Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

February 23,2016

Vol 7 Issue II

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www.ricepluss.com

www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 92 321 3692874

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Today Rice News Headlines...

Editorial Board
Chief Editor

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will soon allow banks to resume ties
Workshop on kharif crops begins at Pau
The problem with rice in Asia and the Americas in 2016
DAs heat-resistant palay variety rescues village farmers from El
Nio
Rice company in China to produce locally sourced, organic vodka
Rice prices to go up in city, fear experts
Rice Prices
02/23/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
APEDA Rice Commodity News
GI tag for basmati to stabilise prices
The next steps in IRRIs journey
Authorities act to reduce risk for export of rice
A group of scientists plans to prove GMOs are safe by paying
people $900 to eat bananas
USA Rice Government Affairs Conference Kicks Off
Uganda: Improved Farming Tools to Boost Rice Production

News Detail...

Managing Editor

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will soon allow banks to
resume ties with Iranian counterparts, an official said on Monday, after the
governments recent lifting of sanctions on the neighbouring Persian Gulf
country. The central bank will soon issue instruction to banks regarding
this, Chief Spokesman Abid Qamar at the SBP said. After the issuance of
instructions to banks, all permissible transactions with Iran will be
possible.
Qamar said currently the central bank-to-central bank contact is not
necessary. The decision of the (Pakistans) government will be intimated
to Iranian central bank, he added. In February, Pakistan lifted sanctions on
Iran pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

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

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will soon

allow banks to resume ties

Hamlik

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

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

The modalities for lifting of sanctions were finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the formal notification
following the meeting, which will revive economic and commercial relationship between
Pakistan and Iran, including in the areas of trade, investment, technology, banking, finance and
energy.
The lifting of sanctions will enable the two countries to fully reinvigorate various bilateral and
multilateral arrangements for promoting investments and cooperation, a finance ministrys
statement said.In the past, business community demanded the government of resuming official
banking channels with Iran to streamline trade but due to sanctions the government was unable
to do so. The resumption of banking ties will enable local importers to open the letters of
credit.Western sanctions on Iran adversely affected its economic relations with Pakistan. The
bilateral trade volume fell to $431.76 million in 2010/11 from $1.32 billion in 2008/09 despite
the fact both the countries have a preferential trade agreement.
Officials at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hoped that Pakistans exports
to Iran will increase in the post-sanction regime.They said Iran is the worlds second top
importer of rice and the biggest importer of Basmati rice. Iran was the major consumer of
Pakistans aromatic rice as it consumed 65 percent of Pakistans Basmati rice exports.However,
after tough economic sanctions, Pakistan lost this market to India, said an official at
TDAP.According to the TDAPs data, Pakistans major exporting goods to Iran in 2014/15
included paper and paper board, orange juice, Basmati rice and other verities, plastic material,
surgical items, and kinnow. Major importing goods from Iran to Pakistan included liquefied
petroleum gas, gram dry whole, electric transformers, petroleum products, steel scraps, sheep
skin and dry fruits.
Business community has seen many economic benefits for both Iran and Pakistan in the postsanction regime.The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said
the lifting of sanctions will turn the mega projects, such as Pakistan-Iran pipeline project and
1,000 megawatts electricity imports from Iran into reality. FPCCI believed that the imported
electricity from Iran is much cheaper than the electricity produced by the independent power
producers in the country.
Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, at a press conference last week, said the government
devised strategies to promote trade between Pakistan and Iran in the post-sanctions regime.Khan
said the resumption of official transactions will help the country in clearing outstanding amount
against electricity purchase to Iran. The amount was stuck due to sanctions.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/100144-SBP-to-allow-banks-to-resume-ties-with-Iran

Workshop on kharif crops begins at Pau

Shariq Majeed | TNN | Feb 23,
2016, 06.10 PM IST
LUDHIANA: "Proper spray and
proper pesticides are vital for
the control of whitefly menace,"
said Baldev Singh Dhillon,
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

