Yuan Longping: The Chinese

scientist the world will

remember for a long time
By 
Gitura Mwaura
Published : May 31, 2021 | Updated : May 31, 2021

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Not many in this part of the world might recognise the name of Chinese plant
scientist Yuan Longping who shunned the limelight.

But his breakthroughs developing high-yield hybrid strains of rice helped

tackle famine in much of the world, including in Africa.
Mr Yuan passed on at the age of 90 some days ago to an outpouring of grief
in his country and glowing tribute globally. Most major international media
organisations eulogised him.

The Economist’s eulogy particularly waxed lyrical: “He was wandering in a

ricefield of dreams. The plants were tall as sorghum, taller than a man. Their
panicles hung full as brooms, and each grain was as big as a peanut,” begins
the tribute.

His name has often been mentioned alongside that of the American plant
scientist Norman Borlaug, also feted for his breakthroughs in wheat
cultivation in the ’50s and ’60s.

The pair greatly contributed to the Green Revolution, enabling the steep rise
in harvests of rice and wheat that saw an end to food shortages the world
over.

While maize remains an important staple, wheat is the main grain for a third
of the world’s population.

Rice alone feeds half the world.

For this reason, Mr Yuan is receiving the profuse acclamation. After

witnessing the Great Chinese Famine that killed millions between 1959 and
1961, he devoted his life to developing rice strains that yield higher harvests.

In 1980 he donated the rice strains to the International Rice Research

Institute, which later used them to develop hybrid varieties that could also
grow in tropical countries, including in Africa.

And, as the Economist points out, a fifth of all rice grown globally now
comes from hybrids that were his.
For this he won the Medal of the Republic, China’s highest, and the World
Food Prize. An asteroid was named after him. There was talk of the Nobel,
too.

It might be surprising to know that rice has been grown in East and Southern
countries for more than 500 years.

This is to say nothing of the grain in West Africa, where its preparation
remains a culinary art form in a culture that was transported to the United
States during the slave trade and still thrives among Black Americans (I am
learning this in the revelatory new Netflix docu-series, High on the Hog:
How African American Cuisine Transformed America).     

Nonetheless, Mr Yuan’s plays a role in much of the ongoing rice research

and production in the continent.

Rwanda for example has more than a few variants suited to the country’s

conditions, while other varieties are under research to suit the local palate.

All is not well, however. Climate change and high population growth might
ruin the party. 

A recent analysis by National Geographic shows that by 2050 the world’s

population will grow by more than two billion people. Half will be born in
sub-Saharan Africa and another 30 per cent in South and Southeast Asia.

These regions are also where the effects of climate change—drought, heat
waves, extreme weather generally—are expected to hit hardest. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has raised a warning,

showing how there has been a slowdown in the growth rate of crop yields in
the last 20 years.
 This means there has been some impact in the world’s food supply –
particularly for rice, wheat and maize. In some areas yields have stopped
growing entirely.

To increase the stagnating yields between now and 2050, it has been
suggested, we’ll need another green revolution.

Which brings us back to Mr Yuan. We must continue the work of his ilk of
pioneering scientists to breed better crops, but with modern genetic
techniques.

Scientists, as the National Geographic notes, can now identify and

manipulate a huge variety of plant genes for traits like disease resistance and
drought tolerance. That’s going to make farming more productive and
resilient.

Employing high tech is something we won’t be able to evade, as humanity's

salvation ultimately lies. This is despite the debates in Africa and elsewhere
over the safety and environmental effects of genetically modified crops.
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/opinions/yuan-longping-chinese-scientist-world-will-remember-long-time

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3. Remembering Yuan Longping, the Man Who Fed Millions With Affordable Rice
Remembering Yuan Longping, the Man Who Fed
Millions With Affordable Rice
Zeus Zou |  May 30, 2021 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 149 reads

If you happened to browse any Chinese social media during this past weekend,
probably you have noticed there was a guy who has been mentioned repetitively by
netizens, regardless of what kind of community they were in. Prof. Yuan Longping, the
‘father of the hybrid rice’ in China, but that can merely explain one-tenth of the reason
why his death would cause waves of lament and reminiscence. To better comprehend
their contributions to this country and even the whole world, I have collected a few
shards of his outstanding odyssey of life here and wish Yuan’s soul can rest in peace
and power.

Mr. Yuan and his family

Born in an intellectual family in Beijing, Yuan got to learn English at a very early age
from his mother who studied in the British church school and worked as a teacher. He
never forsook this skill for the rest of his life and it helped him to have an access to
some of the most classic biological and agronomic theories during his study in
Chongqing. 

English, Russian, Swimming, Violin, Mr. Yuan sure was well-rounded

As for why choosing agriculture as his lifelong vocation to pursue, yuan explained once
in an interview saying it was a field trip to a garden plot in his primary school time
plowed this seed deep down in his heart. Assorted flowers stretching on the field like
colorful carpets which reminded him of the scenes he has seen in ‘Modern Times’
starred by Charlie Chaplin. Despite noticing those dystopia innuendos, in an age when
Chinese were still struggling with famine and poverty, a world full of affluent produce to
yield did sound tempting enough for a kid. Of course, Yuan’s parents did not expect him
to be an agronomist, which does not sound much different from becoming a farmer for
many people back then. And he had quite a few chances to gybe his journey of life as
well, such as becoming a pilot or a swimming athlete. The harsh living condition in the
countryside had also overturned his idyllic pastoral imagination about farmers’ life.
However, the corpses of people who died from starvation during the Great Chinese
Famine period scorched an indelible impression on his mind and has only reinforced his
determination on looking for practical methods to increase the yield for corps.

He may have passed away, but the stalk of thriving future has truly passed to the next generation

When teaching at an agricultural school in Hunan Province, Yuan happened to find a

natural strain of hybrid rice in the field and inspired by this discovery he started to
explore breeding hybrid rice intentionally by manually remove the stamen of the rice.
After years of research, he managed to harvest generations of hybrid rice which has
shaken the stereotypical belief that hybrid rice can’t be bred and the asexual
hybridization is a more efficient way to create new species. In the following decades,
Yuan dedicated himself to elevate the yield and nutrition of the hybrid rice and finally
had his first harvest of the breed of hybrid rice that can be largely planted in 1974, the
yield was already 20% higher than usual back then. This hard-earned success never
became the excuse for Yuan to stop, he and his team kept refreshing the world record
of the yield of rice per acre and developing the breeds of hybrid rice that can endure the
tropical or even desertification environment so that farmers in Africa, Middle East, Latin
America and other places on this planet can also be benefited from his research. Step
by step, Yuan has gradually achieved his dream to have rice strains tall and fertile
enough for people to take a nap underneath them and to spread the hybrid rice to all
corners of this world. Nowadays, about one fifth of the worldwide rice production comes
from the species generated by hybrid rice based on Yuan's research. His contribution
has gained worldwide recognition and awarded by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, World Food Prize and many other international
organizations. He was also one of eight Chinese individuals who acquired the Medal of
the Republic, the highest official honor in China.
For him, none of those recognition and awards could be compared to the plump strains
of rice, and there was no way for him to retire. On Mar 10, 2021, he tripped in the hybrid
rice research base in Sanya, by then he was already 90 years old. Unfortunately, his
condition only deteriorated in the following months, and bid farewell to the farming lands
and people keep him attached for his whole life on May 22, 2021, in Changsha. 

