22-26 April ,2021

Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-

Newsletter
Un-Edited Version

Hybrid rice demo to hit record-high yield

The National Rice Technology Forum’s (NRTF) hybrid rice demonstration site in Cauayan,
Isabela is estimated to hit the highest yield this quarter.

In a report by Dr. Santiago R. Obien, Department of Agriculture’s (DA) senior technical

adviser, he presented crop cut yield data showing that eight of the hybrid rice varieties in
the NRTF demonstration site will hit the highest yield of 15.6t/ha (dry weight) this harvest
season.

“Crop cutting was done in eight varieties in the demo site; three crop cuts (30m2) were
done per variety. The average yield of the eight varieties is 12.84 t/ha (fresh) and 11.68
t/ha (dry), the lowest yield is 9.41 t/ha (fresh), and the highest yield is 17.18 t/ha (fresh)
and 15.6 t/ha (dry),” he said.

At 14% moisture, he said that the estimated average net profit per hectare is P152,088, if
sold for P16.50, which is the buying price in Isabela.
Hybrid rice demo to hit record-high yield
The National Rice Technology Forum’s (NRTF) hybrid rice demonstration site in Cauayan,
Isabela is estimated to hit the highest yield this quarter.

In a report by Dr. Santiago R. Obien, Department of Agriculture’s (DA) senior technical

adviser, he presented crop cut yield data showing that eight of the hybrid rice varieties in
the NRTF demonstration site will hit the highest yield of 15.6t/ha (dry weight) this harvest
season.

“Crop cutting was done in eight varieties in the demo site; three crop cuts (30m2) were
done per variety. The average yield of the eight varieties is 12.84 t/ha (fresh) and 11.68
t/ha (dry), the lowest yield is 9.41 t/ha (fresh), and the highest yield is 17.18 t/ha (fresh)
and 15.6 t/ha (dry),” he said.

At 14% moisture, he said that the estimated average net profit per hectare is P152,088, if
sold for P16.50, which is the buying price in Isabela.
Gen Z youth builds agri school
Jehanel V. Soriano, 24 years old, has set her heart out in agriculture. She is an agricultural
enterprise entrepreneur, farmer, and farm school owner.

Born and raised in llagan, City, Jehanel started as an enumerator in her alma mater, the Central
Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija for five years, and as a market inspector of DA-Cagayan
Valley Research Center in Isabela for a year. An agricultural business management graduate,
she eventually managed their family’s agricultural supply enterprise.

Her deepened engagement in agriculture was stirred by a social media post of a fellow youth
operating a farm school. This inspired her to put up her own farm school under the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) - Extension Program. Her significant other,
agriculture graduate Einar de Mesa, also supports her in this endeavor.

“At first, I was scared. I didn’t have enough knowledge about rice. I was also worried about
challenging farmers, but later on I realized farmers are [willing learners so they raise questions
until their thirst for knowledge is satisfied]. I find them [gentle] and respectful,” Jehanel said.

She named her school, Jesla Integrated Farm, also the name of their agricultural supply
enterprise in Ilagan City. Jesla is derived from Jehanel and her sisters’ names, Jessa Mae and
Janela.

According to the young entrepreneur, starting a farm school is only difficult for a few weeks.
Hard work was exerted on building training facility and preparing arrangements for the
curriculum. After two sessions, she had already familiarized herself with the school operations,
and the cooperation of the farmers also helped in making things lighter and more comfortable.

Every day, she said that she is inspired by the untiring energy of the farmers to learn and apply
the new knowledge in their farms. Farmers’ main textbook in learning includes the PalayCheck
primer. They are also briefed on other benefits that they can avail from the RCEF program.

Aside from operating a farm school, Jehanel and Einar also produced a Youtube channel in 2019
with over 11,000 subscribers. They recorded random videos and contents at first, but when
they became more involved in the farm school, theycaptured their daily farm activities, which
they said, is their own way of introducing agriculture to their fellow youth.

For Jehanel and Einer, loving their work and knowing its purpose gives them. They are a proof
that age is not a basis of what one can offer in improving the agricultural sector and in helping
the farmers.

USDA Extends Universal Free

Kids eat for free
Lunch Program
By Cameron Jacobs

WASHINGTON, DC -- Last week, the U.S. Department

of Agriculture (USDA) announced an extension of the
universal free lunch program through the 2021-2022
school year that provides a range of flexibilities for
meal program services at schools and childcare
institutions nationwide as they continue to feed
children nutritious meals free of charge.

Schools across the country will be able to serve meals through the USDA National School
Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO), which is usually limited to the summer
months. The SSO maintains the nutrition standards of the traditional school meal programs,
which feature a strong emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while allowing
schools to provide free meals to all children. The extension of the program should reach a
higher percentage of the estimated 12 million youths currently experiencing food insecurity.

The waiver program was implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way
to streamline the process that allows children to eat free even outside normal mealtimes. The
waivers reimburse schools for meals at the summer rate, which is higher than the rate during
the regular school year. During the 2020-2021 school year, the waivers increased the
reimbursement rate to schools from $3.60 per lunch served at the free rate to the summer
rate of $4.25 per meal.

The reimbursement increase will provide much needed relief to school districts managing the
increased operating costs associated with both pandemic and supply chain
challenges. Additionally, the financial flexibility of SSO allows schools and community
 organizations to better adapt programming to meet the needs of those they serve.

“The decision to extend the waiver program is great news as it helps ease the burden on both
school foodservice officials and parents, and offsets unforeseen operating costs from the
pandemic,” said Byron Holmes, chair of the USA Rice Nutrition Subcommittee. “This move lets
schools serve nutritious meals that adhere to established standards, including the use of rice,
while ensuring every child has access to free and nutritious food options.”

Pakistan Market Monitor Report - March

2021
Format
Situation Report

Source

 WFP

Posted

26 Apr 2021

Originally published
 26 Apr 2021
Attachments

 Download document(PDF | 827.97 KB)

HIGHLIGHTS

• In February 2021, the average retail prices for wheat and wheat flour increased negligibly by
0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, while the prices of rice Irri-6 and rice Basmati increased slightly
by 2% and 2.4%, respectively, when compared to the previous month‘s prices.

• Headline inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased in February 2021 by
1.80% over January 2021 and increased by 8.70% over February 2020.

• The prices of staple cereals and non-cereal food commodities in February 2021 experienced
negligible to slight fluctuations, except for live chicken which experienced a significant price
increase and eggs which experienced a significant price decrease together with a more than
slight increase for cooking oil, when compared to the previous month‘s prices.

• In February 2021, the average ToT negligibly decreased by 0.5% from the previous month.

• In March 2021, the total global wheat production for 2020/21 is projected at 776.78 million
MT, indicating an increase of 3.3 million MT compared to the projection made in February
2021.
https://reliefweb.int/report/pakistan/pakistan-market-monitor-report-march-2021
Villar touts gains of local farmers in rice
tariff law
Published April 26, 2021, 1:31 PM
by Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday, April 26, praised the reported achievements of
government agencies in implementing the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), particularly the
funds meant to aid local rice farmers amid the liberalized importation of the commodity.

(MANILA BULLETIN File Photo/Jansen Romero)

Citing a report submitted by the Department of Agriculture to the Senate, the chairperson of
the upper chamber‘s Agriculture and Food Committee said the concerned agencies
―continu[ed] to deliver their commitment in insuring the availability of affordable and
quality rice to consumers, while increasing the productivity and incomes of rice farmers,
despite the pandemic.‖

She referred to the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is the P10-billion
annual appropriation aimed at helping rice farmers compete with the increased entry of
cheaper rice imports due to the RTL.

Villar said that for 2020, palay (unhusked rice) harvest is 19.4 million metric tons (MT) or
3.3 percent more than the 18.810-million MT output in 2019. Production also surpassed the
previous high of 19.27 million MT in 2017, she added.

―This is a rice adequacy level of 90 percent; [with a] average harvest per hectare is 4.09 MT
of palay. The yield recorded for the period October-December 2019 was 4.1 metric tons per
hectare, versus the 3.9 metric tons per hectare yield recorded for the period October -
December 2018,‖ said the senator, quoting the DA report.

The senator said that at present, the cost of producing palay in the Philippines is at P12.72
per kilogram, while it is P6.22/kg in Vietnam and P8.86/kg in Thailand, citing a study from
the DA‘s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Some 674,400 farmers have received 1.68 million bags of free certified inbred rice seeds,
which were planted in 843,000 hectares of land in 948 RCEF municipalities nationwide.
This was 98.5 percent of the targeted 962 towns for seed distribution, Villar said.

For March, 2021, the PhilRice reported that it has already achieved 100 percent seed
deliveries for the dry season.

The PhilRice has also distributed almost 1.7 million bags of high-quality inbred rice seeds
to 957 municipalities from the target 55 provinces all over the country.

Meanwhile, Villar said that the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and
Mechanization (PhilMech) has procured 15,918 units of farm machinery and equipment
(FME) out of the targeted 23,378 units.

These were delivered to 3,804 qualified farmers‘ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), thus
benefitting at least 1.35 million farmer-members, she said.
 On the provision of loans under the RCEF, a total of P1.584 billion was lent to FCAs in
RCEF program areas, with the Land Bank of the Philippines releasing P968 million, and the
Development Bank of the Philippines releasing P616 million.

Also, the DA-Agricultural Training institute (ATI), PhilMech and PhilRice have have
obligated some P16.2 billion and disbursed over P7.1 billion from the P20-billion allocation
of the RCEF for training of farmers, technicians and other rice industry stakeholders from
2019 to 2020.

The Republic Act No. 11203, signed in 2019, guaranteed a P10-billion allocation for the
RCEF.

The law also provides that tariff collections in excess of P10 billion may be allocated to
other programs on rice, including financial assistance to small rice farmers, during its first
six years of implementation.

Under the RCEF, P5 billion shall be for the distribution of machineries and eq uipment to
farmer‘s cooperatives and association or to the LGUs of rice-producing towns with at least
100 hectares of rice farm lands; P3 billion shall be for the distribution of quality inbred
seeds given to farmers; P1 billion for credit facility with minimal interest available to rice
farmers; and P1 billion for training rice farmers.

Villar said that the 2021 RCEF has been released by the Department of Budget and
Management and is ready for implementation by the agencies

https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/26/villar-touts-gains-of-local-farmers-in-rice-tariff-law/

 HOME
 PAKISTAN
 WORLD
 BUSINESS
 CRICKET
 ENTERTAINMENT
 TECHNOLOGY
 FEATURED
 VIDEO


Twitter

Facebook

Search

In The News
 Coronavirus
 Army deployment
 Oscars 2021

 HOME
 ALL POSTS
 RICE EXPORTER FOR INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY UNDER 'RICE VALUE CHAIN'

Rice exporter for increasing productivity under 'Rice Value

Chain'
Published On 25 April,2021 04:53 pm

He said the farmers were at the forefront of food security in the country and due to them
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The country‘s leading ‗Rice Exporter‘ on Sunday
stressed the need for increasing productivity in the ‗Rice Value Chain‘ and better
labor conditions for rice farmers to revolutionize the entire food value chain.

To increase productivity in rice food value chain, better treatment facilities for
farmers and good education for their children will help improve the living
standards of rice farmers, Chief Operating Officer of rice exporter group, Rice
Partners Pvt Ltd (RPL) Muhammad Ali Tariq said here.

He said the farmers were at the forefront of food security in the country and due to
them, ―Our exports and foreign exchange reserves are increasing‖ said press
release issued here.

Tariq said this while addressing to a in third phase of series seminar for multi-
stakeholders on decent working organized by the leading ‗Rice Exporter of
Pakistan‘, Rice Partners Pvt Ltd (RPL) in collaboration of Helvetas Pakistan and
Swiss Solidarity organized an event on ―Interactive Dialogue among Stakeholders
to share Knowledge on Decent Working Conditions in Rice Value Chain of
Pakistan.

Ali Tariq said that RPL has been working for welfare of agriculture labor for the
past five years. RPL established Community Mother Centres at multiple villages of
district Sheikhupura in which decent environment was provided to the children of
agriculture labor particularly female rice transplanters.

He added that free medical camps were also organized to provide free medication
to the rice transplanters at their working places throughout the rice transplanting
season.

These all activities are being done to ensure decent working conditions in the rice
value chain. Replying to a question, he said, ―We have launched a corona
awareness campaign for rice farmers and also distributed various items including
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect them from the epidemic.

The Chief Executive Officer said rice growers are the world‘s first food security
defense line, whose epidemic protection should be our top priority.

Rice farmers are an integral part of the agro-industry and are an essential element
of this food chain, he said. Ali Tariq said Pakistan‘s rice production of more than
four million and around US $ three billion in foreign exchange were due to the
farmers whose services, ―we will never forget.‖

While addressing the seminar Sustainability Head RPL, Zafar Iqbal said RPL has
trained thousands of farmers on sustainable rice production and also provided them
the facility of land laser leveling on 50 percent cost sharing basis.
Tags:
PakistanBusiness

Recent Articles

Work on CPEC Western route in full swing: Asim Bajwa

Cars production increases 20.09pc during July-March 2020-21

Babar Azam breaks Kohli's record of fastest 2000 runs in T20I

PM striving for establishment of welfare state as envisioned by Iqbal, Jinnah: Fawad
Advertisement

Health
EU sues AstraZeneca over vaccine delivery shortfall

How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?

WHO eyes malaria eradication in 25 countries by 2025

EU agency links J&J shot to rare clots, says odds favor use
Billions spent on coronavirus fight, but what happens next?

CureVac's COVID-19 vaccine attracts rising interest

Dunya Blog
Why we need Aurat March?

Self Improvement – A Journey of Change

 Riding The Tiger: Indian Surrender Continues

News
 Headline
 Pakistan
 World
 Sports
 Cricket
 Business
 Entertainment
 Technology
 Crime
 Weird News
 News Archive
Programs
 Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath
 Dunya TV Special
 Hasb-e-Haal
 Ikhtalafi Note
 Ilm-O-Hikmat
 Mazaq Raat
 Nuqta E Nazar
 On The Front
 Peyam-E-Subh
 Sawal Awam Ka
 Think Tank
 Voice of Dunya
Tools
 Live Streaming
 Radio
 Dunya UK Transmission
  Mobile apps
 Subscribe For News Letter
Corporate
 Feedback
 Distribution
 Contact Us
 Advertise With Us
Join Us


Facebook


Twitter

YouTube

Sponsor ad

 Home
 Feedback
 Distribution
 Contact Us
 News Archive
Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved. A National Communications Services Company.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/598878-Rice-exporter-for-increasing-productivity-
under-Rice-Value-Chain

rank Carey and Jeff Rutledge Named Crop Science Departmental

Outstanding Alumni
April 26, 2021
Photos Submitted
Outstanding Ph.D. Alumnus Frank Carey, left, works for Valent USA, and Outstanding B.S./M.S.
Alumnus Jeff Rutledge works for AgHeritage Farm Credit Services while also farming corn, rice and
soybeans.

Frank Carey and Jeff Rutledge have been named 2021 outstanding alumni by
U of A's Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences in the Dale
Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
Carey is the Outstanding Ph.D. Alumnus and Rutledge the Outstanding
B.S./M.S. Alumnus. Carey is the senior regulatory expert manager for Valent
USA in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Rutledge is northern region director for
AgHeritage Farm Credit Services in Newport.
"The CSES department has a long history of outstanding students who have
made significant contributions to and become leaders in the agricultural
industry during their careers," said Nathan Slaton, interim department head.
"Frank and Jeff are excellent examples of our alumni who have made the
most of the tools and skills they obtained during their graduate student
careers. We are very proud of them and pleased to name them as our
outstanding alums for 2021."
Carey manages the labelling and regulatory process for key Valent brands,
including plant growth regulators, biological insecticides and rice herbicides.
He works with product development managers and marketing managers to
form the asset management team for each brand. Those teams direct all
registrations, labelling and product life-cycle management for the brand. He
also works with external commodity, sales and regulatory partners to obtain
new labels and sales opportunities for his brands.
Carey was with Valent as manager of research for its Mid-South Agricultural
Research Center from 2014-19. He started his career with Valent as a
research specialist in Champaign, Illinois, in 1994 and worked as a field
market development specialist from 1994-2014.
He earned his Ph.D. in 1994 and his master's in 1990, both from the U of A, in
agronomy.
Rutledge farms corn, rice and soybeans, and serves on boards for Arkansas
Ag Council, Arkansas Rice Council, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion,
USA Rice Federation, USA Rice Council, Jackson County Farm Bureau,
Newport School, Newport Levee and the Arkansas Waterways Commission.
He also served with the U.S. Grains Council, Riceland In-Depth, Arkansas
and American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher committees and the
Newport Chamber of Commerce, and his family has been named Jackson
County Farm Family of the Year.
He earned his master's degree from the U of A in agronomy in 1999.
Carey and Rutledge will be recognized during a CSES awards ceremony on
Zoom on April 26.
About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life
Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position
and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with
foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of
life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders,
innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale
Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the
state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information
about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter
at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.
About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an
internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students
in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new
knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative
activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines.
The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer
than 3% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of
research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among its top
American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of
Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-
faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.
TOPICS

 Agriculture
 Awards
 Events
 Alumni
 Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences
 Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences

CONTACTS

Robby Edwards, director of communications

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
479-575-4625, robbye@uark.edu
https://news.uark.edu/articles/56585/frank-carey-and-jeff-rutledge-named-crop-science-
departmental-outstanding-alumni

12:00 AM, April 26, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:31 AM, April 26, 2021

Sow early ripening paddy to

reduce flood risks
Agriculture minister says at harvest festival

Star Business Report

The government is putting emphasis on the cultivation of early ripening varieties of paddy to
reduce risks of flood damage and ensure an adequate supply of the popular grain, according to
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.
"A sufficient amount of paddy is cultivated in the country's haors but this is very risky as these
areas are prone to flooding at times," he said.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

"So, we are working to reduce this risk by emphasising on cultivating varieties of paddy that
ripen within 15 to 20 days," the minister added.

Razzaque made these comments while speaking as chief guest at a Boro Paddy Harvest Festival
in Mithamain upazila of Kishoreganj.

To ensure quick harvests this season, the government is also providing combine harvesters and
reapers to farmers in haor areas on a priority basis.

The agriculture minister inaugurated the paddy harvesting programme and distributed combine
harvesters and reapers among farmers.

Since boro paddy is the only crop that is grown on vast amounts of haor lands every year, its
productivity needs to be increased, Razzaque told the farmers.

"Our scientists have already developed high yielding varieties of rice such as Brridhan 89 and 92
and we will give you these improved varieties of hybrid rice seeds for cultivation," he added.

Razzaque went on to say that the government provides 70 per cent subsidy on combine
harvesters, reapers and other farm implements to reduce the cost of production and speed up
agricultural mechanisation in the country.

This year, boro paddy was cultivated on 166,950 hectares of land, of which 102,500 hectares was
in haor areas of Kishoreganj.

As of, April 24, 53 per cent of the paddy in haor areas had been harvested while it was 39 per
cent in non-haor areas.

A target has been set to produce 7,11,580 tonnes of rice in the district this year

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/retail/news/sow-early-ripening-paddy-reduce-
flood-risks-2083849
FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

[OPINION] Rising up for farmers and food security

APR 26, 2021 1:43 PM PHT

RAISSA MARFA

INFO
'[Our] farmers deserve a system that works'
One year has passed since community quarantines were first put in place in the country, yet we
still find ourselves in the same situation, or even worse. I doubt one article would be enough to
list down and discuss all the factors that have contributed to this state.
Staying especially in Metro Manila has allowed me to see the action and inaction surrounding
COVID-19 response. I have seen both the good and the bad, which has helped me to think about
how the pandemic has brought out the best and worst in people.
It has also been a year since the resounding call for food security was made, but it has yet to be
addressed properly. However, we do see different efforts by different actors in the economy that
attempt to respond to this long-time need, especially during the pandemic.
One of these efforts was the Rice Stakeholders Workshop held on April 12. It discussed the
current situation of the rice industry in the country, together with farmers, rice millers and
retailers, policy makers, scientists, consumers, and advocates. Collectively, it sought to identify
and formulate resolutions and recommendations for the direction of the food system and
agriculture in the country.
Resources to our sources
Our farmers are our sources of food, yet they struggle when it comes to food security. A strong
point reiterated by the different stakeholders during the workshop is that farmers need the right
kind and right amount of resources that can assist them during production and post-production
processes, as well as prepare and educate them fully as they go through decision-making.
Over the years, financial support, machinery, and operational resources have been the constant
demand from our agricultural sector. Other resources include, as mentioned by a representative
from the retailers, the technology that exactly measures the output we have every harvest season,
as it is important to know how much rice our country really needs.
Chances are, if we don't know how much we are harvesting, we would not know the exact
amount of rice we'd need to import from other countries. If there is a surplus of the imported
rice, its prices will go down, thus affecting the production and selling of local rice in the local
market.
This kind of technology will also assure the farmers that what they are producing and harvesting
are maximized, and that they also earn what is appropriate for their productivity. Sources of
agricultural information such as this is needed for more informed decision-making among our
farmers and other agricultural actors.
Rising for all
Together with the challenges of rice production resources is the deafening call for food security.
This call has brought out a lot of points for reflection and discussion. A common idea that
flourished among stakeholders was tayo-tayo, or how participants from each sector highlighted
their support to each other and their commitment to food security. Since we all benefit from food
security, it is then fair and just that all of us work tirelessly to achieve it for all, leaving no one
behind.
Given what we are facing right now, progress may seem blurry. But what I learned is that no
matter how small the progress is, when it comes to genuine agrarian reform, it will always be a
win. As one of the farmer representatives said during the workshop: Ang pag-unlad ay kung saan
kasabay ang sikmura ng mamamayan.
Food security is for all, leaving no one, especially our farmers, behind. More importantly, our
farmers deserve a system that works – a system that not only enhances their productivity, but
also empowers them to own what they do and make well-informed decisions. We all deserve to
have something on our plate at the end of the day. More than anyone else, our farmers deserve
enough on theirs. – Rappler.com
https://www.rappler.com/voices/ispeak/opinion-rising-up-farmers-food-security

Why Vietnamese brands are caught

napping in overseas markets
By Anh Minh April 26, 2021 | 12:13 pm GMT+7

A customer holds a pack of ST25 rice in a shop in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on April 23,
2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.
Vietnamese companies have repeatedly run into trouble in securing
trademarks overseas because they are unaware, neglectful and reluctant to
take the steps needed to protect their own brands.
ST25, the Vietnamese variety that won the World’s Best Rice contest in 2019,
is in danger.

The name is set to be trademarked in the U.S. by an American company which

seeks to profit from the brand’s prestige.
Ho Quang Cua, the farmer-scientist who led the research and development of
this rice variety, which is grown in southern Vietnam, said that he hadn’t
trademarked it in the U.S. earlier, because he did not foresee that it would be
exported there and did not thoroughly understand international regulations.

This is the latest in a list of cases of Vietnamese individuals and companies

who have lost their brands to foreign companies because of their reluctance in
to patent their trademarks and products worldwide.
In 2000, the famous Vietnamese coffee brand Trung Nguyen was registered by
U.S. company Rice Field with the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The Trung Nguyen Group had to go through two years of difficult negotiations
to reclaim its own brand in the U.S. and ended up making Rice Field a
distributor there.

The group then registered its brand in 60 countries and territories, seeking to
prevent a similar mishap.

Another coffee grower, Buon Ma Thuot, saw its brand being registered in
international markets by a Chinese company for 10 years starting 2011.

Fish sauce brand Phu Quoc of the Association of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
Producers in southern Vietnam, was once trademarked by Viet Huong
Fishsauce in the U.S, the E.U., China and Australia.

It took six years for these producers to prove the origin of their products to the
E.U., opening at path for them to enter an $18-trillion GDP market.

Experts say these cases happen because Vietnamese businesses lack

knowledge of international laws and have limited financial capability to
trademark their brands and products.

Many companies are reluctant because they hear that the process is time
consuming and complicated, said Ngo Van Hiep, director of the Hiep &
Associates law firm.

But they lose more than gain when they do not register their brands early as it
will take even more money and time to reclaim the brand from other
companies later, he added.

Branding expert Nguyen Thanh Son, chairman of Media Ventures Vietnam,

said that a company has a responsibility to protect its own brand, which is a
valuable and invisible asset.

Letting other companies step up and take the initiative in registering the
brand shows that the company does not appreciate its own brand and its
value, he said.

Unless this attitude changes, "similar unfortunate situations like the ST25
brand will continue," he added.
Trademarking is purely an initiative and the responsibility of businesses, not
the government, said Lai Van Manh, director of branding company Mibrand.
"No one can take over this task for them."

Government’s limitations
However, other experts proposed more assistance from the government in
helping Vietnamese individuals and companies with patenting their products.

Vo Tong Xuan, principal of the Nam Can Tho University in southern Vietnam,
said that many Vietnamese farmer-scientists only have knowledge and
expertise in their field. They have very limited resources and are therefore
unable to protect their brands internationally.

He proposed that the ST25 rice be made a national brand with the assistance
of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of
Industry and Trade, which will provide a stronger legal base for the product to
compete internationally.

However, Vu Ba Phu, head of the trade promotion agency under the trade
ministry, said that existing regulations do not allow any ministry to register
trademarks for a company.

Such action could be a violation of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

provisions on protectionism, he said.

But his ministry will propose to the government a mechanism to assist

Vietnamese brands patent their products and brands in key markets in line
with WTO regulations, he added.

The ST25 rice is the result of 25 years of work by farmer-scientist Cua and his
colleagues who cross-bred the premium fragrant rice varieties in Mekong
Delta province of Soc Trang. It has been described as having a sweet taste and
a hint of pineapple flavor.

In 2019, the ST25 rice was named the winner of the World's Best Rice Contest
in the Philippines, marking the first time a Vietnamese rice variety had won
the title in the contest’s 11-year history.

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/why-vietnamese-brands-are-caught-
napping-in-overseas-markets-4268364.html
Villar touts gains of local farmers in rice
tariff law
Published April 26, 2021, 1:31 PM
by Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday, April 26, praised the reported achievements of
government agencies in implementing the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), particularly the
funds meant to aid local rice farmers amid the liberalized importation of the com modity.

(MANILA BULLETIN File Photo/Jansen Romero)

Citing a report submitted by the Department of Agriculture to the Senate, the chairperson of
the upper chamber‘s Agriculture and Food Committee said the concerned agencies
―continu[ed] to deliver their commitment in insuring the availability of affordable and
quality rice to consumers, while increasing the productivity and incomes of rice farmers,
despite the pandemic.‖

She referred to the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is the P10 -billion
annual appropriation aimed at helping rice farmers compete with the increased entry of
cheaper rice imports due to the RTL.

Villar said that for 2020, palay (unhusked rice) harvest is 19.4 million metric tons (MT) or
3.3 percent more than the 18.810-million MT output in 2019. Production also surpassed the
previous high of 19.27 million MT in 2017, she added.

―This is a rice adequacy level of 90 percent; [with a] average harvest per hectare is 4.09 MT
of palay. The yield recorded for the period October-December 2019 was 4.1 metric tons per
hectare, versus the 3.9 metric tons per hectare yield recorded for the period October -
December 2018,‖ said the senator, quoting the DA report.

The senator said that at present, the cost of producing palay in the Philippines is at P12.72
per kilogram, while it is P6.22/kg in Vietnam and P8.86/kg in Thailand, citing a study from
the DA‘s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Some 674,400 farmers have received 1.68 million bags of free certified inbred rice seeds,
which were planted in 843,000 hectares of land in 948 RCEF municipalities nationwide.
This was 98.5 percent of the targeted 962 towns for seed distribution, Villar said.

For March, 2021, the PhilRice reported that it has already achieved 100 percent seed
deliveries for the dry season.

The PhilRice has also distributed almost 1.7 million bags of high-quality inbred rice seeds
to 957 municipalities from the target 55 provinces all over the country.

Meanwhile, Villar said that the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and
Mechanization (PhilMech) has procured 15,918 units of farm machinery and equipment
(FME) out of the targeted 23,378 units.

These were delivered to 3,804 qualified farmers‘ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), thus
benefitting at least 1.35 million farmer-members, she said.
On the provision of loans under the RCEF, a total of P1.584 billion was lent to FCAs in
RCEF program areas, with the Land Bank of the Philippines releasing P968 million, and the
Development Bank of the Philippines releasing P616 million.

Also, the DA-Agricultural Training institute (ATI), PhilMech and PhilRice have have
obligated some P16.2 billion and disbursed over P7.1 billion from the P20-billion allocation
of the RCEF for training of farmers, technicians and other rice industry stakeholders from
2019 to 2020.

The Republic Act No. 11203, signed in 2019, guaranteed a P10-billion allocation for the
RCEF.

The law also provides that tariff collections in excess of P10 billion may be allocated to
other programs on rice, including financial assistance to small rice farmers, during its first
six years of implementation.

Under the RCEF, P5 billion shall be for the distribution of machineries and equipment to
farmer‘s cooperatives and association or to the LGUs of rice-producing towns with at least
100 hectares of rice farm lands; P3 billion shall be for the distribution of quality inbred
seeds given to farmers; P1 billion for credit facility with minimal interest available to rice
farmers; and P1 billion for training rice farmers.

Villar said that the 2021 RCEF has been released by the Department of Budget and
Management and is ready for implementation by the agencies.

Recently, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that the RTL is starting to pay off, saying
the country‘s rice sector is ―gradually realizing its potentials‖.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/26/villar-touts-gains-of-local-farmers-in-rice-tariff-law/

 inment


 PUNJAB

Implement ‘one nation, one policy’ for

lifting: Rice millers
Want stock lifted age-wise to save it from quality degradation
 Updated At: Apr 26, 2021 07:28 AM (IST)

 914
 0
 0
 0

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 25

Taking forward storage issues in Punjab, a rice millers‘ association — Rashtriya

Sheller Sangh — has written to Piyush Goyal, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution, seeking a ‗one nation, one policy‘ for lifting of foodgrains for
public distribution from all the states.

Be it a routine distribution or a public welfare relief in the times of need, like the
ongoing Covid pandemic, food stock should be lifted age-wise to save it from quality
and nutrition degradation, it said.

Seeking a fair loading and distribution policy, they have urged the Union minister to
review the existing policy to ―reduce corruption and bring transparency in FCI
operations‖. According to the association, whereas foodgrains have been loaded from
2020-21 from one state, Punjab still has those procured from the year 2019-2020.
Prem Goel, general secretary of the association, says Punjab has a huge stock of old
foodgrains (both wheat and rice) as compared to neighbouring Haryana. ―Punjab
storage is full of rice from 2019-20 while in Haryana it is almost zero. In Punjab, there
are 21.722 lakh tonnes of rice from 2019-20. Some quantity from 2018-19 is also
there. Besides, 79.758 lakh tonnes of wheat is also lying from previous years,‖ he
said.

Urging Goel to issue guidelines keeping this idea in mind the idea of ‗one nation, one
policy‘, the association said the quality of old food is getting deteriorated day by day
and its nutrition value is also reducing.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/implement-one-nation-one-policy-for-
lifting-rice-millers-244249
P rovide your em ail for confi rm ati on

CONTINUE

Tell us a bi t about yoursel f

Rappler takes privacy seriously. We never share your data without your consent. Read our
Privacy Policy

COUNTRY*

WHY WE ASK ABOUT LOC ATION

CONTINUE

P l eas e provide your em ail address

CONTINUE

wel com e t o R appl er

Lo gi n
TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

SIGN IN WITH EMAILSIGN IN WITH GOOGLESIGN IN WITH FACEBOOKSIGN IN WITH

TWITTER

DON'T HAVE AN ACCOUNT? REGISTER

Lo gi n wit h em ail

CONTINUE
REGISTER?

C heck your inbox

We just sent a link to your inbox. Click the link to continue signing in. Can‘t find it? Check your
spam & junk mail.

DIDN'T GET A LINK? RESEND IT

USE PASSWORD? SIGN IN WITH PASSWOR D

Lo gi n wit h em ail

CONTINUE
FORGOT PASSWORD?REGISTER?

R es et password?

Please use the email you used to register and we will send you a link to reset your password

CONTINUE

C heck your inbox

We just sent a link to your inbox. Click the link to continue resetting your password. Can‘t find
it? Check your spam & junk mail.

DIDN'T GET A LINK? RESEND IT

S i gn up
READY TO GET STARTED

SIGN UP WITH EMAILSIGN UP WITH GOOGLESIGN UP WITH FACEBOOKSIGN UP WITH

TWITTER

ALREADY HAVE AN ACCO UNT? LOGIN

S i gn up wi th em ai l

CONTINUE
By signing up you agree to Rappler‘s Terms and Conditions and Privacy

C heck your inbox

We just sent a link to your inbox. Click the link to continue registering. Can‘t find it? Check your
spam & junk mail.

DIDN'T GET A LINK? RESEND IT

J oi n R appl er+

JOIN RAPPLER+
NOT NOW

J oi n M ove

JOIN MOVE
NOT NOW

HOW OFTEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO PAY?

Annual Subscripti on
 M ont hl y S ubscri pt ion

You will be re-directed to our payment partner to complete your payment.

CONTINUE

Your pa ym ent was int errupt ed

Exiting the registration flow at this point will mean you will loose your progress

CONTINUE
EXIT REGISTRATION

Your pa ym ent di dn‘t go through

Exiting the registration flow at this point will mean you will loose your progress

RETRY PAYMENT

wel com e t o R appl er+

wel com e t o Move

wel com e t o Move & R appl er+

RAPPLER USES COOKIES TO CUSTOMIZE USER EXPERIENCE

By continued use, you agree to our privacy policy and accept our use of such cookies.
I ACCEPT
ISPEAK

 LATES T NEWS
 S EC TIONS

 TOP IC S

 C OUP ONS

 C AS HBAC K

 LOGIN
JOIN RAPPLER+

 RAPPLER+ EXCLUSIVES

 ABOUT RAPPLER

 BRANDRAP

 BULLETIN BOARD

 BUSINESS

 ENTERTAINMENT

 ENVIRONMENT
 HUSTLE

 LIFE AND STYLE

 MOVEPH

 PHILIPPINES

 NEWSBREAK

 SCIENCE

 SPORTS

 TECHNOLOGY

 VIDEO

 VOICES

 WORLD

SEE ALL VOICES

 NEW SCHOOL
 EDITORIALS

 IMHO

 ISPEAK

 NEWSLETTERS

 RAPPLER BLOGS

 THOUGHT LEADERS

LATEST

 COVID-19

 PUBLIC HEALTH

 COVID-19 VACCINES

 MYANMAR

 UNITED STATES
 INDIA

 CHINA

 OSCARS

 RED-TAGGING

 COMMUNITY PANTRIES

 NBA REGULAR SEASON

 WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

 MARITIME SECURITY

 DEMOCRACY

FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

[OPINION] Rising up for farmers and food security

APR 26, 2021 1:43 PM PHT

RAISSA MARFA
INFO
'[Our] farmers deserve a system that works'
One year has passed since community quarantines were first put in place in the country, yet we
still find ourselves in the same situation, or even worse. I doubt one article would be enough to
list down and discuss all the factors that have contributed to this state.
Staying especially in Metro Manila has allowed me to see the action and inaction surrounding
COVID-19 response. I have seen both the good and the bad, which has helped me to think about
how the pandemic has brought out the best and worst in people.
It has also been a year since the resounding call for food security was made, but it has yet to be
addressed properly. However, we do see different efforts by different actors in the economy that
attempt to respond to this long-time need, especially during the pandemic.
One of these efforts was the Rice Stakeholders Workshop held on April 12. It discussed the
current situation of the rice industry in the country, together with farmers, rice millers and
retailers, policy makers, scientists, consumers, and advocates. Collectively, it sought to identify
and formulate resolutions and recommendations for the direction of the food system and
agriculture in the country.
Resources to our sources
Our farmers are our sources of food, yet they struggle when it comes to food security. A strong
point reiterated by the different stakeholders during the workshop is that farmers need the right
kind and right amount of resources that can assist them during production and post-production
processes, as well as prepare and educate them fully as they go through decision-making.
Over the years, financial support, machinery, and operational resources have been the constant
demand from our agricultural sector. Other resources include, as mentioned by a representative
from the retailers, the technology that exactly measures the output we have every harvest season,
as it is important to know how much rice our country really needs.
Chances are, if we don't know how much we are harvesting, we would not know the exact
amount of rice we'd need to import from other countries. If there is a surplus of the imported
rice, its prices will go down, thus affecting the production and selling of local rice in the local
market.
This kind of technology will also assure the farmers that what they are producing and harvesting
are maximized, and that they also earn what is appropriate for their productivity. Sources of
agricultural information such as this is needed for more informed decision-making among our
farmers and other agricultural actors.
Rising for all
Together with the challenges of rice production resources is the deafening call for food security.
This call has brought out a lot of points for reflection and discussion. A common idea that
flourished among stakeholders was tayo-tayo, or how participants from each sector highlighted
their support to each other and their commitment to food security. Since we all benefit from food
security, it is then fair and just that all of us work tirelessly to achieve it for all, leaving no one
behind.
Given what we are facing right now, progress may seem blurry. But what I learned is that no
matter how small the progress is, when it comes to genuine agrarian reform, it will always be a
win. As one of the farmer representatives said during the workshop: Ang pag-unlad ay kung saan
kasabay ang sikmura ng mamamayan.
Food security is for all, leaving no one, especially our farmers, behind. More importantly, our
farmers deserve a system that works – a system that not only enhances their productivity, but
also empowers them to own what they do and make well-informed decisions. We all deserve to
have something on our plate at the end of the day. More than anyone else, our farmers deserve
enough on theirs. – Rappler.com

How did t hi s st ory m ake you feel?

INSPIRED
HAPPY
AMUSED
NEUTRAL
ANNOYED
SAD
ANGRY
AFRAID
SEE THE RESULTS
Raissa Marfa graduated with a degree in Economics. She writes and sews for Rural Women
Advocates (RUWA).
Continue the call for genuine agrarian reform online with these hashtags:
#1KHindiSapat10KDapat, #15KProductionSubsidyNow, #RiceIsEssential, and
#NasaanAngAyuda. To watch the recorded Rice Stakeholders Workshop video, you may visit the
Facebook pages of AMIHAN and Bantay Bigas.
Voices features opinions from readers of all backgrounds, persuasions, and ages; analyses from
advocacy leaders and subject matter experts; and reflections and editorials from Rappler staff.
You may submit pieces for review to opinion@rappler.com.
ADVERTISEMENT

FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINESAGRICULTURE AND

FISHERIESDEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORMMORE ...

Afri can swine fev er now i n P hi li ppines

FAR MERS IN THE P HILI P P INES

ISPEAK

[OPINION] Why Filipino farmers suffer

NEW SCHOOL

[OPINION | New School] Farmers: Our famished food suppliers

ISPEAK

[OPINYON] Bilang isang babaeng magsasaka, ano ba para sa akin

ang Rice Tariffication Law?

 THOUGHT LEADERS

[ANALYSIS] In response to Raul Montemayor's piece on the Rice

Tariffication Law

MORE ON FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Fearl ess report ing del ivered to you

FOLLOW US
JOIN RAPPLER+KNOW MORE HERE

 CROWDFUNDING

 FOUNDING BOARD

 RAPPLER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 ABOUT US

 MISSION STATEMENT

 EDITORIAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

 THE TEAM

 CONTACT US
 PRIVACY STATEMENT
 TERMS OF USE
 COMMENT MODERATION P OLICY

Personalize your Rappler alerts! (All subscribers receive breaking news and top content.)
News
Entertainment
Sports
Voices
HUSTLE
Newsbreak
Technology
Food
MovePH
BrandRap
ALLOWNo, thankshttps://www.rappler.com/voices/ispeak/opinion-rising-up-farmers-food-
security

A farmer applies fertilizer on her leafy green vegetables. Facebook

Smallholder farmers project tallies 827 contracts worth

$27M
Sun, 25 April 2021
Thou Vireak
The Ministry of Commerce struck 827 contracts worth $26.9 million through the
Accelerating Inclusive Markets for Smallholders (AIMS) project in 2020, according
to a report from the ministry.

The AIMS project is scheduled for February 28, 2017-March 31, 2023 with a total
budget of $45 million, of which the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) is to provide $36.25 million and the government $8.68 million.

The ministry has organised 1,580 smallholder farmer clusters comprising 51,383
households, accounting for 68.5 per cent of agro-commercial products such as high-
graded ―luxury‖ varieties of rice paddy, free-range poultry, vegetables, cassava and
Khmer silk, it said in the report.

―The Ministry of Commerce has facilitated 827 buy-sell contracts between farmers
and buyers and between farmers and suppliers of [agricultural] inputs with a total
volume of 121,037.8 tonnes worth $26.9 million.

"We will continue to coordinate with the private sector to expand the domestic market
through additional buy-sell contracts, by setting up memorandums of understanding
[MoU] that the ministry plans to sign with six rice millers, five vegetable buyers and
four raw agricultural supplying companies,‖ the ministry said.

The AIMS project aims to benefit at least 75,000 smallholder farming households,
increasing incomes and boosting family economies, the ministry said. The project also
develops infrastructure to potential areas and improves access to markets.

The ministry has registered 61,925 farming households in AIMS‘ management

information system (MIS), accounting for 82.6 per cent of the 75,000 target, and
provided 333 wells equipped with water pumping motors to the 18 provinces reached
by the project.

The ministry aims to chalk up at least another 13,075 farming households this year,
surpassing the target over a year ahead of schedule.

Contact author: Thou Vireak

MOST VIEWED

 Phnom Penh placed in two-week lockdown

 The government has decided to place Phnom Penh in lockdown for two weeks,
effective April 14 midnight through April 28, as Cambodia continues to grapple
with the ongoing community outbreak of Covid-19, which has seen no sign of
subsiding. According to a directive signed by Prime Minister

 Inter-provincial travel ban lifted; Phnom Penh and Takmao not exempted

The government on April 25 decided to lift the inter-provincial travel ban and
the closure of tourist attractions across the country, effectively immediately.
The travel ban and closures of all resorts were imposed on April 6 and 17
respectively in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19,

 Hun Sen: Stay where you are, or else

Prime Minister Hun Sen warned that the two-week lockdown of Phnom Penh
and adjacent Kandal provincial town Takmao could be extended if people are
not cooperative by staying home. ―Now let me make this clear: stay in your
home, village, and district and remain where

 Businesses in capital told to get travel permit amid lockdown through One
Window Service

The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has issued guidelines on how to get
travel permission for priority groups during the lockdown of Phnom Penh,
directing private institutions to apply through the municipality's One Window
Service and limit their staff to a mere two per cent. In

 Ministry names types of business permitted amid lockdown

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training singled out 11 types of

business that are permitted to operate during the lockdown of Phnom Penh and
Takmao town, which run through April 28. Those include (1) food-processing
enterprises and slaughterhouses; (2) providers of public services such as
firefighting, utility and

 Governor names Red Zone areas in capital

Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has designated a number of

villages and communes in three districts as "Red Zone", where residents are
 forbidden from leaving their home, just hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen
revised lockdown measures for areas at highest risks of Covid-19

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:A864kgWv2BQJ:https://www.p
hnompenhpost.com/business/smallholder-farmers-project-tallies-827-contracts-worth-
27m+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk

. Laxmi Brand, Brown Basmati Rice,

Vegetarian, Whole Grain, Light, Nutty
Flavor, Made Pure, Made Fresh, Product
of India (2lb)

 Laxmi brown basmati rice is grown within the himalayas and pakistan and is an
extended grain rice that‘s characterised by a light-weight nutty taste. our basmati rice is
scrumptious to make use of in conventional indian cooking and pairs properly with: stir-
frys, salads, pilafs, and soups and stews.
 Our 10lb bag of laxmi brown basmati rice is conveniently sized for dwelling cooking!
home of spices has the entire conventional indian spices and meals merchandise it‘s
essential to get cooking.
 Laxmi brown basmati rice is a complete grain pure rice grown within the himalayas and
pakistan that‘s characterised by a light-weight nutty taste
 Home of spices laxmi brown basmati rice is an all pure meals product that‘s assured
recent. our basmati rice is of the very best high quality and might be a pleasant addition
to any meal.
 At home of spices, spreading indian meals tradition via high quality merchandise and
household recipes is our firm purpose! our genuine indian cooking spices are of the very
best quality and can deliver intense taste and vitality to your dinner desk. whether or not
you are on the lookout for conventional indian spices and meals merchandise to create
an unique dinner, or just desirous to indulge your…
 Check Price Now

2. Fix-It and Forget-It Instant Pot

Cookbook: 100 Delicious Instant Pot
Recipes!
 Check Price Now

3. Sultan Brand Pure Super Basmati

Rice, 10 lbs
 Check Price Now

4. (3 Pack) Great Value Basmati Rice, 32

oz
Check Price Now
 Dinu das
Tech specialist. Social media guru. Evil problem solver. Total writer. Web
enthusiast. Internet nerd. Passionate gamer. Twitter buff.