vice-chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) while inaugurating the two-day
"Research and Extension Specialists' Workshop for Kharif Crops" in the University on
Tuesday.The Directorate of Extension Education, PAU has organized the workshop wherein
chief agriculture officers, Agriculture Development Officers and Agriculture Officers from the
State Department of Agriculture; scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory
Service Centres; and deans, directors and faculty from PAU are participating.
Referring to the contemporary agriculture challenges, Dhillon said along with water concerns,
issues like deteriorating soil health, climate change, unfavorable weather conditions and insectpest and disease management in various crops also call for special focus of the farm experts.
Conservation of natural resources is the need of the hour, he emphasized, while calling upon the
agriculture officers and the scientists to promote the use of resource conservation technologies
among the farmers. He also informed about the newly developed early maturing rice varieties PR
125 and PR 126. Stating that open discussion was must to address the farm issues, he suggested
ways for the agriculture development of the state.
Gurdial Singh, Director of Agriculture, Punjab said, "Punjab has witnessed the ever highest
paddy production of 180 lakh tonnes this year." He attributed the credit to the consolidated
efforts of the farmers, scientists, agriculture officers and the Punjab government. Expressing
concern over the rising farmers' suicides, he asked the experts to find out ways to reduce farm
expenses and increase agriculture profits. He also asked PAU to suggest suitable crop insurance
scheme for the state farmers. Pointing out that youth was losing interest in farming, he called
upon the officers and the scientists to adopt at least one village school to motivate students to opt
for agriculture.Singh also stressed on the experts to create awareness on whitefly control through
CD. Elaborating, he said that Punjab aims at increasing area under maize, moong and groundnut
for diversification.
Highlighting the research priorities, R K Gumber, Additional Director of Research (crop
improvement), said that PAU was conducting timely surveillance to control yellow rust disease
of wheat in Punjab. He mentioned that a CD, on whitefly management, has already been
prepared by the PAU and can be a milestone achievement, if distributed among the farmers. He
also disclosed that PAU was giving guidance to the ADOs and AOs to curb whitefly menace.

The problem with rice in Asia and the Americas in 2016

Prelude to the 2016 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
Feb 22, 2016Milo Hamilton, Senior Economist, Firstgrain, Inc. | Delta Farm Press

In my last article I explained why Im bullish long-term on the price of rice and focused in on China.
Here, I bore into India in a bit more detail. I also note that rice futures are almost worthless to
farmers at this time of the year.For the last few years, the rice price has sat at the bottom of the price
range in Asia and the United States. I want to talk about the Western Hemisphere rice markets, and
then turn to Asia where all rice price trends begin and end. My conclusions might startle you -- at
least thats my hope.The strong dollar is very good news for farmers in Brazil as they are getting
record prices for corn. The rice now beginning to come out of the field carries a pretty stout price, as
well. That is the good news.
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

The bad news is the rice crop has been hit by bad growing weather and the economy is a mess;
farmers cannot get the credit they need to buy the inputs they need to deal with bad weather. Blight is
everywhere as a result. You never know what a rice crop is until it comes out of the field but it
doesnt look too sporty down under in February.In the United States, rice farmers are staring at a
bunch of row crops that offer little profitability. Credit is also now a challenge as we move into a
second year of cheap grain prices. Rice looks like the lesser of several evils as we approach planting
which could lead to more rice in 2016. That means the U.S. and Thai price must converge in the next
six months. Any profitability in 2016/17 must come from the trend higher in the Asian rice price.
http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/problem-rice-asia-and-americas-2016

DAs heat-resistant palay variety rescues village farmers

from El Nio
Tuesday, 23 February 2016 00:18
Written by Philippine News
MANILA The Department of Agricultures climate change resistant rice variety rescued the
farmers in Barangay Bugawas in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao from the impact of El Nio
Barangay Bugawas farmlands were a special project and pilot area of the Department of
Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM)
through the ARMM integrated cultural center (ARMMIARC).The rice variety was a product of
ARMMIARC, Philippine Rice Institute (Philrice) and International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI), said Saudi Mangindra, DAR-ARMMIARC research coordinator.Mangindra said the
rice variety could even withstand floods as what Maguindanao will experience during the rainy
season in June onwards, after the dry spell.Rice fields in Barangay Bugawas are similar to other
farm lots in Maguindanao which experienced dried land, grasslands dying, and plants wilting.
However, crops planted by farmers in the village last November are surviving and ready to yield
good palay variety.
Halid Daud, farmer leader in Barangay Bugawas said their palay production has tripled as
compared to the previous cropping season. He said that this is the first time they still earned
despite the massive dry spell.According to Daud, the DAF-ARMM palay variety gave them 65 to
70 sacks per hectare even during the peak dry season. DAF-ARMM uses downloadable rice crop
management (RCM) app which assists farmers using modern technology. With all the farmers
now possessing a Smartphone, they do consultation via mobile of the status of their crops during
dry season or wet season. The program provides what to do tasks to farmers about their crops.
(PNA)
http://www.philippinenews.com/index.php/en/other-news/business/item/2136-da-s-heatresistant-palay-variety-rescues-village-farmers-from-el-nino

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Rice company in China to produce locally sourced,

organic vodka
By Manuella Libardi

Updated 10:24 am, Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Doguet Rice is making a move to enter the spirits industry with a rice based vodka that is expected to hit the market
in late

