27th August, 2016 Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Daily
Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter
August 27,2016
Vol 7 , Issue VIII
Global, Regional & Local

Rice E-Newsletter
www.ricepluss.com / www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
Contact Online Advertisement : mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell: 0321 369 2874

Today Rice News Headlines...
President emphasises steps to enhance rice exports

President for promoting research, development in rice sector
Higher rice production: president highlights importance of research
NFA rice distribution in Bukidnon continues as farmers resume
planting
Rice basmati, Wheat declines on subdued demand
Rice import tender slated Aug. 31
Minimum export rice price mulled
VN targets $3.5b worth rice exports by 2020
A-Ibom partners Singapore firm on $100m rice project
Road to Senegal's rice self-sufficiency
110,000 rice farmers to switch to other crops, livestock
Lagosians Assured N9,000 For Bag Of Rice Before December
Owners removing illegal resorts from Phu Thap Boek
08/26/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Update: Current State of Crop in Arkansas
South Louisiana Area Food Banks Accepting Donations
Farm Mechanisation Trend In Nigeria: Indigenous Quasi Efforts
And Challenges (II)
Threat of minimum export price for rice
Importing food 'harming' Africa - UN
Umahi flags off N2.1b Operation Water Ebonyi State
How even I failed to mess up Delia's rice pudding
USDA forecasts $6 billion jump in farm exports in FY 2017
Crop prices drop 17% in Yuba County
Editorial Board
Chief Editor
Hamlik
Managing Editor
Abdul Sattar Shah

Rahmat Ullah
Rozeen Shaukat
English Editor
Maryam Editor
Legal Advisor
Advocate Zaheer Minhas
Editorial Associates
Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid

Javed Islam Agha
Ch.Hamid Malhi
Dr.Akhtar Hussain
Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui
Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF)
Islam Akhtar Khan
Editorial Advisory Board
Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim
Assistant Professor, Gomal

University DIK
Dr.Hasina Gul
Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK
News Detail...
President emphasises steps to enhance rice
exports
Mamnoon highlights importance of research, development for
introducing higher yielding better quality rice seeds in order to
increase rice production
25-Aug-16
Dr.Hidayat Ullah
Assistant Professor, University of
Swabi
Dr.Abdul Basir
Assistant Professor, University of
Swabi
Zahid Mehmood
PSO,NIFA Peshawar
Falak Naz Shah
Head Food Science & Technology

2
ART, Peshawar

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday
emphasised the importance of research and development for
introducing higher yielding and better quality rice seeds in order to
increase rice production and exports.He was talking to a delegation of
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), headed by its
Chairman Muhammad Shafique who called on him at the Aiwan-eSadr.The president underlined that REAP should itself take the
initiative to promote research and development in the rice sector which would benefit not only
the rice exporters but also the farmers.He noted that trade associations had an important role to
play in unlocking the export potential of Pakistan by fostering business environment and
representing interests of the business community.
The government is committed to providing an enabling business environment through a
consistent policy direction for trade and industry, Mamnoon said.
He appreciated the resilience of rice exporters in dealing with cyclical business slumps as rice
industry had been under pressure due to drop in international price the rice sector was the
second largest earner of foreign exchange.President Mamnoon said that the government was
determined to tap the full export potential of the sector and had taken steps to encourage valueaddition. He assured REAP of his full support in revitalising the sector and removing hindrances
in increase of rice exports.
REAPs delegation apprised the president about their proposals for increasing rice exports and
also briefed him on their problems relating to formulation of Geographical Indication Law for
getting patent right on its Basmati rice. It praised the government's policies and initiatives to
promote exports of the country.
http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/25-Aug-16/president-emphasises-steps-to-enhance-rice-exports
President for promoting research, development in rice sector

August 26, 2016
ISLAMABAD - President Mamnoon Hussain has emphasised the importance of research and
development for introducing high-yielding and better quality rice seeds in order to increase rice
production and exports.The President expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Rice
Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), headed by its chairman Muhammad Shafique, at the
Aiwan-e-Sadr here on Thursday.The President underlined that REAP should itself take the
initiative to promote research and development in the rice sector which will benefit not only the
rice
exporters
but
also
rice
farmers.
He noted that trade associations have an important role to play in unlocking the export potential

of Pakistan by fostering business environment and representing interests of the business
community.
The President said that the government is committed to provide an enabling business
environment through a consistent policy direction for trade and industry. He appreciated the
resilience of rice exporters in dealing with cyclical business slumps as rice industry has been
under pressure due to drop in international price of rice.The President noted that rice sector is the
second largest earner of foreign exchange adding that the government is determined to tap the
full export potential of this sector and has taken steps to encourage value-addition.
The President assured REAP of his full support in revitalizing this sector and removing
hindrances in increase of rice exports.
The President said that Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku and Agriculture University,
Faisalabad should also strive to introduce higher yielding seeds in cotton and rice for
strengthening
the
countrys
economy.
The delegation of REAP apprised the President about their proposals for increasing rice exports
and also briefed him on their problems relating to formulation of Geographical Indication Law
for getting patent right on its Basmati rice, development of new rice seeds, relief in export
refinance payment, utilisation of Export Development Fund and grant of industry status to the
rice units.The delegation praised governments policies and initiatives to promote exports of the
country.
http://nation.com.pk/business/26-Aug-2016/president-for-promoting-research-development-in-rice-sector
Higher rice production: president highlights importance of

research
August 26, 2016
President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday emphasised the importance of research and

development for introducing higher yielding and better quality rice seeds in order to increase rice
production and exports. He was talking to a delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan
(REAP), headed by its Chairman Muhammad Shafique which called on him here at the Aiwan-eSadr.The President underlined that REAP should itself take the initiative to promote research and
development in the rice sector which would benefit not only the rice exporters but also rice
farmers. He noted that trade associations had an important role to play in unlocking the export
potential of Pakistan by fostering business environment and representing interests of the business
community.
He said that the government was committed to providing an enabling business environment

through a consistent policy direction for trade and industry. The President appreciated the
resilience of rice exporters in dealing with cyclical business slumps as rice industry had been
under
pressure
due
to
drop
in
international
price
of
rice.
He noted that the rice sector was the second largest earner of foreign exchange adding that the
government was determined to tap the full export potential of the sector and had taken steps to
encourage value-addition. President Mamnoon assured REAP of his full support in revitalizing
this sector and removing hindrances in increase of rice exports. He said that Rice Research
Institute, Kala Shah Kaku and Agriculture University, Faisalabad should also strive to introduce
higher yielding seeds in cotton and rice for strengthening the country's economy.
The REAP delegation apprised the President about their proposals for increasing rice exports and
also briefed him on their problems relating to formulation of Geographical Indication Law for
getting patent right on its Basmati rice, development of new rice seeds, relief in export refinance
payment, utilisation of Export Development Fund and grant of industry status to the rice units.
The delegation praised the government's policies and initiatives to promote exports of the
country.
http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183:pakistan/79307:higher-rice-production-presidenthighlights-importance-of-research/?date=2016-08-26
NFA rice distribution in Bukidnon continues as farmers resume

planting
August 26, 2016
ALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, August 24 The National Food Authority (NFA) continued
its rice releases to the provincial government for distribution to drought-hit families in Bukidnon
as farmers resume planting.Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices reports showed
that NFA has released a total of 105,000 bags of rice worth over P144 million as part of the
provincial governments rice subsidy program.
In the first distribution cluster, 52,000 families received one sack of NFA rice each at P1,500 per
sack of 50 kilograms (kgs).For the second set, 53,000 families received one sack each at P1,250
per bag.
Likewise, the food agencys other marketing channels in government such as Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology, Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, and local
government units, among others, also distributed 13,634 bags from January to May 2016.