Post navigation
Prev Post
Next Post

RECENT POSTS
 Top 10 Best Tech 21 Iphone 5 Cases 2021
 Top 10 Best Signmission Boogie Boards 2021
 Apple releases iOS 14.5, the biggest update since iOS 14 first launched
 Top 10 Best Shower Speakers With Suction Cups 2021

 Update now: critical macOS security flaw patched in Big Sur 11.3
https://bestgamingpro.com/basmati-rice-brands/

More farm machines to be distributed this year

ByEireene Jairee Gomez

April 24, 2021

31

THE Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization

(PhilMech) is targeting to procure a total of 5,098 units of farm machineries

and distribute these to 1,600 FCAs with an estimated 284,800 farmer-

members this year, as part of its mandate under the tarrified rice regime.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar in a statement on Thursday expressed

optimism that farmers will be able to reduce the cost of rice production to
about P8 to P9 per kilo by the end of the six-year implementation of the
Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, thus making the Philippines at
par with its counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

―The continued implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement

Fund (RCEF) as provided under Rice Tariffication Law is paving the way to

this favorable development onto making Filipino rice farmers globally

competitive,‖ Dar said.

PhilMech studies show that mechanizing rice production operations, from

land preparation to harvest, can reduce the production cost of palay (paddy
rice) by P2 to P3 per kilo.

Currently, the cost of producing palay in the Philippines is at P12.72 per kilo,

while it is P6.22 in Vietnam and P8.86 in Thailand, according to studies by

Department of Agriculture‘s Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-

PhilRice).

Of the total targeted farm machinery and equipment for this year, 2,574 units

are for land preparation like four-wheel and one-hand tractors, and

attachments like tillers, worth P1.7 billion; 496 units for crop establishment

like transplanters and seeders, totalling P500 million; and 2,028 units of post-

harvest equipment like mechanical harvesters, threshers and milling

machines, worth P2.8 billion.
 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/04/24/business/business-top/more-farm-machines-
to-be-distributed-this-year/867127/







 ePaper

 H OM E
 N EW S
 E LE CT I ON S
 O P IN I ON
 B U SI NE SS
 S P O RT
 L IFE & S TY LE T H RE AD CITIES

 BENGALURU

 CHENNAI

 COIMBATORE

 DELHI

 HYDERABAD

WORLDVIEW WITH SUHASINI HAIDAR | WHAT WENT WRONG WITH INDIA'S

VACCINE DIPLOMACY?

 NEWS
 CIT IES

 HYDERAB AD

HYDERABAD

Millers cautioned against reducing paddy

weight
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD:, APRIL 23, 2021 21:16 IST

SHARE ARTICLE







 PRINT
 AAA

Chairman of the Civil Supplies Corporation M. Srinivas Reddy holding a meeting on paddy procurement in Hyderabad on
Friday.

768 tonnes of superfine rice distributed to 30,722 private teachers so far

Chairman of the Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation (TSCSC) M. Srinivas
Reddy has cautioned millers against reducing the weight of paddy shifted from the
procurement centres in the name of chaff, wastage or moisture as the commodity is
weighed only after checking the specifications at purchase centres.
He instructed the enforcement officials of the corporation to inquire into the reports of
such incidents from Nalgonda district during a review meeting held with procurement,
marketing and finance officials. He also appealed to the farming community to bring
their produce by following the fair average quality specifications fixed by the Centre.
Mr. Reddy asked the officials to focus on procurement of paddy and shifting of the
purchased grain to the mills in the wake of COVID-19 surge. He further asked the
officials to take steps to convince labourers (hamalis) to stay back at the place they
were located now so that no problem was faced in loading and unloading and did not
return to their native places due to increase in coronavirus cases.
Seeking more transparency in the allotment and use of gunny sacks, the corporation
chairman asked the officials to complete reconciliation of gunny bags for the last six
years and also conduct surprise checks on the quality of old gunny bags at godowns
and procurement centres.
On the distribution of free (superfine) rice to private school teachers at 25 kg per
family, Mr. Srinivas Reddy said about 7.68 lakh kg of rice had been given to 30,722
private school teachers through 13,748 fair price shops so far.
Related Articles
 This article is closed for comments.
Please Email the Editor
TRENDING TODAY

 C OR ON AV IRU S

79K | Coronavirus | India may have 8 to 10 lakh cases a day in mid-May, says Michigan University
epidemiologist Bhramar Mukherjee
 69K | The Hindu Explains | Why is the government tweaking the National Pension System?

61K | Oxygen shortage | Seize property of those spreading rumours: Yogi Adityanath

35K | Coronavirus | Saudi Arabia to ship 80 metric tonnes of oxygen to India to meet growing
demand

28K | Twitter removes over 50 posts on govt. orders; majority related to COVID-19

27K | Video of IIT-Kharagpur professor hurling abuses at students kicks up a storm

24K | Supreme Court judge Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar passes away

23K | Two-week lockdown across Karnataka

20K | Coronavirus | U.S. to send raw material for Covishield







 ePaper

T R EN DI N G T O D AY
 Video of IIT-Kharagpur professor hurling abuses at students kicks up a storm
 Two-week lockdown across Karnataka
 COVID-19: China's Sichuan Airlines suspends cargo flights rushing medical supplies to India
 COVID-19 surge: Discrepancy surfaces in Gujarat death figures
 Oscars 2021: The complete list of winners
 Ravichandran Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family over COVID-19
 Joe Biden, Kamala Harris express support for India amid COVID-19 crisis
 Coronavirus | U.S. to send raw material for Covishield
 Coronavirus | Saudi Arabia to ship 80 metric tonnes of oxygen to India to meet growing demand
 The Hindu Explains | Why is the government tweaking the National Pension System?
T R EN DI N G T O PI C

 Coronavirus
 The Hindu Explains

T R EN DI N G O N OU R G RO U P SI TE S
B U SI NE SS LI NE

 Citibank
 Covid-19
 Coronavirus

S P O RTS T AR

 IPL 2021
 Shikhar Dhawan
 Punjab Kings

 IPL 2021
 Chennai Super Kings


H OM E

N EW S
 E LE CT I ON S
 O P IN I ON
 B U SI NE SS
 S P O RT
 L IFE & S TY LE T H RE AD THE SITE
 About Us

 Terms of Use

 Privacy Policy

 Contacts

 Archive

 Print Subscription

 ePaper

 Digital Subscription

 Rss Feeds

 Sitemap

GROUP SITES
  The Hindu

 இந்து தமிழ் திசை

 Business Line

 BL on Campus

 Sportstar

 Frontline

 The Hindu Centre

 RoofandFloor

 STEP

 Young World Club

 Publications

 eBooks

 Images
  Classifieds

CONTACT US Copyright© 2021, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/millers-cautioned-against-reducing-
paddy-weight/article34395431.ece

12:00 AM, April 26, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:31 AM, April 26, 2021

Sow early ripening paddy to

reduce flood risks
Agriculture minister says at harvest festival

Star Business Report

The government is putting emphasis on the cultivation of early ripening varieties of paddy to
reduce risks of flood damage and ensure an adequate supply of the popular grain, according to
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.

"A sufficient amount of paddy is cultivated in the country's haors but this is very risky as these
areas are prone to flooding at times," he said.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

"So, we are working to reduce this risk by emphasising on cultivating varieties of paddy that
ripen within 15 to 20 days," the minister added.

Razzaque made these comments while speaking as chief guest at a Boro Paddy Harvest Festival
in Mithamain upazila of Kishoreganj.

To ensure quick harvests this season, the government is also providing combine harvesters and
reapers to farmers in haor areas on a priority basis.

The agriculture minister inaugurated the paddy harvesting programme and distributed combine
harvesters and reapers among farmers.
Since boro paddy is the only crop that is grown on vast amounts of haor lands every year, its
productivity needs to be increased, Razzaque told the farmers.

"Our scientists have already developed high yielding varieties of rice such as Brridhan 89 and 92
and we will give you these improved varieties of hybrid rice seeds for cultivation," he added.

Razzaque went on to say that the government provides 70 per cent subsidy on combine
harvesters, reapers and other farm implements to reduce the cost of production and speed up
agricultural mechanisation in the country.

This year, boro paddy was cultivated on 166,950 hectares of land, of which 102,500 hectares was
in haor areas of Kishoreganj.

As of, April 24, 53 per cent of the paddy in haor areas had been harvested while it was 39 per
cent in non-haor areas.

A target has been set to produce 7,11,580 tonnes of rice in the district this year.

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/retail/news/sow-early-ripening-paddy-reduce-
flood-risks-2083849

Subscribe
LOGIN

(© George Carrick/ UNP 0845 600 7737)

ALDI TRIALLING LOOSE PASTA

AND RICE TO CUT DOWN ON
PACKAGING
It could eliminate more than 21 million pieces of packaging
annually from its stores
 Ellie Abraham@ellieabraham
Thursday 15 April 2021 11:39
comments

Popular budget supermarket chain Aldi is trialling a new scheme to reduce

plastic packaging waste by selling loose pasta and rice products.

The trial has begun at one store in Ulverston in Cumbria and sees basmati rice,
brown rice, penne pasta and wholewheat fusilli available to purchase loose from
the ―Pasta and Rice Refill Station‖.

The products are sold by weight and the instructions at the refill station are
simple:

1. Take a bag
2. Fill it
3. Label it
4. Pay at till

The free brown paper bags Aldi provide for filling are recyclable and made
from sustainable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials.

Recommended

 Kelly Osbourne says she relapsed after four years of sobriety

 US honey still contains radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing, study
finds

 Top tips and delicious recipes to help you cut down on food waste

These household staples are the first packing-free product the supermarket has
sold and if successful, similar initiatives may be rolled out to more stores in the
future.

It could eliminate more than 21 million pieces of packaging, equating to around

130 tonnes of waste annually from its stores.
 Aldi‘s Plastics and Packaging Director, Richard Gorman, said: ―Customers at
our Ulverston store can now buy the same high-quality items they know and
love, while also cutting down on plastic packaging.

―We‘re always looking for new ways to reduce waste plastic and limit
packaging, as many of our shoppers are increasingly conscious of the
environment and their impact on it.

―We hope local customers embrace the trial and we will use their feedback to
inform any future plans around refillable products.‖

This scheme comes as part of Aldi‘s 2020 commitment to halve the amount of
plastic packaging it uses by 2025, removing 74,000 tonnes of plastic packaging.

Since January 2019, the supermarket has claimed to be carbon-neutral and is on

course to ensure all Aldi own-brand products are recyclable, reusable or
compostable by 2022. It aims to do the same with all branded items it sells by
2025.
More about
ALDIPastaRiceCumbria
Join our new commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Be the first to comment

LOG IN | SIGN UP

 All Comments
Newest
All Comments
Start The Conversation
Powered by

 GET IN TOUCH
o Contact us
o Jobs
o
 OUR PRODUCTS
o Subscriptions
o Newsletters
o Install our apps
o Archive
 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
o International editions
o Independent en Español
o Independent Arabia
o Independent Turkish
o Independent Persian
o Independent Urdu
o Evening Standard
o Novaya Gazeta
 EXTRAS
o All topics
o Voucher codes
o Advertising guide
o Syndication
 LEGAL
o Code of conduct and complaints
o Contributors
o Cookie policy
o Donations Terms & Conditions
o Privacy notice
o User policies

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/aldi-loose-pasta-rice-
packaging-b1831862.html

Rice stock falls to 13-year low

Iftekhar Mahmud
Dhaka
Published: 24 Apr 2021, 18:57

File photo
The government‘s rice in storages has fallen to a 13-year low of 300,000 tonnes. The government was unprepared for such a situation over the stock of rice. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina had
ordered to import the grain in August last year, to avoid any possible shortage of rice, but the food ministry couldn‘t implement the decision on time. The ministry took four more months to start
the process of import 1 million (10 lakh) tonne of rice at government initiative. And allowing private sector to import rice by reducing tariff also took till February this year.

According the food ministry‘s daily food situation report, there were 311,000 tonnes of rice in the government‘s storage as of 20 April 20. According to the former and incumbent officials of the
food department, the government‘s stock of rice had only fallen lower, at 280,000 tonnes, in 2008.

The country‘s rice production dropped by 2 million (20 lakh) because of cyclone Sidr in 2007. At that time, the caretaker government was in power. Since they couldn‘t import rice on time, the
price of the grain had reached Tk 50 a kg. Currently, the price of coarse varieties of rice reached a peak at Tk 48-50 a kg since 2017, while price of fine varieties of rice is at Tk 62-65.
 Usually, the government strengthens the open market sales (OMS) programme when price of rice increases in the market. It affects the market plus low-income people are able to buy rice at a
lower price. But the government progamme is very limited during the Covid-19 restrictions this time. The Directorate General of Food, in a press release last week, said they have been selling
733 tonnes of rice at 715 sales points across the country daily.

Panic buying by the affluent increased the price of rice after coronavirus broke out in March last year. Then cyclone Amphan and prolonged floods had kept the rice price high throughout the
year. According to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), the price of coarse variety of rice, on average, was at Tk 48 a kg in 2020 – up 20 per cent from 2019. The government
couldn‘t procure rice as per its target during last boro season because of high price of rice in the market. Besides, 83,000 tonnes of rice were procured against a target of 800,000 tonne during
aman season.

Former research director of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) M Asaduzzaman told Prothom Alo that the food security of huge numbers of people is at risk since they lost
their jobs because of coronavirus and lockdown. Considering the situation, the stock of rice should have been increased to 1.5 million (15 lakh) tonnes from 1.1 million (11 lakh) tonnes for a
year. The food ministry must explain why the stock of rice has reduced to 300,000 tonnes instead.

Earlier, Bangladesh also faced a problem in importing rice from India. The country (India) stopped export of rice and onions in time of crisis for various reasons including its internal politics and
election. This time uncertainty has also prevailed over India‘s export of Covid-19 vaccine. Everything considered, Bangladesh should take alternative measures, he added.

Failure in import
Last January, the food ministry finalised a decision to import 2 million (20 lakh) tonnes of rice to meet the deficit. As of 21 April, 259,000 tonnes of rice were imported through government
channel and around 650,000 tonnes through private channels. The food ministry gave clearance to 320 companies to import rice and most of them couldn‘t do so on time.

Chitta Majumdar from Satkhira is one of the traders with clearance for rice import. He told Prothom Alo that rice must be imported by this month as per the conditions, but the crisis of trucks and
congestion in land ports is creating delays. Since boro harvesting has begun, there is a fear of incurring loss if rice is imported with 25 per cent tariff now.

A large portion of the companies receiving import clearance are not regular importers. They are mainly small and medium-scale rice traders. Since they couldn‘t make much profit in the first
phase, many of them didn‘t import rice for the second time. Trader Nurul Islam from Nagaon has a clearance for import. He told Prothom Alo selling imported rice is difficult. So, he imported
10,000 tonnes of rice despite receiving clearance for 20,000 tonnes.

Two ministers question rice stock

As boro harvesting has begun in haor areas, the food monitoring and evaluation committee held a meeting on 22 April. Six ministers took part in the meeting with the food minster in the chair.
Agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque and health minister Zahid Maleque expressed concern over the existing stock of rice at the meeting. They also raised questions about the low stock of rice.

Agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque told Prothom Alo that flood damaged paddy cultivation last year, resulting in low yields and hike in rice price. So, why did it take six months even after
prime minister gave permission for quick import of rice considering the situation, he asked. He said there should have been a stock of at least 1 million (10 lakh) tonnes of rice at the government-
owned storehouses.

Regarding the ministers‘ question on rice stock, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder told Prothom Alo, ―We explained the matter and the ministers were satisfied.‖ He said rice will arrive
from India soon under the government‘s initiative to import the grain. The crisis won‘t last, he said.

At the meeting, the agriculture ministry recommended purchasing coarse variety of rice at Tk 40 a kg, atap (parboiled rice) at Tk 39 a kg and paddy at Tk 27 kg. The finance ministry objected the
move saying parboiled rice was purchased at Tk 36 a kg during last year‘s boro season. Raising the price by Tk 4 a kg in a year will have negative impact on inflation

President of the rice mill owners‘ body Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners' Association, Abdur Rashid observed if the government decides to procure rice at Tk 40 a kg, target
will be fulfilled largely.

Increase open market sale

People‘s earnings have dropped during coronavirus. Poverty has increased. People with limited income are gathering at the sale points initiated by the government now more than ever.

Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) and BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) released a study last week. It shows pandemic has pushed 24.5 million (2.45
crore) people into people into poverty joining 21 per cent of population who have already been living under poverty line before the pandemic.

Executive chairman of PPRC, Hossain Zillur Rahman told Prothom Alo that more than half of these new poor people live in city. The government must increase the sale of rice on trucks in big
cities immediately for these poor people. Poor people should be provided with cash assistance in addition to increasing the stock of rice immediately, he observed.

Also Read
Cash support for the poor: Learn from past mistakes

This report appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Hasanul Banna

Read more from Bangladesh

 Export
 Government
 Rice
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/rice-stock-falls-to-13-year-low

More rice mills permitted in

Suryapet to buy paddy
The agriculture department has estimated that the paddy production would increase to
10 lakh tons in this yasangi crop season
AddThis Sharing Buttons

By TelanganaToday | Published: 24th Apr 2021 9:28 pm

Energy Minister G Jagadish Reddy reviewing the paddy procurement with the officials in
the district Collectorate at Suryapet
Suryapet: Energy Minister G Jagadish Reddy on Saturday said special measures have
been taken up to purchase paddy from farmers through IKP Centres and millers in the
district since the highest production of paddy was reported from the district due to
improved irrigation facility through SRSP canal.

Reviewing the paddy procurement with the officials in the district Collectorate at
Suryapet, Reddy said that Suryapet district was first beneficiary of Kaleshwaram project
as it was getting Godavari water through SRSP canal. He cited the increase in the
production of paddy in the district was an example for it.
The agriculture department has estimated that the paddy production would increase to 10
lakh tons in this yasangi crop season. The paddy production was increased to 2,58,755
metric tons in this monsoon crop season from 2, 12, 433 metric tons in the monsoon
season of 2018-19. The area of cultivation was also increased significantly due to
irrigation facility and improve in ground water level due to filling up of irrigation tanks
with Godavari waters from Kaleshwaram project through SRSP canal.

He has also suggested the farmers to bring the quality paddy to the purchasing centres
and get good price to their crop. He has also instructed the officials to take measures to
ensure that no problem would arise in purchasing paddy from the farmers in the district.
He reminded that 72 paddy cleaning machines have been purchased for the procurement
centres. He said that permissions would be given another 23 rice mills for purchase of
paddy in view of increase in the crop production. Paddy production was reported in
record level in this yasangi crop season.

The district Collector T Vinay Krishna Reddy and officials of marketing, agriculture and
civil supplies were also attended the review meeting.

Challenges, solutions and leadership

0

Facebook Twitter Email Messenger WhatsApp Viber

BY HEMANTHA KULATUNGA
News Features
25 April, 2021
The 2021 Sinhala and Tamil New year was celebrated by Sri Lankans almost similar to pre-
Covid-19 years, amidst the still prevailing threat. Despite continuous warnings by the health
authorities and the Police, most of the cities were inundated with shoppers. The lower
figures of Covid cases officially announced by the authorities seem to have immensely
influenced the general public to drop the guard. Hence, gross disregard to the health
guidelines was seen in many crowded places throughout the country, specifically in urban
areas.
Challenges to Government
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fifteen months into the Presidency is facing one
cataclysmic crisis after another, perhaps confronting more issues than any of his
predecessors. The strong Government with a two-thirds majority is in an uphill battle to find
solutions to the escalating public issues and to counter disinformation.
The biggest setback for the President and the Government was the emergence of the
Covid-19 pandemic that created a devastating effect on the country. Many countries in the
world are still struggling to cope with the damage caused while Sri Lanka has controlled the
second wave creditably.
The initial decisive steps were taken by the Government under the strong leadership of the
President, including getting the government machinery aligned was the main reason for the
success.
Despite the arbitrary and unreasonable criticisms by the politically influenced groups, the
distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine was managed efficiently by the health authorities.
Due to the high world demand for the vaccine, the quantity received was limited, but the
distribution was far better than many other countries as so far close to a million Sri Lankans
have been given the first dose.
The issue of the importation of contaminated cancer-causing coconut oil has created a
public outcry discrediting the Government. The critics have completely forgotten that the
companies that are involved have imported the same products for many years. However,
the opposition that attempts to cling on to any incident to attack the Government has made
a heyday out of the incident, completely ignoring the timelines.
During the previous regime as well the said companies have imported the same product but
the test results never came to light. However, the upside is that all future food imports will
go through a tooth comb as the responsible institutions will take more precautionary actions
in testing samples.
President‘s decision to ban the importation of palm oil in the aftermath of the contaminated
coconut oil incident also faced mixed criticism.
It must be noted that at the initial stages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa‘s ‗Dialogue with
the village‘ program, at several venues he was requested by stakeholders,
environmentalists, and scientists to ban palm tree cultivation that is immensely damaging to
the environment.
The oil palm cultivation is banned across the European Union. However, at the request of
bakers, the Government has declared that a special system with specific permits to import
palm oil for bakery products.
The issue of rice price also is another critical challenge the Government is confronting since
their inception. To a layman, the Government seems to have given in to a few large-scale
rice millers. For reasons not clear to the country, the Government so far was unable to
tackle the situation. The alternative methods deployed by the two Ministries, Trade and
Agriculture, have met with some success but inadequate in the long run. A permanent
action plan to break the ‗rice mafia‘ is expected by the entire citizenry without further delays.
Another pressing issue is the public outcry about the environmental hazards, particularly the
felling of trees illegally.
Whilst some public claims are completely justifiable, many others are politically motivated to
bring the Government into disrepute. The biggest problem is that the general public has no
other method to verify these claims other than the highly unreliable Sri Lankan social media
platforms.
The Government, since the beginning was weak and lame in public communication. Most
often, the explanations about environmental issues, positive or negative, came long after
the accusations are leveled at the authorities. Most often, the official announcements about
the facts are given after the erroneous information is settled in the public mindset. Even the
powerful Presidential media division does not seem to understand the behaviour of Sri
Lankans as yet.
A fair amount of the environment-related incidents reported recently seems to be
development-linked forest clearing and most of them were inevitable. This writer, in the
previous week‘s article pointed out that the clearing of a vast area of natural forests took
place to complete the accelerated Mahaweli Project that has subsequently provided a
massive amount of long-term benefits.
Disappearing forests
With the growing population and diminishing forest cover, the authorities must be concerned
about environmental protection. Also, they must make the public aware of the actual
situation of the scheduled development programmes.
The culprits who willfully damage the natural resources must be punished comprehensively
regardless of their social standings whilst proper assessments of pros and cons must be
done before the commencement of any development project.
Another damaging scenario currently emerging to the ruling party is the visible disharmony
in the ranks. Some of the ruling party alliance partners openly criticized their own members
creating doubts among the public about the Government they have voted to power.
Sustaining team spirit and harmony among the followers is one of the most important tasks
of leadership. Therefore, the country expects the President who knows about leadership
more than many existing politicians to take appropriate action to control such indiscipline
among his team members. Seemingly, these disgruntled partners seem to be creating or
causing issues inside their own Government.
The best example of effective leadership this writer can cite is the efficiency displayed by
the late President J.R. Jayewardene during his entire tenure. Some of the tactics he has
used came into criticism at the time. Nevertheless, he has held his team together as a
tightly knitted bunch.
The opposition reaps the biggest harvest from the open disagreements among ruling party
members. Whenever an unhappy associate makes a critical statement, he or she adds
reasons to the seemingly feeble opposition to make a big uproar and create mayhem. This
behaviour can provide the biggest assistance to the competition in politics.
With the lowest national vote base of once-powerful United National Party and heavily
unreliable opposition sans intellectual inputs gets the best opportunity to attack with said
internal conflicts of the ruling party.
Most of the speakers who appear on behalf of the opposition make their presentations
based on hearsay and not facts, with malicious intentions. Most of the accusations can be
countered easily if the Government media machinery is efficient.
In an extremely optimistic and timely move, the Government has made a bold decision to
hand out Rs. 5,000/- to an estimated 2.7 million needy families as a special donation to
celebrate the New Year. The move came under cautious criticism by opposition politicians
as an election gimmick. Nevertheless, it was an immensely helpful gift to the masses at
these difficult times.
Port City Commission
The proposed Colombo Port City Economic Commission has come under strong criticism
by almost all opposition political parties and some other NGOs. However, the State Minister
of Finance in a press briefing presented facts to counter the opposing claims.
He categorically refuted the claims that the Colombo Port city becomes a colony of another
country and that the Commission will have legal immunity. However, the general public is
not aware of the full facts until the Bill is taken for debate in Parliament.
Despite the customary accusations by the political opposition that the general public is in
dire straits without food and other essentials, the media reported that the citizenry
celebrated the New Year festival joyfully.
The festive shopping was at the highest level throughout the country and the celebrations
were impressive. The public has immensely enjoyed the New Year holiday season after the
absence of festivities for over a year.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2021/04/25/news-features/challenges-solutions-and-
leadership

n Memory: Steve Balas

Steve Balas
USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends
of Steve Balas, of Eagle Lake, Texas, who passed away
April 20, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife,
Linda, brother Tony, sister Julie Lobpries (Howard),
and two grandsons.

Steve and Linda’s story is inspiring and breathtaking. They met at the age of 6, became
sweethearts in junior high, dated in high school before finally marrying.
Steve graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in pharmacy and became
the owner of Eagle Lake Drugstore and also began rice farming with the help of his father-in-
law.

Active in both his local community and the U.S. rice industry, Steve gave very freely of his
time and knowledge, serving on numerous local and national boards that spanned banking,
medicine, and agriculture. For USA Rice, Steve served on the Political Action Board of
Directors, the USA Rice Farmers Board of Directors, and the Conservation Committee.

"Steve worked for several decades representing the rice industry in policy and implementation
on issues of water, farm legislation, natural resources, and wildlife habitat," said friend and
rice farmer LG Raun. "He was President of the Texas Rice Producers Legislative Group and a
member and leader with USA Rice. He and his wife Linda hosted many water and farm policy
leaders at their home and ranch in Eagle Lake and in Austin and Washington DC. He will be
sorely missed as a great leader, farmer, pharmacist, and a wonderful person."

"Steve was an outstanding individual, and his service provided a huge benefit to the Texas
rice industry and beyond," said Dr. Steve Linscombe who worked with and knew Steve for
many years.

Visitation will be at Eagle Lake Funeral Home from 5 until 7 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Funeral service will be at 2 pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at United Methodist Church in
Eagle Lake with burial to follow at Masonic Cemetery.
Biden Meets with Japan PM,
Enough to go around
Mum on Comprehensive Trade
Talks
By Peter Bachmann

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, President Biden held

a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan,
his first in-person dialogue with a foreign leader since
taking office in January. Suga was elected as Japan’s
Prime Minister in September 2020, which was soon
followed by a phone conversation with then-President
Trump.

The timing and messaging of this meeting is important to set a fresh stage for the U.S.-Japan
relationship for the remainder of President Biden’s term. Former leaders from both nations
agreed in early 2020 to begin negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement, following
the October 2019 signing of the agriculture-focused U.S.-Japan Agreement. Unfortunately, the
onset of COVID-19 threw a wrench in those plans and the change in administrations has
further weakened the commitment for formal talks to begin.

The White House readout of the meeting vaguely shared that the talks covered technology,
climate change, and global health. It appears to have largely put U.S.-Japan trade talks in the
back seat of the U.S.-Japan relationship, instead prioritizing an alliance to wield influence over
China’s behavior.

The Administration has yet to announce whether they will pursue a comprehensive bilateral
trade agreement with Japan or whether they will instead pursue entry into the Comprehensive
and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which Japan is a part.
“We are certainly hopeful that the Administration does decide to pursue some level of
comprehensive negotiations with Japan, whether bilaterally or from a multilateral angle, like
CPTPP,” said Michael Rue, California rice farmer and Chair of USA Rice’s Asia Trade Policy
Subcommittee.

“It is no secret that rice is a controversial topic of discussion with Japan, which is all the more
reason for comprehensive discussions across a range of products and industries. USA Rice
continues to advocate for increased market access into Japan in terms of both quality and
quantity, including more direct access to the Japanese consumer,” Rue added.

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai had a promising conversation with her
counterpart, Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, in March as one of her first calls
after her Senate confirmation
 . The USTR press office reported that they “discussed the importance of the U.S.-Japan trade
relationship. They committed to engage on shared interests, including World Trade
Organization reform, and digital trade…and agreed on the importance of maintaining regular,
ongoing engagement on these and other critical trade issues.”
Skip to content

 Facebook
 Twitter
 LinkedIn

Today is: Tuesday 27th April 2021

Search for:
Revisiting the plains
April 23, 2021The NationalWeekender

COVER STORY

After more than 10 years, journalist CLIFFORD FAIPARIK retells this account of life in part of the
great Sepik Plains. While on a mission funded by then Yangoru-Sausia MP Peter Wararu Waranaka,
Faiparik and his team trekked to Kiniambo Village in the heart of this savannah land.
Back then, he had heard of the people’s desire to see a major agricultural venture that would open
their part of East Sepik to the benefits of progress happening elsewhere in the province but all linked
to urban centres, major markets and good roads. They had put their dreams in a project proposal.
Whether that proposal has been adopted or lost somewhere along the paper trail between Wewak to
Waigani is unclear. But under current MP Richard Maru, the Sepik Plains Agro Project spearheaded
by Innovative Agro Industry Ltd has gotten off the ground and is creating employment and cash
income benefits to people in the Sepik Plains. Only time will tell whether Kiniambo villagers can be
fully part of this development, beat the tyranny of isolation and realise their dreams.
 A Kiniambo mother frying sago at
home.
THE middle of East Sepik has an ocean of savannah grassland (kunai grass) with islands of tropical
rain forests and swamps scattering within it.
This ocean is known as the Sepik Plains where eyes can stretch to an endless boundary of kunai
grass. This flat plain separates the mountains of the Prince Alexander Range from the mighty Sepik
River and covers half of the Yangoru-Sausia, Angoram, Wosera-Gawi and Maprik electorates. And
the people who live in this spacious area are known as the Sepik Plains people.
Among these people are the Kiniambo villagers from the Yangoru-Sausia electorate and they have
plans to convert their 35,000 hectares of the plain into a large scale commercial rice farming area.
This is their part to participate in the National Government‘s 2050 vision to implement the food
security programme.
To get to their village that has a population of about 1,000, one has to travel about 100km along the
all-weather Sepik Highway from Wewak to Yehimpole village. From Yehimpole, a feeder dirt road of
about 15km links their village with the highway. This road becomes impassable during the wet
season.
They live a subsistence life by cultivating various vegetables like taro, bananas, etc. They also, hunt
wild pigs, bandicoots, cassowary and other game that abundantly inhabit the kunai grasses and the
forests. Within this forests are swamps where sago palms grow wild and various fresh water fish
species abound. The sago palms are chopped down to make sago and protein from the river
supplements the daily diet of garden food.
However, the people are handicapped to get involved in commercial activities to generate incomes
to buy store goods like clothes and access services like health and education.
 Locals of Kiniambo coming out to meet
the visitors.
―We always struggle to obtain cash,‖ community leader and the Kiniambo Elementary School
teacher Joshua Jinganie said.
―We struggle from selling garden foods, sago and fresh or smoked meat from the game that we
catch in the bush and swamps at our village market. But then we don‘t earn much because our
economic activities are few and cash flow is limited. Thus we tend to sell the goods cheaply whereas
at bigger markets at Yangoru station and Maprik town they would fetch twice the price we are selling
at the village.
―Most times our fellow villagers don‘t buy anything because they have stocks of the same produce in
their houses. Neighbouring villagers are over 30km away and are reluctant to come to our market.
And it is expensive to hire vehicles to bring our produce to markets in Yangoru, Maprik and Wewak
due to the bad road condition and vehicles are reluctant to come here,‖ Jinganie lamented.
The only commercial activity that brings them satisfactory cash is producing wet cocoa beans and
selling them to cocoa buyers. These cocoa buyers‘ trucks usually plough their way through the
impassable road to get to the village.
However, despite their difficulties they have formed the Kiniambo Co-operative Society and
registered it in 2007 with the PNG Co-operative Society to bring in large scale commercial activities.
―Initially we had formed the society to benefit from the cocoa fermentry programme where the PNG
Co-operative Society was donating fermentry kits worth K20, 000 to all the society groups,‖ Jinganie
said. ―But the provincial chapter is suspected to be marred with nepotism. We were one of the first
formed societies yet groups that registered after us got fermentry kits and we have not got ours.‖
That setback prompted them to bring a logging company in 2008 to harvest their rich kwila and teak
forests. They opted for that project so that part of the agreement was for them to get royalty
payments and for the improvement of their road to an all weathered road.
―However there was also a setback to that operation as the logging company harvested their logs
and laid waste to some of our valuable timber resource,‖ Jinganie said. ―Also part of the agreement
was not being fulfilled by the company. So we have appealed to our MP Peter Wararu to get one
Wokabaut sawmill for the society. This will enable us to harvest our own logs in a sustainable
manner.
―Currently Wararu is bringing the rural electrification programme into our electorate. Timber will be in
demand as people will be vying to make permanent buildings for residential and business purposes
to have access to electricity. And the wokabout sawmill will enable us to process the logs to meet
the demands.‖
Apart from their sustainable logging proposal, their biggest enthusiasm is for a large scale rice
commercial farming to utilise the fertile plains.
―We have derived a three-stage plan to get into rice production. For the first stage we will need a
basic rice mill. The mill will be used as a training for us to set the foundation to acquire advance
knowledge in mill maintenance and marketing before venturing into the second and third stage
where sophisticated farm machinery , rice packaging and marketing and experts will be needed.
―We already have the basic knowledge in rice farming as we have planted and harvested rice since
2000. However, the unavailability of a mill has discouraged us as it is expensive for us (given our
isolation and remoteness) to hire a truck for K300 to take it to Maprik to use the mobile rice mill.
Sometimes we just throw the harvested rice away.
―We are enthusiastic to get involved in this venture as we have a vast landmass that borders with
our neighbouring villages. The vegetation and environment is mostly savannah and swamp lands
which is conducive for such production. We have given our rice proposal to Wararu and are waiting
for his response.‖

Post navigation
Hard journey worth taking
Recalling Anzac Day

Leave a Reply

Comment

Name *
Email *
Website
Post Comment
RECENT EDITION

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to our latest news feeds.

Name
Email
Subscribing I accept the privacy rules of this site
Subscribe

OPINION POLL

Do you support the Government‘s decision to adjourn Parliament because of the pandemic?

No

Yes

Vote!
View results

Archives

April 2021

M T W T F S S

« Mar

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

Weather

Port Moresby

April 27, 2021Today

Lae

April 27, 2021Today

SHS

About The National

 The National is the top-selling newspaper in Papua New Guinea.
Headquartered in Port Moresby, it has offices in Five (5)centres: Lae,
Mount Hagen, Kokopo, Madang and Goroka.

We have two printing plants and the paper is simultaneously printed in the capital city of Port
Moresby and the industrial city of Lae.

The National is distributed five days a week from Monday to Friday.

© 2009 - 2016. The National | A Site By Iloa Technology

All section

× Home
Today's Paper

News

 Bangladesh
 Politics
 Crime
 Environment
 Education
 Laws & Rights
 World

Business

 Banks
 Commerce
 Economy
 Regulations
 Stock Market
 Advertisement
 Money
 Real Estate

Sports

 Cricket
 Football
  Tennis
 Athletics
 Formula One
 Other Sports

Opinion

 Op-Ed
 Editorial
 Longform
 Heritage
 Specials

D2

 Fashion & Style

 Beauty & Grooming
 Health & Wellness
 Food
 Travel
 Career & Education
 People & Relationships
 Decor & Lifestyle

Showtime

More

 Videos
 Photo Gallery
 Magazine
 Special Supplements
 Epaper
 Archive
 Subscribe

just in

× Home

 03:44 am

OP-ED: A wake-up call for Bangladesh?

 Op-Ed

 01:21 am

OP-ED: An ode to the fish hook moon

Op-Ed

 11:55 pm

Mbappe double guides PSG to 3-1 win over Metz

Sports

 11:46 pm

Watford seal Premier League promotion

Sports

 11:41 pm

Experts: India variants will cause new crisis in Bangladesh

Coronavirus
 11:26 pm

Abandoned newborn rescued by police after man calls 999

Chittagong

 11:19 pm

Biden recognizes Armenian genocide, defying Turkey

North America

 11:19 pm

Ex-Daily Star news editor Yamin Bakht dies

Obituary

 10:26 pm

Denied new dress for Eid, child kills self in Kushtia

Nation

 10:25 pm
 Proposal to shut down borders with India shot down at
inter-ministerial meeting

Foreign Affairs

1. Home
2. Bangladesh
3. Agriculture

News Analysis: Why buy from millers, why not from farmers?
Reaz Ahmad

 Published at 05:25 pm April 24th, 2021

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Much of the govt‘s price support goes into the hands of the millers while only a small part of it
goes to the farmers

Each year a cabinet committee meets during late March or early April to determine the volume
of Boro rice that the government intends to buy from the paddy growers and fix the price it can
offer them.

But this year, the meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) was held
after a long delay -- on April 22. And two days after the meeting, the cabinet body was still to
officially announce a decision.

Ministers of food, agriculture, finance, commerce, fisheries and livestock, among others, sit in
the FPMC meeting.

Meeting sources confirmed that while the ministers agreed on the volume to be purchased from
farmers and rice millers, they failed to agree on the price offer. That is what is causing this
unusual delay in announcing the Boro procurement decision.

While the Food Ministry is insisting on offering the millers Tk. 40 for each kilogram of rice,
Finance has its observation that such a "high" price offer would adversely impact food price
inflation.
There seems no disagreement among all the stakeholder ministries on offering only Tk. 26 to
farmers for each kilogram of paddy.

Why buy from millers?

The crux of the matter lies with Bangladesh‘s food department‘s faulty approach to rice
procurement. Our government‘s domestic food procurement drive is excessively biased towards
rice millers and unfair to the paddy growers.

Year after year, much of the government‘s price support (in terms of buying crops) goes into the
hands of several thousand millers while only a small part of it goes directly to the farmers.

This is a recipe for failure.

Take last Aman season for example. Government said it would buy 800,000 tons of paddy and
rice -- and a major portion of it in rice form from the millers. But at the end of procurement
season, it ended up buying only 83,000 tons. This happened because millers held the government
hostage, saying they wouldn‘t sell rice to public silos if higher prices weren‘t offered to them.
Whereas, farmers were ready to sell paddy directly to the government but the latter has never
developed a mechanism where it can buy paddy directly from farmers and convert the same into
rice by employing millers in exchange of a certain milling charge.

A policy shift is imperative

What does it take to buy paddy from the farmers and provide them the price support instead of
buying rice from millers, thereby only benefitting the latter? Is it too difficult a task? Or, a
simple policy shift can make a good difference?

In 2019, the Washington-based food policy think tank – IFPRI (International Food Policy
Research Institute) commissioned a study in the Indian state of West Bengal to understand how
paddy is procured directly from farmers.

It found out that since 2016-2017, the West Bengal state government has implemented an
electronic paddy procurement (e-procurement) system. Between 2017-2018 and 2019-2020,
farmers‘ participation in the e-procurement system has increased five-fold, from 465,000 to 2.36
million farmers.

Overall, West Bengal‘s paddy procurement was 22 percent and 24 percent of total production in
2017-2018 and 2018-2019, respectively.

In Bangladesh, the government hardly buys 5 to 8 percent of total production and that again
mostly from millers than the farmers.

In West Bengal, paddy is procured from farmers primarily through two approaches.
Under the first approach, farmers bring paddy to centralized procurement centers (CPCs), or
Kishan Mandis, and receive a Rs. 20 per quintal transport allowance (Tk 226.305 per MT).
Officials assigned by the Food and Supplies Department purchase paddy from farmers and
record these sales in the e-procurement system. Farmers‘ payments are made via account payee
checks under the ‗Dhan Din Cheque Nin‘ program on the same day of receipt of paddy from
farmers.

Under the second approach, registered farmers‘ cooperatives, self-help groups (SHG), or
producers‘ organizations, which have applied, been screened, and are registered with the District
Food and Civil Supply Department, announce the paddy procurement date in advance in the
locality and procure paddy from registered farmers. The cooperatives then deliver the paddy to
state government-designated custom milled rice (CMR) agencies, which have agreements with
select rice mills. A designated government official certifies receipt of the paddy and sends the
certificate of delivery to the CMR agency, and farmers receive an acknowledgement of sale on
the back of the Farmers‘ Registration Certificate to be issued by the respective CMR agency.
Rice millers are provided a transport allowance of Rs. 18.38 per quintal (Tk 208.00 per MT) for
delivering paddy from the CMR agency to the government-designated rice mill. Farmers‘
cooperatives update the sales information on the e-procurement system and notify all registered
members about sales via SMS. The state government pays farmers‘ cooperatives, SHGs.

Can West Bengal’s model provide options for Bangladesh’s policy shift?

A strong political will and a small policy shift can actually make Bangladesh able to purchase the
entire procurement quantity as paddy to benefit the farmers.

In the new method, farmers would bring their paddy to the local supply depot (LSD) to sell it to
the Directorate General of Food (DGF).The government would fix a procurement price and set a
lower limit of 200 kg and an upper limit to 2 tons of paddy per farmer for procurement to
increase participation of smallholder farmers in the procurement system. Payment could be made
to farmers using the existing paddy procurement system or e-payment system.

The government-designated rice millers would transport the procured paddy from LSDs to rice
mills and mill the rice as standard crushing ratio of 0.67 (that is, 67 tons of milled rice for every
100 tons of paddy). Rice millers would receive payment to cover the carrying cost for moving
paddy from the LSD to mills and a milling charge.

If the government can ensure direct paddy purchase from the growers, crush the same into rice
by offering a milling charge to the rice millers, it will be beneficial for all parties. Farmers will
get their much-deserved price support, millers will get their service charges and the government
will be able to maintain a good food reserve.

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:tGrSVhJSb1gJ:https://www.dha
katribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2021/04/24/news-analysis-why-buy-from-
millers-why-not-from-farmers+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk
12:00 AM, April 23, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, April 23, 2021

Food stock now only 4.62 lakh

tonnes
Govt focuses on procuring more food grain from farmers, millers by raising prices

Rejaul Karim Byron , Pinaki Roy

With only around 4.62 lakh tonnes of grains in the public food stocks, one of the lowest in years,
the government has moved to procure paddy, rice and wheat from local farmers and millers at
prices higher than last year's.

In a virtual meeting held yesterday, the Food Planning Monitoring Committee (FPMC) decided
to collect 10 lakh tonnes of boiled and 1.5 lakh tonnes of non-boiled rice from local dealers. The
committee also decided to buy 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy from the farmers.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

"We are going to purchase 11.5 lakh tonnes of rice and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy in the current
season. The details will be disclosed in a day or two," Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder
told The Daily Star after the meeting.

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, who attended the meeting, told this daily that
they primarily decided to buy boiled rice at Tk 40 per kg and non-boiled rice at Tk 39.

An official, who was also present at the meeting, said the price of paddy would be fixed either at
Tk 27 or Tk 28 a kg.

Apart from rice and paddy, the government will also collect one lakh tonnes of wheat from the
local market, said meeting sources, without disclosing anything about the prices.

The paddy procurement is likely to start on April 28 while that of rice on May 7, said the
sources.
According to a food ministry report, obtained by The Daily Star, the government had 4.62 metric
tonnes of food grains in its stock on April 20.

The stock was 11.20 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2020 when the current fiscal year began amid
the pandemic. It was 15.99 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2019.

As the food stocks fell, the government distributed cash, instead of grains, under different of its
public aid projects, including Food for Work.

The report said the government has distributed 5.37 lakh tonnes of food grains among people this
fiscal year till March 31. It also said cash incentives, equivalent to 12.12 lakh metric tonnes of
rice, were distributed under the social safety net programmes during the same time.

As the food stock went down, the price of coarse rice also increased in the last one year.

From March 20 last year to March 21 this year, the price of coarse rice has increased by Tk
13.24 per kg in the retail market, the report stated.

Although the government tried to boost the stock by procuring rice from the international
market, the initiative fell short of expectations due to different reasons.

Till April 11, the government has signed several deals to import 7.50 metric tonnes of rice under
government-to-government arrangements. However, only 2.43 lakh metric tonnes of rice could
be imported.

At the private level, 5.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 39.43 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have
been imported this fiscal year till April 11.

Food grain stock dipped to 4.78 lakh tonnes at the end of March this fiscal year, the lowest since
August 2017-18 when the stock was 5.16 lakh tonnes, showed data from the Food Planning
Monitoring Committee (FPMC).

The stock depleted also as a government move to procure rice and paddy from the internal
market was not successful in the last Boro and Aman season. It happened mainly as the prices
fixed were lower than the production cost, shows the report.
So, this time, the FPMC has set the purchase price higher than the production cost so that the
government move to increase the food stocks becomes a success, adds the report.

This time, the agriculture ministry has fixed the production cost of per kilogramme of paddy at
Tk 27, which is Tk 1.27 more than last year. The production cost of each kg of rice has been
fixed at Tk 39, up Tk 1.02 from the price last year, said officials concerned.

