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Nigeria, Ghana, Others to Benefit from $3.3m Rice
Production Grant
10 Feb 2015
Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD), Mrs. Fidelia Njeze
Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter
February 09 , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I
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Dele Ogbodo in Abuja
Four African countries-Nigeria, Burkina
Faso, Ghana and Tanzania - are to benefit
from the $3.3 million grant provided by Bill
and Melinda Gates (BMGF) and the German
Development Cooperation (BMZ), under
their Competitive African Rice Initiative
(CARI) project.The implementing
institutions of the grant are led by GIZ,
Technoserve, the John A. Kufuor (JAK) and
Kili Trust (KT). The project, which will end
in 2017 is targeting about 120,000 small
scale rice producers, while secondary beneficiaries are the rural service providers and rice
millers.
The initiative is geared towards improving their sourcing capacity of quality supply.Speaking on
the establishment of the Nigeria/ECOWAS Rice Sector Policy and Regulation Advocacy
Platform in Abuja, CARI’s project coordinator, Mr. Stefan Kachelriess-Matthess, stated that the
main instrument for the implementation of CARI across the four countries on the matching grant
will be on the basis of Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Kachel-Matthess said: "The projects are implemented at two levels of support, we support up to
40 percent of implementation cost and our Nigerian partners in the private sector have to provide
60 per cent of the implementation cost."In her remarks, the Special Adviser to President
Goodluck Jonathan on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Mrs. Fidelia
Njeze, who was represented by Mrs. Jael Kpatuwak expressed the hope that the CARI project
will address coordination failures, create better linkages among rice value chain actors, the result
which, she said, will lead to increase in the economic returns for all stakeholders.She said the
sector holds the key to getting Nigeria out of poverty as it provides food security, employment
for the teeming population and creating the platform for a diversified economy towards an
industrialisation revolution.
Njeze said: “this focus on rice commodity is most strategic for Nigeria and the West African sub-
region which imports close to 50 percent of rice from foreign countries outside the shores of the
African continent.“In the last couple of years, Nigeria spent approximately N1 billion daily on
rice importation. This has led to the export of our jobs and financial resources meant for the
transformation of the domestic rice sector in order to achieve self-sufficiency and exports.
”According to her, the German Development Cooperation has been a major partner to NEPAD in
the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
(CAADP), adding that GIZ had supported the organisation Nigeria’s CAADP country team
orientation workshop in 2011.Also speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Commissioner of
Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Lapodini Marc Atouga, represented by a
Director at the Commission, said rice consumption in the last two years in the sub-region had
increased from 7 to 7.7 million tons, pointing out this clearly shows that production is not
matching up with the consumption as it has to depend on international imports for 40 per cent of
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its rice supply with Thailand and Vietnam as the leading suppliers of the commodity to the
region.
As a way of achieving its regional Agriculture Investment Programme (RAIP), he said the
Commission went a step further to develop projects and programmes that will increase rice
production and productivity in the region.While commending the various initiatives, he said
ECOWAS welcomes the setting up of an advocacy platform for rice in Nigeria.He said: "I will
like to commend GIZ/CARI foor this timely initiative. The need to have a permanent and
functional platform to promote rice development cannot be overemphasised."With the current
interventions on rice in the West Africa region we must all endeavour to build sustainable rice
value chains with access to finance, technology and knowledge to move the region from a rice
deficit to a rice surplus one."
Tags: Business, Nigeria, Featured
Source with thanks:http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nigeria-ghana-others-to-benefit-from-3-3m-rice-
production-grant/201423/
Where has the RM300 rice subsidy gone?
2015-02-09 14:22
Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily
Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman and two rice millers have lodged a report to the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry
Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over suspected power abuse in handling rice subsidy,
exposing drawbacks in the RM500 million subsidy for Super Tempatan ST15% broken rice.
Poor people are unable to purchase subsidied rice, due to allegedly pocketing problems involving
senior officials in the government.However, Ismail Sabri, who was severely criticised recently
for harming racial harmony due to his boycott call, has distanced himself from the allegation,
claiming that he has no supreme decision-making power in the government’s ST15% national
rice subsidy programme.