Also, late this July, NFA released 4,000 bags of rice worth P5-million to the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to hundreds of drought-affected
families from the towns of Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Maramag, Quezon,
San Fernando, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia.
NFA Bukidnon Provincial Manager Mila P. Tanguamos said the agencys rice releases is
pursuant to February 15, 2016 Board Resolution placing the province under state of calamity
caused by El Nio phenomenon that started in October 2015 until early June this year.
Before the onset of the planting season, NFA records showed it has already released a total of
122,442 bags.
As a government entity, NFA will continue to be at the forefront of the countrys food security
to ensure supply stability and availability of the staple cereals especially in times of emergency,
Tanguamos said. (Maria Socorro S. Mellomida, NFA Bukidnon/RLRB, PIA 10-Bukidnon)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501472186870/nfa-rice-distribution-in-bukidnon-continues-asfarmers-resume-planting-#sthash.FBQpYRRG.dpuf
Rice basmati, Wheat declines on subdued demand

Press Trust of India | New Delhi August 26, 2016 Last Updated at 14:32 IST
Rice basmati slides on muted demand; wheat recovers Rice basmati slide on subdued demand Rice
basmati slides on muted demand; wheat edges up Wheat falls on increased supply; rice basmati up Wheat
eases on adequate stocks, rice basmati up
Prices of rice basmati and wheat drifted lower by upto Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale grains
market today owing to slackened demand against sufficient stocks position. However, other bold grains
held steady in thin trade.
Traders said besides sluggish demand from retailers, ample stocks positions led to slide in rice basmati
prices.
They said reduced offtake by flour mills kept pressure on wheat prices.
6

In the national capital, rice basmati common and Pusa-1121 variety fell by Rs 100 each to Rs 5,000-5,200
and Rs 4,175-4,950 per quintal, respectively.
Wheat dara (for mills) also eased by Rs 15 to Rs 1,800-1,805 per quintal. Atta chakki delivery followed
suit and traded lower by a similar margin to Rs 1,805-1,810 per 90 kg.
Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):
Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,300-2,835, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,800-1,805, Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,8051,810, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 275, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 275, Roller flour mill Rs 970-980 (50 kg),
Maida Rs 1,060-1,070 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 1,090-1,100 (50 kg).
Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,700, Basmati
common new Rs 5,000-5,200, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 4,175-4,950, Permal raw Rs 2,000-2,050, Permal
wand Rs 2,175-2,250, Sela Rs 2,850-2,900 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,840-1,850, Bajra Rs 1,470-1,475, Jowar
yellow Rs 1,900-2,000, white Rs 3,550-3,700, Maize Rs 1,540-1,545, Barley Rs 1,500-1,505.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rice-basmati-wheat-declines-on-subdued-demand116082600494_1.html
Rice import tender slated Aug. 31

by Reuters
August 25, 2016
Share0 Tweet1 Share0 Email0 Share39
The Philippines, one of the worlds top rice

buyers, is seeking to import up to 250,000 tons
of rice from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia
in a tender scheduled on Aug. 31, according to a
copy of a government document seen by
Reuters. The volume is part of the governments
plan to import up to 1 million tons of rice to
secure supply through next year while prices are
low in top exporters Vietnam and Thailand.The
imports would also boost the Southeast Asian
nations buffer stock ahead of the typhoon
season towards the end of the year.Despite the
upcoming tender, benchmark rice prices in
Vietnam and Thailand remained near multi-

month lows.The National Food Authority is looking to buy 25 percent broken rice, with delivery
of the first 100,000 tons expected not later than Sept. 30 and the remaining amount not later than
Oct. 31, according to the document.
Of the planned 1 million tons of rice to be imported, 750,000 tons will be purchased via
government-to-government deals, while the remaining amount will be shipped in by private
companies, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said last week.
The Philippines expects its paddy rice output to reach 18.135 million tons in 2016, flat from last
year, following crop losses in the first half due to the El Nio-induced drought.During a
congressional hearing tackling the Department of Agricultures 2017 budget, Agriculture
Secretary Emmanuel Piol on Thursday reiterated his target to make the country self-sufficient
in rice production by 2019.We dont know when the next El Nio will hit us, we dont know
when the next La Nina will hit us. We cannot continue relying on imported rice, Piol told
lawmakers.We will focus on boosting rice production and increasing the income of our farmers.
We will provide free irrigation to our farmers, like those in Vietnam and Thailand.The
Philippines imported around 1.8 million tonnes of rice in 2015, below a record volume of 2.45
million tons in 2010
http://www.mb.com.ph/rice-import-tender-slated-aug-31/#AoUdVIIvLexOSzGm.99
Minimum export rice price mulled

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION August 26, 2016 1:00 am
THE Commerce Ministry is considering mandating a minimum export price for rice after a plunge by
Bt2,000 a tonne in the past two weeks.Such a minimum price would be the first in Thai history. Thailand
is the world's largest rice exporter.Chutima Bunyapraphasara, permanent secretary of the ministry,
admitted that the measure would affect the world market price. An investigation will be launched and the
measure will be seriously considered only if the ministry finds that irregular factors were behind the
recent price decline."If the government finds any irregularities, the minimum price will be set. This is to
prevent rice traders from pushing farmers to lower their prices, with the aim of dumping [rice on] the
market," she said.
The market price for 5-per-cent white paddy rice is now Bt8,400-Bt9,000 per tonne.
Chutima noted that the recent price decline was huge while global demand remained high. There are fears
that this could hurt the upcoming harvest season.
A source from the rice-trade industry attributed the plunge to weak demand in many countries as well as
expectations that global output would increase as drought ended. He added that the Thai government's
rice auctions also created a negative psychological impact, as more supplies were hitting the market.
He said a minimum export price would make Thai rice even less attractive, especially compared with
Vietnam's, which is cheaper.In a related development, the Foreign Trade Department said only 20 rice
traders showed interest in joining the government's fifth rice auction of the year, where 700,000 tonnes
would be available for bidding. Only 13 were interested in joining the auction of 300,000 tonnes of poorquality rice, good for the feed-meal industry and biomass-fuelled power generation.Chutima hinted
yesterday that releases of the government's rice stockpile might be halted if this puts pressure on rice
Prices
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Minimum-export-rice-price-mulled-30293804.html
VN targets $3.5b worth rice exports by 2020