The only excuse for the rice to not be in a bowl is when it served as the tribute for his soul

The obituary triggered an outpouring of public mourning across Chinese social media,
for people who have gone through the struggling time when a bowl of rice could only be
enjoyed during the Spring Festival, Yuan was the savior who ensured people can stay
away from the hunger, for the generations who are lucky enough to born in an affluent
society, he was the most cordial figure appears on the textbook. Even though Yuan
would like to keep his funeral humble and private, it couldn’t stop millions of Changsha
residents and people from all over China came to say goodbye to him outside of the
funeral parlor. Overnight, the chrysanthemum, the flower frequently appears on Chinese
funeral and memorial as a token of reminiscence were sold out in Changsha. Instead of
seizing this chance to start a lucrative business, more citizens offered free flowers or
masks for others who were on their way to see off Mr. Yuan, or even voluntary shuffling
service to the hospital, the funeral parlor, the hybrid rice research center, and other
places where Mr. Yuan has left his footprints in his life.  

Old or young, men or women, food is always essential and the gratitude is always sincere

It was not only Mr. Yuan, but also Prof. Wu Mengchao, the ‘father of Chinese
hepatobiliary surgery’ who made the breakthrough in hepatobiliary clinical treatment in
China and still can perform surgeries at excellent standard in his 90s, passed away on
the same day as Yuan Longping, and many other outstanding scientists and individuals
who have taught us that if you are looking for a vocation that will make this world a
better place rather than just a career that will keep your money detector cha-ching, the
care for others and dedication to your profession are two essential things. The famine
may just be an illusionary memory now thanks to Yuan Longping and his team,
however, we can still learn a lot from them when facing our challenges in life
And to start it simply, how about finishing everything on your plate tonight?
https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2021/05/26/who-yuan-longping-man-who-fed-millions-affordable-
rice-0
China’s third-child policy boosts shares in
toy, diaper makers
Fargo, ND, USA / The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO

Thomson Reuters

Jun 1, 2021 | 3:07 AM

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Shares in Chinese toy makers, diaper producers and infant food
companies soared for the second day on Tuesday, as investors piled into stocks seen as
benefitting from Beijing’s new three-child policy.

China’s announcement on Monday to allow married couples to have up to three children – from
the previous limit of two – also sent brokerage analysts scrambling to recommend stocks, despite
a widely-shared perception that the policy shift won’t have a sudden impact on the country’s
declining birth rate.

Shares in toy maker Goldlok Holdings (Guangdong) Co jumped to their 10% daily limit for the
second day, as did shares in Jinfa Labi Maternity & Baby Articles Co.

Other baby-related stocks, including milk powder maker Beingmate Co, baby products maker
Shanghai Aiyingshi Co and toddler care equipment maker Ningbo David Medical Device Co
also soared.

An index tracking the so-called “third baby concept” stocks, newly compiled by Hithink
RoyalFlush Information Network Co, rose about 2.5% on Tuesday, while China’s benchmark
stock index was roughly flat.

Hu Yunlong, a Beijing-based hedge fund manager, said the sharp gains in such stocks were the
result of “short-term speculation,” as he sees limited immediate impact on corporate
fundamentals.

China lifted the cap on births in a bid to stave off risks to its economy from a rapidly aging
population. But analysts say the policy by itself is unlikely to boost many couples’ willingness to
have more children, given high childcare costs.

Still, Xu Qi, investment adviser at Guosheng Securities, said Luolai Lifestyle Technology Co,
which makes home textile products such as quilts and pillows, stands to benefit from the new
policy. He also recommends Zhejiang Semir Garment Co, which makes children’s clothes.

Essence International suggested investors pay attention to China Feihe Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed
maker of infant milk formula products.

Meanwhile, Chinese listed companies fielded questions from investors anxious to learn how their
businesses will be affected by the new policy.

Thinker Agricultural Machinery Co Ltd, a maker of rice harvesters, was asked if the company
was a “third-child concept” stock.

“Thanks for your humorous question,” the company replied in an online investor relations
platform.

The indirect relationship is that “an increase in population will increase grain consumption…and
demand for harvesters.
 “But the precondition is…people are willing to have a third child.”

(Reporting by Samuel Shen, Luoyan Liu and Andrew Galbraith; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

https://kfgo.com/2021/06/01/chinas-third-child-policy-boosts-shares-in-toy-diaper-makers/

Yuan Longping: The Chinese

scientist the world will
remember for a long time
By 
Gitura Mwaura
Published : May 31, 2021 | Updated : May 31, 2021

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 Email

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 linkedin

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 linkedin
Not many in this part of the world might recognise the name of Chinese plant
scientist Yuan Longping who shunned the limelight.

But his breakthroughs developing high-yield hybrid strains of rice helped

tackle famine in much of the world, including in Africa.

Mr Yuan passed on at the age of 90 some days ago to an outpouring of grief

in his country and glowing tribute globally. Most major international media
organisations eulogised him.

The Economist’s eulogy particularly waxed lyrical: “He was wandering in a

ricefield of dreams. The plants were tall as sorghum, taller than a man. Their
panicles hung full as brooms, and each grain was as big as a peanut,” begins
the tribute.

His name has often been mentioned alongside that of the American plant
scientist Norman Borlaug, also feted for his breakthroughs in wheat
cultivation in the ’50s and ’60s.

The pair greatly contributed to the Green Revolution, enabling the steep rise
in harvests of rice and wheat that saw an end to food shortages the world
over.
While maize remains an important staple, wheat is the main grain for a third
of the world’s population.

Rice alone feeds half the world.

For this reason, Mr Yuan is receiving the profuse acclamation. After

witnessing the Great Chinese Famine that killed millions between 1959 and
1961, he devoted his life to developing rice strains that yield higher harvests.
In 1980 he donated the rice strains to the International Rice Research
Institute, which later used them to develop hybrid varieties that could also
grow in tropical countries, including in Africa.

And, as the Economist points out, a fifth of all rice grown globally now
comes from hybrids that were his.

For this he won the Medal of the Republic, China’s highest, and the World
Food Prize. An asteroid was named after him. There was talk of the Nobel,
too.

It might be surprising to know that rice has been grown in East and Southern
countries for more than 500 years.

This is to say nothing of the grain in West Africa, where its preparation
remains a culinary art form in a culture that was transported to the United
States during the slave trade and still thrives among Black Americans (I am
learning this in the revelatory new Netflix docu-series, High on the Hog:
How African American Cuisine Transformed America).     

Nonetheless, Mr Yuan’s plays a role in much of the ongoing rice research

and production in the continent.
Rwanda for example has more than a few variants suited to the country’s
conditions, while other varieties are under research to suit the local palate.

All is not well, however. Climate change and high population growth might
ruin the party. 

A recent analysis by National Geographic shows that by 2050 the world’s

population will grow by more than two billion people. Half will be born in
sub-Saharan Africa and another 30 per cent in South and Southeast Asia.
 These regions are also where the effects of climate change—drought, heat
waves, extreme weather generally—are expected to hit hardest. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has raised a warning,

showing how there has been a slowdown in the growth rate of crop yields in
the last 20 years.