According to the food stock report, last year the FPMC had decided to buy two lakh tonnes of
paddy from growers at Tk 26 per kg and 6.5 lakh tonnes of rice from millers at Tk 37 per kg.

As the purchase prices were set lower than the production cost, farmers and millers chose to sell
the grains at the market, instead of selling them to the government.

Last year, the government had set a target of collecting 16.70 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy, but it
got only 9.10 lakh tonnes. Besides, against its target of purchasing 8.50 lakh tonnes of Aman
paddy and rice, it could buy only 88,000 tonnes, shows the report.

When asked about the government's decision and the new prices fixed, Chitta Majumder,
managing director of Majumder Group of Industries, one of the biggest rice millers and
importers in the country, said the government would be successful if it set the purchase price of
rice at Tk 40. "Otherwise, it would be hard for the government to achieve its target."

This year, the Boro production has been good.

"So, the government should fix the price at Tk 40 to ensure that farmers get their due prices.

"The government should have taken the move to import rice in June or July. If it had done so, the
market would have been stable right now," he added.

https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/food-stock-now-only-462-lakh-tonnes-
2082129

12:00 AM, April 23, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, April 23, 2021
Food stock now only 4.62 lakh
tonnes
Govt focuses on procuring more food grain from farmers, millers by raising prices

Rejaul Karim Byron , Pinaki Roy

With only around 4.62 lakh tonnes of grains in the public food stocks, one of the lowest in years,
the government has moved to procure paddy, rice and wheat from local farmers and millers at
prices higher than last year's.

In a virtual meeting held yesterday, the Food Planning Monitoring Committee (FPMC) decided
to collect 10 lakh tonnes of boiled and 1.5 lakh tonnes of non-boiled rice from local dealers. The
committee also decided to buy 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy from the farmers.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

"We are going to purchase 11.5 lakh tonnes of rice and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy in the current
season. The details will be disclosed in a day or two," Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder
told The Daily Star after the meeting.

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, who attended the meeting, told this daily that
they primarily decided to buy boiled rice at Tk 40 per kg and non-boiled rice at Tk 39.

An official, who was also present at the meeting, said the price of paddy would be fixed either at
Tk 27 or Tk 28 a kg.

Apart from rice and paddy, the government will also collect one lakh tonnes of wheat from the
local market, said meeting sources, without disclosing anything about the prices.

The paddy procurement is likely to start on April 28 while that of rice on May 7, said the
sources.
According to a food ministry report, obtained by The Daily Star, the government had 4.62 metric
tonnes of food grains in its stock on April 20.

The stock was 11.20 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2020 when the current fiscal year began amid
the pandemic. It was 15.99 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2019.

As the food stocks fell, the government distributed cash, instead of grains, under different of its
public aid projects, including Food for Work.

The report said the government has distributed 5.37 lakh tonnes of food grains among people this
fiscal year till March 31. It also said cash incentives, equivalent to 12.12 lakh metric tonnes of
rice, were distributed under the social safety net programmes during the same time.

As the food stock went down, the price of coarse rice also increased in the last one year.

From March 20 last year to March 21 this year, the price of coarse rice has increased by Tk
13.24 per kg in the retail market, the report stated.

Although the government tried to boost the stock by procuring rice from the international
market, the initiative fell short of expectations due to different reasons.

Till April 11, the government has signed several deals to import 7.50 metric tonnes of rice under
government-to-government arrangements. However, only 2.43 lakh metric tonnes of rice could
be imported.

At the private level, 5.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 39.43 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have
been imported this fiscal year till April 11.

Food grain stock dipped to 4.78 lakh tonnes at the end of March this fiscal year, the lowest since
August 2017-18 when the stock was 5.16 lakh tonnes, showed data from the Food Planning
Monitoring Committee (FPMC).

The stock depleted also as a government move to procure rice and paddy from the internal
market was not successful in the last Boro and Aman season. It happened mainly as the prices
fixed were lower than the production cost, shows the report.
So, this time, the FPMC has set the purchase price higher than the production cost so that the
government move to increase the food stocks becomes a success, adds the report.

This time, the agriculture ministry has fixed the production cost of per kilogramme of paddy at
Tk 27, which is Tk 1.27 more than last year. The production cost of each kg of rice has been
fixed at Tk 39, up Tk 1.02 from the price last year, said officials concerned.

According to the food stock report, last year the FPMC had decided to buy two lakh tonnes of
paddy from growers at Tk 26 per kg and 6.5 lakh tonnes of rice from millers at Tk 37 per kg.

As the purchase prices were set lower than the production cost, farmers and millers chose to sell
the grains at the market, instead of selling them to the government.

Last year, the government had set a target of collecting 16.70 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy, but it
got only 9.10 lakh tonnes. Besides, against its target of purchasing 8.50 lakh tonnes of Aman
paddy and rice, it could buy only 88,000 tonnes, shows the report.

When asked about the government's decision and the new prices fixed, Chitta Majumder,
managing director of Majumder Group of Industries, one of the biggest rice millers and
importers in the country, said the government would be successful if it set the purchase price of
rice at Tk 40. "Otherwise, it would be hard for the government to achieve its target."

This year, the Boro production has been good.

"So, the government should fix the price at Tk 40 to ensure that farmers get their due prices.

"The government should have taken the move to import rice in June or July. If it had done so, the
market would have been stable right now," he added.

https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/food-stock-now-only-462-lakh-tonnes-
2082129

 Advertise
  Be a Reporter

 Be a Contributor

 Home >> Ludhiana

Commission agents come to rescue of procurement officials

 | Thursday | 22nd April, 2021

Our CorrespondentMandi Ahmedgarh April 21Commission agents and rice

millers of the town and surrounding areas have come to the rescue of
officials of various procurement agencies to meet the shortage of 'bardana'
(gunny bags) for filling and lifting wheat that has been purchased during
the past few days. Around two lakh used gunny bags were collected by
officials of various procurement agencies. The payment for these gunny
bags would be made by procurement agencies. “After receiving
information about the shortage of 'bardana' from farmers protesting for
expeditious lifting of wheat in 'mandis' we called a joint meeting of officials
of food grain agencies commission agents and rice millers. Later they
agreed to do so after we advised procurement agencies to pay for 'bardana'
supplied by commission agents and rice sheller owners” the SDM said.
 READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER
₹ 10 - ₹ 1000

NYOOOZ FRIEND
₹ 2000 - ₹ 5000

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for
and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in
bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.

Stay updated with all the Latest Ludhiana headlines here. For more
exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with
NYOOOZ.

Related Articles

Commission agents come to rescue of procurement officials

 Thursday | 22nd April, 2021

Pics In Ludhiana bodies of Covid patients arrive at crematorium in autos rickshaws

 Tuesday | 27th April, 2021

Amid surge rural docs defer Covid duty boycott

 Tuesday | 27th April, 2021

 Illegal lifting of lintels in buildings goes unabated in city

 Tuesday | 27th April, 2021

Sanitation workers wait for masks gloves sanitisers

 Tuesday | 27th April, 2021

SAD protests poor wheat procurement

 Tuesday | 27th April, 2021

NYOOOZ Video

 Most Viewed

 National news

18 stolen mobiles seized 3 nabbed

 Ludhiana

World Veterinary Day celebrated

 Ludhiana

World Earth Day celebrated

 Ludhiana
 Officials meet traders over Malhar Road project design

 Ludhiana

DC reviews wheat procurement

 Ludhiana

 Hot Jobs

Metro Railway Recruitment 2021 for 123 Fitter, Electrician and Other Posts, Opportunity
for 8th/10th pass, APPLY ONLINE

DFCCIL Invites APPLICATIONS On 1074 Vacancies Of Jr Executive, Executive and Jr

Manager, Check Out All The Details

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Invites application 700+ vacancies, Apply Right
Away

Ministry Of Tribal Affairs Invites Application For 3400 Posts of Teaching Staff in
(EMRS), Apply on the direct link!

JKSSB INVITES ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR 2311 Posts Of Patwari, JR

ASSISTANT, Jr Steno AND OTHER POSTS, APPLY RIGHT AWAY!
READ MORE

 Privacy & Policy

 About Us
 Advertise With Us
 Be a Reporter
 Be a Contributor
 Our Partners
 Our Team
 Contact Us
 Terms & Condition
 Write to Us
Cities
 Bangalore
 Chennai
 Delhi
 Hyderabad
 Mumbai

 Agra
 Allahabad
 Indore
 Lucknow
 Noida
 More City..
NYOOOZ
 News
 Hindi
 Entertainment
 Careers & Courses
 Sports
Connect With Us

© 2021 NYOOOZ

 About

 Contact
  Privacy & Policy

 Terms & Condition

 Write to Us

 Our Team

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Now get the latest news from your city delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to the
NYOOOZ daily newsletter to stay updated now.

SUBSCRIBE

https://www.nyoooz.com/news/ludhiana/1569013/commission-agents-come-to-rescue-
of-procurement-officials/

 Tuesday, 27 April 2021 |

 Today's FE |

 e-Paper

 ARCHIVE

 HOME
 ECONOMY
 STOCK
 TRADE
 NATIONAL
 WORLD
 EDITORIAL
 VIEWS
 SPECIAL ISSUES
 MORE
 GOLDEN JUBILEE
OF INDEPENDENCE


/ National

37.14pc forced to manage loans to meet

daily needs: study
FE ONLINE REPORT | Published: April 22, 2021 17:12:56 | Updated: April
22, 2021 21:55:31
--Representational image

As many as 65.71 per cent people in the country have seen a sharp income
drop while some 37.14 per cent had to take loans from different sources to
meet their daily needs in the pandemic, said a new study.

At the edge of overcoming the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic impact,
the country entered the second wave which forced the government to impose a
lockdown to control the spread of corona.

Meanwhile, the pandemic impact and lockdown resulted in income drop

among the poor and low-income people of the country. Besides, hikes in daily
necessities and commodities have put an additional pressure on people in the
pandemic, the study said.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi was the chief guest at the webinar in
which the study titled 'Rising Commodity Prices and Impact on Food
Consumption' was unveiled conducted by the 'Right to Food Bangladesh'.

While presenting the results of the survey, Bangl adesh Institute of

Development Studies (BIDS) Senior Research Fellow Nazneen Ahmed said
inflation in rice, flour, oil, and vegetables have been higher than before since
January '21, whereas there was a slight improvement in October last year.

The families surveyed in the study said they were struggling to get three
meals a day in the pandemic while their intake of animal meat has decreased.
About 65.61 per cent of the people surveyed faced an income drop, and 37.14
per cent people are meeting their daily needs including food by taking loans
from various sources.

These low-income people need urgent government support to ensure their food
safety and security.

She mentioned that currently syndicates are not seen in the rice market but the
government authorised rice millers store plays a grim role in destabilising the
rice market by storing vast amounts of rice which could be more serious in the
future, she mentioned.

The study, however, recommended to ensure food security for all, increase
rice sales in the open market, increase TCB sales capacity, avoid the tendency
of solvent people to buy and store goods out of fear of different situations and
grocery stores need to be monitored regularly at the local level.

Agreeing to the recommendations forwarded by the rig hts body, the commerce
minister said, ―Now we are going through an unusual time. People's incomes
have declined while the price hike of food items and commodities put
additional woe to people in the pandemic.‖

We have taken an initiative to sell food items in the open market through TCB
to address the situation. There is also a price hike in the global market,
certainly on the prices of oil, sugar, onion and other commodities, the minister
added.
We, the ministry of food, agriculture and commerce, are worki ng to address
the situation and regularly monitor markets, but we don‘t have sufficient
manpower, only 27 teams are working to extend the TCB service.

Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha of Dhaka University said people who are at risk
of poverty in the pandemic situation are also at risk of food security due to
commodity price hike.

There is absence of a long-term plan and activities to control the price hike in
the market from the government end; thus she recommended for a commission
to control the commodity price hike.

nsrafsanju@gmail.com

Share if you like

Filter By Topic

Economy

Stock

Trade

National

More News
 Kuwait extends jail term of Shahid to seven years
Liquid oxygen import from India suspended due to shortages there
Tough punishment for not wearing masks, warns govt
‗Vaccine won‘t work if mask is not worn‘
Power plants set new record for electricity generation
Boro procurement kicks off on Wednesday
Eid congregation at mosques this time too
Bashkhali power plant victims to get Govt financial ass istance
Hundreds throng Paturia Ghat to return to capital
Lockdown to be extended up to May 5

Most Viewed News

Prospect of hitting boro rice purchase target remains clouded
Banks can form start-up fund with 1.0pc of net profits
Bangladesh to buy two LNG cargoes from spot market
NCC Bank declares 15pc dividend for 2020
Crystal Insurance to pay 10pc cash dividend for 2020
Cost of using Pangaon ICT to be similar to Kamalapur ICD
-->

Editor : Shah Husain Imam

Published by Syed Manzur Elahi for Internati onal Publications Limited from Tropicana
Tower (4th floor), 45, Topkhana Road, GPO Box : 2526 Dhaka - 1000 and printed by
him from City Publishing House Ltd., 1 RK Mission Road, Dhaka -1000.

PABX : 9553550 (Hunting)

Fax : 880-2-9567049.

E-mail : editor@thefinancialexpress.com.bd, fexpress68@gmail.com

QUICK LINKS

 Economy
 Stock

 Trade

 National

 World

 Editorial

 Views

___

 Special Issues

 Education

 Sci-Tech

 Health

 Sports

 Entertainment

 Others

___

 Online Rates Ad Tariff

© 2021 - All Rights with The Financial Express

 About us

 Contact us

 Terms of Service

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/3714pc-forced-to-manage-loans-to-meet-
daily-needs-study-1619089976

Outstanding scientists honoured with title, order

Thursday, 2021-04-22 17:07:35
Font Size: | Print

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and individuals honoured at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Font Size: |

NDO/VNA – State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 22 handed over the
“Labour Hero in the Renewal Period” title to the family of late Professor,
Academician Vu Tuyen Hoang, former Secretary of the Party delegation to and

President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations

(VUSTA).

The honour was also given to Professor Hoang Chuong, Director of the Centre for
Research, Conservation and Development of Traditional Culture at VUSTA.

On this occasion, several former VUSTA leaders also got the Independence Order.

In his remarks, State President Phuc attributed Vietnam’s achievements to great

contributions of generations of Vietnamese people, including scientists.

Late Professor, Academician Hoang’s creation of drought and flooding-tolerant rice

varieties is significant to Vietnam – an agriculture-based country hard hit by climate

change, helping it ensure food self-sufficiency and export, he said.

State President Phuc hailed Professor Chuong’s contributions to preserving and

promoting traditional culture, which, the State leader described as an invaluable asset of
the nation.

The diverse, special culture creates not only advantages for the domestic tourism

sector, but also an impulse to strengthen national solidarity and lure resources for
national development, he continued.

Scientists play a crucial role in fulfilling the target of turning Vietnam into a developing

country with a modern industry and high middle income by 2030, and a developed
country with high income by 2045, according to the State President.

He urged VUSTA to work harder in order to improve the quality of human resources,

attract talents, promote innovations and creations, and optimise scientific and
technological advances in national development.
https://en.nhandan.org.vn/scitech/item/9797202-outstanding-scientists-honoured-with-
title-order.html
Rice Leadership Development
Mallory Everett
Program Session I: Gulf Coast
By Mallory Everett

Mallory Everett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in

Agribusiness from Arkansas State University and a Master of
Science in Entomology from The University of Arkansas. She
now works for Valent USA as a field market development
representative and is also active on her family’s 8,000-acre
soybean and rice farm in northeast Arkansas.

GULF COAST, USA -- The first session of the Rice

Leadership Development Program Class of 2021, we
learned about several aspects of the rice industry,
mainly focusing on rice production, milling, and
trade. Our trip began in Katy, Texas, and spanned the
Gulf Coast to New Orleans.

Due to COVID-19 and major life events, two class members were not able to join Session
I. Those present were from Arkansas, Missouri, and California, and varied in job descriptions
and backgrounds. The diversity of the group and the participation from everyone ensured
that we all saw many perspectives and learned from each other’s experiences.

Session I began in a classroom type setting, and our first “teachers” were Michael Creed, with
Creed Rice Company, who talked about trade and how his company operates as brokers, and
representatives from the U.S. Rice Producers Association who focused on the struggle
between rice producers and growing cities, and the issue of water availability. The afternoon
class was media training with Steve Powell. I have been through media training several times
in the past, and found this one to be top-notch as we not only discussed media tendencies
and tactics, but Steve taught us how to stay focused and carefully choose our words.

The rest of Session I included stops at various rice mills and packaging facilities. I have never
visited or gone behind-the-scenes of this aspect of the rice industry. Classmates Garret
Williams and Adam Shea both work within this segment and their participation allowed for
great discussion both during and after the facility tours. The questions they asked were
specific and always resulted in informative answers and explanations from our tour
guides. This helped me learn basic things about the rice milling and manufacturing industry,
but it also pointed up how things vary from state to state.

In Arkansas, we grow a lot of hybrid rice, which is not the case in Texas or Louisiana. We did
get to visit the RiceTec facility, but most of the milling facilities we saw dealt with varietal
rice. Having Elliot Maschmann, who works in commercial sales for RiceTec, in our class is
essential as he is able to explain how different rice production and marketing is in Arkansas
compared to other states.

Christine Wiley is the only producer in our class from California and we counted on her to add
a different viewpoint about how things are handled out west. She never skipped a beat with
all of us Southerners! I truly learned just as much from my classmates as I did from all the
tours and am honored to be a part of this special group of rice leaders.

My favorite part of the trip was the day with the Russell Marine Group and seeing a ship
loaded. It was eye-opening to learn how much material can be transported via ship versus
train or truck. The logistics and teamwork necessary for this operation was incredible. I grew
up on a rice farm and do rice research at my current job, so I get to see much of what goes
on concerning rice in the field. I have seen the trucks haul to the grain bins, and I have been
involved somewhat in marketing rice on my family farm, but I have never gotten to see what
happens after that point. Had it not been for the Rice Leadership Program, I probably would
have never seen this side of the rice business. This experience taught me the importance of
rice to both the U.S and globally, and it emphasized the need to keep rice as a relevant and
sustainable crop here in our country.

Session I of the Rice Leadership Development Program definitely changed my perspective on

the rice industry. Each of us plays a vital role – we need each other! What I do as a
researcher is essential, but it’s a very small aspect in a huge industry. Seeing so many others
doing a wide variety of jobs for the rice industry was very uplifting.

In my line of work, the rice industry always plays second fiddle to larger commodities such as
soybeans and corn but being around people growing, milling, manufacturing, and transporting
rice, makes me even more excited to be a part of this industry and part of the Rice
Leadership Development Program.
 The Rice Leadership Development Program is sponsored by American Commodity Company,
John Deere, and RiceTec and is administered by The Rice Foundation.

12:00 AM, April 22, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 01:46 AM, April 22, 2021

70,000kg govt rice recovered

from pvt warehouse in Ctg
DB says syndicates behind misappropriating such amounts

FM Mizanur Rahaman
Tonnes of rice get imported by the government from different countries to keep prices stable in
Bangladesh's market, but syndicates of unscrupulous Chattogram food officials, transport
contractors, and local rice traders misappropriate the rice in different ways to later sell it at
higher prices.

Amid piled-up allegations against food department officials following several such incidents,
members of Chattogram Metropolitan Police's (CMP) Detective Branch (DB) recovered a total
of 1,400 sacks of government rice yesterday, each weighing 50 kg. The total amount of rice is
70,000kg.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

During a drive, officers initially seized a truck with 260 rice sacks from the warehouse of a rice
trader in port city's Pahartali area in the early hours. After searching the warehouse, they found
another 1,140 sacks.

DB officers arrested Abdul Bahar Mia (45), the warehouse's owner and proprietor of M/s Mahi
Traders of Pahartali rice market.

Addressing a press conference, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Faruk Ul Haque of DB (port) said,
"The truck was loaded with 260 rice sacks from the warehouse of Chittagong port's jetty. With
an invoice, it was later supposed to go to Charbhata's LSD godown of the food department in
Noakhali."

"But after leaving the jetty, the truck entered Bahar's warehouse, where police detained Bahar
and seized the truck, acting on a tip-off," he said.

"When the DB officers were inspecting the truck and rice, they found another 1,140 sacks inside
the warehouse, with the food department's logo printed on them," added DC Faruk.

Faruk said the rice was imported from India and later stored inside the jetty for disbursement.
"Govt of People's Republic of Bangladesh, Directorate of Food, Ministry of Food" was written
on every sack.

"Police suspect that syndicates may have unloaded huge amounts of rice in a similar way
earlier," he added.
Asked about involvement of food officials in the incident, DC Faruk said, "It's not possible for
anyone to misappropriate a huge amount of rice without inside assistance. We are grilling Bahar
and will bring all those behind the incident to book."

Arrested Bahar told The Daily Star, "I managed to get the rice with help from government
officials who imported it. I received it with help from one Khokon Babu of a transport company
that carries the consignment. Khokon managed everything for transporting the rice from the port
to my warehouse."

"I've bought a kilogramme of rice for Tk 39, and used to sell them for Tk 41 per kg at Pahartali
bazar," he said.

This correspondent obtained invoices of 300 rice sacks, and found that SM Nur Uddin, assistant
food controller of Jetty Food Office, had signed on them for sending the rice to Noakhali LSD
godown. DB officers said Bahar managed to unload 40 sacks out of the 300 before police
arrived.

PAHARTALI SYNDICATE INVOLVED

After every such incident, Pahartali rice traders' syndicate, which allegedly has good relations
with food officials, gets brought up. Sources said the traders first get the government rice sacks,
take the rice out, and then fill it in new sacks that have names of different rice mills on them to
avoid suspicion and sell them in the market.

Earlier, police arrested three persons, including rice traders of Pahartali market, in possession of
21 sacks of stolen rice, and recovered 1,500 empty sacks of the food department from the
warehouse of one Omar Faruk on April 8, 2020. Omar, one of the arrestees, is the owner of M/s
Faruk Trading of Pahartali bazar.

FOOD DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE

Md Jahirul Islam Khan, regional food controller of Chattogram, told The Daily Star, "Usually,
transport contractors signed with the food department carry the consignments from the port to
designated food warehouses, and they are liable for the work."

"We are investigating the incident," he said.

Earlier, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested two persons and recovered 1,583 kg of OMS rice
from Chattogram's Mirsarai upazila.

Rab also recovered 3,396 rice sacks, which were stolen from a food department warehouse, from
port city's Akbar Shah area in July 2017, following a two-day drive. During the incident, Rab
arrested a food official and four others on charge of stealing the rice.

https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/70000kg-govt-rice-recovered-pvt-warehouse-
ctg-2081705http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/170216/covid-19-handling-key-to-
positive-econ-growth-jokowi/

Outstanding scientists honoured with title, order

Thursday, 2021-04-22 17:07:35
Font Size: | Print

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and individuals honoured at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Font Size: |

NDO/VNA – State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 22 handed over the

“Labour Hero in the Renewal Period” title to the family of late Professor,

Academician Vu Tuyen Hoang, former Secretary of the Party delegation to and

President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations
(VUSTA).

The honour was also given to Professor Hoang Chuong, Director of the Centre for
Research, Conservation and Development of Traditional Culture at VUSTA.

On this occasion, several former VUSTA leaders also got the Independence Order.

In his remarks, State President Phuc attributed Vietnam’s achievements to great

contributions of generations of Vietnamese people, including scientists.

Late Professor, Academician Hoang’s creation of drought and flooding-tolerant rice

varieties is significant to Vietnam – an agriculture-based country hard hit by climate

change, helping it ensure food self-sufficiency and export, he said.

State President Phuc hailed Professor Chuong’s contributions to preserving and

promoting traditional culture, which, the State leader described as an invaluable asset of
the nation.

The diverse, special culture creates not only advantages for the domestic tourism

sector, but also an impulse to strengthen national solidarity and lure resources for
national development, he continued.

Scientists play a crucial role in fulfilling the target of turning Vietnam into a developing

country with a modern industry and high middle income by 2030, and a developed
country with high income by 2045, according to the State President.

He urged VUSTA to work harder in order to improve the quality of human resources,

attract talents, promote innovations and creations, and optimise scientific and
technological advances in national development.
https://en.nhandan.org.vn/scitech/item/9797202-outstanding-scientists-honoured-with-
title-order.html
SUBSCRIBE
SIGN IN

BREAKING: We Just Launched a Brand-New Magazine!

7 Organizations That Support The AAPI Community

Inside the Country's Largest PEEPS Art Contest

Pizza Rice

by JUNE XIE
APR 20, 2021
Pizza Rice Is Your New Favorite Way To Eat Rice
by Delish US
Play Video
If you love tomato fried rice, take it one step further and sprinkle it with cheese and all
your favorite pizza toppings. Pop the whole pan into the oven for 10 minutes until the
cheese is nice and melty and you've got some pizza rice on your hands.

Think of it as pizza with a different foundational carb: rice instead of bread. It's still
delicious, and you don't need to wait for that dough to proof and rise. Customize this
any way you want, using whatever kind of rice you want (glutinous brown rice is my
personal favorite here, but any variety will do) and whatever cheese and toppings you
want.

If you've made this recipe, drop us a line down below and let us know how you liked it,
along with your suggestions for pizza toppings!

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

YIELDS:4 SERVINGS
PREP TIME:0 HOURS 20 MINS
TOTAL TIME:0 HOURS 50 MINS
INGREDIENTS
FOR FRIED RICE:
2 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided
5
cloves garlic, quartered
3/4 tsp.
onion powder
1/2 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
1/2 tsp.
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 tsp.
Italian seasoning
2 tbsp.
tomato paste
1/8 tsp.
freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
3 c.
cooked rice
1/2 c.
freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp.
sesame seeds (optional)
FOR SAUCE:
1
(14-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1
large clove garlic, grated
1/4 tsp.
coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp.
kosher salt
1/4 tsp.
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp.
granulated sugar
FOR TOPPING:
1 c.
shredded mozzarella
1/4 c.
freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 c.
pepperoni
Fresh basil leaves
This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported
onto this page. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on
their web site.
GET INGREDIENTS Powered by Chicory
 DIRECTIONS

1. Make the rice: In a 10” oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add
garlic, onion, pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, and cook until garlic
turns golden, 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook until slightly caramelized, about 1
minute. Add nutmeg, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and rice, and cook until rice begins to
turn slightly crispy, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, then stir in ½
cup Parmesan and sesame until well combined.
2. Preheat oven to 400°. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together all sauce
ingredients until well combined.
3. Assemble the “pizza”: Spread ½ cup tomato sauce over fried rice in an even layer, then
sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across, and top with pepperoni.
4. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until cheese is melty and edges are golden, about
10 minutes.
5. Garnish with basil before serving.

LUCY SCHAEFFER
This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content
in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

DELISH
Can’t get enough Delish? Subscribe to our new quarterly magazine!
SUBSCRIBE
JUNE XIE Senior Food ProducerAfter working in numerous restaurant kitchens
throughout NYC, June Xie joined the Delish team as Test Kitchen Assistant and
chief baking expert with a passion for bread dough, peanut butter, whipped cream,
and gluten free cookies.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to
help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about
this and similar content at piano.io

In a dinner rut? We can help.

Want free recipes sent straight to your inbox? Sign up here.

Email address
NEED NOW.
This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto
this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.
MORE FROMINSANELY EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS
16 Leftover Steak Recipes For When You Feel Lazy

65 Shrimp Recipes You'll Never Get Bored Of

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

65 Amazingly Quick Dinners For Busy Weeknights

Easy Mexican Rice

Lemon Garlic Drumsticks

Beef & Broccoli

Tomato Fried Rice Salad

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables

Beef Taco Salad

  INSANELY EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS

 RECIPES

 MEALS & COOKING

 KIMCHI FRIED RICE

 FRENCH ONION RICE

 THIS EASY RICE PILAF IS THE PERFECT SIDE

 CARAMELIZED BEEF WITH RICE

 WILD RICE PUDDING

 TOMATO FRIED RICE SALAD

 Subscribe
 Newsletter
 About Us
 Press Room
 Media Kit
 Contact Us
 Community Guidelines
 Advertise With Us
 A Part of Hearst Digital MediaDelish participates in various affiliate marketing
programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products
purchased through our links to retailer sites.
©2021 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 Privacy Notice/Notice at Collection

 Your California Privacy Rights

 Interest-Based Ads

 Terms of Use

 Site Map

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a36007476/pizza-rice-recipe/

Food group exports witness 32.02pc growth in March

 During the period under review, food commodities worth $478.627

million exported during as compared the exports of $362.550 million of
same month of last year.

APP 21 Apr 2021

Facebook

Twitter

Whatsapp
Comments
ISLAMABAD: Food group exports from the country during month of March
2021 witnessed 32.02 percent growth as compared the exports of the
corresponding month of last year.

During the period under review, food commodities worth $478.627 million
exported during as compared the exports of $362.550 million of same month
of last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

During last moth, export of rice grew by 13.21 percent as 385,978 metric tons
of rice valuing $222.509 million exported as compared the exports of 375,482
metric tons worth $196.537 million of same month of last year.

Country fetched $84.035 million by exporting 87,413 metric tons of Basmati

Rice during March, 2021, which was recorded at 78,757 metric tons valuing
$70.042 million of same period last year.

During the month under review, the exports of other food commodities
including fish and fish preparations increased by 35.53, fruits 16.86 percent
and vegetables 121.43 percent respectively.

However, food group exports from the country during last 09 months of
current financial year went down slightly by 1.84 percent as compared the
exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-March, 2020-21 various food commodities

valuing $3.332 billion exported as against the exports of $3.394 billion of
same period of last year.

It may be recalled here that food group imports into the country during month
of March, 2021 increased by 90.85 percent as food commodities costing
$776.550 million were imported as compared the imports of $406.893 million
of same month last year.

During the period from July-March, 2020-21, food commodities worth $6.121
billion imported as compared the imports of $3.963 billion of corresponding
period of last year.

Imports of food group into the country during last 09 months witnessed about
54.45 percent growth as compared the imports of the same period of last year.
EXPORTS FOOD GROUP
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40086465/food-group-exports-witness-
3202pc-growth-in-marchAfter heatwave comes heat-tolerant rice
Reaz Ahmad

 Published at 12:00 am April 22nd, 2021

Heat-tolerant rice developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is under trial at
its Habiganj research station BRRI
Trials underway both at farmers’ fields and regional research stations; Brri trying to
expedite the official release of promising new rice variety

This season’s crop loss owing to heat stress comes as a stark reminder of what the rice
scientists have long been forewarning.

High temperatures would considerably limit rice production – that’s what they had
warned. And scientists at the country’s premier research station – Bangladesh Rice
Research Institute (BRRI) – went ahead with research in 2013 aimed at developing rice
varieties capable of withstanding heat stress.

It now appears that success has come their way. It couldn’t have been better timed.

BRRI’s breeder success in developing heat-tolerant rice comes at a time when Boro
farmers have suffered crop loss in different districts due to a heat shock-induced sterility
in paddy plants. The April 4 nor’wester that came along with hot gusty winds damaged
paddy on thousands of hectares in some central, central-east and northwest districts of
the country.

“We have just harvested rice in a Gazipur experiment field where one of our new heat-
tolerant lines was grown. It yields good, it yields fast,” Md Sazzadur Rahman, BRRI Plant
Physiologist and a principal architect behind the development of heat-tolerant rice, told
Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2021/04/22/after-heatwave-
comes-heat-tolerant-rice
 Commission agents come to rescue of
procurement officials
Provide gunny bags for filling and lifting wheat
 Updated At: Apr 22, 2021 07:26 AM (IST)

 259

 0
 0

SDM Vikramjit Singh Panthey chairs a meeting with commission agents in Mandi Ahmedgarh.
Our Correspondent
Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 21

Commission agents and rice millers of the town and surrounding areas have come to
the rescue of officials of various procurement agencies to meet the shortage of
‗bardana‘ (gunny bags) for filling and lifting wheat that has been purchased during the
past few days.

Around two lakh used gunny bags were collected by officials of various procurement
agencies. The payment for these gunny bags would be made by procurement agencies.

The development took place after the Mandi Ahmedgarh SDM, Vikramjit Singh
Panthey, called upon commission agents and rice sheller owners to help the
administration, which was under stress due to shortage of ‗bardana‘.

―After receiving information about the shortage of ‗bardana‘ from farmers protesting
for expeditious lifting of wheat in ‗mandis‘ we called a joint meeting of officials of
food grain agencies, commission agents and rice millers. Earlier, traders hesitated to
provide old ‗bardana‘. Later, they agreed to do so after we advised procurement
agencies to pay for ‗bardana‘ supplied by commission agents and rice sheller owners,‖
the SDM said
 Commission agents come to rescue of
procurement officials
Provide gunny bags for filling and lifting wheat
 Updated At: Apr 22, 2021 07:26 AM (IST)

 259

 0
 0

SDM Vikramjit Singh Panthey chairs a meeting with commission agents in Mandi Ahmedgarh.
Our Correspondent
Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 21

Commission agents and rice millers of the town and surrounding areas have come to
the rescue of officials of various procurement agencies to meet the shortage of
‗bardana‘ (gunny bags) for filling and lifting wheat that has been purchased during the
past few days.

Around two lakh used gunny bags were collected by officials of various procurement
agencies. The payment for these gunny bags would be made by procurement agencies.

The development took place after the Mandi Ahmedgarh SDM, Vikramjit Singh
Panthey, called upon commission agents and rice sheller owners to help the
administration, which was under stress due to shortage of ‗bardana‘.

―After receiving information about the shortage of ‗bardana‘ from farmers protesting
for expeditious lifting of wheat in ‗mandis‘ we called a joint meeting of officials of
food grain agencies, commission agents and rice millers. Earlier, traders hesitated to
provide old ‗bardana‘. Later, they agreed to do so after we advised procurement
agencies to pay for ‗bardana‘ supplied by commission agents and rice sheller owners,‖
the SDM said
 https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/commission-agents-

DA-
come-to-rescue-of-procurement-officials-242499

PhilMech distributes P15-B farm

machinery to rice farmers
By Christine Cudis April 22, 2021, 4:06 pm

Share

FARM IMPROVEMENT. This 2021, the government aims to distribute more farm machinery to
farmer beneficiaries under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program.
The total number of farmers who have benefited from the farm mechanization program of the
government since 2019 have reached nearly 680,000. (Photo courtesy of DA-PhilMech)

MANILA – About one million farmers nationwide will be recipients of the PHP15 billion worth of farm
machinery and equipment of the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Rice Competitiveness
Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program.

"The continued implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund as provided under
RTL (Rice Tariffication Law) is paving the way to this favorable development onto making Filipino
rice farmers globally competitive," DA Secretary William Dar said on Thursday.

The PHP15 billion worth of farm machinery and equipment represents the PHP5 billion yearly
allocation from 2019 to 2021.

From 2019 to 2024, the RTL or Republic Act 11203 allots PHP10 billion yearly from tariffs on
imported rice for six years for the RCEF program. It is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of
the Philippine rice industry.

Of the total, one-half or PHP5 billion of RCEF is allotted for farm mechanization, PHP3 billion for rice
seeds, and PHP1 billion each for credit, and PHP1 billion for training and extension.
During the first two years of implementation, the DA through the Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has procured 15,918 units of various farm machinery
and equipment, of which 55 percent or 8,702 have already been distributed to 679,486 farmers,
belonging to 3,804 farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in 57 rice-producing provinces,
where the RCEF program is implemented.

This year, PhilMech said, it will procure 5,098 units, and distribute these to 1,600 FCAs with 284,800
farmer-members. Of the total farm machinery and equipment, 2,574 units are for land preparation
like four-wheel and one-hand tractors, and attachments like tillers, totaling PHP1.7 billion; 496 units
for crop establishment like transplanters and seeders, worth PHP500 million; and 2,028 units of
post-harvest equipment like mechanical harvesters, threshers and milling machines, worth PHP2.8
billion.

PhilMech studies show that mechanizing rice production operations, from land preparation to
harvest, can reduce the production cost of palay (paddy rice) by PHP2 to PHP3 per kilogram (kg).

In a data provided by the DA's Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the current cost of
producing palay in the Philippines is at PHP12.72 per kilo, while it is PHP6.22 in Vietnam and
PHP8.86 in Thailand.

DA-PhilMech director Baldwin Jallorina assured that the distribution of farm machinery and
equipment to rice farmers' groups will continue despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)
pandemic.

"We at PhilMech believe that 2021 is pivotal as it is mid-way of the six-year implementation of the
RTL and RCEF, particularly the farm mechanization and three other components," Jallorina said.

Meanwhile, Dar expressed confidence that by the end of the six-year implementation of the RTL and
RCEF, along with initiatives under the Philippine integrated rice program, the cost for producing rice
will be reduced to PHP8 to PHP9 per kilo.

This will make the country "at par with our counterparts in Asean," he said. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137649

PRIMARY MENU
 Chinchu Cherian, the author of the study, with a sample of the cement comprising recycled pulp mill
fly ash. (Credit: University of British Columbia)
 Home
 Sustainability
 UBC Scientists Are Keeping Pulp Mill Waste Out of Landfills
Sustainability
UBC Scientists Are Keeping Pulp Mill Waste Out of Landfills
by Luana SteffenApril 22, 2021
SHARE1
A pulp mill is a facility that converts wood chips or other organic fiber sources into a
fiberboard which can then be sent to a paper mill for further processing. With 430 pulp
and paper mills in the United States alone, pulp mills generate significant waste.
Thankfully, scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are using that pulp mill
waste as a filler material for cement – making it stronger and more resilient.
This particular waste product is called pulp mill fly ash (PFA), which the North American
pulp and paper industry generates over one million tons per year. The UBC team
explored how it could be used as a sustainable binder material for road construction
rather than sending it off to the landfill.

In lab experiments, they found that the recycled wood ashes structure allows stronger
bonds to form between the various materials making up cement. The team also
managed to produce this sustainable construction material in a more energy-efficient
manner than conventional cement.

Dr. Chinchu Cherian, the author of the study, said:

THE POROUS NATURE OF PFA ACTS LIKE A GATEWAY FOR THE

ADHESIVENESS OF THE OTHER MATERIALS IN THE CEMENT THAT ENABLES
THE OVERALL STRUCTURE TO BE STRONGER AND MORE RESILIENT THAN
MATERIALS NOT MADE WITH PFA. THROUGH OUR MATERIAL
CHARACTERIZATION AND TOXICOLOGY ANALYSIS, WE FOUND FURTHER
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL BENEFITS THAT PRODUCING THIS NEW
MATERIAL WAS MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND PRODUCED LOW-CARBON
EMISSIONS.
One of the concerns about using recycled pulp mill products is the possibility that toxins
used as part of the primary processes at these facilities might seep out of the material
and into the environment. These toxins include kraft, sulfite, and neutral sulfite semi-
chemical. However, the team confirms that the bonds within the cement are so strong
that little to no chemicals can leak out, ensuring that it‘s safe to use.
Cherian explained:

OVERALL, OUR RESEARCH AFFIRMS THE USE OF RECYCLED WOOD ASH

FROM PULP MILLS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES SUCH AS MAKING
SUSTAINABLE ROADS, AND COST-NEUTRAL BUILDINGS CAN DERIVE
ENORMOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS. AND NOT JUST
BENEFITS FOR THE INDUSTRY, BUT TO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE BY REDUCING
WASTE GOING TO LANDFILLS AND REDUCING OUR ECOLOGICAL
FOOTPRINTS.
The UBC team published the study in the Journal of Cleaner Production, while an
overview of the research is presented in the video below.
Rice University researchers are also using waste to make more robust concrete. In
March, the Rice team developed a new process to convert discarded tires into
graphene, making noticeably stronger and environmentally friendly concrete.
SHARE1
PREVIOUS POST
New Record-Breaking Reflective White Paint Could Reduce Air-Con Use
NEXT POST
 Scientists Reverse Obesity In Mice By Targeting Inflammation

Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
UK Academy Makes Trutex Uniforms From Recycled Plastic Bottles
Brazilian Student Creates Award-Winning Sustainable Banana Fiber Tampons
Edible Plates And Chopsticks Made From Potato Starch In Japan
Sustainability
This Start-Up Is Reclaiming Wood, Lives, And Communities In
Baltimore
by Luana SteffenApril 26, 2021
SHARE0
According to the US Forest Service, wood accounts for over 10% of the US‘s annual
waste material. More tree and wood residue are produced from urban areas than
harvested from the national forest in some years. This waste ends up being expensive
for businesses that have to pay for its collection and disposal.
To remedy this, the Baltimore Wood Project is working with partners, including the US
Forest Service, to salvage, rethink and reuse as much wood as possible in the city of
Baltimore. This initiative will reduce landfill waste, reviving neglected land, engage local
communities, and create several jobs.
(Credit: Douglas Kapustin)
Wood waste usually comes in two forms: wood from deconstruction—attained from
abandoned buildings; and fresh-cut wood—which comprises chopped or fallen trees
growing in a community.

The pilot project salvages wood from building deconstruction and urban tree care
operations. The wood is subsequently repurposed and resold locally, creating a closed-
loop system or circular economy which promotes waste elimination and continual safe
use of natural resources, among several environmental, economic and social benefits.

(Credit: Humanim)
(Credit: Douglas Kapustin)
Baltimore is a particularly appropriate location for the scheme, as it‘s estimated that
there are 16,000 vacant properties, with some 4,000 slated for demolition over the next
four years. Some estimates even put the number of empty lots in the city at well over
30,000.

Upcycling the city‘s wood will enable the Baltimore Wood Project to provide sustainable
materials for construction, furniture, energy, and other sectors; and restore and reclaim
communities.

(Credit: Douglas Kapustin)

Baltimore‘s unemployment rate currently sits at 8.5%, compared to a national rate of
6.2%. This initiative helps the city (which has a population of almost 600,000) tackle its
joblessness problem by focusing on deconstruction rather than destruction.

Worldwide, it‘s estimated that making the switch to a circular economy could create $4.5
trillion in economic benefits by 2030.
SHARE0

Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
Scientists Create Room-Temperature All Liquid-Metal Batteries
Solar Panels Are More Efficient Where Air Quality Is Better
A Blanket of Glass Microspheres Could Save The Arctic From Melting
InnovationNatureSustainability
You Can Plant These Biodegradable Plates & Cutlery After Use
by Andrea D. SteffenApril 25, 2021
SHARE0
Recently, there has been significant momentum to end plastic waste once and for all.
Many people have created inventive alternatives like new types of bioplastics made
from cactus juice, banana, and walnuts. and companies have begun transitioning away
from using virgin plastic packaging.
Adding to the list of fantastic ideas is Lifepack‘s plates and cutlery that can be planted
after use. Yes, they grow into plants! The startup uses biodegradable materials –
pineapple and corn leaves – which are abundant crops in the world. They embed seeds
into this raw material. After you use the items, you can bury them in the ground,
and they‘ll grow as if you planted some seeds.
(Credit: Lifepack)
The product line is called Papelyco. A Colombian couple named Claudia and Andrés is
the creators of this project. The pair were moved to make these 100% biodegradable
dishes after learning that Colombia generated over 27,000 tons of garbage per day in
2010, with 4% of it coming from disposable plates, cups, containers, and polystyrene
foam. And that‘s just one relatively small country. The effects of all this waste on the
environment are enormous.
(Credit: Lifepack)
Claudia and Andrés said:

LIFEPACK IS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT IT DOES! OUR PRODUCTS ARE 100%

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY; WE KNOW THE MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROBLEM IN WHICH WE LIVE, INCREASING DAY BY DAY! WE PROVIDE
SOLUTIONS! WE GENERATE LIFE! WE OFFER SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
ALTERNATIVES.

THE IDEA WAS TO SELL CONTAINERS THAT GENERATE LIFE, NOT ONLY IN
THE FORM OF PLANTS BUT ALSO WORK, TO THE POINT THAT SOME 190
WOMEN WERE TRAINED TO WORK IN THE COMPANY. OUR INVENTION ALSO
CONTRIBUTES TO THE GENERATION OF EMPLOYMENT IN YOUR COUNTRY.

LIFEPACK GENERATES EMPLOYMENT FOR FATHERS AND MOTHERS HEAD OF

THE FAMILY, OFFERING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE THEIR
INCOME. MANY FARMERS BENEFIT FROM SELLING THEIR AGRICULTURAL
RESIDUE (CORN, PINEAPPLE, RICE, ETC.) TO LIFEPACK, WHICH PREVIOUSLY
GENERATED POLLUTION PROBLEMS OR WAS SIMPLY DISCARDED. LIFEPACK
TRANSFORMS IT AND GIVES IT NEW LIFE!

(Credit: Lifepack)
This company‘s product goes beyond being an item that doesn‘t damage the planet – it
provides nourishment for it to grow! It tackle‘s the problem of single-use plastic pollution
and contributes to adding more greenery to our environment. That‘s amazing!