Updated: Wednesday, Aug 24, 2016 03:06 PM
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has unveiled a strategy for developing rice exports in 2016-20 that
targets reversing a declining trend over the last two years and increasing earnings to US$3 billion next
year. Photo cafef.vn
HCM CITY (Biz Hub) The Ministry of Industry and Trade has unveiled a strategy for developing rice
exports in 2016-20 that targets reversing a declining trend over the last two years and increasing earnings
to US$3 billion next year. It also targets a gradual shift towards export of high-quality, high-value,
organic, nutritional, speciality, and Viet Nam brands of rice and rice-based products.The export of lowquality white rice is expected to fall to 15 per cent of total shipments by 2020 and 10 per cent by 2025.
In the latter year medium-quality white rice will account for 20 per cent and high-quality white
rice, fragrant rice, and glutinous rice for 60 per cent.The ministry will make efforts to diversify
export markets, with a focus on markets with demand for high-quality rice.It hopes to capitalise
on free trade agreements like the Viet Nam-EU FTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership
agreement to boost exports to demanding markets in Europe and the Americas.
The ministry has sent the draft strategy to relevant ministries and industries to solicit their
opinions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the country exported 2.93
million tonnes of rice for $1.32 billion in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year
decrease of 18.4 per cent in volume and 14.4 per cent in value.
Last year exports had been worth $2.68 billion after falling almost 4 per cent from 2014. VNS
http://bizhub.vn/news/17913/vn-targets-35b-worth-rice-exports-by-2020.html
A-Ibom partners Singapore firm on $100m rice project

On August 26, 20164:14 amIn News0 Comments By Chioma
Onuegbu Uyo THE Akwa Ibom State Government has entered
into an agreement with Ashdene Associates, a Singapore based
investment organisation to set up a $100million rice farm in the
state. Gov Emmanuel Udom Gov Emmanuel Udom Speaking,
yesterday, in his office in Uyo during the signing of Memorandum
of Understanding, MoU, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel
said that the rice project was part of his administrations
commitment to develop the agricultural sector and the economy of
the state. Emmanuel said that the rice farm and a rice mill will be
both located in Ini local Government Area of the state. Emmanuel explained that government decided to
partner Ashdene Group because it is a competent company known to have successfully executed
businesses in about 29 countries of the world. I commend the companys decision to set up a rice farm
10

alongside a processing mill at Ini Local Government Area. This will also attract road construction and
other developments in communities.
He assured the company that his government will ensure that they enjoy a peaceful working
environment to enable the company grow. I want to assure you that this is an investor friendly
government. Our policies, strategies and focus centres on investments. Be rest assured that the
responsibilities of government in the agreement signed would be duly executed.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/ibom-partners-singapore-firm-100m-rice-project/
Road to Senegal's rice self-sufficiency

Watch video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raxiaf2qr3Q
25/08 - 13:20
Senegal is determined to end its rice imports. According to the stakeholders in the rice sector, the
total domestic production of white rice has been significantly increased. Triggered by high
international prices since 2011, several initiatives to upgrade the rice value chain have emerged
in the private sector. Rice is a staple food in Senegal. The countrys government is aiming to
achieve self-sufficiency by next year.
The Senegalese are big consumers of rice, with an average of 90 kg of rice per year per capita.
Half of this amount per capita comes from the importation of Thai or Chinese rice.
In the country, the slogan Feeding the Senegal by Senegalies is about to materialize. Major
public investments in the rice sector is done in the Senegal River Valley (SRV) paddy rice,, to
extend production areas already in existence.
Because of the the exacerbation of biological and institutional constraints in the valley, rice
growers had difficulties in maintaining productivity of their land. These constraints prevented
them from further intensification- jeopardizing the national objective of self-sufficiency.
11
A
platform was created, bringing together traders, millers and rice importers. It includes the
Senegalese government and the banks to discuss substantial efforts to extend the initiative.
All these actors gathered this week to take stock of the situation of rice in Senegal and are yet to
report of the outcomes
http://www.africanews.com/2016/08/25/road-to-senegal-s-rice-self-sufficiency/
110,000 rice farmers to switch to other crops, livestock
26 Aug 2016 at 13:55 7,134 viewed2 comments

WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS
A farmer redistributes young rice plants grown in a nursery field to a flooded paddy field. (file
photo)
About 110,000 rice-growing families whose land is not well-suited for the grain have signed up
to a programme to help them switch to other crops or raising animals, Agriculture Department
director-general Olarn Pithak said.About 80,000 of them have opted for other crops and 30,000
for animal husbandry, Mr Olarn said.
The department would submit the list of these families to the Bank for Agriculture and
Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) for examination for eligility for loans. The cabinet had
already approved 15 billion baht for the programme, he said.
The families eligible to participate live on a total of 570,000 rai of land in 40 provinces which is
considered inappropriate for rice farming. Each family must have no more than 15 rai of land.
12
Families chosing to switch to other crops will each be allocated 30,144 baht to prepare their land
for a supplementary occupation, for example raising fish or chickens.
Those who want to switch livestock will be eligible for a loan through an agriculture group at 2%
interest and a repayment period of six years.
Lagosians Assured N9,000 For Bag Of Rice Before

December
Post by
Chiamaka Okoh August 25, 2016
A bag of rice, which currently sells for N20,500, will drop to N9,000 before December.
Lagosians were assured of this by Ganiyu Quadri, a top chieftain of the ruling All Progressive
Congress (APC) and Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state.Also See:
Stop Blaming Jonathan Sanusi Admonishes Buhari Mr. Quadri, who gave the assurance while
receiving a delegation of Rotary Club of Akowonjo 9110, led by its District-Governor, Patrick
Ikheloa, and President, Shola Abidakun, stressed that the APC administration in Lagos swung
13

into agro-business simply to ensure food security for its people. And that by the end of the year,
or first quarter next year, things will change in Lagos.
Already, we are into agro-business in Kebbi State. We have massive land on which we planted
grains, among which is rice, our peoples staple food. And it is expected that the truckloads of
rice will storm Lagos soon.So, I can assure you that before the end of this year,
the price of a bag of rice, which is about N18,000, will drop to N9,000.
Lagos State Government embarked on agro-business to ensure food security in the state.
Following the recent ban on importation of rice through land borders across the country by the Nigeria
Customs Service,the Lagos government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kebbi
state government to produce 70 per cent of Nigerias rice demand annually.Also See: 272 Companies
14