This means there has been some impact in the world’s food supply –
particularly for rice, wheat and maize. In some areas yields have stopped
growing entirely.

To increase the stagnating yields between now and 2050, it has been
suggested, we’ll need another green revolution.

Which brings us back to Mr Yuan. We must continue the work of his ilk of
pioneering scientists to breed better crops, but with modern genetic
techniques.

Scientists, as the National Geographic notes, can now identify and

manipulate a huge variety of plant genes for traits like disease resistance and
drought tolerance. That’s going to make farming more productive and
resilient.
Employing high tech is something we won’t be able to evade, as humanity's
salvation ultimately lies. This is despite the debates in Africa and elsewhere
over the safety and environmental effects of genetically modified crops.
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/opinions/yuan-longping-chinese-scientist-world-will-remember-long-time

Novel Technique to Remove Nitrate

Residue in Water Cycle Using Rice Straw
 Download PDF Copy
Written by AZoCleantechMay 31 2021

Scientists from the MINTOTA research group at the University of Valencia, the
DREMAP group at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and the University of
Genoa have patented a new technique to eliminate the nitrate residue from the
water cycle with the help of rice straw.
Related Stories

 New Technology Could Increase Rice Grain Yield Under Changing Climatic Conditions

 Better Data Management Makes Water Utility Compliance Easier

 Progeco Launches Latest Combi Cycle Using CETY's Clean Cycle ORC Heat Recovery
Steam Generator

Image Credit: RUVID.

The research was led by Pilar Campins, professor of Analytical Chemistry at the
University of Valencia. Active silica is extracted through the controlled incineration of
rice straw, which when altered can absorb 30%–98% of the nitrates present in water.

This technique, and this patent, forms the basis of the European project accountable for
decreasing nitrates in the extensive water cycle: Libernitrate Life, concentrated on
reducing the impact of chemical fertilizers on groundwater.

Fertilizer use has grown from 14 million tons in 1954 to 200 million tons in 2018 so, as
per the European Environment Agency, 87% of groundwater includes higher nitrate
content.

The condition is more disturbing in intensive farming and cattle-raising regions since the
nitrate level of groundwater can increase up to seven times the legal limit. Such
contaminated waters activate processes that are detrimental to the environment like
acidification, eutrophication, or the discharge of nitrogen oxides.

Since the existing efforts are not very effective, the LIFE LIBERNITRATE project is
looking forward to using the patented system to decrease the concentration of nitrates
in the integral water cycle in Europe.

Meanwhile, it is a novel, sustainable and inexpensive system that is easy to implement.

The patent belongs 33% to the University of Genoa, 33% to the University of Valencia,
and 34% to the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
The system functions with the help of two prototypes — one in charge of incinerating
the rice straw and acquiring the silica and another in charge of executing the active
silica beds. Such beds must be placed in the water collector (underground), the
wastewater of an osmosis plant, and then in the water of the wells for consumption of
humans in small towns.

The LIFE LIBERNITRATE project has been included in the financial support provided by
the European Union in the LIFE financing program. It is a European initiative to
encourage projects for nature, climate and the environment.

https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=29493

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TECHNOLOGY

Could this tiny high-tech implant

cure jet lag?
Implanted technology could let globe-trotters leave jet lag behind.

By David Flynn, June 1 2021

Share this article:

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7th September 2021.

The next generation of international travellers could rely on technology

to help defeat jet lag and be on top of their game as soon as they step off
a long overseas flight.

US biotechnology company Blackrock Microsystems, with the help of a

US$33 million grant from the USA's Department of Defence research
arm, is developing a "wireless, fully implantable device that can shift the
body's circadian clock."

It's being pioneered in conjunction with several universities, and

scientists hope the tiny module will cut in half the time it takes to
recover from jet lag.

"It'll be a small device that is implanted that can release peptides to

change [someone's circadian rhythm] while at the same time being able
to monitor the state of the patient," says Professor Florian Solzbacher,
co-founder and chair of Blackrock Microsystems.

Combining synthetic biology with bioelectronics, the research and

development teams will engineer cells to produce the same peptides that
the body makes to regulate sleep cycles, precisely adjusting timing and
dose with bioelectronic controls.

When those cells are exposed to light, they will generate precisely-dosed
peptide therapies, giving the body "exactly what it needs at a precise
time."

"We are effectively building the bridge between biology and

bioelectronics (and) the potential is limitless," Solzbacher enthuses.
"Imagine if we can use this platform to treat other neurological
disorders?"
Blackrock Microsystems is the parent of Blackrock Neurotech, which
already has extensive experience in what's called "brain-machine
interface technology" through implants which enable people with limited
movement and other disabilities to control a computer screen or an
artificial limb.

David Flynn
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for
good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

More stories on:

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PPP calls for action against ‘water injustice’

Agriculture minister says Centre indifferent to growers’ plight

Our Correspondent May 31, 2021

 PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the participants of CEC meeting on April 11, 2021. PHOTO:
COURTESY/PPP MEDIA CELL

KARACHI:
Decrying the water shortage in Sindh, Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh president
Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has called a meeting of the party’s provincial executive
committee to decide on a plan of action against the alleged injustice being
meted out to Sindh by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the
Centre.
All senior leaders of the party in Sindh are to meet today (Monday) to
formulate a strategy over the water dispute.
Earlier, addressing a press conference at the Bilawal House Media Cell, Sindh
Agriculture Minister Ismail Rahoo accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led
coalition government in the Centre of stealing Sindh’s water share.
Dismissing allegations of Sindh encroaching on Balochistan’s water shae, the
minister said that Sindh could not give water to Balochistan when it is not
receiving its own share. It is Punjab, which is stealing the water of both the
provinces, alleged Rahoo.
He claimed that Sindh was supplying water to Balochistan by reducing its own
share.
Moreover, said Rahoo, the non-provision of water hindered the cotton yield in
Sindh this month and the rice crop is also under threat. The prevalent water
shortage is affecting the production of various crops, he reiterated.
The minister slammed the federal government for its mismanagement. There
were floods in Sindh, agricultural fields were ravaged by locusts but the
federal government did not extend any help, he claimed. The lack of water
now will also affect the sugarcane crop, said Rahoo, adding that the costs of
pesticides, tractors and fertilisers have also increased.
The province has faced water shortages in the past but this federal
government is indifferent to the plight of Sindh’s farmers, he said.
The agriculture minister maintained that Sindh is the second largest
agricultural province, which contributes to the country’s rice, cotton and
sugarcane production. But, he said, this time not even two per cent of the
usual rice production could be achieved in the province.
READ PTI slams PPP for neglecting development
The federal government had vowed to export rice crop worth $2.5 billion but
managed to export only $1.5b of rice crop in the past nine months, said the
minister.
The Sukkur and Kotri barrages can only store water for upto six months, said
Rahoo, asking what will farmers do when that runs out.
He lamented that the sugarcane and cotton crops’ targets could not be met
this year due to the water shortage. Now, the season is ending, he added.
Continuing on the plight of growers, the minister said that the Sindh
government had requested the federal government for relief in calamity-hit
areas and had asked that loans payable by farmers be waived. But the federal
government did not pay heed.
While the Sindh government has blamed IRSA and the federal government for
violating the Water Apportionment Accord 1991, IRSA has maintained that the
water shortage was due to a lack of water in the rivers. IRSA has claimed that
Sindh had to face only a four per cent water shortage while Punjab faced a 16
per cent water shortage. Accusing the Sindh government of manipulating data
and sharing incorrect figures, IRSA has claimed that more water was provided
to Sindh than to Punjab during cotton cultivation.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302561/ppp-calls-for-action-against-water-injustice

Central Asia Price Bulletin, May 2021

Format

Situation Report

Source
 

 FEWS NET

Posted
 

31 May 2021

Originally published
 

31 May 2021

Origin
 

View original

Attachments

 Download document(PDF | 974.14 KB)

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices
in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. For each FEWS NET country and region, the Price
Bulletin provides a set of charts showing monthly prices in the current marketing year in
selected urban centers and allowing users to compare current trends with both five-year average
prices, indicative of seasonal trends, and prices in the previous year.

