28th April, 2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Daily
Global
Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine
Rice E-Newsletter
April 28, 2015
V o l u m e 5, Issue I
Massive trade deal could come down to two things: Rice and
cars
Officials are working feverishly to unsnag a deal with Japan and 10 other Asia-Pacific countries.
By ADAM BEHSUDI
www.ricepluss.com
R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine
Page 1
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mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
Cell : +92 321 369 2874

4/27/15 6:56 PM EDT
Updated 4/28/15 10:42 AM EDT
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will get the royal treatment this week during his U.S. visit: an
arrival ceremony on the South Lawn; an Oval Office meeting and press conference with President
Barack Obama; a State Department lunch with Vice President Joe Biden; and Secretary of State
John Kerry and, last but not least, a state dinner with nearly 300 guests.But behind the scenes,
White House officials are working feverishly to unsnag a trade deal with Japan and 10 other
Asia-Pacific countries that would be the largest such agreement in history. The two major holdups: rice and cars.
Washington wants Japan to raise the cap on the amount of rice the U.S. can sell to the country
without tariffs, which can top 778 percent. Tokyo wants the U.S., long protective of its auto
industry, to drop tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts.
While Obama and Abe will discuss the agreement, they are not expected to reach a breakthrough
on the outstanding issues; thats the job of Obamas top trade official, Michael Froman, and his
Japanese counterpart, Akira Amari. But a Japanese official close to the negotiations told
POLITICO the talks have progressed far enough that the two countries are likely to clinch a deal
in the next few weeks, removing the biggest hurdle to inking the broader pact, which, in turn,
could happen by late May.
MAURA REYNOLDS
The latest that both sides will try to conclude their talks is by the next Trans-Pacific Partnership
ministers meeting, the Japanese embassy source said. Top trade officials could wrap up work on
the massive Asia-Pacific trade agreement, which would cover an estimated 40 percent of global
gross domestic product, at the end of next month in Singapore.
But the pact is riding largely on whether the U.S. and Japan can resolve their differences over
agricultural and automobile import tariffs, which the two nations had hoped in recent months
would be accomplished by the time Abe came to Washington. While the two leaders talk, U.S.
and Japanese trade officials will also be meeting this week in the nations capital to try to
hammer out details like how much U.S. rice Japan is willing to accept and a mechanism that
would prevent a surge of Japanese autos into the U.S.
Rice and cars have always been a sticking point in U.S-Japanese trade relations: Japan is very
protective of its home-grown rice industry, which is ingrained in the countrys culture, while the
U.S. doesnt want Toyota and Honda to undercut the iconic Ford and Chevy pickup truck
industry.
Obama said Monday that both sides were getting closer to a deal, but he did not expect one to be
announced while Abe is in town.
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Negotiations are tough on both sides because hes got his own politics and interests, Obama
said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. I dont expect that we will complete all
negotiations, but I will say that the engagement has brought the parties much closer together.
Obama again pressed the case for his trade agenda in the face of stiff opposition from fellow
Democrats in Congress, warning that China will write the rules of trade in the region if the TPP
talks fail.
White House state dinner honors Japan and china
KATE GLASSMAN BENNETT
We will be shut out American businesses and American agriculture. That will mean a loss of
new jobs, he told the newspaper.
A deal between the two countries could be hastened by the House and Senate markups last week
of so-called fast-track trade legislation that would expedite Congress approval of the TPP and
another huge pact Washington is negotiating with the European Union. The trade promotion
authority bill would allow unamendable deals to be sent to lawmakers for an up-or-down vote,
giving negotiating partners like Japan assurances that they can put their best offers on the table.
Over the past several weeks, Abes visit was seen as a potential handshake moment in the trade
talks.
The fact that they couldnt bring this together for the prime ministers visit, I think its a missed
opportunity, Mireya Solis, senior fellow and Japan expert at the Brookings Institution, said,
noting that the last time a Japanese leader visited Washington was nine years ago. I was actually
hoping they could at least announce they are very close to reaching a deal, she added.
Whatever progress is made on trade this week, it may be overshadowed by security
developments. Japan unveiled new defense cooperation guidelines this week that would give
Tokyo a stronger hand over regional military affairs and deepen its strategic ties with the U.S.
GOP confident on fast-track votes
ADAM BEHSUDI
Both issues could come up when Abe addresses a joint session of Congress and talks to business
CEOs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
I think the expectation on our part is for the prime minister to really make the case why our
relationship is so important in the Asia-Pacific region, said Rep. Charles Boustany, a co-chair of
the Japan Caucus and an outspoken supporter of the Asia-Pacific trade deal.
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The House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees approval of fast-track legislation
last week was important to showing other nations the U.S. is putting its full weight behind
moving the trade agenda forward, the Louisiana Republican said.
Boustany said he hoped the visit would give Abe the opportunity to elevate the TPP to a place
that hopefully gives him the space to make the kind of decisions he needs to make.
Abes ruling Liberal Democratic Party faces fierce pressure from the countrys powerful
agriculture lobby to prevent a surge in foreign commodities from destroying the livelihood of
smaller-scale Japanese farmers, especially those that raise sensitive products, including rice,
dairy, beef, pork and wheat.
Right now, the agricultural talks are focused mainly on Japans rice market, which the White
House is working to pry open by lowering import tariffs. Japanese officials are considering
offering the U.S. more access through a quota that wouldnt be subject to duties.
The U.S. dairy industry is also pushing for more access than Tokyo has been willing to provide.
The Administration has made significant progress in dairy, but what Japan has done so far is not
enough, said Jaime Castaneda, senior vice president for strategic initiatives and trade policy at
the National Milk Producers Federation.
POLITICO PRO
Full coverage of trade policy
Our industry will be keeping a close watch on any growth limitation on any dairy product.
The U.S. is also pushing Tokyo to address policies and regulations that U.S. automakers say
keep them from selling cars in Japan.Meanwhile, Japan has been pushing for the immediate
elimination of a 2.5 percent tariff on auto parts and a reasonable phase-out period for duties on
car and light truck imports.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/massive-trade-deal-could-come-down-tojust-two-things-rice-and-cars-117398.html#ixzz3YdRvZ9hS
United States rice back on retail shelves in UK
The reappearance of U.S. rice in U.K. retail stores comes after years of campaigning and
promotional efforts by USA Rice to assure suppliers that U.S.-grown rice is a high quality,
competitive crop free of GMO traits.
By USA Rice Federation
Posted Apr. 27, 2015 at 3:06 PM