Have
Been
Forced
Out
Of
Business
MAN
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had said that the future of the State was tied partly on food security.
Lagos State is the largest consumer of food commodities in Nigeria by virtue of its population. It also has
the required purchasing power and an estimated consumption of over 798,000 metric tons of milled rice
per year which is equivalent to 15.96 million of 50 kilogramme bags with a value of N135 billion per
annum.
http://buzznigeria.com/rice-9000k-december/
Owners removing illegal resorts from Phu Thap Boek
26 Aug 2016 at 11:27 5,392 viewed2 comments
WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS
Officials surround Rong Tiam resort on Aug 19, but were frustrated in their attempt to tear down
the buildings. (Photo by Sunthorn Kongwarakom)
15
PHETCHABUN -- Owners of 19 illegal resorts on Phu Thap Boek mountain in Lao Kao district
have begun demolishing them, as ordered by the provincial governor, reports said.
The 19 illegally built resorts are the first batch ordered removed by the Royal Forest Department,
which owns the land. They are among 111 resorts earmarked for demolition.
Police, troops and forestry officials began removing them on Aug 19. However, the work was
halted by angry Hmong hilltribe people and resort owners. The Hmong have the right to farm the
land, but they instead leased much of it to investors, who built the resorts
After the protest, the Phetchabun governor issued an order that owners of the 19 resorts
dismantle them and the work must be finished by Aug 29.
Yesterday, workers and employees of the 19 resorts started to pull down buildings and other
structures.
The owners of some resorts put signs up in front of them saying: "Business closed. Demolition
underway"
16

Kunyapas Chatpattanarungruj, the owner of Rong Tiam resort, one of the first of the19 ordered
removed, hired about 50 workers to pull down the buildings. He said it was about half
completed.
Somthop Saikhamlert, owner of Rai Ta-Yai resort, said the about 70% of the structures had been
removed.
Chanwit Fuangfukijkarn, a legal adviser to Phu Thap Boek business operators, said the four
protest leaders to be charged with obstructing officials performing their duty were waiting for a
summons to report to police.
He said the protesters closed the road to the resorts only so they could first ask the authorities
how many resorts would be demolished, not to prevent them doing their job.
08/26/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Rice
High Low
Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -
Futures:
ROUGH RICE
High Low
Last Change
Sep '16 1004.5 968.5 973.0 -5.5

Nov '16 1024.0 987.0 992.5 +2.5
Jan '17 1037.5 1008.0 1015.5 +10.0
17
Mar '17
1038.0 +7.0

May '17
1059.5 +7.0
Jul '17
1079.5 +6.5
Sep '17
1072.5 +6.5
Rice Comment
Rice futures traded in a wide range Before ending mostly higher. Nationwide, 13% of the crop is
now rated poor to very poor, up from 8% last week. Another 25% is in fair condition, while 61% remains
in good to excellent condition.
In Louisiana, 17% is now in poor to very poor condition, while at home in Arkansas, 19% is in
poor to very poor condition, 29% is in fair condition, and 52% is in good to excellent condition.
Excessive rains have resulted in rice that has lodged and has sprouted in the field. This will all result in
poorer quality rice and less than ideal yields. November has resistance at the recent high of $10.70, while
support is at the recent lows around $9.50.
Update: Current State of Crop in Arkansas

By Lauren Waldrip
Rice fields underwater

Rice fields still under 6.5 feet of water in Greene County (Photo credit: Dan Hosman)
LITTLE ROCK, AR-- The University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center has recently
begun assessing potential losses and the economic impact of flooding across the state, specifically in
northeast Arkansas. Rice extension agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke has estimated 40,000 acres of rice have
already been impacted. Depending on the level of future rain, that number could possibly reach 100,000
acres of flooded rice.
"Knowing where and how far this will carry until the flooding stops depends on additional rain which will
just exaggerate the problem," said Hardke.
18

Counties affected include
Randolph,
Lawrence,
Clay and now Craighead
and Jackson as a result of
the Cache River flooding.
Hardke also stated that a
few days of flooded rice is
still recoverable. Seven
days of a flooded crop is
recoverable about half the
time. However, ten days
of a flood leads to an
unrecoverable crop. The
flooded rice acres in
Arkansas
have
the
potential to be complete
losses.
Grower Michael Cureton reported that his farm is one of those affected by the severe weather. He has
been relying on his levees to keep out as much water as possible and has been fortunate to keep the water
pumped off his rice, but most farmers are not able to do that.
According to Cureton, "I am very concerned that people do not

understand how serious this situation is for farmers in northeast
Arkansas and Louisiana when combined with below cost
commodity prices." Arkansas grower Joe Christian echoed
Cureton's concerns. "Lots of acres around me, north of me, are
totally lost-- both rice and soybeans," said Christian. "Rice is
completely submerged. We think 10,000 acres in Craighead
County along and over 100,000 total. The Black River and the
Cache River have totally overflowed. These farms may not
survive and we just can't lose crops right now."The Arkansas Rice
Federation is contacting the Governor's office to use all possible
resources to assist those impacted by the flood and cooperating
with his staff to ensure the data necessary to declare a disaster area is available.
USA Rice Daily, Friday, August 26, 2016
19

South Louisiana Area Food Banks Accepting
Donations
By Carrie Castille
BATON ROUGE, LA -- Recent flood damage in south

Louisiana did not discriminate as even those whose
mission it is to help others were effected. The Greater
Baton Rouge Food Bank suffered major flood damage,
including loss of half a million pounds of food and their
delivery trucks. The Food Bank serves 90,000 unique
visitors per year in an 11-parish area.
Executive Director of the Louisiana Food Bank
Association (LFBA) David A. Coffman said, "The food
bank here in Baton Rouge has already set up a temporary
facility at 13122 Choctaw Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
70806." Coffman suggests those wishing to donate food,
please email disasterfood@brfoodbank.org to coordinate
deliveries to one of our partner agencies to accelerate
distribution.According to Coffman, "In Lafayette, Second
Harvest Food Bank at 215 East Pinhook Road is also
taking donations. They have several food distributions
throughout the Acadiana area and folks in need can call
their helpline at 855-392-9338." LFBA has been working tirelessly for the past few weeks to respond to
the August floods and says cash donations are the most needed resource right now as they enable quick
and effective response to changing needs in effected communities.
Farm Mechanisation Trend In Nigeria: Indigenous Quasi

