3rd june ,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 V june 3,2016



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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...

Rs 1.75 billion Ramzan package announced

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1486

Government urged to set up Rice Development Company

06/02/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Stop reacquisition of CARP lands, new agrarian chief told

El Niño damages 235,000 MT of palay

Agri Min explains government support for rice alternatives

Palay production in Eastern Visayas projected to drop with La Niña

India Monsoon Rain Looks Set to Be the Strongest Since 1994

Alcala to next administration: Aim for rice self-sufficiency

Rice federation to vote for president on July 2

Bidding set for 2.24m tonnes of rice on June 15

Zero probability of deficit monsoon: IMD

Why price of rice is on increase – Stine boss

India raises rice purchase price

Rice Prices

Top rice geneticist to speak at rice field day

Elevated CO2 and Temperature Enhance the Grain Yield and Quality

of Rice

15% duty hike on rice import

USA Rice Lunch with Cuban Delegation Yields Results

Nigeria Imports N1Billion of Rice Daily

News Detail...

Rs 1.75 billion Ramzan package announced

ISLAMABAD (APP) – The federal government on Wednesday announced a

massive Rs 1.75 billion Ramazan Package to subsidize the purchase of daily-

use items for common people at the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).The

subsidy will be effective from June 1 till the end of Ramazan.Federal Minister

for Industries and Production, Murtaza Khan Jatoi announced the package at

a press conference, and was accompanied by Managing Director Utility

Stores Corporation (USC), Gulzar Hussain Shah and other ministry officials.



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Business

Khurram Shahzad

June 1, 2016 11:48 pm

Jatoi said that some elements took advantage of Ramazan through exorbitant price hikes and that

the subsidy package announced by the government was an effort to frustrate their designs.

He said that the government was committed to providing relief to the people, adding that the

Ramazan Package had been started by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif back in 1990s and was

followed by the successive governments.The minister said that he would visit USC outlets to

addresses issues and grievance of the public in terms of quality and cost of USC

items.Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, MD USC, Gulzar Hussain Shah said that the

government had already been providing eleven items on reduced rates since April 27.To a

question, he said that there would be no compromise on quality and prices of utility store

products.

The minister said that as many as 22 daily-use items would be available at subsidized rates in all

USC outlets from June 1 till the last day of Ramazan.The minister informed the press that sugar

would be available at Rs 60 per kg compared to Rs 65 in the open market, utility ghee would be

available from Rs 115 per kg compared to 125-160 per kg in the open market, while utility oil

would be sold at Rs 125 per kg against a market price of Rs 130-170.Likewise Dal Channa

would be available at Rs 120 per kg compared to 150-160 per kg in the open market, Dal moong

(washed)atn Rs 148 per kg compared to Rs 160-180 per kg while dall mash (washed) would be

available at Rs 273 per kg compared to Rs 280-300 per kg in the market.

http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/category/business/

http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/author/khurram1/



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Similarly, the minister added, Dal masoor would be sold at Rs 115 per kg compared to Rs 160-

187 per kg in the market, white gram at Rs 115 per kg compared to Rs 160-180 per kg in the

market, Basen at Rs 120 per kg against Rs 150-160 per kg, branded basen at Rs 140 against Rs

150-160, black gram at Rs 110 per kg against Rs 140-150 per kg, mash shell at Rs 258 compared

to Rs 275-280 per kg whereas masoor (whole) would be provided at Rs 120 per kg against Rs

150-160 per kg.

Likewise, dates would be sold at Rs 160 per kg against 200-220 per kg, Rice (super basmati) at

Rs 72 per kg against Rs 80 to 100 per kg, rice (super sella) at Rs 72 per kg against Rs 80-100 per

kg, broken rice would be available at Rs 48 per kg against Rs 55-60 per kg, squashes and syrups

(1500ml) at Rs 265 against Rs 295, squashes and syrups (800ml) at Rs 152 against Rs 170, black

tea at Rs 603 per kg against Rs 690 per kg, milk (tetra pack) at Rs 102 liter kg against 115 per

liter while all USC spices would be available on 10 percent discount.

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1486

International Benchmark Price

Price on: 27-05-2016

Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price

Apricots

1 Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 4625

2 Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 4125

3 Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t) 3625

Sultanas

1 Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t) 3006

2 South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t) 2894

3 Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t) 1799

Wheat

1 ASX NSW Wheat Futures, (USD/t) 197

2 Black Sea, FOB Brazil (USD/t) 174

3 NYSE Liffe Feed Wheat Futures (USD/t) 156



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Source: oryza, agra-net For more info

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 28-05-2016

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price

Maize

1 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1715 2100

2 Haveri (Karnataka) Local 1450 1560

3 Barshi (Maharashtra) Other 1525 1525

Paddy(Dhan)

1 Dehgam (Gujarat) Other 1325 1425

2 Kasargod (Kerala) Other 1450 1550

3 Jajpur (Orissa) Other 1410 1500

Papaya

1 Jagraon (Punjab) Other 1500 2000

2 Jalore (Rajasthan) Other 1100 1400

3 Pataudi (Haryana) Other 2000 2000

Carrot

1 Sahaspur (Orissa) Other 900 1100

2 Nagpur (Maharashtra) Other 1200 1200

3 Solan (Himachal Pradesh) Other 1500 2000

Source:agmarknet.nic.in For more info

Egg Rs per 100 No

Price on 01-06-2016

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

http://agmarknet.nic.in/

http://agmarknet.dac.gov.in/



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Product Market Center Price

1 Pune 382

2 Chittoor 413

3 Hyderabad 347

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 27-05-2016

Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High

Potatoes Package: 50 lb cartons

1 Atlanta Colorado Russet 17 18.50

2 Miami Idaho Russet 19 22

2 Los Angeles Washington Russet 14 15

Carrots Package: cartons 30 1-lb film bags

1 Atlanta California Baby Peeled 25.50 26

2 Chicago California Baby Peeled 22.50 23.50

3 New York California Baby Peeled 20 22

Apples Package: cartons tray pack

1 Atlanta Virginia Red Delicious 25.50 26

2 Los Angeles Washington Red Delicious 20 24

3 New York Washington Red Delicious 28 28

Source:USDA

Government urged to set up Rice Development Company June 01, 2016

RECORDER REPORT

http://e2necc.com/



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President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain has

suggested that the government immediately establish Rice Development Company to cater for

the basmati and non-basmati sectors, give rice mills status of industry with zero rating, reduce

loadshedding and announce tax relaxations in the upcoming budget. Expressing concern over

falling rice exports, he said that if the government paid attention, the exports could boost from

the current level of over two billion dollars to four billion dollars within three years. He said that

the repayment of export refinance should be increased from 180 days to 360 days and fine on

late repayment should be waived off. Withholdings tax on rice exports should be reduced from

one percent to 0.25 percent while 3.5 percent tax on local purchase be abolished, he said.

He further said that duty should be waived on import of dryers and other equipment while import

should be allowed through Wagah border so that local exporters should re-export the commodity.

