulk of our exports however remained focused on

foreign markets. Rice manufacturers were the first among exporters to recognise the importance

of the domestic market and successfully introduced their basmati rice brands a decade back.

They now have a lucrative domestic market for their products. Some leather exporters introduced

their branded products in the domestic market but received lukewarm response.

http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-6/#qj28EkLolvfwX3QX.99http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-6/

http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-6/#qj28EkLolvfwX3QX.99http://www.mb.com.ph/what-to-do-with-agriculture-in-2016-and-beyond-6/

http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/115787-Focusing-on-local-demand-gives-more-business

http://www.thenews.com.pk/writer/mansoor-ahmad



17

The share of textiles in the domestic market was less than 15 percent about five years back.

Textiles however remained the mainstay of our exports commanding a share of 65-55 percent in

the total exports of the country. Whenever global textiles came under pressure, the textile

industry in Pakistan suffered more heavily because of its dependence on exports. Currently the

entire ladies fabric and apparel market of Pakistan is designed and produced here.

Breeze was the first Pakistani brand of fabric and apparel that made its mark in the domestic

market and then in exports. Its products were retailed at company retail stores. This model was

replicated in foreign countries. Thus, this brand was first established in Pakistan before venturing

into exports. Khadi has emerged the most popular brand in Pakistan.

Fabric designing played a major role in the popularity of Pakistani ladies fabric that according to

some estimates has sales in the vicinity of Rs400 billion per annum and increasing. Khadija

Shah, the daughter of former federal Finance Minister Salman Shah is the most celebrated fabric

and apparel designer of the country.

The country boosts of over 150 most talented fabric and apparel designer that remain engaged

throughout the year to produce innovative designs for scores of brands.

In the last two years, the largest business houses of the country have established hundreds of

retail outlets of their brands. You can find retail outlets in every major market of the country

from Gul Ahmad, Nishat Group, Al Karam, Sapphire, and Din Textiles. Most of them have

opened dozens of retail outlets in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United

States. Even individual brands like Junaid Jamshaid after success in Pakistan have opened retail

outlets in UK, Canada and the US.

The new retailers innovate ways to attract the new high-tech generation with appealing ads and

innovative brand names.

The name attracts the youngsters but it is the final product that matters for sustained sales and

mouth publicity

SKUAST-K to revive rice variety Zag in Tangdhar

“The traditional Zag variety (Lal Chawal) was losing its area in Tangdhar and was becoming extinct. On

the directives of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazeer Ahmed an effort was initiated to revive the heritage

rice variety ZAG rice in this area,” the statement said.

Srinagar, Publish Date: May 1 2016 12:44AM | Updated Date: May 1 2016 12:44AM



18

Representational Pic

In a welcome initiative, SKUAST-K has decided to revive the heritage rice variety Zag in Tangdhar

in district Kupwara.

In this regard, a university team led by Dr G A Parray, Associate Director Research, MRCFC,

Khudwani, officers of agriculture department recently launched a 2-day “Participatory Seed

Production of High Yielding Varieties” and “Revival of Zag Rice of Kashmir Himalayas” in

Tangdhar, a statement here said.

Raja Manzoor local MLA and large number of farmers of the area were present. An interface of the

scientists-farmers was also held on the occasion.

“The traditional Zag variety (Lal Chawal) was losing its area in Tangdhar and was becoming extinct.

On the directives of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazeer Ahmed an effort was initiated to revive the

heritage rice variety ZAG rice in this area,” the statement said.

“15q seed of high yielding varieties and pure seed of Zag were distributed among farmers for up-

scaling the production. One compact block of 200 kanals of land in the Agriculture Zone Gabar of

Tangdhar was brought under this participatory seed production programme,” it said.

Dr Parray speaking during the interface highlighted the role played by the university scientists

towards rice research and in addressing the problems faced by farming community of the valley.