2016. From left, Darby Doguet holds a bag of Doguet rice and Greg Devillier holds a ... more
Darby Doguet and Greg Devillier just made Christmas shopping next year a whole lot easier and
Southeast Texas a whole lot hipper.The cousins, who are the third generation to run Beaumont's
Doguet's Rice Milling Company, are going to turn some of the organic rice they've been growing
for years into a treat for adults - vodka - and an organic, locally sourced one at that.Doguet's
Organic Rice Vodka will be on the shelves by late December if everything goes as planned, they
said.
"We are trying to get all our ducks in a row," Devillier said.Vodka is traditionally made from
wheat or potatoes, but it can be made from any cereal grains and even fruits. Texas' famous
Tito's Handmade Vodka, for example, is made from yellow corn.Rice vodka is smoother and
doesn't have a strong aftertaste, Doguet said. Doguet's Organic Rice Vodka is meant for sipping,
not downing, Doguet said.Doguet and Devillier made 10 different batches to try out different
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

recipes. They nailed down the right one last week using long-grain white organic rice they grow
in China. They previously tried brown, jasmine and other varieties.
The long-grain white organic gave the drink sweeter tones that appealed to them, Doguet said.
The cousins came up with the idea last year while sitting in Doguet's back yard having some
drinks and brainstorming business ideas to further their decades-old brand.Devillier is the son of
the company's current owner and president, Debbie Doguet Robbins, and Doguet is the son of
Robbins' brother and former owner, Mike Doguet, who still runs the daily operations as general
manager.The family has been in the rice business since the 1920s and has branched out into
different fields, including cattle and crawfish. With their handcrafted vodka, the cousins show
they intend to continue the tradition of exploring.
As their brainstorming continued into the night, Doguet and Devillier arrived at the idea of trying
an organic vodka after considering other rice drinks, including sake.They wanted to go all-ornothing and make a USDA organic certified, locally sourced, handcrafted spirit that will be
distilled six times."With all the businesses we do, we try to keep the higher end of everything,"
Devillier said.The cousins are still working on their label, but they want to incorporate their
company's traditional logo displaying "Doguet's" over the state of Texas.
The ingredients and labor for Doguet's Organic Rice Vodka will be sourced locally, from the
distillery to the rice. The cousins also want to start a local fruit co-op in China to work with local
farmers to diversify and build up the local economy.That way, you can buy some local juice to
add to your vodka while you're at it."The more money people make around here, the more
money people are going to spend around here," Doguet said.
MLibardi@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/ManuellaLibardi
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/business/texas/article/Rice-company-in-China-to-produce-locallysourced-6848968.php

Rice prices to go up in city, fear experts

TOI
Hyderabad
Tue,23 Feb 2016

Summary: Hyderabad: This year, prices of

rice and rice products will escalate manifold,
fear agrarian experts and traders, who are
blaming it on early onset of summer, less
sowing and scanty rainfall. But with the
shortfall in paddy cultivation, farmers fear
that the maximum yield that they can now
achieve would barely be one-third of the
monthly requirement. "It is only the farmers
with access to a working borewell, who are
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

taking up paddy cultivation," C Parthasarathi, secretary of the department. And, this
additional price would have to be borne by the consumers," said Venkateshwarulu Manchu
Konda, president, Rice Millers' Association, who supplies rice to several supermarket brands
in the city.Not just the farmers, even agrarian experts like G V Ramanjenayulu highlight how
the crop production has come down by half. But unfortunately, all their hopes were dashed,"
he said.Even, senior officials from the department said they are fast losing hope on early
rains.
Hyderabad: This year, prices of rice and rice products will escalate manifold, fear agrarian
experts and traders, who are blaming it on early onset of summer, less sowing and scanty
rainfall. At a time when the maximum day temperature continues to hover around 38 degrees
Celsius, records from the state agriculture department show that paddy sowing has been lesser
than 2014-2015.Data shows Telangana farmers have restricted themselves to sowing paddy on a
measly 2.2 lakh hectares against the average of 6.4 lakh hectares in previous two years. A
shortfall of rice is on the cards, as a result of decrease in sowing, especially in the city.At present,
a kg of Sona Masoori rice, is priced anywhere between Rs 45-60 in the open markets. Traders
are of the opinion that the price could soar to Rs 80 or higher.
"To cultivate paddy, water must be made available in copious amounts. But in the last one year,
we have been facing a drought-like situation. Now, even the borewells have dried up, which is
why many of us have stopped sowing paddy," said D Shyam, a farmer who has 30 acres of
barren land in Bibinagar.However, the worst affected would be the urban consumers, according
to J Jayaram, general manager, marketing, state civil supplies department, as the monthly
consumption of rice in the entire city is around 1.8 lakh tonnes.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Rice-prices-to-go-up-in-city-fearexperts/articleshow/51102185.cms
http://www.nyoooz.com/hyderabad/366456/rice-prices-to-go-up-in-city-fear-experts. It is a snapshot of
the page as it appeared on 23 Feb 2016 14:14:21 GMT.