LONDON
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In a major victory for the rice industry, U.S. rice has reemerged on mainstream UK retail shelves
for the first time since 2006.The reappearance of U.S. rice in U.K. retail stores comes after years
of campaigning and promotional efforts by USA Rice to assure suppliers that U.S.-grown rice is
a high quality, competitive crop free of GMO traits. Last October, a USA Rice trade delegation
traveled to the UK to meet with major retailers, UK rice importers, millers, and selected
wholesalers.During that successful trip, the team met with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
representatives from London, and Jim Higgiston, the Agricultural Minister Counselor at the
United States Mission to the EU."We had an excellent and worthwhile dialogue with U.K.
importers that has apparently paid off," said Bastiaan de Zeeuw, president and CEO of Riviana
Foods.
For the past several years, U.S. long grain rice in the UK had only been present in the ethnic
segment of the market, targeting mainly Chinese, as well as the Afro-Caribbean and Bangladeshi
populations, a loyal consumer base who appreciate U.S. long grain's high quality
characteristics.However, thanks to the continuous joint effort by USA Rice and U.K. importers,
U.S. rice can now be enjoyed by a much wider audience.
The umbrella brand carrying U.S. rice, Tolly Boy, is a well-known and trusted brand in the UK
market, carrying different high quality rice varieties. The identified U.S. rice brand is available in
select Asda stores in 5 kg and 10 kg packaging and its presence in mainstream retail stores has
the potential to expand the consumer base substantially, offering higher sales volumes for U.S.
long grain rice."This is an exciting development for the U.S. rice industry. The U.K. has the potential
to grow into a significant market again and perhaps signal our imminent return to the continent as well," said de
Zeeuw.
Savanna Agric Institute to enhance rice production

The Savanna Agricultural Research Institute
(SARI) has secured a $1 million World Bank
grant to enhance local rice cultivation in the
northern ecological zones of the country.Dubbed
the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), the
three-year project seeks to train rice farmers on
the correct rice farming practices to ensure
higher yields.It is being implemented by SARI in
collaboration with the West African Agricultural
Productivity Programme (WAPP).It will be
implemented in six regions, namely the
Northern, Upper East, Volta, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Kpong and Dahwenya in the Greater
Accra Region.The initiative was first developed in Madagascar to train rice farmers in good
farming practices and resources to ensure higher yields in rice production.
Speaking at the launch, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer at WAPP, Mr Augustine Oppong
Dankwa, said the project was going to train the farmers in the best rice farming techniques
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including seed treatment, soil preparation and the right quantities of manure and water to use
during cultivation.He said also that the application of too much water and seed by some rice
farmers was not good for most of the rice farms.He explained that the farmers would be taken
through field demonstrations on how to manage the amount of water and seeds during
cultivation.
Dr Dankwa urged the rice farmers to adopt the SRI initiative, since it as was effective, less
tiresome and also helped the farmers to cultivate more rice from just little seeds.The Research
Co-ordinator at SARI, Dr Wilson Dogbe, for his part, said most of the problems the rice sector
faced were due to the challenges of climate change in the country.He said although the rice
sector had developed in the last 10 years, the country still produced only 30 per cent of rice,
which he said was a very worrying state worrisome.
Dr Dogbe added that the institution was going to develop new technologies and approaches to
enable farmers grow rice in healthy and drought-free environments to promote the sector.Mr
Amoah Duncan Raymond, a rice farmer in the Volta Region, in an interview, said the zone alone
contributed 45 per cent of the rice produced in the region.He said some of the land in the zone
were not suitable for the production of rice, since they were very rocky and hilly.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/artikel.php?ID=356128
Silicon: An important element in rice production

PENSOFT PUBLISHERS
Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element of the earth`s crust after oxygen. It has long
been neglected by ecologists, as it is not considered an essential nutrient for plants. However,
research of recent years showed that it is beneficial for the growth of many plants, including
important crops such as rice, wheat and barley.For instance, Si enhanced the resistance against
pests, pathogens and abiotic stresses such as salts, drought and storms. Silicon might, thus, play a
crucial role in the development of `sustainable` rice production systems with lower or zero input
of harmful pesticides.
Researchers from the interdisciplinary LEGATO project on sustainable rice production look in
more detail at the cycle of plant-available Si in contrasting regions of Vietnam and the
Philippines to provide insights on the importance of this element on rice production.A recent
article published in the journal Plant and Soil reports on Si cycling and budgets on the farm level
in the Laguna province of the Philippines. The data show that the irrigation water can provide a
considerable amount of the Si that is taken up by plants. In rain water, the concentrations of Si
were below the detection limit of the analytical method; the researchers, thus, assume that rain is
no important Si source for plants. Another major source of plant-available Si is the dissolution of
solid soil particles.
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In a subsequent study, the LEGATO researchers currently focus on the soil processes that
determine the pool of plant-available Si during the growing period. Recent literature suggests
that the recycling and decomposition of rice straw plays a crucial role for Si availability. The
farmers should therefore recycle the straw completely.This is not done by all of the farmers that
were interviewed within the LEGATO project, i.e., some of them remove part of the straw and
use it e.g., as fertilizer on vegetable fields. Over the long-term, this could have negative effects
on the Si supply to rice plants. Particularly in regions, where soils are strongly weathered, and
the Si availability is therefore very low (e.g., the LEGATO study sites in Vietnam), farmers
should consider Si availability as a factor in the management of the rice field.
Klotzbcher, T., Leuther, F., Marxen, A., Vetterlein, D., Horgan, F., Jahn, R. 2015. Forms and
fluxes of potential plant-available silicon in irrigated lowland rice production (Laguna, the
Philippines). Plant and Soil, doi:10.1007/s11104-015-2480-y
Klotzbcher, T., Marxen, A., Vetterlein, D., Schneiker, J., Trke, M., Van Sinh, N., Manh, N.H.,
Van Chien, H., Marquez, L., Villareal, S., Bustamante, J.V., Jahn, R. 2015. Plant-available
silicon in Southeast Asian paddy soils - baseline data for the LEGATO project. Basic and
Applied Ecology. doi:10.1016/j.baae.2014.08.002
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-04/pp-sai042815.php
Rice exports grow

Rice exports are set to leap by more than 10 percent this year, setting a new record, industry
experts said yesterday. U Soe Tun, associate secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF),
said total exports would reach 2 million metric tonnes in 2015-2016.
The surge is due to a deal regularising exports to China, as well as the emergence of the United
States as a buyer of Myanmar rice, he said.Being able to export rice to the USA is a significant
improvement, even though the amount is small. We expect the volume to rise so long as we can
maintain the quality, he said.Last year, 1.39 million metric tonnes of rice was exported, plus more
than 400,000 tonnes of broken rice, earning US$644 million a 40-year record, overtaking the 1.46
million tonnes sold in 2012-13 fiscal year.Myanmar now serves 64 international rice buyers,
including the United States, which last year bought 17 tonnes of high-quality pawsan, export figures
stated.
The agreement with China to export 100,000 tonnes is planned to start with a 3000-tonne
consignment in May.However, U Ye Min Aung, general secretary of the MRF, says much still has to
be done to improve export quality and price control. The government has to cut logistics costs in
order to control the price of exported goods, he said.
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Though its economy depends heavily on rice exports, Myanmar still ranks relatively low among
Asias rice exporters. http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/14156-rice-exports-grow.html
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Paddy Marketing Board to sell part of stocks purchased

Apr 28, 2015 Ariram Panchalingam
The Paddy Marketing

Board says that the
paddy
purchased
during
the
Maha
Season will be sold
after converting it into
rice.Chairman of the
board
M.
B.
Dissanayake said that a
part of this stock are to
be kept as secured
stocks.The Chairman
elaborating on the issue
that that there are
requests from some
areas for more paddy
to be purchased. He
said that the subject minister had forwarded this request to the cabinet for money to be released.
He said:
The money that we requested will be released soon and discussions are underway with the
regard to what needs to be done to the purchased paddy.He stated that as a result, the ministry
will be having necessary stocks while selling the rest to the public. He stated that the money
earned through this exercise can be used to develop storage facilities.
http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/04/paddy-marketing-board-to-sell-part-of-stocks-purchased/92020
APEDA-INDIA NEWS
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 27-04-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
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Price

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Garlic
1
Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2100
Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2000
1800
Ginger
1
Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
4600
2
3
Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
5100
3000
Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
4295
Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t)

Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps technical grade, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
1715
3750
2
3
Guar Gum Powder

1
2
3
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 27-04-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Jatni (Orissa)
Other
2000
2400
2
3
Manjeri (Kerala)
Gajol (West Bengal)
Other
Other
2800
1850
3800
1950
Amirgadh (Gujarat)
Other
1250
1600
2
3
Bonai (Orissa )
Attari(Punjab)
Other
Other
1450
1450
1600
1450
1
2
Kottakkal (Kerala)
Nagpur(Maharashtra)
Other
Other
4300
1700
4500
4000
Barara(Haryana)
Other
2500
2800
Chala (Kerala)
Bonai (Orissa)
Other
Other
3300
1500
3350
2000
Bharuch(Gujarat)
Other
500
1000
For more info
Rice
Wheat
Orange
Cucumbar
1
2
3
Source:agra-net
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 27-04-2015
Product
1
2
3
Market Center
Price
296
Pune
Chittoor
Hyderabad
303
245
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices

Product
Mangoes
1
2
Market Center
Unit Price : US$ per package
Origin
Variety
Low
Chicago
Mexico
Ataulfo
10
Dallas
Ecuador
Ataulfo
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Price on 27-04-2015
High
Package: flats 1 layer
11
9

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3
Cabbage
1
2
3
Apples
1
2
Detroit
Mexico
Ataulfo
Atlanta
Detroit
Florida
Texas
Round Green Type

Round Green Type
9
13.50
Miami
Canada
Round Green Type
11
Atlanta
Baltimore
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Red Delicious
Red Delicious
19
17
Michigan
Red Delicious
26
3
Miami
Source:USDA
8.50
Package: 50 lb cartons
12.50
16.50
12
Package: cartons tray pack
19
18
26
Partnership with Big Y Dietitians Helps Boost Awareness

and Sales of U.S. Rice
USA Rice's Cranberry Pecan
Rice Pilaf cover shot
makes an impression
ARLINGTON, VA -- Earlier this year,

USA Rice participated in the Living Well
Eating Smart (LWES) program at Big Y, a
supermarket chain of more than 60 stores
in Massachusetts and Connecticut. From
January through March, shoppers were
exposed to the many uses and nutritional
benefits of U.S.-grown rice through a print
and online newsletter, social media, as well
as in-store signage and displays.During the
two-month promotion, Big Y's rice
category saw a 5.8 percent increase in rice
unit sales compared to the same time
period last year. "With a growing trend
toward
sustainable,
locally-grown,
nutritious foods, a focus on U.S.-grown
rice was a perfect fit for our January
Winter Warm-Ups theme," said Andrea Luttrell, Big Y Registered Dietitian. "It's important to
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educate shoppers on the health benefits of the foods they are purchasing. Our shoppers were very
receptive to the messages about rice -- after all, it's such an affordable and versatile pantry staple!
So reminding them that this delicious food comes with a host of nutritional benefits, and that it's
grown in the USA, allows our shoppers to enjoy their eating experience while feeling good about
what they are feeding their families."
Customized partnerships with retail dietitians are a great way to increase visibility of U.S.-grown
rice in the supermarket communication channels and drive shopper interest in U.S.-grown rice.
Contact: Katie Maher (703) 236-1453
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for April 28
Month
Price
Net Change
May 2015
$9.965
+ $0.110
July 2015
$10.235
+ $0.110
September 2015
$10.505
+ $0.105
November 2015
$10.760
+ $0.105
January 2016
$11.010
+ $0.105
March 2016
$11.060
+ $0.105
May 2016
$11.060
+ $0.105
Pakistan offers PTA to Afghanistan, FTA to Iran: Khurram

Monday, 27 April 2015 20:40
Posted by Shoaib-ur-Rehman Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce, Engineer Khurran Dastgir Khan here on

Monday said that Pakistan has offered Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to
Afghanistan and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to Iran for enhancing trade with both
the countries.In a statement, the minister said that after trade agreements with both countries the
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trade volume of the country would significantly increase which would bring positive impact on
national economy.The minister said that under the vision of Prime Minister, Ministry of
Commerce was taking every possible step to promote trade relation with these countries.He said
that Prime Minister had visited different countries of the region in order to enhance bilateral
trade relation and he was intended to establish these relations on long term for mutual
benefits.Commerce Minister said that during recent visit to Afghanistan and Iran he had
discussed the pending trade issues for their swift settlement and suggested to remove export duty
on Pakistani goods for Central Asian States through Afghanistan.He said these steps would
facilitate the traders besides enhancing the trade from the country. He further said that during
recent visit to Iran he had also discussed duties imposed by Iran on import of wheat, rice and
fruits from Pakistan to bring balance and stability in trade.
http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1-front-top-news/239863-pakistan-offers-pta-to-afghanistan-fta-toiran-khurram.html
Government working towards raising productivity of crops: Bosan