He said that the supply of the subsidised rice is handled by the commission led by the Ministry's
Secretary-General. As the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister, how could Ismail
Sabri pass the buck just like that? The accusation does not seem to be baseless as it was openly
pointed out by the Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman, who is a rice miller himself.It was
reported that the Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman has his rice supply quota cut from
1,000 tons to 100 tons as he refused bribery while the supply of other rice millers were
completely cut off. It is believed that many other millers are facing the same problem, showing
that corruption problems in the rice subsidy programme has become increasingly serious.
The government implements the ST15% national rice subsidy programme and subsidies 60,000
tons of rice each month, with RM750 subsidy for each ton. However, rice millers receive only
RM450 for each ton while the other RM300 was said to have passed to specific officials in the
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Ministry. If such a saying is true, it shows the existence of corruption practices and who are the
so-called specific officials? The MACC must investigate where has the RM300 gone.
The purpose of the government to spend RM500 million for rice subsidy each year is to allow
the poor buy cheap rice, helping them to ease financial burden. The intention is good, but has
unfortunately been abused by corrupt officials and unscrupulous rice millers, who turn ST15%
broken rice into ST5% rice to gain profits from it, causing ST15% rice can no longer be seen in
the market, and the poor still need to buy expensive rice. The government's subsidy has only
benefited the senior officials. The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry has failed to
properly implement the rice subsidy programme and many problems have derived from it. The
Minister's capability should be questioned.
To solve the problem of abusing rice subsidy, the government must make a thorough reform,
such as revoking the quota system for Bumiputera rice millers. The Ministry allegedly allows
only Malay rice millers to enjoy the subsidy while shutting the door to Chinese rice millers,
rather allowing Malay millers to store up to 6,000 tons of rice and Chinese rice millers to face
shortage of supply. Unfair policy is also a factor causing corruption and abuse of power.Since
Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman has lodged a report against the Agriculture and Agro-
Based Industry Minister and officials, we hope that the MACC can launch a thorough
investigation on involving wholesalers, millers and officials in the ministry to lift the doubts of
the people, as well as allow the poor to enjoy the rice subsidy. Source with thanks:http://www.mysinchew.com/node/105893
Where has the RM300 rice subsidy gone? — Sin Chew Daily PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 10, 2015 10:29 AM
FEBRUARY 10 — Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman and two rice millers have lodged a
report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Agriculture and Agro-
Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over suspected power abuse in handling
rice subsidy, exposing drawbacks in the RM500 million subsidy for Super Tempatan ST15 per
cent broken rice.
Poor people are unable to purchase subsidied rice, due to allegedly pocketing problems involving
senior officials in the government.However, Ismail Sabri, who was severely criticised recently
for harming racial harmony due to his boycott call, has distanced himself from the allegation,
claiming that he has no supreme decision-making power in the government’s ST15 per cent
national rice subsidy programme. He said that the supply of the subsidised rice is handled by the
commission led by the Ministry’s Secretary-General. As the Agriculture and Agro-Based
Industry Minister, how could Ismail Sabri pass the buck just like that? The accusation does not
seem to be baseless as it was openly pointed out by the Kedah Regency Council deputy
chairman, who is a rice miller himself.
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It was reported that the Kedah Regency Council deputy chairman has his rice supply quota cut
from 1,000 tons to 100 tons as he refused bribery while the supply of other rice millers were
completely cut off. It is believed that many other millers are facing the same problem, showing
that corruption problems in the rice subsidy programme has become increasingly serious.The
government implements the ST15 per cent national rice subsidy programme and subsidies
60,000 tons of rice each month, with RM750 subsidy for each ton. However, rice millers receive
only RM450 for each ton while the other RM300 was said to have passed to specific officials in
the Ministry. If such a saying is true, it shows the existence of corruption practices and who are
the so-called specific officials?