Hussain called upon the government to take notice of falling exports to China, Iran and Kenya

while Utility Stores Corporation should be asked to buy rice for the holy month of Ramadan. He

said that a little attention can transform Pakistan into a regional hub for rice trading catering for

the needs of China, Afghanistan, Middle East and Central Asian ma

http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183:pakistan/51937:government-urged-to-set-up-rice-

development-company/?date=2016-06-01

06/02/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report Soybeans

High Low

Cash Bids 1105 1032

New Crop 1088 1039

Riceland Foods

Cash Bids Stuttgart: - - - Pendleton: - - -

New Crop Stuttgart: - - - Pendleton: - - -



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Futures: SOYBEANS

High Low Last Change

Jul '16 1146.00 1100.75 1144.25 +44.50

Aug '16 1132.00 1096.75 1130.75 +35.25

Sep '16 1104.00 1079.00 1102.50 +23.50

Nov '16 1088.25 1068.50 1081.75 +13.25

Jan '17 1081.75 1064.25 1077.75 +13.25

Mar '17 1051.00 1038.50 1046.75 +7.00

May '17 1043.75 1031.50 1040.00 +6.75

Jul '17 1042.50 1031.00 1039.00 +6.75

Aug '17

1025.50 +4.00

Soybean Comment

Soybeans saw another day of sharp increase in the nearby contract which us up 66-cents over the last 2-

days. The new crop gains have been slightly less though impressive as November soybeans are up 25-

cents. The market continues to be supported by strong soybean meal demand which is also at multi month

highs. While oil prices have been strong for the last few months the increased meal demand has been

much better for soybeans as 78% of soybeans are meal. The market is now near 2-year highs; however,

tomorrows movement will likely be tied to the export sales report which was delayed a day due the

holiday. Given the strong gains this week, the market may see some profit taking tomorrow ahead of the

weekend.

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4A6cUyQ9l

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4Q6cQyU8l

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dQjQOh



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Wheat

High Low

Cash Bids 484 415

New Crop 484 459

Futures: WHEAT


Jul '16 487.00 472.75 485.50 +11.75

Sep '16 497.75 484.00 496.25 +11.25

Dec '16 515.25 502.25 514.00 +11.00

Mar '17 532.00 520.25 531.00 +10.50

May '17 543.00 532.00 542.25 +10.50

Jul '17 551.00 537.75 550.00 +11.25

Sep '17 548.75 548.75 556.75 +11.50

Dec '17 565.50 549.75 566.50 +11.50

Mar '18 575.00 558.50 575.25 +10.50

Wheat Comment

Wheat prices followed soybeans higher today as July wheat broke through resistance near $4.81, and is

now positioned to test the next resistance level near $4.90. Wheat remains fundamentally challenged as

poor demand and large supplies remain a drag on prices. Wheat will need additional help from outside

markets tomorrow to keep this rally going, as the export sales report is likely to remain bearish.






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Grain Sorghum

High Low

Cash Bids 354 336

New Crop 347 291

Corn

High Low

Cash Bids 421 404

New Crop 419 415

Futures: CORN


Jul '16 419.50 412.50 415.25 +1.50

Sep '16 419.75 414.00 415.75 +0.75

Dec '16 419.75 414.75 416.75 +0.50

Mar '17 425.75 421.00 422.75 -0.25

May '17 428.75 424.25 426.25 -0.75

Jul '17 431.25 427.75 429.75 -0.25

Sep '17 414.25 410.50 414.00 +0.25



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Dec '17 416.00 412.50 414.75 -0.25

Mar '18 421.50 421.25 421.25 -0.50

Corn Comment

Corn prices closed mixed today despite sharp increases in soybean prices. While gains were small corn

continues its uptrend as the market put in new nearby highs today. While strengthening oil prices are

expected to help ethanol demand, the major demand driver at this time is strengthening exports. U.S. corn

remains competitive with South American corn and U.S. corn sales remain seasonally strong. At some

point though the market will likely begin to look at the 14 billion bu production forecast and wonder if

demand will be great enough to consume all this corn.

Cotton

Futures: COTTON


Jul '16 63.67 62.81 62.87 -0.3

Oct '16 63.71 63.3 63.18 -0.32

Dec '16 63.51 62.6 62.67 -0.33

Cotton Comment

Cotton futures continued lower. The market continued to backtrack after failing at recent highs, 64.75

cents for July, and 64 cents for December. The ICAC today released its supply/demand estimates. They

forecast consumption holding steady next season and to exceed production by 3.31 million bales.






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Rice

High Low

Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -

Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -

Futures: ROUGH RICE


Jul '16 1140.5 1104.5 1137.0 +37.5

Sep '16 1165.5 1131.5 1163.5 +38.0

Nov '16 1188.0 1161.0 1188.5 +38.0

Jan '17

1208.0 +38.0

Mar '17

1226.0 +38.0

May '17

1242.0 +38.0

Jul '17

1242.0 +38.0

Rice Comment

Rice futures gapped higher today. July bounced off support at $10.76 earlier this week, which has

provided support for the market for about 5 weeks. This large crop could limit the upside potential of the

market, however, dry conditions in other rice growing regions of the world could provide support. The

market needs to see better export movement, though. Weekly export sales of 78,600 tons last week were

not enough to inspire any buying interest.






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Cattle

Futures:

Live Cattle: LIVE CATTLE


Jun '16 122.075 121.225 121.725 +0.300

Aug '16 118.650 117.100 117.650 +0.200

Oct '16 118.000 116.675 117.200 +0.250

Dec '16 117.800 116.625 117.150 +0.225

Feb '17 116.950 115.900 116.600 +0.450

Apr '17 116.125 115.200 115.950 +0.600

Jun '17 109.400 108.525 109.325 +0.625

Aug '17 107.500 106.975 107.125 +0.125

Feeders: FEEDER CATTLE


Aug '16 147.450 145.550 146.400 -0.025

Sep '16 146.025 144.250 145.075 +0.225

Oct '16 144.500 142.825 143.725 +0.425

Nov '16 140.850 139.350 140.175 +0.525

Jan '17 136.400 135.050 135.750 +0.525

Mar '17 133.775 132.725 133.225 +0.575






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Apr '17

133.425 +0.575

May '17

133.350 +0.575

Cattle Comment

Cattle prices inched higher today as prices remain volatile following last week‘s bearish Cattle on Feed

report which sent prices to new nearby lows. The beef cutout prices continue to try and stabilize as prices

saw only modest gains today. Weakness in beef prices and large supply estimates seem to have trumped

cash prices and continue to keep the pressure on cattle prices.

Hogs

Futures: LEAN HOGS


Jun '16 82.125 80.925 82.025 +0.875

Jul '16 84.475 82.925 84.450 +1.650

Aug '16 83.900 82.350 83.875 +1.650

Oct '16 70.225 69.275 70.175 +1.000

Dec '16 64.850 64.275 64.800 +0.700

Feb '17 68.000 67.600 67.900 +0.325

Apr '17 70.950 70.500 70.775 +0.125

May '17

75.600 +0.125

Jun '17 78.300 78.200 78.300 +0.100






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Stop reacquisition of CARP lands, new agrarian chief told

by Manuel Cayon - June 2, 2016

DAVAO CITY—The new chief of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has been ordered

to stop reacquiring lands from agrarian-reform beneficiaries who cannot regularly pay their

amortization, the Anakpawis party-list said.Ariel Casilao, an incoming Anakpawis party-list

representative, said President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte gave the order to stop the reacquisition of

lands given out to farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to

incoming DAR chief Rafael V. Mariano.―This was his marching order after we briefed him of

the situation of the agrarian-reform beneficiaries years after they got their lands, but without

adequate and necessary government assistance,‖ Casilao told the BusinessMirror.Casilao is a

colleague of Mariano in the progressive Makabayan bloc in Congress. The bloc was able to get

seven seats in the May 9 elections, with one more seat being contested by the Gabriela party-list

over vote percentage allocation.

He said he was privy to the closed-door meeting between Duterte and the appointed Cabinet secretaries

before they were introduced to the media in an evening news conference the Presidential Guest House

here on Tuesday.Mariano told the BusinessMirror that he was there to get the final word of Duterte over

his appointment. The revolutionary National Democratic Front endorsed Mariano to the post following

Duterte‘s offer of four Cabinet posts to the Left.