April 28, 2015
RECORDER REPORT
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has
announced that the government is working on every possible option to increase the productivity
of different crops. "Relief will be given to farmers in the coming budget while such a policy is
being devised to ensure that benefit of subsidy should go to them, rather than middle men. His
announcement came in a seminar arranged by a private company to launch Urea-Z, which is a
bioactive nutrient fortified fertilised introduced for the first time for the Pakistani farmers. The
minister said recent rains had caused damage to Lahore, Gujranwala and the Potohar region and
the government had called for a report to analyse the extent of the damage and that after the 18th
Amendment most of the decision making rests with provinces and federation had left with few
aspects.
But he assured his government's efforts to better this sector. He then appreciated the introduction
of bio-fertilisers that would ensure consistent bioavailability of immobile and less mobile
nutrients during the crop life such as P, Zn, B and Fe. "The products not only improve plant
health and yield but also minimise the financial burden on the farmers. Urea Z and Bio Organo
Phosphorus are two of such products, introduced in Pakistan," he added. In his speech, Niha
Tech Pvt Ltd Chief Executive Officer Nadeem Tariq said zinc was one of the most critical
micronutrients not only for crop production but also for human health. "The primary reason of
deficiency in crops is its lower bioavailability from soils to plant. Under the Pakistani soil and
environmental conditions, only four to eight percent of the zinc applied in soil is available to
plant and the remaining 92 to 96 percent is wasted in soil that is loss of farmers' investment." He
went on, "Farmers of rice, maize, sugarcane, potato and other crops generally spend Rs 3,350 per
acre on one bag of urea 50 kilograms and 6 kilograms of 33 percent of zinc sulphate.
Due to 30 to 60 percent N losses from urea and 92 to 96 percent losses of zinc, the farmers do
not get economical return of their investment in the form of crop produce quantity and
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quality. "Lower concentration of zinc in the agricultural produce has started seriously affecting
human health in Pakistan. The most efficient and economical channel of providing sufficient zinc
to masses human is through the agricultural produce. Therefore, it is critical to increase the
availability of zinc in the agricultural produce to avert a negative impact of deficiency in human.
Urea Z has 42 percent nitrogen and 2 percent bioactive zinc contents and which has been tested
in farmer fields of Pakistan at rice, maize, wheat, potato and other crops for the past few years
and test marketing started from rice crop 2014. "Urea Z has proved to be revolutionary fertilizer
for all corps by ensuring consistent supply of zinc through its patent bioactive zinc component,
improving efficiency of nitrogen and other nutrients. In addition, it enhanced root mass by 15 to
20 percent, intensity of leaves' green colour and crop resistance against lodging and ultimately
yield by 15 percent. Urea Z also contributed in reducing cost of nitrogen and zinc fertilisers'
application.
http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1180537/
Pakistan rice imports frustrate farmers

Published on Tuesday, 28 April 2015 01:15
Written by FINNIGAN WA SIMBEYE
IN Kilombero District, hundreds of kilometres from East African Community headquarters in

Arusha, smallholder rice farmers are still struggling to sell their rice from 2012/13 season.Prices
are still very low but have slightly appreciated from 600/- to 750/- a kilogramme on average,
said Ms Christina Magwila.The mother of four said prices plummeted by more than 50 per cent
last year when Kilombero Plantation Limited, the single largest client of her rice, failed to buy
the commodity from over 5,000 smallholder farmers due to saturated local market.I sold my
rice at a loss because I needed school fees for my two secondary school girls and their primary
school sibling, said Ms Magwila who like many other smallholder rice farmers in the country, is
struggling to absorb the huge loss caused.
KPL Chief Executive Officer, Mr Carter Coleman said his company posted a whopping 4bn/loss as a result of the Pakistan rice imports in 2013 and a similar amount due to a 25 per cent
price fall caused by a bumper harvest in 2013/14 season.Some 40,000 tonnes of cheap Pakistani
rice that was exempt from the Common External Tariff of the East African Community was
imported, dropping the wholesale price by 54 per cent and impoverishing hundreds of thousands
of rice smallholders, Mr Coleman said while responding in an interview.The government had
initially issued permits for the importation of 120,000 tonnes of rice to offset an alleged shortage
in the local market but suspended the imports in March last year after an outcry by commercial
and smallholder rice farmers.
KPL still had 1,000 tonnes of rice from the 2012 season and another 5,000 tonnes from 2013
season which could not be sold at a profitable price due to the cheap imports by mid last
year.Local rice producers further faced problems to export the grain to Rwanda and Uganda
because crooked traders blended local rice with Pakistan imports forcing governments of the two
countries to slap a 75 per cent import duty. Coleman is angry with Ugandan authorities for
continuing to impose the 75 per cent duty on Tanzanian rice exports contrary to EACs Customs
Union Protocol.There is no substantial Pakistani rice in Tanzania, please get your government
to lift the tariff on our rice as you are bankrupting Tanzanian farmers, said Coleman in an
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emotional message directed at former Ugandan Ambassador to China, Philip Idro.In his
response, Ambassador Idro argued that so long as local rice was blended with Pakistan rice, it
will continue attracting hiked duty because it violates the rules of origin as per EAC Customs
Protocol. This means that we have to do our part and that is why Uganda is going ahead to hold
onto the 75 per cent tax, even if alone, Ambassador Idro stressed.He warned that local rice
producers who create jobs and add value to the economy should regularly update policy makers
on the disaster which imported rice is causing on the EAC regions economies.
But the jinx of Pakistan rice imports does not only seem to haunt local farmers, but also their
peers in Kenya where the government has a bilateral agreement with Pakistan to swap tea and
rice trading.Last week, a delegation of East African Farmers Federation led by its President
Philip Kiriro, visited East Africa Cooperation Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe and raised the
issue of Pakistan rice imports frustrating regional trade. EAFF Chief Executive Officer, Stephen
Muchiri said Kenyan rice farmers are failing to exploit the EAC Customs Union Protocol
because their commodity to Rwanda and Uganda is slapped with a 75 percent duty.You know
Kenya has a trade agreement with Pakistan whereby they buy tea while we import their rice.
Unscrupulous businessmen are mixing the Pakistan rice with local rice in Kenya which has
attracted a 75 per cent import duty in Uganda and Rwanda, Mr Muchiri said.
I understand this problem has also affected rice farmers here, I hope that you as Chairman of the
Council of Ministers can help us address this, he pointed out saying EAFF is working with
United States Agency for International Development in assisting farmers acquire skills, identify
markets and observe quality and standards.Currently after investing heavily in rice production,
local farmers produce over 1.2 million metric tons of the commodity against annual demand of
less than one million tonnes.Responding to the EAFF delegations request, Dr Mwakyembe said
he will raise the matter with his peers during the next Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for
Thursday, April 3. Much of this rice is smuggled into our region, we should find a solution
against this, said Dr Mwakyembe.He pointed out that EACs biggest trading prowess lies in
agriculture produce which involves the majority of people in the region hence the need to protect
the market for such commodities.
Dr Mwakyembe invited EAFF officials to make their presentation before an EAC Council of
Ministers which will thereafter deliberate on the matter.Earlier this year, EAC Finance Ministers
agreed a 35 per cent Common External Tariff (CET) on imported rice for the region, a move
which has strongly been opposed by rice farmers and former Minister for Agriculture, Food
Security and Cooperatives Minister, Christopher Chiza.I was not consulted on this issue which
is detrimental to our farmers, Engineer Chiza said promising to strongly oppose the attempt. He
said Kenya which includes Pakistan rice on its list of sensitive products, imposes a 35 per cent
duty hence wants the whole block to adopt the rate.My fear is that Kenyan rice imports with a
lower rate will continue be smuggled into Tanzania, Eng Chiza who has since been shifted to
Prime Ministers Office, warned. Finance Minister, Saada Mkuya Salum said the CET is
negotiable and can be hiked by individual countries if need arises to curb cheap imports.
http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/biz/44221-pakistan-rice-imports-frustrate-farmers
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Ep 5 Annie and Lloyd: Sea Bream Baked in Parchment with

Saffron Rice
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 plate size sea bream (about 300g), scaled, gutted
2 large lemons, thinly sliced
2 long red chillies, thinly sliced
1 cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly slice
bunch coriander leaves
bunch mint leaves
Saffron Rice
200g basmati rice, washed
5 saffron threads
1 cardamom pod, bruised
1 star anise
1 tsp salt
1 kaffir lime leaf, shredded
25g butter, chopped
Finely grated zest and juice of lemon
Salad
2 tbs olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 green spring onions, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated
1 baby cos lettuce, shredded
1 long red chilli, thinly sliced
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cup torn mint leaves

cup torn coriander leaves
Method
1. Preheat oven to 200C. Cut out four pieces of baking paper, twice the size of your fish.
2. Score each fish on both sides at 3cm intervals. Season well all over inside and out.
3. Fill cavity with half the lemon slices.
4. Divide half the chillies, ginger, onion, herbs and remaining lemon slices among centre of each
piece of paper to form a bed. Season. Place fish on top. Cover with remaining vegetables and
herbs. Fold in sides of paper and then fold in ends to form a package.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until almost cooked. Remove from oven and stand 10 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, place rice in a saucepan and add enough water to come 2.5cm above the rice. Stir
in spices and lime leaf. Bring to a boil. Cover with a tight fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
Cook for a further 13-15 minutes. Stand covered for 5 minutes.
7. Remove cardamom pod and star anise. Stir in butter, zest and juice.
8. To make salad, whisk oil and juice in a large bowl. Season. Add remaining ingredients. Toss
to combine.
9. Serve fish with rice and salad.
Tips
Exact cooking time of fish will depend on size. Test by inserting a fork into the thickest part of
the fish. If the flesh comes away from the bone, it is cooked. Standing the fish in its parcel,
allows residual heat to gently finish cooking the fish after it has been removed from the oven.
You could use any type of plate size fish for this recipe.
Try serving this dish with a quick raita mix 250g plain yoghurt with 2 tbs of finely chopped
mint. Stir in a pinch of ground cumin and season
Source TVNZ
Why A Scientist Is Growing Rice On A Marquette University

