dobara

 1 August 2021  Last Updated at 7:49 pm | Source: PTI

Foodgrain output to touch new record of

308.65 mn tons in 2020-21: Govt''s 4th
estimate


New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) India''s foodgrain production is

estimated to rise 3.74 per cent to a new record of 308.65
million tonnes in the crop year 2020-21, on the better output
of rice, wheat and pulses amid good monsoon rains last year,
the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday. The record
output is projected in rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and
oilseeds, it added. In the 2019-20 crop year (July-June), the
country''s foodgrain output (comprising wheat, rice, pulses
and coarse cereals) stood at a record 297.5 million tonnes.
Releasing the fourth advance estimate for the 2020-21 crop
year, the agriculture ministry said foodgrain production is
projected at a record 308.65 million tonnes. The estimate has
been revised upward by 3.22 million tonnes from the third
estimate of 305.43 million tonnes for the same year.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the record
foodgrains are being produced in the country due to the
tireless hard work of the farmers, the skill of the scientists
and the agriculture and farmer-friendly government
policies. "The central government is doing concrete work
with the states to advance Indian agriculture, which will
continue," he added. As per the data, rice production is
pegged at a record 122.27 million tonnes in the 2020-21 crop
year as against 118.87 million tonnes in the previous year.
Wheat production is estimated to increase to a record 109.52
million tonnes in 2020-21 from 107.86 million tonnes in the
previous year, while the output of coarse cereals is likely to
increase to 51.15 million tonnes from 47.75 million tonnes.
Pulses output is estimated to be a record 25.72 million
tonnes, as compared to 23.03 million tonnes in the 2019-20
crop year. In the non-foodgrain category, the production of
oilseeds is estimated at 36.10 million tonnes in 2020-21
against 33.21 million tonnes in the previous year.
Rapeseed/mustard seed production is pegged at a record
10.11 million tonnes for the 2020-21 crop year. Sugarcane
production is pegged at 399.25 million tonnes from 370.50
million tonnes in the previous year, while cotton output is
expected to drop marginally to 35.38 million bales (170 kg
each) from 36.07 million bales. Production of jute/mesta is
estimated to drop slightly to 9.56 million bales (180 kg each)
in the 2020-21 crop year, from 9.87 million bales in the
previous year. The government releases four estimates
before the final one at different stages of crop growth and
harvesting. PTI LUX BAL BAL

Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Outlook Staff and is auto-generated from
news agency feeds. Source: PTI

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/foodgrain-output-to-touch-new-record-of-30865-mn-tons-
in-202021-govts-4th-estimate/2139467
NARC, IRRI partnering in hybrid rice tech
project
By RASTRIYA SAMACHAR SAMITI

Published: 09:55 am Aug 11, 2021


FILE PHOTO - Nepal Agricultural Research Council and the International Rice Research Institute are
partnering in the Hybrid Rice Technology Transfer Project. Photo: Skanda Gautam/THT

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 10

Nepal Agricultural Research Council and the International Rice Research Institute are partnering
in the Hybrid Rice Technology Transfer Project.

The two research institutes have inked a memorandum of understanding for this purpose as well.
The project is expected to add a new dimension to the rice research sector as this fiveyear project
envisages attaining self-sufficiency in rice by developing hybrid varieties through identification
and use of indigenous and wild varieties of rice in Nepal.

Rice, the staple crop, has contributed much to food security in the country.
Under the project to be implemented with the government's financial assistance, the overall
technology of hybrid rice will be developed within the country itself to be led by NARC
scientists.

As per the memorandum of understanding, IRRI will hand over to NARC the science,
technology, skills and capacity required for the project, which shall make rice breeding research
process prompt, efficient, effective and reliable through the use of high-end technology for the
development of hybrid varieties.

NARC stated that the project will also develop Nepali agricultural scientists capable of
employing high technology and innovative thinking. It will be employing Molecular Assisted
Breeding, Genomic Selection, Gene Discovery and Gene Mining techniques.

New technology of rice breeding as 'three line hybrid' and 'two line hybrid' will be introduced in
the country through this project.

The project aims to commercialise hybrid rice, which is more productive and climate resilient. It
is also expected to expand the area of hybrid rice cultivation and thereby contribute to attaining
self-sufficiency by means of import substitution.

It is believed that Nepal will develop as the proper centre of South Asia in view of the use of
technology on the basis of the result attained after implementation of the project.

Nepal representative of IRRI Dr Krishna Dev Joshi and Executive Director of the Council Dr
Deepak Bhandari signed the memorandum of understanding for operation of the project.

The project is expected to be a milestone in reducing import of food grains in Nepal as agro-
productivity will increase once the project is fully implemented.

On the occasion, Dr Bhandari said that collaboration between the two organisations active in the
research centre will increase the capacity of agriculture scientists in Nepal.

Although Nepal is an agricultural country, it has been importing rice worth around Rs 32 billion
annually in recent years. Per capita consumption of rice is 138-kg annually in Nepal.

There is need of 6.1 million tonnes of paddy and 4.76 million tonnes of rice every year. The
country has been producing 3.25 million tonnes rice every year.

The council has launched different famous species of paddy including Khumal 4, Radha 4, and
Hardinath 1 in the past three decades. It is said that the production of these species of paddy is
very good in the country.

As more than 65 per cent of the population is dependant on agriculture for their livelihood, the
uplift of farmers and promotion of hybrid crops will contribute to improving the living standard
of people.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 11 2021, of The Himalayan Times.

#Nepal Agricultural Research Council #International Rice Research

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/narc-irri-partnering-in-hybrid-rice-tech-project\\

Providing vitamins to SE Asian women can

boost infant health

August 11, 2021 - 5:00am

 Twitter

 Facebook
Polished white rice is a staple of diets in Southeast Asia, which poses a serious public health
problem because the grain has been stripped of its vitamins and minerals during processing,
according to new research by UO scientists.

White rice lacks thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, an essential nutrient for humans because it
helps the body’s cells convert carbohydrates into energy. Thiamine deficiency can lead to
cognitive and physical impairments, particularly in infants of breast-feeding mothers who lack
the nutrient.