SHARE0

Andrea D. Steffen
I use the alphabet to paint words that become a beautiful and inspiring image in the reader's mind. I
have a Bachelors in Architecture from FAU.
RELATED ARTICLES
Queensland Fuels A Renewable Revolution With $500m Clean Energy Fund
Seeds Coated In Microbes Give Plants Superpower Carbon Capture Abilities
These Fish Spend 90% of Their Time Walking On Land
NatureSustainability
Ugandan Company Is Turning Banana Waste Into Carpets And
Textiles
by Luana SteffenApril 25, 2021
SHARE1
Bananas grow off a trunk-like structure called the pseudostem. After the harvest, this
section of the plant is usually discarded since it will never grow again. Growing bananas
is a particularly wasteful form of agriculture compared to other fruit crops because only
12% of the plant is used, with the rest ending up in the landfill.

To bring value to that waste, Ugandan startup TexFad is turning it into high-quality,
sustainable textile products. The startup extracts the fiber from the banana tree‘s trunk
used to make environmentally friendly products like carpets, textiles, and biodegradable
hair extensions.
(Credit: TexFad)
(Credit: Reuters/Abubaker Lubowa)
The Process
First, the banana tree trunks are split in half with machetes and fed through a cutting
machine. The machine turns these trunks into long, leathery fibers that are hung to dry
before being processed and turned into high-quality eco-friendly products.

Kimani Muturi, the founder of TexFad, said his company is testing out several uses of
banana fibers – producing various items such as carpets and market-testing eco-
friendly hair extension products. ―The hair extensions we are making are highly
biodegradable. After using, our ladies will go and bury them in the soil, and they will
become manure for their vegetables,‖ he explained to Reuters.

(Credit: Reuters/Abubaker Lubowa)

(Credit: Reuters/Abubaker Lubowa)
Goals And Expectations
Muturi envisions the material replacing some synthetic fibers and making paper
products such as banknotes among a range of possible applications. For now, TexFad
is exploring ways to soften banana fibers so that they can be used to make clothing.

The startup expects to produce 2,400 carpets by the end of this year and plans to begin
delivering its products to the UK, US, and Canada by June.
(Credit: Reuters/Abubaker Lubowa)
(Credit: TexFad)
Other Products Made From Banana Waste
TexFad isn‘t the only company to turn banana waste into eco-friendly products. Last
year, Australian researchers developed a method that transforms banana Agri-waste
from the banana industry into non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable bioplastic
packaging material.
Others include a Brazilian university student Rafaella de Bona Gonçalves, who
developed biodegradable banana fiber tampons for homeless women in 2019. Her
invention earned her a distinguished award – the 2019 German ―iF Design Talent
Award.‖

A worker weaves a carpet from the fiber extracted from banana trunks at the TexFad
plant near Kampala, Uganda. (Credit: Reuters/Abubaker Lubowa)
SHARE1
Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
UK Making Significant Upgrades To Large-scale Battery Energy Storage
South Dakota‟s New Solar Park Pushes The State Ahead In The Renewables Race
This Powerpod Compact Wind Turbine Is More Powerful And Animal-Friendly
InnovationSustainability
Spinach Leaf Skeleton: An Eco-Friendly Scaffold For Lab-Grown Meat
by Luana SteffenApril 24, 2021
SHARE0
Lab-grown meat is gradually becoming a viable alternative to meat sourced via
traditional agriculture, but it‘s not perfect in terms of how it‘s produced. For the first time,
scientists at Boston College have developed a new, greener technology that uses the
skeleton of spinal leaves to support bovine animal protein growth.
As the population continues to grow and arable land shrinking, cultivating meat products
from ―cellular agriculture‖ rather than live animals is becoming an essential part of our
food security moving forward.

Some of the benefits of lab-grown meat include:

  It uses a fraction of the water and energy of conventional meat production;
 Avoids animal cruelty;
 And significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions.
However, animal products aren‘t eliminated from the process entirely. For example, lab-
grown steak and chicken are created by painlessly harvesting muscle cells from a living
cow, which are subsequently fed and nurtured to multiply and develop muscle tissue.
But for this to have the same texture as real meat, the cells need structural support to
flourish and are therefore placed in a scaffold.
(Credit: Pixabay)
Some lab-grown meats have achieved this through scaffolds made of gelatin obtained
from animals, and experimental forms in the lab have produced eco food from CO2,
water, and electricity. But lately, scientists are progressing toward animal-product-free
scaffolds. Aleph Farms, which in 2018 unveiled the world‘s first lab-grown steak,
created its cruelty-free animal products using scaffolds made from soy protein.
The Boston College team has recently put forward another plant-based solution:
spinach leaves. The breakthrough builds on earlier research in which the team
cultivated human heart tissue using a spinach leaf scaffold. These leaves had their plant
cells removed, leaving behind a vascular network primarily of cellulose, with a
circulatory system that promotes human cardiac tissue growth.

This diagram depicts the process of seeding bovine cells in a spinach leaf scaffold to
produce lab-grown meat. (Credit: Food Bioscience)
For this new experiment, the team used the decellularized spinach leaves as a scaffold
for cow meat cells. In this setting, the cells remained viable for two weeks before
unraveling into muscle mass. The scientists believe their edible, plant-based scaffold
lays solid groundwork for further investigation and may shape the future of lab-grown
meat.

Glenn Gaudette, the study‘s lead author, said:

WE NEED TO SCALE THIS UP BY GROWING MORE CELLS ON THE LEAVES TO

CREATE A THICKER STEAK. IN ADDITION, WE ARE LOOKING AT OTHER
VEGETABLES AND OTHER ANIMAL AND FISH CELLS.
The Boston College team published their findings in the journal Food Bioscience.
SHARE0

Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
IKEA‟s First Sustainable Tiny Home Is Packed With Green Features
UK Railway Will Soon Directly Power Trains With Solar Energy
Australia‟s Economy Will Lose $3.4tn By Ignoring Climate Crisis
EnvironmentSustainabilityWorld News
Maldives Begins Phase-Out Plan For Single-Use Plastic Ban This
June
by Andrea D. SteffenApril 24, 2021
SHARE0
In November 2020, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih passed a measure
to ban single-use plastics. It was drafted by an assorted committee of experts, civil
society representatives, and policymakers and is born from rigorous public and
stakeholder consultation sessions.
The move is an attempt to control the massive amounts of litter generated by the
famous tourist destination, damaging its precious marine ecosystems and the well-being
of the entire planet. The new law makes it illegal to import certain plastic items.
On December 22, 2020, the first step of the phase-out plan began with the ratification of
the 18th Amendment Bill to the Export-Import Act of Maldives. This bill bestows the
president with the authority to compile a list of goods classified as SUPs banned from
import. He can also publicize the choices and add or remove items from that list as he
sees fit.
In June of this year, the primary phase of elimination will begin. Not all things will be
banned all at once. It‘s a process that will carry on through to 2023. First to go will be
straws, cutleries, plates, stirrers, 30×30 cm plastic carrier bags, Styrofoam lunch boxes,
betel nuts in plastic wrapping, below 500ml PET beverage bottles, below 250ml coffee
cups, 50 ml and smaller toiletry bottles, and cotton wool buds.

As of December 2022, the importation of 50-200 ml toiletry bottles, one-liter PET

beverage bottles, and plastic carrier bags below 50-micron thickness will be prohibited.
(Credit: Bettina Nørgaard from Pixabay)
The government also plans to increase awareness by starting an Extended Producer
Responsibility program. Furthermore, it will also take strategic actions to strengthen the
collection and recycling of single-use plastics, and policy measures will be introduced to
improve the producer responsibility for single-use plastics.

Bold action such as this will help stop once and for all the tons of plastic that ends up
polluting the oceans every day, harming valuable natural ecosystems. The Maldives‘
officials hope that other countries will come together and execute similar measures. If
every nation would act now, we‘ll have a better chance at facing one of the worst
problems plaguing the planet in recent years.

Meanwhile, also in the Maldives, Kunfunadhoo is set to become the world‘s first
mosquito-free island.
SHARE0

Andrea D. Steffen
I use the alphabet to paint words that become a beautiful and inspiring image in the reader's mind. I
have a Bachelors in Architecture from FAU.
RELATED ARTICLES
Shell Reached Peak Oil Production In 2019, Peak Emissions In 2018
7-Year-Old Boy Makes „COVID-19 Care Packs‟ For 65 Seniors Citizens
Greenland‟s Glaciers Are Melting Faster Than They‟re Growing
Sustainability
Unocup’s Ergonomic Paper Cup Was Designed To Reduce Plastic
Waste
by Luana SteffenApril 22, 2021
SHARE0
Over 8 million tons of discarded plastic enter the ocean annually, and these take a
million years to decompose – harming the oceans and marine life. New York City alone
generates so much plastic lid waste that it could cover the entire earth three times!

To remedy this, Unocup has designed an ergonomic paper cup that folds into itself like
origami to form a spill-proof lid. This cup is specifically designed to fit perfectly into your
palm, with a curved spout to naturally fit your lips instead of the conventional flat plastic
lids. If spouts aren‘t your thing, you can fold the flaps backward and drink from the rim
like an ordinary drinking glass.

(Credit: Unocup)
(Credit: Unocup)
To close the lid, simply fold over each flap and insert the tab; to open, press down the
top, and it will open the flap. The cup‘s uniform structure creates a consistent and robust
body that will not cave under pressure, unlike regular paper cups.

The first prototype was produced in 2015. Since then, it has been refined hundreds of
times to create the perfect version. Unocup can use existing cup-making machinery for
mass-production, which will significantly lower costs and save energy in manufacturing,
storage, and transportation.
After countless interviews with coffee shops and 800 prototypes, Tom Chan and Kaanur
Papo founded Unocup in 2019. The final product is a 100% plastic-free, compostable
cup that swaps the traditional lid with paper folds that seal the drink securely.

(Credit: Unocup)
(Credit: Unocup)
Papo said:

WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS, THEY THINK OF CERTAIN

COMPROMISES THAT HAVE TO BE MADE. WHAT‟S REALLY EXCITING ABOUT
THIS IS THAT IT‟S A SUSTAINABLE AND PRACTICAL SOLUTION AT THE SAME
TIME.
Unocup offers coffee drinkers a guilt-free cup that is both convenient and contributes to
waste reduction. Fast Company‘s Innovation by Design Award has recently prized
Unocup in the Packaging Category.

(Credit: Unocup)
(Credit: Unocup)
Last year, British company Circular & Co introduced its reusable ‗Circular Cup‘ made
from otherwise discarded recycled single-use cups. The used disposable cups are
collected in large numbers from supermarkets and cafes before the team from Circular
turns them into permanent mugs. Each mug is made from six used cups and is
designed to last ten years; once the travel mug reaches the end of its life, its 100%
recyclable.
(Credit: Unocup)
(Credit: Unocup)
SHARE0

Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
Study: Black Plastic Waste Made Into High Purity Carbon Nanotube Electrical
Cables
Record Low Demand Helps Britain Achieve One Month Without Coal-Fired Power
Climate Change Education Is Now A Part Of New Jersey‟s K-12 Curriculum
SustainabilityTransport
UPS Plans To Start Zero-Emissions Deliveries Via eVTOL By 2024
by Luana SteffenApril 22, 2021
SHARE5

Last year, United Parcel Service (UPS) pre-ordered 10,000 zero-emissions electric
delivery vans from EV startup Arrival to lower the company‘s carbon footprint and
reduce overall emissions. UPS is now upping its game and has signed a deal to buy up
to 150 eVTOL aircraft from Vermont‘s Beta Technologies. The delivery company
expects to begin using the plane for time-sensitive zero-emissions deliveries in 2024;
taking off and landing will take place on-site at UPS depots.
Beta‘s Alia aircraft is inspired by the shape of the Arctic tern – an Alaskan bush plane
that was produced in small numbers between the 1970s and 1980s. The Alia-250c is a
transitioning fixed-wing aircraft with four big, drag-minimizing VTOL props attached on
bars extending forward and backward from the wings. The rear also includes a single
pusher prop for efficient wing cruising.

(Credit: Beta Technologies)

The aircraft fully charges in only 50 minutes; it claims a massive 250 nautical mile (288-
mile/463-km) range and a cruise speed of around 170 mph (270 km/h). However, this
range figure seems optimistic given present battery technology.

The first ten BETA aircraft are expected to arrive in 2024, assuming certification
proceeds accordingly, with a further option to purchase up to 150 aircraft.
(Credit: Beta Technologies / UPS Image)
Kyle Clark, BETA founder, and CEO added:

WE‟RE COMBINING SIMPLE, ELEGANT DESIGN AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

TO CREATE A RELIABLE AIRCRAFT WITH ZERO OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS
THAT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE HOW CARGO MOVES. BY UTILIZING VERTICAL
TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS, WE CAN TURN RELATIVELY SMALL SPACES AT
EXISTING UPS FACILITIES INTO A MICRO AIR FEEDER NETWORK WITHOUT THE
NOISE OR OPERATING EMISSIONS OF TRADITIONAL AIRCRAFT.
UPS plans to construct VTOL pads for these aircraft at specific depots for an ideal
electric aviation system, with charging stations to top them up. It will use them either on
a series of short routes or a single, long one per charge. ―UPS‘s use of the aircraft will
benefit healthcare providers, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, and
other companies in smaller communities,‖ the company said in a press release.
Beta‘s recharging station can also be used with electric ground vehicles. (Credit: Beta
Technologies)
(Credit: Beta Technologies)
Once the battery packs have outlived their safe lifespan in the aircraft, they will be
recycled as buffers into the charging stations or UPS‘s fleet of electric ground vehicles.

Juan Perez, the Chief Information and Engineering Officer at UPS, said:

THIS IS ALL ABOUT INNOVATION WITH A FOCUS ON RETURNS FOR OUR

BUSINESS, OUR CUSTOMERS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THESE NEW
AIRCRAFT WILL CREATE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES IN OUR BUSINESS,
OPEN POSSIBILITIES FOR NEW SERVICES, AND SERVE AS A FOUNDATION
FOR FUTURE SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE THE EMISSIONS PROFILE OF OUR AIR
AND GROUND OPERATION.
(Credit: Beta Technologies)
(Credit: Beta Technologies)
Following FAA regulations for experimental aircraft to fly beyond its home-based airport,
BETA had to complete loads of tests to ensure that the plane has a reliable and
predictable behavior. In March, BETA progressed to the next phase of flight testing,
completing an interstate flight between its testing ground in Plattsburgh, New York, and
Beta headquarters in Burlington, Vermont. In the same week, the aircraft attained a new
personal best in range while also reaching 8,000 feet in altitude.
Beta‘s eVTOL aircraft currently has an onboard pilot to facilitate near-term certification,
but the company hopes its aircraft will eventually fly autonomously as technologies and
regulations are established. Watch Beta‘s Alia aircraft in action during a flight test in the
video below:

SHARE5
Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
This Circular Battery Strategy Could Lead A Green Battery Revolution
EU Bans Single-Use Plastic by 2021
Karma SC2 Hypercar, Welcome To The Future
NatureSustainability
Dandelion Rubber Could Be Used To Make More Sustainable Tires
by Andrea D. SteffenApril 22, 2021
SHARE0
Soviet scientists found an alternative to the South American rubber tree (Hevea
brasiliensi) in 1931 after testing over 1,000 species of plants. The new natural source of
rubber – dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) found on the steps of Kazakhstan – would
help the USSR become self-sufficient in the critical material. A decade later, it supplied
30% of the country‘s rubber.
Other countries (including Britain, United States, and Germany) started using dandelion
rubber during the Second World War due to shortages of Havea rubber. However, when
the war ended, and supplies returned to normal, every country switched back to the
South American rubber tree because it was cheaper.
(Credit: Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay)
But today, demand for rubber is steadily increasing. About two-thirds (65%) of all rubber
consumed worldwide is synthetic because it‘s the least expensive option, and it‘s more
hardwearing. It comes from fossil fuels.
So, there‘s a renewed interest in the Russian dandelion or other alternative
rubber sources. The tire industry, which uses up 70% of the global rubber supply, is
particularly interested. Fossil-fuel-derived rubber is cheaper and more robust, but
natural rubber disperses heat better and grips better. That‘s why tires are made with a
mix.

(Credit: picture-alliance . daaH Himdorf)

Havea plantations in Southeast Asia have been linked to deforestation. Unfortunately,
90% of natural rubber comes from there. There are also commercial reasons the
industry is eager for an alternative. Rubber trees are liable to a fungal leaf blight that
can consume plantations in South America – a real threat since all the world‘s natural
rubber supply comes from that one crop.
Recent projects to make dandelion rubber commercially viable have sprung in the US
and Europe. Taraxagum is one such initiative. It‘s a collaboration between Continental
Tires and Germany‘s Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology.
(Credit: Wageningen University & Research)
Plant biotechnologist Dirk Prüfer, from the Taraxagum team, said:
CONTINENTAL TIRES TESTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MATERIAL AND
SAID THAT IT WAS BRILLIANT — IN SOME CASES BETTER THAN HEVEA
RUBBER.
Another good feature is that the Russian dandelion thrives in temperate climates,
whereas the rubber tree only in a tropical region. Meaning it can be produced regionally,
reducing transportation needs and lowering carbon emissions.
(Credit: Dirk Priifer)
Ingrid van der Meer, the coordinator of DRIVE4EU, said:
WE CULTIVATED THE DANDELION IN BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS, AND
KAZAKHSTAN. OTHER RESEARCHERS HAD PREVIOUSLY CULTIVATED THE
CROP IN SWEDEN, GERMANY, AND THE UNITED STATES.
The Russian dandelion can even be grown on poor soils, so it doesn‘t have to compete
with agriculture. Plus, its extraction doesn‘t require the use of solvents, unlike Hevea,
which does, leaving behind chemical waste to be dealt with.
SHARE0
Andrea D. Steffen
I use the alphabet to paint words that become a beautiful and inspiring image in the reader's mind. I
have a Bachelors in Architecture from FAU.
RELATED ARTICLES
Couple Plants 2.7 Million Trees To Restore Brazilian Forest Home To Endangered
Species
Researchers Develop New Material To Power Electronics With Temperature
Plant-based Eco Superglue Created by Adding Water
EnvironmentNatureSustainability
Biodegradable Cutlery Made of Fallen Pine Needles
by Andrea D. SteffenApril 22, 2021
SHARE0
In 2019, Abhinav Talwar and Maithri V founded Vasshin Composites – a company in
Delhi, India that blends pine tree threads (its ‗leaves‘) with polymers and minerals to
make eco-friendly cutlery and other tableware.
(Credit: Vasshin Composites)
During the summer, pine trees shed their threads, which are exceptionally flammable
and often catch fire. These forest fires negatively affect the climate and ecosystem, so
finding a positive use for them is incredibly brilliant.
(Credit: Vasshin Composites)
Abhinav said:

THE ROUGH AND THICK TEXTURE OF THE PINE NEEDLES ARE CAPABLE OF
EASILY SPARKING A FIRE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE HEATWAVES.
ONCE THEY FALL TO THE FOREST FLOOR, THEY EVEN HINDER THE GROWTH
OF OTHER PLANTS AND VEGETATION. SO, THE STATE GOVERNMENT WAS
KEENLY LOOKING AT WAYS TO USE THESE NEEDLES FOR COMMERCIAL
PURPOSES. I WANTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR EFFORT. THAT WAS WHEN I
BEGAN DOING MY RESEARCH.
The eco-design startup is safeguarding the biological system and helping consumers
replace plastic!
(Credit: Vasshin Composites)
Maithri said in an interview with the medium Social Story:
FOREST FIRES ARE A HUGE SOURCE OF CARBON DIOXIDE, AND THEIR
RELEASE AFFECTS BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES, LEAVING BEHIND SERIOUS
CONSEQUENCES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION. THEREFORE, EVEN IF WE CAN CONTAIN IT TO A SMALL
EXTENT BY CONVERTING PINE NEEDLES INTO SOMETHING FUNCTIONAL, IT
WILL END UP BENEFITING FLORA AND FAUNA.

OUR ASSOCIATION WITH VASSHIN COMPOSITES HAS BEEN FRUITFUL. THEIR

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED AND HAVE
HELPED US PREVENT PLASTIC FROM REACHING LANDFILLS.
Abhinav and Maithri decided to work together to support their chronic interest in
promoting a good and environmentally stable buying mentality. Their synchronized drive
to instill a sustainable lifestyle in people led to the development of several products.

Abhinav said:

EVEN THOUGH WE STARTED OUT CREATING AND SELLING COMPOSTABLE

MATERIALS, WE GOT BETTER AT ASSEMBLING BOWLS, ESPRESSO CUPS,
KITCHEN PLATES, DINNER PLATES, AND OTHER KITCHEN STUFF USING PINE
THREADS. EACH OF THE ARTICLES HAS BEEN REGISTERED ON AMAZON, AS
WELL AS ON OUR WEBSITE.

THE RAW MATERIAL IS PURCHASED FROM VARIOUS SUPPLIERS, BUT WE

COORDINATE WITH THE RESPECTIVE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF
THE HIMACHAL TOWNS TO OBTAIN THE PINE THREADS. USUALLY, THEY
COLLECT THE NEEDLES FROM THE FORESTS, PUT THEM TOGETHER INTO
COMPACT BLOCKS, AND TRANSPORT THEM TO US.
Each acquisition of Vasshin Composites‘ cutlery represents the prevention of forest fires
and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 95.71 grams, carbon monoxide by 6.52
grams, and nitrous oxide by 0.2 grams.

Abhinav and Maithri are in talks with an investor to obtain further funding. Their goal is
to expand the production capacity this year to facilitate the prevention of forest fires
further.
SHARE0

Andrea D. Steffen
I use the alphabet to paint words that become a beautiful and inspiring image in the reader's mind. I
have a Bachelors in Architecture from FAU.
RELATED ARTICLES
Reducing Air Pollution Shows Health Benefits Within One Week
Christmas Sweaters Are Adding To Global Plastic Pollution
New Processes Turn Dairy Waste Into Bioplastics And Fertilizers
HousingSustainability
New Record-Breaking Reflective White Paint Could Reduce Air-Con
Use
by Luana SteffenApril 20, 2021
SHARE0
What we coat our buildings with can have a significant influence on their ability to reflect
the sun‘s heat, keep living spaces cooler, lessen our reliance on air conditioners, and
overall energy efficiency. A 2012 NASA study, for example, found that white coatings in
New York City could drop peak roof temperatures by an average of 43°F (24°C).
Radiative cooling is a technology that offers excellent promises to alleviate global
warming and reduce space cooling costs. To achieve this, scientists have cooked up
highly reflective paints that incorporate Teflon to reflect 98% of incoming sunlight.
Others have produced sustainable white paint made from recycled plastic – inspired by
beetle scales.
Now, scientists at Purdue University have produced the whitest paint ever created,
which they claim reflects 98.1% of sunlight and can produce similar cooling effects as
standard air conditioners. Last year, the same team demonstrated an ultra-white paint
capable of reflecting 95.5% of light. This incredible material far exceeds commercially
available heat-reflecting paints that reflect only 80 to 90% of incoming light.
Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue mechanical engineering professor, added:

IF YOU WERE TO USE THIS PAINT TO COVER A ROOF AREA OF ABOUT 1,000
SQUARE FEET (93 SQ M), WE ESTIMATE THAT YOU COULD GET A COOLING
POWER OF 10 KILOWATTS. THAT‟S MORE POWERFUL THAN THE CENTRAL AIR
CONDITIONERS USED BY MOST HOUSES.
The new record-breaking, ultra-white paint owes its excellence to a mix of particles
made of barium sulfate, a chemical compound used in cosmetics and white
photographic paper. While these particles make the paint super white and ultra-
reflective, the paint will peel or crumble apart if there is too high a concentration.

Therefore, the scientists varied the size of the particles to alter each one‘s ability to
scatter light. The broader range of particle sizes resulted in a paint that can disperse
more of the incoming sunlight. In the end, the team developed the perfect formula to
produce the whitest paint ever and thus the coolest paint on record.
An infrared camera image shows how a sample of the whitest paint can cool a board or
surface below ambient temperature. (Credit: Purdue University/Joseph Peoples)
Joseph Peoples, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering at Purdue, explained:

A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PARTICLES THAT ARE ALSO DIFFERENT SIZES

GIVES THE PAINT THE BROADEST SPECTRAL SCATTERING, WHICH
CONTRIBUTES TO THE HIGHEST REFLECTANCE.
The paint was tested outdoors, where the researchers used thermocouples (high-
accuracy temperature reading equipment) to demonstrate the paint‘s efficiency. The
results showed that the paint kept surfaces 19°F (10.5°C) cooler than their ambient
surroundings at night, and 8°F (4.5°C) cooler under strong sunlight during the peak
noon hours.

Even during the middle of winter, the paint‘s solar reflectance proved effective – during
an outdoor test in ambient temperatures of 43°F (6.1°C), the paint lowered the sample
temperature by 18°F (10°C). The research was published on April 15, 2021, in ACS
Applied Materials & Interfaces.
SHARE0

Luana Steffen
I am an artist who enjoys sharing interesting information and creative thinking with the world to
inspire people.
RELATED ARTICLES
Ultra-Low-Cost Thermal Batteries Can Help Reduce Emissions
The Swiss Developed A Solution To The Housing Crisis: Recycled PET Structures
Tesla‟s Model 3 will come in sedan and crossover styles

RECENT POSTS
This Start-Up Is Reclaiming Wood, Lives, And Communities In Baltimore
April 26, 20210
You Can Plant These Biodegradable Plates & Cutlery After Use
April 25, 20210
Ugandan Company Is Turning Banana Waste Into Carpets And Textiles
April 25, 20210
Spinach Leaf Skeleton: An Eco-Friendly Scaffold For Lab-Grown Meat
April 24, 20210
Eye Tracking Cameras Can Reveal More About You Than You Think,
And They’re Popping Up Everywhere
April 24, 20210
Have Fresh Herbs Year-Round With This Home Garden Drawer That
Monitors Itself!
April 24, 20210
Maldives Begins Phase-Out Plan For Single-Use Plastic Ban This June
April 24, 20210
Intelligent Living Media believes that information should be freely available to all, but we also believe
that sources should be properly credited and that intellectual property rights should be respected.
Intelligent Living and its content is protected by international copyright law. In accessing and using
www.intelligentliving.co and related sites, you agree that you may not download content except for
personal, non-commercial reference.
©2020 - Intelligent Living Media Ltd. All Right Reserved. Contact us Privacy
policy About us
 FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedinTumblrRss
 ENVIRONMENT
 HEALTH
 INNOVATION
 LIFESTYLE
 NATURE
 SUSTAINABILITY
 TECHNOLOGY
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can
opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

This site is monetized using Coil. If you enjoy the content, consider supporting us by signing up for a Coil
Membership. Here's how…

Get Coil to access ×

https://www.intelligentliving.co/reclaiming-wood-lives-communities-baltimore/

BBC program features

plant scientist from
Montana State University
 MSU News Service

 Apr 21, 2021

 0

 2 min to read

 Facebook
  Twitter
 Email
 Print
 Save
BOZEMAN, Mont. — The longtime work of a Montana State University plant
scientist to combat a common parasitic weed that affects farmers in nearly 20 African
countries was recently featured by the BBC program Newsday.

David Sands, a professor in the department of plant sciences and plant pathology in
MSU‘s College of Agriculture, has studied striga for more than a decade. The purple-
flowered weed causes $7 billion to $10 billion in agricultural losses for smallholder
farmers across northern Africa each year. Sands‘ research focuses on a unique fungus,
native to Africa, that can be used as a biocontrol to combat striga damage to
agricultural crops like sorghum, millet and okra.

―We were lucky to find such a good biocontrol,‖ said Sands in the BBC interview.
―Without using genetically modified organisms, we were able to find a really good
killer fungus (against striga).‖

The fungus, called Fusarium oxysporum, is abbreviated FOXY in Sands‘ research.

His studies led to a collaboration with his brother, John, a retired surgeon who had
spent time in Kenya and had seen the impacts of striga on local agricultural operations
and the resulting malnutrition due to crop losses. In 2008 they created the Toothpick
Project, a nonprofit that works with scientists across Africa to develop FOXY into a
viable agricultural biocontrol.

Over the past decade, Sands and his fellow scientists have used plant genetics to select
strains of the fungus that are more adept at killing striga while leaving crops
unaffected. The fungus is cultivated in a laboratory and grown on toothpicks, which
gave the project its name. Those toothpicks are then stored in containers of cooked
rice, which provide just the right combination of moisture and temperature to allow
the fungus to incubate. Farmers can then incorporate that rice into their planting,
putting it in the soil along with their seed.

―The fungus takes it from there,‖ said Sands. ―It kills the striga and allows the seeds to
germinate.‖

Sands‘ current work at MSU also seeks to address invasive weeds and precision
agriculture at home in Montana, working in collaboration with the Montana
Department of Agriculture. His biocontrol research explores natural mechanisms to
combat weeds that affect crops in the region, just as FOXY can be used to combat
striga. He also researches alternative crops such as gluten-free grains and low
glycemic crops such as peas, oats and potatoes.

With the help of a 2014 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the team
at the Toothpick Project, now directed by Sands‘ daughter Claire Sands Baker, began
a large-scale test, incorporating FOXY into use on 500 farms across Kenya. The
benefits were nearly immediate and universal, according to Sands.

―(Striga) could take 20% (to) 80% of your anticipated yield, which is huge if you‘re a
farmer relying on your small farm,‖ said Sands. ―In two growing seasons, we
increased the yield for local small farmers, all 500 of them, by an average of 42% (to)
56%.‖

The Toothpick Project continues to adapt FOXY through genetic research, with the
team that includes scientists from 12 countries, including the African nations of
Benin, Cameroon, Ghana and Mali. The nonprofit partners with the Kenya
Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and Welthungerhilfe, a German
nonprofit dedicated to ending world hunger and addressing extreme poverty.
https://www.aberdeennews.com/farm_forum/bbc-program-features-plant-scientist-from-
montana-state-university/article_4a0a1ee4-9d5a-11eb-8309-6744078a1ced.html

Logistics group calls on gov’t to ease restrictions to ensure

deliveries
Husain Haider / Khmer Times

The Cambodia Logistics Association is requesting that the government assist members to
ensure that deliveries are not affected during the lockdown. Supplied

Click here to get Khmer Times Breaking News direct into your Telegram
FacebookTwitterEmailShare

As lockdowns strain businesses trying to operate under restrictions and fears of food
insecurity loom, the Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA) is appealing for
government intervention to help alleviate the strain on enterprises trying to get their
goods to the marketplace.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening and reviewed by Khmer Times, the CLA
said that despite the logistics sector being named an essential service, ―disruptions
have caused most of our business activities to be temporarily suspended‖.

―Obstacles currently being encountered are companies with offices in ‗Red Zones‘
needing to be temporarily closed. Almost 100 percent of staff with travel permits are
not allowed to drive to work by authorities. A large [amount] of transportation is
restricted or banned. The activities of customs, which is the most necessary
component to complete customs clearance, is banned as well,‖ the CLA said.

The CLA appealed to authorities for traffic permits for all types of heavy-duty trucks
travelling in and out of lockdown areas from 8pm to 5am to be respected, that
additional travel permits be distributed to truck drivers and an additional 25 percent of
traffic permits be distributed to office staff so that they can travel in and out of offices.

―Some companies in our sector have fewer than 10 employees and most have fewer
than 100, which cannot be limited to just 2 percent of operations,‖ the CLA noted.

Yesterday, Khmer Times reported that lockdowns had affected rice millers and the
logistics centres, resulting in delayed deliveries.

―During this time, heavy transportation through Phnom Penh is impossible. Not only
[for] us, but also other sectors are facing the same problem,‖ said Lun Yeng,
secretary-general for the Camboda Rice Federation (CRF).

Yeng did stress that the CRF had supplied approximately 1,000 tonnes of milled rice,
saying ―We can guarantee the supply of milled rice in both the domestic and foreign
markets this year.‖

Vu Duong, a vegetable vendor in the capital‘s Toul Tom Poung district, said she has
been forced to raise prices because it had become increasingly difficult to source
produce from the countryside.

Normally, her fruit and vegetables travel from the outskirts of Phnom Penh or from as
far as Vietnam. However, the lockdowns have resulted in her being unable to serve
her regular customers.

―Every day I sell out of tomatoes because there are not enough coming. I used to have
three different types of fish for sale but now there is only one. I want to say that I am
sorry to my customers, but it is more expensive getting food delivered to me these
days,‖ she said.
Tim Squires, managing director for Ostra Fine Foods, told Khmer Times that his firm
has intensified its focus on supermarkets including Aeon, Lucky and Super Duper as
restaurants and hotels have been forced to suspend dine-in services.

Ostra Fine Foods specialises in importing premium seafood for local clientele. It
operates two segments – the dine-in Oyster Bars and its wholesale business supplying
supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Squires‘ company usually imports seafood directly from the US, Canada and Europe
weekly. He said that uncertainty whether customs clearance agents will be able to
conduct their duties, coupled with reduced demand, has led to a ―perfect storm
preventing the importation of goods‖.

―Cambodia is heavily reliant on imported goods across all food sectors. if the
lockdown continues, Cambodia‘s ability to feed itself will be severely tested,‖ Squires
said.

―Because the community is unable to travel between provinces and the Vietnamese
border is firmly closed, the availability of fresh produce such as seafood is currently
very low also. This will become increasingly important because wholesale suppliers
cannot meet the demand of supermarkets,‖ he added.

Squires also shares the CLA‘s plight, noting that Ostra Fine Foods is forced to operate
with a skeleton staff because the majority of his workforce is unable to reach the
workplace to support day-to-day operations.

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ZLAzj8yHbmgJ:https://www.k
hmertimeskh.com/50843076/logistics-group-calls-on-govt-to-ease-restrictions-to-ensure-
deliveries/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk

April 21, 2021

Influencer Program Engaging

Brown Rice Chorizo Breakfast
U.S. Consumers Burritos from Laura Doerr

By Deborah Willenborg

ARLINGTON, VA -- In a chaotic and unpredictable year,

USA Rice’s influencer program continues to reach
consumers and keep them engaged. At the halfway
point of the Federation’s partnership
with thefeedfeed.com, results from the year-long
consumer campaign show a strongly engaged audience
that has been highly receptive and appreciative of
content featuring U.S.-grown rice.

The influencer program kicked off with a month-long National Rice Month (NRM) recipe
contest to encourage the use of U.S.-grown rice and inspire feedfeed’s community to
share their favorite ways to rice and stimulate organic user-generated content. To continue to
grow rice awareness and engage the broader community, USA Rice and feedfeed activated a
new set of 4 nano-influencers based on their passion for rice. Each influencer is responsible
for creating four unique and on-trend rice recipes accompanied by photography, a blog post,
and an Instagram post for each recipe.

“This program allows USA Rice to remain heavily engaged in the social conversation and
position U.S.-grown rice as a must-have ingredient which was particularly appreciated by
consumers during COVID,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice director of domestic promotion.
“While some tactics of the influencer program have changed, the goals remain the same, to
drive mass awareness and celebrate U.S.-grown rice, develop engaging content, and educate
audiences on the benefits of rice consumption by exposing different consumer segments to
U.S.-grown rice messaging.”

To date, 10 original recipes that featured U.S.-grown rice and Federation messaging have
been posted by the team of influencers and amplified by feedfeed and USA Rice. The
influencer content generated a particularly high engagement rate of 50 percent. Recipes
shared include a One Pan Coconut Chicken Curry and Rice, Brown Rice Chorizo Breakfast
Burritos, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, and a Butter Poached Lobster Risotto.
Collectively, the recipe posts and NRM contest generated 18.6 million impressions and
606,900 interactions.

“Through our ongoing partnership with feedfeed, we continue to make significant gains
connecting with consumers in the digital space. Our message was being heard before, but
these half-way point numbers demonstrate the message is now being absorbed and
appreciated,” Jacobs added.

By the end of the fiscal year, the influencer program will have developed and shared an
additional 6 rice recipes and produced two recipe video reels for Instagram. In addition to the
immediate impact of the campaign, USA Rice retains the right to use and access all created
recipes, videos, and photos across social media channels.

Main Menu
BONUS Episode: Leading with Compassion
Season 2 / By Jim Morris
Taro Arai has an electric personality. As Chief Dreaming Officer for Mikuni, with nine
popular restaurants and sushi bars in Northern California, his enthusiasm and generosity
are well known throughout the region.
But it wasn‘t an easy road to success. After arriving from Japan, the Arai family opened their
first Mikuni restaurant in 1987. Reverend and Mrs. Arai prepared food in the kitchen, while
Taro and siblings Noamichi and Keiko worked as greeter, busser and server. After a lot of
hard work and perseverance, Mikuni continued to grow and prosper.

Their success has left an indelible imprint on Northern California.

Before the pandemic slowdown, Mikuni served more than 1 and a half million customers a
year, utilizing about 20 tons of California rice every month.

Taro said he is continually humbled by their success and vows to maintain their approach of
giving back to the community.

Mikuni has supported more than 80 charities. Their rescue rolls have raised tens of
thousands of dollars for many who have suffered through disasters. Their golf tournament
has raised millions of dollars for charity.

Why do so much?

―Without God and our community, we‘re not here right now,‖ Taro remarked. ―We need to
give back. To be here, share the joy and help charity, I‘m living a dream right now. The
least I can do is to go out every day, spread the joy and help others as much as we can.‖
Download Episode

Episode Transcript
Jim Morris: Welcome to a special bonus episode of Ingrained. I‘m Jim Morris with the
California Rice Commission, visiting with one of my favorite people on the planet, Taro Arai,
Chief Dreaming Officer at Mikuni, a fantastic group of restaurants and sushi bars in
Northern California. Taro is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the kindest
people I‘ve ever met. And I‘ve often suspected you don‘t sleep, Taro, and now you‘re
planning your daughter, Chiyoh‘s, wedding. So how do you balance all that?
Taro Arai: Ooh, I‘m so excited. I‘ve been waiting. I had a tuxedo ready two years ago, and
also a speech for the wedding. I have been ready, so I‘m excited about it. My wife keeps
telling me, ―It‘s not your wedding,‖ so that‘s the thing I have to remind myself every day.
Jim Morris: That‘s awesome. Tractors are working in the fields, airplanes are flying over
seed, there‘s a new season underway in rice country in the Sacramento Valley. You have
seen this process firsthand, so what are your thoughts as we‘re starting a new season for
rice in California?
Taro Arai: I love it, and also it‘s a new season for my family too. Right? So getting marrieds
great, but for me having a grandchildren, next generation of workers, that‘s exciting too. I
love always something new.
Jim Morris: You have more than 50 different sushi rolls, so how important is it to have
local, affordable, high-quality rice to work with?
Taro Arai: I mean that‘s everything. Sushi without sushi rice, that‘s not sushi! Of course, I
grew up in a culture that rice is the most important thing in the food culture. Then I can‘t
imagine without having rice, and also having a rice in our backyard, how blessed are we?
We‘re spreading all over the love of rice to United States too. Right?
Jim Morris: Mm-hmm (affirmative). Yeah.
Taro Arai: I mean I‘m so proud of California rice, and I‘m so fortunate to be here.
Jim Morris: You have seen the rice fields in Japan and probably have a lot of experiences
when you grew up, so tell me a little bit about being a child in Japan and some of your
experiences in rice.
Taro Arai: We used to play baseball on the rice field. Oh, I get yelled at because we make
it dirt so hard while baseball season. And here when I went there, you see the big truck, the
big airplane. I mean it‘s totally different way of raising rice here.
Jim Morris: And we owe so much to the Japanese culture, not only as one of our big
customer bases, but also the Japanese varieties, Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, on, and on, so
we are incredibly grateful for that relationship. Let‘s get to the here and now. We‘re sitting at
your restaurant in Roseville and there‘s people here eating. It is so refreshing to see. But tell
me a little bit about how the pandemic has been. It has just been really tough for
restaurants.
Taro Arai: Toughest thing is we had an unknown future, so we couldn‘t plan anything. That
was the hardest things for us. We don‘t know if we can open the restaurant, close the
restaurants, and then all the employee are going through COVID protocol. I don‘t know.
Every day we have a new challenges. It was a really long time suffering or overcoming this
COVID thing. But meanwhile, my job was to encourage my managers. We don‘t want to just
survive, but let‘s thrive in this, let‘s keep our hope, so that was my message to our
managers all through this COVID season. And then we got a lot of benefit too through this.
We learned so much about each individual managers, and also even sushi class too. I used
to do 35 people max. Now I do a virtual, so we learn how to do the virtual sushi class. We
did for 300 people the other day.
Jim Morris: Oh wow.
Taro Arai: So a lot of things. Through this we learn positive things, too.
Jim Morris: We are getting closer to maybe a full reopening, so how excited are you to get
more people back in the restaurants?
Taro Arai: I‘m excited, but I just want to focus on thanking our community since we‘re
closed a long time, we had amazing support in to-go‘s, curbside, I mean delivery. We never
seen anything like it in the past. Like two, three hours of waiting they waited for us to deliver
food. I mean I can‘t thank enough to our community. I can‘t wait to give back as much as we
can in the future too.
Jim Morris: And you have given back considerably, tens of thousands of dollars to charities
with your Rescue Rolls, and also I believe more than 80 charities Mikuni has supported.
Why do you do it to that degree, especially in a time when it‘s hard to run restaurants?
Taro Arai: Without God, without our community, we‘re not here right now, so at least we
can do is give back. For example, last August we had a golf tournament that was 25th
annual. Middle of the pandemic, heat waves, smoke from the fire, they told us, ―Please, you
should just cancel it.‖ But I said, ―People still need money, help, so we have to have it. If we
can get together, we do 4×4, just nine-hole tournament.‖ So we pushed forward, and then
we raised $300,000. That was a record breaking with a nine-hole tournament because
people are so supportive here, and we ended up raising $2.5 million just from the golf
tournament for charity. So anything we do, again, we can‘t do ourselves. We just make
sushi. The community has to come together and support. That‘s why we could do amazing
things.
Jim Morris: You have been rolling sushi for more than 35 years. Mikuni has more than one-
and-a-half-million customers every year. That‘s pre-pandemic, and I‘m sure you‘ll be back to
that. So what keeps you motivated and positive? Our world needs more positivity right now.
Taro Arai: Every morning I wake up, first thing I thank God for, my life and then also people
around me. I don‘t know. I kept thinking so many things that I can‘t wait to go out there and
spread the joy that I have in me. So every morning I‘m so passionate about it, just meeting
people. I do a lot of private parties nowadays. I just can‘t wait to go out there and then share
Mikuni‘s story because we don‘t deserve to be here. Coming from Japan with nothing, no
friends, no language, to be able to be here and share the joy and help the charity, I‘m living
in the dreams right now. So at least I can do is go out there every day to spread the joy,
help others as much as we can.
Jim Morris: Don‘t ever change, Taro. Thanks so much, Taro, for your time, and thank you
for listening to this bonus episode of Ingrained. You can find out more at
podcast.calrice.org.
https://podcast.calrice.org/bonus-episode-leading-with-compassion/

Greenway Donates $2M to Rice Research Center

by Arkansas Business Staff
Tuesday, Apr. 20, 2021 9:55 am 1 min read
Greenway Equipment of Newport has donated $2 million to the University of Arkansas
System Division of Agriculture's Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in
Poinsett County.

Half the money will be used to buy agricultural equipment for the station, which is
about 8 miles south of Jonesboro on State Highway 1; the other half will go toward
construction of the NERREC exhibition hall, which will house new research into rice
production practices.

When complete, the hall will have "research labs, facilities for community and industry
meetings, and importantly, a learning space dedicated to educating grade school
children and the general public on rice production in Arkansas," Tim Burcham,
director of the NERREC, said in a news release.
Greenway CEO Marshall Stewart said the hall will "open doors to new segments for
our community to gain a better understanding of the importance that agriculture,
specifically rice, plays in our region, state, and world."

John Conner Jr., chairman of Greenway, is a UA alumnus whose family has grown
cotton, soybeans, and rice.

"With having such an extensive family presence at the University of Arkansas, along
with the importance of the rice market to our region, the Northeast Rice Research and
Extension Center is a great fit for this area and the communities involved," he said.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/135439/greenway-equipment-donates-2m-
to-rice-research-center

New super hybrid rice variant being

transplanted in Yunnan Province
By Global TimesPublished: Apr 21, 2021 02:58 PM
Photo taken on Nov. 2, 2020 shows the third-generation hybrid rice at an experimental demonstration field in
Hengnan County, central China's Hunan Province. The third-generation hybrid rice developed by Yuan Longping,
the "father of hybrid rice," and his team achieved a yield of 911.7 kg per mu (about 667 square meters) in an
experiment in central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

A total of 2000 trays of the "Chaoyouqianhao" super hybrid rice seedlings, which
were bred on March 20, is currently transplanting in southwest China's Yunnan
Province, with a plan to plant a total of 101 mu (6.73 hectares) there.

The estimated yield of the hybrid rice is projected to each 1,200 kilograms per mu
 (0.07 hectares), which will set a new world record for super hybrid rice output and
break the current record of 1,203.36 kilograms per mu, set by the hybrid rice variant
Xiangliangyou 900.

Super hybrid rice "Chaoyouqianhao" developed by Professor Yuan Longping and his
team was completed seedling brewing in April 20 in Mengzi city, Honghe
Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, which is now in the process of
transplanting rice seedlings, CCTV reported on Wednesday.