Casilao said there would be no more acquisition of the remaining big landholdings ―because the

time frame provided for its acquisition has expired.‖

Instead, Casilao presented to the president the Genuine Agrarian Reform bill he authored, which

Duterte turned over to his lawyers. He hoped to get a presidential endorsement on the bill, which

he said may also widen the leeway of Mariano to implement the wishes of the progressive sector.

The bill seeks to strike out the ―three main defects of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform law

and its successor CARPer law: the provisions on exclusion and exemption of certain lands, and

the conversion of big landholdings into cash crops plantations that may earn them the exemption

clause.‖

―The Genuine Agrarian Reform Program [GARP] would protect the distributed lands from being

sold, mortgaged or loaned. They can only be passed on to their children, under the concept of

stewardship,‖ he added.The Garp would also require other national agencies to help the agrarian

reform beneficiaries. ―The Department of Trade and Industry would be required to deal with

traders on behalf of the farmers, and to ensure the farmers get the best-selling price of their

products. http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/stop-reacquisition-of-carp-lands-new-agrarian-chief-told/

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/author/manuelcayon/



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El Niño damages 235,000 MT of palay

by Mary Grace Padin - June 2, 2016

The prolonged dry spell caused by El Niño destroyed 235,000 metric tons (MT) of paddy rice,

according to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture (DA).However, Agriculture

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the havoc wreaked by El Niño on the farm sector has not been

as extensive as the government had initially feared.―We have made projections in 2015 that more

or less 970,000 MT of palay might be destroyed by El Niño this year, but as of May 15, only

235,000 MT has so far been damaged as reported,‖ Alcala added.Citing field reports, Alcala

said farmers were still able to harvest high-quality palay.

Earlier, he added that the DA‘s hybridization program helped scale down the adverse impact of El Niño

on rice production.Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the country‘s paddy rice

production in the first quarter of the year dropped by 9.97 percent to 3.93 million MT, from 4.37 million

MT recorded in the same period in 2015.Meanwhile, Alcala said the DA has already made initial

preparations for the possible occurrence of La Niña in the later part of the year.

Alcala said the DA will encourage the use of the Green Super Rice, a multistress tolerant rice

variety developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research

Institute.He also disclosed that the PSA is currently evaluating the losses that may be incurred by

farmers due to La Niña. http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/el-nino-damages-235000-mt-of-palay/

Agri Min explains government support for rice alternatives

Date : 2 มิถุนายน 2559

BANGKOK, 2 June 2016 (NNT) – The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives has assured the

government will not ban the planting of rice but has asked farmers to seek out appropriate times

and to monitor water levels. Minister of Agriculture Gen Chatchai Sarikulya has sought to

explain a recent Cabinet decision sponsoring the growing of alternatives to rice between now and

April of next year, affirming that the order does not bar the planting of rice but rather asks that

growers be mindful of the water situation due to persisting drought. He elaborated that the

government will during this period support the planting of alternatives to rice alongside other

efforts such as the large plot farm initiative, which seeks to maximize farm output while reducing

water demand.

While acknowledging that farmer‘s unions have been effective at convincing members to act in a

unified manner, the minister pointed out some individual farmers have continued to ignore

government calls. The minister was earlier told by farmer representatives that persevering rice

farmers believe water supplies will soon replenish and that the government will assist them in

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/author/marygracepaden/

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/el-nino-damages-235000-mt-of-palay/



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times of crisis. They assured however, that they are ready to work with the state to elevate the

entire rice supply chain if needed.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/CenterWeb/NewsEN/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNEVN5906020010007#st

hash.nWvxQh2Y.dpuf

Palay production in Eastern Visayas projected to drop with La

Niña

June 02, 2016

Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 2 (PIA) – The expected La Niña phenomenon is projected to affect palay

production in Eastern Visayas by about 200,000 metric tons involving 55,000 hectares of rice farms

across the region.Leo Cañeda, regional director, Department of Agriculture, has declared of the probable

damage on rice production spawned by the heavy rains of La Niña.Earlier, state weather agency, the

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) declared that the

country will be affected by the La Niña phenomenon which started in May and will end on November,

this year.



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Director Cañeda however said that contingency plans are in place which include stockpiling and

distribution of water-resistant palay seed variety that can withstand stress due to floods.

The said palay seed variety will be distributed to farmers in areas affected by La Niña.

It was learned that the palay harvest in the region declined, reaching only to 955,000 metric tons as

production was affected by the El Niño phenomenon, a prolonged dry spell.

The region hit its rice sufficiency index at 88%, a 3% drop from the previous 94%. (AJC/PIA8)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1151464853413/palay-production-in-eastern-visayas-projected-to-

drop-with-la-ni-a#sthash.yOioLrV7.dpuf

India Monsoon Rain Looks Set to Be the Strongest Since

1994 Pratik Parija

June 2, 2016 — 4:16 PM PKT

India is set for the highest monsoon rainfall in 22 years as El Nino, which caused the first back-

to-back drought in almost three decades, makes way for a La Nina.The precipitation during the

four-month rainy season starting in June is seen at 106 percent of the 50-year average of about

89 centimeters (35 inches), the same as forecast in April, the India Meteorological Department

said in New Delhi on Thursday. That‘s less than the 109 percent predicted by Skymet Weather

Services Pvt., a private forecaster. The prediction has a margin of error of 4 percent, the

department said.

The prediction for above normal downpour for the first time since 2013 is seen boosting prospects of farm

output and easing an acute drinking water shortage caused by two years of below-average rain. Prime

Minister Narendra Modi‘s government is counting on a normal monsoon to sustain economic growth and

contain food costs after the lowest rainfall since 2009 hurt rice, corn, sugar-cane and oilseed crops last

year.The tropical Pacific Ocean is in a neutral state and outlooks suggest little chance of indicators

returning to El Nino levels, Australia‘s Bureau of Meteorology said last month. That means mid-May

marked the end of the event that reduced Indian rainfall, parched farmland in Asia and curbed cocoa

production in parts of Africa.

Crop Sowing

Weather watchers are now waiting for La Nina, a cooling of the tropical Pacific sometimes

thought of as El Nino‘s opposite. La Nina typically brings more rain to parts of Asia, including

India. Based on the 26 El Nino events since 1900, about 50 percent have been followed by a

neutral year with 40 percent by La Nina, according to the Australian bureau.The monsoon affects

both summer and winter crop sowing in India, and waters more than half of all farmland.

Rainfall was 14 percent below a 50-year average in 2015, following a 12 percent shortfall in

http://www.bloomberg.com/authors/ACT1hUlVowE/pratik-parija

http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/press_release.php

http://www.skymetweather.com/content/weather-news-and-analysis/skymets-updated-forecast-for-monsoon-2016/

http://www.skymetweather.com/content/weather-news-and-analysis/skymets-updated-forecast-for-monsoon-2016/

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-24/farewell-el-nino-it-s-la-nina-s-turn-to-cause-trouble-now

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-23/as-el-nino-exits-la-nina-looms-and-promises-her-style-of-mayhem

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-30/driest-india-monsoon-in-six-years-hurts-food-crops-shrinks-dams



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2014, data from the meteorological department show. Rains may arrive over Kerala state in the

next four to five days, a week behind the normal schedule of June 1, according to the weather

office.

The precipitation in July, the wettest month of the monsoon season, is seen at 107 percent of the

average, while August may record 104 percent, the forecaster said. Northwest India, the

country‘s main grain and sugar cane region, will get 108 percent of the average rainfall, while

downpour is seen at 113 percent of the average in central and peninsular regions, it said http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-02/india-monsoon-rain-seen-best-since-1994-as-la-

nina-set-to-emerge

Alcala to next administration: Aim for rice self-

sufficiency

by Mary Grace Padin - June 2, 2016

The next administration should continue to implement measures to achieve self-sufficiency in

rice and other staples, the outgoing chief of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on

Thursday.Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said incoming DA chief Emmanuel F. Piñol

should consider adopting the Aquino administration‘s Food Staples Sufficiency Program

(FSSP).