Wheat is the dominant staple food across Central Asia, and rice is an important substitute.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are the net wheat exporters within the region. In Kazakhstan, Saryagash
Station serves as a key source market for wheat exports to Afghanistan and other neighboring
countries. In Afghanistan, Kabul supplies the central provinces and is a transit point between the
north, south, east, and west. Jalalabad supplies the eastern part of the country and acts as a cross-
border market with Pakistan. Mazar-e-Sarif supplies northern provinces and, in a good year, the
southern provinces as well. Kandahar supplies the southwestern part of the country where
drought, civil insecurity, and war often hinder market activity. In Pakistan, Lahore is a key
 market for trade within the region, particularly with Afghanistan. Pakistan accounts for about 70
percent of regional rice production, which is exported to regional and international markets.
Primary country

 Afghanistan

Other countries

 Kazakhstan

 Pakistan

Source

 Famine Early Warning System Network

Disaster

 Afghanistan: Drought - Feb 2021

Format

 Situation Report

Themes

 Agriculture

 Food and Nutrition

Disaster type

 Drought

Language

 English
Share
 Share this on Facebook
 Share this on Twitter
 Post this on LinkedIn
Related Content

https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/central-asia-price-bulletin-may-2021

Despite booming economy: Opposition’s

protest call surprising, says Fawad
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad
Hussain said economic hardships had to be faced by the nation because of the
devastation, caused by the regimes of PPP and PML-N.

The minister wondered who would benefit from the opposition’s call of protests at a
time when the economy was booming. In a statement, the minister pointed out that
after a long wait, the positive results of economic policies were beginning to emerge
and for the first time in the history of the country, more than Rs4,000 billion in taxes
were collected.

“Overseas Pakistanis have contributed to this effort to get the economy back on its
feet and send Rs1,000 billion to Pakistan. The production of wheat, rice, sugarcane
and maize has been historic and Rs1100 billion was transferred to the agricultural
economy,” he maintained.

This, he emphasized, greatly increased the purchasing power of farmers, while sales
of tractors, fertilizers and pesticides increased by 64%. The stock market set a new
record on May 27 with the sale of 2.21 billion shares. At present Pakistan market was
the best market in the world.

“The question is, why is the opposition calling for protests at a time when the
economy is booming and the condition of the common man is changing? Who will
benefit from such politics,” he asked.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/842585-despite-booming-economy-opposition-s-protest-call-
surprising-says-fawad

Bumper crops but….

By

 News desk

 -

May 31, 2021

IT IS a good news that the country witnessed record productions of some major crops
including wheat, rice and maize this season- the impact of which has also been seen in the
growth figure of 3.94% revealed recently by the government.

Addressing a news conference on Saturday, Minister for National Food Security said the
wheat production remained 27.3 million tones, rice 8.419 million tones and maize 8.465
million tones. This really implies the timely interventions of the government in the
agriculture sector.

Especially increasing the support price of certain crops encouraged the farmers to grow
crops on more area.

In our view, however, the potential of our agriculture sector is far immense and its
productivity can, in fact, be doubled by supporting especially the small farmers.

We also understand that the wheat crop in the country has been much higher than the
estimates of the government.
Whilst we agree with the idea of building strategic reserves of major crops to protect the
consumers from profiteers, but there is currently no need to import four million tons of
wheat to build those reserves. Through a better strategy, this quantity can be arranged
within the country.

Most of our farmers especially those in the ‘barani’ areas store the wheat more than their
annual requirements for various reasons. Then some farmers delay the sale of their
produce to get a better price.

Whilst the support price of wheat is Rs 1800 per forty kilogram, but the middlemen in the
rural areas have already started procuring the wheat from farmers at the rate of Rs 2000,
anticipating the prices of the commodity will increase in the coming months.

Thus by offering a better price to the farmers, the reserves of wheat can significantly be
enhanced.

For this purpose, special centres may be set up in each district to purchase the wheat from
farmers. This will have an added advantage.

By doing so we will not only save the foreign exchange but more money will also go to the
pockets of farmers.

This however should not affect the price of flour in the open market. By extending subsidy,
the government can keep the flour prices at the current levels.

Then, the farmers must also be given incentives and encouraged to grow more cotton as
our textile industry and its exports are directly linked with this crop.

https://pakobserver.net/bumper-crops-but/

Country witnesses record agriculture outcome this year due to prudent

policies of govt: Imam
 
May 31, 2021

File Photo
Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam says the country has witnessed a
record agriculture outcome this year which can be attributed to suitable weather conditions
and prudent policies of the government.
Expressing his views in a program of News and Current Affairs Channel of Radio Pakistan,
he said wheat, rice, sugarcane and mango production has witnessed increase and Pakistan
is on the track of huge crop productivity.
Syed Fakhar Imam said the record production has resulted in increase in exports.   
He said the government is following all international protocols to maximize fruit export of
the country. He said research programs have been initiated in this regard to further improve
the production capacity in future. 
http://www.radio.gov.pk/31-05-2021/country-witnesses-record-agriculture-outcome-this-year-due-to-
prudent-policies-of-govt-imam

High agri yields to help reduce

food imports: Fakhar Imam
By

 APP
ISLAMABAD: The country’s economy will get a boost as the production of four important
crops as well as three minor crops posted a record production this season from a year ago,
indicating a lesser reliance on imports of eatables in the upcoming fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22).

This was revealed by Minister for National Food Security Research Fakhar Imam while
addressing a press conference on Saturday.

The minister said that due to the supply of good quality seeds and favorable weather conditions,
the production of wheat, rice, maize, potato, onion and groundnut has increased to a record level.

He said that the country’s current wheat production was 27.3 million tonnes, while last year’s
wheat production had totaled at 25.3 million tonnes, which was 2 million tonnes more than the
previous year.
 At the same time, maize cultivation area grew 0.97pc to 1.418m hectares in 2020-21 compared to
1.404m hectares last year. The yield of maize crop witnessed a growth of 7.38pc to 8.465m
tonnes in 2020-21 against 7.883m tonnes last year.

“Quality research and intellect in the agriculture is need of hour to achieve the agenda of food
security in the country,” he added.

He said that livestock has also emerged as a major component of the agriculture sector and now
has achieved a growth rate of 3.1 per cent. In the sector, he said focus will be on breeding,
feeding and health.

“We will take measures to attract foreign investments in the livestock to encourage value-
addition”, he said. The focus will be on milk and meat.