A new study led by psychologists at the UO found that providing thiamine supplements to
breast-feeding mothers in Cambodia can help protect the neurocognitive development of their
infants and especially benefits their language development.

UO psychologist Jeffrey Measelle is the lead author of the study, published in the Annals of the
New York Academy of Sciences, and Dare Baldwin, also a psychology professor, is a co-author.
The study is one piece of a large interdisciplinary clinical trial involving researchers from
Canada, France, Australia, Cambodia and the United States. The two UO psychologists have
been colleagues for many years but this is the first time they’ve worked together on a research
project.

Measelle said he’s been working on public health issues in Southeast Asia for a number of years,
and he and Baldwin were seeking funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for further
research. The foundation was particularly interested in acute thiamine deficiency in infants,
known as infantile beriberi, that causes cognitive damage and can kill babies.

The foundation connected Measelle and Baldwin with nutritionist Kyly Whitfield and colleagues
at Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia. The nutritionists had been investigating the
benefits of supplement techniques and wanted to know the best methods for measuring cognitive
development in infants, which is where Measelle and Baldwin came in.

The researchers recruited 335 healthy mothers of breastfed newborns in Kampong, Cambodia.
Two weeks after giving birth, women were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups to
receive one capsule a day of varying amounts of thiamine: 0 milligrams, 1.2 milligrams, 2.4
milligrams and 10 milligrams. Supplementation began when infants were 2 weeks old, and
continued until they were 24 weeks. Neurocognitive assessments took place when infants were 2
weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and at a 52-week follow-up, using multiple methods of measuring
cognitive development.

Analysis of the results indicated that the highest dose of 10 milligrams per day provided
significant benefits for infants’ language development but generally not for motor or visual
reception development. Preliminary evidence also suggests that infants’ neurocognitive
development may benefit most if the mother begins taking supplements while pregnant.

“For me personally, given that much of my work is focused on prenatal development,” Measelle
said, “we need to go back to an earlier stage and protect fetal development during pregnancy so
when the infant is born, they start at a better place and keep going.”
The researchers also concluded infants would benefit from continued thiamine supplementation
beyond six months.

“If we can protect the first 1,000 days of life, that would help to cover what is arguably the most
critical period of development,” Measelle said.

Thiamine deficiency is rare in western societies because it’s readily available in the diet in the
form of legumes, whole grains, pork and other foods. In Southeast Asia, a bowl of rice for an
entire day might be all that some can afford to eat, Baldwin said. And unfortunately, a 
commonly available type of fish that is eaten in Cambodia actually depletes thiamine.

In Cambodia, roughly 50 percent of adults are stunted because of malnutrition, the outward sign
of micronutrient deficiencies, including thiamine deficiency, that also compromises immune
systems, brain development and cognitive function, Baldwin said.

One idea to get more thiamine into the diets of Cambodians would be to fortify salt with the
nutrient, just as salt has been fortified with iodine in the United States since the 1920s. Getting
the correct dose will require more research, Measelle and Baldwin said.

Cambodian scientists and public health officials are supportive of the researchers’ work,
Measelle said.

“They know babies are vulnerable and all too often dying because of thiamine deficiencies,” he
said. “We have a strong partnership with our Cambodian colleagues and we’re already talking
about the next phases of work.”

—By Tim Christie, University Communications

https://around.uoregon.edu/content/providing-vitamins-se-asian-women-can-boost-infant-health\

Investing in the future

Senate Advances Massive
Infrastructure Spending
Measures
By Jamison Cruce

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, the U.S. Senate

passed the more than $1 trillion bipartisan
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by a vote of 69
to 30. Early this morning, the Senate also passed the
$3.5 trillion framework for Democrats’ social
infrastructure bill.

The bipartisan package focuses on physical infrastructure and would inject $550 billion in new
funding to repair roads, bridges, and waterways, as well as significantly increasing access to
broadband internet in rural America. The total cost of the bill comes to nearly $1.2 trillion
when traditional programs are reauthorized.

“USA Rice appreciates the bipartisan efforts of the Senate to pass the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act,” said Ben Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government
affairs. “These historic investments will provide much needed improvements throughout rural
America that will greatly benefit the U.S. rice industry.”

The budget resolution, including instructions on how to draft the spending package, passed
by Senate Democrats on a party-line vote of 50 to 49 now sets the stage for the $3.5 trillion
reconciliation package that would focus on Democrats’ social agenda, including provisions for
healthcare, climate, and education, without Republican support.

If the House, which is scheduled to cut its traditional month-long August recess short and
return to Washington the week of August 23, passes an identical budget resolution, then
Democrats can commence with the budget reconciliation process. This process would allow
Senate Democrats to pass legislation with a simple majority rather than the usual 60 votes
needed, essentially making the legislation filibuster-proof.

For agriculture, the budget resolution includes $135 billion in spending for measures
including: conservation, drought, and forestry programs to help reduce carbon emissions and
prevent wildfires; rural development and rural co-op clean energy investments; agricultural
climate research and research infrastructure; Civilian Climate Corps funding; child nutrition;
and debt relief.

With an equally divided Senate and slim Democratic majority in the House, both of these
packages, but particularly the social spending package, will likely face challenges from
factions in both caucuses.
Governor Andrew Cuomo Holds Press
Conference to Work on Sexual Harassment
Investigation
nabilspence2 days ago

Governor Andrew Cuomo I’m trying to talk to an elephant in the room. Pressure has increased
to resign after the Attorney General of New York discovered that he had sexually harassed
several women.

The 10-year New York guv is holding a press conference on Tuesday morning.Will be his first
public comment since NYAG last week Letitia James Announced findings for her office-saying
Cuomo had sexual harassment Former and current female staff from 2013 to 2020.