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/skuast-k-to-revive-rice-variety-zag-in-

tangdhar/216291.htmlhttp://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/skuast-k-to-revive-rice-variety-zag-

in-tangdhar/216291.html



19

http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/may/01/muhith-against-duty-hike-rice-import

Thailand takes world's top rice exporter crown in Q1

29 Apr 2016 at 17:27

WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS

- Thailand topped the list of the world’s biggest rice exporters in the first quarter, shipping 2.85 million

tonnes of the grain, a 34% year-on-year increase.

The Thai Rice Exporters Association said Friday that the 44 billion baht in rice exports marked a

23% increase in value over the same period in 2015.

By comparison, India shipped 2.3 million tonnes of rice from January-March while Vietnam

exported 1.4 million tonnes, Pakistan 1.3 million tonnes and 820,000 tonnes by the United

States.

However, Vietnamese customs data released on Wednesday showed the world's No.3 rice

exporter shipped 1.55 million tonnes. The country said it expects second-quarter exports to top

1.6 million tonnes.

India's export volume was estimated to have risen 2% in the quarter, while that of Vietnam rose

by 58% and 4% by the US. Pakistan's export volume dropped 9%.

In the first quarter, the five biggest buyers of Thai rice were Indonesia (317,100 tonnes, an 877%

annual increase), Ivory Coast (272,354 tonnes, up 86%), Benin (266,246 tonnes, up 426%),

China (257,708 tonnes, up 86%) and Cameroon (191,846 tonnes, up 251%).

In March alone, the country exported 990,864 tonnes of rice worth 15.2 billion baht, rising 26%

by volume and 17% by value year-on-year. In the month, exporters delivered white rice to

governments in China, Indonesia and the Philippines and broken rice to African nations.

The association estimated the rice export at 700,000-750,000 tonnes in April due to the Songkran

holidays.

Without government-to-government rice deals, rice sales in traditional markets did not increase

much because the purchasing power of African countries remains low, the association said

http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&columnistName=Online+Reporters



20

Seized Containers Belong to Westco, Not UCI, Rice

Importer Clarifies

Monrovia - The management of United Commodities Incorporated (UCI), a major rice importer

in Liberia, says it has been wrongly accused by the Liberia Revenue Authority relating to some

56 containers released to UCI without honouring the authority’s levies.The LRA in a statement

last week charged that the containers entered Liberia, stored at APM Terminals and later released

between January and March 2016 by the alleged perpetrators to UCI without the payment of

customs and other revenues due Liberia.”But UCI, in a statement responding to a

FrontPageAfrica inquiry said the containers in question actually belonged to another company,

Westco International Incorporated.

“We want to clarify that the containers in question do not belong to UCI but Westco, which is

using our warehouses.” The company says it has since settled all payments to LRA and all

receipts given by LRA carry Westco’s name. It is very unfortunate that someone is using this to

tarnish UCI's image,” the company statement noted.UCI says the LRA is demanding payment in

levies from the corporation simply because Westco International Incorporate cleared the goods

from the port and placed them in portion of our warehouse that has leased to the said Westco

Incorporated.UCI says it has operated within Liberia from more than nine years without any duty

related problems with Liberia Custom Service.

“UCI, because of her confidence in the Liberian economy has made huge investment within the

Freeport of Liberia in excess of five million United States Dollars. Our corporation has no intent

to carry out illegal activities that will jeopardize our investment in Liberia.”According to UCI,

Westco Incorporated sometime in December 2015 leased a portion of UCI warehouse to store

some commodities such as vegetable products including oil.“Regrettably, it now appears to us



21

that Westco International Incorporated brought in 56 and placed them in the facility illegally by

their failure to pay the customs duties, something we as a corporation frown upon.”