Replying to a question, the minister said that the government has especially focused on the
production of edible oil to decrease the biggest export bill in this commodity.

“The government has also planned to promote floriculture for promoting flower farming and is
focusing on organic farming for enhancing exports,” he added.

Moreover, Fakhar Imam said that massive drop in cotton yield is due to decline in Sindh. He said
a 2.1m bales were received in Sindh as against the target of 4.5m bales.

The minister said standing crop was damaged due to excessive rain. He said Punjab has received
only 3.8m bales this year, which is lower than last year. “This is a setback for our economy,” he
said, adding government will take several initiatives to achieve next year target.

The government has projected 10.5m bales target for 2021-22.

https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2021/05/30/high-agri-yields-to-help-reduce-food-imports-fakhar-
imam/

 h National Party Congress 

 15th National Assembly Elections
 Party Building
 COVID-19
 UNSC Non-Permanent Membership
 East Sea
 Climate Change
 13th National Party Congress 
 15th National Assembly Elections
 





BUSINESS

Mekong Delta needs momentum to grow

further: conference
Tran Tuan Anh, head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, said on June 1 that
solutions are needed to create momentum for socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta.

VNA Tuesday, June 01, 2021 18:55 

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Sunday, May 16, 2021 14:03
 Tran Tuan Anh, head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, speaks at the

conference. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Tran Tuan Anh, head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, said on
June 1 that solutions are needed to create momentum for socio-economic development in the
Mekong Delta.

It is necessary to identify the advantages and challenges in the region’s sustainable development,
especially in the new context, he told a conference in Hanoi.

The conference looked at the building of a project reviewing the implementation of Resolution No
21-NQ/TW dated January 20, 2013, on orientations, tasks, and solutions to spur socio-economic
development and ensure national defence and security in the Mekong Delta in 2001-2010.

The Politburo has assigned the Economic Commission to coordinate with relevant agencies in
assessing implementation.
The Mekong Delta has recorded achievements in many regards, with economic restructuring being
on the right track. It has also affirmed its place as Vietnam’s leading centre for rice, aquatic product,
and fruit production and export, the conference heard.

However, Anh said, limitations remain, such as slow regional growth, lower living standards than the
national average, and economic development yet to match the region’s potential and advantages.

Given this, he stressed, new resources and measures are needed to boost regional socio-economic
development./.

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/mekong-delta-needs-momentum-to-grow-further-conference/202406.vnp

CPI calls for collective fight against Covid-19

Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 31 2021: CPI Manipur State Council has urged the state government to convene an all-political
party meet to rope in the contribution of different political parties and also to utilise the local area development
fund and salaries of MLAs and MP in the fight against Covid-19.Addressing a press conference at the party's
office here on Monday, its secretary L Sotinkumar said that forcing the public to stay at home for long period for
fighting the pandemic will require provision of foods and other essential commodities.

On the other hand, several poor families have spent in term of lakhs of rupees while undergoing treatment for
Covid in private hospitals and many have died despite spending such huge amount.

Unfortunately, some private hospitals are attempting to convert the crisis into opportunity for their selfish
motives, he said.

On the other hand, several assembly constituencies are still deprived of PMGKAY rice, which is provided free
of cost for the month of May and June by the central government.

There are several complaints of distributing lesser quantity of rice than the assured 5 kg per head, he noted,
while adding that the government is slow in taking up necessary initiative to fight the pandemic.

Some so-called social workers are also trying to take the opportunity of consolidating their vote banks in the
name of helping the public, which is very unfortunate, he said.

VDF personnel, who work on a meagre monthly wage, are donating Rs 28 lakh to the CM's relief fund and the
party appreciates their gesture.

ASHA workers are also playing major role in the fight and the government should acknowledge the contribution
of Anganwadi workers, mid-day meal workers and drivers in tackling the crisis situation.

At the same time, the government should take up initiatives to provide assistance to farmers and labourers and
also to release wages for several workers during this crisis period, Sotinkumar said.

Maintaining that elections in some states became the major cause of the present situation in the country, he
appealed to the government to utilise the salaries and local area development funds of MLAs and MPs in
fighting the pandemic.

CPI state councillors Kh Brojendro, H Sarat and Akham were also present at the press conference.
http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=37..010621.jun21

Pakistan: Sindh govt accuses Imran Khan's PTI of stealing province's water share

Read more At:

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/pakistan-sindh-govt-accuses-imran-khans-pti-of-stealing-
provinces-water-share20210601131759/

Pakistan's inflation rate eased

to 10.87% y/y in May

Man counting the currency notes. Representational Image/File photo

  Pakistan's annual inflation rate slightly eased to 10.87% year-on-year
in May, says the statistics bureau
 Last month, the annual consumer price index increased by 11.1%.
 The data comes days ahead of the country's annual budget.

ISLAMABAD: According to the statistics bureau, Pakistan's annual inflation rate

slightly eased to 10.87% year-on-year in May.

That compared with an annual consumer price index increase of 11.1% in the
previous month. The data came days ahead of the country's annual budget.

Prices of essential commodities, including chicken, eggs, meat, vegetables, pulses,

sugar, and rice, have been on the rise, hitting hard a population already under
pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) last week said that it expects the
country's economy to shed the coronavirus shock this year and grow by 3.49%
annually.

Read more: Pakistan's economy to shed COVID-19 shock this year: SBP

Pakistan suffered its first-ever economic contraction last fiscal year, since 1952
when its economy contracted by 0.4%. 

The SBP said the country's GDP is expected to rise to 3.49% as "post-Covid
recovery underway since last summer has strengthened".

The central bank had earlier forecast that the economy will grow by 3% in the
current fiscal year, revising its target from over 2%. 

It had said that the current account had gone into surplus for the first time in 17
years, adding that the foreign account reserves were also at a four-year high. 

https://www.geo.tv/latest/352914-pakistan-cpi-inflation-rate-at-1087-yy-in-may-statistics-bureau
Fawad Ch surprised over Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto's statements on
IMF
  Published On 31 May,2021 11:18 am

So far, PPP and PML-N took 47 and 35 percent loan respectively: Fawad Ch

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Minister for Information and Broadcasting

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday said that he is surprised over the statements
of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehabz Sharif and
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto regarding International
Monetary Fund (IMF).

In a statement, the Pakistan Tehreke-e-Insaf (PTI) government minister has

advised the PPP and PML-N leaders to review facts before leveling allegations to
avoid embarrassment. So far, PPP and PML-N took 47 and 35 percent loan
respectively, he added. 

Earlier, Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan is facing economic crisis due to ineffective

policies of PML-N and PPP government.
In a post on social-networking website Twitter, the minister said that the policies
of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are boosting the economic growth of the
country. For the first time, Rs4 billion tax has been gathered, he added.

The minister further said that historical production of wheat, rice, sugarcane and
corn has been recorded during PTI tenure.

https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/603972-Fawad-Ch-surprised-Shehbaz-Sharif-Bilawal-Bhutto-
statements-IMF

RIFAN says Lagos Rice Mill launch will

boost productivity
By NAN

28 May 2021   |   10:38 am

Youths set to be empowered with Trace Troops

3 days ago
Six injured as dynamite explodes in Rivers market

10 hours ago

Atiku to sink $20m in Adamawa economy

10 hours ago
The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has said the long-anticipated Rice mill
project, promised by the Lagos State government, will boost local rice production when it goes
into operation.