NY AG Letitia James: “Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state officials in
violation of federal and state law. Independent investigations revealed that Governor Cuomo
sexually harassed multiple women. ” pic.twitter.com/md7WtYyHK9
— Andrew Kachinsky (@KFILE) August 3, 2021
@KFILE

It’s unclear if he has announced his resignation, but last week he remained rebellious … he said
he wouldn’t.Almost every prominent Democrat you can imagine, including the president Joe
BidenWas calling on Cuomo to resign. The New York State Legislature meets to discuss
impeachment in the absence of impeachment.

ny.gov

According to AG James, some of the alleged actions included groping, kissing, hugging, and
inappropriate comments. She added that some of them could be criminally liable.In fact, there
may be charges in the future-one of Cuomo’s whistleblowers has already Submitted a police
report From Albany County … and they say they are investigating it now.

Cuomo, on his side, denied cheating … claiming he had never touched anyone in the way
described by AG. He had previously said he might be too familiar with some of his staff in the
past-but he choked it because he wasn’t mistakenly aware of the boundaries. rice field.

3/3/21

ny.gov

He also categorically refused to resign, saying he did not intend to interfere with his obligations
as governor.

Cuomo has been CEO of New York since 2011 … and was mostly loved during that time.

Governor Andrew Cuomo Holds Press Conference to Work on Sexual Harassment Investigation

Source link Governor Andrew Cuomo Holds Press Conference to Work on Sexual Harassment
Investigation

https://floridanewstimes.com/governor-andrew-cuomo-holds-press-conference-to-work-on-sexual-
harassment-investigation/321621/\
S. Korea to release 80,000 tons of rice in Aug. to cope with supply shortages

SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Monday it plans to release 80,000 tons of rice into the
market this month in a bid to deal with supply shortages and stabilize prices.

The move will raise the amount of reserved rice released into the market since January to 370,000 tons,
according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The ministry earlier said it will release up to 370,000 tons of rice into the market this year.

The government said the August plan is aimed at coping with a potential spike in demand ahead of the
Chuseok fall harvest holiday set for September.

Rice output came to 3.51 million tons last year, 120,000 tons fewer than the country's annual goal of
3.63 million tons.

The consumption of rice hit a record low in 2020, but supply ran short of demand as rice production was
hit by a record long rainy season and powerful typhoons last year.

Bags of rice are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul, in this file photo taken Jan. 10, 2021.
(Yonhap)

Author Name: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210802001800320

Phase One delivery: Get this 'seeraga samba'

biryani from KL Taman Persiaran Desa's
Baby Burger Cafe for the weekend
Wednesday, 11 Aug 2021 09:55 AM MYT

By Lee Khang Yi
Get your hands on this flavourful mutton biryani made with Seeraga Samba rice for a different weekend
treat – Pictures by Lee Khang Yi

Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 – We all know of biryani made with basmati rice but how about
those made with seeraga samba rice? Not many places in the Klang Valley offer this type of
biryani and this cafe that sells homemade burgers is offering this unusual variety for Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.

They started selling this type of biryani back in April this year. The seeraga samba rice is highly
sought after by many in Tamil Nadu.

The seeraga name refers to its resemblance to tiny cumin seeds or seeragam in Tamil. For the
samba name, this refers to the season this type of rice is grown, which is usually from August to
January.
The chicken biryani has smaller, fluffy grains that have a more subtle flavour

As the grain has a higher ability to absorb more liquid, the tiny grains don't clump together after
it is cooked. It's also less fluffy compared to basmati rice and has a slight al dente bite to the
grains. When cooked with the masala and spices, the grains have a more subtle flavour.

Not only is the grain sought after for its flavour but it's also packed with lots of good-for-you
benefits. In an article published by The New Indian Express, a clinical nutritionist claims the rice
is high in selenium and rich in fibre.

This apparently helps prevent cancer in the colon and intestines. The oil in the rice is also
believed to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

The grain also has powerful antioxidants that can apparently protect you from heart disease and
it has phytonutrients that can help fight breast cancer. Or so it is claimed.

At the cafe, they offer six types of biryani cooked with the tiny grains that are a third in size
compared to basmati. You have the usual chicken, mutton and vegetarian biryani (RM15.90).
There's also a prawn and squid (RM21.90) version. If you're feeling super indulgent, they offer
udang galah (two sizes) from RM35 onwards, and a Norwegian salmon biryani for RM50.
You can order the biryani two ways. If you're within the delivery area, it's on the Grab Food app.
Do take note you have to be pretty near the cafe though for that option to work as during peak
times, the app reduces the delivery area coverage.

When I checked in the evening, it was within my coverage area but for lunch time, it was marked
out of my delivery zone.

A safer bet to get the biryani delivered to you is pre-booking it ahead via WhatsApp. You can
book your meal and pay for it via bank transfer. They will arrange for a third party delivery rider
to send it to you and you pay the charges directly to the rider. They start sending out the food
from 12.30pm onwards.

I ordered the chicken biryani (RM16.90) to try it out. Each biryani order is served with a brinjal
raita, mango chutney, pappadums and vegetable kurma. They also give you a banana leaf to
recreate the whole biryani experience at home. You also get a free drink. In my case it was a 250
millilitre bottle of drinking water.

When you tip over the rice from the box onto the banana leaf, you will notice that the grains are
tiny. They may look clumped together but it easily separates out when you use a fork.

The fragrance is more subtle and each grain is covered with the masala and vegetables. I was
given a pretty substantial sized chicken drumstick.

What I liked about the chicken was that it wasn't the typical market variety with softer, mushier
flesh but the firmer flesh type that resembled our kampung chicken. You also get a whole hard
boiled egg for additional protein.
Pour the vegetable kurma over your chicken biryani for a satisfying meal

If you taste the rice on its own, it has a very light flavour but the grains are nice and fluffy. For a
more stronger flavour, add the vegetable kurma that has diced long bean, potatoes and carrots on
the rice.

I also liked the accompaniments like the creamy raita and the tangy mango chutney. And of
course, crush the pappadums and mix it with the biryani for a nice contrast of crunchy and fluffy
for each bite of your lunch.
Your biryani order is paired with mango chutney, brinjal raita, pappadums and vegetable kurma, which
you can enjoy on the banana leaf provided by the restaurant with a bottle of drinking water

I also tried out the mutton biryani (RM19.90) and this variety I felt was packed with more
flavour. The meat came in chunks and each one was tender.