Rice Prices
as on : 23-02-2016 08:11:22 PM
Arrivals
Current

Price

%
Season
Prev. Prev.Yr
Modal
change cumulative
Modal %change
Rice

Gadarpur(Utr)
Sultanpur(UP)
English Bazar(WB)
Azamgarh(UP)
Pilibhit(UP)
Ballia(UP)

3796.00 293.37
288.00
1.77
235.00
180.00 -13.46
150.00 36.36
140.00
NC

65617.00
2151.50
2595.00
2834.00
16508.00
5410.00

1835
2170
1850
2115
2185
1960

2325
2175
2125
2195
1975

21.52
4.58
-6.82
-0.76

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Sitapur(UP)
Basti(UP)
Kalipur(WB)
Aligarh(UP)
P.O. Uparhali Guwahati(ASM)
Jajpur(Ori)
Achalda(UP)
Saharanpur(UP)
Barabanki(UP)
Barasat(WB)
Balrampur(UP)
Jorhat(ASM)
Gazipur(UP)
Muzzafarnagar(UP)
Purulia(WB)
Dadri(UP)
Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)
Balurghat(WB)
Partaval(UP)
Jasra(UP)
Shikohabad(UP)
Lohardaga(Jha)
Sirsa(UP)
Ghatal(WB)
Dibrugarh(ASM)
Mekhliganj(WB)
Mirzapur(UP)
Lakhimpur(UP)
Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB)
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)
Medinipur(West)(WB)
Pundibari(WB)
Rampur(UP)
Hazaribagh(Jha)
Naugarh(UP)
Raiganj(WB)
Cherthalai(Ker)
Bampada(Ori)
Barikpur(Ori)
Champadanga(WB)

136.00
134.00
92.00
80.00
78.00
74.00
70.00
67.00
63.50
60.00
46.50
45.00
41.50
36.00
36.00
32.00
30.00
28.00
27.50
25.00
25.00
24.50
24.00
24.00
23.00
22.00
21.00
20.00
20.00
16.00
15.00
12.50
12.00
11.20
11.00
11.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00

0.74
15.02
2.22
14.29
-4.29
640
40
-16.25
-10.56
NC
13.41
-13.46
-3.49
-21.74
20
-11.11
-14.29
-9.68
-8.33
-16.67
-16.67
8.89
-12.73
-4
64.29
2.33
-4.55
11.11
-20
NC
15.38
4.17
-40
-10.4
-18.52
-15.38
33.33
NC
NC
-37.5

4564.00
3403.00
3038.00
1715.00
2283.50
218.00
2466.50
3348.00
134.50
1495.00
1038.50
749.00
1000.00
800.00
1368.00
1290.00
855.00
199.00
972.00
320.50
257.50
490.50
243.50
270.00
664.30
327.00
955.50
358.50
669.40
390.00
419.00
91.50
305.50
57.75
418.00
554.00
222.50
110.00
80.00
474.00

2110
2065
2100
2160
2100
2200
2245
2040
2035
2300
2040
2700
1910
2100
2180
2070
3000
2780
2070
2070
2010
1920
2070
1900
2400
2000
1930
2120
2300
2300
2450
2000
2200
2945
2065
2800
2300
2500
2500
2350

2100
2065
2100
2170
2100
2200
2250
2050
2035
2300
2040
2800
1910
2075
2200
2065
3000
2850
2075
2070
1965
1765
2050
1900
2400
2000
1920
2120
2300
2300
2450
1975
2195
2945
2060
2800
2300
2600
2400
2350

-2.31
5.90
-4.55
11.34
-20.75
2.98
-2.39
0.74
2.22
NC
3.80
-9.17
-2.59
6.15
3.50
-7.16
-1.54
NC
-11.54
2.08
-5.88
7.84
9.55
-14.81
NC
-12.96

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Lalbagh(WB)
9.50
55.00 2250
Kaliaganj(WB)
9.00
-10
365.00 2675 2650
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
8.10 -41.73
877.30 1900 1900
Buland Shahr(UP)
8.00 77.78
273.00 2050 2050
Bhivandi(Mah)
7.00 -12.5
181.00 2500 2250
Bolangir(Ori)
6.50
8.33
113.00 2300 2200
Fatehpur(UP)
6.50
62.5
102.00 2170 2145
Chengannur(Ker)
6.00
NC
357.50 2400 2500
Tusura(Ori)
5.50
10
110.00 2300 2200
Farukhabad(UP)
5.00
25
164.50 2165 2165
Nimapara(Ori)
4.50 -35.71
127.50 2200 2200
Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori)
4.50
200
12.20 4100 4100
Aroor(Ker)
3.00
NC
124.70 7000 6900
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)
3.00
-40
54.10 2000 2000
Melaghar(Tri)
3.00
50
81.30 2350 2350
Islampur(WB)
3.00
-25
174.20 2150 2150
Perinthalmanna(Ker)
2.90
NC
48.10 2500 2600
Jeypore(Ori)
2.50 66.67
22.40 1700 4100
Darjeeling(WB)
2.10
-16
49.50 2800 2800
Siyana(UP)
2.00
NC
58.00 2060 2045
Shillong(Meh)
1.00 -16.67
34.10 3500 3500
Hamirpur(UP)
1.00 -91.67
21.00 1950 2100
Sardhana(UP)
1.00 -16.67
50.70 2080 2075
Kalimpong(WB)
0.90
12.5
18.90 2300 2400
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8271745.ece

0.74
47.06
-8.00
3.33
-17.24
-8.00
0.70
NC
NC
-24.73
-9.09
NC
-54.05
3.70
1.98
NC
-1.42
-11.54

02/23/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Rice
High Low
Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -

Futures:

ROUGH RICE
High Low

Last Change

Mar '16 1080.0 1053.5 1059.5 -11.0

May '16 1106.0 1081.0 1086.5 -11.5
10 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Jul '16 1129.0 1112.5 1114.5 -11.5
Sep '16 1135.0 1135.0 1129.0 -10.5
1147.0 -10.0
Nov '16
1160.0 -10.0
Jan '17
1160.0 -10.0
Mar '17

Rice Comment
Rice futures were again lower across the board. The losses were attributed to the disappointing
results of the Iraqi tender. The tender had originally been for US origin rice only, the top bidder
only offered 30,000 tons of US rice and the rest was much cheaper rice from Argentina and
Uruguay. Exports have been slow and the industry had higher hopes for the Iraqi market.

APEDA Rice Commodity News

International Benchmark Price
Price on: 22-02-2016

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

Argentine 85mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

2590

Argentine 50mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

2650

Argentine 34mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

2700

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

3780

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

1180

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

2300

CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t)

807

Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t)

691

Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t)

576

Honey

Guar Gum Powder

White Sugar
1

Source:agra-net

For more info

Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 23-02-2016
Domestic Prices
Product

Market Center

Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

Rice
1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

2900

3100

Jorhat (Assam)

Common

2000

3000

Samsi (West Bengal)

Fine

2890

2920

Cherthala (Kerala)

Other

2300

2500

Wheat

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2

Sangli (Maharashtra)

Other

2100

2800

Bonai (Orissa)

Other

1525

1600

Manjeri (Kerala)

Other

3500

3700

Taura (Haryana)

Other

2300

2600

Rajpura (Punjab)

Other

1800

2200

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

2400

2600

Bargarh (Orissa)

Other

500

700

Sirhind (Punjab)

Other

400

900

Orange

Brinjal

Source:agmarknet.nic.in

For more info

Egg

Rs per 100 No
Price on 23-02-2016
Product

Market Center

Price

Pune

365

Hyderabad

335

Nagapur

323

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 22-02-2016

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

Low

Potatoes

High
Package: 50 lb cartons

Atlanta

Baltimore

Chicago

Colorado

Russet

17

17.50

Idaho

Russet

18

20

Nevada

Russet

14

Cucumbers

16
Package: cartons film wrapped

Atlanta

Mexico

Long Seedless

13

Chicago

Canada

Long Seedless

11

12

Detroit

Mexico

Long Seedless

14

14.50

Apples

15

Package: cartons tray pack

Atlanta

Virginia

25.75

26

Chicago

Michigan

Red Delicious
Red Delicious

15

15.50

Miami

Washington

Red Delicious

24

27

Source:USDA

GI tag for basmati to stabilise prices

Industry body to apply in EU, US and Gulf countries for similar recognition
Komal Amit Gera | Chandigarh February 23, 2016 Last Updated at 22:25 IST

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MP govt moves Madras HC against IPAB order on Basmati GI tagMP argues for inclusion of the
region under GI tag for basmatiBasmati exporters eye better realisations as Iran opens upGive
Pakistani rice the Basmati tagBasmati rice exports to US might be hit

The Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for the basmati rice grown in North Indian states is
expected to stabilise the price of basmati and boost exports. Basmati prices had been fluctuating
in the global market because of excess supply. With GI tag, supply of spurious varieties of
basmati will be restricted. A drastic plunge in the price of basmati in the export market caused
distress to the traditional growers and their realisations fell by about 25 per cent.
Basmati rice is grown in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir,
and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The states of Punjab and Haryana grow over 70 per cent of Indian
basmati. The farm gate price of basmati crashed in kharif 2015 because of oversupply. Prices in
Punjab and Haryana touched a rock-bottom and government intervention was sought to lift the
crop at minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 1,450 per quintal. The farmers earned between Rs
3,000 and Rs 3,500 per quintal for same varieties of rice in kharif 2014.

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Gauging the high returns, cultivation of basmati varieties, which are not agro-climatic zone
specific, has gone up in other parts of India in the past few years. An area of about five lakh
hectare has been added in non-basmati growing areas creating an artificial glut in the market,
sources in Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda)
told Business Standard.
The GI tag for the basmati grown in Indo-Gangetic plains, known for its aroma and length,
would protect farmers from sudden price variations. Sources in Apeda confirmed that GI
registration has been provided for the area that has been growing basmati for over a hundred
years and falls in Indo-Gangetic river basin.
Businsess Standard

The next steps in IRRIs journey

Matthew Morell, director general, International Rice Research Institute | Feb 23, 2016

Our journey is not just a challenge of technologyit is a journey of humanity. For a science
organization, our mandate comes close to being a sacred commitment of a secular organization.
PHOTO BY ISAGANI SERRANO, IRRI

This issue of Rice Today signifies many new beginnings for IRRI. As I begin my term as the
institutes director general and reflect on the legacies of IRRIs past and opportunities that lie
ahead, it would be remiss if I did not recognize those who came before me.It is said that we stand
on the shoulders of giants. When I reflect on the directors general of IRRI, from Robert
Chandler, Jr., to Robert Zeigler, it is striking how each director general took an individual
approach to leading the development of the organization and shepherded the delivery of its
mandate during their terms. Yet, through this history, IRRI has retained a consistent focus on our
mission and vision. My approach will necessarily and frequently differ from my predecessors
approach, but our focus on our core mission will remain.
I pay particular tribute to Bob, my immediate predecessor, who was at the helm during one of the
most successful periods in IRRIs history. I have been in the unusual position of coming into the
organization as deputy director general for research, and so I have had a unique opportunity to
work closely with Bob. I saw firsthand his passion, his commitment, and his vision for the
organization. His mentorship and wisdom have been of incredible value.
There is a great sense of humility at being the custodian of this wonderful institution as it
continues its critical journey. IRRI has an irrefutable mandate to address global imperatives
to lift people out of poverty and hunger, enhance nutrition and health, and ensure
environmental sustainability. Our mission is compelling and our work is paramount. We serve
hundreds of millions of rice farmers. A billion people rely directly on the livelihoods generated
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by those farms; a further two billion rely on rice as a critical part of their diet, in which rice
provides not just calories but essential nutrients for health and well-being. In so many areas of
the world, rice is much more than a commodityit is part of the fabric of life.
Our journey is not just a challenge of technologyit is a journey of humanity. For a science
organization, our mandate comes close to being a sacred commitment of a secular organization.
There is no room to be less than successful, there is no time to waste, there are never enough
resources to smooth the way, and we have to harness our collective passion and creativity to find
the path forward.
Current international events remind us that the world faces challenging times. We see migration
crises across the globe. We see political unrest, conflicts, and wars. We struggle with economic
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stringencies. We see science and economics under attack from those who express opinions as
though they were facts. As we navigate through these uncertainties of an ever-changing
operating environment, IRRI must continue to retool, evolve, and differentiate as an organization
to advance our mission.
There are many paths to differentiation for IRRI such as leveraging developments in biology,
leveraging information and computing technology, influencing policies, building novel
partnerships with those who share our values for delivery and adoption, and providing
comprehensive solutions tailored to local needs. IRRI is in an excellent position to forge ahead.
We have a deep history with an enviable track record of delivery and impact, a pipeline of
science and technologies to deploy, riches in our germplasm and tools, strongly supportive
donors and connections, a passionate and talented workforce, and an extraordinary global
network of partners. But, in 710 years time, the assessment of that time must not be that all
was done was to exploit these gifts. IRRI must build on this legacy to renew itself in all areas.
We must surprise our stakeholders and partners and surprise ourselves.
I look forward to engaging with the beneficiaries of our work across the globe, our donor
community, our broader network of partners, and our staff as we embark on the many futures of
IRRI to achieve our shared commitment to a common good. Through Rice Today, IRRIs
flagship publication, we aim to illustrate further impacts of our work and collaborative efforts to
improve the lives of the one billion, and also share their compelling stories that remind us why
we do what we do
http://ricetoday.irri.org/the-next-steps-in-irris-journey/