The Deputy National Chairman of RIFAN, Mr Segun Atho, disclosed this in an interview with
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
Atho said the proposed rice mill will open a vista of opportunities for rice production and
increase revenue generation for the Lagos state government.

“The proposed rice mill project promised by the Lagos state government for rice farmers in the
state will shortly be launched.

“The rice farmers will be the major beneficiaries of the mills when completed as well as other
stakeholders in the rice value chain.

“The rice mill will provide ample opportunity for us to have surplus in local rice production
which will in turn open the gateway for local rice exports.

“With the running of the rice mill in Lagos, we will become self-sufficient in rice cultivation and
also supply neighbouring nations and regions around us.

“The commencement of the rice mill will also increase revenue generation in Lagos state as rice
farmers pay to process their produce.

“However, with the completion and launch of the Lagos Rice mills, this will further boost the
rate of production of locally-grown rice in Nigeria,” Atho told NAN.

RIFAN’s Deputy Chairman also noted that the operation of the mill will lead to a drop in the
price of local rice, making it affordable to every Nigerian.

According to him, the increased quantity of rice production will help processors package the
commodity in smaller bags, making it affordable for low-income earners.

“With the increased quantity of locally-grown rice in the market, the lower the price of local rice
will fall. We want to sell local rice at considerable prices that will be affordable to everybody.

“When we have well-polished local rice in large quantities, the price will gradually drop and
become more affordable. But the lower the quantity, the higher the price will be.

“We have even suggested the packaging of local rice in 1kg, 2kg and 5kg bags for low-income
earners who may not be able to afford the 25kg-rice at once.

“This will be another strategy to lower the price of local rice, when packaged in smaller
quantities. It is like taking a cue from the production of sachet milk as against the purchase of tin
milk,” the Deputy Chairman said.

https://guardian.ng/news/rifan-says-lagos-rice-mill-launch-will-boost-productivity/

Subsidy On Rice Announced For 15 Districts

   4 days ago  Fri 28th May 2021 | 01:20 PM

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May,

2021 ) :Agriculture Department announced subsidy on rice crops in 15 districts
of Punjab including Faisalabad,
Jhng, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sialkot, Nankana Sahib, Bahawal
Nagar, Narowal,Kasur, Gujrat, Lahore, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahaudin.
A spokesman of agriculture department said here on Friday that subsidy will be provided
to registered farmers only for approved varieties of rice including Super Basmati,
Basmati-515, PK-1121 and SK-133, PK-386 and NIA-Ari-9.
He said that subsidy of Rs.1200 will be provided on every bag of basmati varieties, while
Rs.

800 will be doled out on non-basmati varieties of the rice.

The registered farmers should purchase rice seed and submit bag voucher to the nearest
rice dealer and he will pay subsidy amount immediately.
He said that one farmer is eligible to get subsidy on one bag of rice seed only whereas the
unregistered farmers should contact nearest office of agriculture department for their
registration.
Spokesman further said that growers should cultivate approved varieties of the rice and
more information and guidance in this regard can be obtained through agri-helpline 0800-
1700 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/subsidy-on-rice-announced-for-15-districts-1262396.html

Bangladesh rice crop

wiped out by heat stress
at 36°C
2021-05-28 03:29:00 PM

Source

Business Day

Bangladeshi farmers have suffered losses of $39m according to group,

with scientists looking at heat-tolerant varieties as food insecurity grows

Mosabber HossainA woman processes paddy rice she harvested from a

field on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Picture: MOHAMMAD
PONIR HOSSAINBangladesh — Standing in his paddy field in northeast
Bangladesh, Shafiqul Islam Talukder holds a handful of empty stalks —
all chaff, with no rice grains.

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help people quit smokingPan African Parliament disrupted after MPs scuffle

Two days of sudden, intensely hot air that swept across the country in
April disrupted the rice’s growth, destroying the crop his family was
supposed to survive the year on, the farmer from Kishoreganj district
 said.“The same thing happened to the adjacent field of mine. My dream
crop is finished,” he said with tears in his eyes. “I can’t think of how to
support the family for a whole year. I invested my savings and planted
5ha of high-yielding rice. Now it’s all over.”

The heat stress — caused by a mix of high temperatures, low rainfall

and low humidity — ruined thousands of hectares of crops in
Bangladesh’s main rice-growing region this spring, with climate experts
warning the phenomenon could threaten food supplies. headtopics.com

More than 36 districts were affected when temperatures reached as

high as 36°C for two consecutive days in early April, according to the
government’s Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).The average
maximum temperature for April in Bangladesh is about 33°C, according
to the country’s meteorological department.

While other crops were affected — including maize, peanuts and

bananas — department of agricultural extension figures shared with the
Thomson Reuters Foundation show the bulk of the damaged plants
were rice.According to the data, more than 68,000ha of rice were either
partially or completely destroyed over the two days, affecting more than
300,000 farmers and resulting in losses of an estimated 3.3-billion taka
($39m).

Bangladesh already faces increasingly extreme weather — including

droughts, floods and storms — but April saw the most destructive bout
of heat shock since the BRRI started keeping records in 2012.Heat
stress is a fairly new problem for Bangladeshi farmers, said Nazmul
Bari, an entomology expert at the rice institute. “There was no notable
heat shock before [2012],” he said, adding that the first recorded
incident affected crops in only four districts.

The heat experienced this April was the worst “attack” yet, Bari
said. “The temperature was rising day by day [and] there was not much
rain. So the humidity in the air was very low. That is the big reason for
this massive heat shock.”Threat to food security headtopics.com

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 Romij Uddin, an agronomy professor at Bangladesh Agricultural
University, said heat stress on crops is directly linked to global warming
and rice is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures.April’s event hit
the plants during their flowering stage, when rice plants self-pollinate,
interrupting their natural reproduction cycle, Uddin said.

“Temperature is very crucial for pollination and high temperatures during

this stage may cause sterility,” he said.At an annual rice festival in
Ballabhpur haor, a wetland area, there were no smiles on the farmers’
faces this year, only talk of crop devastation.

“I have never seen such hot air in my 60 years,” said Helal Mia, a farmer
from Ballabhpur village who lost 4ha of rice to heat stress. “I have
borrowed money for paddy cultivation. How can I repay the loan now?
How can I support my wife and children all year round? I can’t see
anything but darkness before my eyes.”

Climate experts warn that if Bangladesh continues to experience bouts

of heat stress, the country may face food shortages.About a quarter of
the nation’s approximately 160-million people are already considered
food insecure, meaning they have inadequate or uncertain access to
nutritious and safe food, according to the UN’s World Food Programme.
headtopics.com

“We have to pay more attention to heat shock,” said Saleemul Huq,
director of the International Centre for Climate Change and
Development based in the capital Dhaka.Huq predicted that if the
incidence of heat stress persists, it could result in an overall 20%
decline in rice production this year.

Heat-tolerant varietiesHuq and other agricultural experts say that, along

with making sure rice crops are sufficiently watered, the best way to
minimise the effects of heat stress is to encourage farmers to plant
more heat-tolerant rice varieties.Sazzadur Rahman, principal scientific
officer of the BRRI’s plant physiology division, said the institute is
developing new varieties that can stand up to heat and early results look
good.