Efforts And Challenges (II)
M.K OTHMAN
Aug 26, 2016 4:15 am |
Seed Cum Fertilizer Broadcaster was indigenously fabricated by the engineers in MAGLANDS
Creations for use as seeds broadcaster and fertilizer applicator. These operations are seemingly
20

simple to do manually but extremely difficult to achieve uniform distribution of the fertilizer and
seeds. The resultant effects; neither the plant population is optimum nor the plant growth is
uniform for the crops planted on the same day and on the same farm land. Obtaining lower yield
of crops is often the consequence of hand or manual broadcasting of seeds and fertilizer. The
indigenous broadcaster is designed to be mounted across the shoulder of an operator by means of
a strap. A hand-crank rotates the spreading disc.
Seeds or fertilizer are placed in the hopper. The size of the delivery aperture provided in the
bottom of the hopper is adjusted to apply the recommended quantity of the seeds or fertilizer per
unit area. As the hand crank is rotated and the person moves forward; the material is spread
uniformly over a five to six metre radius. This machine is suitable for rice, wheat and grass/hay
productions. The performance features of the machine are application rate ranged from 40kg/hr
to 62.4kg/hr, carrying capacity from 6.5kg to 10kg, field capacity from 0.54 to 0.72ha/hr and
Labour requirements to 1.38 to 1.84man-hr/ha.
Serrated Weeding hoe is another indigenous innovation to assist farmers. Weed control is an
indispensable operation in the crop production system otherwise the weeds will share the soil
nutrients with your crops. Weeds are serious menace to crops as they compete with the plants
for water and light in addition to the nutrients, harbour insects, pests, diseases and reduce the
quality and yield of the crop. One of the most widely and traditionally used methods of weed
eradication in standing crops is the use of hoes. The main advantage of using the serrated
Weeding Hoe is the elimination of back-ache usually encountered with the local hoe. This is
because of its short-handle which causes the farmer to bend in a bent posture. Besides, less effort
is required to use the improved hoe due to superior grade of steel material used for the blade
which aids in maintaining a sharp cutting edge of the blade. Depending upon the soil, crop and
weed conditions, it was found that a person could weed a piece of farm land area from 0.02 to
0.04 ha/hr. Thus, the labour requirements could vary from 22 to 40 man hrs/ha, which means that
a person can weed twice or trice the same area he could do with the traditional hoe and with less
drudgery.
Fabrication of Wheel hoe is another feat targeted at small scale farmers. The wheel hoe is widely
used to effectively control weeds. The wheel hoe is essentially an inter-row cultivator. It is used
by pushing and pulling action. The stroke length is adjusted by the operator depending upon his
arm length and ease of working. The depth of penetration is adjusted by raising or lowering the
wheel with the help of the holes provided on the frame. The work output for an average person
ranges from 0.03 to 0.05ha/hr. It is an improvement over the serrated weeding hoe.
Fabrication of agricultural processing machineries were among the indigenous efforts to address
post harvest losses and improve the quality of agricultural produce. Rice Paddy Parboiler is one
of such processing equipment. Traditional method of rice parboiling has led to poor quality and
makes consumers to have preference for the imported rice. The Parboiler is designed to soak the
paddy in water, heat and steam it over a specified period of time. This leads to partial boiling of
21

the grains and galvanising of the starch in the rice. The process keeps the quality of cooked
parboiled rice better as it can be kept for longer duration without decomposition or moulding.
The Parboiler can parboil 70kg of paddy in about four hoursww. This operation can be repeated
two to three times a day which means a paddy of 140 to 210 kg can be parboiled each day. A
bigger parboiler with higher capacity up to two Tons of paddy rice was also developed. The
parboiler can meet the needs of small scale rice processor with relatively small investment.
MAGLANDS Creations is not alone in this race of promoting indigenous and quasi indigenous
technologies for transforming our traditional farming practices to modern and efficient ones.
Recently, Ahmadu Bello University Consultancy Company Nig Limited (ABUCONS) has made
a giant step towards this direction. ABUCONS is the business outfit of Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria. The aim of ABUCONS is to provide technical, professional and other expert services to
all tiers of government and private sectors. This is done through the involvement of academic
staff who undertake research projects of immediate relevance to the country, thus leading to
mutually beneficial relationship between teaching, research and practice.
The firm depends mainly on the widespread talents available at the university to execute
consultancy projects. This means that ABUCONS has a pool of intellectual manpower with more
than 2,000 academic eggheads in over 100 academic programmes of the university. In a dramatic
move to provide a lasting solution to the low level of agricultural mechanisation in the country,
ABUCONS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Qicheng Engineering and
Machinery Company Ltd, Hong Kong China for a joint venture. The joint venture is aimed at
manufacturing, importation and assembly of small scale, affordable and quality agricultural
machineries, implements and equipment. The venture is ensuring that the researchers and
scientists of the two companies share their expertise and experience with researchers and
academics of Ahmadu Bello University and the nation in general.
The venture is likely to facilitate and promote technology transfer, expertise in manufacturing,
fabrication, multi-purpose engineering machinery, tools and spare parts between the two
countries (China and Nigeria). Already, some of the hanging and dangling fruits of this venture
are being plugged.
Samples of the joint ventures products are hand held rice reaper, small scale rice milling
machine, multi crops thresher, small scale combined rice de-stoning and milling machine,
groundnut harvester, planting/transplanting machines, and many others. These machines are
mainly for small scale farmers, targeted at Nigerian peasant farmers across the five ecological
regions of the country. As stated in the MoU, these products have to be of high quality,
affordable, available spare parts and trained manpower for repairs and maintenance. This is
certainly a good news for our small scale farmers who have been toiling on their farms over the
years with insignificant rewards for their labour.
22

MAGLANDS Creations and ABUCONS are not the only private and governmental
organisations working tirelessly to promote indigenous improved farming tools and machineries.
National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Ilorin, many engineering
faculties/schools in our tertiary institutions of learning and multiple research centres across the
nation have pockets of success stories on the development and testing of farm machineries.
Despite these efforts, however, there are few insignificant impacts on our agricultural
mechanisation due to some cwhallenges.
The first challenge to farm mechanisation in Nigeria is lack of coherent and consistent
government policy on agricultural mechanisation. To the best of my knowledge, there is no
separate national policy on Agricultural Mechanisation, however under Agricultural policy, there
is a narrow outline on how government intends to promote Agricultural Mechanisation. This
must squarely be addressed through involvement of relevant stakeholders especially, Nigerian
Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), Nigerian Agricultural Society (NAS) and
Association of Practicing farmers of Nigeria (APFAN) among others.
Another challenge is inadequate funding for research and development, research funds in the
annual Federal government budgets are placed under capital projects, yet, the capital projects are
hardly released; in the last five years, the releases were at best 50 percent of the approved budget
and were never timely. In agricultural research work, time is an important variable under
investigation and when untimely fund release makes a researcher slow down, the research result
will certainly be affected. The next challenge is preference for imported goods by our elites who
are mostly responsible for our massive importations of all goods and services into the country.
Government has to patronise made in Nigeria goods and its policy to promote these practices.
These are few of the challenges militating against the successful promotion of the indigenous
farm mechanisation in the country. The earlier the government leads in addressing them, the
better for our country and we may begin to see light when government shows commitment. The
road to food security for a nation has never been a smooth one.
http://leadership.ng/opinions/547890/farm-mechanisation-trend-in-nigeria-indigenous-quasiefforts-and-challenges-ii
Threat of minimum export price for rice