Nevertheless, UCI says it remains committed to maintaining a cordial relationship it has enjoyed

over the years with the Ministry of Finance and has taken the position that it will work along

with the LRA to ensure that Westco International pays the short payment amount as requested by

the LRA.The company says it is resolved to do this in a bid to show good faith with the LRA and

also establish the fact that whatever Westco International did was not sanctioned by UCI.UCI

has since the incident called upon Westco International to immediately commence the payment

of the amount requested by the LRA without delay as UCI strives to remain engaged with them

until the full amount is paid to government revenue.

http://frontpageafricaonline.com/index.php/business/612-seized-containers-belong-to-westco-

not-uci-rice-importer-clarifies

VIETNAM, INDIA RICE SELLERS INCREASE SOME

OF THEIR QUOTES TODAY; OTHER ASIA RICE

QUOTES UNCHANGED

4/29/2016

ORYZA (29-04-2016)

VIETNAM, INDIA RICE SELLERS INCREASE SOME OF THEIR QUOTES TODAY;

OTHER ASIA RICE QUOTES UNCHANGED

Vietnam rice sellers increased their quotes for 100% broken rice by about $5 per ton to around

$345 $355 per ton today. India rice sellers increased their quotes for parboiled rice by about $5

per ton to around $345 $355 per ton.Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged.

5% Broken Rice

Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $380 $390 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on

Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $365 $375 per ton.

India 5% rice is indicated at around $365 $375 per ton, on par with Pakistan 5% rice shown at

around $365 $375 per ton.

25% Broken Rice

Thailand 25% rice is indicated at around $365 $375 per ton, about $10 per ton premium on

Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $355 $365 per ton.



22

India 25% rice is indicated at around $335 $345 per ton, about $10 per ton premium on Pakistan

25% rice shown at around $325 $335 per ton.

Parboiled Rice

Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $390 $400 per ton. India parboiled rice is indicated

at around $345 $355 per ton, about $60 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last shown at

around $405 $415 per ton.

100% Broken Rice

Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is indicated at around $340 $350 per ton, about $5 per ton

discount to Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $345 $355 per ton. India's 100% broken

rice is shown at around $280 $290 per ton, about $10 per ton discount to Pakistan broken

sortexed rice shown at around $290 $300 per ton.

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1463

International Benchmark Price

Price on: 27-04-2016

Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price

Garlic

1 Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 3500

2 Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 4500

3 Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 3000

Ginger

1 Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 2150

2 Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 2300

3 Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 2850

Guar Gum Powder

1 Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 3700

2 Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 1100



23

3 Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 2220

Source:agra-net For more info

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 30-04-2016

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price

Rice

1 Manjeri (Kerala) Other 2700 3700

2 Deogarh (Orissa) Other 2000 3000

3 Purulia (West Bengal) Other 2200 2220

Wheat

1 Manvi (Karnataka) Other 1625 1655

2 Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh) Other 1550 1923

3 Sangli (Maharashtra) Other 2000 2600

Mousambi

1 Thirurrangadi (Kerala) Other 3500 3700

2 Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh) Other 3900 3950

3 Gohana (Haryana) Other 2000 2800

Onion

1 Bolangir (Orissa) Other 1500 1600

2 Nabha (Punjab) Other 500 800

3 Karad (Maharashtra) Other 600 900

Source:agmarknet.nic.in For more info

http://agmarknet.nic.in/



24

Egg Rs per 100 No

Price on 30-04-2016

Product Market Center Price

1 Ahmedabad 331

2 Chittoor 308

3 Hyderabad 291

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 27-04-2016

Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High

Onions Dry Package: 40 lb cartons

1 Atlanta Georgia Yellow 20.50 22.50

2 Chicago Mexico Yellow 21 25

2 Detroit Peru Yellow 22 23

Cabbage Package: 50 lb sacks

1 Atlanta Florida Round Green Type 11 12

2 Dallas Mexico Round Green Type 8.50 10.75

3 Detroit Canada Round Green Type 14 14.50

Grapefruit Package: 4/5 bushel cartons

1 Atlanta Florida Red 21 21.50

2 Chicago Florida Red 18.50 18.50

3 Miami Florida Red 12 15

Source:USDA

http://e2necc.com/

2nd may ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

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