The MACC must investigate where has the RM300 gone.The purpose of the government to
spend RM500 million for rice subsidy each year is to allow the poor buy cheap rice, helping
them to ease financial burden. The intention is good, but has unfortunately been abused by
corrupt officials and unscrupulous rice millers, who turn ST15 per cent broken rice into ST5 per
cent rice to gain profits from it, causing ST15% rice can no longer be seen in the market, and the
poor still need to buy expensive rice. The government’s subsidy has only benefited the senior
officials. The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry has failed to properly implement
the rice subsidy programme and many problems have derived from it. The Minister’s capability
should be questioned.
To solve the problem of abusing rice subsidy, the government must make a thorough reform,
such as revoking the quota system for Bumiputera rice millers. The Ministry allegedly allows
only Malay rice millers to enjoy the subsidy while shutting the door to Chinese rice millers,
rather allowing Malay millers to store up to 6,000 tons of rice and Chinese rice millers to face
shortage of supply.
Unfair policy is also a factor causing corruption and abuse of power.Since Kedah Regency
Council deputy chairman has lodged a report against the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry
Minister and officials, we hope that the MACC can launch a thorough investigation on involving
wholesalers, millers and officials in the ministry to lift the doubts of the people, as well as allow
the poor to enjoy the rice subsidy. — Sin Chew Daily
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily
represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
Source with thanks:http://www.themalaymailonline.com/what-you-think/article/where-has-the-rm300-rice-
subsidy-gone-sin-chew-daily#sthash.fMyQdn2j.dpuf
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AMTek Microwaves lends equipment for research in rice
drying, processing
Posted: Monday, February 9, 2015 12:00 am
Bringing in a microwave to dry harvested rice could do more than just get the job done faster.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture seek to use it to
prevent cracking of dried rice kernels and maintain milling quality.The Food Science
Department is working with equipment on loan from AMTek Microwaves of Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, to determine the capabilities.
“This is new for rice, especially for drying rice,” said Griffiths Atungulu, an assistant professor
of grain processing and engineering in the department who is leading the research effort.
“Traditionally, rice has been dried in the U.S. using natural air in-bin, and heated-air, high-
temperature cross-flow drying systems. The microwave is another potential new technology. We
are working with AMTek to see how we can optimize the new technology to maintain quality of
the dried rice.”
Atungulu sees considerable potential for microwave drying and the benefits it can offer in rice
processing. Microwave dryers use volumetric heating—heating the entire kernel nearly all at
once—that may allow for rapid drying. The volumetric heating of rice accorded by microwaves
reduces chances of high moisture content gradients developing in the rice kernels, which in turn
reduces the likelihood of kernels cracking from stress.
When such cracking is prevented, the kernels are less susceptible to breakage during milling.
Breakage can reduce the rice milling yield, which has a negative economic impact for rice
producers and processors.“One of the things we look for is to dry rice quickly, but in ways that
maintain rice quality in terms of milling, nutrition, sensory and functionality.” Atungulu said.
“Rice milling quality is very sensitive to moisture content and temperature gradients encountered
during drying. This particular equipment is designed with modular processing features, which we
hope to optimize with an optimal goal that rice could be dried to safe storage moisture content in
a single pass and not introduce huge moisture content gradients that might produce fissures or
cracking.
”Atungulu also sees some potential for using the technology to achieve not only drying but also
disinfestation and decontamination of any insects that may be deleterious to rice quality during
storage.The research project being pursued by Division researchers would be on a pilot-scale
using the AMTek microwave and other facilities on campus. The results could be applicable on a
larger industrial scale. Atungulu said it is important to experiment with various bed-layer
thicknesses on the conveyor belt to determine drying characteristics. The microwave energy
supplied to mass amounts of rice such as would be the case in a scaled-up process should take
into account the thickness of the rice bed and initial moisture content.“Those are some of the
parameters we need to define very carefully.
” Atungulu said. “What is that optimal bed thickness? What intensity of heat does the microwave
correspond to that will give us desired drying duration and product quality for rice at a given
initial moisture content? Those must be determined before anyone can begin thinking about
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scaling up for industry.”The research team expects to work on the project while testing different
cultivars of rice and at different seasons. The company’s equipment is on loan throughout that
process, said Stephen Rogers, AMTek vice president.