―They must pursue the Food Staplea Sufficiency Program that we have launched. We need just

to do a little bit more to hit its goals,‖ Alcala told reporters on the sidelines of the Bureau of Soils

and Water Management 65th anniversary celebration.He said the Philippines has already

achieved 97-percent rice self-sufficiency. Alcala also noted that the country‘s paddy rice output

in recent years has not gone below 18 million metric tons (MMT).―That means we have done

something right to make sure our foundation is good. Since we‘re only a little bit lacking, [the

next administration] can hit the 100-percent [self-sufficiency goal] and maybe more,‖ Alcala

added.

He said the next administration should target a self-sufficiency rate of more than 100 percent to

ensure that the country would have enough buffer stock in times of emergencies.Given the

increase in the production of the country‘s staples, Alcala said the national rice and corn

programs under the current administration have been ―successful.‖―Another program [I want

them to adopt] is the seed buffer stock program.At any given time, each province should be

ready to distribute replacement seeds,‖ he said.Under the program, about 10 percent of the total

seed requirements of every province should be buffered in preparation for natural calamities.

―We need additional areas for irrigation. Along with this, we should develop more land for

agriculture,‖ he said, when asked what the current administration could have done to further

improve the agriculture sector.

Alcala noted that in areas where irrigation is available, the lands were not suitable for planting

paddy rice.―You could irrigate an area, and yet, the farmers cannot make the most of your

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/author/marygracepaden/



20

irrigated areas since there is no paddy development,‖ he said.―We have areas in the sector which

we have tried to fix, but some actions also misfired. I will also share with Piñol these [errors],‖

Alcala added.He said these suggestions and observations are included in the DA‘s report to the

transition team of Piñol

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/alcala-to-next-administration-aim-for-rice-self-sufficiency/

Rice federation to vote for president on July 2 Thu, 2 June 2016

Cheng Sokhorng

A rice farmer uses a small mechanical harvester in a Tbong Khmum province rice field earlier this year.

Heng Chivoan

With voting set to take place on July 2 to

elect the next president of the

Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF), the

organisation has pledged to further

strengthen its mandate, while rice millers

and exporters claim they have lost

confidence in the organisation‘s ability

to achieve necessary reforms.Penn

Sovicheat, director of the domestic trade

department at the Ministry of Commerce

and a member of the CRF election committee, said that the next president would continue to

push for the government‘s elusive 1 million tonne rice export target.This will be the second time

that the CRF has elected a president since the organisation was formed, and the internal structure

has been tweaked to be more

inclusive, he said. Now, the sitting president will be accompanied by five vice presidents chosen

by the 16 members of the board.―The new president will follow the plan outlined in the previous

mandate,‖ Sovicheat said, adding that there would be no lag time as the structural reforms were

already in place.However, Kann Kunthy, chief executive officer of Battambang rice miller Brico,

said that even though the CRF had been restructured to include more voices, he had little hope

for the organisation.

―I have no confidence in the new mandate, since I have already lost confidence in the current

mandate,‖ he said. ―With one president and five vice presidents, that structure will not allow for

reforms. There will be no efficiency and no action.‖―In order to survive the rice industry, we

need the government to take action, not just have plans.‖Moul Sarith, secretary-general of CRF,

countered and said that the next president will be more productive and will promote not only

short-term interests, but introduce a long-term strategy. ―The next mandate will produce results,

as long as we have five committees that meet with the five vice presidents to insure there is an

action plan,‖ he said.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/author/cheng-sokhorng/72212



21

Phou Puy, director of Baitong (Kampuchea) PLC, welcomed the revised structure, but still

questioned the next presidents ability to lead. ―It is good to have a chance to vote, as it is a kind

of democracy,‖ he said. ―But I can‘t say how it will actually affect the rice industry.‖ Song

Saran, CEO of AMRU Rice, was more optimistic that the next president could produce tangible

results as he addressed the most pressing concerns.―If the next president can address farmer‘s

and rice miller‘s concerns, we will be able to compete in the market,‖ he said. Transportation and

production costs should be the biggest concern, he added http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/rice-federation-vote-president-july-2

Bidding set for 2.24m tonnes of rice on June 15

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI

THE NATION June 3, 2016 1:00 am

THE Commerce Ministry will open bidding on June 15 for 2.24 million tonnes of rice, the biggest lot in

eight years, in a bid to accelerate the clearing-out of the government‘s stockpiles while market demand is

strong during the drought."Although the bidding amount is quite huge, it should not affect the market

price as demand is high in the market."The government will consider the price factor and demand to

ensure the utmost benefit for the country," Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade

Department, said yesterday.

The auction amount is the largest since November 2008, when Samak Sundaravej was prime minister and

Chaiya Sasomsub was commerce minister.

This round will be the incumbent government's fourth this year and 16th after it came to power in 2014.

It has released 6.12 million tonnes worth Bt64 billion in the previous 15 rounds.

There are about 10 million tonnes remaining. If it could move out this lot of rice, there would still be

about 8 million tonnes in the government's warehouses. The government has vowed to reduce its

inventory to zero by next year.

This round will include many varieties, such as Hom Mali rice, 5-, 10-, 15- and 25-per-cent white rice,

provincial fragrant rice, Pathum Thani rice, glutinous rice and broken white rice.

The rice will come from 173 warehouses in 35 provinces.

Interested parties can inspect the rice from June 6-10 before it goes on the block on June 15 at the

Commerce Ministry's head office in Nonthaburi.

Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the bidding is coming at a

good time, as market demand is high.

The government could continue holding auctions for three to four months before the start of the harvest

season late this year.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/rice-federation-vote-president-july-2



22

"The bidding should not create a negative impact on the rice price in the market. "Rice is currently priced

high at Bt14.50 per kilogram, rising from last month's Bt11 per kg, while paddy rice is quoted at Bt9,500

per tonne, up from Bt7,500 per tonne early this year," he said.Kriengsak Tapananon, secretary of the Thai

Rice Mills Association, agreed with the government's release of rice from its stockpiles during this

period.Many rice traders are expected to join the bidding, as supplies are lower than usual, he said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Bidding-set-for-2-24m-tonnes-of-rice-on-June-15-

30287259.html

Zero probability of deficit monsoon: IMD AMITI SEN

Will hit Kerala coast within five days NEW DELHI, JUNE 2:

Forecasting good news for the country‘s economy and farmers, the India Meteorological

Department (IMD) has reiterated its initial prediction of ‗above normal‘ rainfall in this year‘s

South-West monsoon season.―The conditions are congenial for the onset of monsoon in the next

four-five days and the rainfall quantity will pick up in the second half of June,‖ IMD Director-

General LS Rathore said at a press conference, while releasing an update for the long-range

monsoon forecast (June-September) on Thursday.The icing on the cake is the IMD ruling out a

deficient monsoon. ―There is a zero per cent probability that the rainfall will be deficient,‖

Rathore said. A deficient monsoon, which means less than 90 per cent of the long-period average



23

(LPA) rainfall, could cause severe distress to farmers, crop loss and drought.

This year‘s projected plentiful rainfall will bring to an end to two consecutive years of drought.

Last year, the country suffered a rainfall deficit of 14 per cent, while in the previous year, the

shortfall was 12 per cent.

Above average

Quantitatively, monsoon season rainfall for the country as a whole is likely to be 106 per cent of

the LPA, according to the projection. The monsoon is considered to be above normal when the

rainfall is between 104 per cent and 110 per cent of the LPA.Region wise, the seasonal rainfall is

likely to be 108 per cent of the LPA over North-West India, 113 per cent over both Central India

and the Peninsula and 94 per cent over North-East India.

While the probability of excess rainfall (rain over 110 per cent of LPA) is 23 per cent, Rathore

dismissed concerns on the possibility of floods. ―Floods happen if you have continuous excessive

rain within a short span. But if the distribution is good, there are no floods,‖ he said.The monthly

rainfall over the country is likely to be 107 per cent of its Long Period Average in July, and 104

per cent of the LPA in August, both with a model error of (+/-) 9 per cent.

La Nina may set in

The low rainfall of the last two years was mainly attributed to El Nino, an irregularly occurring

series of climatic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region, which causes drought

conditions in Asia.This year El Nino conditions have already turned to neutral after becoming

moderate in April and weakening in early May, according to the IMD.On the other side, there is

a 50 per cent probability of La Nina conditions, which favour the monsoon, during the season.

―When there is a La Nina condi

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/zero-probability-of-deficit-monsoon-

imd/article8682015.ece



24

Why price of rice is on increase – Stine boss By Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos | Publish Date: Jun 2 2016 5:00AMSays high cost may linger till November

A foremost indigenous rice producer, Chief Akai Egwuonwu, has attributed the high cost of rice

to the paucity of paddies in the country. He however said the cost might decrease by the next

harvesting season, with effect from November 2016 to next year.Egwuonwu, who is the

chairman of Stine Industries Ltd, makers of Stine Rice, Oyoyo Rice, Euro Rice and the famous

Anambra Rice, said the local manufacturers were striving to fill the gap created by the

government‘s ban on importation of foreign rice.

Speaking with Daily Trust in Lagos after the company and others were conferred with the

African Product Acceptability Award by the Institute for Government Research Leadership

Technology, he said Nigeria was on the verge of attaining self-sustainability in rice production,

adding that thousands of farmers were currently on the farm growing rice. With more and more

people taking to rice farming, coupled with the 440-ton daily capacity of Stine, the largest in the

country, the chairman posited that the current hike in the price of the commodity would be a

thing of the past early next year. He said the high cost was further aggravated by the foreign

exchange crisis, noting that all the implements for rice production were imported.

Egwuonwu said, ―Currently everything is going up. The cost of dollar is going up and you know

most of the farm implements are imported - from the fertilizers down to seeds, down to

insecticides, down to tractors, they are all imported. You expect prices to go up in line with the

market forces. ―Another thing you have to put into consideration is that government has stopped

the importation of foreign rice. It has effectively stopped that. So as a result of high demand, you



25

expect prices to go up because there is a gap to be filled. So as soon as that gap is filled,

hopefully from next year, Nigeria will start seeing price decrease in rice. This year, it may still

go up slightly but by the next harvesting season, say from November, prices would go down.‖He

stated that Nigeria should begin to grow more paddies to confront the scarcity of paddies being

experienced in milling rice.

He expressed optimism that with the government‘s efforts through FADAMA and other

interventions, there would be more output next year than this year and prices would start to go

down

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/agriculture/why-price-of-rice-is-on-increase-stine-

boss/149369.html#6JiqFVX6MUMwYLpm.99

India raises rice purchase price June 02, 2016

NEW DELHI: India has raised the minimum purchase price for common grades of rice to be

paid to local farmers by about 4.3 percent, or 60 rupees, to 1,470 rupees ($21.89) per 100 kg,

Farm Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Wednesday.India, the world´s second biggest

rice producer after China, buys the grain from local farmers to protect them from distress sale

and build stocks for welfare programmes.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/124506-India-raises-rice-purchase-price

Rice Prices as on : 02-06-2016 08:10:51 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals Price

Current

%

change

Season

cumulative Modal

Prev.

Modal

Prev.Yr

%change

Rice

Gadarpur(Utr) 1656.00 -10.97 111193.00 1938 2000 -1.87

Bhivandi(Mah) 1410.00 2463.64 1739.00 2250 4580 25.00

Achalda(UP) 300.00 757.14 3872.50 2250 2255 0.67

Siliguri(WB) 170.00 3.03 5712.00 2600 2600 -

Durgapur(WB) 133.00 2.31 1589.00 2450 2300 7.46

http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/124506-India-raises-rice-purchase-price



26

Asansol(WB) 130.00 -1.52 2504.50 2400 2400 -

Mathabhanga(WB) 120.00 20 4570.00 2150 2150 4.88

Kalipur(WB) 112.00 17.89 5633.00 2250 2250 15.38

Allahabad(UP) 110.00 NC 6590.00 2195 2180 2.57

Pilibhit(UP) 86.00 2.38 19268.00 2195 2195 1.15

Ghaziabad(UP) 80.00 14.29 2925.00 2200 2200 2.33

Rampurhat(WB) 80.00 -5.88 824.00 2120 2120 -

Coochbehar(WB) 78.00 2.63 1695.00 2150 2150 4.88

Saharanpur(UP) 76.00 35.71 5271.00 2225 2230 3.97

Thodupuzha(Ker) 70.00 NC 2870.00 2650 2650 -8.62

Jangipur(WB) 62.00 -1.59 567.00 2140 2145 -8.94

Barasat(WB) 60.00 20 2720.00 2200 2200 -8.33

Kesinga(Ori) 50.00 -16.67 520.00 2300 2450 -19.30

Rampur(UP) 50.00 8.7 620.50 2280 2280 9.35

Samsi(WB) 50.00 NC 16010.00 2900 3000 -

Dadri(UP) 45.00 12.5 2079.00 2185 2190 2.10

Cachar(ASM) 40.00 NC 1910.00 2700 2700 NC

Lanka(ASM) 40.00 NC 2600.00 1750 1750 -1.41

Beldanga(WB) 40.00 NC 1982.50 2310 2310 0.43

Gauripur(ASM) 36.00 38.46 2668.00 4500 4500 NC

Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah) 26.00 -13.33 1829.00 3600 3900 -

Mekhliganj(WB) 25.00 19.05 733.00 2100 2075 13.51

Ghatal(WB) 23.00 9.52 444.00 2100 2120 11.70



27

Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB) 23.00 - 292.00 2500 - 13.64

Lohardaga(Jha) 20.00 17.65 984.00 1700 1700 -18.07

Alipurduar(WB) 20.00 5.26 500.00 2300 2200 4.55

Diamond Harbour(South 24-pgs)(WB) 20.00 -16.67 873.50 2300 2300 9.52

Bankura Sadar(WB) 16.00 -11.11 34.00 2130 1950 -

Pundibari(WB) 15.00 15.38 242.00 2100 2100 3.70

Champadanga(WB) 14.00 40 874.00 2550 2550 NC

North Lakhimpur(ASM) 12.60 -8.7 1460.40 1900 1900 -

Etah(UP) 11.00 37.5 137.00 1950 2050 -2.99

Bampada(Ori) 10.00 NC 210.00 2500 2500 NC

Barikpur(Ori) 10.00 NC 165.00 2500 2500 NC

Deogarh(Ori) 9.50 5.56 444.50 2500 2500 NC

Sheoraphuly(WB) 9.50 5.56 418.35 2750 2700 -6.78

Dibrugarh(ASM) 8.50 7.59 1188.40 2450 2450 -

Chengannur(Ker) 8.50 30.77 560.00 2400 2500 -4.00

Jeypore(Ori) 8.40 82.61 104.20 6150 6100 89.23

Cherthalai(Ker) 8.00 -5.88 329.50 2350 2250 -7.84

Bolangir(Ori) 8.00 6.67 274.70 2400 2400 NC

Khair(UP) 8.00 33.33 179.00 2230 2250 15.54

Muradabad(UP) 8.00 -27.27 517.70 2340 2330 12.50

Tusura(Ori) 6.50 NC 304.50 2400 2400 NC

Raibareilly(UP) 6.50 -45.83 297.00 2050 2020 0.49

Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori) 5.60 -34.88 85.20 6100 5100 48.78



28

Karanjia(Ori) 5.00 -9.09 271.30 2600 2700 4.00

Mirzapur(UP) 5.00 11.11 1311.10 1970 1975 -0.51

Islampur(WB) 4.00 33.33 286.90 2350 2400 11.90

Jatni(Ori) 3.00 - 3.00 2250 - -

Kasipur(WB) 1.20 20 34.50 2200 2200 4.76

Aroor(Ker) 1.00 -50 158.70 7100 7100 -6.58

Sardhana(UP) 1.00 NC 80.90 2250 2240 6.38

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8681674.ece

Top rice geneticist to speak at rice field day

Thu, 06/02/2016 - 3:16pm

Susan McCouch, of the Cornell University Department of Plant Breeding and

Genetics, will talk about the potential for advances in rice breeding at the

annual field day at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station

on June 29. (Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU

http://www.eunicetoday.com/cornell-university-department-plant-breeding-and-genetics

Mid-South rice this week: Nitrogen, diseases, slow plant

development Jun 2, 2016 Ed Phillips | Delta Farm Press

Although planted and emerging, many Mid-South rice fields are having to contend with heavy

rains and cooler than normal temperatures.At the start of the week, USDA estimated 98 percent

of the U.S. rice crop had been planted, 87 percent had emerged and 66 percent of the crop was in

good to excellent condition.

In the Mid-South states, planting ranged from 98 percent planted in Mississippi to 100 percent

planted in Missouri, but weather — heavy rains and cooler than normal temperatures —

continues to frustrate plant development and management schedules.

http://deltafarmpress.com/author/ed-phillips



29

In

northeast Arkansas last week, as much as 2 to 7 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Jarrod

Hardke, Arkansas rice Extension agronomist, says rice farmers there are asking two questions:

(1) I just put out my nitrogen and started to flood up. The rains washed my field out. How

much N did I lose?

(2) I‘m now getting late in the window to apply N and I got all this rain with more in the

forecast. What do I do?

As the season progresses, rice diseases will test Mid-South farmers. Tom Allen, Mississippi

Extension plant pathologist, says most rice diseases occur at particular times of the year or at

specific growth stages and that the previous crop is an important factor.

To help farmers he has provided a Mississippi Rice Disease Calendar for some of the more

common diseases that indicates the likely period of infection generally required for symptoms to

be expressed and the period when the diseases would continue to be problems.

Louisiana rice has struggled through less than ideal growing conditions, says Dustin Harrell, the

state‘s Extension rice specialist. In the most recent Louisiana Rice Notes he discusses mid- to

late-season potassium deficiency, the South American Rice Miner and yield potential for late-

planted rice.

A good way to follow developments in Louisiana rice is to subscribe to the LSU AgCenter‘s text

message group for rice. To join the rice group, send a text message to 81010 with @larice in the

body of the message. To receive text messages by email, send an email to

[email protected].

http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2016/05/28/rice-disease-calendar/

http://louisianacrops.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/LA-Rice-Notes-5.pdf

mailto:[email protected]



30

Later this month, Mid-South rice farmers will have the opportunity to hear from one of the

world‘s leading rice geneticists, Susan McCouch of Cornell University. She‘ll talk about the

potential for advances in rice breeding as part of the June 29 LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey

Rice Research Station‘s annual field day. Read more about McCouch and other speakers for the

field day at Louisiana rice field day June 29 in Crowley.

And from the northern end of the Mid-South is the story of a Missouri rice shipment to Cuba.

Martin Rice Company of Bernie, Mo., shipped rice at no cost to the people of Cuba. ―Cuba was

once a leading export destination for Missouri rice and we believe the in-roads we‘ve been

making since our first visit here and meetings we‘re now having with Cuban officials can help

re-establish Cuba as a buyer of Missouri rice,‖ Mike Martin said

ltafarmpress.com/rice/mid-south-rice-week-nitrogen-diseases-slow-plant-development

GMO activists not to blame for scientific challenges slowing

introduction, study finds

Released: 2-Jun-2016 4:05 PM EDT

Source Newsroom: Washington University in St. Louis

more news from this source

Add to Favorites Contact Information

Available for logged-in reporters only

Citations Agriculture & Human Values

Newswise — Heralded on the cover of Time magazine in 2000 as a genetically modified (GMO)

crop with the potential to save millions of lives in the Third World, Golden Rice is still years

away from field introduction and even then, may fall short of lofty health benefits still cited

regularly by GMO advocates, suggests a new study from Washington University in St. Louis.

―Golden Rice is still not ready for the market, but we find little support for the common claim

that environmental activists are responsible for stalling its introduction. GMO opponents have

not been the problem,‖ said lead author Glenn Stone, professor of anthropology and

environmental studies in Arts & Sciences.

First conceived in the 1980s and a focus of research since 1992, Golden Rice has been a

lightning rod in the battle over genetically modified crops.

GMO advocates have long touted the innovation as a practical way to provide poor farmers in

remote areas with a subsistence crop capable of adding much-needed Vitamin A to local diets. A

http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/louisiana-rice-field-day-set-june-29-crowley

http://farmprogress.com/story-missouri-rice-shipment-cuba-well-received-9-142088

http://www.newswise.com/institutions/newsroom/340/

http://www.newswise.com/institutions/newsroom/340/

http://www.newswise.com/users/login/?ret=%2Farticles%2Fgenetically-modified-golden-rice-falls-short-on-lifesaving-promises%2F%3Fad2f%3D1%26aid%3D654721

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10460-016-9696-1



31

problem in many poor countries in the Global South, Vitamin A deficiencies leave millions at

high risk for infection, diseases and other maladies, such as blindness.

Some anti-GMO groups view Golden Rice as an over-hyped Trojan Horse that biotechnology

corporations and their allies hope will pave the way for the global approval of other more

profitable GMO crops.

GMO proponents often claim that environmental groups such as Greenpeace should be blamed

for slowing the introduction of Golden Rice and thus, prolonging the misery of poor people who

suffer from Vitamin A deficiencies.

In a recent article in the journal Agriculture & Human Values, Stone and co-author Dominic

Glover, a rice researcher at the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Sussex,

find little evidence that anti-GMO activists are to blame for Golden Rice‘s unfulfilled promises.

―The rice simply has not been successful in test plots of the rice breeding institutes in the

Philippines, where the leading research is being done,‖ Stone said. ―It has not even been

submitted for approval to the regulatory agency, the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).‖

―A few months ago, the Philippine Supreme Court did issue a temporary suspension of GMO

crop trials,‖ Stone said. ―Depending on how long it lasts, the suspension could definitely impact

GMO crop development. But it‘s hard to blame the lack of success with Golden Rice on this

recent action.‖

While activists did destroy one Golden Rice test plot in a 2013 protest, it is unlikely that this

action had any significant impact on the approval of Golden Rice.

―Destroying test plots is a dubious way to express opposition, but this was only one small plot

out of many plots in multiple locations over many years,‖ he said. ―Moreover, they have been

calling Golden Rice critics ‗murderers‘ for over a decade.‖

Stone, an internationally recognized expert on the human side of global agricultural trends, was

an early advocate for keeping an open mind about ―humanitarian‖ GMO crops, such as Golden

Rice.

He has also supported the development of a genetically modified strain of cassava, a starchy root

crop eaten by subsistence farmers across much of Africa. Unfortunately, efforts to develop a

genetically improved, more productive and disease-resistant strain of cassava also appear to be a

long way from practical field introduction, he notes.