26 Aug 2016 at 08:16 4,472
NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS
23

The Commerce Ministry has threatened to impose a minimum export price for rice shipments to stop any
further price swings caused by manipulations and price wars among traders.Chutima Bunyapraphasara,
the permanent secretary for commerce, said exporters and millers have provided false information with
negative outlooks for the industry.Many of them offered low export sale prices to buyers, prompting
significant rice price swings, she said."I do not understand why they give such negative outlooks for rice
prices as global rice output is on the decline," said Ms Chutima.
She said rice stocks in India are expected to total 16 million tonnes, a nosedive from earlier estimates of
25 million. Vietnam cut its export target this year to 4.75 million tonnes from 6.5 million. The two
countries are major rice export rivals to Thailand.Buyers such as the Philippines and Indonesia are
projected to import more rice this year, which should drive up Thai rice prices."If traders continue to
provide false information and negative outlooks to affect domestic rice prices, some measures will be
imposed," said Ms Chutima.
Over the past two weeks, prices of paddy have dropped sharply by about 2,000 baht a tonne in line with
negative news. Prices of 15% grade white rice paddy fell to between 8,400 to 9,000 baht a tonne, from
10,000 baht.
The drop came even though new harvests from the 2016/17 main crop have yet to be supplied to the
market.
24

Ms Chutima estimated new supply from the main crop is unlikely to meet the estimate, at only 27.7
million tonnes of paddy.
She said the government has already prepared 17 measures worth over 10 billion baht to help farmers and
absorb the new supply during the harvest.The government's ongoing rice sales are unlikely to affect rice
market prices as the grains in state stocks are mostly old, said Ms Chutima.Chookiat Ophaswongse,
honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, agreed with the ministry's threat of a
minimum export price but doubts whether the measure will be effective enough to deal with price
speculation.He said there were other factors that caused falling market prices besides price manipulation
by rice traders.
Mr Chookiat said China's abundant rice output and the tendency of international markets to buy smaller
volumes of rice this year is one major factor. In addition, the recent announcement by the Philippines that
it would buy a lower volume of rice than expected, some 250,000 tonnes, is another factor affecting Thai
rice prices.
Importing food 'harming' Africa - UN

By: Athan Tashobya
Farmers transporting bananas to market. Nwanze says money Africa spends on food imports
would do well to create more and improved jobs in agriculture sector. / IFPRI-Images/Flickr
Despite agriculture employing more than 80 per cent of the African population, the continent
generates only 10 per cent of global agricultural output.Yet another shocking reality is that
Africa still spends $35 billion a year on importing food, despite having a quarter of the worlds
arable land, according to latest findings from the UNs International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD).Kanayo F. Nwanze, president of IFAD, said the money Africa spends on
food imports would have been used to create more and improved jobs in agriculture.
Nwanze, who is expected to be part of the ongoing sixth Tokyo International Conference on
African Development (TICAD), which opens today in Nairobi, Kenya, is expected to tell African
leaders that the potential for prosperity on the continent is enormous, but investments need to be
redirected to developing the agricultural sector.
African leaders are failing their people by their weak investments in agricultural inputs and
infrastructure, and their lack of policy support for the sector, said Nwanze in a statement.
25

If even a portion of the money used for food imports was spent on creating jobs in rural areas,
not only would the worlds largest youth population see a viable future on the continent, but
Africa would be able to feed itself, he said.
Convened by Japan, the purpose of TICAD is to promote high-level policy dialogue between
African leaders and partners, with a focus on African-led development.
This is the first time that TICAD will be held on the African continent. The conference will run
until August 28.
Although Africa is the worlds second fastest growing economic region, more than 300 million
Africans live below the poverty line. Most live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their
livelihoods. Unemployment rates are close to 40 per cent.
Economic growth alone is not enough. If we want a continent with food security and social
stability, we have to ensure that development focuses on people. They do not want handouts.
They want economic opportunities, said Nwanze.
At TICAD this year, I hope we can go beyond talking about Africas potential and discuss what
is practically needed for Africas people to seize that potential, he added.
Rwandas food import status
Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show that Rwanda imports more sugar and cereals than
it exports.
Rwanda spends about $200 million on food imports every year, according to the State Minister
for Agriculture, Tony Nsanganira.
Speaking to Saturday Times, yesterday, Nsanganira said the countrys expenditure on food
imports unfortunately keeps increasing, but we are working hard to see these figures reduce.
We mostly import processed food because our industries are yet to provide all that we need. We
still have to import and we spend some millions on those food commodities such as sugar, wheat,
rice ... which cost us in a range of about $150 million to $200 million annually, Nsanganira
said.
The 2015 food security and vulnerability report released by the ministry indicates that formal
trade of cereals showed a negative trade balance in both 2013 and 2014.
The balance was about -268,000 metric tonnes in 2014. The total production of cereals in
Rwanda in 2014 was about 583000 metric tonnes.
26

This years TICAD summit will also see the launch of Japans Initiative for Food and Nutrition
Security in Africa, which will establish a framework for African countries to collaborate to
improve their nutrition status.
In 2014, the top three importers of cereals were Bakhresa Grain Milling, Pembe Flour Mills and
the ministry. The first two are active in agro-processing, while the latter focuses on whole grains
and rebuilding the national strategic grain reserve among other priorities.
We are closely working with the ministry of trade and industry to see how our industries can get
raw materials and increase food productivity. We have also set up a second sugar factory to
increase sugar production to 100,000 metric tonnes, which will make us self-sufficient starting
2018, the minister said.
He described as very unfortunate that the country still imports rice, after seeing the heavy
investment the government has invested in rice production.
But still, our goal is to be self-sufficient in rice production by 2018, he added.
However, Nsanganira admitted that it is still difficult for Rwanda to have sufficient wheat
production, because it is not the major food crop, so it competes with other staple crops such as
beans, maize and cassava. But for the long term, we are working on land availability for wheat,
which will take a long time.
Japan is a founding member and a leading contributor to IFAD a specialised United Nations
agency and international financial institution that invests in agriculture and rural development in
developing countries around the world.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2016-08-27/202996/
Umahi flags off N2.1b Operation Water Ebonyi State