Just mix up the meat with the rice and you will be incredibly satisfied with its tastiness. I would
definitely order this version again.

Baby Burger Cafe, 11, Persiaran Syed Putra 3, Taman Persiaran Desa, KL. Tel:03-
23891313. For pre-orders, you can WhatsApp 014-3379789. Facebook: @babyburgercafe
Instagram: @/babyburgercafe

https://www.malaymail.com/news/eat-drink/2021/08/11/phase-one-delivery-get-this-seeraga-samba-
biryani-from-kl-taman-persiaran-d/1996770
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https://www.leoweekly.com/2021/08/nerd-out-on-indian-regional-delights-at-louisvilles-bombay-grill/
Punjab, Telangana on top in contributing
PDS rice
Aug 10, 2021, 11:51 pm IST

Deccan Chronicle.  | dc correspondent

Nation, In Other News

Punjab contributed 202.82 LMTs of paddy in 2020-21 till August 3, 2021, while Telangana
contributed 141.15 LMTs during the same period

Union minister of state for food and public distribution system, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, stated in Lok
Sabha that in terms of rice, Punjab had contributed 135.89 LMTs while Telangana contributed 94.57
LMTs. — Representational image/DC

HYDERABAD: Punjab and Telangana stood at the first and second places respectively in the
country in contributing the highest paddy and rice stocks to public distribution system (PDS) and
other food security schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
The data released in Parliament on Tuesday showed that Punjab contributed 202.82 lakh metric
tonnes (LMTs) of paddy in 2020-21 till August 3, 2021, while Telangana contributed 141.15
LMTs during the same period in the kharif procurement season. No other state in the country
stands anywhere near Punjab and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh stood at a distant third place by
contributing 82.87 LMTs.

Union minister of state for food and public distribution system, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, stated in
Lok Sabha that in terms of rice, Punjab had contributed 135.89 LMTs while Telangana
contributed 94.57 LMTs.

Replying to the questions raised by MPs on this issue, she said Telangana's paddy contribution to
PDS during kharif had increased sharply from 111.26 LMTs in 2019-20 to 141.15 LMTs in
2020-21.

 Punjab's contribution rose from 162.33 LMTs in 2019-20 to 202.81 LMTs. There was not much
growth in Andhra Pradesh’s paddy contribution during the same period. It contributed 82.58
LMTs in 2019-20, which almost remained stable at 82.87 LMTs in 2020-21. 

The latest data is in line with Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's statements that Telangana
had emerged as 'rice bowl of India' due to the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) government's pro-
farmer policies and schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, 24x7 free power to agriculture,
creation of new irrigation facilities like Kaleshwaram and restoration of tanks under Mission
Kakatiya.

While all the States together contributed 872.06 LMTs of paddy and 585.83 LMTs of rice in 2020-21,
Telangana's share alone was 141.15 LMTs and 94.57 LMTs respectively.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/nation/in-other-news/100821/punjab-ts-on-top-in-
contributing-pds-rice.html

Covid 19 considerably brought down bulk

sale of basmati rice Arvinder Pal Singh
 | Wednesday | 11th August, 2021

Neeraj BaggaTribune News ServiceAmritsar August 10The Covid-19 considerably brought

down bulk sale of basmati and prompted families to avoid buying superior quality basmati thus
affecting its sale. Arvinder Pal Singh a proprietor of 'Lal Qila' brand said “The Covid-19's direct
impact on sales is visible. Thus its wise to focus on packaging in small quantity.”His grandfather
Amar Singh had registered the firm 'Amar Singh Chawal Wala' in 1901. The firm has two hi-tech
rice mills with a capacity of 535 metric tonne per day which produce white rice steamed rice and
parboiled rice with state-the-of-art machinery to ensure consistency in every grain. To protect
environment their rice mills use rice husk for producing electricity which partially fulfil their
energy requirement.

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https://www.nyoooz.com/news/amritsar/1601077/-covid-19-considerably-brought-down-bulk-sale-of-
basmati-rice-arvinder-pal-singh/

FAO-WFP Joint Market Monitor: Cox’s Bazar –

Bangladesh (July 2021)
Format

Situation Report

Sources

 FAO
 WFP
Posted
11 Aug 2021

Originally published

11 Aug 2021

Attachments

 Download document (PDF | 1.17 MB)

Key Highlights

 Under the UN-UN agreement, FAO and WFP have joined efforts to understand the
overall market environment in the district. This first Joint Market Monitoring (JMM)
report provides a more comprehensive overview of the market situation thanks to an
expanded coverage of commodities and markets monitored. The results shown refer to
the month of June.
 By June, average prices for most key food commodities (rice, soyabean oil, onion, red
lentils and red chili) in Cox’s Bazar remained similar to May and between 20%-30%
higher than June last year.
 The cost of a typical food basket remained similar to April and May levels, at BDT 1113,
but 25 percent higher than in June 2020.
 The increased prices compared to same time last year in key commodities prices is linked
to sustained impact of COVID-19 lockdown, the Eid ul Adha festival (mid-July) and the
onset of monsoon season, further exacerbated by a broader global upward trend, import
restrictions, and rising of local transportation costs.
 Retail rice price remains 22-31% higher than same time last year. Despite the good 2021
Boro harvest, government strategy to replenish its food reserve, coupled with the recent
ban on imports from India, have stretched the availability of rice in the market keeping
rice prices high.
  The lockdown imposed since April to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 delta variant
has led consumers to stockpile essential ingredients. Traders were also stockpiling before
Eid ul Adha (mid-July) which exerted a sudden demand on markets despite supplyside
disruptions, leading to an upward trend of prices observed in lentils, onions and spices.
 Compared to last month, prices of vegetables witnessed a sharp rise due to heavy rains
across the district in the month of June.
Many farmlands suffered damages and the heavy downpour derived in a supply shortage
of vegetables.
 Ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal for 65 days, from May to June, shifted the
consumers' demand towards eggs and poultry meat leading to a rise in prices in these
commodities. The increase in the price of poultry feed from BDT 4 to BDT 5 per kg and
the spread of poultry diseases affecting local small farms, created a dearth in the supply
of chicken and eggs.
 Livestock trade has also experienced substantial disruptions, with demand for livestock
products being atypically low. The impact on farmers and traders was considerable as Eid
al-Adha festivals is the peak season for livestock business in Bangladesh.
 Movement restrictions continue to create temporary labor shortages, for
loading/offloading at source markets and in factories/farms, leading to increased labor
costs. Transport costs also remain high, with spikes in truck rentals reported due to
unavailability of return loads. These costs are being passed on to the final consumers.
 Nine out of 10 retail traders noted that their customers were purchasing lower amounts
and cheaper or less preferred food, mainly driven by reduced income at the household
level. Traders reported an increase of credit purchase compared to normal times.
 In camps, refugees continue to face unfavorable conditions in terms of access to markets,
due to the lockdown, restriction of movement outside the camps and dismantlement of
informal markets within the camp area.