AMTek joined with the Division of Agriculture after the company was asked by a foreign nation
to develop a rice drying machine, Rogers explained. He said AMTek personnel weren’t familiar
with rice drying techniques, but then they discovered papers on the topic written by Atungulu
and Terry Siebenmorgen, director of the Division’s Rice Processing Program.“So we contacted
them and have been working to establish this relationship to have them help us figure out how to
dry rice using microwaves,” Rogers said. The project is expected to take three years.
Source with thanks:http://www.hpj.com/general/article_b8c35268-edbe-522c-b18a-4c25d673071c.html
Authentic American Rice Logo Debuts in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO -- The USA
Rice Federation officially unveiled the first
ever American rice origin seal for an
overseas market at a trade and press
breakfast event here last Thursday. The
purpose of the logo is to allow the Mexican
consumer to easily identify the high quality,
consistency, and safety of American-origin
rice, heretofore difficult for the public. The logo kick-off for "Arroz Americano Autentico" drew
more than 40 members of the Mexican rice trade, as well as representatives of the U.S. Embassy,
Agricultural Trade Office, Mexican Rice Council, major packers, millers, culinary school
directors, magazine editors, supermarket reps, and TV and newspaper reporters.
"I love the logo which clearly identifies the U.S. as the quality origin of rice, and kudos to USA
Rice for the initiative," said Joseph Lopez, Acting Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs
and Director of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Mexico."We're the largest importer of U.S.
paddy rice and we are interested in the growth of our brands," said Karen Reiterhart, Marketing
Manager of Schettino Hermanos. "We consider the logo is going to help distinguish our brand as
the highest quality and safest in the market."
"The logo lets the consumer distinguish the high quality, food safety, and research that goes into
American rice," said Guillermo Cardenas, Director General of Agri-Grain, a key importer of
U.S. rice, and President of Consejo Agroalimentario de Productos Básicos, a trade group of
major importers, wholesalers, and distributors of basic commodities. "Congratulations to USA
Rice. We look forward to using the new logo for our leading U.S.-origin rice brand," said
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Alejandro Alvarez, Director General of La Merced, the second most popular rice brand in
Mexico.USA Rice Vice President of International Promotion Jim Guinn, attended the event and
said, "The Authentic American Rice quality seal will be promoted by USA Rice in Mexico
specifically emphasizing the quality, versatility, safety, and consistency of U.S. rice. Co-
promotions are being planned for those packers and distributors that utilize the logo."
Contact: Marvin Lehrer (210) 663-0360
Source with thanks:USA Rice Federation
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 9
Month Price Net Change
March 2015 $10.435 - $0.305
May 2015 $10.690 - $0.310
July 2015 $10.945 - $0.305
September 2015 $10.955 - $0.145
November 2015 $11.010 + $0.065
January 2016 $11.100 + $0.065
March 2016 $11.100 + $0.065
Source with thanks:USA Rice Federation
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CAMBODIA PRESS-Rice federation may rely on banks,
govt for capital - Cambodia Daily
By REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 03:48 GMT, 9 February 2015 | UPDATED: 03:48 GMT, 9 February 2015
The Cambodian Rice Federation plans to borrow at least $400,000 for international marketing
campaigns if it fails to meet its goal of raising $777,000 for the plans through export fees on
members, Cambodia Daily reported, citing president Sok Puthyvuth.Puthyvuth said the
federation may turn to commercial banks or the government to cover costs, or even look further
afield, it reported.
(http://bit.ly/1KyvIdX)
----
NOTE: Reuters has not verified this story and does not vouch for its accuracy. (Compiled by
Phnom Penh Newsroom; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
Source with thanks:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-2945385/CAMBODIA-
PRESS-Rice-federation-rely-banks-govt-capital--Cambodia-Daily.html
Egyptian rice exporters say tariff is too high Mon Feb 9, 2015 7:42am GMT
"Effectively, what you are doing is paying the government around $480 a tonne to export while
the value of the rice is around $400 which makes you end up with a cost and freight price of
around $880 a tonne," another rice exporter, Adham El Welely, executive director of El Welely
group, said.Egypt, which produced around 4.3 million tonnes of rice in the 2014 season, only
consumes around 3.3 million tonnes.Egyptian medium grain rice mainly competes with U.S.,
Russian and Italian rice on the international market with some rice from those countries selling
for around $750 a tonne.