Rooftop
By SUSAN BENCE APR 24, 2015
VIEW SLIDESHOW 1 of 6
Michael Schlppi at his rooftop paddy system before spring planting began. Schlppi studied in
his native Switzerland before hopping the Atlantic to do postdoctoral work.
S BENCE
When I first visited, the paddies were still frozen.
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S BENCE
SLESHOW 3 of 6
Schlppi also grows rice indoors in climate controlled chambers. He applies stress,
dramatic temperature shifts, to learn how the plant reacts.
S BENCE
Rice lines Schlppi grew and studied last year.

S BENCE
In April, Schlppi plnted one paddy with seeds....
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S BENCE
....another with seeds he germinated inside, to see how their growth and health compare.
S BENCE
Listen
Listening...
3:28
Most of the worlds rice production occurs oceans away from the United States. In 2011,
molecular biologist Michael Schlppi dove into rice research hoping to grow the grain in
Wisconsin.According Schlppi, 80 percent of the rice Americans consume is grown in a handful
of states, especially Arkansas and California. But I think it would be wise to think about, with
climate change or the drought in California, maybe they wont be able to grow rice anymore,
he says.Of course wild rice grows in Wisconsin, but its a distant relative. The real thing
originated around the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers of China.The Marquette University
scientist challenged himself to uncover varieties able to cope with Wisconsins climate.
One of Schlppi's climate-controlled chambers.
A long, narrow room at the university serves as Schlppis greenhouse. It holds special climate
controlled growth chambers and is filled with rice at various stages of development.The main
thing that Im testing whether they flower here, set seeds and the seeds can be harvested on time
before winter, before it gets to cold," he says. "And also, measure what the actual yield is."He
has experimented with more than 200 rice varieties, from Australia to Uzbekistan to South
America. Each possesses unique colors and characteristics.Schlppi uncovered a Russian line he
thought would have the best results in Wisconsin. Its known as Krasnodarky 3352.
CREDIT S BENCE
On the roof of the Wehr Life Sciences building on Marquette's campus, Schlppi built a dozen
rice paddies. They are raised beds, blanketed with swimming pool liner and filled soil.Two
weeks ago, I started germination inside, which will be put into the paddy today and flooded," he
explains.Its the third year I've planted this time of year mid April. The rice doesnt like it,
but it can make it, Schlppi says. "Thats what Im testing, Im stress-testing the lines."
The rice project at Alice's Garden
CREDIT ALISSA MATHISON, UWM-IUAN
Last summer, he partnered with Alice's
Garden's Fieldhands and Foodways Project. Schlppi planted rice lines from Africa in two
paddy systems.Schlppi is now preparing to plant rice in a field north of Milwaukee. Its Fondy
Farm, a cooperative of small-scale farmers who sell their produce on the citys North Side.
Many of the farmers are Hmong."Im renting an acre of land there, so my students will help me
prepare fields," he says. Schlppi will flood a portion of his parcel to mimic traditional lowland
rice farming.
What we want to test is to take a couple of seeds, put them into the soil. Thats what the
Hmong are proposing, because thats what they did in their traditional way. Just make holes, put
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the seeds, then you have to irrigate it, you have to weed it, of course, and then see what kind of
yield we get, Schlppi says.Schlppi has more than a scientific interest in developing the
perfect rice for Wisconsin's climate; he respects the ancient traditions of growing rice in
community.
To grow rice you really need the community, especially if it is paddy-driven, water resources
you have to manage as a village. You help everyone plant, one family one week, the next week
another family, you all pitch in. For the harvest the same, Schlppi says.
Lights, Camera, Action! MyPlate Video Search
Posted by Shelley Maniscalco, Director, Office of Nutrition Marketing and Communication, Center for
Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on April 27, 2015 at 1:00 PM
Kids 2-18 years, with the support of a parent or guardian, Check Out MyPlate Video Search now
through April 30, 2015.As registered dietitian nutritionists, we love to see MyPlate in action!
MyPlate was created as a familiar mealtime symbol that helps people learn about choosing a
variety of healthy foods within all the food groups. It is a foundation which can be built upon to
reach any audience where they are and in ways most impactful for them. We find it exciting to
see how MyPlate comes to life when its used in the marketplace and very much appreciate all
those who are using MyPlate in innovative ways from in-store promotions and food packaging to
MyPlate nutrition education programs, materials, songs, social media campaigns, and the list
goes on.
One exciting, recent example is a video contest for kids, entitled Check Out MyPlate. A group of
organizations (Gerber, Canned Food Alliance, Fresh Baby, USA Rice Federation, Chop Chop,
and School Nutrition Association) developed the video competition to get kids thinking
creatively about applying MyPlate to their lives. Its an activity that engages children and teens
ages 2-18, their parents, and teachers to create videos that showcase healthy eating habits
through nutritious eating and activity choices. Qualifying videos are 60 seconds or less and
include:
An image of MyPlate
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At least one healthy eating tip
A favorite physical activity
If you would like to learn more about their competition, visit the Check Out MyPlate website
before the contest ends on April 30. We are excited to see the creative ways that kids engage in
healthy nutrition and physical activities!
http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/04/27/lights-camera-action-myplate-videosearch/?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+April+28%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+
December+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email#sthash.tI6U609D.dpuf
http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/04/27/lights-camera-action-myplate-videosearch/?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+April+28%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+Decemb
er+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email
2015 Arkansas Rice Expo Recipe Contest renders rice a