https://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/fao-wfp-joint-market-monitor-cox-s-bazar-bangladesh-july-
2021

Strategic plans for rice

Despite decreases in areas earmarked for rice cultivation this year, no shortages are expected,
reports Ahmed Abdel-Hafez
Ahmed Abdel Hafez, Tuesday 10 Aug 2021
Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Skype Gmail

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Land allocated for rice cultivation was slightly reduced this year to 1.074 million feddans, down
from 1.084 million feddans in recent years. Rice, a summer crop cultivated between April and
October, is one of the highest water-consuming crops, which is why the government is regulating
its cultivation.

This year, rice cultivation will be limited to nine governorates, Alexandria, Beheira, Gharbiya,
Kafr Al-Sheikh, Damietta, Sharqiya, Ismailia, and Port Said.

Some four million tons of rice are expected to be harvested, according to the Ministry of
Agriculture. Additional land may also be cultivated with rice in violation of ministry regulations.
This land is estimated to range between 500,000 and 750,000 feddans.

Such factors drove the US Department of Agriculture to estimate a drop in Egypt’s rice
production to its lowest level since 2018, or by 550,000 tons. While it did not specify the
quantity of this year’s production, the department said consumption was estimated to stand at 3.9
million tons.

In March, Egypt’s parliament approved a new law regulating irrigation to eliminate the illegal
cultivation of rice by toughening up penalties on violators who could face fines of between
LE3,000 and LE10,000 on each illegally cultivated feddan of land or imprisonment for no more
than six months.

However, a delay in issuing the executive regulations of the law has put off its activation for this
year.

According to a statement by Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli in March, the decision aims to
engage farmers in the responsibility of reducing water consumption, rather than collect revenues
for the government.

Head of the Farmers Syndicate Hussein Abu Saddam commended the system applied in the new
law, which reduces the fines the earlier they are paid. Farmers receive a 60 per cent discount on
fines if they are paid before 30 June and a 40 per cent reduction if they are paid prior to
September.

Land in violation of the law is calculated by irrigation engineers and via satellite imaging, said a
spokesman for the Ministry of Irrigation. Last year, the government allocated 724,000 feddans
for irrigation by Nile water, 150,000 feddans with treated agricultural waste water, and 200
feddans to be cultivated with dry rice which does not consume much water.

Figures released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) in
February put the land cultivated with rice at 1.3 million feddans in 2018-19, up from 0.9 million
feddans the year before.

Some 4.8 million tons of rice were produced in 2018-19, up from 3.1 million tons in 2017-18, an
increase of around 54 per cent.

Mustafa Al-Naggari, a member of the Agriculture Export Council, said Egyptian consumption
habits had changed over the past two years, reducing consumption of the staple rice crop and
allowing the state to stock up on rice for local consumption for the next nine months.

He lauded the state’s decision to stock up on strategic goods for six months, instead of three
months. The prices of locally produced crops such as wheat, rice, and sugar were stable, he said,
adding that goods that had witnessed an increase in price were those that depend on fodder, such
as meat, due to a global rise in fodder prices.

Ragab Shehata, head of the Rice Division at the Egyptian Federation of Industry, attributed the
stability of the price of rice to the strategy drawn up by the Ministry of Supply, ensuring a
continuous supply all year round.

He explained that the ministry would be receiving last year’s rice until the end of September and
that the supply of the new harvest would begin in the second half of August and end by
December 2022.

The Ministry of Supply is the only body that has been buying rice since 2008. Egypt had only
needed to import rice in 2018 due to the smaller harvest, Shehata said, adding that the country
was not expected to import rice this or next year as last year’s production has not been
completely consumed.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 12 August, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
https://english.ahram.org.eg/OlympicsNews/418855.aspx

August 11, 202112:37 PMUpdated a day ago

Vietnam July coffee exports down 4.5% m/m,

rice up 6.6%
By Reuters Staff

1 Min Read

HANOI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Vietnam’s coffee exports in July were down 4.5% from June at
122,293 tonnes, while rice exports in the same period rose 6.6% against the preceding month,
government customs data released on Wednesday showed.

For the first seven months of 2021, Vietnam exported 965,883 tonnes of coffee, down 8.1% from
a year earlier, Vietnam Customs said in a statement. Coffee export revenue in the January-July
period fell 0.1% to around $1.78 billion, it said.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s rice exports in June rose 6.6% from the previous month at 464,792
tonnes, the statement said.

The country’s rice exports in the first seven months fell 12.7% year on year to 3.5 million tonnes,
it said. (Editing by Martin Petty)

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/vietnam-coffee-rice-idAFL4N2PI1PZ

Economy

Rice supply chain in Mekong Delta may be

broken
By Cuu Long   August 11, 2021 | 02:47 pm GMT+7
 Farmers harvest summer-autumn rice in Thoi Lai District, Can Tho City. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long.