Posted by Segun Adebowale on August 27, 2016 in R&D Health | Leave a response
Governor David Umahi stated this in Abakaliki on Thursday while flagging off the states
Sustainable Development Goals water projects in the three senatorial zones of the state,
which he dubbed: Operation Water Ebonyi State
27

The Ebonyi State Government is to spend N 2.1 billion on the rehabilitation of water facilities to
meet the water needs of residents of the state.Governor David Umahi stated this in Abakaliki on
Thursday while flagging off the states Sustainable Development Goals water projects in the
three senatorial zones of the state, which he dubbed: Operation Water Ebonyi State.Addressing
the people during the ceremony, Umahi said Ebonyi State was among the 10 lucky states that
accessed the SDG grant of N600 million each.According to the governor, the beneficiary states
are expected to match the grant with additional N600 million each in order to access the fund.He
explained that Ebonyi State did not only do so, it injected additional N900 million into the pool,
thereby having the N2.1 billion for the water projects.
The sum, Umahi added, would be used to fix the Ezillo Water Plant, the Sacamori Water Station,
the Juju Hill Water Scheme and the Ohaozara Water Station.A statement on Friday by his Chief
Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted Umahi as saying: Let me put it properly that Federal
Government gave N600 million and we were expected to match it with another N600 millio.We
did and we also provided another N900 millio.
So all together, the three lots of the projects are going to be costing us about N2.1 billion.So,
FG, N600m; Ebonyi State Government, N1.5 billion.
http://theeagleonline.com.ng/umahi-flags-off-n2-1b-operation-water-ebonyi-state/
How even I failed to mess up Delia's rice pudding

Try as you might, its impossible to ruin, or even sabotage, Delias recipe for this nostalgic
dessert
I tried to make it go wrong just to have something to write about, and honestly, I failed: Delias recipe
for rice pudding is not just idiot-proof, but sabotage-proof. Illustration: Sam Island
Stephen Bush
Friday 26 August 2016 12.00 BST Last modified on Saturday 27 August 2016 00.01 BST
Rice pudding is like Londons East End: its changed a lot since I was little. When I was a child,
the East End was a place where you might be robbed at knifepoint in broad daylight. Daylight
robbery is still a day-to-day occurrence in east London, its just that now it happens in pop-up
restaurants.And so it is with rice pudding. When I was young, rice pudding was sweet, sticky,
jam-packed with E numbers and came in a small plastic pot. It was, as it happens, the first
dessert I ever had. It was a regular treat from our next-door neighbour, and it was a special one,
28

as my mothers idea of dessert was extra cucumber. Nowadays, rice pudding is sweet, sticky, but
instead of E numbers theres cinnamon, sultanas, and it comes in a miniature pint glass or some
other god-awful receptacle.Delias recipe for rice pudding is something in between the two, but
definitely not something youd expect to find in an egg cup in Shoreditch any time soon. The
good news is that it is among the easiest recipes you will ever make. I tried to make it go wrong
just to have something to write about, and honestly, I failed: Delias recipe for rice pudding is
not just idiot-proof, but sabotage-proof.
Delias first rule for cooking rice: leave it alone!

The bad news is it involves something called
pudding rice, which I had honestly never heard
of, but everyone else in the world colleagues,
partner, mother, random passers-by on the street
seems to be intimately familiar with. I know this
because when Delia asked me to buy pudding rice
I complained to my partner that I was going to have
to shell out at Whole Foods or some other obscure
shop and she laughed at me for at least half an
hour.Feeling wounded, I phoned home and asked
mother if she had heard of pudding rice, because I
certainly hadnt, and she laughed at me before
breaking into uncontrollable sobs and saying I
have no son over and over.
Brown rice has many uses, but if you use it to make rice
pudding, terrible things will happen
Then I asked people at work if theyd heard of pudding rice, but I may as well have asked if
theyd heard of milk.Eventually I went to my local corner shop, where, troublingly, the pudding
rice is right next to the rice I have been buying for the past three years. Clearly, I have puddingrice blindness.If, like me, you have never heard of pudding rice or perhaps you feel that between
risotto rice, basmati rice, brown rice and salted caramel rice (I made that last one up, but it can
only be a matter of time), you have too much rice in your house as it is, you may wonder if you
need pudding rice.
To answer that question, I decided to experiment with different varieties of rice other than
pudding rice, and I learned the following two things. First off: brown rice has many uses, but if
you use it to make rice pudding, terrible things will happen.
29

The second thing I learned is that flavour-wise,
risotto or basmati rice will work just as well,
although risotto rice pudding has the texture of a
particularly robust milkshake, rather than a
pudding. Its slightly easier to make rice pudding
with pudding rice and if you are making Delias
recipe for the first time or attempting to make your
own version of it, Id start with that, but its not
essential.Anyway, now I need to invest in a couple
of miniature pint glasses: we have people over and
I said Id serve them rice pudding.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/26/
delia-smith-rice-pudding-recipe-stephen-bush-deliaproject
USDA forecasts $6 billion jump in farm exports in FY 2017

By Daniel Enoch
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2016 - U.S. agricultural exports will total $133 billion in the fiscal
year starting Oct. 1, up $6 billion from the revised forecast for the current year, USDA said today
in its first projection for FY 2017. After two years of declines in exports, the department said the
forecasts indicate farm exports have begun to rally again.The increase in overseas shipments is
largely due to higher exports of oilseeds and products, horticultural goods, cotton, livestock,
dairy and poultry, according to the quarterly report by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and
the Economic Research Service."These numbers once again demonstrate the resiliency and
reliability of U.S. farmers and ranchers in the face of continued challenges, Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. He said the projections for the next fiscal year, if
realized, would be the sixth highest on record.
The report projects the country's agricultural trade surplus for FY 2017 rising to $19.5 billion, up
40 percent from the expected $13.9 billion this year. The U.S. has continued to post an
agricultural trade surplus since recordkeeping began in the 1960s, USDA said.Vilsack made
special mention of an expected growth in demand for U.S. beef, pointing out that shipments of
the meat are expected to reach $5.3 billion in 2017, well above the $1.5 billion exported in FY
2004, following the discovery of a case of mad cow disease, or BSE, in December 2003.U.S.
beef exports have recovered, Vilsack said, citing a rise in global economic growth and efforts
by the Obama administration to eliminate BSE-related restrictions in countries around the world,
including 16 countries since 2015.
30