Authorities act to reduce risk for export of rice

After analyzing the actual rice export situation in 2015 and rice export potentiality in 2016, Mr.
Huynh The Nang, chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), said that China remains the
main rice export market this year with 54 percent of total rice exports; the rest will be exported to
Europe, the US, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Workers load rice onto the
vessel for exporting in the
Mekong Delta. (Photo: SGGP)
However, with China still
accounting for high proportion
in rice export structure, rice
export potential this year is
expected to be great but contains
high risks. Chinese businesses
usually imported Vietnamese
rice that looks like Chinese rice
variety then polish, pack, and
distribute to the market under
Chinese
businesses
brand
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names. This seriously affects the brand name of Vietnamese rice as well as devalues Vietnamese
rice. Vietnamese businesses also lack of information of their Chinese partners, therefore, many
of them were swindled when exporting rice to China.
As for new market, such as America, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Middle East, Vietnamese
rice exporters have to face strict technical barriers. However, there has not been a quality testing
center of international standards in Vietnam that Vietnamese businesses have to rely on foreign
testing centers so risks are high.
The VFA had proposed the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development to warn
farmers against using banned chemicals during rice cultivation. Until now, this problem has not
been solved yet as authorities are short of testing equipment. There are harmful chemicals that
authorities even do not know of. In fact, rice of some businesses was returned because of these
harmful chemicals in 2015.
In order to lessen risks for rice exporters as well as increase sustainability of market, Mr. Tran
Tuan Anh, deputy minister of Industry and Trade, ordered commercial counselors to coordinate
with the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, Multilateral Trade Policy Department, and
Department of Import and Export to gather information of rice importers. Of which, they have to
evaluate and compare the advantages of Vietnamese rice over that of competitors and propose
solutions to improve export effectiveness and add more value to rice products. Local authorities
have to restructure agriculture, ensure quality of rice, build solution to develop Vietnamese rices
brand name, stabilize cultivation area, and connect farmers with rice exporters. The VFA should
quickly complete strategy to develop brand name of Vietnamese rice in order to help Vietnamese
rice to infiltrate into distribution network of rice importers.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will carry out a project to improve business ability of rice
exporters in terms of human resources, marketing activities, and international commercial
dispute to create most favorable conditions for them to enhance internal force and diversify
export market.The Ministry of Industry and Trade on February 22 held a conference to appraise
rice export situation in 2016.
http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/Economy/2016/2/117696/

A group of scientists plans to prove GMOs are safe by paying

people $900 to eat bananas
By Daniel McDonald February 23, 2016

Scientists in Iowa are moving ahead with a plan to pay several students $900 apiece to eat
three bananas.

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The plan is causing quite a stir.As the Des Moines Register reports, some of the bananas have
been genetically modified to produce large amounts of beta carotene, a nutrient our bodies use to
produce vitamin A. The hope is that, once approved, these bananas would be grown in Uganda,
where vitamin A deficiency is a serious problem.The trial is set to take place later this year at
Iowa State University. The GM bananas were developed at the Queensland University of
Technology in Australia with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

While it might sound absurd, its not entirely uncommon for subjects to be paid for participating
in research, according to the Food and Drug Administration, so long as the risks are clearly
stated. Its considered a recruitment incentive, not a benefit.And as far as compensation for these
kinds of studies goes, $900 is not unheard-of.According to the site CenterWatch, a website that
keeps track of clinical trials, a California trial of an eye ointment for treating bags under the eyes
offered compensation of up to $1,840 per person, and a Florida trial of a tobacco product offered
up to $1,980.
Francois Lenoir/Reuters
In the US, the safety of new GMO crops is typically determined by showing they have a similar
nutrient and toxin content to that of the conventional crops we eat a principle known as
substantial equivalence.Some countries (for example, in Europe) also require animal studies
before GM crops can be approved, but the US doesnt regulate GM food differently than foods
developed by other processes.Uganda is one of several African countries that signed the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, part of an agreement that applies the precautionary principle,
which includes taking into account risks to human health.The banana trial may be an attempt
to help satisfy this principle.
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Some GMO opponents are not happy about the research. They claim the researchers have not
been transparent about the trial or its possible risks. Earlier this week, a petition with more than
57,000 signatures that calls for the trial to be suspended was delivered to both ISUs College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Gates Foundation.We, the undersigned, ask that the Dean
of Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dr. Wendy Wintersteen,
answer students and Ames community members questions about the current Gates Foundationfunded transgenic banana human trials underway at Iowa State University, the petition reads.It
includes questions such as, How have safety concerns been addressed, and what risks were
study participants informed of when they agreed to take part in the study? and Who owns or
will own the transgenic banana technology?
Theres a lot at stake, as these bananas could potentially help solve a major nutrition problem.
The study is being led by ISU food science professor Wendy White. In April 2014, White and
her colleagues sent out an email calling for a dozen female volunteers to take part in the trial.
(Its not clear why they had to be female, but our guess is that pregnant or nursing women and
their children are especially vulnerable vitamin A deficiency.)They would be paid $900 to eat
three bananas each one of which was genetically modified over the course of four days,
and undergo blood tests. More than 500 women responded to the ad, and 12 were selected, White
said, according to The Des Moines Register.
The goal of the research is to provide a staple source of vitamin A for communities in the
developing world.In Uganda and other African countries, vitamin A deficiency is a major
contributor to deaths in childhood from infectious diseases, White wrote in a statement her
university released in 2014. Wouldnt it be great if these bananas could prevent preschool kids
from dying from diarrhea, malaria or measles?
Critics have argued that there are other bananas that are a good source of vitamin A. But these
bananas tend to be of a sweet variety that Ugandans and residents of other African countries
dont consume as much. Thats why the researchers decided to take a gene from these bananas
and put it into a less-sweet variety that is commonly used by Ugandans for cooking.But this isnt
the first time GMO advocates and proponents have clashed over the development of a crop
meant to prevent vitamin A deficiency.Erik De Castro / ReutersA scientist shows Golden Rice
(R) and ordinary rice at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos, Laguna south of
Manila, August 14, 2013.In the early 2000s, scientists developed a variety of GM rice, called
golden rice, which contained many times the level of beta carotene found in normal rice. Golden
rice was made available for free to subsistence farmers in developing countries.But activists shut
it down by claiming the rice was unsafe or ineffective. Scientists conducted a trial where they fed
golden rice to children in China, and it turned into a national scandal, as NPR reported
previously.
Even if the GM bananas dont face the same backlash that golden rice did, there are a number of
roadblocks before they can make it into the hands of farmers in Uganda.As NPR reported, For
the banana to have any impact at all, governments would have to approve it, farmers would have
to grow it, and ordinary people would have to be persuaded to eat orange-tinted bananas (since
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beta carotene is an orange pigment).Still, these bananas are just one of many approaches to get
more vitamin A into the Ugandan diet
http://www.dailynewsx.com/news/business-news/a-group-of-scientists-plans-to-prove-gmos-aresafe-by-paying-people-900-to-eat-bananas-39204.html

USA Rice Government Affairs Conference Kicks Off

By Michael Klein

WASHINGTON, DC - The Annual USA Rice Government Affairs Conference got underway
here last night following a full day of USA Rice business meetings, a welcome reception, and an
event for Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS).More than 100 rice growers and millers from all six rice
states packed this morning's General Session that featured remarks from Congressman Charles
Boustany (R-LA), Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Jason Weller, and USDA
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Krysta Harden.Boustany thanked the rice industry for support
and guidance as he has become one of the industry's staunchest allies on Capitol Hill. He shared
his belief that the 2014 Farm Bill needs to be kept intact and that the Obama Administration
needs to do more to take on trading partners who are not in compliance with WTO obligations.
He also discussed food aid programs where he believes in kind contributions, not cash, are most
appropriate."We were successful in defending PL 480 programs recently, but the margin of
victory is getting smaller each year, so I'm going to need your help to make the case for these
programs," Boustany said.Chief Weller talked about the close relationship between USA Rice
and Ducks Unlimited that is dedicated to providing flyways, food, and fiber for the nation that he
called the poster child for collaboration.
"The partnership between USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited is, in my view, one of the best
examples of what we need in the country going forward and I'm very proud that NRCS is a part
of that," Weller said.He also talked about much needed changes to the Conservation Stewardship
Program (CSP) to make it a better fit for rice.
Krysta Harden, who is leaving the Obama Administration this week, was honored with the USA
Rice Distinguished Leadership Award for her service to the U.S. rice industry and in her heartfelt
remarks said, "I have truly enjoyed my time serving the people as the Deputy Secretary of
Agriculture, we are an agency that helps people and provides service on the ground and in the
field to America's farmers. There is no other industry so critical as agriculture where one to two
percent of our population provides the food for the other 98 or 99 percent." Conference attendees
then fanned out across the city for meetings with lawmakers and several federal agencies
including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Trade Representative and more.

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"We have a lot on our plate to discuss from trade with Cuba to illegal farmer subsidies in other

countries, and from onerous EPA regulations to the grower protections in the 2014 Farm Bill that
are working well, and more," said USA Rice Chairman and Arkansas rice farmer Dow Brantley.
"We're ramping up for the planting season at home, but this week, Washington is the place to be
to protect our interests and make the case for U.S. rice. I'm glad so many of our rice family have
come to carry our message forward."

USA Rice Daily, Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Uganda: Improved Farming Tools to Boost Rice Production

By Chris Tusiime
Poor agricultural mechanisation is one of the biggest hindrances to transforming Uganda's
agriculture from subsistence to commercial, Dr Godfrey Asea, the director of National Crops
Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), has said.Asea, who recently spoke at NaCRRI during a
demonstration of agricultural machinery for small-scale farmers that have been manufactured in
Uganda, said almost all small-scale farmers in Uganda use traditional, rudimentary and obsolete
technologies in agriculture, a major contributor to low farm output.
The machinery that was displayed included a destoner (machines for removing stones from rice),
a manually-pedalled rice thresher, and a manually-pedalled water pump, which can be used for
pumping water for irrigation.The machinery was bought with support from the Promotion of
Rice Development (PRiDe) project, which is being implemented by Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and
National Agricultural Research Organization, and National Agricultural Advisory Services
(Naads). The project is supporting Uganda to achieve its national rice production targets.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201602240521.html
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