"We used to export around 120,000 tonnes a year before the ban was imposed, mainly to Middle
East markets such as Syria, Turkey, Kuwait and Dubai," El Welely said.El Welely has licences
to export around 5,000 tonnes under the new system and has so far exported around 1,000
tonnes, mainly to Syria.Egypt first imposed a ban on exports in 2008 saying it needed to save the
rice for local consumption and wanted to discourage rice farmers from growing the crop to save
water.However, rice exporters have complained that the ban on free exports has led to illicit
trading.
"When smugglers sell the rice at $750 a tonne they make an almost 100 percent profit on it and
there are a million ways they find to do that," Karim Otabachi, import and export manager of
Egyptian grains trader Wakalex said.One way is to buy cheaper Indian rice for re-export and then
substitute those exports with Egyptian rice, leaving the Indian rice to be sold on the local market
instead. ($1 = 7.6300 Egyptian pounds) (Editing by Greg Mahlich)
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Source with
thanks:http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5N0VJ0FD20150209?pageNumber=2&virtualBran
dChannel=0
Investors eye Myanmar's rich potential for rice growing
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION February 9, 2015 1:00 am
MYANMAR may go back to being one of the world's major rice exporters in five to 10 years, as
many Thai and foreign investors are looking to expand in rice mills and farms in the
country.Thai traders and experts all believe that Myanmar has great potential to become a major
rice producer in the near future because it has plenty of land with good quality soil for raising
rice, abundant water and a strategic location for distributing rice. Vichai Sriprasert, honorary
president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said last week that some rice millers and
exporters have started exploring Myanmar to establish mills and parboiled rice processing plants
after realising the country's potential to produce large quantities of the commodity for export.
Thai investors are studying Myanmar's investment laws and regulations. Once all issues are
clarified, they can start investing in a few years," he said. Most investors are considering setting
up large-scale rice mills to make their investment worthwhile. To build a large mill that
processes up to 500 tonnes of rice a year, an investment of up to Bt300 million is required, not
including the cost of land. The areas that Thai rice traders are eyeing are around Yangon and in
rice-growing areas along major rivers in Myanmar, such as the Ayeyarwaddy River and Bago,
which flows through the central region, the Thanlwin or Salween River, which connects to
Thailand, and the Sittaung River, which lies in the east-central part of the country.
Besides the existing rice growing areas, 40 million to 50 million rai of land in the country could
be developed and promoted for growing rice.Other foreign investors that are also keen on
investing in the farming industry, including rice, come from mainland China, Japan and Korea,
and from the Middle East.Myanmar used to be the world's largest rice supplier before the 1980s.
However, after the military government closed the country, local farmers shunned rice, as the
returns became less attractive. However, to invest in rice or other farming businesses, Thai
companies need to form a joint venture with local operators, as local farming businesses are
restricted to only Myanmar citizens.Chareon Laothammatas, president of the association, said
that with the food security policy of many foreign governments, many rice importing countries
are looking to expand to developing countries including Myanmar and other countries in Asean.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, Myanmar is projected to export 1.3 million-1.5
million tonnes of rice this year, up from about 1.3 million tonnes last year. In 2014-15, rice
production in Myanmar is forecast to increase by 1 per cent to 12.16 million tonnes in
anticipation of continued expansion of the growing area. The construction of eight dams, which
were targeted to be completed last year, and the renovation of drainage canals in flood zones and
deep-water areas in the Ayeyarwaddy region, are likely to increase the planting acreage for dry
season rice.Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Centre for International Trade Studies, said
Myanmar is one of the high-potential countries that have attracted the interest of many Thai
investors and rice is one of the potential businesses.