This year marks the fifth year that Mengzi city has been cooperating with relevant
national organizations to carry out high-yield super hybrid rice research and testing.

Over the past four years, the rice output of the experimental fields has been rising
steadily, according to CCTV, adding that the yield per mu has reached more than
1,100 kilograms.

Global Times
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202104/1221660.shtml

o
RSS FEED
o PRIVACY POLICY
o USER AGREEMENT
o ADVERTISE
 NEWS
o LOCAL
o STATE
o OBITUARIES
o EDITORIAL
o COLUMNS
o COPS
o COMMUNITY
 COVID-19
 SPORTS
 LIFESTYLE
o WEDDINGS
o BIRTHS
o COLUMNS
o COMMUNITY
o SCHOOLS
o ENTERTAINMENT
 CLASSIFIEDS
 SUBSCRIBE
 LEGALS
o SEARCH LA PUBLIC NOTICES
 ARCHIVES
o MICROFILM ONLINE: NEWSPAPERS.COM
o ABBEVILLE MERIDIONAL
o KAPLAN HERALD
o GUEYDAN JOURNAL
 SPECIALS
o SPECIAL EDITIONS
o CROSSWORD PUZZLE
o SUDOKU

Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter

Student Hunter Lepretre of Gueydan, third from right, has been chosen for a research
internship at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. The paid internship was
established by the Charles and Rose Broussard family. Shown with him are Alan
Broussard, far right; Yvonne Broussard Simon, second from right; Richard Broussard,
third from left; Hal Broussard, second from left and Kurt Guidry, director of the LSU
AgCenter‘s Southwest Region.
 Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter
Hunter Lepretre of Gueydan, the first student chosen for an LSU AgCenter internship
with an endowment established by the Charles and Rose
Broussard Family.
GUEYDAN‘S HUNTER LEPRETRE, SELECTED FOR BROUSSARD
RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
Tue, 04/20/2021 - 9:38am
BRUCE SCHULTZ, LSU AGCENTER
LAFAYETTE — Hunter Lepretre, a junior at McNeese State University, has been
chosen as the first student selected for a research internship with the LSU AgCenter
through an endowment established by the family of Charles and Rose Broussard.
Lepretre will begin the paid internship in May at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research
Station, working in the agronomy research project under Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter
agronomist and resident coordinator of the Rice Research Station.
A 2019 graduate of Gueydan High School, Lepretre is majoring in natural resources
conservation management and general agriculture. With an interest in forages, but open
to multiple career possibilities, he believes the internship will allow him to learn more
about research in general.
―This gives me a chance to see everything that‘s going on,‖ Lepretre said.
Lepretre developed a strong agricultural background while growing up on a cattle farm
in Vermilion Parish, where he showed pigs and cattle in 4-H. He was chosen as
Vermilion Parish Premier Exhibitor three times, has worked on farms and ranches and
has participated in several wildlife research projects.
Kurt Guidry, director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region, said student workers are
hired at the Rice Research Station every summer to help with research projects. He
credited the Broussard children for their commitment to carrying on their parents‘ legacy
in making the internship viable.
―I think this is going to be a step up from a typical student worker job,‖ Guidry said. ―And
it wouldn‘t be possible without the general support the Broussard‘s have given to the
program.‖
Charles and Rose Broussard owned the Flying J Ranch in Vermilion Parish with a large
cattle and rice farm. They were both active in numerous agricultural and civic
organizations with a lifelong commitment to 4-H.
The four Broussard children believe the internship will help carry on the legacy of their
parents‘ commitment to agriculture and education.
―It‘s a wonderful memory of our parents and encourages future generations to
participate in what our parents did,‖ Richard Broussard said.
Broussard‘s sister, Yvonne Broussard Simon, a 4-H leader in Vermilion Parish, echoed
his sentiments on the internship program‘s lasting effects. ―It motivates our youth to
keep going in agriculture,‖ Broussard Simon said.
Their siblings, Alan and Hal Broussard, see the internship as a continuation of the
Broussard legacy.
―This was inspired by knowing our parents‘ history in agriculture,‖ Alan said.
Hal added, ―Supporting agriculture was their life.‖
 https://www.abbevillenow.com/news/gueydan%E2%80%99s-hunter-lepretre-selected-
broussard-research-internshipMISSIONS
 ADVERTISE
 SUBSCRIBE
 CONTACT
 LOG IN
 ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

Search

 Facebook(link is external)
 RSS

 HOME
o ABOUT US
o PRIVACY POLICY
o USER AGREEMENT
o RSS FEED
o BLOGS
o ADVERTISE
 NEWS
o LOCAL
o STATE
o OBITUARIES
o EDITORIAL
o COLUMNS
o PUBLIC SAFETY
o AGRICULTURE
 COVID-19
 SPORTS
o HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
o COLLEGE SPORTS
o COLUMNS
o NFL
o OUTDOOR
o RACING
 LIFESTYLE
o WEDDINGS
o BIRTHS
o COLUMNS
 CLASSIFIEDS
 LEGALS
 SUBSCRIBE
 GAMES
o CROSSWORD PUZZLE
o SUDOKU
 MICROFILM ARCHIVES
 ARCHIVES
o NEWS BANK ARCHIVES
Rick Zaunbrecher, far left, explains how rice is being planted to Nan Wallis, second from
left, and Lindsey Beard, second from right, both of Wetlands Sake, and Dustin Harrell,
resident coordinator of the Rice Research Station and former LSU AgCenter rice
specialist. Zaunbrecher, manager of the Foundation Seed Program at the H. Rouse
Caffey Rice Research Station, planted the rice to be sold to Wetlands Sake to make its
products at the New Orleans brewery. (Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter)
Wetlands Sake cans stand on the 31-acre field planted with short-grain rice that will be
used to make the beverage. (Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter)
Nan Wallis of Wetlands Sake holds a handful of rice. The short-grain rice variety,
Pirogue, was developed in 2003 at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station by now-
retired rice breeder (Steve Linscombe. Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter)
LSU AGCENTER RICE IS MAIN INGREDIENT IN LOUISIANA-BREWED
WETLANDS SAKE
Tue, 04/20/2021 - 4:01pm
BRUCE SCHULTZ
bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu(link sends e-mail)
Crowley, La. --
Short-grain rice developed by the LSU AgCenter has been planted for a New Orleans
company to make sake, a traditional Japanese beverage that is becoming more popular
in the U.S.
The Pirogue variety was planted on 31 acres at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research
Station on April 6 by Rick Zaunbrecher, the station‘s foundation seed manager.
After harvest in August, the rice will be sold to Wetlands Sake, and the field of
remaining stubble will be used for crawfish.
The company‘s co-founders, Nan Wallis and Lindsey Beard, were determined their sake
would be made with rice grown in Louisiana.
―Living in the land of rice, we definitely wanted to use Louisiana rice,‖ said Beard, who is
part of the Brennan restaurant family.
Dustin Harrell, resident coordinator of the Rice Research Station and former LSU
AgCenter rice specialist, said Beard and Wallis contacted him two and a half years ago
about growing rice for sake, but he wasn‘t sure the station had any offerings that would
meet their needs. Then he remembered Pirogue, which was developed in 2003 by
Steve Linscombe, a now-retired LSU AgCenter rice breeder.
Linscombe said a south Louisiana rice company approached him for a short-grain rice
that could be grown in Louisiana.
―That company was bringing in paddy short grain from California (S102) and milling it in
Abbeville for the Puerto Rico market,‖ Linscombe recalled. ―They asked if I could
develop a short grain adapted to be grown in southwest Louisiana.‖
The founders of Wetlands Sake knew little about rice when they started.
―It‘s only because of Dustin and his patience that we‘ve been able to come this far,‖
Wallis said.
A small crop of Pirogue foundation seed was planted at the Rice Research Station and
used for testing.
―The short grain that Steve developed worked perfectly,‖ Harrell said.
Zaunbrecher said he grew 14 acres of rice for Wetlands Sake last year, and it yielded
49 barrels an acre. He said the approach to growing Pirogue is the same as a long-
grain or medium-grain rice.
Wetlands Sake is challenging the traditional way sake is sold and consumed. Usually,
the beverage is available in bottles and is considered a drink to complement Asian food,
but Wallis and Beard wanted their product to be considered a stand-alone beverage like
beer or wine.
―We want sake to become an everyday drink, so we decided that the best way to make
that happen is to put it in single-serve cans,‖ Wallis said.
Buying an 8-ounce can of sake is an easier way for consumers who shied away from
buying a large bottle of what they considered an exotic drink.
―You have the opportunity to try something you may not have tried otherwise,‖ Beard
said. ―I think we‘ve opened up a whole new world.‖
Their sake is intended to be served chilled and with or without food. It is available in
filtered and unfiltered varieties and in a sparkling version flavored with blood orange or
passion fruit.
Currently, Wetlands Sake is sold in the New Orleans area at grocery stores, bars and
restaurants, but Beard and Wallis plan to have their products available nationwide. That
would mean additional acres of Pirogue would be needed from Louisiana farmers, they
said.
Unlike wine, sake has no preservatives or sulfites. Rice, water, yeast and koji spores
are the only ingredients used in the five-week fermentation process. Wetlands Sake is
handcrafted using traditional methods, Beard said.
Later this year, Wallis and Beard plan to open a tasting room at the brewery, located in
the Warehouse District at 634 Orange St. in New Orleans.
The partnership began almost three years ago when Beard dined with Wallis, who had
returned from a trip to New York, where she and her husband noticed sake on many
restaurant menus. Days later, Beard found a package of rice on her doorstep with a
―Let‘s talk‖ note, and they met to sketch out a business plan.
The Wetlands Sake website, wetlandssake.com, explains the process of making the
beverage. The company also has Facebook and Instagram pages.
The heron on the company‘s logo symbolizes the concern Wallis and Beard have for
wetlands in Louisiana and the rest of the U.S. The company is pledging to donate 2% of
its profits to Save America‘s Wetlands through the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
―Giving back to the wetlands is a big part of our mission,‖ Beard said. ―We are
passionate about wetlands conservation.‖
Rice mills in Louisiana lack the capability of milling sake rice, so a sake mill in
Minnesota is currently milling the pearl-shaped grain. However, Harrell said a new mill
at the Rice Research Station will eventually have the capability of processing short-
grain rice.
Wallis and Beard also plan to work with the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator to get help
with marketing.
―It really is going full circle, working with LSU. It all started at the Rice Research
Station,‖ Wallis said.
Harrell said he‘s enjoyed working on the project.
―It‘s been great to see their product in the market,‖ he said.
Harrell said the sake is a good promotional tool for Louisiana rice.
―It‘s good from the standpoint that they‘re using a rice developed in Louisiana, grown in
Louisiana and brewed in Louisiana,‖ he said.
https://www.eunicetoday.com/agriculture/lsu-agcenter-rice-main-ingredient-louisiana-
brewed-wetlands-sake

The many headaches of rice processing

April 21, 2021
in Agriculture, News Update
0

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedInWhatsAppE
mail
Nigeria consumes almost seven million tonnes of rice yearly. To keep up
with demand, the country imports huge quantities of grain. To boost food
security, the Federal Government has curbed imports and is encouraging
more local rice production. Many states and private sector organisations
are making efforts to strengthen the sector by helping to add value to the
supply chain, with key interventions at the milling stages, DANIEL
ESSIET reports

Over the past five years, the federal and state governments have been distributing high-yielding
rice varieties to farmers — those that are tolerant of climate change — to boost farmers‘ rice
yields and food security. Fertiliser and other input are part of an integrated approach to help the
rice farmers cope with low soil fertility and changing weather patterns.

The President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Aminu Goronyo, noted that
farmers had been planting more rice and also getting more income. For Goronyo, rice production
has, for long, played a pivotal role in the country‘s socio-economic development.
As the economy develops, he noted, the significance of rice as an enabler increases. Goronyo
attributed the increase in rice production to the Anchor Borrower‘s Programme (ABP), ban on
forex for food import, and land border closure.

‖That alone is a sign, an indication and a true testimony that this administration has achieved
self-sufficiency in rice production for Nigerians,‖ he said.

With the ABP, the Central Bank of Nigeria‘s (CBN) aggregator scheme, the Nigeria Incentive-
based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), a $500 million non-bank
financial institution, owned by the CBN, among non-governmental interventions, Goronyo is
hopeful of the sector achieving more than an average production volume of eight million metric
tonnes.

He has support in the Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in Kebbi, Alhaji
Muhammed Sahabi-Augie, a successful farmer. Muhammed believes Nigeria is on track to be
self-sufficient in rice production, after stocks jumped following better weather and increased
support for farmers. He has been targeting rice self-sufficiency and the Kebbi Government,
according to him, gives incentives to farmers to meet this objective. But a mix of poor
maintenance and investment in infrastructure for growing rice has hit production across the

country.

A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international auditing firm, noted that Nigeria‘s

rice statistics suggests there is an enormous potential to raise productivity and increase
production but this has to come with a deliberate act towards mechanisation. Therefore,
stakeholders, such as Augie, support the government and the private sector‘s efforts of opening
the milling and warehouse sector.

Modern rice mills and warehouses are better positioned to increase private stocks, which, in turn,
would buffer price fluctuations. More efficient mills, he believes, would trigger higher
productivity and usher in quality improvements at the farm level.

There are increasing efforts to ramp up paddy production so that the country will be more self-
sufficient in the supply of the grain.

In Lagos, rice farmers need all the help they can get. A model, Lagos State is enhancing rice
production by identifying the right fertiliser and varieties to use, as well as examining the
irrigation systems and conducting soil profiling.

The Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisoye Olusanya, said the state had the potential
to improve its rice production capabilities. The Imota Rice Mill, touted by the government, as
one of the largest mills of its kind in the world, is expected to be ready before the end of the year.

On completion, in line with the estimated installed infrastructure of the facility, the mill will
have the capacity to process more than 2.5 million, 50 kilo gramme(Kg) rice bags yearly. It is
also expected to create close to 250,000 jobs.

The Integrated Rice Mill is a 22-hectare facility, with the mill taking about 8.5 hectares,
consisting of a set of new mills, two warehouses, 16 silos with a capacity of 40 metric tonnes
each, water treatment plant, effluent processing plant, staff quarters, administrative block, car
park, and fire-fighting facility.

With many states ramping up plans to increase self-sufficiency in rice production, Ms. Olusanya
sees the industry offering a high level of automation.

She stressed that Lagos was determined to be at the forefront of innovation for the rice
processing industry, having acquired process automation technology and harnessed the full
potential of modern milling.
Integrated rice mills are driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology which
helps to reduce waste, save energy, and provide a quality product.

All over the world, Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer, Buhler, has been
involved in the rollout of integrated rice mills. It is providing technical assistance in the 32
metric tonnes (MT) per hour rice mill established by Lagos State Government in Imota, Epe,
Lagos.

Deputy National President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Lagos, Mr. Segun
Atho, said: ‖We have almost 114,000 hectares of land earmarked for agriculture in Lago. If at
least 10 to 15 per cent is open to rice cultivation, I believe that the sky is our limit.‖

In Achalla in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, a rice processing facility has
been inaugurateed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)/Federal
Government of Nigeria-Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/VCDP) Technical
Implementation Support Mission Team, led by Hajia Fatima Mukhtar-Buhari.

Speaking with rice cluster beneficiaries, during a visit to the state, Hajia Mukhtar-Buhari, who is
the IFAD/VCDP National Office Advisor, Market Enterprise Development, urged them to make
the best use of incentives given to them.

According to her, the Federal Government will continue to look into their needs to meet them,
lamenting the delay in agricultural activities occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

But this is not all. The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has stated
its readiness to install three rice mills in Adamawa State. Its Executive Secretary, Prince Paul
Ikonne, said with the mills, it would be easy and more profitable for farmers in Adamawa State.

―We were made to understand that Adamawa produces a lot of paddy that is processed
somewhere else, so NALDA is bringing processing mills that will be in three different locations
in order to process and give value to their produce,‖ he said.

Moveover, the Edo State Government is preparing for a major role in the rice industry. The
state has taken delivery of a rice mill worth over N26 million, donated by the Japanese
Government. The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yutaka Kikuta, said his government-funded
project would further enhance farmers‘ income and foster socio-economic development of
communities.

Kikuta said the project would provide rice parboiling equipment, hauler, de-husker, de-stoner
machine, soaking tanks, steaming tanks, a generator and a bagging machine.

―The facilities will enhance the quality and marketability of milled rice in this community and
nearby communities, thereby enhancing the income of rice farmers as well as fostering the socio
and economic development of these communities in particular and Edo State,‖ he stated.

Coming of integrated rice mills

Today, smart technology holds the ace for farmers struggling to grow and process rice. Among
the benefits are lower production costs and higher income for processors.

The Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI II), inaugurated by the German Federal Ministry
for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, is driving massive processing of paddy rice.

The project is running in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania. Small farmers in Burkina
Faso, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania are being supported in boosting their rice harvests, improving
product quality and raising their income.

Through CARI, rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa is being future-proofed by leveraging new
technologies and climate-friendly approaches. To date, more than 190,000 farmers have been
able to increase their income by up to 700 per cent, thus, improving the nutritional status of some
820,000 people. So far, 30,000 CARI farmers have been trained to SRP standard. The aim is to
reach more than 100,000 people by the end of the year.

Challenges
Despite the efforts and government support that go into rice farming, little or no attention is
paid to the processing of the crop. This, by implication, increases the time, power and money
spent on milling the raw produce to edible grains.
Specifically, the rice milling sector is facing hurdles on how to grow rice, and ways in which to
increase rice productivity through the optimal use of chemicals, fertiliser, agriculture machinery,
and oil. In addition to this, analysts said investments in industrial milling are undertaken by
actors who lack experience in managing new technologies. Furthermore, unavailability and lack
of local markets for spare parts of imported milling equipment are hampering proper
maintenance and provoke milling breakdowns.

So far, rice milling is one of the smallest agro processing industries. Paddy grain is milled either
in raw condition or after par-boiling. Rice milling systems range from small -scale to the large,
complex modern rice-processing installations.Rice production is dominated by the smallholder
farmers, not by big private or state-owned enterprises.

Smallholder farmers account for around 70 percent of the nation‘s rice production, each farmer
holding an average land area of less than 0.8 hectares. Further value addition, such as preparation
of brown rice, puffed rice, flaked rice; ready-to-eat foods and extruded foods will increase the
income

https://thenationonlineng.net/the-many-headaches-of-rice-processing/

Growing Climate Solutions Act

Senator Stabenow
Introduced in Senate
By Jamison Cruce

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senate Agriculture Committee

Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator
Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced a new version of the
Growing Climate Solutions Act today, a bill that aims to
create a certification program and provide technical
assistance and reliable information to agricultural
producers and forestry owners of all sizes seeking to
voluntarily participate in carbon markets.

It also creates a USDA advisory council for the program.

Among the bill’s co-sponsors is Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman
(R-AR) who worked to secure provisions aimed at ensuring the farmer is the ultimate
beneficiary of the program. These include changes from the bill introduced last Congress such
as standalone funding and ensuring the USDA advisory council is made up of a majority of
agricultural producers and private forest landowners but also includes scientists and other
stakeholders.

Arkansas rice farmer Mark Isbell testified last month before the Senate Agriculture Committee
during a hearing on climate change (see USA Rice Daily, March 11,
2021), emphasizing several of the improvements in the current bill, especially the guiding
 principle that producers need to be very involved in any potential climate solutions.

“USA Rice appreciates the diligence and efforts these Senators have taken to develop a bill
that includes positive, voluntary opportunities for rice farmers,” said Nicole Montna Van Vleck,
USA Rice Farmers Chair. “We support the bi-partisan bill and look forward to working towards
its passage this Congress.”

Skip to main content

 SI

 TA


 facebook

 twitter

 youtube

 instagram

 soundcloud

E-PAPER Live
 Search form
Search...

9:53:44 April 27, 2021

Main menu
 Local
 Political
 Business
 Editorial
 World
 Law & Order
 Entertainment
 Features
 T&C
 Sports
 Obituaries
 More
Home Parliament
Parliament

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 01:00

Print Edition
Political
Sandasen MARASINGHE
Camelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi

Athletes will be provided with 100 scholarships in next two years – Minister Namal

The Government will provide 100 scholarships to athletes in the next two years and direct them
to foreign sports training pools, Sports and Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said.

Minister Rajapaksa said that a National Sports Plan has been presented by the National Sports
Council headed by Mahela Jayawardena. He said that for the first time, the athletes are given an
opportunity to sign agreements as professional sportspersons.

Minister Rajapaksa was respondidng to MP Shantha Bandara during the Oral Questions Round.

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said that 59 players from various sports will sign agreements
in the first phase and another 50 in the second phase.

Minister Rajapaksa said that a special programme has been launched to identify potential athletes
at school levels and separately establish sports schools and enroll promising students in sports.
The Minister said that 20 per cent of the money allocated to the Sports Ministry in this year‘s
budget will be used for the betterment of athletes and coaches. He said that the amount will be
increased to 25 per cent next year and to 50 per cent by 2025. The other 50 per cent will be spent
on infrastructure and athletes and human resources, Minister Rajapaksa said.

The Minister said that the Education Ministry and the Sports Ministry have jointly organised
various activities to uplift school sports and a programme to identify school athletes in each
district will be launched next month.

Opposition using Port City issue for political gain – Minister Dr. Bandula

Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said that the Opposition is using the Port City issue
for political gain.

He was participating in the debate on five regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, two
regulations under the Excise Ordinance and several regulations under the Imports and Exports
Act were taken up for debate in Parliament yesterday.

Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka has to bear large foreign debts because of the poor
financial management of the Yahapalana regime. ―The only way to get out of this debt trap, is by
attracting large foreign investments, such as the investments made in the Port City, but it does
not seem to sit well with the Opposition,‖ Minister Dr. Gunawardena said.

―The country has to face a foreign exchange crisis due to improper financial management. There
is a gap between our savings and investment. We need foreign loans and foreign investment
when investing more than savings. It is difficult to carry out development in parallel with our
savings. The other issue is the gap between imports and exports. That means our balance of
payments is at a crisis. Because of the open economy, the volume of imports increased faster
than our exports. During our Government in 2005, we paid only 103 rupees to the dollar. In
2015, because of the fall in oil prices, the amount of money we could retain in the country was
USD 1.9 billion. However, the previous government did not use these benefits properly.
Therefore, imports increased significantly. They started importing not only essential items but
also coloured pencils and kites. But foreign investment did not rise as expected,‖ the Minister
said.
―From 2015 to 2019, the previous government tried to defend the Rupee by utilising large
amounts of foreign reserves. Due to the financial irregularities and very poor financial controls
that took place during the last government, we have to pay huge loan installments by 2029. If we
want to get out of this grave situation, we must stop taking foreign loans. Steps should be taken
to attract as much foreign investments as possible. The Port City is now the largest foreign
investment in our country. From the day it started, the Opposition brought various obstacles and
stopped its activities. But about a year and a half after coming to power, they set up the legal
framework by concluding the necessary tripartite agreements for the Port City. The Port City
Project has been the turning point in the development of Sri Lanka‘s economy since
independence.

The value of the investments that Sri Lanka is believed to receive from the Port City Project is
US $ 15 billion. This is what the Opposition cannot tolerate. They are the ones who introduced
the Open Economy and Free Trade Zones. They were the same people who wanted to sign the
detrimental MCC Agreement. These very same people are now shouting against the Port City,‖
the Minister said.

Teacher shortages in remote schools will be addressed soon – Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris

Teachers will be recruited based on the vacancies at the schools in remote areas to address the
teacher shortages at such schools, Education Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said in Parliament
yesterday.

He said that such teachers will be selected from the Divisional Secretariats where those schools
are and their service will be restricted to those schools.

He was responding to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi

Athukorala, who said that the Polonnaruwa District needs 350 teachers. He said that the
Dimbulagala Education Zone is worse affected. He said that 140 Tamil Medium teachers in the
Polonnaruwa District have been transfered to the Eastern Province worsening the issue.

Minister Peiris said that in this year, 4,500 teachers will pass out from Teacher Training Colleges
and another 6,000 will pass next year. He said that they will fill those vacancies. He said that
such teachers directed to those schools get their transfers somehow. Therefore, finally the
objective of such appointments is not fulfilled, he said.
The Minister said that the Government has a plan to facilitate many schools with sports and
laboratories to reduce the demand for popular schools.

Railway tracks in Batti will be repaired before year end – Minister Lokuge

The railway tracks in Batticaloa will be repaired before the end of this year, Transport Minister
Gamini Lokuge said in Parliament yesterday.

He said that the distance that the Colombo-Polonnaruwa Intercity Express Train runs that set in
the former government tenure will be extended up to Batticaloa.

He was responding to Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Parliamentarian Rajaputhiran

Rasamanickam during the Round of Questions for Oral Answers. MP Rasamanickam said that
although they made many requests during the previous regime, no measures were taken to extend
the trains upto Batticaloa.

The Minister said that the train would past 11 pm when it reached Batticaloa and it would have
to commence the journey at 1.45 am from Batticaloa. He said that no commuters could be
expected from Batticaloa at that time of the day and said the tour cannot be initiated earlier as the
train will not be able to reach the destination early.

The MP then requested the Minister to extend the Intercity Express Train from Colombo to
Polonnaruwa up to Batticaloa. The Minister said that the matter will be discussed with the
Railway Department.

Steps will be taken to reduce rising rice prices – Minister Dr. Bandula

Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said in Parliament yesterday that all possible steps
will be taken to reduce the rising rice prices in the local market.

Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena was responding to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP
Hesha Vithanage regarding the amount of rice imported to Sri Lanka from 2015-2019 and the
amount of money spent on it. Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that in 2015, although there was no
shortage of rice, 2,75,375 MT of rice was imported and the fraud is estimated to have exceeded
Rs. 6 billion.

―However, the relevant persons have not been brought to justice yet and it is the responsibility of
Parliament to punish the relevant persons irrespective of their rank,‖ Minister Dr. Gunawardena
said.

He said that the easiest solution to the rice shortage is to buy rice from the international market at
low prices. ―However, the Government will not import rice but prevent a rice shortage in the
next season,‖ he said.

Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that it will be possible to control the rice mafia and control the
price of rice by importing rice. ―But the people involved in the importation of rice will be
defrauding billions of rupees,‖ he said.

Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that the Bribery and Corruption Commission has received a
number of complaints in this regard. The Government managed to keep the price of Nadu rice,
Samba rice and Kekulu rice below Rs. 100 per kilo, the Minister said. ―The Government could
not control only the price of Keeri Samba,‖ he said. Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that he will
work in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry in this regard in the future.

MP Hesha Vithanage said that if the Government decides not to import rice, the benefit should
go to the local farmer, not to big local businessmen.

Good Governance Government’s flaw resulted in Easter Sunday attacks – MP Harin

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Harin Fernando said in Parliament yesterday
that the Easter Sunday attacks occurred because of a flaw of the former Good Governance
Government.

MP Fernando said that it was a mistake that happened while they were in power.

He said that even after two years, the culprits have not been brought to book. The MP said that
they would punish those who conceal the culprits of this crime one day with the assistance of the
public.
He was participating in the debate on five regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, two
regulations under the Excise Ordinance and several regulations under the Imports and Exports
Act that were taken up for debate in Parliament yesterday.

He said that national security is of paramount importance and it should be placed above
economic policies and others. ―On a day two years before, the National Security of the country
was badly affected,‖ MP Harin Fernando said. ―Very recently the mastermind of the crime was
arrested. But the pathetic situation is that the Master Mind Naufer Maulavi was at least produced
before the Presidential Commission. The intelligence units, Police and Security forces who are
being paid from our tax money have not been able at least to produce him before the Presidential
Commission,‖ the MP said.

The SJB MP said that that some of the evidence given before the Presidential Commission have
not been recorded in the report.

He said that Shani Abeysekara was the Head of the CID when the Easter Sunday attacks were
made and he was the one who identified the first suspect of these attacks. MP Fernando said that
yet Shani Abeysekara was transferred and was jailed.

He said that many other officers who investigated these attacks were transferred later on.

Opposition misleading public regarding Easter Sunday attacks – Minister Johnston

Chief Government Whip and Minister Johnston Fernando said that the Opposition MPs are
trying to mislead the Public regarding Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, covered with Parliamentary
Privileges.

He said that instead of making statements covering with the Parliamentary Privileges, the
Opposition MPs who were in power when the Easter Sunday attacks took place must go before
the CID and reveal what they knew about the attacks.

Minister Johnston Fernando challenged SJB Parliamentarians Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin
Fernando to make entries before the CID on the Easter Sunday attacks.

Fernando was responing to Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Manusha Nanayakkara when he said
that he had evidence regarding the terror attacks, which has not been included in the report of
Presidential Commission on Inquiry (PCoI) into the bombings recently tabled in Parliament.
―You are making various statements regarding the Easter Sunday attacks in Parliament without
any proof because you know that you have Parliamentary privileges,‖ Minister Fernando said.
―You even quoted some statements, which are not included in the PCoI report. How did you
obtain such statements? Why didn‘t you complain about them to the CID in the first place? As a
result of this behaviour inside the Chamber, misinformation regarding the terror attacks will
spread in society,‖ he said.

The Minister said that the Opposition should stop insulting Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm
Cardinal Ranjith by misinterpreting the latter‘s statements.

―When you were in the Government, you never said that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country. Now
you are insulting the Cardinal, too. You should not do that,‖ Minister Fernando said. ―The
Former Government is responsible for the terror attacks completely. Now we are trying to punish
those who are responsible. We will take action against everyone who is responsible. You should
support us and try not to obstruct the on-going investigations,‖ he said.

100,000 young entrepreneurs will be created in next two years – Minister Namal

The Government plans to create 100,000 young entrepreneurs in the next two years, Youth and
Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said in Parliament yesterday.

The Youth and Sports Ministry is working together to equip youth with educational restructuring
and vocational skills to prepare them for the rapidly changing international job market in the
midst of globalisation, Minister Namal Rajapaksa said.

Minister Rajapaksa said that as Youth and Sports Ministry is not working in isolation, but is
following the President‘s Vision of Prosperity. The Minister said that Rs. 2.5 million will be
provided to young entrepreneurs as a loan to establish a Small and Medium Scale Guarantee
Fund in collaboration with fellow government ministers.

The Youth and Sports Ministry will create 25,000 young agro-entrepreneurs and 5,000 young
fisheries entrepreneurs in the future and to increase the vocational skills percentage in Sri Lanka
in collaboration with the Vocational Training Ministry, Minister Namal Rajapaksa said.

―Cabinet approval has been granted to set up Vocational Skills Centers islandwide with the
participation of the private sector to enable the GCE Ordinary Level, Advanced Level students as
well as other job-seeking youth to achieve their career goals,‖ Minister Rajapaksa said.
The Minister informed Parliament that the unemployment rate among the youth had increased
from 14 per cent to 20 per cent during the previous government and that the situation could be
further complicated with the COVID-19 crisis.

He said that providing vocational skills and employments to over 380,000 Sri Lankan youth who
will join the youth movement in the future is a main goal of his Ministry.

New laws will be brought in against toxic food importers – State Minister Cabraal

The Government will bring in new laws soon if the present ones are insufficient to deal with the
importers of toxic foods, Finance and Capital Markets and Public Enterprise Reforms State
Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal said in Parliament yesterday.

He was responding to MP ShanthaBandara in Parliament when he suggested that if the laws are
insufficient to take action against numerous companies and businessmen who import milk
powder, fruits, artificial foods and other food items harmful to health in addition to the
controversial coconut oil imports, measures should be taken to revise the laws or bring in new
laws to deal with such issues.

Minister Cabraal said that imported food is being inspected by the Standards Institution and
several other agencies before being released from the Customs. He said that any food unfit for
consumption are not released.

He said that in the event any of these imported food items are found to contain harmful
substances, legal action will be initiated in accordance with the Customs Ordinance.

Minister Cabraal said that if required, new laws will be brought in for the purpose.

China has no private companies – State Minister Arundika

There are no private companies in China and all these companies handling the Port City are
under the Chinese Government. The Opposition is trying to create undue fear in the minds of the
people to cripple the progress being made by the Government regarding the Port City, State
Minister Arundika Fernando said.

He was responding to MP Lakshman Kiriella in Parliament yesterday.

The State Minister said that one such company had invested $ 450 million for the reclamation of
the Port City land and construction. ―This company is most certainly making this investment to
make profits. However, the responsibility of finding the investors and bringing them to invest is
the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government. However, to attract investors, we need to offer
them certain facilities and legal cover,‖ the State Minister said.

The State Minister said that even countries such as Singapore and the UAE, when investors were
initially brought in, provide them with all the facilities and legal cover under relaxed terms, even
let them to invest black money. ―It was through black money that the initial investments were
made in these countries. I am not saying we should allow black money to come in, but we need
to relax the laws to some extent to attract investors,‖ he said.

Harin knew about Easter Sunday attacks beforehand - State Minister Lanza

The then Cabinet Minister Harin Fernando had to inform the then Prime Minister and the
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on the previous day of the Easter Sunday attacks rather than staying
home when his father informed him of the attacks beforehand, Rural Roads and Other
Infrastructure State Minister Nimal Lanza yesterday said.

He was responding to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin Fernando's statement that he
made joining the debate on five regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, two regulations
under the Excise Ordinance and several regulations under the Imports and Exports Act were
taken up for debate.

State Minister Lanza said that the Easter Sunday attacks in which three Hundred People died
while 500 were injured took place during the Good Governance Government tenure despite 299
tips given by the intelligence units. ―Harin Fernando said after the attacks that his father warned
him before the attacks not to go to church as it was planned to attack.

The State Minister said that Harin Fernando, who was a Cabinet Minister at that time kept silent
and stayed home. "Clearly I say that the Good Governance Government is responsible for the
attacks," State Minister Lanza said. "Not only Cabinet Minister Harin but also his relative son
and members of the St Joseph College rugby team did not go to the Church that day because of
the warning of Harin‘s father. Harin Fernando clearly knew about the attacks," the State Minister
said.

State Minister Lanza said that Harin Fernando betrayed love and faithfulness in Badulla . "By
now Harin Fernando is attempting to cheat the Christians in Gampaha," State Minister Lanza
said. "There's solid evidence to prove the then Cabinet Minister Harin Fernando knew of the
attack beforehand and allowed those 300 Christians to be killed. He is wearing Black shawls
today but he did not attend any of the funerals of those 300," he said.

He said that the Harin Fernando inquired if the mastermind of the Attack was arrested. The State
Minister said that it was ridiculous as they allowed the attacks and inquire us now if the
mastermind was arrested. He said it is similar to allowing the Central bank scam and helping the
mastermind to leave the country and then inquiring us if the mastermind of the Central Bank
scam was arrested. He asked why the Good Governance Government remained silent along with
CID heads, Police heads and others without arresting the masterminds and culprits with the IP
address the Opposition is speaking of now.

He said that Harin had to wear black on the day of attack and not now. But he is betraying the
Christians to gain political advantages. Harin is attempting to get the votes of Ramanayake by
pretending to stand for him. But within hours they appointed another member to his seat without
taking the available legal remedies.

Email Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp V

iber Messenger
Tags:
Print Edition

Related Articles


Basil Rajapaksa: An innovative political mastermind

The number of registered political parties in Sri Lanka is approximately 70. It was alliances
led by the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party which had acquired
ruling power of the...

2021-04-26 19:30:00


Opposition dreaming of toppling Government by propagating falsehoods - Minister

The Opposition is entitled to their dream of toppling the Government but they should also
remember that the ground realities ensure people’s undivided faith and support to the
Government, Chief...

2021-04-25 19:30:00


Revive tourism industry before amending Act - UNP

The United National Party (UNP) has called upon the Government to focus on reviving the
tourism industry in the country before they attempt to amend the Tourism Act, said UNP
Working Committee member...

2021-04-23 19:37:00


Govt. attempting to stifle Opposition - SJB MP

The Government is attempting to arrest Opposition Members for the statements they made
which is a violation of freedom of speech, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjith
Madduma Bandara said in...

2021-04-23 19:36:00

 Election Commission not to accept nominations from political parties with internal
disputes

The Election Commission has decided not to accept nominations from political parties at
future elections that have internal disputes related to party ownership.Political parties that
cannot solve...

2021-04-23 19:30:00

 ‘SJB MPs seeking advice from Ranil regarding Port City, Easter Attacks debates’
 A Sirikotha Spokesperson said that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarians were
seeking advice from former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on how to speak in
Parliament about the Port City...

2021-04-23 19:30:00

 ‘Ranil continued JR’s political victimisation in a different manner’

The political victimisation carried out by the late President J.R. Jayewardene was continued
by his nephew Ranil Wickremesinghe during the rule of the Good Governance Government,
SLPP Parliamentarian...

2021-04-23 19:30:00

PARLIAMENT

Easter Sunday AttacksGovernment, Opposition should work together to bring justice to

victims: JohnstonBoth the Government and the Opposition should discard political
differences and work together to...
 2021-04-23 19:30:00

SLFP will not support selling national assets – Minister Amaraweera

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will not
support any Act to sell national assets to foreign countries. He said that the Government
came to power pledging that...

2021-04-22 19:30:00


Cabinet Decisions

01. Establishment of Town Colleges and University CollegesThe Cabinet of Ministers

considering the proposal by the Education Minister approved the establishment of Town
Colleges and University...

2021-04-22 19:30:00


Parliament

Leader of House seeks inquiry into attempt to bring legally sensitive documents into
ChamberLeader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday requested the Speaker to
carry out an inquiry regarding an...

2021-04-22 19:30:00


PARLIAMENT

FIFA, ICC branches to turn SL into South Asian Sports Hub: NamalFédération Internationale
de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are requested to
set up their...

2021-04-21 19:30:00

 Load more
Latest News
Two GN Divisions in Matale isolated
Siriketha Grama Niladhari (GN) Division in Hingurakgoda and Pallekumbura...
Showers expected at several places during evening or night
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central,...

Review visit of Gama Samaga Pilisandara

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inspecting the repaired Elephant Fence in...
PUNP condemns Harin’s actions
The Patriotic United National Party (PUNP) has strongly condemned the...
Colombo Port City Bill sets bad precedent - Vajira
Former Minister Vajira Abeywardena yesterday said that the Colombo Port...
Court reduces suspension period of suspect’s driving license
The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court has issued an order reducing the...

Committee on High Posts approves appointments

Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake yesterday stated that...
30 high profile inmates transferred to Boossa prison
The Prisons Department has moved 30 prisoners who are involved in...
Editor's Pick
Lankan economy on the road to recovery

Vaccination only solution to COVID-19 pandemic - President

No lockdown or travel restrictions

Majority Sri Lankans will run Port City

All culprits will be punished

Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks: AG files suit

Amendments possible for Port City Bill

Port City totally under Govt control

 Recent comments
 Medical tests
4 months 2 weeks ago
very good
 Ireland official broadcasting corporation promote this
10 months 1 week ago
Ireland featured this news
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVqbqBxIyRk&fbclid=IwAR3g5iw75bJekJAp3iJtEsLB
lWQfP6pMIuCrp2RIYphohEaDw3ILrUMKhyI
 Sri Lankas' First Underwater Museum.
10 months 1 week ago
This , also, could be the a very good opportunity, for the setting up of a university for the
study and award of a degree in the various marine sciences and disciplines. The navy
commander should be...
 Underwater Museum
10 months 1 week ago
Well Done Guys!
 Under water mesuem
10 months 1 week ago
Congratulations and hats off to Navy Divers. Looking forward to dive at this site very soon.
Thank you Mr.prime minister for your great idea and to the Commander of Navy for
making the project a...
MORE
 Local
 Political
 Business
 Editorial
 World
 Law & Order
 Entertainment
 Features
 T&C
 Sports
 Obituaries
 More
 Government Gazette
 On Air
 Legal Disclaimer
 Privacy Policy
 About Us
 Browse by Date
 Awards & Accolades
 Email :dailynewsonline@lakehouse.lk
 Call us : (+94) 112 429 429
 Web Advertising : (+94) 112 429 315, Manjula: (+94) 773 113 084

 Lake House Bus Booking
 Katharagama Rest Booking
NEWSPAPERS
 Sunday Observer
 Dinamina
 Silumina
 Thinakaran
 Vaaramanjari
 Observer Jobs
 Observer Education
 Adz
 Arogya
 Budusarana
 Maanchu
 Sarasaviya
 Tharunie
 Sathmadala
 Subasetha
DAILY NEWS APP
 Android
 iOS
 Windows Phone
 Download via SMS
© The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., 1995–2021. All rights reserved.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/04/21/political/247119/parliament

Monday, April 26, 2021

Sign in / Join

 NATION
 REGIONS
 OPINION
 BUSINESS
 WORLD
 SPORTS
 LIFESTYLE
 ENTERTAINMENT
 THE SUNDAY TIMES
 PUBLIC SQUARE
 SPECIAL SECTIONS
 SPECIAL FEATURES
 VIDEOS
 PODCASTS
 122ND ANNIVERSARY
 BUSINESS FORUM
 THE MANILA TIMES 500
 MARKET OVERVIEW
 WEATHER
 TMT CSI
 TMT REWARDS
 TMT DIGITAL EDITION
 TMT CHANNEL ON THE L!VE APP

MORE

OpinionOp-Ed Columns
Preying on the dead and dying

ByMarlen V. Ronquillo
April 21, 2021

57

IF you were discerning enough or if you have farmed long enough, the first

thing that you will notice about William Dar, the Agriculture secretary, is his

utter and unapologetic shamelessness. Late last year, he plastered the main

offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City with giant

tarpaulins that said, ―Buy local.‖ That year, the country imported more than
2.2 million metric tons of rice, the top importer in the world along with
China.

The previous year, the country imported a record-high 3.1 million metric tons

of rice, the global record that year, some half a million tons more than
China‘s rice imports. That‘s ―Buy local, eat local‖ for Mr. Dar.

If the Philippines were some middling rice importer, ranked 10th or 11th,

Dar‘s flooding the zone with shitty slogans about buying local but doing

otherwise may not get elementary scrutiny. But the grand disconnect between

what was being said through the screaming tarps and what was done on the
ground was so beyond the pale that even the incurious noticed.

Preaching something and doing the opposite, according to the Holy Book and

Marx, is great folly. Praxis is the Marxist coinage on fusing what

revolutionaries say and what revolutionaries do. In the Book of James,

Christians are told that faith and words with no corresponding action and

deeds is no faith at all. It is just nominal faith, which is even worse than being
a heathen.
 360p geselecteerd als afspeelkwaliteit
 The Manila Times

But Mr. Dar would have none of those great words of advice. He probably

read too much of Steve Bannon and Donald Trump and what repeated lies

and propaganda do to the gullible, and that category does not exclude

pundits, who are, in theory, discerning and capable of recognizing the

difference between gold and dross. At the DA, which historically is an

agency with a barely functioning press arm, Mr. Dar set out to make

propaganda the agency‘s number one priority to create an illusion of

competence and a fact-free alternate universe.

Flood the zone with shit — nonstop, with no meandering and doubt. The

general public and the pundits will not even notice. Many university-based

flacks have been lending their doctorates in the service of Mr. Dar‘s
propaganda efforts. To prop up the already massive press release factory.

But lies, as the Bard said, always end up badly.

In a stinging critique of the rice import law after its first year this March, the

Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said the orgy of importation has not only

dealt misery and poverty to the close to 3 million small rice farmers but has

doubtful economic benefits. The benefit to consumers has been negligible.

Meanwhile, the much-heralded rice production enhancement program touted

by Mr. Dar as a signature accomplishment may have increased rice

production but at a grievous economic cost.

Across the board and across all benchmarks, the rice import liberalization

program has been a failure, according to the FFF, whose cadre of trained

researchers and analysts easily pierced through the fog of propaganda from

the Dar machine. If the open importation regime did something at all, it was

to enrich the unscrupulous rice importers, the only legitimate beneficiaries —

and big winners — under the liberalized rice import regime.

But these hard truths hardly deterred Mr. Dar from taking advantage of the

current pork shortage to propose two things to contain the shortage: Expand

the MAV, the yearly minimum access volume on pork. Then, lower the pork

tariff, both in-quota and out-quota to flood the country with pork imports. He

proposed, and Mr. Duterte, who is clearly as clueless on the pork story as the

Dar-cheering pundits, readily signed an executive order to liberalize pork

imports.
Reckless imports have been the refuge of the likes of Mr. Dar. And in a

governing context with an utter contempt for the small farmers and small

animal raisers, importation proponents always carry the day in the policy

debates. With some props, of course, from shadowy local groups organized
like the Koch brothers‘ libertarian, small government organizations.

Even Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd, who has been detached from the

concerns of agriculture through his lifetime, expressed concern over Mr.

Dar‘s overkill. Nag-expand na nga ng MAV, bakit binaba pa ang tariff ? At

some point, mendacity truly gets its day of reckoning .

The pork shortage was caused by the lethal African swine fever (ASF), which

was introduced into local hog farms in 2019 via infected meat, most probably

from China. The ASF started wiping out local hog farms as it was nearing its

peak in China, which lost $400 billion worth of hogs to ASF before

containment. The DA, the agency that has zero development role in the hog

industry, and was expected to exercise protection work, failed to set up

border meat inspection points during the peak of the ASF rampage in China.
And gave no explanation for that cavalier stand.