Some other highlights of the report:
China is projected to return as the United States' top export market in 2017, surpassing Canada as
the number-one destination for U.S. agricultural goods. The country's purchases are expected to
be $3.5 billion higher than the current year, due mostly to increased soybean, tree nuts and pork
exports.Exports of oilseeds and related product exports are seen rising $2.7 billion, to $31 billion
in 2017, driven by record soybean shipments and higher unit values. Limited export availability
in South America during the first half of the marketing year also supports projections for a higher
export volume.
Fiscal year 2017 grain and feed exports are forecast at $29.3 billion, unchanged from the 2016
estimate as higher wheat and corn exports offset reductions in sorghum. Wheat is forecast at $5.1
billion, up $100 million from 2016.Rice exports are forecast to remain at $1.9 billion, with an
increase in volume offset by a decline in value amid record supplies.Cotton exports are projected
to rise $900 million due to sharply higher U.S. production and tighter foreign stocks.Exports of
livestock, dairy and poultry products are seen up $800 million, primarily due to higher poultry
and dairy shipments.Grain and food exports are forecast unchanged at $29.3 billion, as higher
wheat and corn shipments offset reductions in sorghum.
The fiscal 2017 export forecast for horticultural products is $34 billion, up $1.4 billion from the
2016 estimate. Fresh fruit and vegetables are forecast down $200 million to $6.8 billion, based
on lower shipments to Canada and Mexico.
The report also forecast agricultural imports at $113.5 billion, $400 million higher than FY
2016.USDA revised the forecast for exports in the current fiscal year to $127 billion, up $2.5
billion from the previous prediction. This would bring total agricultural exports since 2009 to
more than $1 trillion, smashing all previous eight-year totals, Vilsack said.Exports are
responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and
supporting more than one million American jobs on and off the farm, Vilsack said, using the
report to push for approval of international trade agreements.The United States has the
opportunity to expand those benefits even further through passage of new trade agreements such
as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Vilsack said. Such agreements are key to a stable and
prosperous farm economy, helping boost global demand for U.S. farm and food products,
increasing U.S. market share versus our competitors, and ensuring that our farmers and ranchers
have stable and predictable markets for the quality goods they produce
http://www.agri-pulse.com/USDA-forecasts-$6-billion-jump-in-farm-exports-in-FY-2017-08252017.asp
Crop prices drop 17% in Yuba County

By Kirk Barron/kbarron@appealdemocrat.com
31
Market changes drove the total value of agricultural products in Yuba County down 17 percent between
2014 and 2015, according to the county's latest crop report.The report, released this week by Agricultural
Commissioner Stephen Scheer, showed about 66 percent of the county's 272,480 acres was dedicated to

cropland or pasture in 2015, and its production value was estimated at nearly $232 million. Walnuts
remained the county's top crop, both in acreage and value, with totals of 14,020 harvested acres and
$52.74 million in value. In 2014, the walnut crop was estimated at $83.12 million for 12,314 acres.The
decline in value can be attributed to several factors, Scheer said."Some of that has to do with the world
economy and the strength of the dollar. Foreign countries can afford less when the dollar is strong,"
Scheer said. "Walnut production has been going up and up, a lot of growers are switching, so with more
supply, price goes down." Yuba County rice farmers were able to plant almost the same number of acres
as 2014, while other areas of the state planted about 20 percent fewer acres due to the drought, Scheer
said."Yuba County is not really in that situation because we have good water rights out of Englebright,
other good water rights, plus a high-yield water aquifer," Scheer said. "We pretty much had full planting
during drought years because of that unique situation."
However, rice prices dropped despite the steady acreage in the county and reduced rice production from
surrounding areas. The total value of the rice crop dropped from $62.97 million in 2014 to $44.87 million
in 2015.The international market and the extended amount of time that rice can be stored before sale play
a role in rice prices."Rice is one of those commodities that there's so much of it that the marketing and
when they sell it really has a huge effect on the price," Scheer said. "It's not always when we have less
production that the price goes up." Prune acreage grew slightly in 2015, but the prices fell to bring the
crop value down almost $6 million to $43.77 million. Milk, almond and timber values also fell in 2015.
The peach crop was one of the few to see a rise in value in 2015 as a jump in price and acreage brought
the total value up more than $6 million to $27.82 million for 3,341 acres."The value of peaches is up 30
percent in Yuba County, and that's basically for everybody," Scheer said. "That's a pretty big deal because
those guys have been hanging on by their fingernails for a while."
Overproduction, high cost of labor and low prices drove many people out of the peach business, but it is
starting to come back and some canneries are offering incentives to plan peaches again, he said. Pasture,
cattle and calves saw slight boosts in value in 2015. Cattle and calves ranked as the fifth most valuable
commodity in the county at $16.65 million while pasture land increased to $5.53 million. Kiwis are
poised to see significant growth in the coming years as Sun Pacific is planning on planting 1,000 acres of
kiwis in the county, a significant increase to the 358 harvestable acres in 2015 valued at $6.71
million."They have a specialty market, so it's a high value product," Scheer said.
Most of the crop numbers for 2015 came before the wet winter, and though reservoirs were replenished,
the county remains in a drought situation for 2016.Early indications suggest walnut yields are up this
year, which can help growers make up for lower prices, but it is still too early to know for sure how
everything will shake out, Scheer said."I have been talking to a few university folks and I haven't talked
to anyone who thought prices for walnuts and rice are going to change a whole lot," Scheer said.
"Hopefully they won't go down further."
CONTACT Reporter Kirk Barron at 749-4796.
32
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/crop-prices-drop-in-yuba-county/article_8dfed8e4-6b2b-11e6a3b2-27ac9a2f02ba.html

27th August, 2016 Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

27th August, 2016 Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Daily

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Global, Regional & Local

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

President emphasises steps to enhance rice exports

Abdul Sattar Shah

Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid

Editorial Advisory Board

Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim

Assistant Professor, Gomal

Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK

Falak Naz Shah

Head Food Science & Technology

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

President for promoting research, development in rice sector

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Higher rice production: president highlights importance of

President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday emphasised the importance of research and

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

NFA rice distribution in Bukidnon continues as farmers resume

August 26, 2016

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Rice basmati, Wheat declines on subdued demand

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Rice import tender slated Aug. 31

The Philippines, one of the worlds top rice

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Minimum export rice price mulled

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

VN targets $3.5b worth rice exports by 2020

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

A-Ibom partners Singapore firm on $100m rice project

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Road to Senegal's rice self-sufficiency

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

110,000 rice farmers to switch to other crops, livestock

26 Aug 2016 at 13:55 7,134 viewed2 comments

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Lagosians Assured N9,000 For Bag Of Rice Before

Chiamaka Okoh August 25, 2016

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Owners removing illegal resorts from Phu Thap Boek

26 Aug 2016 at 11:27 5,392 viewed2 comments

WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

08/26/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report

Sep '16 1004.5 968.5 973.0 -5.5

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Update: Current State of Crop in Arkansas

Rice fields underwater

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

According to Cureton, "I am very concerned that people do not

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

BATON ROUGE, LA -- Recent flood damage in south

Farm Mechanisation Trend In Nigeria: Indigenous Quasi

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Threat of minimum export price for rice

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter