5th february ,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Contact for Newsletter Advertisement [email protected] Cell : +92 321 3692774

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter

February 05 , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I



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Arsenic in Rice 1/11/15 Published On: Feb 04 2015 01:50:45 PM CST

Rice and many products containing rice have significant levels of inorganic arsenic, which is

linked to cancer.The Food and Drug Administration recommends parents consider other options

rather than rice cereal for their children's first solid food."Rice comes in lots of varieties. And it's

a common ingredient in many packaged foods. Consumer Reports analyzed Food and Drug

Administration data on more than 600 foods that contain rice and found some with worrisome

levels of inorganic arsenic."We found that hot rice cereal and rice pasta can have much more

arsenic than we saw in our previous tests. So we now recommend that children rarely eat these

foods, which means not more than twice a month.

" And Consumer Reports recommends children under five limit rice drinks, rice cakes and ready-

to-eat rice cereals.Michael Crupain, "Levels of arsenic vary. We based our recommendations on

the higher levels in each food group to offer consumers the best protection."As for rice itself,

Consumer Reports' lab tests in 2012 found high levels of inorganic arsenic in white rice and even

higher levels in brown rice. Michael Crupain, "Arsenic in our food is a real public health

problem and we think it's important to eat less of it."

Consumer Reports has tested other types of rice and other grains and has found several

alternatives with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic.

Some good choices - sushi rice from the U.S. and white basmati rice from California, India and

Pakistan. Michael Crupain, "On average they had half the amount of arsenic as most other types

of rice." Other good options - bulgur, barley and farro … and gluten-free grains like amaranth,

buckwheat, millet and quinoa.The USA Rice Federation says, "studies show that including white

or brown rice in the diet provides measureable health benefits that outweigh the potential risks

associated with exposure to trace levels of arsenic.

" The Food and Drug Administration says "an ongoing assessment of arsenic in rice remains a

priority for the agency."It plans to release a draft assessment of potential health risks.f you eat

brown rice, Consumer Reports found brown basmati rice from California, India and Pakistan has

about one third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rice.

http://www.news8000.com/money/on-your-side/arsenic-in-rice-11115/31093472

Industrial Market Research Reports Annoucements

Market research report into the global rice bran oil industry for 2015 just published

WhaTech Channel: Industrial Market Research Reports

Published on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 21:47

Submitted by Salil Modak

News from: Reportstack™ - Browse and Buy Market Research Reports

http://www.news8000.com/money/on-your-side/arsenic-in-rice-11115/31093472

http://www.whatech.com/market-research-reports/press-release/industrial/41131-market-research-report-into-the-global-rice-bran-oil-industry-for-2015-just-published

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https://plus.google.com/115768235382185852953?rel=author

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This report has introduced Rice Bran Oil markets in China and other countries or regions

(such as US, Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global products of different types

and applications developments and trends of market, technology, and competitive landscape,

and leading suppliers and countries’2009-2014 capacity, production, cost, price, profit,

production value, and gross margin.

2015 Market Research Report on Global Rice Bran Oil Industry is a new market research publication

announced by Reportstack. This report is a professional and depth research report on Global Rice Bran

Oil industryFor overview analysis, the report introduces Rice Bran Oil basic information including

definition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry overview, policy analysis, and

news analysis, etc

For international and China market analysis, the report analyzes Rice Bran Oil markets in China and other

countries or regions (such as US, Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global products of

different types and applications developments and trends of market, technology, and competitive

landscape, and leading suppliers and countries’2009-2014 capacity, production, cost, price, profit,

production value, and gross margin. For leading suppliers, related information is listed as products,

customers, application, capacity, market position, and company contact information, etc.

2015-2020 forecast on capacity, production, cost, price, profit, production value, and gross margin for

these markets are also included

Modern genetics (not necessarily GMOs) can help spur next

Green Revolution

Tim Folger | February 4, 2015 | National Geographic

The green revolution transformed global agriculture. Through selective breeding, Norman

Borlaug, an American biologist, created a dwarf variety of wheat that resulted in more grain per

acre. Similar work at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines

dramatically improved the productivity of the grain that feeds nearly half the world.From the

1960s through the 1990s, yields of rice and wheat in Asia doubled. Even as the continent’s

population increased by 60 percent, grain prices fell, the average Asian consumed nearly a third

more calories, and the poverty rate was cut in half.

To keep doing that between now and 2050, we’ll need another green revolution. One vision is

high-tech, with a heavy emphasis on continuing Borlaug’s work of breeding better crops, but

with modern genetic techniques. The signature technology of this approach—and the one that

has brought both success and controversy to Monsanto—is genetically modified, or GM,

crops.But Monsanto is not the only organization that believes modern plant genetics can help

feed the world. At the International Rice Research Institute only a few varieties are GM crops, in

http://geneticliteracyproject.org/author/tim-folger/

http://geneticliteracyproject.org/source/national-geographic-2/



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the sense that they contain a gene transferred from a different species.The institute’s entire

breeding operation has been accelerated by modern genetics.

For decades IRRI breeders patiently followed the ancient recipe: Select plants with the desired

trait, cross-pollinate, wait for the offspring to reach maturity, select the best performers, repeat.

Now there’s an alternative to that painstaking process. In 2004 an international consortium of

researchers mapped the entire rice genome, which comprises some 40,000 individual genes.

Since then, researchers around the world have been pinpointing genes that control valuable traits

and can be selected directly.

Iowa rice farmer to be inducted into Louisiana Agriculture

Hall of Distinction

Posted: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PSTUpdated: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PST

By Monica Grimaldo

IOWA, LA (KPLC) -As a 3rd generation rice producer, Jimmy Hoppe has managed to make a

name for himself in the state's rice farming industry. Now, his hard

work has landed him a spot in the 2015 Louisiana Agriculture Hall

of Distinction."This is an honor that is totally unexpected," said an

humble Hoppe during his interview with KPLC-TV on his Jeff

Davis Parish farm Wednesday. "People have honored me with

certain things and I just want to make sure I remember that they've

did it."His passion for the rice farming industry started early.

He began as a state FFA officers at Fenton High School, gaining knowledge and experience he's

used on state and national agriculture organizations for the past 50 years. Hoppe remains busy

running a specialty rice package business with his wife, Brenda. The aromatic-type rice called

'Jazzman' has garnered customers from all over the nation."It feels good be able to know that

people are enjoying something that you've been involved in," said Hoppe. "It's just one of those

things, it's very gratifying.

"Hoppe also assists and mentors his young tenant farmer in the production of rice, soybeans and

wheat on his farm, even through the industry's tough times."A lot of young people are not getting

into farming because it's just too costly to get started," he said. "The main reason that farmers

stay in business is because they're self-employed, they are making the decisions and they like

doing what they do."He also says in order to be a successful farmer, one must know their

business inside and out.

"Just have the knowledge of everything that they have to face," he said.Ceremonies honoring the

2015 inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction will take place at 7 p.m. on

Thursday, March 5 at White Oak Plantation. Hoppe was voted U.S. rice farmer of the year in

http://kplc.images.worldnow.com/images/6630434_G.jpg



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1999 and is also known for his contributions in cutting-edge agricultural research and working

with the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station.

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation

today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted

for U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan-gain (MLG) and loan

deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop, which became effective today at

7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Rough rice prices decreased $0.04 per cwt for both long grain and

$0.17 for medium/short grain. The changes in the announced prices and rates reflect world

market prices and technical changes due to the milling yield information available for the 2014

crop.

World Price MLG/LDP

Rate

Milled

Value

($/cwt)

Rough

($/cwt)

Rough

($/cwt)

Long-Grain 15.93 10.32 0.00

Medium-/Short-

Grain 15.53 10.46 0.00

Brokens 9.61 ---- ----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S.

milling yields and the corresponding loan rates:

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gsPWujymHjYJuOOKLeYVLJCTlcWbx49u8AUqGUQM3RFb7dhNGitOHBBvyJ8ZzhhmdfS_2_VAd_K77j2vYwN65dULYgF5-lKqtmJkme4GHAMQYi5w5gtDbQcLSWgS15gYqNS-5k1u4TrWqKgLNNHNax7yi-0rWXYiAaKhmsTzP7s5wyefnc9vQPWuAQRi412qUEvi09PcLT-X4SBS1n_ikT9mwRbzTvpKdybqn26LvHzpnauOUokL2aoVkHM_LSCXBKUdDm-oY5FimNRM3277Gk2gqOd5L75iA9dJUaIAC0aA4Un4qzu5bbTju0-rNwUGOx9-GkMd7Pvl_eczzDYQ68ksA1IiniqyVaHO8kRFMQF2flzCgKaIfbQiPW46B2T6DRwgJfYQmgBqi63yPkymlBH6RvqVUm0B7SrBziZ2BaY=&c=GIQLCWqIm-xdsL2mCA3C6CZYmRmpkOW3Poi6XtDcNNgDAKlo064h9g==&ch=g7zn0vfOn71v0qFEif7VM00T1btqUtPra5m4bmNdZfMGFOE_wfdmbw==



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U.S. Milling Yields

Whole/Broken

(lbs/cwt)

Loan Rate

($/cwt)

Long-Grain 57.21/12.55 6.64

Medium-/Short-Grain 61.89/8.83 6.51

The next program announcement is scheduled for February 11.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 4

Month Price Net Change

March 2015 $10.250 - $0.135

May 2015 $10.505 - $0.140

July 2015 $10.760 - $0.140

September 2015 $10.625 - $0.125

November 2015 $10.795 - $0.125

January 2016 $10.885 - $0.125

March 2016 $10.885 - $0.125

RICE EXPORTS BOOST 3.5PC IN SIX MONTHS

Wednesday, February 04, 2015 - Islamabad—Rice exports increased by 3.46 percent during

the first half of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year.

According to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the rice exports were recorded at

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gsPWujymHjYJuOOKLeYVLJCTlcWbx49u8AUqGUQM3RFb7dhNGitOHJEsLHfSlTnEVjp6oTQT2wRJhnbnp3AOV5IWozhNPW1F_inBjBHj9AQ3F5tqgD48yYoS8NZ6M95U6YMazoDuWKb2lEPAkXATnBw8K6lq7BqG_Ja33TWgBrrnHk-mXga9VO9H-V6GmN9HOFutLuqUXkKN3l63iLG0Nn7BFSZ2LCrsBLj8jj2IF3LVfEn5tlgnKY5UWsfgCYSRYFBeLb0pMZ4YT6rk1_XW0Xc8y20tDfyuKNBo1ggAGaVNO2BfFoM5SdcAQayoXOmKD0lMMQllhJp59s5sfrueKH13ALe4Ve4TFVP6EgvfzbrPSewlHfdH-EZCqXOBj4XLkoxgpLBRomu0bwAYVEXpDzdSN8-mWoql7nusN_Py6FDJLqNnVCZh_gSp4SvZzr3Rw4PyvD7ayF11JchgmeF2bKyzzByad-MT&c=GIQLCWqIm-xdsL2mCA3C6CZYmRmpkOW3Poi6XtDcNNgDAKlo064h9g==&ch=g7zn0vfOn71v0qFEif7VM00T1btqUtPra5m4bmNdZfMGFOE_wfdmbw==



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$976.784 from July-December (2014-15) compared to the exports of $944.077 in July-December

(2013-14), showing an increase of 3.46 percent.

Among the rice commodities, the exports of basmati rice increased by 2.63 percent by going up

from $294.517 million last year to $302.265 during the first six months of the current fiscal year.

The exports of all other rice commodities increased by 3.84 percent during the period under

review as it went up from $649.560 million last year to $674.519 million in the current year, the

PBS data revealed.Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the over all exports of rice witnessed

negative growth of 9.17 percent in December 2014 compared to the exports of December 2013.

The rice exports in December 2014 were recorded at $238.179 million compared to the exports

of $262.219 million in December 2013. On month-on-month basis, the rice exports in December

witnessed increase of 7.68 percent when compare to the exports of $221.197 million in

November 2014.

Among the rice commodities, the exports of basmati rice decreased by 27.10 and 3.29 percent in

December 2014 compared to December 2013 and November 2014 respectively. Similarly, the

exports of other rice commodities decreased by 3.69 percent when compared to the exports of

December 2014 and increased by 10.58 percent when compared to November 2014, the PBS

data revealed.It is pertinent to mention here that the overall exports from the country during the

first six months of the current fiscal year were recorded at $12.073 billion compared to the

exports of $12.617 billion during the corresponding period of last year, showing negative growth

of 4.31 percent. On the other hand, the imports into the country increased by 11.68 percent

during the first half of the current fiscal year by going up from $21.671 billion in July-December

(2013-14) to $24.203 billion in July-December (2014-15).—APP

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=259607

Asia Rice-Lower prices stimulate buyers in Iraq,

Malaysia, Africa Wed Feb 4, 2015 8:02am GMT

"Vietnam is very much willing to sell now so any price below $360 a tonne (for 5 percent broken

rice) could be accepted," another trader in Ho Chi Minh City said."Buying for Africa has started,

but given prices dropping, buyers are not rushing in," he said.Loading is under way in Vietnam's

Saigon Port for 40,000 tonnes of 5-percent broken rice for Africa, and another 20,000 tonnes will

be loaded after Tet, the country's Lunar New Year festival, said the trader with the European

firm.Malaysia has also agreed to buy 240,000 tonnes of Vietnam's 5-percent broken rice for

April-November deliveries, traders in Vietnam said.

Prices are expected to remain under pressure, with supplies in Vietnam jumping next month

when farmers start harvesting the winter-spring crop in the Mekong Delta on a large scale.In

Thailand, Iraq has bought about 80,000 tonnes of rice in an international tender that closed last

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=259607



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week at a price of $443.90 a tonne, cost, insurance and freight free out (CIFFO), European

traders said.The Thai government has still not finalised results for the sale of 1 million tonnes of

rice from state warehouses, although the volume is expected to keep a lid on prices.

"Rice prices won't go anywhere anytime soon," a Bangkok-based trader said.Thai 5-percent

broken rice eased to $413 per tonne, FOB, on Wednesday, from $415 a tonne a week ago.Top

world rice exporter Thailand will likely ship 10 million tonnes this year, down around 7 percent

from 2014, Thai Rice Exporters Association said this week.

(Additional reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK; Editing by Tom Hogue)

http://af.reuters.com/article/moroccoNews/idAFL4N0VE3E620150204?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

Rice crops above Chao Phraya Dam threatened by

water shortage National News Bureau of Thailand Wednesday 4 February 2015

Irrigation officials fear the receding water level above the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat

province could lead to partial damages to rice fields situated nearby. According to the acting

chief of the water distribution and management unit of the Royal Irrigation Office 12, at the

moment the Bhumibol Dam is storing 5.9 billion cubic meters of water or 45 per cent of its

capacity while the Sirikit Dam has 5.7 billion cubic meters or 60 per cent. Of the combined

amount, only 4.9 billion cubic meters are usable. As for the Chao Phraya Dam, the level of water

above the dam is measured at 14.20 meters above mean sea level and it is speculated to continue

to recede.

Some of the reasons behind the decrease are the distribution of the water to Bangkok for tap

water production and the ongoing effort to flush out salt water. The water discharge rate is still

maintained at 70 cubic meters per second. Out of the 1.3 million rai of off-season paddies

situated upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, 800,000 rai has yet to be harvested. If the water level

continues to decline, some of the remaining crops could be devastated by drought.

Farmers growing 4 million rai of rice despite advice against it

BANGKOK, 4 February 2015 (NNT)-The Water Watch and Monitoring System Warning Center is

urging rice farmers not to grow crops this summer, saying 58% of the water reserved for use during the

dry season has been depleted. According to the Center, four major dams located in low lying areas of the

Chao Praya River at present contain a combined total of 6.2 billion cubic meters of water, a little more

than half of their capacity.

The four include Bhumipol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi and Pasakcholasit dams. Around 1.3 million cubic meters

of water, reserved primarily for consumption during the drought crisis, reportedly remains in storage.

http://af.reuters.com/article/moroccoNews/idAFL4N0VE3E620150204?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

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Farmers are thus urged not to grow off-season rice to ensure an adequate supply of water during the

summer, as over 4.11 million rai of farmland has so far been used to grow rice against the Irrigation

Department's advice. However, the Center is confident there will still be sufficient water to support the

next rice growing season.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNSOC5802040010024#sthas

h.7NH8jCWt.dpuf

Costly rice seen limiting Thai exports

Published: 4 Feb 2015 at 08.09

Newspaper section: Business,Writer: Phusadee Arunmas

Thai rice exporters are projecting shipments of just 10 million tonnes this year, mainly due to

high prices for Thai grains. The amount is much lower than the previous forecasts of the

Commerce Ministry and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Charoen Laothammatas,

president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said yesterday.The association expects

shipments to fetch US$5.95 billion or 161 billion baht in 2015.The 10-million-tonne amount

includes 5 million tonnes of white rice, 2 million tonnes of Hom Mali fragrant rice, 2.7 million

tonnes of parboiled rice, 100,000 tonnes of glutinous rice and 200,000 tonnes of Pathumthani

fragrant rice.

The USDA earlier forecast Thai rice exports of 11.3 million tonnes, and the Commerce Ministry

announced recently that it was upbeat on Thailand returning to global dominance with as much

as 11 million tonnes shipped this year.Thailand exported 10.96 million tonnes of rice last year,

up 66% from 2013. Export value rose by 23% to $5.43 billion.Mr Charoen said 2015 would be

challenging for rice exports, with Thai rice now quoted at the highest price in the region.For

instance, key rival Vietnam's free-on-board price for 5% white rice is $350-360 a tonne,

compared with Thai grains quoted at $405-410.

Last year, Thai rice prices were $20-30 cheaper than those of Vietnam."This year, Thailand is

expected to see stiffer competition, while the government's massive rice stocks and volatile

foreign exchange due to quantitative easing (QE) in Europe and Japan are likely to exert further

pressure on the price of Thai rice," Mr Charoen said."Falling oil prices are also expected to lead

potential rice buyers in Africa such as Nigeria to buy less."Moreover, drought conditions are

seen lowering domestic production, particularly for the second crop.Chookiat Ophaswongse,

honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said lower exports would apply

especially to white and parboiled rice, as potential buyers are expected to shift to cheaper grains

from other rice producers because of falling oil prices and the strong baht.

Vichai Sriprasert, another honorary president of the association, said foreign exchange would

play a key role in how Thai rice exports perform, with foreign QE measures of particular

importance.He urged the central bank to help manage the baht and move it in line with the

currencies of other regional competitors."The Thai baht is now relatively strong compared with

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNSOC5802040010024#sthash.7NH8jCWt.dpuf

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www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine Page

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other currencies in the region, and even Singapore announced a surprise easing of its currency

policy to dampen inflationary expectations and support growth," Mr Vichai said.

Phil Rice News

Shift focus from plant to farmer – PhilRice exec

In more than three years as PhilRice executive director,

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. has stood with his conviction

to swing rice R&D direction from the rice crop to the rice

farmer.―When you focus on the rice farmer, you begin to

realize that the rice environment is not only about rice.

There are many things you can do in the rice

environment with the rice farmers so that you can

extricate them from poverty,‖ Rasco said.During the

turnover ceremony of PhilRice leadership, 3 February,

Rasco reiterated the need to start using the rice farming environment as the unit of productivity

analysis instead of the rice plant.

Rasco retired from government service as he turned 65 on 2 February 2015.DA Assistant

Secretary for Field Operations and Director of the National Rice and Corn Programs Edilberto

M. De Luna assumed post as PhilRice officer-in-charge effective 3 February. The search for the

new executive director is ongoing.

Summing up his term, Rasco said ―PhilRice is probably the easiest organization to manage. With

the dedicated and professional manpower you have here, it can run on auto-pilot and not crash.‖



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Rasco urged PhilRice staff members to pursue ―the change that we have trodden together‖ – to

continue advocating for agriculture-based biosystems in the rice farm.

Rasco and research at PhilRice

Rasco dedicated almost 4 decades of his career to public service. During his stint as executive

director, Rasco envisioned to transform rural communities into more productive and sustainable

agri-business enterprises. He has always believed in exploring the potentials of the rice lands to

augment rice farming income.He institutionalized five new R&D programs to address the current

and future challenges in the rice sector.

These are Coping with climate change, High-value products from rice and its environment,

Farming without fossil energy, Intensified rice-based agri-bio systems, and FutureRice. Each is

geared toward a self-sufficient, sustainable, and competitive rice economy.To operationalize

these programs, Rasco led the creation of various centers that would help develop appropriate

technologies for rice-based ecosystem.

The Applied Biology Center for the Rice Environment aims to increase outputs and reduce

inputs in rice farming and rice-based enterprises through applied biology.Rasco also supported

research studies on other sources of energy such as bioethanol and hybrid energy (e.g.

wind/solar, biomass/solar) to develop an energy system for rice-based agriculture that is

renewable, decentralized, and diversified.―To him, farming without fossil energy is the scientific

description for what is commonly called but misunderstood organic agriculture,‖ said PhilRice

Deputy Executive Director for Research Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado.Recognizing seeds as a

critical input, Rasco also established the Genetics Resources Division to facilitate seed transfer

and germplasm exchange. The Seed Technology Division, on the other hand, was established to

ensure high seed quality of the newly-released rice varieties through compact demonstration.

Rasco and development at PhilRice

Rasco strengthened the promotion and adoption of research outputs through development

programs. He conceptualized the Palayabangan 10-5 challenge to fast-track the search for

technology that can increase production to 10t/ha at a cost of Php5/kg.His term also birthed the

National Year of Rice in 2013 to engage the public in the country’s bid for rice self-sufficiency.

As a follow through, Rasco advocated the Gusto Namin Milyonaryo Kayo campaign to push for

rural transformation rather than mere technology transmission. He also supported youth

engagement in agriculture through the Infomediary Campaign.

―PhilRice has three treasures [according to Rasco]: people, germplasm, and information. From

these, rice R&D should eventually help rice-based farmers become rich,‖ Regalado said.



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Organizational management

PhilRice also changed its organizational structure with the separation of research and

development but with a continuum of functions. Rasco calls it RDDD or research, development,

demonstration, and deployment.―Research and development is done by our research arm while

demonstration and deployment is done by the development group. We develop new technologies

and create a show window of these technologies,‖ Rasco explained.Rasco’s initiative to revamp

the qualification and performance standards of PhilRice staff members led to a 700% increase in

publication and various awards from 2011 to 2014. He also redefined the mandate of the branch

stations to serve as technology development centers or nuclei to facilitate technology deployment

and services to surrounding communities.

Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice deputy executive director for Development, described

Rasco as a transformative, visionary, and innovative leader.―He has been a very good mentor;

although he does it subtly. You will just realize he has already taught you the ways to efficiently

do your job,‖ Quilang said.Pres. Benigno Aquino III appointed Rasco on secondment as the

fourth Executive Director of PhilRice on 14 July 2011 in his concurrent capacity as professor in

UP Mindanao.

Most cited PhilRice scientist retires from gov’t service

Highly cited PhilRice scientist and crop physiologist Dr. Rolando T. Cruz ended his 19 years of

government service at the Institute, January 23. Cruz, who worked at the Agronomy, Soils, and

Plant Physiology Division (ASPPD), was responsible for conducting systems analysis and

simulation modelling for potential yield and nitrogen optimization in irrigated rice systems.In

addition, he spent several years developing practical field diagnostic tools for plant nutrient

status and evaluating chemical and physical properties of soil-plant-water interactions.

To date, Cruz is the most cited PhilRice scientist with 1,221 citations both in local and

international refereed journals.―When you are cited in scientific literature, it means you are a

recognized scientist both nationally and internationally. Dr. Cruz gave PhilRice a name, and it’s

a great honor for our Institute,‖ said Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., executive director.

He also led the development of the Palaycheck System for irrigated rice ecosystems to increase

on-farm rice yields. PalayCheck is PhilRice’s banner program for favorable

environments.―PhilRice offers anyone the chance to be with the farmers,‖ said Cruz during a

short program organized by the Institute. He cited the Institute as a ―farmer-oriented‖ agency and

thanked his colleagues and the staff he worked with in the development of new technologies for

the farmers.



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Cruz finished Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and

Master of Science in Agronomy and Crop Physiology

from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He

obtained his PhD in Agronomy, Plant Physiology, and

Soil-Plant-Water Relations from the Texas Agriculture

and Mechanical (A&M) University. He also spent 10

years at IRRI as a researcher and as a visiting research

associate at the Michigan State University for a year.

He was conferred Scientist I in the Scientific Career System in 2008. In 2010-2011, he was a

visiting professor at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.

Cruz was born in Dapitan, Manila and is based in Los Baños, Laguna. He will continue working

for PhilRice as a consultant and mentor of young researchers.

Farmers inspire kids’ art

It was more than just a school

project for grade 3 students of

Adonai Integrated Montessori

School in the Science City of

Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. For Edward

Johanne Y. Quilang, Caleb John H.

Bandonil, Ghenard V. Fernandez,

John Cedric L. Labugnen, Erelle

John S. Clamelo, and Wilfred Neal

R. Bernardo, no one is too young to

care for the Filipino rice farmers.

When Science teacher Aurora A. Ferrer assigned the students to make different kinds of

landforms, the group, led by Quilang, envisioned a landform that would pay tribute to the

farmers.For 3 days, the kids made a recreational area, ricefield and put a helicopter, sports cars,

and farm animals on a makeshift rectangular cardboard.―This is how we want them to live when

they are no longer poor,‖ said Bandonil, the group’s landscape designer.

Rich farmers

Sharon C. Caballero, grade 3 class adviser, shared that the students are

taught how to value the hard work of Filipino farmers in subjects such as

Social Studies. ―They wonder why the farmers in our country are poor,

and perhaps that’s the reason why they are more inspired to make a

landform that depicts the life of a rich farmer,‖ she said.Students



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Bernardo and Fernandez, both farmers’ children, are happy that they made an art work for their

parents whom they hope to be as wealthy as the farmers in other countries.

Youth and agriculture

It is rare to meet youngsters nowadays to have such strong consciousness on agriculture. But

what do we have for Adonai boys to help strengthen their interest?

Fortunately, PhilRice created programs and conducts various events to attract the youth to

agriculture and raise their consciousness on rice farming.The institute holds the Lakbay Palay for

students. It is a half-day activity where students learn about new machines used in rice farming,

new varieties, and information technology support including the PhilRice Text Center and

PinoyRice . Young professionals of the Institute also engage the students in discussion to address

common misconceptions on agriculture.

In partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry, National Parks Development Committee, and

the Asia Rice Foundation, a rice garden was also established at the Luneta Park in Manila to

bring rice farming closer to urban youth. Soon, similar rice gardens will be put up in some major

cities of the country.In 2014, PhilRice re-launched the Rice Science Museum to promote

education on rice through culture and arts. Currently, it houses old and modern farm implements,

artworks, and interactives on rice structure, ecosystems, biodiversity, and crop management. On

average, the museum welcomes 3,000-4,000 guests, mostly students, every month.The Adonai

boys hope that their dreams for the Filipino farmers will not remain in vain. It might take them a

lifetime, but the artwork is their first step.

Science City of Muñoz recognizes PhilRice scientists

Three PhilRice scientists were recognized by the local government of the Science City of Muñoz

in Nueva Ecija for ―giving pride and honor to the city and for their contribution in scientific

research.‖The Institute’s executive director Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., Ms. Thelma F. Padolina,

and Dr. Riza A. Ramos received plaques of recognition during the Teachers and Employees’

Night, January 9.Ramos was recognized for receiving the 2014 UPLB Distinguished Alumna

Award and Padolina for the Asian-wide Senadhira Rice Research Award given by the

International Rice Research Institute.Padolina is the first Filipino and the first woman Senadhira

awardee.

Meanwhile, UPLB recognized Ramos’s contribution in enhancing the micronutrient content

(folate, iron and zinc) of Philippine rice, which created significant impact on the complementary

and sustainable solution to the micronutrient-deficiency problem in the country. She has

numerous publications in the said area in refereed international journals.The UK-educated

scientist is currently the chief of PhilRice’s Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division. Her

current research involvement is on nutritional quality assessment important for Philippine rice,



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factors influencing food intake and nutritional status of rice-based farm households, and quality

assessment of iron and zinc rice lines.

Focused and significant accomplishments on rice breeding thereby contributing significantly to

improving Filipino farmers’ lives earned Padolina the Senadhira Rice Research Award.―PhilRice

is known for its world-class efforts in rice science. The staff complementing the mission of

PhilRice is one of the most important building blocks to sustain the excellent status of the

Institute,‖ said Padolina.Padolina, who just recently retired, served the Institute for 26 years.

She chaired the Rice Technical Working Group (RTWG) from 1993 to 1995 and has been the

National Cooperative Test Coordinator from 1998 to present. The RTWG implements the NCT

and is a technical working group of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) mandated under

the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992 (RA 7308) to nominate new and improved rice

varieties for cultivation.―We are proud of the individual accomplishments of our staff members

who have earned their awards through persistent dedication and hard work.

For PhilRice to preserve its tradition of excellence, it must continue to improve,‖ said Rasco

who received the Leadership Award.The City recognized 17 outstanding individuals from

different agencies.The Science City of Muñoz is home to various research and educational

institutions such as the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippine Carabao Center

(PCC), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), and the

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).



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PhilRice Agusan is best branch station again

PhilRice Agusan received the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest – an annual internal

competition organized by the Institute to elevate and improve the modalities in promoting new

technologies in rice production. It also aims to highlight the best-fit practices of the stations in

rice R&D.Agusan was also recognized for successfully and creatively executing the Intensified

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

Rural Transformation Movement (RTM).

RTM aims to help reduce poverty by promoting diversified farming and agri-business ventures.

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

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

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

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

placed 2nd and 3rd, and were cited for creating a strategic research direction and for continually

improving their internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated Management

Systems standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.

The following awards were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baños; Most Interactive

Field Day to Negros; and Most Innovative External Linkage to Bicol.The judges traveled across

the country to evaluate each station based on the following: IRBAS (Rural Transformation

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

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

of infrastructure; income generation; and station management.

The judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former director for communications of the International Crops

Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Dr. Genaro San Valentin and Thelma

Padolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan, founder of Good Food Community; and Donald

Mateo, from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization

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

awards (2013).

"When You Know Something, Say What You Know.

When You Don't Know Something, Say That You

Don't Know. That Is Knowledge." - Confucius