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 “It yields well, it yields fast. The rice lines we developed will be able to
tolerate up to 38°C of daytime temperature,” he said. “Heat shock could
affect our food security, but we are trying to prevent this disaster.”
https://headtopics.com/za/bangladesh-rice-crop-wiped-out-by-heat-stress-at-36-c-20317238

rising 'heat shocks' ruin rice crops,

Bangladesh faces hunger risk
By Mosabber Hossain
5 MIN READ

KISHOREGANJ DISTRICT, Bangladesh (Thomson Reuters

Foundation) - Standing in his paddy field in northeast Bangladesh,
Shafiqul Islam Talukder holds a handful of empty stalks - all chaff, with
no rice grains.

Two days of sudden, intensely hot air that swept across the country in
April disrupted the rice’s growth, destroying the crop his family was
supposed to survive the year on, the 45-year-old farmer from
Kishoreganj district explained.

“The same thing happened to the adjacent field of mine. My dream crop
is finished,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“I can’t think of how to support the family for a whole year. I invested
my savings and planted five hectares (12 acres) of high-yielding rice.
Now it’s all over.”

The heat stress - caused by a mix of high temperatures, low rainfall and
low humidity - ruined thousands of hectares of crops in Bangladesh’s
main rice-growing region this spring, with climate experts warning the
phenomenon could threaten food supplies.

More than 36 districts were affected when temperatures reached as high

as 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) for two consecutive days
in early April, according to the government’s Bangladesh Rice Research
Institute (BRRI).

The average maximum temperature for April in Bangladesh is about

33C, according to the country’s Meteorological Department.

While other crops were affected - including maize, peanuts, and bananas
- Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) figures shared with the
Thomson Reuters Foundation show the bulk of the damaged plants were
rice.

According to the data, more than 68,000 hectares of rice were either
partially or completely destroyed over the two days, affecting more than
300,000 farmers and resulting in losses of an estimated 3.3 billion taka
($39 million).

Bangladesh already faces increasingly extreme weather - including

droughts, floods and storms - but last month saw the most destructive
bout of heat shock since the BRRI started keeping records in 2012.

Heat stress is a fairly new problem for Bangladeshi farmers, said Md.
Nazmul Bari, an entomology expert at the rice institute.

“There was no notable heat shock before (2012),” he said, adding that
the first recorded incident affected crops in only four districts.

The heat experienced this April was the worst “attack” yet, Bari said.

“The temperature was rising day by day (and) there was not much rain.
So the humidity in the air was very low. That is the big reason for this
massive heat shock.”
THREAT TO FOOD SECURITY

Romij Uddin, an agronomy professor at Bangladesh Agricultural

University, said heat stress on crops is directly linked to global warming
and rice is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures.

April’s event hit the plants during their flowering stage, when rice plants
self-pollinate, interrupting their natural reproduction cycle, Uddin
explained.

“Temperature is very crucial for pollination and high temperatures

during this stage may cause sterility,” he said.

At an annual rice festival in Ballabhpur haor, a wetland area, there were

no smiles on the farmers’ faces this year, only talk crop devastation.

“I have never seen such hot air in my 60 years,” said Helal Mia, a farmer
from Ballabhpur village who lost four hectares of rice to heat stress.

“I have borrowed money for paddy cultivation. How can I repay the loan
now? How can I support my wife and children all year round? I can’t see
anything but darkness before my eyes.”

Climate experts warn that if Bangladesh continues to experience bouts

of heat stress, the country may face food shortages.

About a quarter of the nation’s approximately 160 million people are

already considered food insecure, meaning they have inadequate or
uncertain access to nutritious and safe food, according to the United
Nations’ World Food Programme.

“We have to pay more attention to heat shock,” said Saleemul Huq,
director of the International Centre for Climate Change and
Development based in the capital Dhaka.

Huq predicted that if incidences of heat stress persist, they could result
in an overall 20% decline in rice production this year.
 HEAT-TOLERANT VARIETIES

Huq and other agricultural experts say that, along with making sure rice
crops are sufficiently watered, the best way to minimise the effects of
heat stress is to encourage farmers to plant more heat-tolerant rice
varieties.

Md. Sazzadur Rahman, principal scientific officer of the BRRI’s plant

physiology division, said the institute is developing new varieties that
can stand up to heat and early results look good.

“It yields well, it yields fast. The rice lines we developed will be able to
tolerate up to 38 degrees Celsius of daytime temperature,” he said over
the phone.

“Heat shock could affect our food security, but we are trying to prevent
this disaster.”
Reporting by Mosabber Hossain, Editing by Jumana Farouky and Laurie Goering. Please credit
the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers the lives
of people around the world who struggle to live freely or fairly. Visit news.trust.org
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-climate-change-rice-temper-idUSKCN2D90ND

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Millions in Myanmar struggle to buy food

as coup price hike bites

 A man pushes a cart with vegetables for distribution during a donation drive aimed at helping low
income households in Yangon, Myanmar, on April 6. | AFP-JIJI
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 May 28, 2021
YANGON, MYANMAR – Aye Mar sits with her seven children in their Yangon kitchen
and worries whether their meal of rice and stringy vegetables — all she can afford in
coup-stricken Myanmar — will satisfy their hunger.
The national economy and banking system have been paralyzed since a military power-
grab which pushed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi out of office in February.

Livelihoods have been lost after strikes and factory closures, fuel prices have shot up and
those lucky enough to have bank savings face daylong lines to withdraw their cash.

Venturing out in public to earn a living has also become a safety hazard against the
backdrop of an indiscriminate and brutal crackdown on dissent that has killed more
than 800 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

In a country which in normal times exports rice, beans and fruit, millions will go hungry
in the coming months, the World Food Program has warned.

“We have to feed our children so they don’t starve,” Aye Mar says, sitting barefoot in the
commercial capital, a baby swinging in a hammock overhead.

The 33-year-old is out of work, along with her husband who has been forced to take any
odd job on offer — including digging septic tanks.

A girl plays in front of her home in a poor community on the outskirts of Yangon on May 21.
| AFP-JIJI

Food vendor Wah Wah, 37, says price increases since the coup mean customers can no
longer afford something as modest as a bowl of dried fish.

“I can’t sell it because customers cannot afford to buy it … even if I sell it at 500 kyats
(33 cents) per bowl,” she said.

“Everyone has to spend money carefully to be safe because no one has jobs. We live with
fear because we don’t know what will happen.”

Father-of-three Win Naing Tun, 26, said those who could previously afford to eat pork
regularly have been forced to turn to fish paste and vegetables.

And those who survived on that limited diet before “now can only afford to eat white rice
with salt,” he said.
Price hikes have hit remote areas particularly hard — near the Chinese border in Kachin
state, rice is almost 50% more expensive, according to the WFP.

The cost of transporting produce from farms to cities has also jumped after an estimated
30% fuel price hike since the coup.

The WFP estimates that within the next six months, as many as 3.4 million more people
will go hungry in Myanmar and it is poised to triple its emergency food assistance.
 People wait to receive bags of rice distributed by the World Food Program on May 21. | AFP-JIJI

A grassroots community food donation program is proving to be in high demand in

Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital.

“They are happy when we donate food. Some even cry,” volunteer May, not her real
name.