Hence, the ASF came with ease, devastated hog farms in Central Luzon,
which with Southern Tagalog make up the two biggest hog-producing
regions in the country. The province of Pampanga, Central Luzon‘s biggest

hog producer, has had three major waves of ASF infestations. My small

backyard farm was wiped out in a few days during the third wave, which took

place middle and late last year. I was too small to be in the statistics. The

major farms, owned and operated by second- and third-generation Tsinoys,

lost big. Right now, more than P1 billion in idle hog-raising infrastructure has

been left to rot in my province, some few kilometers away from Clark
Freeport. And you know what, part and parcel of Mr. Dar‘s propaganda is the

supposed opening up of many agribusiness opportunities at the Clark

Freeport, a few kilometers from the modern hog infrastructure idled by the
ASF rampage.

It is both ironic and tragic that Mr. Dar, who heads the agency that fiddled

while the hog farms burned, is the same apparatchik tasked to solve the pork

shortage. And with Mr. Dar as the point man, you perfectly knew where
policy would end up — more imports.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that the opening up of pork imports is the kind of

crisis that crooks and scammers live for. Crooked private actors with their

partners in some of the agencies of the DA will take advantage of the crisis to
rake in billions of pesos via tong-pats.
 So sad. After the tragedy, the vultures descend to prey on the dead.

READ NEXT

Community pantry, a good cause that turns ugly

We are killing ourselves with plastic
From DQ to DQ in the visa marathon
Climate change, disaster risk reduction and insurance

The Manila Times Newsletter

Get the latest news from your inbox for free
Yes, I want to keep up with The Times
00:00/00:00

 READ MOR E

 dead a nd dying

 MARLEN V. R ONQ UILLO

 Op-Ed Co lumns

 Willia m Dar

OTHER STORIES

Community pantry, a good cause that turns ugly

We are killing ourselves with plastic
From DQ to DQ in the visa marathon
Climate change, disaster risk reduction and insurance
Environmental self-destruction: Fukushima and the Philippines
Of fishing boats and fishing votes

From The Manila Times

Time to prepare for 2022 polls
Drilon wants govt to capitulate to communists

At long last, NPA shouts its last

Kiss of death
by Taboola
From the Web
Erap on ventilator as condition worsens

52 years of NPA

Estrada connected to ventilator as condition ‘worsens’ — son

Shocking report on Sinovac vaccinations: Increased Covid cases after using

vaccine
by Taboola
WEATHER

Click here for more

forecasts and updates
TODAY'S FRONT PAGE
 TRY OUR DIGITAL EDITION
FREE FOR 30 DAYS

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

DAILYMOTION FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM SPOTIFY TWITTER YOUTUBE

 Advertise

 Contact Us

 About Us

 Privacy Policy

Copyright © The Manila Times – All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website without disabling cookies in
your web browser, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read More.I Agree

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/04/21/opinion/columnists/preyin
g-on-the-dead-and-dying/866049/Bangladesh issues tender to buy
50,000 tonnes rice -trade
P UB LIS HE R
Reuters
PUBLISHED
APR 20, 2021 11:58AM EDT
Bangladesh's state grains buyer has issued an international tender to purchase 50,000

tonnes of rice, traders said on Tuesday.






Adds detail from paragraph three

 HAMBURG, April 20 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's state grains buyer has issued
an international tender to purchase 50,000 tonnes of rice, traders said on
Tuesday.

The deadline for submission of price offers is May 2.

The announcement is in addition to a separate tender from Bangladesh to buy

50,000 tonnes of rice for import using land transport by railway, closing on
April 26.

Bangladesh has issued a series of rice tenders in recent months amid

dwindling supplies and a surge in prices.

Traditionally the world's third-biggest rice producer, Bangladesh has emerged

as a big importer owing to depleted stocks and record prices after repeated
flooding damaged its crop.

The tender seeks price offers on non-basmati parboiled rice in CIF liner out
terms, including ship unloading costs, for ocean shipment to the ports of
Chattogram and Mongla.

The rice can come from worldwide origins and shipment is required 40 days
after contract award.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan in Hamburg and Ruma Paul in Dhaka Editing by

David Goodman )

((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters

Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the
author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/bangladesh-issues-tender-to-buy-50000-tonnes-rice-
trade-2021-04-20
Skip to content

 Visit
o Back

o The Museum at South Kensington

 Back
 Plan your visit
 What's on
 Explore the Museum
 Access
o The Museum at Tring
 Back

 Getting here
 What's on
 Explore the Museum
 Facilities
 Discover
o Back

o News
o Anthropocene
o British wildlife
o Collections
o Dinosaurs
o Human evolution
o Oceans
o Space
o What on Earth?
o Video
 Try at home
 Join and support
 Shop
 Schools
 Our science
o Back

o Deworm3
o About
o Who we are
o Objectives
o Achievements
o Research tool kit
o Publications
o News
 Search
 Membership
 Donate

Search
Popular search terms:
 British wildlife
 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
 Dinosaurs
 Space
 Our Broken Planet
 Activities to try at home

Farmers of the future face a big challenge: feeding Earth's expanding

population while minimising environmental impacts and keeping food
affordable. Image: Varga Jozsef Zoltan/Shutterstock.com.
ANTHROPOCENE

The future of eating: how

genetically modified food will
withstand climate change
By Jay Sullivan
First published 22 April 2021

Climate change is transforming how we feed ourselves. Floods, droughts and new
diseases can have a big impact on the crops we rely on for food, including staples
such as wheat, maize and rice.
Future farmers face a big challenge: feeding everyone on Earth while being kind to
the planet. Could genetically modified food be the answer?

Discover which foods can be genetically modified, how they can be improved, and
whether people should worry about eating them.

What is genetically modified food?

Genetically modified crops are plants which have had their DNA changed by
scientists to create desired traits, often by adding just one gene from a close wild
relative.

For example, GM crops can be engineered to require less water to grow or to resist
diseases or pests. More ambitious projects are underway to engineer crops that make
their own fertiliser. This type of technology could be key in making some of our most
important food crops more resilient in the face of climate change, and it could
decrease the chemicals and energy needed to grow them.

Wheat is the most commonly grown crop across the world by acreage. Image:
ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com.

Wheat
Wheat is the most commonly grown crop across the world by acreage. It is often used
to make bread, pasta and noodles, and also feeds livestock.

Helping to find ways to meet this demand is Prof Matt Clark, a Museum research
leader who is studying wheat DNA.

It took over 600 scientists working together to finally sequence the wheat genome in
2018. This was once thought to difficult to do, as the wheat genome is five times
bigger than the human one. By understanding and changing wheat genomes, scientists
like Matt will help to protect the crop for future generations. Breeders will be able to
select traits which will improve wheat harvests and help to secure food stores for
billions of people around the world.
Wheat can be bred to withstand severe weather and disease, both of which could
become more common as the world warms.

Wheat strains are also being adapted to produce flour with increased iron levels. The
ongoing trial, which is being carried out at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, has
shown that the new grain contained double the amount of iron compared to a normal
grain. This could help to reduce levels of iron deficiency-related anaemia globally.
Anaemia is especially common in girls and young women.

Maize, sometimes referred to as corn in the US and Canada, has seen

demand surge globally because it is used to feed animals and to create new
fuels. Image: naramit/Shutterstock.com.

Maize
Maize, sometimes referred to as corn in the US and Canada, has seen demand surge
globally because it is used to feed animals and to create new fuels.

In 2019, researchers in Delaware, USA, successfully increased corn yields by 10% by

changing the gene that controls its growth. This modification has proved successful
even in poor conditions: plants were given bigger leaves to improve how they turn
sunlight into sugar and boost how efficient they are at using nitrogen in the soil.

Genetic modification can have unexpected positive effects, too. Corn which has been
engineered to require fewer pesticides may also be safer for humans and animals to
eat. That's because corn damaged by insects contains fumonisins - toxins generated by
fungi introduced to the corn by insects - which are thought to cause cancer. There is a
link between people who eat lots of corn, such as populations in South Africa, China
and Italy, and higher rates of oesophageal cancer.

Rice is the main food source for three billion people. Image: Chaded
Panichsri/Shutterstock.com.

Rice
Around 20% of calories consumed across the world come from rice, and it is the main
food source for three billion people. Yet the places where rice is most often grown,
including areas of India, Bangladesh and China, are constantly at risk of flooding.
Rising sea levels and increasingly intense tropical storms mean that this problem is
only going to worsen.

One solution to this is scuba rice, which can withstand being soaked in flood water
and has been successfully grown in southeast Asia.

Genetic modification can also make rice kinder to nature. Rice paddy fields are a big
source of the greenhouse gas methane, but the creation of the SUSIBA2 variety is
helping. This rice contains a gene from the barley plant, which can help to reduce
methane emissions. A three-year trial showed that this method increased yield by 10%
while reducing methane emissions.

The aim of the C4 Rice Project, led by a team from 12 universities across eight
countries, is to engineer C4 photosynthesis, meaning to convert the energy from
sunlight into rice. C4 photosynthesis is up to 50% more water-efficient than other
types of rice and naturally occurs in drought-tolerant or very fast-growing plant
species such as bamboo.

The University of Sheffield is one of several institutions working on growing rice

with fewer stomata, the tiny openings used for gas exchange. This will result in less
water being lost and better performance in exceptionally hot or wet conditions.
Results so far show that lower stomatal density means that 60% less water is
used. When 4,000 litres of water are needed to grow a kilogram of rice, and rice uses
70% of the agricultural water supply in China, this could be a significant saving.

Dr Haiyan Xiong, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, is

working on a similar strategy. Her PhD and postdoctoral work in China focussed on
introducing the drought-resistant gene found in upland rice (which grows in dry and
hilly conditions) into lowland rice. Lowland rice tends to be better quality but less
hardy, so aims to merge the desirable traits of both crops.

So far, Xiong's team has identified three genes which could help make rice more
resistant to drought. Her current work at the University of Cambridge is aimed at
changing rice plants so they are better at converting the energy from sunlight into
food.
Xiong's upbringing in rural Sichuan drew her to a career researching rice. She
witnessed drought conditions first-hand, which led to a dream of 'becoming a scientist
who can contribute to improving rice resistance to drought stress'. She says, 'Rice is
not only one of the most important food crops in the world - it is also a model plant
for studying other cereal crops.'

Around 45% of this soya is crushed to produce oil and meals which are then
exported globally. Image: nnattalli/Shutterstock.com

Soy
Soya beans are the Americas' most exported crop, making up 82% of its agricultural
exports. Around 45% of this soya is crushed to produce oil and meals which are then
exported globally. Among these crops are genetically modified soybeans, which have
been spliced with the pigeonpea gene to increase resistance to Asian soybean rust
(ASR). ASR is caused by a fungus and is one of the most common crop diseases, only
treatable by introducing the fungi-resistant trait of other legumes to increase resistance
and improve crop yields.

There is no sure-fire way to make agriculture more sustainable, but GM crops

are helping farmers to adapt to the issues presented by climate change.
Image: Varga Jozsef Zoltan/Shutterstock.com.

What are the issues surrounding GM

crops?
Some people are wary of GM crops, often due to concerns about the cost of seeds,
issues surrounding herbicide resistance and worries about allergens and safety. There
are also fears that crossing species could inadvertently introduce allergens such as
nuts into the food chain. This fear appears unfounded, as to date no adverse reactions
have been found in any approved GM products.
Others worry that modified plants could pollinate wild varieties and cause hybrids to
pop up. For this to happen, the GM trait would need to be able to survive in the wild,
which is not always the case, and GM crops can be designed to be sterile.

In fact, research has shown that there is nothing that differentiates GM crops from
naturally occurring ones in terms of health or safety. GM crops can be a force for
good by offering an alternative to spraying pesticides that pollute groundwater and
can kill surrounding crops.

Globally, GM crop uptake is divided. In some regions, billions of people have eaten
GM crops for decades, whereas the European Union is generally resistant to the use of
GM foods, though it does import GM animal feed. Many European countries
including France, Germany and Croatia have completely banned GM foods. Others
such as Spain, the Czech Republic and Portugal grow GM crops.

The USA is one of the widest growers and adopters of GM foods with 60% of
processed foods containing ingredients from engineered soy, corn or canola.

Looking to the future

What does the future of genetically modified crops hold? The Alliance for Science at
Cornell University in the USA is currently working on corn which can resist insects
and drought for use in Africa. If farmers plant corn which could do this organically,
they could save money on fertiliser and pesticides. Funded by charities including the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it should be available to farmers by 2023.

New gene editing tools such as CRISPR can be used to precision-edit genetic
material, even to the level of changing a single base of DNA. This has the potential
for enormous worldwide benefits. For this reason the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
was awarded to the discoverers of CRISPR: Profs Emmanuelle Charpentier and
Jennifer Doudna.

There is no magic fix to climate change and no sure-fire way to make agriculture
more sustainable, but GM crops are helping farmers to adapt to the issues presented
by climate change. These crops can result in better yields and survive droughts and
floods, helping to make sure there is enough food available for an increasing global
population while also reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture.
  Sustainability

 Life sciences

 Our Broken Planet

 Biodiversity

Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways

to Fix It
In the run up to the global UN conferences of COP15 on biodiversity and COP26 on
climate change, join us as we debate why and how our relationship with the natural
world needs to change.

Explore the programme

Related posts


Science news
Why you should care about scientists sequencing the wheat
genome
Sequencing the wheat genome could help to protect food supplies in the future.
 22 April 2020

Anthropocene
Sugar: a killer crop?
The world's sugar addiction is destroying tropical rainforest.

Anthropocene
What is climate change and why does it matter?
What does this term mean and how could it affect you?

Anthropocene
Soil degradation: the problems and how to fix them
The world is running out of soil - here's why that's a problem.

Don't miss a thing

Get email updates about our news, science, exhibitions, events,
products, services and fundraising activities. You must be over the
age of 13. Privacy notice.

First name
Surname
Email address
Sign up
Follow us on social media

The Natural History Museum

 Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
Map
See our opening hours

The Natural History

Museum at Tring
Akeman Street
Tring
Hertfordshire HP23 6AP
Map
See our opening hours

Visit
 What's on
 Exhibitions and attractions
 Galleries and Museum map
 Access

Discover
 News
 Anthropocene
 British wildlife
 Collections
 Dinosaurs
 Human Evolution
 Oceans
 Space
 What on Earth?
 Video

For schools
 Things to do
 Essential visiting information
 Teaching resources
 Careers
 Current vacancies

Join and support

 Membership
 Gift membership
 Make a donation
 Become a Patron
 Corporate partnerships

Take part
 Volunteer
 Citizen science
 Identify UK nature
 Centre for UK Biodiversity
 Wildlife Photographer
of the Year competition

About us
 News
 Press office
 Governance
 Contact us

Online shop
Our science
 Our work
 Data
 Collections
 Departments and staff
 Events and seminars
 Courses and training
 Library and Archives

Business services
 Touring exhibitions
 Consulting
 Publishing
 Film locations
 NHM Images
 Venue hire
 Licensing

Legal
 Cookie preferences
 Privacy notice
 Website accessibility statement
 Terms and conditions
 Modern Slavery Statement

© The Trustees of The Natural History Museum, London

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-future-of-eating-gm-crops.html

o get help to expand rice export markets

In order to take advantage of FTAs and increase the Vietnamese rice export market share at
more competitive prices, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to coordinate
with ministries, branches and the Vietnam Food Association to help businesses effectively
implement the deals and make the most of markets such as the Republic of Korea and the
EU.
VNA Tuesday, April 20, 2021 18:12
RELATED NEWS
Lower prices will make it easier to sell rice: exporters
Monday, April 05, 2021 19:11
High demands push Vietnamese rice's prices up: Business
Recorder
Friday, March 26, 2021 18:09
Rice exports enjoy opportunities for breakthrough in 2021
Sunday, February 14, 2021 16:49
INFOGRAPHIC2020 rice export exceeds 6.1 million tonnes
Friday, February 05, 2021 07:45
 Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - In order to take advantage of FTAs and increase the Vietnamese rice
export market share at more competitive prices, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue
to coordinate with ministries, branches and the Vietnam Food Association to help businesses
effectively implement the deals and make the most of markets such as the Republic of Korea and
the EU.

The ministry would implement solutions on mechanisms and policies to remove technical and
trade barriers, internalise international commitments, customs procedures, logistics and credit as
well as building and developing brands to create a premise for rice export enterprises to exploit
the markets, said Tran Quoc Toan, deputy director of the Import and Export Department under
the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

For rice exporters as well as farmers, Toan noted the need to be more proactive in improving the
competitiveness of products through quality and price as well as building and protecting trade to
diversify markets towards sustainable exports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported the volume of rice exported
reached 450,000 tonnes with a value of 246 million USD last month.
The cumulative amount of rice exported in the first three months of this year rose 1.1 million
tonnes, while the value hit 606 million USD, down 30.4 percent in volume and 17.4 percent in
value over the same period last year.

Nguyen Van Don, director of Viet Hung Co., Ltd in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang,
said that the reason for the decline in rice exports was partly as the first quarter of this year
coincided with the Lunar New Year holiday.

In addition, the first two months of the year were between-crop periods when the rice supply was
limited while the price was high, so it was difficult for businesses to negotiate export contracts.

Although the company's rice export volume declined by more than 30 percent over the same
period for the first three months of the year, the export rice price rose by about 20 percent. The
two largest import markets are still the Philippines and China.

Meanwhile, Pham Thai Binh, general director of the Trung An High-Tech Farming JSC in the
Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, said that the first quarter‘s rice export dropped significantly in
volume due to a shortage of empty containers and soaring freight rates.

―Customers still need to import, but enterprises cannot order containers to pack their goods, the
shortage of empty containers has pushed freight rates up 600-700 percent, from 1,000 USD to
6,000-7,000 USD per container. With this rate, not only rice exporters but also other firms are
facing difficulties. This situation means the importer had to consider delaying the time of
receiving the goods or looking for closer sources to reduce costs,‖ said Binh.

Commenting on this issue, Toan said that although the amount of rice exported in the first
quarter of this year declined compared to the same period last year, the price of rice for export
grew due to high demand for food reserves around the world, which has pushed up the general
level of world rice prices.

Thai and Indian rice prices have also hit record highs in recent years.

Vietnam's rice price continued to remain at a high level of 547 USD per tonne by the end of the
first quarter of this year, up 18.6 percent, equivalent to an increase of 86 USD per ton compared
to the same period last year. The current price of rice has been and is benefiting the rice farmers.

Vietnamese rice was being purchased by importers at high prices due to the improved quality of
Vietnamese rice, said Toan.

Vietnamese rice exporters were increasingly focusing on improving quality and traceability to
meet the strict standards of export markets such as the EU, the RoK, and the US, Toan said.

In addition, Vietnam has entered into many trade agreements with many strategic countries and
regions such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
(CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and more recently the Regional
 Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
(UKVFTA)./.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/firms-to-get-help-to-expand-rice-export-markets/200402.vnp

___

 Latest News
 Videos
 Pakistan
 Sports
 World
 Business
 Entertainment
 Fact Check
 Technology
 Health
 Today's PaperTUE APRIL 27, 2021
 e-paperTUE APRIL 27, 2021
 MagazinesVIEW ALL MAGAZINES
 Writer's ArchiveVIEW ALL WRITERS


Tue Apr 27, 2021

 Home
 Latest
 Videos
 Pakistan
 Sports


search

 Today's Paper
 Zahid Gishkori
April 21, 2021

 Home
 Today's Paper
 Top Story

Rs459b of sugar satta money pumped

into edible industry: FIA
ISLAMABAD: Almost Rs459 billion allegedly accumulated through satta sugar trade
have been diverted to the other industries owned by politically-connected
industrialists, preliminary findings of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reveal.

Investigation teams have collectively detected Rs671.4 billion in 397 accounts of

sugar satta forensic audit of which is being conducted by the Lahore FIA.

"Billions coming from sugar satta accounts are going into cooking oil, rice and pulses
manufacturing industries either owned by the same industrialists or their front
companies," reveals an official document exclusively made available to Geo News.
The credit turnover of these 397 accounts believed to be owned by either sugar mills
owners, their front-men, employees and or sugar satta agents remained Rs.671.4
billion in the past two year, says an official document exposing the beneficiaries of
this satta amounts carrying details of all accounts maintained at multiple private or
government-run banks.

The preliminary forensic discloses that the maximum credit turnover of allegedly
sugar speculative trade money has been linked to WR Edible Oil Refinery through
Asad Bhaya and M. Gogi, Paracha Vegetable Oil and Ghee through Aslam Bhalli,
Fatima Vegetable Oil Mills through Malik Asim and Omer Butt, Faisal Oil
Refinery/Kisan Ghee through Omer Butt and Sikandar Azam, Abadgar Cotton and Oil
Mills through Omer Butt, Navid Shafiq and Saleem Rainbow, Hunza Ghee Industry
through Nadeem SA and Omer Butt, Dawood Oil and Ghee through Omer Butt and
Mian Irfan, Farooq Ghee and Oil through Omer Butt and Mian Irfan, Indus Flour and
Oil Mills, Asia Ghee and Kashmir Oil and Ghee Mills through Mirza Nadeem and
Jaffer Hussain Malik, Kissan Ghee through Faysal Zia Butt and Atif Paracha and this
list goes on. According to a breakdown of sugar speculative trade money transferred
to oil and other edible industries, Sind Feed and Allied Products had a turnover of Rs8
billion, Hunza Ghee Industry Rs19 billion, MME International Rs2 billion and Ittefaq
Rice Traders Rs2.2 billion. The investigation further reveals that Faisal Oil Refinery
Pvt. Ltd. had speculative trade money of Rs2.2 billion while Omer Salahuddin
remained a major beneficiary.

Agri Trade International earned Rs3 billion, Elahi Group of Companies Rs3.7 billion,
Aloha Impex Rs1.6 billion, M. Iqbal Rs6.6 billion, Paracha Vegetable Oil and Ghee
Rs1.5 billion, Ali Traders Rs8 billion, Ishrat Ijaz and Company Rs880 million, Ali
Traders Rs3.1 billion, Sahiwal Traders Rs270 million, Abadqar Cotton and Oil Mills
Rs10 billlion, Promising Pulses International Rs2.7 billion, Shaukat Enterprises Rs43
million, AK Enterprises Rs570 million, Cheema Rice Traders Rs1 million, Faisal Oil
Refinery Pvt. Ltd.Rs44 billion, Raza Elahi Electronics Rs2 billion, Unique Exim
Company Rs3 billion, M/s Al-Haq Impex Rs2.7 billion, Muhammad Iqbal Suleman
Rs16.5 billion, Farooq Ghee and Oil Mills did a speculative trade of sugar of Rs2.1
billion. The findings further reveal that THARA International Karachi had a turnover
of Rs6 billion, Basco Constructors Rs2.4 billion, Agro Trade Pvt. Ltd. Rs19 billion,
Unique Exim Company Rs2.1 billion, AR Traders Rs8 million, Elahi Group of
Companies Rs32 billion, Anand Traders Rs66 million, Taj Rice Rs28 million, Ajwa
Industries Rs651 million, Dawood Oil and Ghee Mills Rs1.4 billion, Bilal and
Company Rs160 million, United Industry Ltd Rs23.6 billion, Amir Rice Traders
Rs395 million and Zafar Agencies Rs1.4 billion. Similarly, Shahzad Traders did
speculative business of sugar of Rs379 million, Faran Foods Ltd. of Rs144 million,
Hunza Ghee Industries Pvt. Ltd. of Rs4.1 billion, Raza Elahi Electronics of Rs2
billion, M/s Al Haq Impex of Rs2 million, Babar Enterprises of Rs30 million, Malik
Ghulam Rasool and Company of Rs2 billion, Zamurd Sultan of Rs500 million, Farooq
Ghee and Oil Mills of Rs2 million, Zain Impex Rs8 billion, M/s Bhitai Traders
Commission Agent of Rs6.8 billion, Mukhtar Saleem Ltd of Rs2.3 billion, Target
Station of Rs516 million, Waheed Khan of Rs187 million, Muhammad Iqbal of
Rs21.8 billion, United Industries Ltd of Rs36 million, Rana Brothers of Rs1 million,
Khawer Group of Rs400 million, Tanveer Hussain of Rs20 million, Mukhtar Saleem
Ltd. of Rs4 million, Khawaja Traders of Rs300 million, Adeel and Abu-Bakr Brokers
of Rs9 billion, Unique Trading Company of Rs15 billion, Saqib Umer of Rs2.5
billion, Mukhtar Saleem of Rs33 billion, Ittefaq Rice Traders Ltd of Rs1.3 billion and
Zamurrad Rice Mills of Rs6 billion, Alhmmd Ali Transport and Ship of Rs3.5 billion,
Al-Hammd Ali-EPC Pvt. Ltd. of Rs9.8 billion

and Ghousia Rice Mills of Rs137 million.

Officials say the list goes and many industries, millers and agents got this current
balance of tens of billions of rupees in accounts. ―It is yet to determine whether this
diversion of hundreds of billions was made to make black money white in this case,‖
an official says. ―We are working on this angle too,‖ he adds

Latest News


Kanye West's Yeezy Sold For A Record Price Of $1.8million

Elton John And Dua Lipa Keep Fans Spellbound With Duets In Oscars Watch Party

Fans Outraged Over Naya Rivera Being Left Out Of Oscars’ ‘In Memoriam’

Gemma Chan Passionate About Girls’ Education And Rights



Amelia Hamlin Winning Hearts Of Scott Disick's Kids With Love And Care

Kim Kardashian Mesmerises Fans With Her New Look In Nightwear

Victoria Beckham Soars Temperature With Her Sizzling Appearance On A Beach In Miami

Piers Morgan Slams Oscars 2021 As 'breathtakingly Boring'



Olivia Rodrigo Finds Power From Being 'vulnerable And Open'

Netflix Purchases Global Rights Of Thai Film Ghost Lab, Sets Release Date

Billie Eilish Treats Fans With Teaser Of Upcoming Song Happier Than Ever

More From Top Story


 Pakistan loses $5b potential Qatari investment: Investment in RLNG plants, other sectors diverted to Bangladesh


 Sindh closes schools, colleges, varsities amid COVID-19 surge


 PIDE presents proposals for key changes in real estate, energy sectors


 Proscribed TLP protests: Mufti Muneeb, others likely to be placed on Fourth Schedule


 Prisoners may get 30-day pardon on Eid


 Fawad wants to boost media ties with Saudi Arabia


 Battling COVID-19: Emergency strategy needed to save country, says Shahbaz


 GHQ was against cancellation of military land allotment to 54 civilian officers


 NA-249 by-election: : What do constituents prefer when they vote?


 Imran running economy on IMF‘s directions: Bilawal


 Germany intends to inoculate all citizens by June


 China to provide 500,000 vaccine vials under third batch


 Registration of citizens above 40for vaccination begins today


 Lawyers, politicians, journalists hail SC decision


 Kisan Cards launched in Punjab


 To curb COVID-19…: Army deployed across country

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/823715-rs459b-of-sugar-satta-money-pumped-into-
edible-industry-fia

Prioritising high-yielding paddy for

haor areas: Minister
2 Shares

 UNB NEWS
 DHAK A
 PUBLISH- APRIL 25, 2021, 06: 05 PM
 UNB NEWS - UNB NEWS

The government is prioritising the cultivation of high-yielding paddy as occasional floods threaten the

crop in haor areas, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said Sunday.

―Adequate amount of paddy is collected from haor areas every year which is very essential for food

safety but sometimes floods destroy them. We're working to reduce the risks and prioritising
cultivation of the high-yielding variety," he said at a Boro paddy collection programme in Shadhor

haor of Mithamoin in Kishoreganj.

The government is prioritising paddy varieties that can be harvested 15-20 days earlier than the

regular varieties. Combined harvesters and reapers are being provided there urgently considering

the shortage of workers, the minister said.

In the haor areas, paddy is cultivated once a year. Production should be boosted, Razzaque said

adding that scientists have already invented high yielding paddy BRRI Dhan 89, 92.

Farmers will be provided high-yielding varieties, he said urging their cultivation.

The work of installing regional Rice Research Institutes is underway for further research to invent

more paddy species suitable for haor areas, he said.

This year, Boro paddy is being cultivated on 1,66,950 hectares in Kishoreganj. Among them,

1,02,500 hectares are in haor areas.

So far 53 percent and 39 percent paddy from haor and outside have been collected in the district.

The government targets to produce 7,11,580 metric tonnes of paddy from here.

‗Adopt biological method to control black

bug menace on paddy‘
Special Correspondent
THANJAVUR, APRIL 21, 2021 18:29 IST
Special Correspondent
THANJAVUR, April 21, 2021 18:29 IST
 SHARE ARTI CLE








 PRINT

 AAA

Farmers have been advised to adopt biological or mechanical methods or spray chemicals to
control the black bug menace on paddy crop noticed in certain parts of the delta.
In a press release, V.Ambethgar, director, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, said
that the institute received information that the presence of Scotinophara lurida (Burmeister),
known as rice black bug (RBB) or psunami vandu in local parlance, was noticed on the paddy
crop particularly in the coastal areas and it was multiplying rapidly.
The pest attacks the rice plant at almost all the stages of growth and results in severe to complete
crop loss during heavy infestation.
If a rice plant was infested with about 10 to 15 RBB per hill, then it could cause a yield loss of
around 25 per cent.
Pointing out that the study of RBB carried out for about a decade has revealed that these insects
were noticed in the fields during or after a full moon period, he said that it was ascertained that
the full moon cycle affects the RBB‘s flight activity. Farmers were advised to adopt light
trapping technology since the RBBs are highly attracted to the high intensity of light.
Light trapping of bugs could be adopted two days before or until three days after full moon
period from 8 p.m. to midnight for better and effective results, he added.
As these bugs are susceptible to biological control agents like Bevariana basiana and
Metarhizium anisopliae and counter checked by the presence of parasitoids such as coccinellids,
trichogramma, telenomus and spiders it was suggested to adopt these biological control methods
also.
In case if humid weather condition prevails in the late season of the crop, insecticides can be
used on the need basis, he said. For effective results, the spraying of 100 ml of monocrotophos
per hectare or 625 grams of acephate per hectare or need seed kernel extract at the bottom
portion of the hill should be carried out. If further details required, the farmers could contact the
Institutes‘s Assistant Professor (Agriculture Entomology), P.Anandhi (0435 – 2472108).
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER
Submit
Related Articles Close X
Vaccination camp held

Coronavirus | Tamil Nadu receives 4 lakh doses of vaccines

Closure of restaurants hits floating population

Fireman dies at counting centre

Daily case count continues to exceed 1,000 in central region

Patronage dries up for tailors stitching school uniforms

Covaxin stock runs dry in Tiruchi district

‗Engage 108 ambulance to reach hospital‘

 Smart cookie preferences
We use cookies to make your online experience sweeter. We use them to help
improve our content, personalise it for you and tailor our digital advertising on third-
party platforms.
Change cookie preferences
Accept all cookies
Skip to content

 Visit
 Discover
o News
o Anthropocene
o British wildlife
o Collections
o Dinosaurs
o Human evolution
o Oceans
o Space
o What on Earth?
o Video
 Try at home
 Join and support
 Shop
 Schools
 Our science
 Search
 Membership

 Donate

Search
Popular search terms:
 British wildlife
 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
 Dinosaurs
 Space
 Our Broken Planet
 Activities to try at home

Farmers of the future face a big challenge: feeding Earth's expanding

population while minimising environmental impacts and keeping food
affordable. Image: Varga Jozsef Zoltan/Shutterstock.com.
0
ANTHROPOCENE
The future of eating: how
genetically modified food will
withstand climate change
By Jay Sullivan
First published 22 April 2021

Climate change is transforming how we feed ourselves. Floods, droughts and new
diseases can have a big impact on the crops we rely on for food, including staples
such as wheat, maize and rice.

Future farmers face a big challenge: feeding everyone on Earth while being kind to
the planet. Could genetically modified food be the answer?

Discover which foods can be genetically modified, how they can be improved, and
whether people should worry about eating them.
What is genetically modified food?
Genetically modified crops are plants which have had their DNA changed by
scientists to create desired traits, often by adding just one gene from a close wild
relative.

For example, GM crops can be engineered to require less water to grow or to resist
diseases or pests. More ambitious projects are underway to engineer crops that make
their own fertiliser. This type of technology could be key in making some of our most
important food crops more resilient in the face of climate change, and it could
decrease the chemicals and energy needed to grow them.

Wheat is the most commonly grown crop across the world by acreage. Image:
ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com.

Wheat
Wheat is the most commonly grown crop across the world by acreage. It is often used
to make bread, pasta and noodles, and also feeds livestock.

Helping to find ways to meet this demand is Prof Matt Clark, a Museum research
leader who is studying wheat DNA.

It took over 600 scientists working together to finally sequence the wheat genome in
2018. This was once thought to difficult to do, as the wheat genome is five times
bigger than the human one. By understanding and changing wheat genomes, scientists
like Matt will help to protect the crop for future generations. Breeders will be able to
select traits which will improve wheat harvests and help to secure food stores for
billions of people around the world.

Wheat can be bred to withstand severe weather and disease, both of which could
become more common as the world warms.

Wheat strains are also being adapted to produce flour with increased iron levels. The
ongoing trial, which is being carried out at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, has
shown that the new grain contained double the amount of iron compared to a normal
grain. This could help to reduce levels of iron deficiency-related anaemia globally.
Anaemia is especially common in girls and young women.
Maize, sometimes referred to as corn in the US and Canada, has seen
demand surge globally because it is used to feed animals and to create new
fuels. Image: naramit/Shutterstock.com.

Maize
Maize, sometimes referred to as corn in the US and Canada, has seen demand surge
globally because it is used to feed animals and to create new fuels.

In 2019, researchers in Delaware, USA, successfully increased corn yields by 10% by

changing the gene that controls its growth. This modification has proved successful
even in poor conditions: plants were given bigger leaves to improve how they turn
sunlight into sugar and boost how efficient they are at using nitrogen in the soil.

Genetic modification can have unexpected positive effects, too. Corn which has been
engineered to require fewer pesticides may also be safer for humans and animals to
eat. That's because corn damaged by insects contains fumonisins - toxins generated by
fungi introduced to the corn by insects - which are thought to cause cancer. There is a
link between people who eat lots of corn, such as populations in South Africa, China
and Italy, and higher rates of oesophageal cancer.

Rice is the main food source for three billion people. Image: Chaded
Panichsri/Shutterstock.com.

Rice
Around 20% of calories consumed across the world come from rice, and it is the main
food source for three billion people. Yet the places where rice is most often grown,
including areas of India, Bangladesh and China, are constantly at risk of flooding.
Rising sea levels and increasingly intense tropical storms mean that this problem is
only going to worsen.

One solution to this is scuba rice, which can withstand being soaked in flood water
and has been successfully grown in southeast Asia.
Genetic modification can also make rice kinder to nature. Rice paddy fields are a big
source of the greenhouse gas methane, but the creation of the SUSIBA2 variety is
helping. This rice contains a gene from the barley plant, which can help to reduce
methane emissions. A three-year trial showed that this method increased yield by 10%
while reducing methane emissions.

The aim of the C4 Rice Project, led by a team from 12 universities across eight
countries, is to engineer C4 photosynthesis, meaning to convert the energy from
sunlight into rice. C4 photosynthesis is up to 50% more water-efficient than other
types of rice and naturally occurs in drought-tolerant or very fast-growing plant
species such as bamboo.

The University of Sheffield is one of several institutions working on growing rice

with fewer stomata, the tiny openings used for gas exchange. This will result in less
water being lost and better performance in exceptionally hot or wet conditions.
Results so far show that lower stomatal density means that 60% less water is
used. When 4,000 litres of water are needed to grow a kilogram of rice, and rice uses
70% of the agricultural water supply in China, this could be a significant saving.

Dr Haiyan Xiong, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, is

working on a similar strategy. Her PhD and postdoctoral work in China focussed on
introducing the drought-resistant gene found in upland rice (which grows in dry and
hilly conditions) into lowland rice. Lowland rice tends to be better quality but less
hardy, so aims to merge the desirable traits of both crops.

So far, Xiong's team has identified three genes which could help make rice more
resistant to drought. Her current work at the University of Cambridge is aimed at
changing rice plants so they are better at converting the energy from sunlight into
food.

Xiong's upbringing in rural Sichuan drew her to a career researching rice. She
witnessed drought conditions first-hand, which led to a dream of 'becoming a scientist
who can contribute to improving rice resistance to drought stress'. She says, 'Rice is
not only one of the most important food crops in the world - it is also a model plant
for studying other cereal crops.'
Around 45% of this soya is crushed to produce oil and meals which are then
exported globally. Image: nnattalli/Shutterstock.com

Soy
Soya beans are the Americas' most exported crop, making up 82% of its agricultural
exports. Around 45% of this soya is crushed to produce oil and meals which are then
exported globally. Among these crops are genetically modified soybeans, which have
been spliced with the pigeonpea gene to increase resistance to Asian soybean rust
(ASR). ASR is caused by a fungus and is one of the most common crop diseases, only
treatable by introducing the fungi-resistant trait of other legumes to increase resistance
and improve crop yields.

There is no sure-fire way to make agriculture more sustainable, but GM crops

are helping farmers to adapt to the issues presented by climate change.
Image: Varga Jozsef Zoltan/Shutterstock.com.
What are the issues surrounding GM
crops?
Some people are wary of GM crops, often due to concerns about the cost of seeds,
issues surrounding herbicide resistance and worries about allergens and safety. There
are also fears that crossing species could inadvertently introduce allergens such as
nuts into the food chain. This fear appears unfounded, as to date no adverse reactions
have been found in any approved GM products.

Others worry that modified plants could pollinate wild varieties and cause hybrids to
pop up. For this to happen, the GM trait would need to be able to survive in the wild,
which is not always the case, and GM crops can be designed to be sterile.

In fact, research has shown that there is nothing that differentiates GM crops from
naturally occurring ones in terms of health or safety. GM crops can be a force for
good by offering an alternative to spraying pesticides that pollute groundwater and
can kill surrounding crops.

Globally, GM crop uptake is divided. In some regions, billions of people have eaten
GM crops for decades, whereas the European Union is generally resistant to the use of
GM foods, though it does import GM animal feed. Many European countries
including France, Germany and Croatia have completely banned GM foods. Others
such as Spain, the Czech Republic and Portugal grow GM crops.

The USA is one of the widest growers and adopters of GM foods with 60% of
processed foods containing ingredients from engineered soy, corn or canola.

Looking to the future

What does the future of genetically modified crops hold? The Alliance for Science at
Cornell University in the USA is currently working on corn which can resist insects
and drought for use in Africa. If farmers plant corn which could do this organically,
they could save money on fertiliser and pesticides. Funded by charities including the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it should be available to farmers by 2023.
New gene editing tools such as CRISPR can be used to precision-edit genetic
material, even to the level of changing a single base of DNA. This has the potential
for enormous worldwide benefits. For this reason the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
was awarded to the discoverers of CRISPR: Profs Emmanuelle Charpentier and
Jennifer Doudna.

There is no magic fix to climate change and no sure-fire way to make agriculture
more sustainable, but GM crops are helping farmers to adapt to the issues presented
by climate change. These crops can result in better yields and survive droughts and
floods, helping to make sure there is enough food available for an increasing global
population while also reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture.

 Sustainability

 Life sciences

 Our Broken Planet

  Biodiversity

Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways

to Fix It
In the run up to the global UN conferences of COP15 on biodiversity and COP26 on
climate change, join us as we debate why and how our relationship with the natural
world needs to change.

Explore the programme

Related posts

 Science news
Why you should care about scientists sequencing the wheat
genome
Sequencing the wheat genome could help to protect food supplies in the future.
22 April 2020

Anthropocene
Sugar: a killer crop?
The world's sugar addiction is destroying tropical rainforest.


 Anthropocene
What is climate change and why does it matter?
What does this term mean and how could it affect you?

Anthropocene
Soil degradation: the problems and how to fix them
The world is running out of soil - here's why that's a problem.

Don't miss a thing

Get email updates about our news, science, exhibitions, events,
products, services and fundraising activities. You must be over the
age of 13. Privacy notice.

First name
Surname
Email address
Sign up
Follow us on social media
 The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
Map
See our opening hours

The Natural History

Museum at Tring
Akeman Street
Tring
Hertfordshire HP23 6AP
Map
See our opening hours

Visit
 What's on
 Exhibitions and attractions
 Galleries and Museum map
 Access

Discover
 News
 Anthropocene
 British wildlife
 Collections
 Dinosaurs
 Human Evolution
 Oceans
 Space
 What on Earth?
 Video

For schools
 Things to do
 Essential visiting information
 Teaching resources

Careers
 Current vacancies

Join and support

 Membership
 Gift membership
 Make a donation
 Become a Patron
 Corporate partnerships

Take part
 Volunteer
 Citizen science
 Identify UK nature
 Centre for UK Biodiversity
 Wildlife Photographer
of the Year competition

About us
 News
 Press office
 Governance
 Contact us

Online shop
Our science
 Our work
 Data
 Collections
 Departments and staff
 Events and seminars
 Courses and training
 Library and Archives
 Business services
 Touring exhibitions
 Consulting
 Publishing
 Film locations
 NHM Images
 Venue hire
 Licensing

Legal
 Cookie preferences
 Privacy notice
 Website accessibility statement
 Terms and conditions
 Modern Slavery Statement

© The Trustees of The Natural History Museum, London

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-future-of-eating-gm-crops.html

April 21, 2021

Logistics disrupt milled rice deliveries
Sar Socheath / Khmer Times
Rice for export, milled and bagged. AKP

Click here to get Khmer Times Breaking News direct into your Telegram
FacebookTwitterEmailShare
The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) yesterday morning called on all buyers to
understand and tolerate the delay of milled rice exports during the lockdown period in
Phnom Penh and Kandal province‘s Takhmao city.
―We would like to appeal for your understanding to facilitate and make arrangements
to help accommodate this special situation. We all have to co-operate and obey the
instructions of the government and join hands to combat the spread of COVID-19. We
urge all of you not to punish our members for this situation that is beyond our
control‖, the press release said.
―In order to control the spread of COVID-19, the government has issued a lockdown
order on the whole of Phnom Penh and Takhmao city effective from April 15 to April
28. This lockdown order requires that all non-essential businesses be shut down and
that all residents should remain at home and only leave their houses for emergencies
or whenever absolutely necessary,‖ it said.
―The lockdown is causing disruptions to rice millers and the logistics sector and we
are unable to operate the milling and freely transport the rice from the mills across
cities, provinces and districts to the port during this lockdown,‖ it said.
―Some of our members who are not located within the lockdown areas are also
affected as their staff reside in Phnom Penh and Takhmao city and thus are prevented
from going to work,‖ it added.
CRF secretary-general Lun Yeng said since lockdown has been implemented most
modes of transportation have been stuck.
―During this time, heavy transportation through Phnom Penh is impossible. Not only
us, but also some other sectors are facing the same problem. Please wait a few days…
we hope everything will be better,‖ he told Khmer Times.
In response to concerns over a milled rice shortage amid the COVID-19 pandemic and
lockdown in Phnom Penh and Takmao city, Yeng said not to worry.
―Do not worry about milled rice shortages,‖ he said. ―We can guarantee the supply of
milled rice in both domestic and foreign markets this year.‖
Since the lockdown, the CRF has supplied approximately 1,000 tonnes of milled rice,
he said.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50842252/logistics-disrupt-milled-rice-deliveries/

Food Group Exports Witnesses 32.02 % Growth In

March

6 days ago Wed 21st April 2021 | 03:00 PM

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Food
group exports from the country during month of March 2021 witnessed 32.02 percent
growth as compared the exports of the corresponding month of last year.
During the period under review, food commodities worth $478.627 million exported
during as compared the exports of $362.550 million of same month of last year,
according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
During last moth, export of rice grew by 13.21 percent as 385,978 metric tons of rice
valuing $222.509 million exported as compared the exports of 375,482 metric tons worth
$196.537 million of same month of last year.
Country fetched $84.035 million by exporting 87,413 metric tons of Basmati Rice
during March, 2021, which was recorded at 78,757 metric tons valuing
$70.042 million of same period last year.
During the month under review, the exports of other food commodities including fish and
fish preparations increased by 35.53, fruits 16.86 percent and vegetables 121.
43 percent respectively.
However, food group exports from the country during last 09 months of current financial
year went down slightly by 1.84 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding
period of last year.
During the period from July-March, 2020-21 various food commodities valuing
$3.332 billion exported as against the exports of $3.394 billion of same period of last
year.
It may be recalled here that food group imports into the country during month of March,
2021 increased by 90.85 percent as food commodities costing $776.550 million were
imported as compared the imports of $406.893 million of same month last year.
During the period from July-March, 2020-21, food commodities worth
$6.121 billion imported as compared the imports of $3.963 billion of corresponding
period of last year.
Imports of food group into the country during last 09 months witnessed about 54.45
percent growth as compared the imports of the same period of last year.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/food-group-exports-witnesses-3202-growth-i-
1230139.html

Food Group Exports Witnesses 32.02 % Growth In

March

6 days ago Wed 21st April 2021 | 03:00 PM

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Food
group exports from the country during month of March 2021 witnessed 32.02 percent
growth as compared the exports of the corresponding month of last year.
During the period under review, food commodities worth $478.627 million exported
during as compared the exports of $362.550 million of same month of last year,
according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
During last moth, export of rice grew by 13.21 percent as 385,978 metric tons of rice
valuing $222.509 million exported as compared the exports of 375,482 metric tons worth
$196.537 million of same month of last year.
Country fetched $84.035 million by exporting 87,413 metric tons of Basmati Rice
during March, 2021, which was recorded at 78,757 metric tons valuing
$70.042 million of same period last year.
During the month under review, the exports of other food commodities including fish and
fish preparations increased by 35.53, fruits 16.86 percent and vegetables 121.
43 percent respectively.
However, food group exports from the country during last 09 months of current financial
year went down slightly by 1.84 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding
period of last year.
During the period from July-March, 2020-21 various food commodities valuing
$3.332 billion exported as against the exports of $3.394 billion of same period of last
year.
It may be recalled here that food group imports into the country during month of March,
2021 increased by 90.85 percent as food commodities costing $776.550 million were
imported as compared the imports of $406.893 million of same month last year.
During the period from July-March, 2020-21, food commodities worth
$6.121 billion imported as compared the imports of $3.963 billion of corresponding
period of last year.
Imports of food group into the country during last 09 months witnessed about 54.45
percent growth as compared the imports of the same period of last year.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/food-group-exports-witnesses-3202-growth-i-
1230139.html

Rice exporter for increasing productivity ‘Rice Value Chain’







 0
Shares
APP
APRIL 26, 2021
The country‘s leading ‗Rice Exporter‘ on Sunday stressed the need for increasing
productivity in the ‗Rice Value Chain‘ and better labor conditions for rice farmers to
revolutionize the entire food value chain.

To increase productivity in rice food value chain, better treatment facilities for farmers
and good education for their children will help improve the living standards of rice
farmers, Chief Operating Officer of rice exporter group, Rice Partners Pvt Ltd (RPL)
Muhammad Ali Tariq said here .

He said the farmers are at the forefront of food security in the country and due to them,
―Our exports and foreign exchange reserves are increasing‖ said press release issued
here.

Tariq said this while addressing to a in third phase of series seminar for multi
stakeholders on decent working organized by the leading ‗Rice Exporter of Pakistan‘,
Rice Partners Pvt Ltd (RPL) in collaboration of Helvetas Pakistan and Swiss Solidarity
organized an event on ―Interactive Dialogue among Stakeholders to share Knowledge
on Decent Working Conditions in Rice Value Chain of Pakistan.
Ali Tariq said that RPL has been working for welfare of agriculture labor for the past 5
years. RPL established Community Mother Centres at multiple villages of district
Sheikhupura in which decent environment was provided to the children of agriculture
labor particularly female rice transplanters.

He added that Free Medical Camps were also organized to provide free medication to
the rice transplanters at their working places throughout the rice transplanting season.

These all activities are being done to ensure decent working conditions in the rice value
chain.

Replying to a question, he said that ―We have launched a corona awareness campaign
for rice farmers and also distributed various items including Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) to protect them from the epidemic.

The CEO said rice growers are the world‘s first food security defense line, whose
epidemic protection should be our top priority.

Rice farmers are an integral part of the agro-industry and are an essential element of
this food chain, he said.

Ali Tariq said that Pakistan‘s rice production of more than four million and around US $
three billion in foreign exchange are due to the farmers whose services, ―we will never
forget.‖

While addressing the seminar Sustainability Head RPL, Zafar Iqbal said RPL has
trained thousands of farmers on sustainable rice production and also provided them the
facility of land laser leveling on 50 percent cost sharing basis.

In a seminar number of representatives of government and non-government

organizations i.e Education Department, Health Department, Social Welfare
Department, Labor Department, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab,
Agriculture Department, Matco Foods, Agahee, Rural Community and Development
Society (RCDS), Social Activists and RPL Contract farmers participated.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/749491/rice-exporter-for-increasing-productivity-rice-value-
chain/
 Boro harvest begins in Rajshahi,
Rangpur
Tribune Desk
 Published at 05:04 pm April 24th, 2021

Farmers are busy in harvesting of Boro paddy from the field in Rajshahi Dhaka Tribune
Rajshahi DAE has set the target of producing 3,524,000 tonnes of
paddy from all eight districts of the division during the current
season

Farmers in Rajshahi and Rangpur agricultural zones have started harvesting Boro
paddy with festivity by dint of satisfactory yield.

Most of the farming fields have taken an eye-catching look as early varieties of
paddy are now in the ripening stages in the divisions.

In Rajshahi, after exceeding the fixed farming target, farmers have started
harvesting the paddy with a hope to achieve its bumper production this se ason in
the region.

The mind-blowing yield has created a high hope of supplementing the government
efforts of ensuring food security amid the adverse impact of Covid -19 pandemic.

The farmers are seen harvesting some high yielding and short duration varieti es
like BR-28 and local jira variety. The other varieties will be harvested within the
next two to three weeks, reports our correspondent Dulal Abdullah.

Rajshahii Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has set the target of

producing 3,524,000 tonnes of paddy from 810,000 hectares of land in all eight
districts of the division during the current season.

However, the farmers have brought 817,000 lakh hectares of land generating
scopes of additional rice production, officials said.

Sirajul Islam, additional director of the DAE, said 24,600 small and marginal
farmers were given support with seeds and fertilizers in the division under the
government‘s agriculture incentive program to boost the Boro rice production.

Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker said the farmers are now delighted
over their achieved yield.

―Suitable climatic conditions and government support to the farmers are being
adjudged as the main reasons behind the good yield,‖ he added.
Farmer Abdul Kuddus of Mohonpur upazila of Rajshahi district said good yield
and enhanced selling prices of both paddy and straw have encouraged him to
cultivate the paddy on more land this year.

Meanwhile, the Boro farming has exceeded the target by 6,783 hectares of land in
the division this season as the farmers have cultivated paddy on more land
compared to the previous season because they are happy with the selling price of
transplanted Aman paddy at present.

In Rangpur, officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said

farmers are getting an excellent yield rate of Boro rice at this initial stage of
harvesting as the process will get full momentum from mid-May next in all five
districts of the region, reports BSS.

Earlier, the DAE had fixed a target of producing 2,154,000 tonnes of clean Boro
rice from 496,000 hectares of land for the region this season.

―Braving the coronavirus pandemic, farmers have cultivated Boro rice on 503,000
hectares of land, 1.41% higher than the fixed farming target,‖ Additional Director
of the DAE for Rangpur region Agriculturist Khandker Abdul Wahed said.

Getting necessary assistance from the government under the post-flood

agriculture rehabilitation program, farmers have brought more land under Boro
rice cultivation also to recoup the crop losses they incurred during last year‘s
floods.

―Till Friday, farmers have harvested Boro rice on 10,120 hectares of land in the
region producing 35,367 tonnes of clean rice at the excellent average yield rate of
3.49 tonnes of clean rice per hectare,‖ Wahed said.

―We are expecting a bumper production of Boro rice if the climatic conditions
remained favourable during the next couple of months in the region where around
180,000 farm-labourers would be engaged in harvesting the crop from late-May
next.
Many farmers are utilising combined harvester machines for harvesting Boro
paddy on one acre of land using one machine in an hour spending only Tk3,000
against Tk6,000 for the same purpose on one acre of land by engaging labourers.

―The government through the DAE has distributed combined harvester machines
among farmers and groups of farmers at Tk14 lakh per unit against the real price
of Tk28 lakh at 50% subsidised rates,‖ he said.

Besides, farmers are easily harvesting their cultivated Boro rice on crop lands
using reaper machines in all five districts of the region this season.

―The field-level DAE officials and experts extended assistance to farmers and
provided latest technologies to make the Boro rice cultivation program a success,‖
Wahed added.

Deputy Director of the DAE for Rangpur Dr Md Sarwarul Haque said the
government had ensured smooth irrigation, supply of fuel, fertilisers and
electricity to achieve the fixed Boro rice production target.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2021/04/24/boro-harvest-begins-in-
rajshahi-rangpur

Deadline for marketing imported rice

extended
FE REPORT | Published: April 25, 2021 09:53:28 | Updated: April 27, 2021
11:54:24
- FE file photo

The government has again extended the deadline for marketing imported rice
in the domestic market by the traders concerned, an official said.

To this end, the Ministry of Food (MoF) had asked the authority of the
Directorate of Food to comply with its directives by pursuing the traders for
marketing their imported rice in the local market by April 30.

A high official of the MoF, preferring anonymity, told the FE that the traders
who had opened letters of credit (LCs) between February 15 and March 25 last
must market their imported rice in the local market within the stipulated time.
 Earlier, the deadline was set at April 20, 2021, he said, adding that the
government would not extend the timeline anymore.

The government had taken initiatives including reducing rice import duty to
25 per cent from 62.50 per cent at private-sector level to keep rice prices
stable in the local market.

On December 27 last year, the MoF had asked the traders to apply to the
ministry by January 10, 2021 for getting approval for importing rice.

It had conditionally given approval to the traders for importing 1.56 million
tonnes of rice. But the traders could not purchase this amount of rice until
today.

The MoF also cancelled approval given earlier to s ome traders who failed to
open LCs or could not open LCs on time.

Until April 21 last, only 0.65 million tonnes of rice were imported under
several LCs against the targeted import of over 0.95 million tonnes.

Different varieties of rice were selling at hig h prices in the kitchen markets of
the capital on Saturday.

Coarse variety of rice was sold between Tk 52 and Tk 55 a kilogramme,

depending on its quality while fine varieties like najirshail and minicate were
traded at Tk 60-Tk 70 a kg.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/deadline-for-marketing-imported-rice-
extended-1619322808

This is Google's cache of https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/barring-rice-and-

wheat-all-rabi-crops-harvested/article34408479.ece. It is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on 26 Apr
2021 04:28:15 GMT. The current page could have changed in the meantime. Learn more.
Full versionText-only versionView source
Tip: To quickly find your search term on this page, press Ctrl+F or ⌘-F (Mac) and use the find bar.

 HOME
 NEWS
 MARKETS
 COMPANIES
 INFO-TECH
 OPINION
 SPECIALS
 PORTFOLIO
 DATA STORIES
 MORE


O
O SUBSCRIBE NOW
O FREE TRIAL

 LATEST NEWS
 PORTFOLIO
 BLINK
 ECONOMY
 BL ON CAMPUS
 MONEY & BANKING
 DATA FOCUS
 CARTOONS
 RESOURCES

Agri Business
RABI HARVEST

Barring rice and wheat, all rabi

crops harvested
Our Bureau New Delhi | Updated on April 26, 2021







Only 40% of winter rice, planted over 45.32 lha, has been
harvested so far
Harvesting of most rabi crops, barring wheat and rice, has been
completed across the country. The wheat harvest is expected to
be over in most States by the end of the month, an official
statement said on Sunday.
While harvesting of pulses crops such as gram, lentil, urad,
moong and others, sown over 158.1 lakh hectares (lha) and that
of rapeseed-mustard covered on 70 lha, is totally over in most
States other than Punjab, farmers have reaped 81.55 per cent
of wheat sown over 315.8 lha. However, Punjab has 40 per cent
of wheat to harvest, Haryana 35 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 20
per cent and they are expected to complete it by the end of this
month, the statement said.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE
Big-StoryFour stocks to ride out the market volatility

Technical-AnalysisIndex Outlook: Will the market witness more volatility this week?

Commodity-AnalysisWill gold break a key barrier this week?

Mutual-FundsHow to get free life cover with mutual fund SIP

On the other hand, only 40 per cent of winter rice, planted over
45.32 lha, has been harvested so far. Groundnut harvest has
been done only on 62 per cent of the 7.34 lha till date.
Published on April 25, 2021
Follow us
on Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Linkedin.
You can also download our Android App or IOS App.
rabi crops

SHARE


 






COMMENTS

Recommended for you

Reliance, bp start production from satellite cluster gas field in KG D6 block

Data bank: Setback for the housing sector

Perpetual bonds – where do we go from here?

'Nomadland' wins best picture Oscar

 Nifty likely to see a gap-up opening of 180 points

 Specials
 Portfolio
 BL Ink
 Marketing
 India File

Travel pass: Pros may outweigh cons

IATA‘s mobile application will allow travellers to store and manage certifications for Covid-19 tests or ...

A prescription that falls short of a cure

A 2010 Act to regulate the medical sector flounders in implementation, even as healthcare remains ...

A timeline for incentive

The scheme to boost local medtech manufacturing is timely, especially given the raging pandemic. But ...

Eyes wide shut

Do pilots sleep on their job?

COMPANIES

 A

 B

 C
 D

 E

 F

 G

 H

 I

 J

 K

 L

 M

 N

 O

 P
 Q

 R

 S

 T

 U

 V

 W

 X

 Y

 Z

TRENDING TODAY

 Coronavirus

TRENDING THIS WEEK

 Covid-19

 Wage And Pension

 Technical Analysis
 Income Tax
 Coronavirus

LATEST NEWS

 Live Market
 Housing Finance
 Debt Market And Bonds
 Oscar Award
 Stock Market

 Covid-19
 Stocks And Shares
 Covid-19
 Covid-19
 Judiciary (System Of Justice)

SECTIONS
News

 National
 Science
 Sports
 World
 Variety
 Education
 Real Estate

Markets

 Stocks
 Forex
 Commodities
 Gold & Silver
 Today's Pick
 Portfolio Tracker

Companies

 Announcements
 Disclosures
 Results
 Others

Economy

 Agri Business
 Logistics
 Macro Economy
 Policy
 Budget 2018

Info-tech

 How-To
 Social Media
 Computers & Laptops
 Mobiles & Tablets
 Other Gadgets

Opinion

 Editorial
 Columns
 Letters
 Books
 Blogs

Useful Links

 Home Loan Interest Rates

 Fixed Deposit Interest Rates
 Home Loan Calculator
 Fixed Deposit Calculator

GROUP TOP TRENDS

THE HINDU

 Coronavirus
 Coronavirus
 Coronavirus
 Wage And Pension

SPORTSTAR

 Delhi Capitals
 Chennai Super Kings
 IPL

 Specials
 BL Ink
 Portfolio
 Marketing
 Multimedia
 Today's Paper
 Wealth Check
  Group Sites:
 The Hindu
 இந்து தமிழ் திசை
 Business Line
 BL on Campus
 Sportstar
 Frontline
 The Hindu Centre
 RoofandFloor
 STEP
 Young World Club
 Publications
 eBooks
 Images
 Classifieds
 This Site:
 About Us
 Contacts
 Privacy Policy
 sitemap
 Archive
 Rss Feeds
 Subscription
 Brand Quest
 ePaper
Comments to:web.businessline@thehindu.co.in.Copyright © 2021, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD.
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:U2jiYNvR0j4J:https://www.the
hindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/barring-rice-and-wheat-all-rabi-crops-
harvested/article34408479.ece+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk

Rice stock falls to 13-year low

Iftekhar Mahmud
Dhaka
Published: 24 Apr 2021, 18:57
 File photo
The government‘s rice in storages has fallen to a 13-year low of 300,000 tonnes. The
government was unprepared for such a situation over the stock of rice. Prime minister Sheikh
Hasina had ordered to import the grain in August last year, to avoid any possible shortage of rice,
but the food ministry couldn‘t implement the decision on time. The ministry took four more
months to start the process of import 1 million (10 lakh) tonne of rice at government initiative.
And allowing private sector to import rice by reducing tariff also took till February this year.

According the food ministry‘s daily food situation report, there were 311,000 tonnes of rice in
the government‘s storage as of 20 April 20. According to the former and incumbent officials of
the food department, the government‘s stock of rice had only fallen lower, at 280,000 tonnes, in
2008.

The country‘s rice production dropped by 2 million (20 lakh) because of cyclone Sidr in 2007.
At that time, the caretaker government was in power. Since they couldn‘t import rice on time, the
price of the grain had reached Tk 50 a kg. Currently, the price of coarse varieties of rice reached
a peak at Tk 48-50 a kg since 2017, while price of fine varieties of rice is at Tk 62-65.

Usually, the government strengthens the open market sales (OMS) programme when price of rice
increases in the market. It affects the market plus low-income people are able to buy rice at a
lower price. But the government progamme is very limited during the Covid-19 restrictions this
time. The Directorate General of Food, in a press release last week, said they have been selling
733 tonnes of rice at 715 sales points across the country daily.
Panic buying by the affluent increased the price of rice after coronavirus broke out in March last
year. Then cyclone Amphan and prolonged floods had kept the rice price high throughout the
year. According to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), the price of coarse variety
of rice, on average, was at Tk 48 a kg in 2020 – up 20 per cent from 2019. The government
couldn‘t procure rice as per its target during last boro season because of high price of rice in the
market. Besides, 83,000 tonnes of rice were procured against a target of 800,000 tonne during
aman season.

Former research director of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) M

Asaduzzaman told Prothom Alo that the food security of huge numbers of people is at risk since
they lost their jobs because of coronavirus and lockdown. Considering the situation, the stock of
rice should have been increased to 1.5 million (15 lakh) tonnes from 1.1 million (11 lakh) tonnes
for a year. The food ministry must explain why the stock of rice has reduced to 300,000 tonnes
instead.

Earlier, Bangladesh also faced a problem in importing rice from India. The country (India)
stopped export of rice and onions in time of crisis for various reasons including its internal
politics and election. This time uncertainty has also prevailed over India‘s export of Covid-19
vaccine. Everything considered, Bangladesh should take alternative measures, he added.

Failure in import
Last January, the food ministry finalised a decision to import 2 million (20 lakh) tonnes of rice to
meet the deficit. As of 21 April, 259,000 tonnes of rice were imported through government
channel and around 650,000 tonnes through private channels. The food ministry gave clearance
to 320 companies to import rice and most of them couldn‘t do so on time.

Chitta Majumdar from Satkhira is one of the traders with clearance for rice import. He told
Prothom Alo that rice must be imported by this month as per the conditions, but the crisis of
trucks and congestion in land ports is creating delays. Since boro harvesting has begun, there is a
fear of incurring loss if rice is imported with 25 per cent tariff now.

A large portion of the companies receiving import clearance are not regular importers. They are
mainly small and medium-scale rice traders. Since they couldn‘t make much profit in the first
phase, many of them didn‘t import rice for the second time. Trader Nurul Islam from Nagaon has
a clearance for import. He told Prothom Alo selling imported rice is difficult. So, he imported
10,000 tonnes of rice despite receiving clearance for 20,000 tonnes.

Two ministers question rice stock

As boro harvesting has begun in haor areas, the food monitoring and evaluation committee held a
meeting on 22 April. Six ministers took part in the meeting with the food minster in the chair.
Agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque and health minister Zahid Maleque expressed concern over
the existing stock of rice at the meeting. They also raised questions about the low stock of rice.

Agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque told Prothom Alo that flood damaged paddy cultivation
last year, resulting in low yields and hike in rice price. So, why did it take six months even after
prime minister gave permission for quick import of rice considering the situation, he asked. He
said there should have been a stock of at least 1 million (10 lakh) tonnes of rice at the
government-owned storehouses.

Regarding the ministers‘ question on rice stock, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder told
Prothom Alo, ―We explained the matter and the ministers were satisfied.‖ He said rice will arrive
from India soon under the government‘s initiative to import the grain. The crisis won‘t last, he
said.

At the meeting, the agriculture ministry recommended purchasing coarse variety of rice at Tk 40
a kg, atap (parboiled rice) at Tk 39 a kg and paddy at Tk 27 kg. The finance ministry objected the
move saying parboiled rice was purchased at Tk 36 a kg during last year‘s boro season. Raising
the price by Tk 4 a kg in a year will have negative impact on inflation

President of the rice mill owners‘ body Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners'
Association, Abdur Rashid observed if the government decides to procure rice at Tk 40 a kg,
target will be fulfilled largely.

Increase open market sale

People‘s earnings have dropped during coronavirus. Poverty has increased. People with limited
income are gathering at the sale points initiated by the government now more than ever.

Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) and BRAC Institute of Governance and
Development (BIGD) released a study last week. It shows pandemic has pushed 24.5 million
(2.45 crore) people into people into poverty joining 21 per cent of population who have already
been living under poverty line before the pandemic.

Executive chairman of PPRC, Hossain Zillur Rahman told Prothom Alo that more than half of
these new poor people live in city. The government must increase the sale of rice on trucks in big
cities immediately for these poor people. Poor people should be provided with cash assistance in
addition to increasing the stock of rice immediately, he observed.

Also Read

Cash support for the poor: Learn from past mistakes

https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/rice-stock-falls-to-13-year-low
 Govt to buy 1.8 million tons of Boro
rice this year
Tribune Desk
 Published at 01:21 pm April 26th, 2021

Photo: Dhaka Tribune

Rice price set at Tk40 per kg and paddy at Tk27

The government has set a target to purchase 1.15 million tons of rice and 650,000
tons of paddy for the current Boro season.

Food Minister Shadhan Chandra Majumder made the announcement on Monday

at a virtual press meet.

The government will buy one million tons of parboiled rice at Tk40 per kg and
150,000 tons of Atap or sundried rice at Tk39. Paddy will be brought at Tk27 per
kg.

Also Read - News Analysis: Why buy from millers, why not from farmers?

The procurement of Boro paddy will start on April 28 and rice on May 7. It will end
on August 31, said the minister.

In a bid to ensure fair price for growers, private traders will not be allowed to
import rice after April 30, said Minister Majumder.

―Private traders, who opened LCs [letters of credit] to import between February 15
and March 25, have to ensure that their product reaches the market by April 30,‖
he said.

The chief of the food directorate was made aware of the deadline in a letter on
April 23, added the minister.

―Private imports will not be allowed after April 30. The move has been taken for
the benefit of the local farmers,‖ said Majumder.

The government has floated international tenders to boost the reserve, he said
before adding: ―Most of the shipments have arrived, the rest are on the way.‖

Figures posted on the Food Ministry's website show that the grain stock in
government warehouses until April 22 stood at 493,000 ton, of which rice
accounts for 305,000 ton.
The food reserve has hit the lowest in recent years. Grain stock stood at 1.12
million ton in July last year.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2021/04/26/govt-to-buy-1-8-
million-tonnes-of-boro-rice-this-year

First-quarter rice tariff

collections top P4 billion
April 26, 2021 | 8:14 pm

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARVCAS

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) collected P4.29 billion worth of rice tariffs in the first
quarter on imported volume of 606,000 kilograms (kg), Finance Secretary Carlos G.
Dominguez III said at a forum Monday.

The quarter’s tally puts the BoC ahead of the pace to collect P10 billion a year from rice
tariffs, which is to support the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) as
authorized by Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law.
In 2020, the government collected P15.47 billion in tariffs from 2.38 million kg of
imports. The total was up 27.43% from collections posted in 2019 beginning in March,
when the tariffication law came into force.

Total collections amounted to P31.9 billion since the law became effective.

The law removed restrictions on rice imports by private entities, which must pay a tariff
of 35% on shipments of Southeast Asian grain.

RCEF will support farm mechanization and other programs to enable farmers to better
compete against imports.

“The Rice Tariffication Law was finally achieved after more than thirty years of failed
attempts under previous administrations. The law opened up the Philippine rice market
and, in turn, lowered the price of our country’s staple for more than 100 million
Filipinos, who spend about a fifth of their total budget on rice alone,” Mr. Dominguez
said.

He said the law helped temper inflation, with its share of the overall consumer price
index falling to 0.1 percentage point compared to its one-percentage point share at the
height of the inflation crisis of 2018.

“The law ensures that farmers benefit directly from import tariffs by providing at least
10 billion pesos each year for mechanization, high quality seed, access to credit, and
training,” he added. — Beatrice M. Laforga

https://www.bworldonline.com/first-quarter-rice-tariff-collections-top-p4-billion/

Agricultural exports rake in $3.4 billion in 2020

Thou Vireak | Publication date 23 April 2021 | 12:06 ICT
Share
The Kingdom exported 75,645.57 tonnes of fresh bananas in January-February. Heng Chivoan
Cambodia exported more than 13 million tonnes of agricultural products last year, reaping in
$3.433 billion, according to a new report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

This is considerably lower than the $3.881 billion indicated by preliminary data cited by Prime
Minister Hun Sen during a press briefing on December 29.

While not indicating the year-on-year change rate, the report mentioned that Cambodian
agricultural exports are ―showing better growth‖, pointing out the Covid-19 pandemic‘s
detriments to garment and textile shipments as a contrast.

It said the Kingdom produced more than 20 million tonnes of agricultural products last year,
implying that somewhere in the vicinity of 61-70 per cent was exported, accounting for rounding
errors.

Cambodia shipped out 3,584,780 tonnes of rice worth more than $1.26 billion last year. Milled
rice accounted for 690,829 tonnes (19.27 per cent) worth nearly $539 million(42.7 per cent) and
paddy 2,893,951 tonnes (80.73 per cent) worth more than $723 million (57.3 per cent), according
to data extrapolated from the report and earlier Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) statistics.
Milled rice marked an 11.40 per cent surge in volume from 2019, according to CRF. The
corresponding figure for paddy was not available.

The report said: ―In order to solve Cambodian farmers‘ market issues, the ministry has tried to
push for negotiations on phytosanitary requirements on key crops to open markets with countries
intending to import
Cambodian agricultural products, and it has been successful in the past.‖
In June for example, Cambodia signed an agreement with China to export 500,000 tonnes of
fresh mangoes a year.

―The ministry will continue to promote close cooperation with the private sector, development
partners, and especially agricultural and agro-industrial investment companies to achieve the
common goal of developing a highly-efficient agricultural sector in Cambodia,‖ added the report.

Pann Chantrea, owner of the Thorn Chea rice mill in Tbong Khmum province‘s O‘Reang-ou
district, told The Post that white rice was in high demand across most of Vietnam.

―We don‘t ship out too much paddy because we‘d face a shortage to grind for export and it‘s
better for us to sell finished products than raw ones,‖ she said.

Royal Academy of Cambodia economics researcher Ky Sereyvath pointed out that paddy
comprised the bulk of the Kingdom‘s 2020 exports and is sold to neighbouring Thailand and
Vietnam.

Fresh bananas and fresh mangoes were notable winners in the exporting arena last year, he said.

―Packaging and phytosanitary measures are fairly compliant with standards to ship to the
Chinese market,‖ he told The Post.

Still, he said, Cambodia needs to ramp up the promotion of techniques among farmers that allow
them to get the most out of the land and enable them to grow crops that meet the standards
required for export, providing them the opportunity to tap into the market.

―The growth in agricultural-product export figures highlight the momentum of Cambodia‘s

economic opening, but it‘s not yet enough … the government should encourage [farmers] more,
especially in the realm of technology,‖ Sereyvath said.
Contact author: Thou Vireak
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/agricultural-exports-rake-34-billion-2020
 UN: 3 million facing hunger in
coup-hit Myanmar
 MYANMAR PROTESTS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
o Myanmar: Karen rebels seize army base near Thai border
o ASEAN leaders demand access to coup-hit Myanmar
o Can ASEAN broker a deal to end Myanmar violence?
o UN: 3 million facing hunger in coup-hit Myanmar
o The battle for Myanmar plays out on Twitter, TikTok and Telegram
o Myanmar: Civil servants face junta pressure to return to work
o Germany says Myanmar sanctions will force junta to negotiate
o Myanmar: Security forces arrest Japanese journalist
o Myanmar: Coup opponents announce 'unity government'
o Myanmar violence triggers asylum crisis for India's northeastern states
o Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi may be unaware of unrest amid additional charge
o Myanmar's security forces kill 82 in Bago: report
o Myanmar police killed in attack by ethnic armies: report
o In Myanmar, military matters are a lucrative family affair
o Myanmar: Who is actor Paing Takhon, arrested by the military?
o Myanmar: Protests erupt in London after ambassador locked out of embassy
o Myanmar anti-coup protesters stage Easter egg demo
o Myanmar: Germany's Heiko Maas cautions about threat of civil war
o Opinion: Naive optimism threatens Myanmar protest movement
o Myanmar protesters hold 'flower protests' to honor dead
o Why is Japan not taking a firm stand against Myanmar junta?
o Myanmar: US calls on China to hold junta accountable
o Myanmar: Germany urges citizens to leave as fears grow over instability
o Myanmar protests: Death toll passes 500
o Myanmar coup: ASEAN split over the way forward
o Myanmar: Thousands take to streets as others flee
o Myanmar: US President Biden calls bloodshed "absolutely outrageous"
o Myanmar: Over 100 killed in deadliest day since military coup
o India pushes ahead with Rohingya deportation amid Myanmar crackdown
o Thousands flee military to Thailand-Myanmar border region
o Myanmar releases hundreds of post-coup prisoners
o Myanmar junta keeps internet curbs in place, blames media
o Myanmar coup: Mass protests fail to attract global solidarity
o EU to impose sanctions in response to Myanmar coup
o From a trickle to a torrent: Myanmar struggles with an information onrush
o Myanmar doctors and nurses stage dawn rally against coup
o Myanmar: Security forces kill 8 protesters — local reports
o Myanmar: 56 dead over weekend, 138 since coup, says UN
o Myanmar: Junta imposes martial law in two Yangon districts
o Myanmar: More protesters killed in weekend violence

Food aid reliance is set to triple to 3.4 million people in Myanmar within months,
the World Food Program has warned, as the country reels from a coup, endemic
poverty and the COVID pandemic.

Food scarcity in coup-hit Myanmar will multiply in the next six months, leaving 3.4 million
people reliant on its aid, the UN's World Food Program (WFP) warned Thursday.
Additional food assistance was intended for two million more vulnerable people — on top of
1.3 million already receiving such aid, with an estimated 250,000 people already displaced,
said the WFP.
Appealing for $106 million (€88 million) in extra funding, the WFP's director for Myanmar,
Stephen Anderson, said families were already "skipping meals” in the 10 poorest suburbs of
Yangon, Myanmar's largest city.
"More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," said
Anderson, depicting a "sharp" rise in "hunger and desperation."
Yangon, April 2021: Searching a rubbish skip as hunger rises and earnings run out
Prices for staples — such as rice and cooking oil — had risen nationwide, especially in
Myanmar's border areas of Chin, Kachin, Rakhine and Shan states.
For example, said Anderson, rice prices had soared by up to 43% in some townships of
Kachin state and cooking oil by 32%.
Prices for fuel had increased by "roughly 30% nationwide," he said.
"The world must act immediately to address this humanitarian catastrophe," said Andrews.
The WFP in its press release blamed three primary causes: Myanmar's February military
coup, "pre-existing poverty," and the global coronavirus pandemic's spread across Myamar.
Crisis summit in Jakarta
On Saturday, a crisis summit of the South-East Asian Nation (ASEAN) grouping is planned
in Jakarta but slammed by Human Rights Watch (HRW) for its inclusion of sanctioned
coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing.
Local monitors say his military's crackdown on persistent protests across Myanmar since
February's ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has left at least 738 people killed,
children included, and 3,300 languishing in jails.
According to Reporting ASEAN, 38 media workers were also in detention.
Volume 90%
Watch video01:50

UN. 'clear echoes of Syria' in Myanmar

Sleeping in caves, under banana trees
In Myanmar's eastern Karen border region — near Thailand — 24,000 subsistence rice
farmers had been displaced by recent military air and ground mortar strikes, said David
Eubank of the Christian aid group, Free Burma Rangers.
Unable to safely return home to tend their paddy fields, "you're looking at a six-month
problem of no food," said Eubank.
Some displaced were sleeping in caves or under banana trees, he said.
Airstrikes in Kachin state in Myanmar's north have also displaced a further 5,000.
"We have difficulties with food storage,” Brang Shawng, a camp leader in Kachin state, told
the French news agency AFP.
More than 2,000 ethnic Karen had crossed Myanmar's border into Thailand, said Padoh
Mann Mann, a spokesman for brigade five of the Karen National Union, a rebel group long
active in the mountainous region.
Volume 90%

Watch video02:03

Military forces ethnic Karen into jungle

ipj/msh (AFP, epd, dpa)
DW RECOMMENDS

Myanmar: Security forces arrest prominent anti-coup activist

Junta forces have arrested 25-year-old opposition activist Wai Moe Naing after reportedly hitting
him with a car, drawing a swift response from his supporters and the US government.

The battle for Myanmar plays out on Twitter, TikTok and Telegram
Young activists are risking arrest and using technology to ensure that their campaign for democracy
continues in the face of a military clampdown on the internet.

Germany says Myanmar sanctions will force junta to negotiate

The EU has slapped sanctions on 10 Myanmar officials and two firms. The bloc wants Myanmar's
military to negotiate an end to the violence, according to Germany's top diplomat.
https://www.dw.com/en/un-3-million-facing-hunger-in-coup-hit-myanmar/a-57304547

APRIL 23, 20216:30 AMUPDATED 4 DAYS AGO

ASIA RICE-India rates drop to 3-

month low on weak rupee, lower
demand
By Sumita Layek
3 MIN READ

(Repeats Thursday‘s story with no changes to text)

* Demand from buyers in Africa lower- Indian exporter

* Bangladesh signs MoU with Thailand to import 1 mln tonnes yearly

* Thai prices rise to $467-$500 per tonne

April 23 (Reuters) - Indian rice export prices slipped to their lowest in

three months this week on a weak rupee and easing demand, while rates
of the Thai variety edged higher supported by a stronger baht and higher
freight costs.

Top exporter India's 5% broken parboiled variety RI-INBKN5-P1 was

quoted at $386-$390 per tonne- its lowest since January 21, from last
week's $388-$392.

―Weak rupee has been helping, but demand is coming down from buyers
in Africa,‖ said an exporter based at Kakinada in the state of Andhra
Pradesh.

The Indian rupee has fallen to its lowest level in nine months, increasing
traders‘ margin from overseas sales.
Thailand's 5% broken rice RI-THBKN5-P1 prices rose to $467-$500 per
tonne from $465-$482 two weeks prior, largely due to the recent
strengthening of baht against the U.S. dollar, traders said.

―Prices have been high for a while due to higher freight costs, causing
buyers to slow purchases,‖ a Bangkok-based trader said.

Vietnam's 5% broken rice RI-VNBKN5-P1 remained unchanged from a

week earlier at $485-$495 per tonne- its lowest since December last
year.

―Trade is slow as importers are waiting for prices to fall further,‖ a

trader based in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang said, adding
tight supplies due to worsening COVID-19 situation in Cambodia and
India could keep prices from falling further.

Traders forecast Vietnam‘s rice shipments at 700,000-800,000 tonnes

this month, up from 539,040 tonnes in March.

―Exporters are focusing on fulfilling contracts signed with customers

from Cuba, Bangladesh and Syria,‖ another trader in Ho Chi Minh City
said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)

with Thailand to import up to 1 million tonnes of rice each year until
2026 earlier this week, food ministry officials said.

Domestic rice prices increased again this week amid a COVID-19-led

lockdown, which has been extended to April 28. (Reporting by Rajendra
Jadhav in Mumbai, Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Patpicha Tanakasempipat in
Bangkok and Ruma Paul in Dhaka; Editing by Arpan Varghese and
Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
https://www.reuters.com/article/asia-rice/asia-rice-india-rates-drop-to-3-month-low-on-
weak-rupee-lower-demand-idINL4N2MF35N
 Egypt allocates 1.074 mln feddans of land for rice in 2021 season
CO NTRIB UTO R
Momen Saeed Atallah Reuters
PUBLISHED
APR 23, 2021 7:18AM EDT
Egypt has allocated 1.074 million feddans of land for rice cultivation in the 2021 season,

the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Friday.






All-new World Reimagined podcast

Listen Now

CAIRO, April 23 (Reuters) - Egypt has allocated 1.074 million feddans of land for rice
cultivation in the 2021 season, the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Once a rice exporter, Egypt has reduced its rice cultivation in an effort to conserve Nile
river resources.

(Reporting by Momen Saeed Atallah, writing by Nafisa Eltahir; editing by David Evans)

((Nafisa.Eltahir@thomsonreuters.com;))

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and
do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
TRENDING TOPICS
 Markets
 Stocks
 US Markets
 Earnings
T R E N D I N G AR T I C L E S
 BitTorrent Has the Potential to Explode in 2021APR 16, 2021
 Weekly Preview: Earnings To Watch (AAPL, AMD, AMZN, FB, GOOG, MSFT,
TSLA)1 DAY AGO
 VeChain Is Gaining Popularity as a Dual Crypto and Logistics Blockchain
Solution4 DAYS AGO
 Ripple Stands to Make a Big Move Now That the Panic Selling Is Over3 DAYS AGO
 All-new World Reimagined podcast
Listen Now

OTHER TOPICS
COMMODITIES

Latest World Markets Videos

Video Player is loading.
PlayNext playlist item
Unmute

Current Time 0:00

Duration 8:37
Loaded: 0%

Fullscreen
1.

#TradeTalks: Global M&A trends and outlook for the remainder of

2021

Aon Managing Director of Transaction Solutions joins Jill Malandrino on Nasdaq

#TradeTalks to discuss global M&A trends and outlook for the remainder of 2021.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/egypt-allocates-1.074-mln-feddans-of-land-for-rice-in-
2021-season-2021-04-23

Ahero farmers stuck with 10,000 bags of rice for lack of market
Juma predicted they will harvest more rice since NIA had expanded the
scheme.

In Summary
• Juma says the farmers are contemplating farming other crops due to marketing
challenges.

• He said no sale of rice has been made since August last year and the stores are now full.
Rice farmers within Ahero Irrigation Scheme stuck with 10,000 bags of paddy rice in stores due to
lack of market for their produce.
Image: faith matete
Rice farmers in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme are stuck with 10,000 bags of paddy rice due to lack of
market.

The rice is from last season.

Rice farmers group chairman Emmanuel Juma said they are contemplating diversifying to other
crops due to the market challenges they are facing.

Juma said they have not sold rice since August last year and their stores are full.

He said the National Irrigation Authority in Ahero has continued to put in place infrastructure to
allow for more farming of rice.

Juma predicted they will harvest more rice since NIA had expanded the scheme.

Speaking to the press in Nyando subcounty, Juma appealed to the county government to help farmers
market their produce.

He also asked for the revival of farmers cooperative and marketing societies which used to help
farmers in the past.

Western Regional Irrigation Schemes manager Joel Tanui said the directive that was issued by
President Uhuru Kenyatta last year for the purchase of rice from farmers suffered for lack of space to
store the produce.
Tanui said the Kenya National Trading Corporation was mandated to buy rice from farmers but this
stopped sometimes early this year for lack of space.

"Unfortunately from January of this year to date, they have not been able to purchase from the locals
farmers because they have challenges of having their stores filled to capacity," he said.

Peter Rachuonyo, chairman of an ad hoc marketing committee formed recently, said it is not the
responsibility of NIA to look for market for the rice since their work stops at the farm after availing
infrastructure.

He said the county government should be in the forefront to assist farmers to have access to market
to enable them take their children to school and repay loans.

"We have received cries from various farmers with some saying they leased the lands to plant, others
have loans and school fees to pay hence they urgently need help."

Rice farmers within Ahero Irrigation Scheme stuck with 10,000 bags of paddy rice in stores due to
lack of market for their produce.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/nyanza/2021-04-23-ahero-farmers-stuck-with-
10000-bags-of-rice-for-lack-of-market/


NEWSPAPER
 BUSINESS
 OPINION
 SPORTS
 A&E
  LIFESTYLE
 TOGGLE
 SHOWBIZ
 SHOUT
 SATIREDAY
 STAR YOUTH
 EPAPER
 ALL SECTIONS

 বাাংলা
Home Front Page
12:00 AM, April 23, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, April 23, 2021

Food stock now only 4.62 lakh

tonnes
Govt focuses on procuring more food grain from farmers, millers by raising prices

Rejaul Karim Byron , Pinaki Roy

With only around 4.62 lakh tonnes of grains in the public food stocks, one of the lowest in years,
the government has moved to procure paddy, rice and wheat from local farmers and millers at
prices higher than last year's.
In a virtual meeting held yesterday, the Food Planning Monitoring Committee (FPMC) decided
to collect 10 lakh tonnes of boiled and 1.5 lakh tonnes of non-boiled rice from local dealers. The
committee also decided to buy 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy from the farmers.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

"We are going to purchase 11.5 lakh tonnes of rice and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy in the current
season. The details will be disclosed in a day or two," Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder
told The Daily Star after the meeting.

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, who attended the meeting, told this daily that
they primarily decided to buy boiled rice at Tk 40 per kg and non-boiled rice at Tk 39.

An official, who was also present at the meeting, said the price of paddy would be fixed either at
Tk 27 or Tk 28 a kg.

Apart from rice and paddy, the government will also collect one lakh tonnes of wheat from the
local market, said meeting sources, without disclosing anything about the prices.

The paddy procurement is likely to start on April 28 while that of rice on May 7, said the
sources.

According to a food ministry report, obtained by The Daily Star, the government had 4.62 metric
tonnes of food grains in its stock on April 20.

The stock was 11.20 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2020 when the current fiscal year began amid
the pandemic. It was 15.99 lakh metric tonnes on July 1, 2019.

As the food stocks fell, the government distributed cash, instead of grains, under different of its
public aid projects, including Food for Work.

The report said the government has distributed 5.37 lakh tonnes of food grains among people this
fiscal year till March 31. It also said cash incentives, equivalent to 12.12 lakh metric tonnes of
rice, were distributed under the social safety net programmes during the same time.

As the food stock went down, the price of coarse rice also increased in the last one year.
From March 20 last year to March 21 this year, the price of coarse rice has increased by Tk
13.24 per kg in the retail market, the report stated.

Although the government tried to boost the stock by procuring rice from the international
market, the initiative fell short of expectations due to different reasons.

Till April 11, the government has signed several deals to import 7.50 metric tonnes of rice under
government-to-government arrangements. However, only 2.43 lakh metric tonnes of rice could
be imported.

At the private level, 5.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 39.43 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have
been imported this fiscal year till April 11.

Food grain stock dipped to 4.78 lakh tonnes at the end of March this fiscal year, the lowest since
August 2017-18 when the stock was 5.16 lakh tonnes, showed data from the Food Planning
Monitoring Committee (FPMC).

The stock depleted also as a government move to procure rice and paddy from the internal
market was not successful in the last Boro and Aman season. It happened mainly as the prices
fixed were lower than the production cost, shows the report.

So, this time, the FPMC has set the purchase price higher than the production cost so that the
government move to increase the food stocks becomes a success, adds the report.

This time, the agriculture ministry has fixed the production cost of per kilogramme of paddy at
Tk 27, which is Tk 1.27 more than last year. The production cost of each kg of rice has been
fixed at Tk 39, up Tk 1.02 from the price last year, said officials concerned.

According to the food stock report, last year the FPMC had decided to buy two lakh tonnes of
paddy from growers at Tk 26 per kg and 6.5 lakh tonnes of rice from millers at Tk 37 per kg.

As the purchase prices were set lower than the production cost, farmers and millers chose to sell
the grains at the market, instead of selling them to the government.

Last year, the government had set a target of collecting 16.70 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy, but it
got only 9.10 lakh tonnes. Besides, against its target of purchasing 8.50 lakh tonnes of Aman
paddy and rice, it could buy only 88,000 tonnes, shows the report.
When asked about the government's decision and the new prices fixed, Chitta Majumder,
managing director of Majumder Group of Industries, one of the biggest rice millers and
importers in the country, said the government would be successful if it set the purchase price of
rice at Tk 40. "Otherwise, it would be hard for the government to achieve its target."

This year, the Boro production has been good.

"So, the government should fix the price at Tk 40 to ensure that farmers get their due prices.

"The government should have taken the move to import rice in June or July. If it had done so, the
market would have been stable right now," he added.

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:v2Ii9hKc4OIJ:https://www.the
dailystar.net/frontpage/news/food-stock-now-only-462-lakh-tonnes-
2082129+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk

Ghana to produce 1.2 million tonnes of rice in 2023 – Agric Minister

23 April 2021 1:47pm
Former Minister for Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto says Ghana is on

course to becoming rice sufficient by 2023.

According to him, Ghana produced 950,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2020 and will

produce 1.2 million tonnes of rice in 2023.

Dr Afriyie Akoto emphasized that there is no cause for alarm because Ghana has

enough to feed the country.

However, he indicated that demand for rice is growing rapidly at 5% per annum

which will require production to leapfrog it.

―Two years ago I told this country that by 2023 Ghana should be producing

1.2million metric tonnes of rice which will meet our domestic demand and we‘re

very much on course. Last year 2020, we were able to reach 950,000 metric

tonnes. This year we‘re targeting 1.1 million and we know that by 2023 we‘ll meet

the target of 1.2million. Demand for rice is growing rapidly at 5%per annum so we

have to leapfrog in terms of the growth of production,‖ he said.

Speaking to Joy Business on the sidelines after the presentation of the ultimate

cash prize of GHc570,000 to the 2020 National Best Farmer, Solomon Kusi, the

Minister also assured that prices of maize will go down in the next three months.

According to him, the increase in the price of maize is a transitory problem and is

expected to go down following the harvest.

―The issue of price is a structural problem. During this time of the year, maize prices

are high because stocks are at their lowest, this is when farmers start planting. In

the next three to four months, with the harvest of maize coming on the market,

prices will go down. This is only a transitory problem but generally we see that

maize production has doubled,‖ he stated.

Managing Director of ADB, John Kofi Mensah disclosed that his outfit has disbursed

GHc30 million to support pineapple farmers to help in the full realization of the

Ekumfi Juice Factory, under the One District One Factory initiative.
―For the lame man farmer ,we have institutionalized the ‗Outgrower Financing

Scheme‘. For example if you take Ekumfi factory that the President [Akufo-Addo]

commissioned, the pineapple juice is the fastest growing so we decided to finance

pineapple production. Hence, we have approved and disbursed GHc30 million for

farmers in that zone,‖ he disclosed.

Solomon Kusi, National Best Farmer for 2020 revealed that he will use part of the

money to acquire and install a Cocoa Drying House and employ more people.

―As a major producer, I prayed and God revealed to me that we can build a drying

house so that we can still dry cocoa during the rainy season using the same four to

five days method. We use two sources of nature to dry cocoa; the sun and wind.

With the drying house we‘re building, we will still use both natural methods we‘re

used to,‖ he revealed.

He however called on government to fix the road networks to farming communities.

―Road networks to the farming communities are bad. During the rainy season,

some of the communities are not able to access the markets because of the bad

roads. We‘re pleading with government to expand the roads connecting to farming

communities.‖

https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-to-produce-1-2-million-tonnes-of-rice-in-2023-
agric-minister/
GIEWS Country Brief: Honduras 23-April-
2021
Format
News and Press Release

Source

 FAO

Posted

23 Apr 2021

Originally published

23 Apr 2021

Origin

View original
Attachments
  Download document(PDF | 223.92 KB)

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

 Land preparation for 2021 main season maize crop ongoing amid adequate soil moisture levels
 Cereal production in 2020 estimated at above-average level
 Cereal import requirements forecast at high levels in 2020/21 marketing year
 Prices of red beans declined with improved market availabilities from 2020 third season harvest
 About 3.06 million people estimated severely food insecure in April-June period

Land preparation for 2021 main season maize crop ongoing amid adequate soil moisture
levels

In the key producing central-eastern regions, land preparation activities are underway for the
planting of the 2021 main season maize crop from early May. Since March, slightly
above-average precipitation amounts benefitted soil moisture levels. Weather forecasts point to a
high likelihood of near-average precipitation amounts during the May-July period, which raises
expectations of adequate water supplies to crops at development and flowering stages. In order to
lower the production costs of farmers, the Government has extended the exemption of the value
added tax on farmers‘ purchases of agricultural machinery/parts and irrigation systems in 2021.

Cereal production in 2020 estimated at above-average level

The 2020 cereal production, mostly maize, is estimated at an above-average level of 690 000
tonnes. The abundant maize output gathered in 2020 is mainly due to excellent yields of the main
season crop, reflecting favourable weather conditions. Localized losses of maize occurred during
the minor season due to the passage of two consecutive hurricanes in early November. However,
heavy rains and consequent flooding severely affected the main season bean crops. After the
hurricanes, the Government increased the distribution of seeds and fertilizers to farmers in the
areas where the third season bean crops are cultivated. This, together with favourable weather
conditions in the first quarter of 2021, boosted the third ―postrera tardía‖ season output harvested
in March and April 2021.

Cereal import requirements forecast at high levels in 2020/21 marketing year

Cereal import requirements in the 2020/21 marketing year (September/August) are forecast at
1.1 million tonnes, 10 percent higher than the previous five-year average, due to the sustained
demand for yellow maize by the feed industry. Similarly, the demand for wheat and rice, largely
imported to satisfy domestic consumption needs, continues to increase steadily following the
population growth.

Prices of red beans declined with improved market availabilities from 2020 third season
harvest

Prices of red beans declined in March 2021 as large supplies from the third ―postrera tardía‖
season harvest eased the previous upward pressure caused by crop losses due to the November
hurricanes. Similarly, prices of white maize decreased for the second consecutive month and, in
March 2021, they were more than 20 percent below their year-earlier levels, reflecting the
above-average 2020 harvests. In March, prices of rice were also lower year on year due to a
contraction in import flows in the October 2020-February 2021 compared to the same period a
year earlier.

About 3.06 million people estimated severely food insecure in April-June period

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, nearly 3.1
million people are estimated to be severely food insecure (classified in IPC Phase 3: ―Crisis‖ and
above) between April and June 2021. The highest number of food insecure people since the start
of the IPC analysis in the country in 2013 is partially due to the greater geographical scope of
analysis, but also reflects the negative impact of the November hurricanes on crop and livelihood
losses. Income/job losses and low remittances amid the COVID-19 pandemic have also
exacerbated the already fragile food security situation of the country.
Primary country
 Honduras

Source
 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Disasters
 Hurricane Eta - Nov 2020
 Hurricane Iota - Nov 2020

Format
  News and Press Release

Themes
 Agriculture
 Food and Nutrition

Disaster types
 Flood
 Land Slide
 Tropical Cyclone

Language
 English
Share
 Share this on Facebook
 Share this on Twitter
 Post this on LinkedIn

Related Content
Honduras

Honduras: Tormentas Tropicales Eta e Iota - Informe de Situación No. 08 (al

03 de febrero 2021)
Format

Situation Report

Sources

 OCHA

 UNCT Honduras

Posted
 5 Feb 2021

Originally published

5 Feb 2021
https://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/giews-country-brief-honduras-23-april-2021

 TOP NEWS

US Questions PHL Use Of SPS-IC In Agri Imports

BY JASPER Y. ARCALASANDTYRONE JASPER C. PIAD
APRIL 26, 2021
5 MINUTE READ
WASHINGTON has raised concerns over Manila‘s use of sanitary and phytosanitary
import clearances (SPS-ICs) to restrict the importation of certain agricultural products
for reasons ―unrelated protection of human, animal, or plant life or health.‖

The United States raised several questions regarding the Philippines‘s non-issuance of
SPS-ICs to ―restrict‖ agricultural imports as a means to protect domestic industries in a
recent World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Import Licensing meeting last
week.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar held off comment for now until he sees the US
document, while Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez saw nothing wrong with Manila‘s use of
SPS-IC as long as it is properly implemented.

SPS-IC is a document issued by the Philippines for incoming imports certified to be free
from pests or diseases that could harm the country‘s agriculture sector and even human
health.

―The United States is concerned that the Philippines uses the SPS-ICs to restrict
imports for reasons
that appear unrelated to the protection of human, animal, or plant life or health,‖ the
United States in its communication to the committee meeting, a copy of which was
obtained by the BusinessMirror.
The United States noted that the Philippines made numerous notifications of legislation
and regulations concerning import licensing last year.

Citing the Philippines‘s notifications, the US said Manila had explained that it uses SPS-
ICs to ―ensure that the products being imported meet the standards to protect human,
animal life or health, guarantee that the products are safe for consumers and to prevent
the spread of pests or diseases of animals‖ and are ―not intended to restrict the quantity
or value of imports.‖

Domestic Supply Issue

However, Washington, citing the Philippines‘s trade policy review in 2018, pointed out
that in ―some instances‖ concerned Philippine government agencies take into
consideration current domestic supply when issuing SPS-ICs.

Washington also expressed concerns on ―repeated public statements‖ made by the

Department of Agriculture (DA) to use SPS-IC to ―periodically block‖ imports of certain
agricultural products during their respective domestic harvest seasons.

―We are specifically concerned by the repeated public statements by the Philippines
Department of Agriculture [DA] that it is using the SPS-IC system to periodically block
imports of rice, corn, and feed wheat during its domestic harvest seasons,‖ it said.

Washington disclosed that it has received ―reports of ongoing SPS-IC rejections without
reason since September 2020‖ for the importation of US whole chickens.

Industry sources confirmed to the BusinessMirror that the Bureau of Animal Industry
(BAI) has stopped issuing SPS-IC for whole chickens since late last year without any
reasons given to concerned parties.

―We know that the DA won‘t issue SPS-ICs for whole chickens for whatever reasons,‖
Jesus C. Cham, President of the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), told
the BusinessMirror. ―We questioned them and they just told us that there is a
memorandum not to issue.‖

BAI data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed that the last time the agency issued
SPS-IC for importation of whole chickens was in June of last year.
Certain lawmakers and agriculture officials had argued last year over the issuance of
SPS-IC for rice imports, as purchases of the staple from abroad depressed domestic
prices in recent years.

For example, Senator Cynthia A. Villar has repeatedly asked the DA not to issue SPS-
IC during harvest season to manage or even limit the importation of rice and thus avoid
having an oversupply.

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed there were
certain months last year—such as in October and November—that it did not issue any
SPS-IC for rice imports.

The BPI earlier told the BusinessMirror that it did not suspend the issuance of SPS-IC
for rice imports and that it was ―managing‖ the schedule of arrival ―to prioritize the
distribution of local palay/rice.‖

Dar, Lopez

Sought for comment about the concerns raised by the United States, Agriculture
Secretary William D. Dar told the BusinessMirror he wants to ―see the document before
commenting.‖

For the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), securing sanitary and phytosanitary
import clearance (SPS-IC) permits for agriculture imports is ―not necessarily‖ a trade
barrier if being properly implemented.

DTI Secretary Lopez told the BusinessMirror that requiring SPS-IC permits for
agriculture imports is a necessary measure despite the US tagging it as a trade barrier.

Lopez said that such permits ―are needed non-tariff measures to ensure food safety and
protect local industry from entry of plant and animal diseases.‖

―It [SPS-IC permit] should be applied to the extent that it is necessary to protect human,
animal and plant life and should not be used arbitrarily,‖ he said, noting that standards
should be subject to science.
―It [SPS-IC permit] is not necessarily a trade barrier unless the measures are used
unjustifiably,‖ he added.

In the 2021 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers by the US Trade
Representative (USTR), it was noted that the US raised concerns about the SPS-IC
permit requirement before the WTO during the Import Licensing Committee meeting
and Committee on Agriculture meeting last year.

The US, in a WTO document dated April 7, also asked the Philippines to explain the
rationale behind the SPS-IC system and to detail the underlying laws, regulations and
guidelines supporting said requirement.

―This [SPS-IC permit] requirement adds costs, complicates the timing of exports, and
prevents the rerouting to the Philippines of products intended for other markets but not
sold there for commercial reasons,‖ the USTR said. ―It also prevents an exporter from
reselling an imported product if the importer refuses to accept delivery or abandons the
shipment.‖

USTR said the Philippines also did not issue SPS-IC permits for imported rice and
horticultural products, such as US table grapes, chipping potatoes, feed wheat, whole
birds and corn in 2019 and 2020.

Stakeholders, USTR noted, claimed that the often-cited reason for the non-issuance of
SPS-IC permits appeared to be protection for ―domestic producers from import
competition,‖ instead of ensuring the products were safe for consumption.

Asked what has the government done in response, Lopez deferred to the DA.

In an earlier interview with the BusinessMirror, the Trade chief supported the removal of
non-tariff barriers for imports and replacing them with an appropriate tariff
instead. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/22/lift-non-tariff-
barriers-put-proper-tariff-dti/)

Lopez made the statement after the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) ordered
both the DTI and DA to conduct a study should the minimum access volume (MAV)
system be abolished while placing a proper tariff.

In an EDC meeting last month, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a
letter on April 20 to Senate President Vicente Sotto III that the price uptick in the key
commodities were because of ―government tariffs, low MAV quotas and non-tariff
barriers to trade.‖

MAV refers to the certain volume of agricultural imports that are imposed with lower
tariffs. In the Philippines, it covers rice, corn, pork, poultry meat, coffee and sugar.

Not First Time

This was not the first time that the United States raised its concerns about the
Philippines‘s SPS-IC system at the WTO.

During the November meeting of the WTO Committee on Agriculture last year, the
United States raised the issue after SPS-IC for feed wheat and whole chicken imports
coming from the US were rejected by the Philippines; while the issuance of SPS-IC for
US fresh fruits and vegetables was delayed.

―Under Article 4.2 of the Agreement on Agriculture, Members shall not maintain, resort
to, or revert to any measures of the kind which have been required to be converted into
ordinary customs duties, including quantitative import restrictions and discretionary
import licensing,‖ the United States said.

The Philippines responded to the questions raised by the US during the November
WTO COA meeting. ―As an impact of the review of importer registrations considering
reports of unfair trade practices and food safety requirements, the issuance of the SPS-
IC was disrupted for rice and other commodities,‖ it said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/26/us-questions-phl-use-of-sps-ic-in-agri-
imports/

Bangladesh issues new tender to buy 50,000 tonnes wheat - traders

C ONTR IBUTOR S
Michael Hogan Reuters
Ruma Paul Reuters
PUBLISHED
APR 26, 2021 1:29AM EDT
Bangladesh's state grains buyer has issued another international tender to purchase

50,000 tonnes of milling wheat, traders said on Monday.






Adds detail from paragraph three

HAMBURG, April 26 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's state grains buyer has issued

another international tender to purchase 50,000 tonnes of milling wheat,
traders said on Monday.

The deadline for submission of price offers is May 6, they said.

Bangladesh has issued a series of wheat and rice tenders in past months.

Bangladesh imports around 6 million tonnes of wheat annually, making it one

of the world's biggest grain importers.

The country is importing rice and wheat to shore up its depleted reserves after
repeated floods last year damaged its crops, sending local prices to record
highs.

A previous tender from Bangladesh for 50,000 tonnes of wheat in January

was suspended without a purchase reported.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/bangladesh-issues-new-tender-to-buy-50000-tonnes-
wheat-traders-2021-04-26-0
 
 NEWSPAPER
 BUSINESS
 OPINION
 SPORTS
 A&E
 LIFESTYLE
 TOGGLE
 SHOWBIZ
 SHOUT
 SATIREDAY
 STAR YOUTH
 EPAPER
 ALL SECTIONS

 বাাংলা
Home Front Page
12:00 AM, April 26, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 02:38 AM, April 26, 2021
NEWS ANALYSIS

Food Grains: Govt paid no heed

as stock plunged

Pinaki Roy

It was obvious that the price of rice would increase amid the pandemic. No special expertise was
required to see it coming.

But the government did not take any effective measure to stock up on food grains or regulate the
price of rice.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

Experts suggested keeping at least 12.5 lakh tonnes of grains in stock. But the stock has now
fallen to around four lakh tonnes.
This unusually low level is the least since the stock of 2.8 lakh tonnes in 2008, the year following
super cyclone Sidr.

Last season, the country's total demand of food grains was 3.58 crore tonne.

In other words, the national demand is around 30 lakh tonnes of food grains per month. But our
current public food grains storage capacity is only 19 lakh tonnes. The government is building
five more warehouses and, once complete, the storage capacity of public food grains will reach
24 lakh tonnes.

If the government wanted to feed all of the country from its public storage, the stocks would not
last even for three weeks.

The government does not store food grains to meet the demands of the entire nation.

The public food storage serves two main purposes -- to support the government's safety net
programmes like Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and Food for Work, providing for people in
the wake of natural disasters and to intervene in the local market to control food prices when
necessary.

If the hoarders create artificial scarcity and raise the price of rice, the government may start Open
Market Sale (OMS) at reduced prices.

Every year Bangladesh faces various kinds of natural disasters like floods, flash floods, cyclones,
heavy rainfall or tornadoes, each of which carries the threat of damage to crops. If flash floods
washes away paddy in the haor in one season, cyclones like Amphan ruins crops in another. This
year, it was lack of rainfall and an unprecedented heat wave that damaged paddy.

Experts say the government should have a food grains stock of 24 to 25 lakh tonnes to tackle
situations like those.

They say the minimum should be a stock of above 15 lakh tonnes and the price of rice would
start rising in the market if the public stock fell down to lower than 12.5 lakh tonnes.

That is exactly what happened this year.

In the beginning of the current fiscal year, the public food grain stock was less than 12 lakh
tonnes. And now the public stock of rice has come down to three lakh tonnes. Along with the
stock of wheat, the total food grain stock is around 4.5 lakh tonnes.

As the government stock has reduced, the hoarders started to control the market, inflating the
price of rice. The price of coarse rice has increased by Tk 13 to Tk 14 per kg in the last year and
the price of rice has reached around Tk 45 per kg.

But the truth is there was no shortage of food till the last Boro season -- Bangladesh's total
demand of food grains was 3.58 crore tonnes and its production was 3.6 crore tonnes, according
to various studies.

Bangladesh became the third largest rice producers, overtaking Indonesia. So, the country was
self-sufficient last season.

During the last Aman season, a portion of paddy was damaged due to Cyclone Amphan. The
government should have taken desperate measures to purchase rice and paddy and increase its
stocks, and they set a target to purchase 8.5 lakh tonnes of Aman rice and paddy.

But the government's initiative failed because, like the last boro season, it fixed the purchase
price of paddy and rice lower than their production costs.

The government fixed the purchase price of paddy at Tk 26 a kg and rice at Tk 36 a kg, one taka
less than the production cost. Farmers and millers were getting better price in the market and so
the government could only procure 83,000 tonnes of rice in the last Aman season.

Later, this January, the food ministry took the initiative to import 20 lakh tonnes of rice. The
government signed several government-to-government deals to import of rice from India, Russia,
Ukraine, and Vietnam. It also gave import approvals to private importers.

But the process was delayed due to what they said was "international volatile situation". It took
four months for the government to import 2.62 lakh tonnes of rice while private importers
brought around 6.5 lakh tonnes.

Although many importers got approval, they are now not willing to import the rest because, with
the domestic Boro harvest having already begun, they will not profit if they import rice at a 25
percent duty.
The food ministry had realised much earlier that they would fail to increase food grain stocks
because, for the last few months, they were giving out cash instead of food grains under the
popular Food for Work programme.

And now that rice hoarders and traders know that the government does not have the stocks to
intervene in the rice market, they have increased the price. The food ministry should have
realised that it would come to this juncture much earlier, but they could not tackle the situation.

This price hike has put an extra burden on people who do not have a stable income and are
struggling to pay house rent or meet treatment costs amid a worsening pandemic.

The glimmer of hope now lies with the Boro harvest that has already begun.

Also, the government has primarily decided to purchase 10 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice, 1.5
lakh tonnes of sunburnt rice and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy.

This time it may work as the government shows interest to pay more than the production cost.
The purchase of paddy is likely to start from April 28 and rice from May 7.

But agro economists who are following the situation suggests purchasing more paddy from
farmers -- it will help the government secure its stock and the marginal farmers will get a good
price.

It is a better strategy than importing rice at the last moment. Certainly, it is better to pay our local
farmers than farmers from other countries.

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:yWgRWKv2f3UJ:https://www.t
hedailystar.net/frontpage/news/food-grains-govt-paid-no-heed-stock-plunged-
2083721+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk
https://www.dsij.in/DSIJArticleDetail/ArtMID/10163/ArticleID/18085/KRBL-adds-a-
new-variety-to-its-India-Gate-portfolio

18 lakh tonnes aimed, rice stock

record low
Millers to profit more than farmers
Emran Hossain | Published: 14:16, Apr 26,2021 | Updated: 01:36, Apr 27,2021

The government on Monday announced that it would buy 18 lakh tonnes of rice and paddy during this boro
season, offering a price that would benefit millers more than farmers.
The government botched up its past two rice procurement drives in 2020 as its rice stock hit a record low,
which was merely 3 lakh tonnes till Sunday, less than a third of the stock on the same day a year before.
The procurement of paddy from farmers will kick off Wednesday while the rice procurement from millers will
begin on May 7 and run through August 31, said a press release sent by the food ministry.
The procurement target included 10 lakh tons of parboiled rice, to be procured at Tk 40 a kilogram, 1.5 lakh
tonnes of atap rice, to be procured at Tk 39 a kilogram, and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy, to be procured at Tk 27 a
kilogram, according to the press release.
Compared with last year, the government increased the price of rice by Tk 4 per kilogram and paddy Tk 1 per
kilogram.
‗We are happy that the government learnt from its mistake last year,‘ said Abdur Rashid, president,
Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mills Owners Association, referring to last year‘s price which they had
found too low.
He suggested that the government should seal the deals with rice millers by May 5 if the procurement target
was to be achieved.
‗We are happy with the price offered and the government is likely to achieve at least 90 per cent of its target,‘
he said.
The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute gave the most conservative estimate of the production cost of Tk
25.28 for a kilogram of paddy among three government agencies offering such estimates.
Millers can still take home a minimum profit of Tk 3 by selling a kilogram of rice at the government-fixed
price even if they give farmers Tk 27 for a kilogram of paddy, the BRRI estimate shows.
But farmers are getting far less for a kilogram of paddy, fetching about Tk 16 in Mymensingh, Tk 19 in Sylhet
and Tk 22 in Panchagarh, according to the Department of Agricultural Marketing and rice millers.
‗The price is low because of the rice brought to the market contained more than 22 per cent moisture,‘ said
Mohammad Yousuf.
Early harvest results in high moisture which will gradually fall with an increase in price in the coming days, he
said.
Boro harvest is going on full swing, especially in the north-eastern region, and is likely to complete by mid-
May.
Paddy moisture content has been a major obstacle to farmers selling their products to the government only
accepting paddy with less than 18 per cent moisture.
Rice millers take the advantage of the moisture requirement to deny farmers their legitimate price and build up
a good stock while the government gets nothing.
Experts have long demanded that the moisture requirement be waived as a procurement condition, especially
during calamities such as the Covid outbreak, for the sake of building a good stock.
The government procures paddy and rice twice a year during the harvest of the countries two major staple
grains — boro and aman.
Agriculture economists recommended maintaining a stock of 13 lakh tonnes at the government level for
effective intervention in the market often manipulated by rice millers and middlemen.
In the last boro season, the government bought about nine lakh tonnes of rice and paddy against the target of
19 lakh tonnes while the collection of rice and paddy during aman harvest was 83,202 tonnes against the target
of 8.5 lakh tonnes, according to government data.
Low collection prompted the government to import nearly a million tonnes of rice against the target of 1.5
million tonnes.
‗Farmers may get a low price this year for the ongoing import reduced the number of rice businessmen leading
to a fall in demand,‘ said Bangladesh Rice Research Institute‘s agricultural economist Abdur Rouf Sarkar.
The rice market became volatile shortly after the Covid outbreak emerged in March 2020 and then natural
calamities such as cyclone Amphan hit the coastal regions.
On Monday, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh said that coarse rice retailed at up to Tk 50 a kilogram
after a 5.49 per cent increase in price compared with the price on the same day the month before.
Agriculture economists have long been asking the government to increase its rice stock as much as possible so
that the poor can be helped through the Covid crisis and potential natural disasters.
‗The government should have aimed at stocking minimum 10 per cent of overall paddy production this year
considering the poor response of millers last year to sell rice to the government,‘ said agricultural economist
Jahangir Alam Khan.
Last year Bangladesh produced two million tonnes of boro.
‗The government should have offered farmers a higher price, stopping import by now,‘ he said.
https://www.newagebd.net/article/136426/18-lakh-tonnes-aimed-rice-stock-record-low

KRBL adds a new variety to its India Gate portfolio

Geyatee Deshpande / 26-Apr-2021, 03:11 PM
/ Categories: Mindshare
Rate this article:
3.0

KRBL is the company known for its world-renowned brand 'India Gate' for premium Basmati rice. The company recently
launched ‗India Gate Rice Flour‘ thus, adding to its diversified product portfolio.

Rice flour is considered to be a fine, smooth, and an entirely gluten-free product, which makes it an excellent alternative to other
convectional flours to be used in the preparation of various food dishes. At present, India Gate Rice Flour has been launched as a
part of the company's wholesome grains, oil & oil products i.e. in the FMCG category. Beginning from April 26, 2021, the
product will be available but only in the domestic markets.

Being India‘s first integrated rice company with a comprehensive product chain while also being considered as one of the world‘s
largest rice millers and basmati rice exporter, KRBL surely has an advantage over its peers when it comes to Basmati rice and
related products. The launch of this new product is expected to appeal to consumers, considering increased awareness about
health benefits and affordability for daily consumption. Hence, rice flour becomes a perfect choice since it is a great source of
protein, low in fat, and packed with vital vitamins & minerals.
The stock of the company, which was a penny stock till around two decades ago, sky-rocketed in 2017-2018 to reward investors
with massive returns. Since March 27, 2020, the stock has jumped by around 60 per cent.

On Monday, the stock of KRBL was seen trading at Rs 179.90, up by 0.45 per cent or Rs 0.80 per share. The 52-week high is Rs
339.60 while its 52-week low is Rs 173.45 on BSE.

Previous Article Mindtree partners with Duck Creek for achieving digital transformation of UPC Insurance
Next Article Heranba Industries gains on acquisition of industrial shed

2021-04-26

Ghana spent US$3.9 billion on rice imports in 9 years – Sam Jonah

« Prev

Next »

Comments (20)

Listen to Article

 WhatsApp
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Email This
 Print This

Sam Jonah is a business mogul

Ghana spent close to US$4 billion on rice imports from 2010 to 2019, Sir Sam Jonah has
revealed.

In a speech to Rotarians in Accra titled ‗Down the up escalator – Reflections on Ghana‘s future
by a senior citizen‘, the executive chairman of Jonah Capital, an equity fund based in
Johannesburg, South Africa, suggested that Ghana for Ghana to set herself on the path of
development, ―we need to develop our industrial base‖.

―We cannot develop by importing almost everything from food to toothpick‖, he noted.

He said although the One District-One Factory (1D1F) flagship initiative of the Akufo-Addo
government ―is laudable‖, ―quite frankly, we need a lot more than that to develop an industrial
base‖.

―And by the way, where is the industrial base or foundation laid by Kwame Nkrumah in the
60s?‖ he wondered.

At the time, he noted, ―there was an understanding that there were no Ghanaian businesses with
enough capital to venture into setting up industries‖.

―So, the state took it upon itself to drive industrialisation and build the foundation for take-off.
According to some records, over 100 factories were built across the regions and producing
almost everything we needed at the time‖, he said.

Today, he contrasted, ―we still export mainly primary commodities and import finished products
for consumption‖.

―From 2010 to 2019, we spent $3.9 billion importing processed rice mainly from Asia, that is an
average of almost $400 million or more than GHC2 billion per year. Over the same period, we
spent $2.4 billion on sugar imports that is about GHC 13 billion. This cannot continue‖, he said.

Read Mr Sam Jonah’s full speech below:

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a pleasure for me to be here today as the guest speaker
for this occasion.

The first time I spoke at a Rotary Club function sometime in the 90‘s my speech got me into a lot
of trouble with the then President of our country.

The title of my speech was, ―Poverty breeds social unrest, you don‘t help the poor by punishing
the rich‖. Those of you who are old enough will remember that the only independent newspaper
then was the Free Press, which carried an editorial with the title, ―The golden words of Sam
Jonah‖. As it turned out, that wasn‘t particularly helpful. In preparing my speech, then and now,
I took inspiration from your 4-way test,……

· Is it the truth?

· Is it fair to all concerned?

· Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

· Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The late Tiny Rowland once told me that there are three circumstances where you can tell the
truth without fearing the consequences –

1) if you are Mahatma Gandhi…….you have no interest in the material world

2)if you are a Rockefeller….you are so wealthy, you have become untouchable

3)If your doctor has told you that you have only three days to live.

I will add a fourth one.

4) When you have reached my age and you have serious concerns about the future of the next
generation, it will be irresponsible not to speak up.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me start off by saying that as a frequent traveller to many African
countries, I must admit that it will be hugely unfair not to acknowledge the progress this country
has made since independence. That said, we must guard against complacency and must be alert
to any challenges that undermine the gains we have made. Given our endowment, both human
and natural, we can and should do much better. In any case, the point ought to be made that we
really ought not to take comfort in comparing ourselves to the rest of Africa. We must compare
ourselves to the rest of the world. And it is in that context that I will like to share with you my
reflections on the challenges that can be an impediment to our country‘s progress if not
addressed with urgency and determination.

A lot of what I will be talking about is not new to any of us. They are things we mutter about at
home and when we meet friends but reluctant to articulate them publicly. In this regard, let me
make the observation that in a large measure our attitude is informed by partisan reasons or fear
of recrimination. Of course, we have all been witnesses to how political parties use social media
to unleash their attack dogs on critics. The fear is real but let me state without equivocation that
in succumbing to our fears, we actually make matters worse because impunity and mendacity
reign supreme. As the saying goes, fear is the path to the dark side. We must find our voices
otherwise we become okay with the ills of society or that we become powerless. Either way, we
will be the worse for it. A wise man once said that the necessary condition for evil to triumph is
for good people to remain silent.

So, whatever we do, we must never keep quiet about the problems we face, the solutions to them
and the prospects for a better future. Indeed, in his inaugural address in 2016, our President,
Nana Akufo Addo entreated us to be active participants and not be mere spectators in the affairs
of our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I will start off by talking about that which concerns, or ought to concern
all of us, and that which keeps me awake at night. And it is about the state of the economy and
its prospects going forward. As an investor, I know what an economy should look like to attract
the necessary investment for national development. Available data indicates that for the first
quarter of 2020, GDP grew at a rate of 4.6%, contracted to -3.2% for the second quarter and -
1.1% for the third quarter, giving an average outturn of 0.2% for the three quarters of the year.
For the same period in 2019, the economy grew at the rate of 6%. At the end of the third quarter,
the industry sector contracted at -3.1% while services grew at 1.9%. Only the agriculture sector
increased in its growth rate recording 4.5% at the end of the third quarter as compared to 3.7%
for the same period in 2019. This is telling us something, right? Even though government
revenue exceeded the revised target for the year, expenditure also exceeded the revised target
leading to the end of year fiscal deficit of 11.7% of GDP.

Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the most alarming aspects of our macroeconomic situation is the
debt crisis. As at the end of 2020, total public debt reached GHC 291.6 billion representing
76.1% of GDP. A nominal increase of about GHc 149.3 Billion since January 2017. In 2018, the
debt to GDP ratio was 59.1%, increased to 62.4% in 2019 and to 76.1% in 2020. New bonds
have since been issued. The domestic debt component is 51.4% of total debt while external debt
is 48.6%. Of course, we all know the effect this has on access to credit by the private sector for
investment. But the bigger question is how all these debts are going to be repaid. This question is
important because if you look at our expenditure profile, the top two items are the emoluments of
government employees and interest payments on existing debts. Thus, we are borrowing to
consume and to service existing debts rather than for productive investment. In 2020, the
emoluments of government employees represented 28.3% of total expenditure while interest
payments amounted to 24.6% of total expenditure. Capital expenditure was only 12.1% of total
expenditure in 2020. And this is not abating soon. In fact, in 2021, the budget estimates indicate
that interest payments will exceed even emoluments of government employees to become the
number one line item in our expenditure profile. This is why some economists argue that the
ratio of debt servicing capacity to debt stock is a better measure of sustainability than debt to
GDP ratio. But this is another discussion for another day.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us look at the main drivers of the economy and their prospects going
into the future. Take mining for instance, and here I refer to gold mining because it is the most
significant mineral in the mining sector. Like all minerals, Gold is a depleting resource. It is
irreplaceable. Not too long ago, South Africa was by far the biggest producer of gold in the
world; in 1994 out of a total global production of 81 million ounces, South Africa alone
produced more than 20 million ounces, representing 25%. Ghana did not even register as one of
the major producers. In 2020, South Africa‘s share of global production is only 3%, and it has
lost the top spot even in Africa. Ghana now enjoys the enviable position as the biggest producer
in Africa. But 40 years from now, who can say for sure that we will still be producing gold here?
As for our newly found jewel, Oil, a lot of countries are talking about green energy and
alternatives to fossil fuels due to the phenomenon of climate change. Most countries are making
plans to ban or phase out the use of fossil fuels in the near future. So 40 years from now, what
would be the demand for oil? That is if we still have some. Meanwhile, remittances from
Ghanaians in the diaspora which is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Ghana is
also at risk due to major generational changes. Again, 40 years from now, it is not certain
whether the next generation of Ghanaians in the diaspora will feel so attached to families here as
to be sending money to take care of them or build houses here. To put it in context, this source
represents a significant part of our national income.
Ladies and gentlemen, I recently read about a rather disturbing information about cocoa. The
Chinese having helped pollute our rivers through illegal mining activities and having, in
connivance with some Ghanaians acquired large tracks of farmlands in the cocoa-growing areas
have started producing their own cocoa. Their illicit mining activities release mercury into the
soil. Mercury is indestructible and traces have been found in some of our cocoa beans. What this
means is that even our traditional source of revenue from which thousands of farmers obtain
their livelihoods is no longer secure, as we risk losing the premium quality of our cocoa. This is a
terrible prospect and it is one that must be tackled with a renewed sense of urgency.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the inevitable conclusion from all of this is that the sustainability of our
current sources of revenue is under threat. We are borrowing huge sums of money for our
children and grandchildren to pay yet we are not seeing realistic strategies that assure us of our
capacity to pay back. How are the 30-year, 40-year bonds going to be paid?

I am afraid that unless there are clear plans to ensure that the economy creates jobs, reduces
poverty and improves upon the quality of life of the average Ghanaian, a sense of hopelessness
and helplessness will be the lot of our children and grandchildren. The debt will suffocate them.
This is what concerns me.

How do we avoid this situation? Well in my view, we can only do so through investment in all
sectors of the economy; I will now put on my investor cap and ask this question. Given that I
have a choice in where I put my money, what will I like to see in my country to make it the
preferred destination for my investment? Every investor has got a choice. So I am asking you, if
you were an investor, what would you like to see in a Ghanaian business environment which will
make you want to put your capital here. We are all celebrating the good news of Ghana being
chosen as the host of the Africa free Trade Secretariat and the Government should be
commended for this remarkable development. However, we can only realise the benefits if we
become the most competitive economy on the continent. We are nowhere there. [I] am afraid we
have a lot of work to do to attain this status.

A research and advisory firm Konfidant, reported that Ghana fell short on almost all AFCFTA
competitive indicators. These are; Cost of credit, cost of power, productive capacity, customs
efficiency, trade logistics and Dependency on foreign input.

Investment promotion is like a beauty pageant. The reward goes to the country which is adjudged
to be the most attractive as an investment destination. What conditions create the conducive
environment for investment in any country? Let us look at our situation.

One of the key considerations for investment is governance. We have elected governments since
1992 to steer our affairs. But the very nature of our democratic set-up is our undoing. The three
arms of government are like a tripod. For stability, each leg must have enough strength to stand.
In our system, one leg i.e the executive has more strength than the other two combined. In fact,
the two seem to derive their strengths from that of the executive, thus weakening checks and
balances. Any party that comes to power has absolute power to do whatever they want.
The 1992 Constitution is the basis for the current democratic dispensation. It created a monstrous
executive which looms large over the other arms of the governance structure, and for 28 years,
we have failed to make any meaningful changes to strengthen our democracy. Actually, what we
have is an ―Executocracy‖ not a democracy. The President is supposed to appoint the majority of
his ministers from Parliament. By definition, that makes Parliament a rubber stamp, because no
MP in the ruling party will be able to stand up and demand accountability from the executive –
they are all scrambling for positions! The Judiciary is no different. The President has a
determining role in the appointment of all the judges of the Supreme Court including the Chief
Justice. This festers the perception that the situation compromises the impartiality and
independence of the judiciary. Indeed a large section of the citizenry believe that the judiciary is
not impartial with 85% of Ghanaians in a recent Afrobarometer survey perceiving the judiciary
as corrupt and ineffective.

My own personal experience with the judiciary is that of frustration, lengthy and costly
proceedings. Some lawyers take pride in being masters of legal gymnastics. Every opportunity to
delay cases are seized. The Commercial Courts which were set up to speed up the dispensation
of justice have been a huge disappointment. Disputes involving land overwhelm the courts. Land
acquisition is a most important factor in investment decision making. Any prolonged litigation
over land frustrates the investor.

It has been said that the enclave that houses the lands commission, lands evaluation and title
deeds registry is arguably the most corrupt enclave in the world. It cannot be good for
investment. But corruption pervades all aspects of our governance system. A few years ago, a
prominent member of parliament said publicly that parliamentarians take bribes to pass bills that
favour their sponsors. Ladies and gentlemen, if a fish comes out from water to tell us that the
crocodile has one eye, who are we to doubt it? Incidentally, the said MP is now the Speaker of
Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin.

Our governments pay lip service to anti-corruption but do little substantially to cure the canker.
Which of the major corruption issues has been conclusively dealt with since the fourth Republic
began? There have been major corruption scandals and none has been conclusively dealt with. I
could give you a long list of unsolved corruption cases but there is no need to bore you with
something you are all so familiar with. As a friend of mine will say, the problem with corruption
is not the absence of laws, but the certainty of punishment. Sadly, there is rather certainty that
corrupt people especially in high places will never face punishment. And this has bred impunity
in those who would rather take it all for themselves through dubious means than serve the
common good. We cannot go anywhere if this situation continues. No country can develop
without dealing decisively with corruption.

Days ago, we read shocking news of two teenagers who were arrested for killing a 10-year-old
boy for money rituals. This sparked extensive discussion on mainstream as well as social media.
Many Ghanaians were expectedly shocked that children of this age were so moved by money
that they allegedly killed a human being to get it. But if we were to reflect, we would know that
this was merely a symptom of a much more deep-seated problem with the entire Ghanaian
society. When our children watch TV, what do they see? Too much religiosity without morality;
pastors displaying uncouth behaviour by stepping on pregnant women and slapping congregants;
people showing how money can be made without hard work, and when they copy what they see,
we appear shocked. Let us stop the pretence!

Ladies and gentlemen, what is baffling is that those who used to have voices on these things
seem to have lost their voices. People speak on issues based on who is in power. Is our deafening
silence suggesting that we are no longer concerned about issues that we complained about not
too long ago, particularly when those issues persist….. The molestation of and in some cases
assassination of journalists, murder of MPs, corruption, the harassment of anti-corruption agents.

We have just finished another election, the 8th in the series since the beginning of our fourth
Republican democratic experiment. As usual, the accolades came in from all corners of the
world, and we took them with pride. What we failed to tell the world is that some people lost
their lives in the course of the election. No election is as important as to warrant the loss of even
one life. And the silence over it is numbing as it gives the impression that it is okay, and it is to
be expected. No, it is not to be expected. One of the saddest moments for me was after the State
of the Nation address when an MP was asked why there had not been a serious outpouring of
grief about the death of the innocent people in Techiman, his response was that as far as he was
concerned, they were undeserving of any sympathy because he saw them as armed robbers. For
me, that was a new low for the country.

We also witnessed arguably the biggest assault on our democracy since the beginning of the
Fourth Republic when on the eve of the swearing-in of the President at a time when there were
no ministers, and crucially there was no minister of defence, armed soldiers, that is to say,
officers from an institution that works by command, invaded our Parliament and up till date, no
serious answers have been provided. This could have had grave consequences and for the future
of our country, the least the country deserves is a public enquiry. Have we become so numb to
these things?

The indiscipline on our roads has become a nightmare. Last year, about 1115 people lost their
lives or got seriously injured due to. Road accidents, a 22% increase over the 2019 figures
according to the bureau of public safety. For the first three months of this year alone, more than
700 people died from Road accidents. By comparison, COVID 19 has killed about 760 people
over a one year period. Clearly, indiscipline on our roads is more deadly than coronavirus.

Our media landscape is so polarised and partisan. There is hardly any objectivity because a lot of
the media stations are owned by politicians whose interest is in swaying voters one way or the
other. Independent media practice seems to have faded and journalism has become a conveyor
belt for political propaganda, insults, and acrimony. What is the status of the role of the media in
holding the executive, judiciary, and legislature accountable as the fourth estate of the realm? Is
it enough to just report issues? Where are the investigations? Where are the facts? These are hard
questions that the media must ask and re-assess its role in reshaping our country‘s future.

In the past, when all had failed, academia was the last vanguard. We all remember the role that
the Legon Observer played. Under the hallowed cloak of academic freedom, men and women of
conscience could write and speak words that penetrated the halls of power. It appears to me that
in recent times in our fourth Republican dispensation, the courage to stand up for the truth and
the determination to uphold the common good are lost. In our dark moments as a nation, it is
concerning that the voices of the intellectuals are receding into oblivion. Sadly, it is a
consequence of the deep partisan polarisation of our country such that everything is seen through
the lenses of politics. It appears to me that the culture of silence has returned. This time not
enforced by legal and military power but through convenience, parochialism, hypocrisy and lack
of conviction. Where are our Adu Boahens and PV ANSAHs?

Ladies and gentlemen, where do we go from here? If we were to listen to the voice of the over-
the-hill, the over 70s who have seen it all, what would be their advice for the future of this
country? Well, this is the advice of the over-the-hill crowd who have been of service and are
very confident that a word to the wise is enough. As the Bible says, those who have ears, let
them hear.

First, to have a meaningful democracy, we cannot continue on the path of a tripod with one leg
stronger than the other two combined. We must commit to review the experiment with the aim of
strengthening accountability and ensuring that democracy delivers real development to the
people. Democracy is meaningless unless it is capable of improving the living standards of the
people and providing decent living conditions for at least the very poor in our society. To
achieve this, the constitution must change.

Second, we must re-evaluate the structure of our economy. No country has attained the height of
development unless the major drivers of the economy are owned and controlled largely by the
citizenry. Take a look at the major drivers of the Ghanaian economy in the financial sector, the
mining sector, construction of major projects, telecommunications, oil and gas, insurance etc.
These are often predominantly foreign-owned, and Ghanaians own little in these sectors. For
example, according to PwC, as of June 2019, only nine (9) out of 23 Class 1 licensed banks had
majority local ownership with the rest being majority foreign-owned. In the mining sector,
Ghana has more than 20 mining companies at various stages of operation in the country. As far
as am aware no Ghanaian business man or woman has 5% of the ownership in any of these
companies. The situation is not different from what pertains in the oil sector. I note with some
satisfaction the efforts of the government to empowering Ghanaians in the economy. In this
regard, I pray we will learn from the experiences of Malaysia and South Africa. In Malaysia, the
promotion of what they called ―bumiputra‖ (Malay sons of the soil) policies as an attempt to
empower local businesses in an affirmative manner led to massive corruption and cronyism.
South Africa‘s Black Economic Empowerment Program (BEE) suffered the same fate. Even
though these programmes were well-intended, their implementation gave room for political
patronage and clientelism leading to the consequences noted above. We must therefore be
guarded in the implementation of this initiative. We can empower our own people without
creating seasonal local entrepreneurs through political patronage or ―create, loot and share‖
schemes disguised as investments. Tribal and ethnocentric considerations, family affiliation and
friendships must not be the defining routes to gain business opportunities.

Third, we need to develop our industrial base. We cannot develop by importing almost
everything from food to toothpick. The One District One Factory (1D1F) flagship initiative is
laudable but quite frankly we need a lot more than that to develop an industrial base. And by the
way, where is the industrial base or foundation laid by Kwame Nkrumah in the 60s? At the time,
there was an understanding that there were no Ghanaian businesses with enough capital to
venture into setting up industries. So the state took it upon itself to drive industrialisation and
build the foundation for take-off. According to some records over 100 factories were built across
the regions and producing almost everything we needed at the time. Today we still export mainly
primary commodities and import finished products for consumption. From 2010 to 2019, we
spent $3.9 billion importing processed rice mainly from Asia, hat is an average of almost $400
million or more than GHC 2 billion per year. Over the same period, we spent $2.4 billion on
sugar imports that is about GHC 13 billion. This cannot continue.

The last but not least, we must completely overhaul our educational system. I am not talking
about the duration of school. I am talking about the quality of education and the prioritisation of
what our children are taught. A useful educational system must be able to groom young people to
believe in themselves and to have the necessary skills and attitudes to form an effective, efficient
labour force. As the legendary Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey opined, our education must train the heads,
hands and heart of our youth. This calls for not only Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics, but also vocational and technical education. Our inordinate obsession with degrees
and certificates has turned most of our graduates into ―certificated unemployables‖ hardly suited
to the needs of industry. Are we preparing our graduates for the new skills sets needed for the
future? This is why I have never understood the kind of logic that informed the conversion of
polytechnics into universities. Technical and vocational education have been crucial in
Germany‘s development. Let us relook at our priorities and reform the educational system,
shifting away from grades and certificates to technical know-how, values and attitude building;
an educational system that inculcates into our young people flexibility and adaptability;
communication and emotional intelligence; creativity and innovation as well as ethical
leadership skills. This is the only way we can compete in the 21st century, and from my
perspective, we do not lack the human and material resources to create that kind of system. We
must shape the future we desire for our country today!

In conclusion, the older folks remember the inspirational lyrics of the wonderful highlife music,
―Work and Happiness‖. It is characteristic of the times in which it was produced. Today‘s music,
well maybe I am too old, but one can hardly understand the lyrics or what they are supposed to
inspire. A contemporary musician Adangba however asks a good question which I will like to
ask all of us: ―who go say the truth‖? On that note, I urge all of us to speak up, for the good of
our country, now and in the future. A wise man once said that the necessary condition for evil to
triumph is for good people to remain silent.