Rice traders’ inactivity, perfunctory function of processing plants and businesses’ reluctance to export
the grain threaten to break the supply chain in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl.

Tran Van Nam of Thoi Lai District, Can Tho City, said he has harvested some 20 tons of high-
quality rice from his three hectares. Two months ago a rice trader had deposited VND9 million
to buy his rice at VND6,000 per kilogram, he said.

"One week ago I harvested the rice, and the trader said if I did not lower the price to VND5,300,
he would no longer to buy and was willing to forfeit the deposit. After one day of consideration,
I decided to reduce the price. Now the price has decreased to VND5,100."

According to Nam, many traders have decided not to buy from farmers in the district, instead
opting to lose their deposits.

Many traders admitted this is true.

Rice trader Nguyen Van Kien in Phong Dien District, Can Tho said: "In previous summer-
autumn rice crops, I bought 50,000-60,000 tons of the grain from farmers in the provinces of
Hau Giang, An Giang, Bac Lieu and Kien Giang, but this crop, I bought only 5,000 tons."

Rice transport and distribution have stalled due to social distancing, he added.

His 100-odd employees with nearly 30 combine harvesters and 20 boats and barges used to buy
and transport rice, but not now. To go to work they have to get Covid-negative certificates valid
for just days and operate in just one district, which are unsuitable for the nature of their work.

Normally, they go from field to field and province to province to harvest rice from 7-14 weeks,
he explained.

Quảng cáo

"Procedures related to Covid testing is time consuming and costly, and so most rice buyers have
ceased operations while some others have sharply reduced operations."

Workers transport paddy in Thoi Lai District, Can Tho City. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long.

Nguyen Tuan, owner of a rice milling and polishing plant in Thoi Lai District, said he used to
process 6,000 tons of paddy a month, but now the volume is below 500 tons.
Rice buyers, processors and exporters have difficulty in transporting the grain.

The Vietnam Food Association said that it has 120 corporate members, and amid the social
distancing half have temporarily shut down their rice milling and polishing plants, and the rest
have halved their capacity.

HCMC’s major container port Tan Cang Sai Gon has stopped accepting rice consignments for
export since July, and the Cat Lai Terminal has been hit by a pile-up of containers.

"Since many southern cities and province have social distancing, rice supply chains for domestic
consumption and exports have been seriously affected," a top official Vietnam Food Association
said, adding that the uncertainty surrounding Covid has made many reluctant to sign export
contracts.

The association has urged its members to strengthen purchases of paddy from farmers and wants
the Ministry of Industry and Trade to create more favorable conditions for traders to buy at the
field and transport fresh paddy to processing plants to safeguard quality.

It wants authorities to prioritize creation of ‘green lanes’ for rapid checks at checkpoints for
vehicles transporting freshly harvested paddy to drying plants, rice from milling plants to ports
for export and to localities that have high demand for the grain.

It also wants the State Bank of Vietnam, the central bank, to instruct banks to provide more
unsecured loans to exporters so that they could buy more summer-autumn paddy, reduce interest
rates and extend loan terms.

It has called on relevant agencies to prioritize Covid vaccination for vehicle drivers and
personnel directly involved in rice processing and exports.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the Mekong Delta, where
1.5 million hectares were planted with summer-autumn rice, over 700,000 hectares have been
harvested, and the task would be completed by late August or early September with the paddy
output topping eight million tons.

Prices have been falling since last month, and a kilogram of fragrant rice now sells for just
VND5,500-5,600 (US 24 cents), down VND500-600. High-quality rice is down VND800 to
VND5,200.

Related News:

 Vietnamese rice faces competition from India in Philippines

 Vietnam might lose entry to global rice contest

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Tags:

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Comments (1)

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Demand from surrounding countries will remain limited even if there are subsidies for sellers are
intermediaries within VN, other countries also have corona.

Peter van Parijs - 21h ago

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Let workers go home, factories in the south propose

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Reading: Rice supply chain in Mekong Delta may be broken

|

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/rice-supply-chain-in-mekong-delta-may-be-broken-
4339016.html

Market Monitor Report: Timor-Leste | Week 27/28 2021

(5th–18th July)
Format

Situation Report

Source

 WFP

Posted
10 Aug 2021

Originally published

10 Aug 2021

Origin

View original
Attachments

 Download document (PDF | 557.08 KB)

Highlights

 Local rice supply continues to improve seasonally as harvests continue in several

municipalities. As such, on the back of relatively above average harvest, a further
weakening or stable grain prices are expected in a couple of weeks.
 Seasonal demand for local rice on the local market remains low. As institutional
purchases from National Logistic Centre (NLC) are yet to peak and Cesta Basika has just
been completed. In addition, farming households have become less reliant on local
markets and now turn to consumption from their own production.
 Price of imported rice continue to trend above last year’s level but on a downward course.

https://reliefweb.int/report/timor-leste/market-monitor-report-timor-leste-week-2728-2021-5th-18th-
july

National  

Nigeria, Vietnam parley will boost rice,

cashew production, others, says Osinbajo
By Femi Ibirogba (Lagos) and Terhemba Daka (Abuja)

11 August 2021   |   4:09 am

Delta community rejects health centre as Akpabio unveils projects in Niger Delta

3 hours ago

NDDC pledges to assist Niger Delta varsity

3 hours ago
Lawmaker bemoans marginalisation of Owan, Akoko-Edo

3 hours ago
Yemi Osinbajo

With shared opportunities in the agricultural sector, especially rice, cashew and processing, and in
technology, Nigeria and Vietnam could benefit from effective collaboration and deepen their
relationship.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said this on Monday at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy
visit by the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Nigeria, Luong Quoe.

“There are specific areas where we have talked about in the past; agriculture is one. There was
also talk about cashew processing, rice growing and rice processing where Vietnam has shown
great innovation and great success. We think that these are areas where we certainly can do a lot
more with cooperation,” Osinbajo said.

He noted that other areas of collaboration would come up in the interaction of young people
actively engaged within the technology space in both countries.

“I know that Vietnam is doing interesting things in the technology and telecoms sectors. I think
that we should look for opportunities where young people in Nigeria and Vietnam can interact,
especially in technology and share ideas, innovation and different attainments. I certainly would
like us to explore that possibility, especially in the area of technology with our young people,”
the Vice President said.

He thanked the Vietnamese government for the donation of medical supplies comprising of
droplet resistant and antibacterial fabric masks, medical facemasks and Real-Time Reverse
Transcriptase (RT-PCR) diagnostic panel for SARS-COV 2 to the Nigerian Mission in Hanoi,
Vietnam.

The donation also included 100,000 high-quality four-fly anti-bacterial medical facemasks by a
Vietnamese pharmaceutical company known as ANH THU Pharmaceutical and Medical
Equipment Investment Joint Stock Company–PSD Group.

In his remarks, Ambassador Quoe commended Nigeria’s role in Africa, which he described, “as
being enormous”. He said Vietnam “would always wish to have Nigeria’s support in multilateral
forums, most importantly the United Nations.”

Quoe also noted that the economic potential between both countries is huge and hoped Nigeria
“would soon recognise Vietnam as a country of full market economy and Nigeria and Vietnam
would sign an agreement on investment, promotion and protection.”

The Ambassador disclosed that “five to seven thousand Nigerians” are studying and helping in
the development of the economy of Vietnam and requested the consideration of direct flights
between both nations.

x
In this article:
Cashew productionRice production

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-vietnam-parley-will-boost-rice-cashew-production-others-says-
osinbajo/

Rice imports depleting Nigeria, others’

foreign reserves, says ECOWAS
Kindly share this story:





ECOWAS Commission, Abuja office. File photo

Adelani Adepegba

11 August 2021

The Economic Community of West African States has said that the demand for rice surpasses
supply in most West African countries, forcing the countries to import to make up for the deficit.

This development, it added, was depleting the foreign reserves of the 15 nations that make up the
ECOWAS regional bloc, stating that the sub-region remained at 60 per cent self-sufficiency in
rice production.

Speaking at the presentation of a regional action plan to implement its rice policy,  commonly 
known  as  the  ‘Rice Offensive’ in Abuja on Tuesday, the  ECOWAS Commissioner of
Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, Mr Sekou Sangare, said producing enough rice
to feed the region would require concerted efforts and an effectively coordinated synergy of
actions from all rice stakeholders in the region.

He stated, “Rice is one of the primary staple food for most of the 380 million people living in
West Africa.
“Therefore, its sustainable production and transformation are crucial to the food and nutrition
security of the region. Other major staples include maize, millet, sorghum, and wheat. The region
remains at 60 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production.

Read Also
 Foreign reserves dropped to $35.69bn in October

 Foreign reserves fall by $544.94m in six weeks

 Foreign reserves fell by $373.23m in June – CBN

“While the total rice production in the 15 (ECOWAS) countries increased from 8.63 metric
tonnes in 2010 to 13.72MT (milled equivalent) in 2019, rice consumption grew by 35 per cent,
faster than expected with almost 15.83MT of rice consumed in 2017 alone.”

The Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the ECOWAS Commission, Alain Traore
noted that West Africa currently depended on imports to meet expanding demand.

Copyright PUNCH.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be
reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior
express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor@punchng.com

https://punchng.com/rice-imports-depleting-nigeria-others-foreign-reserves-says-ecowas/

Rice exports expected to be lower in FY22

compared to FY21
SECTIONS

Rice exports expected to be lower in FY22 compared to FY21

By

Sutanuka Ghosal

, ET BureauLast Updated: Aug 11, 2021, 11:13 AM IST

Share

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1Comment

Synopsis

Non-basmati exporters said exports of non-basmati rice will

be 10 per cent lower compared to FY21, while basmati
exporters say that if high freight rates and non-availability
of containers continue, exports will be lower by 25 per cent
compared to FY21.

iStockInternational Grain Council has kept the global rice output

forecast up 6 million tonnes from 2020-21.

Rice exports from India is expected to be lower in FY22 compared to FY21 due to high freight rates, oversupply in the global
markets and Vietnam's preference of Thai rice over the Indian variety.

Non-basmati exporters said exports of non-basmati rice will be 10 per cent lower compared to FY21, while basmati exporters say
that if high freight rates and non-availability of containers continue, exports will be lower by 25 per cent compared to FY21.

Export prices of non-basmati rice has fallen by $20 per tonne in the last fortnight as global demand shrank. In FY21, India
exported 17.7 million tonnes of rice, which was higher by 86 per cent than FY20.

There was an almost 4% increase in basmati exports to 4.45 million tonnes and a 160% surge in non-basmati to 13.09 million
tonnes in FY21, according to data with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
In value terms, while the non-basmati rice segment more than doubled to $4.8 billion (Rs 35,448 crore), even higher than
basmati, there is a drop of 7% to $4 billion (Rs 29,849 crore) in shipments of aromatic varieties. India’s total agri exports went up
by 17.34 per cent to $41.25 billion in FY21 compared to FY20.

“High freight rate has slowed down the pace of rice exports. Freight cost has gone up to $120 -$130 per tonne within six months
from $50 -$ 60 per tonne. Also, the supply side has improved globally which may have an impact on Indian rice exports,” said B
V Krishna Rao, president, Rice Exporters Association.

International Grain Council has kept the global rice output forecast up 6 million tonnes from 2020-21.

Rao said Vietnam has stopped buying rice from India. “They had bought rice till May. They have their own crop and they are
buying from Thailand too. Though Philippines, another south east Asian nation, had reduced duty on Indian rice import from
50% to 35% in May this year, no exports happened from India till date.

“Keeping all this in consideration, exports of non-basmati rice may come down by 10 per cent in FY22 compared to FY21,” said
Rao. Prices have too fallen by $20 per tonne from $390 to $370 over the last fortnight as export demand is not picking up.

For basmati rice, high freight cost and non-availability of containers play a major role in reduction in exports. Vinod Kaul,
executive director, All India Rice Exporters Association said “In the first three months of FY22, export of basmati rice is down
by 17 per cent. If the situation does not improve, exports of basmati rice will be 25 per cent less than FY21.”

READ MORE NEWS ON

Agriculture produce stuck due to Covid-19

lockdowns
By New Straits Times - August 11, 2021 @ 7:53am

Long An province authorities said the closure of three wholesale markets and a number of
traditional markets in HCMC has resulted in its dragon fruit and rice being left unsold. - EPA Pic

TONNES of agriculture produce including rice, vegetables and eggs are stuck in the 26
southern Vietnamese provinces due to the lockdowns imposed over Covid-19.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said they include five million tonnes
of padi, four million tonnes of vegetables and fruits, 400 million eggs, 600,000 tonnes of
chicken, 120,000 tonnes of seafood and 80,000 tonnes of pork.

This is due to the transport restrictions imposed in 19 Covid-hit southern localities

including Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), which is a major consumer base.
According to a Vn Express report, although the government has directed local
authorities to prioritise transport of essential goods, there were no consistent
regulations and this hampered the flow of goods.

MORE NEWS

 No significant decline in Covid-19 cases at ICUs due to Covid-19 variants

 Due to soaring numbers, complete lockdown is inevitable
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 Durian trade battered as Covid lockdown bites

Long An province authorities said the closure of three wholesale markets and a number
of traditional markets in HCMC has resulted in its dragon fruit and rice being left unsold.

Exporters are also facing issues as a shortage of containers is causing produce to pile
up at ports, while container transport costs have surged 10-fold.

The ministry said it wants to buy up to four million tonnes of padi to stockpile.

Meanwhile, the prices of imported king crabs and abalones have risen by 30 to 50 per
cent in HCMC due to limited supply caused by the restrictions.

The Express said king crabs are being sold at VND2.5 to 2.9 million (US$109-126) per
kilogram, 50 per cent higher than last year.

Australian and South Korean abalones are sold at 30 per cent higher at VND1.6 to 1.8
million while salmon prices are up 18 per cent at VND650,000.

The limited number of flights coming into Vietnam is also attributed to the price hike.

Many seafood sellers are now increasing the sale of domestic seafood items such as
red tilapia and squid to survive.

The severe Covid-19 outbreak in the southern provinces is also said to have forced up to
70 per cent of seafood companies there to close down.

According to a report by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers

(VASEP), many were unable to service their debts to banks or pay suppliers, and have
lost customers.

It said the remaining 30 per cent also face operational challenges due to increasing
costs and are operating only at 30 to 50 per cent of their workforce.
Average production has fallen by about 50 per cent and companies also face difficulties
in buying packaging and other materials.

VASEP has proposed that vaccinations be prioritised for workers as it would help them
keep their jobs and factories to remain open.

It also proposed that factories should be allowed to test their workers twice a month
and send the samples to health authorities to reduce the burden on government
medical personnel.

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 Butaleja farmers oppose govt
ban on growing rice
TUESDAY AUGUST 10 2021
    

Farmers in rice gardens in Hisega Village, Butaleja Town Council, Butaleja District last
week. PHOTO/ YAHUDU KITUNZI

Summary

 The farmers say the decision will affect their livelihoods and push them further into poverty.

 Last week, the government banned the growing of rice and other crops in wetlands

By Yahudu Kitunzi

More by this Author

Farmers in Butaleja District have opposed the government’s decision of banning

the growing of rice and other crops in wetlands across the country, saying they

should have been consulted.

 The farmers say the decision will affect their livelihoods and push them further

into poverty.

Last week, the government banned the growing of rice and other crops in

wetlands.
In a resolution passed by Cabinetand communicated by the Minister of State for

Water and Environment, Ms Beatrice Anywar, the government said the move will

restore the environment that has been degraded by farming activities.

Ms Anywar said Uganda’s wetland coverage has dropped from 17.5 per cent in the

early 1990s to 8.5 per cent, while forest coverage has dropped from 24 per cent to

12.4 per cent.

Mr David Mulabi, a rice farmer and former contestant for Bunyole East MP,  last

week said the decision is inhuman and one of the examples of the many

discriminative and recklessly managed policy processes. 

“The government has been giving out forests to foreigners to build industries.

They have not said anything about urban encroachment on wetlands for home

construction. Why target the poor farmers who have nowhere to go and have

been farming in  these wetlands for over 50 years,”Mr Mulabi wondered.

He such a policy with a huge potential for social impact should have gone through

long studies and consultations before its implemented.

Mr Mulabi said this could be another  government ploy to marginalise the rice

farmers in the district, which is about 40 per cent covered by water bodies and

wetlands.

“They j simply need to drop the whole thing and start afresh with proper policy

consultation with a view of not evicting farmers but to get sustainable and

practical solutions,” he said.

Mr Mulabi also accused government for giving a tax waiver to traders to import

rice, something he said has led to price drop and has affected the farmers’

income.

“Instead of giving such money to our farmers to improve output, they supported

foreign farmers at the expense of Ugandan farmers,” he said.

Ms Sarah Nagawa, another rice farmer, said the decision should be shelved,

saying they earn their livelihoods from wetlands.

“These wetlands have paid for my children’s school fees including myself.They

should think of better ways instead of taking decisions without consulting us,” he

said.

Mr Abdu Walubya, a resident, said the district has  been depending on wetlands

for farming.

“Almost 70 per cent of the homesteads of the population generate their income

through use of these wetlands.Others live and sleep in wetlands. How will the

government handle those who sleep and stay in wetlands, ”Mr Walubya said.

The district chairperson, Mr Micheal Higenyi Bory, said if the government takes

over  wetlands without a clear plan, it will  lead to bloodshed.

He said the district has many swamps, which includes Doho rice scheme, Lwoba

irrigation scheme, Nakwasi swamp, Hijjinji swamp, wampala swamp, Namatala

swamp, Mpologoma, Nakwiga, Nahinghande, Doho-hibira, Namatala swamp,

and Hisega swamp, among others.

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