blank canvas
Grilled Rice and Black Bean Burritos with Creamy Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Tiffany Aaron's take on black beans and rice was a
winner in the 2014 Arkansas Rice Expo Recipe
Contest. Her Grilled Rice and Black Bean Burritos
with Creamy Cilantro Dipping Sauce makes an easy
summer time meal. (U of Arkansas System Division
of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower.)
http://www.hpj.com/crops/arkansas-rice-expo-recipe-contest-renders-rice-a-blank-canvas/article_55cc50ed-ba705b56-aa0480fc94b6a197.html?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+April+28%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+Decem
ber+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email
Weed scientists offer new definition for Superweed

By The Weed Science Society of America April 28, 2015 | 5:00 pm EDT
The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) joined with six sister organizations to
recommend a new definition for superweed a catchall term used by many to describe weeds
that are perceived to be more invasive and to grow more aggressively after developing resistance
to herbicides.Use of superweed has snowballed in recent years, along with considerable
misinformation that isnt supported by scientific facts. Most online dictionaries, for example,
associate superweeds with herbicide resistance caused by the suspected transfer of resistance
genes from crops to weeds. To date, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that crop to weed
gene transfer is contributing to the herbicide resistance issues faced by farmers.
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Since superweed is now clearly part of the public vernacular, we decided to offer a definition
that more clearly reflects the true source of herbicide resistance, says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D.,
WSSA science policy director.
The science-based definition developed by WSSA
focuses on the ability of weeds to develop resistance
to virtually any treatment method that is used
repeatedly and exclusively.Superweed: Slang
used to describe a weed that has evolved
characteristics that make it more difficult to manage
due to repeated use of the same management tactic.
Over-dependence on a single tactic as opposed to
using diverse approaches can lead to such
adaptations. The most common use of the slang
refers to a weed that has become resistant to one or
more
herbicide
mechanisms
of
action
(www.weedscience.org) due to their repeated use in
the
absence
of
more
diverse
control
measures. Dependence on a single mechanical,
biological, or cultural management tactic has led to
similar adaptations (e.g. hand-weeded barnyardgrass
mimicking rice morphology, dandelion seed
production in a regularly mowed lawn, knapweed resiliency to gall fly biocontrol).
Two common misconceptions about a superweed are that they are the result of gene transfer
from genetically altered crops and that they have superior competitive characteristics. Both of
these myths have been addressed by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA)
at www.wssa.net/weed/wssa-fact-sheets. WSSA has also created a variety of free educational
materials and recommendations concerning herbicide resistance and how to avoid it, available
at www.wssa.net/weed/resistance.Though the term superweed is most often associated with
weeds resistant to one or more herbicides, scientists point out that resistance can result from
overdependence on mechanical, biological or cultural management tactics as well.
Repeated hand-weeding of barnyardgrass growing in rice fields, for example, has led to weeds
that escape control by mimicking the appearance of rice plants. Similarly, spotted knapweed has
become increasingly resilient to the gall flies used repeatedly as a biological control. Even
dandelions growing in a regularly mowed lawn can evolve to avoid the mower, produce seeds
and spread.WSSAs new definition has been endorsed by the Aquatic Plant Management
Society, Canadian Weed Science Society, North Central Weed Science Society, Northeastern
Weed Science Society, Southern Weed Science Society and the Western Society of Weed
Science.
http://www.agprofessional.com/news/weed-scientists-offer-new-definition%E2%80%9Csuperweed%E2%80%9D
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28th April, 2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

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United States rice back on retail shelves in UK

By USA Rice Federation

Posted Apr. 27, 2015 at 3:06 PM

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Savanna Agric Institute to enhance rice production

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Silicon: An important element in rice production

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Rice exports grow

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Translation by Zar Zar Soe

Paddy Marketing Board to sell part of stocks purchased

The Paddy Marketing

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Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

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

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

Guar Gum Powder

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Partnership with Big Y Dietitians Helps Boost Awareness

ARLINGTON, VA -- Earlier this year,

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CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

Pakistan offers PTA to Afghanistan, FTA to Iran: Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce, Engineer Khurran Dastgir Khan here on

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Government working towards raising productivity of crops: Bosan

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Pakistan rice imports frustrate farmers

IN Kilombero District, hundreds of kilometres from East African Community headquarters in

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Ep 5 Annie and Lloyd: Sea Bream Baked in Parchment with

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