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Rice production in Myanmar is cheaper than in Thailand, while Myanmar has many positive
factors including plenty of space, water supply and a location to support rice growing and
exporting.The study found the cost of rice production in Myanmar is about Bt7,122 per rai, and
could be lower after state dams are built and operating.
The centre's study also forecast that Thailand would lose a total of Bt87.5 billion (or Bt8.7
billion per year) in rice exports to 2022 if a serious effort is not made to develop the industry.
The Thai share of the world market is tipped to drop to 2.3 per cent from 2.5 per cent last year.
The lost market share will go to neighbouring countries - Vietnam and Myanmar. Thailand's
market share in Asia would slump from 1.3 per cent in 2013 to just 0.3 per cent in 10 years
because other rice-exporting nations - mainly Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar - will play a
more significant role in supplying the continental market.
Source with thanks:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Investors-eye-Myanmars-rich-
potential-for-rice-gro-30253650.html
China to help build rice mills
Published on Monday, 09 February 2015 08:22
Under a contract signed between Myanmar and China, 200-tonne advanced rice mills will
be built in Nyaungdone, Ayeyarwady Region, according to the Myanmar Rice Millers
Association (MRMA).“Myanmar Rice Miller Company is formed under the MRMA. The
company has signed an agreement with the China CAMC Engineering Co (CAMCE). Under the
agreement, both sides will cooperate on the construction of the international-standard rice mills.
Afterwards, we will carry out rice grinding and then export quality rice to China as well as to
other international markets,” said Nay Lin Zin, joint secretary from the MRMA.
The construction will start this year and is due to be completed by 2017. “We have brought the
plots of land for the first rice mill in Sarmalauk in Nyaungdone, and will build two 200-tonne
rice mills. As a first step, we will build a 200-tonne rice mill,” he added. Under the deal between
the Myanmar Rice Federation and the Chinese firm, COFCO, China will purchase 100,000
tonnes of rice at the market price after the completion of the work. The MRF will coordinate the
direct sales of rice with COFCO, with both sides preparing the grinding and export of the rice
types and quality favoured in China.
Source with
thanks:http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8967:china-
to-help-build-rice-mills&catid=33:business&Itemid=356
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H1 rice import on meteoric rise
Yasir Wardad
Rice import surged 440 per cent in the first half (H1) of the current financial year, traders said, in
a peculiar paradox while the government has opted for and already begun export of the
staple.Millers lament that the rice import on such a large scale is posing a serious threat to local
rice mills.Food Ministry officials said the volume of imports in the July-January period of the
current financial year (FY'15) surpassed the overall import made in the FY '14.Bangladesh
Bank's latest data shows private traders imported rice worth $248.5 million (settled LCs) in July-
December period of the current fiscal. The figure was only $46.1 million in the corresponding
period of the FY '14.
The overall import of rice amounted to $377.22 million in the FY '14.The central-bank data
shows that private importers brought in rice worth $60 million just in December.An official at
the Directorate-General of Food (DGoF) said importers brought 0.72 million tonnes of rice in the
July-January period of the FY '15. The overall import in the FY '14 was 0.371 million
tonnes.Local millers have almost trembled down as nearly 60 per cent of mills were forced to
stop their operation in the peak 'rice-milling season' following the import coupled with the
ongoing political turmoil that severely hampered transportation, said leading mill owners.
Secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mills Owners' Association (BAMHMOA), the
biggest platform of the country's rice millers, KM Layek Ali said that the sector was in a big
trouble due to the import and the ongoing blockade.He pointed out that the government fixed
Aman-rice price at Tk 33 per kilogram while the importers brought rice at prices below Tk 27-28
per kg from India."The millers are facing an uneven competition which may have a disastrous
impact on market stability in future," he said.He made a disconcerting disclosure that 60 per cent
out of 20,000 mills across the country stopped their operation. It will, in his assumption, have a
serious impact on the market as prices of the staple may shoot up significantly.
Shahidur Rahman Patwary Mohan, an executive member of BAMHMOA, said: "Apart from
imports, the ongoing political turbulence also has battered our business."He said in peak seasons
like Boro and Aman farming, millers husk nearly 60,000 tonnes of paddy per day (for three
months) which has been reduced to just 15,000 tonnes.The milling crash occurred as orders from
Dhaka, Chittagong and elsewhere in the country are being cancelled in fear of vandalism on
highways. He said truck owners were not willing to run their vehicles and the owners who were
taking risks were charging double fares.
According to him, in addition to about 22 million farmers, nearly 7.0 million people are directly
involved with rice milling while another 4.0 million indirectly depend on it.The industry leader
said: "The mill owners and the workers are passing a tough time due to the imports and
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blockades."Most of the mills depend on bank loans and count interest of 17-19 per cent which is
adjusted on a three-month basis. And "hundreds of millers will turn loan defaulters, if this
present trend continues".
Economist Dr Md Enamul Hoque said the government should have checks and balances on local
production, supply and price trend before initiating a perfect rice import policy. "It is necessary
to safeguard the local rice mills which are the compulsory segment for ensuring food security in
the country."According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, overall rice production in the last
financial year (FY'14) was at an all-time high of 34.35 million tonnes against the local demand
for 31.0 million tonnes.
Source with thanks:http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/02/09/80249
Research and Markets: Global Rice Seed Industry Report
2014
February 9, 2015
DUBLIN — Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jnp62f/global_rice_seed) has announced the
addition of the "Global Rice Seed Industry Report 2014" report to their offering.The report
provides an overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and
industry chain structure. The rice seed market analysis is provided for the international markets
including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development
status.Development policies and plans are also discussed and manufacturing processes and cost
structures analyzed.
Rice seed industry import/export consumption, supply and demand figures and cost price and
production value gross margins are also provided.The report focuses on nineteen industry players
providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity
production, price, cost, production value and contact information. Upstream raw materials and
equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The rice seed industry
development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new
investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Rice Seed Industry Overview
2. Rice Seed International and China Market Analysis
3. Rice Seed Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis
4. Rice Seed Production by Regions By Technology By Applications
5. Rice Seed Manufacturing Process and Cost Structure
6. 2009-2014 Rice Seed Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast
Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine
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7. Rice Seed Key Manufacturers Analysis
8. Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis
9. Rice Seed Marketing Channels Analysis
10. 2015-2020 Rice Seed Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast
11. Rice Seed Industry Development Proposals
12. Rice Seed New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis
13. Global Rice Seed Industry Research Conclusions
Companies Mentioned
Bayer
CP Seed
China National Seed
Dabeinong
Dupont Pionner
Gansu Dunhuang Seed
Grand Agriseeds
Grand Agriseeds Technology, Inc
HEFEI FENGLE SEED
Hancock Farm & Seed Company
Jiangsu Dahua
Kester's Nursery
Longping High-tech
Nidera
Syngenta
The Great Northern Wilderness Kenfeng seed Limited by Share Ltd
Winall Hi-tech Seed
Zhongnongfa Seed
Goldoctor
For more information
visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jnp62f/global_rice_seed
Source with thanks:http://www.heraldonline.com/2015/02/09/6779677/research-and-markets-global-
rice.html#storylink=cpy
Cheated 'Rice Berry' farmers paid
Published: 9 Feb 2015 at 17.18 Online news: General
Writer: Chinnawat Singha
Farmers in Phitsanulok's Bang Rakam district have received overdue money from their rice
berry. (Bangkok Post photo)
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PHITSANULOK - A group of
farmers who delivered their crops
of a new strain of grain, Rice
Berry, to a wholesaler but did not
get paid have finally received the
first down payment on their
harvests. The 71 farmers last year
delivered a total of 600 tonnes of
Rice Berry, a new strain of
premium quality rice, to Amporn
Pholthao.They said he persuaded
the group to grow the new strain
and promised them a high price.
Five months after delivering their grain the farmers still had not received any money, so they
sought for help from the agricultural ministry’s local office.The farmers, assisted by agriculture
officials, have so far sold 200 tonnes of their rice, earning 1.18 million baht in total, The money
was distributed to between the farmers on Monday by Anan Kittrattanwasin, the chief of Bang
Rakam district.
Farmers show their overdue money
received on Monday. Direk Yimhoi,
chief of the district’s Agricultural
Extension Office, said the office
would try to find buyers for the
remaining rice at 11,000 baht a tonne,
and hoped to market the grain, a form
of black rice, in the near future.He
suggested farmers who want to invest
in new crops or new projects should
first consult his office to prevent
problems. His staff could assist with
technical issues and quality examination, and with marketing.
In July 2012 it was announced Thai scientists had developed new rice strains with a high anti-
oxidant component that could help prevent the development of cancer and thalassemia.Rice
Science Centre then-director Apichart Vanavichit earlier said the new strains, Rice Berry and Sin
Lek, were full of anti-oxidants, iron and magnesium substances based on a clinical test by
Kasetsart University.The bran and bran oil of Rice Berry contained lupeol that could help
prevent cancer cell development or even kill the cells, he said.
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Source with thanks: The Bangkok Post
Paddy procurement target fixed
It has been planned to procure five lakh tonnes paddy through Direct Purchase Centres (DPC)
established to benefit farmers in Thanjavur district during the current harvest season. With samba
harvest in full swing, staff at the DPCs in many places are having their hands full as the heavy
arrivals reflect the positive response from farmers.Paddy has been raised in over 1.35 lakh
hectares under samba and thalady crops in Thanjavur district this season. Harvest has peaked in
many regions of the district as so far over 55,000 hectares have been completed.
On the remaining 85,000 hectares, harvest would be undertaken soon for which the Agriculture
Department, district administration, and the State Government were extending all facilities to
farmers by offering them remunerative price for their produce, Dr. Subbaiyan said.Based on the
demand from farmers, the TNCSC has established 308 DPCs across the district through which so
far 60,000 tonnes of paddy had been procured from farmers against which Rs. 8.75 crore has
been disbursed to the suppliers. To monitor the procurement process, 14 flying squads had been
pressed into service
Source with thanks:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paddy-procurement-target-
fixed/article6870288.ece
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 09-02-2015
Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs/Qtl
Product Market Center Variety Min
Price Max Price
Maize
1 Amirgadh (Gujarat) Other 1410 1410
2 Athani (Karnataka) Local 1150 1200
3 Saharsa (Bihar) Other 1400 1450
Jowar (Sorgham)
1 Haveri (Karnataka) Local 1100 1130
2 Botad (Gujarat) Other 1000 1000
3 Kota (Rajasthan) Other 1470 1500
Papaya
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1 Batala (Punjab) Other 1500 1600
2 Palampur(Himachal Pradesh) Other 1800 2000
3 Dadri(Uttar Pradesh) Other 1400 1620
Brinjal
1 Chala (Kerala) Other 2800 2850
2 Jowai (Meghalaya) Other 2000 4000
3 Bonai (Orissa) Other 1500 2000
Source: agmarknet for more products
Egg Rs per 100 No.
Price on 09-02-2015
Product Market Center Price
1 Ahmedabad 309
2 Namakkal 290
3 Hyderabad 275
Source: e2necc.com
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 09-02-2015
Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price
Apricots
1 Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 6125
2 Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 4875
3 Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t) 3625
Currants
1 Greek provincial, CIF UK (USD/t) 1619
2 Greek Vostizza, CIF UK (USD/t) 1739
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Honey
1 Argentine 50mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 4360
2 Argentine 85mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 4310
3 Australian extra light/light amber, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 5340
Source:agra-net for more products
Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ / package
Price on 09-02-2015
Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High
Mangoes Package: flats 1 layer
1 Atlanta Peru
Kent 11 12
2 Detroit Ecuador Kent
9 10
3 Miami Peru
Kent 10 10
Cabbage Package: 50 lb cartons
1 Atlanta Florida
Round Green Type
10 13
2 Detroit Georgia
Round Green
Type 12 14.50
3 Miami Florida
Round Green
Type 11 12
Apples Package: cartons tray pack
1 Atlanta Idaho Red Delicious
10 10.50
2 Baltimore
New York
Red
Delicious 22 22
Source with thanks: APEDA