―Golden Rice was a promising idea backed by good intentions,‖ Stone said. ―In contrast to anti-

GMO activists, I argued that it deserved a chance to succeed. But if we are actually interested in

the welfare of poor children — instead of just fighting over GMOs — then we have to make

unbiased assessments of possible solutions. The simple fact is that after 24 years of research and

breeding, Golden Rice is still years away from being ready for release.‖




32

Since 2013, Stone has directed a major Templeton Foundation-funded research project on rice in

the Philippines. His research compares Golden Rice to other types of rice developed and

cultivated in the Philippines. These include high-yield ―Green Revolution‖ rice strains developed

in the 1960s in an effort to industrialize rice farming, and ‗‗heirloom‘‘ landrace varieties long

cultivated on the spectacular terraces of the Cordillera mountains of northern Luzon.

As part of the Golden Rice initiative, researchers introduce genes into existing rice strains to

coax these GMO plants into producing the micronutrient beta carotene in the edible part of the

grain. The presence of beta carotene gives the genetically modified rice a yellow hue, which

explains the ―golden‖ in its name.As Stone and Glover note in the article, researchers continue to

have problems developing beta carotene-enriched strains that yield as well as non-GMO strains

already being grown by farmers.

Researchers in Bangladesh also are in the early stages of confined field trials of Golden Rice, but

it is doubtful that these efforts will progress any quicker than in the Philippines.Even if genetic

modification succeeds in creating a strain of rice productive enough for poor farmers to grow

successfully, it‘s unclear how much impact the rice will have on children‘s health. As Stone and

Glover point out, it is still unknown if the beta carotene in Golden Rice can even be converted to

Vitamin A in the bodies of badly undernourished children. There also has been little research on

how well the beta carotene in Golden Rice will hold up when stored for long periods between

harvest seasons, or when cooked using traditional methods common in remote rural locations,

they argue.



33

Meanwhile, as the development of Golden Rice creeps along, the Philippines has managed to

slash the incidence of Vitamin A deficiency by non-GMO methods, Stone said

Glenn Stone

Famous for heirloom rice grown on the spectacular terraces of the Cordillera mountains of northern

Luzon, the Philippines has become a hotbed for protests over the development of genetically modified

Golden Rice

http://www.newswise.com/articles/genetically-modified-golden-rice-falls-short-on-lifesaving-promises

Genetically modified Golden Rice falls short on

lifesaving promises

GMO activists not to blame for scientific challenges slowing introduction, study finds

By Gerry Everding June 2, 2016

Famous for heirloom rice grown on the spectacular terraces of the Cordillera mountains of northern

Luzon, the Philippines has become a hotbed for protests over the development of genetically modified

Golden Rice. (Photo: Glenn Stone)

mailto:[email protected]



34

Heralded on the cover of Time magazine in 2000 as a genetically modified (GMO) crop with the

potential to save millions of lives in the Third World, Golden Rice is still years away from field

introduction and even then, may fall short of lofty health benefits still cited regularly by GMO

advocates, suggests a new study from Washington University in St. Louis.

―Golden Rice is still not ready for the market, but we find little support for the common claim

that environmental activists are responsible for stalling its introduction. GMO opponents have

not been the problem,‖ said lead author Glenn Stone, professor of anthropology and

environmental studies in Arts & Sciences.

Proclaimed as a potential life saver 16 years ago on the cover of Time, Golden Rice may still be years

away from approval.

First conceived in the 1980s and a focus of research since 1992, Golden Rice has been a

lightning rod in the battle over genetically modified crops.

GMO advocates have long touted the innovation as a practical way to provide poor farmers in

remote areas with a subsistence crop capable of adding much-needed Vitamin A to local diets. A



35

problem in many poor countries in the Global South, Vitamin A deficiencies leave millions at

high risk for infection, diseases and other maladies, such as blindness.

Some anti-GMO groups view Golden Rice as an over-hyped Trojan Horse that biotechnology

corporations and their allies hope will pave the way for the global approval of other more

profitable GMO crops.

GMO proponents often claim that environmental groups such as Greenpeace should be blamed

for slowing the introduction of Golden Rice and thus, prolonging the misery of poor people who

suffer from Vitamin A deficiencies.

In a recent article in the journal Agriculture & Human Values, Stone and co-author Dominic

Glover, a rice researcher at the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Sussex,

find little evidence that anti-GMO activists are to blame for Golden Rice‘s unfulfilled promises.

Washington University anthropologist Glenn Stone, shown here with an agricultural field agent, has

studied rice cultivation and research in the Philippines since 2013. (Photo: Glenn Stone)

―The rice simply has not been successful in test plots of the rice breeding institutes in the

Philippines, where the leading research is being done,‖ Stone said. ―It has not even been

submitted for approval to the regulatory agency, the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).‖

―A few months ago, the Philippine Supreme Court did issue a temporary suspension of GMO

crop trials,‖ Stone said. ―Depending on how long it lasts, the suspension could definitely impact

GMO crop development. But it‘s hard to blame the lack of success with Golden Rice on this

recent action.‖

Golden Rice proponent Patrick Moore has used Twitter, YouTube and other media to blame

environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, for prolonging the suffering of children with Vitamin A

deficiencies.

While activists did destroy one Golden Rice test plot in a 2013 protest, it is unlikely that this

action had any significant impact on the approval of Golden Rice.

―Destroying test plots is a dubious way to express opposition, but this was only one small plot

out of many plots in multiple locations over many years,‖ he said. ―Moreover, they have been

calling Golden Rice critics ‗murderers‘ for over a decade.‖

Stone, an internationally recognized expert on the human side of global agricultural trends, was

an early advocate for keeping an open mind about ―humanitarian‖ GMO crops, such as Golden

Rice.

He has also supported the development of a genetically modified strain of cassava, a starchy root

crop eaten by subsistence farmers across much of Africa. Unfortunately, efforts to develop a


https://twitter.com/EcoSenseNow/status/598103060745818112

https://youtu.be/8MCtVqmCoI8



36

genetically improved, more productive and disease-resistant strain of cassava also appear to be a

long way from practical field introduction, he notes.

―Golden Rice was a promising idea backed by good intentions,‖ Stone said. ―In contrast to anti-

GMO activists, I argued that it deserved a chance to succeed. But if we are actually interested in

the welfare of poor children — instead of just fighting over GMOs — then we have to make

unbiased assessments of possible solutions. The simple fact is that after 24 years of research and

breeding, Golden Rice is still years away from being ready for release.‖

Since 2013, Stone has directed a major

Templeton Foundation-funded research project

on rice in the Philippines. His research

compares Golden Rice to other types of rice

developed and cultivated in the Philippines.

These include high-yield ―Green Revolution‖

rice strains developed in the 1960s in an effort

to industrialize rice farming, and ‗‗heirloom‘‘

landrace varieties long cultivated on the

spectacular terraces of the Cordillera mountains

of northern Luzon.Golden Rice (top) has a

distinctive yellow hue. (Photo: International

Rice Research Institute via Wikimedia Commons)

As part of the Golden Rice initiative, researchers introduce genes into existing rice strains to

coax these GMO plants into producing the micronutrient beta carotene in the edible part of the

grain. The presence of beta carotene gives the genetically modified rice a yellow hue, which

explains the ―golden‖ in its name.

As Stone and Glover note in the article, researchers continue to have problems developing beta

carotene-enriched strains that yield as well as non-GMO strains already being grown by

farmers.Researchers in Bangladesh also are in the early stages of confined field trials of Golden

Rice, but it is doubtful that these efforts will progress any quicker than in the Philippines.

Even if genetic modification succeeds in creating a strain of rice productive enough for poor

farmers to grow successfully, it‘s unclear how much impact the rice will have on children‘s

health.