Ni Aye, 51, said she and her husband now have no income at all and depend on
handouts for the food they eat.

“We are in trouble. … If these conditions continue we will starve,” she said.

Aung Kyaw Moe, 47, is considering returning to his home village after the Yangon
factory he worked in shut down.

He said he had no money saved up and was in despair over how to support his family of
nine, who are squatting illegally with him in the commercial capital.

“Everything is outside our control,” he said.

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Japan permits continued stay of Myanmar residents due to coup



Japan to allow two dismissed Myanmar diplomats to remain after credentials

expire


More than 125,000 Myanmar teachers suspended for opposing coup

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Thailand seeks new rice

varieties to reclaim position
as rice export champ
By Pattaya Mail
May 29, 2021
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The Rice Department and Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) are seeking
new varieties of Thai rice that could gain popularity with international customers
and allow Thailand to reclaim its position as the rice export champion.
The Thai government is now working with private firms to select and promote
new varieties of Thai rice for export, as the Thai rice export figure has been in
decline since last year.

The Rice Department and Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) are seeking
new varieties of Thai rice that could gain popularity with international customers
and allow Thailand to reclaim its position as the rice export champion.

A contest will be held by the two organizations to select three rice varieties with
properties superior to conventional varieties already on the market, with one
variety in the fragrant rice category, one in the soft white rice category, and one
in the hard white rice category.

Varieties eligible for the competition must be developed and refined in Thailand.
Winners in each category will receive a 500,000 baht cash prize, plus an
honorary plaque and certification from the Minister of Commerce.

After the contest, the TREA will file for plant variety protection of the winning rice
varieties at the earliest opportunity, before promoting the cultivation of these rice.

Once prominent in rice exports to the world, Thailand has been seeing a decline
in the quantity of rice exported as a result of greater competition. The country
logged a 24% drop in the quantity of rice exports last year, compared to 2019.

The TREA President Pol Lt Charoen Laothamatas revealed today that Thailand
exported only 1.5 million tons of rice in the first four months of this year,
considerably lower than the two million tons target.

With rice exports of six million tons set as a target this year, the TREA president
acknowledged the industry is now in recession, especially in sales of white rice,
parboiled rice, and Hom Mali rice, which have been falling continuously.

Both the TREA and the Rice Department are anticipating their new rice variety
contest will allow Thailand to increase its competitiveness in international
markets. (NNT)

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-seeks-new-rice-varieties-to-reclaim-position-as-
rice-export-champ-357368
Northern region enjoys record rice output
in 2020-2021 Winter-Spring crop
The northern region enjoyed record rice output and productivity in the 2020-2021 Winter-Spring crop, it
was reported at an online review conference on May 28.

VNA Friday, May 28, 2021 15:39 

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Friday, October 23, 2020 18:12
 Farmers harvest the 2020-2021 Winter-Spring crop (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi, (VNA) – The northern region enjoyed record rice output and productivity in

the 2020-2021 Winter-Spring crop, it was reported at an online review conference on
May 28.

According to the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development, the region harvested an average 6.36 tonnes of paddy rice per
hectare during the crop, with total output reaching an estimated 6.9 million tonnes, an
increase of 34,000 tonnes from the same period last year.

Nguyen Nhu Cuong, head of Department of Crop Production said the outstanding
results are attributable to favourable weather conditions.  With greater area of high
quality rice varieties and reduction in production costs, the profit has also improved for
farmers.

He stressed that the achievement plays an important role in ensuring food security and 
socio-economic stability in the context of complicated developments of the COVID-19
pandemic.
 According to schedule, northern provinces will sow rice on 1.2 million hectares, down
7,000 ha from the same crop last year. Average productivity is expected to reach 5.18
tonnes per hectare and the estimated output at 6.3 million tonnes./.

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/northern-region-enjoys-record-rice-output-in-20202021-winterspring-crop/
202219.vnp

Rice tariff cut not due to trade talks: DTI

By Kris Crismundo  May 28, 2021, 3:49 pm

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(File photo)

MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Friday clarified that
the lowering of tariff for imported rice is not an outcome of trade agreement discussions but only to
diversify the sourcing of the staple.

“The tariff adjustment was not due to any trade agreement discussion. It was mainly due to rising
prices of rice from major import source like Vietnam and Thailand which are Asean countries and
which have 35 percent tariff rates,” Lopez said in a statement.

He added that sourcing outside Asean member states will secure sufficient rice inventory and
ensure low and stable price of rice.

On May 15, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 135 that cuts the most favored
nation (MFN) tariff rate on rice from 40 percent to 35 percent.
 Lopez said by lowering the MFN rate, importing rice from countries outside Asean can compete with
the prices of rice from Vietnam and Thailand.

“The idea is just to have parity tariff of 35 percent for rice coming also from outside ASEAN, to
lessen the cost of acquisition to benefit the consumers,” he said.

The country is eyeing to source rice from India.

“The tariff reduction can benefit future talks with other countries but tariff was not reduced because
of these talks, but primarily because of how it will benefit directly the Filipino consumers through
lower rice prices,” Lopez said. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141791

Pangasinan takes over rice processing

complex ops
By Jerick James Pasiliao and Hilda Austria  May 28, 2021, 4:48 pm

Share

RICE COMPLEX TAKEOVER. Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar (second from right)
and Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III (right) sign a memorandum of agreement for the turn-
over of the management of the rice processing complex to the provincial government of Pangasinan
on Friday (May 28, 2021). The complex has been non-operational for a long period of time. (Photo by
Jerick James Pasiliao)
STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan will now run the operation
and management of the rice processing complex (RPC) here after being non-operational for the past
years.

This after the provincial government headed by Governor Amado Espino III and the Department of
Agriculture led by Secretary William Dar signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday.

“The PHP400 million will be used to buy palay (unhusked rice) from farmers all over the province.
The palay will be processed in the RPC and will be sold to the market. Rest assured that all profit will
go to the farmers and not to the provincial government,” Espino said in his speech.

He added that rice facilities will also be constructed in Mabini and San Quintin town with the
additional PHP100-million funding.

“So we will have rice processing in the eastern, central, and western Pangasinan,” he said.

Espino said after the procurement process, a team that will qualify and quantify palays that will be
bought from the different farmers in the entire province will be formed.

He said the RPC has been non-operational for a long time that prompted them to ask the DA for
approval to run the complex.

In a recent interview, provincial agriculturist Dalisay Moya said local rice farmers would benefit from
the rehabilitation of the RPC, and the processing of their harvested rice could start once it is turned
over to the provincial government.

"(The) DA will remain as the co-owner of the facility and one of the provisions is that we are going to
request financial assistance from the national government for its rehabilitation," Moya said.

The RPC used to be managed and operated by the National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor), a former
corporate arm of the DA that was closed down in 2014 after being dragged into the multi-billion-peso
pork barrel fund scam.

Moya said the RPC has been dilapidated since 2018 because Nabcor failed to operate at a profit.
Some robbers also entered the complex and destroyed its electrical system years ago.

"The objective is to improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system in the province through
reduction of post-harvest losses, enhancement in the quality of milled rice, improvement of the
distribution system, and maximization of rice byproduct," she added.

The RPC was established through a grant from the South Korean government implemented by the
Korea International Cooperation Agency. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141845