As Stone and Glover point out, it is still unknown if the beta carotene in Golden Rice can even

be converted to Vitamin A in the bodies of badly undernourished children. There also has been

little research on how well the beta carotene in Golden Rice will hold up when stored for long

periods between harvest seasons, or when cooked using traditional methods common in remote

rural locations, they argue.Meanwhile, as the development of Golden Rice creeps along, the

Philippines has managed to slash the incidence of Vitamin A deficiency by non-GMO methods,

Stone said

https://source.wustl.edu/2016/06/genetically-modified-golden-rice-falls-short-lifesaving-promises/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Rice.jpg



37

Elevated CO2 and Temperature Enhance the Grain Yield

and Quality of Rice By Craig D. Idso

Setting the stage for their study, Roy et al. (2015) write that rice is ―one of the most important C3

species of cereal crops,‖ adding that it ―generally responds favorably to elevated CO2.‖ However,

they note that the actual response of rice crops to elevated CO2 and warming ―is uncertain.‖ The

team of five Indian scientists set out ―to determine the effect of elevated CO2 and night time

temperature on (1) biomass production, (2) grain yield and quality and (3) C [carbon], N

[nitrogen] allocations in different parts of the rice crop in tropical dry season.‖

The experiment they designed to achieve these objectives was carried out at the ICAR-Central

Rice Research Institute in Cuttack, Odisha, India, using open-top-chambers in which rice (cv.

Naveen) was grown in either control (ambient CO2 and ambient temperature), elevated CO2 (550

ppm, ambient temperature) or elevated CO2 and raised temperature (550 ppm and +2°C above

ambient) conditions for three separate growing seasons.

In discussing their findings, Roy et al. write that the aboveground plant biomass, root biomass,

grain yield, leaf area index and net C assimilation rates of the plants growing under elevated CO2

conditions all showed significant increases (32, 26, 22, 21, and 37 percent, respectively) over

their ambient counter-parts. Each of these variables were also enhanced under elevated CO2 and

increased temperature conditions over ambient CO2 and temperature, though to a slightly lesser

degree than under elevated CO2 conditions alone.

With respect to grain quality, the authors report there was no difference among the parameters

they measured in any of treatments, with the exception of starch and amylose content, which

were both significantly higher in the elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 plus elevated temperature

treatments. The C and N grain yields were also both significantly increased in both of these

treatments compared with control conditions.

The results of this study thus bode well for the future of rice production in India during the dry

season. As the CO2 concentration of the air rises, yields will increase. And if the temperature

rises as models project, yields will still increase, though by not quite as much. These findings,

coupled with the fact that the grain nutritional quality (as defined by an increase in amylose

content) was enhanced by elevated CO2, suggest there is a bright future in store for rice in a

carbon dioxide-enhanced atmosphere.

Reference

Roy, K.S., Bhattacharyya, P., Nayak, A.K., Sharma, S.G. and Uprety, D.C. 2015. Growth and

nitrogen allocation of dry season tropical rice as a result of carbon dioxide fertilization and

elevated night time temperature. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 103: 293-309.

www.cato.org/blog/elevated-co2-temperature-enhance-grain-yield-quality-rice

http://www.cato.org/people/craig-d-idso



38

15% duty hike on rice import Syed Samiul Basher Anik

Finance minister AMA Muhith yesterday proposed to hike the customs duty on rice import to

25% from the existing 10% as Bangladesh now have surplus in cereal production.

The minister made the announcement while placing the budget for fiscal year 2016-17 at the

National Parliament.

Currently, there is a 10% customs duty and 10% regulatory on the import of husked (brown) rice,

fortified rice kernels, broken rice, and on semi-milled or wholly-milled rice, whether or not

polished or glazed during the import stage. The duty hike is expected to ensure that farmers in

Bangladesh get a fair price for the rice they produce.

Farmers have long urged the government to increase the duty on rice import as they were

reportedly unable to recover cultivation costs because of imports from India at cheaper rates.

Many millers have given up rice milling due to the excessive imports from India.

Earlier in April this year, the minister turned down a proposal from local rice millers and

businesses to further increase the duty on rice import. However, he later changed his mind to

prevent the import of rice with a view to protecting the local millers and farmers.

The government in 2015 imposed 20% duty to ensure the farmers get a fair price for their crops.

Although Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in rice cultivation, the private sector has long been

importing rice from other countries, mostly from neighbouring India due to its low cost.

According to the ministry data, the private sector has imported 247,000 tonnes of rice from July

to May 30 of the ongoing fiscal year. The figure was 1.49 million tonnes in fiscal year 2014-15,

the highest quantity since the financial year 2010-11

http://www.dhakatribune.com/economy/2016/jun/02/15-duty-hike-rice-import#sthash.YrJ37Gfy.dpuf

USA Rice Lunch with Cuban Delegation Yields Results

By Michael Klein

WASHINGTON, DC -- USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward hosted a private lunch meeting here

today for visiting Cuban dignitaries including Minister of Agriculture Gustavo Rodríguez Rollero, Cuban

Ambassador to the United States José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, and several top agriculture officials to

http://www.dhakatribune.com/author/syed-samiul-basher-anik



39

discuss normalizing trade between the United States and Cuba.

After introducing the large group of policymakers and technical experts, Minister Rodríguez peppered

Ward with questions about the U.S. rice industry and USA Rice specifically and shared information about

Cuban agriculture and rice consumption.

"The Minister obviously has a great understanding of agriculture and rice production in Cuba and wanted

to come away from our meeting with a better understanding of the U.S. rice industry," Ward said. "He

knew production statistics per hectare and water use per kilogram at home and asked about our practices."

Ward said it was clear water use and efficiency is a major concern in Cuba and she and the Minister

agreed on a path forward with the Government of Cuba to share technical information, resources, and

experience.

"The Minister wants the Cuban people to have access to nutritious, high quality food, and for his

agriculture sector to grow and be able to tackle significant challenges head on, and I told him, the U.S.

rice industry and USA Rice stand ready to help on both fronts."

Minister of Ag Rodríguez (center) talks rice



40

Minister Counselor Rubén

Ramos Arrieta related how

impressed he was with the

wide range of rice industry

participants in attendance

when he spoke at the USA

Rice Outlook Conference last

December. The group

discussed having a Cuban

delegation attend this year's

event in Memphis and

adding a rice industry tour as

part of the visit. The dark

shadow cast across the talks

remains the U.S. embargo that USA Rice is working to end.

"Ending the embargo is a top priority for USA Rice," Ward told the group. "We look forward to the day

the Cuban people once again have access to our rice and we already view the Cuban agriculture sector as

our partners." Also attending the lunch were representatives from Engage Cuba, a leading coalition

working to end the embargo.

Nigeria Imports N1Billion of Rice Daily By Mathew Haggai -

June 2, 2016

Around one billion naira. That is, according to

the Arewa Consultative Forum‘s former president, how much

rice Nigeria imports every day.Adressing shareholders

of Jamaiyar Matan Arewa during.a

meeting, Alhaji Aliko Muhamed said spending so much in

rice imports was needless given Nigeria‘s assets. Comparing

to China, he said: ―China has a population of around 1.3

billion people but they don‘t import food. They are able to

feed themselves while Nigeria which has a population lower

can‘t feed its people without imports‖. He then called government to take the necessary measures

to reverse the trend. Alhaji Aliko Muhammed also asked Nigerian women to urge their husbands

into turning to agricultural activities.This speech comes as Nigeria‘s economy presently

experiences some turmoil resulting from fall in price of oil. This situation which drives

authorities to turn to other sources of revenues places agriculture as a valid alternative to oil and

gas.

Source: Aaron Akinocho:http://footprint2africa.com/nigeria-imports-n1billion-rice-daily/

http://footprint2africa.com/author/mathew/

http://footprint2africa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/rice__1464885311_72212.jpg

3rd june ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

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