12th february ,2021 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
1 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
February 12 ,2021 Vol 2 Issue 13
www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 92 321 3692874

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
 Zahid Baig(Business Recorder)
 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
 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
ART, Peshawar
Rice News Headlines…
 Tiny Worms Flex Their Muscles for Astronaut Health
 New Basmati Variety By Jammu University Doubles Farmers' Income
 OP-ED: Breaking science’s glass ceiling
 Philippines pays tributes to five Filipina scientists on International
Day of Women and Girls in Science
 New variety of rice BRRI Dhan 100 to be released soon
 Jammu Agricultural University develops new Basmati variety, helps
double farmers' income
 Bangladesh develops best hi-zinc rice yet
 ASIA RICE-INDIA RATES ANCHORED NEAR 3-YEAR PEAK ON STRONG
EXPORT DEMAND
 Food department seeks 5% GST levy on de-oiled rice bran
 Despite Rainfall Deficit, Rabi Sowing Reaches All-Time High; Wheat
Exports Jump Five Times
 India's cereal exports jump five fold during pandemic
 Palay farmgate price rises 0.1% in second week of Feb.
 USDA sees 10% decline in PHL rice imports this year to 2.2 MMT
 New Basmati Variety By Jammu University Doubles Farmers' Income
 In Memory: Bill Knoll
 2020 Rice Export Tonnage Dips, Value Increases
 Govt to amend rules for faster purchase of commodities
 Some food contamination starts in the soil
 GI glossary for Asia and Middle East: Researchers creates first
database for everything from dim sum to habba hamra
 USDA sees 10% decline in PHL rice imports this year to 2.2 MMT
 Boost your well-being with U.S.- grown rice
 Dhaka's kitchen market sees rise in rice, edible oil prices
 SEPA Shut Down Factories
 Research Institute Approves Rice Production Project 2021-22
 East Africa: Tanzania, EAC to Reap From Pakistan Market
 Panel adds B3.83bn for price guarantee

Tiny Worms Flex Their Muscles for Astronaut Health
Feb 11, 2021
An adult worm moves around small pillars
inside a microscope slide. This same process
will be observed in microgravity by the
Micro-16 research team to study the links
between gene expression and muscle
strength.
Credits: Texas Tech University
Use it or lose it: It‘s a fact of life for muscles
– for you and me, for an astronaut,
especially, and even for a tiny worm in
space.
When people spend long periods of time in
space, where gravity doesn‘t weigh them
down, their muscles can suffer from lack of
use. The same is true for a minute organism
that helps NASA understand the biology of
our bodies away from Earth: a worm so
small five of them could lie end to end next to a grain of rice.
Scientists are about to learn more precisely what causes space-related loss of muscle strength in
this type of worm, called C. elegans, thanks to a biology experiment starting soon on the
International Space Station. This is a step toward treating the same problem in future human
explorers, because – small and wiggly as it is – the worm‘s muscles work enough like a person‘s
to tell us some ways human health might be affected on longer missions into deep space.
People have lived and worked on the space station continuously for 20 years now, testing
technology and conducting experiments for researchers back on Earth. With this latest study,
called Micro-16, scientists will look at changes in the way these worms, bred in microgravity,
make and use muscle proteins, and see if they lead to changes in muscle strength.
They‘ll also track changes in the worms‘ strength and muscle-related genes across seven
generations, revealing more about how muscles adapt to microgravity in both the short and long
term. Of course, we don‘t yet have multiple generations of people living in space to study, so
Micro-16 will offer a unique opportunity to study how microgravity affects muscle strength and
function.
Space Worms Hit the Gym
So, how do you measure the strength of a worm that is about one-fifth the length of a rice grain?
The Micro-16 science team, based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and Ohio
University in Athens, Ohio, invented hardware, called NemaFlex, for just that purpose, and
they‘re about to test it in space for the first time.
Inside a special imaging compartment, the worms will wriggle through a dense forest of
miniature, bendable pillars. As they move, a microscope‘s camera will record how much each

pillar bends away – a measure that reveals the muscle force with which each worm is pushing
against them.
The NemaFlex hardware, invented by the
Micro-16 science team, is housed within an
imaging cassette, seen here. A microscope‘s
camera records the movements of tiny C.
elegans worms inside, allowing the
researchers to measure their muscle strength.
Credits: Texas Tech University
The C. elegans worm has been studied in
great detail, making it a good candidate for
research working out the intricacies of our
shared biology. Studying its muscles in the
space environment could make the
comparison with humans even more
informative for questions of astronaut performance – and help us out back on this planet. As the
tiny worms muscle in on this spaceflight experiment, researchers hope the knowledge they gain
will help reveal the best ways of keeping astronauts strong and new treatments for serious
muscle disorders on Earth.
+++
Micro-16 will launch on Northrop Grumman‘s 15th
commercial resupply mission to the
International Space Station. The experiment is sponsored by NASA‘s Space Biology program in
the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences. The principal investigator is Siva A. Vanapalli
of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. BioServe Space Technologies of Boulder,
Colorado, is the payload developer. NASA‘s Ames Research Center in California‘s Silicon
Valley provided technical monitoring and mission management.
For researchers:
NASA Ames Biosciences Division – Micro-16 experiment page
International Space Station – Micro-16 experiment page: Determining Muscle Strength in Space-
flown Caenorhabditis elegans
For news media:
Members of the news media interested in covering this topic should reach out to the NASA
Ames newsroom.
Author: Abby Tabor, NASA's Ames Research Center
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2021
Editor: Abigail Tabor
Tags: Ames Research Center, Space Station Research and Technology
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/tiny-worms-flex-their-muscles-for-astronaut-health
New Basmati Variety By Jammu University Doubles
Farmers' Income

New Basmati variety by Jammu university doubles farmers' income
:
10February, 2021
by ANI
Print this articleFont size -16+
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], February 10 (ANI): Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu has come up with new varieties of
seeds of Basmati rice which have doubled the yield per hectare and helped increase farmers'
income.
Scientists at SKUAST have developed the new varieties - Jammu Basmati 118,123 and 136 -
after years of research.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, JP Sharma told ANI, "The new variety of Jammu Basmati
118 that we came up with is 20 -25 per cent more productive than the most famous varieties
Basmati 370 and it is ready for cultivation 25 days before Basmati 370. Also, Basmati 370 takes
time to ripen as a result of which farmers do not get time to plant wheat. This will help increase
the income of farmers by increasing the yield of both rice and wheat."
"We released 12 varieties including that of rice, vegetables, pulses, kidney beans and walnuts last
year in December which we dedicated to the farmers and we will make available even more
varieties of seeds. Some of them have already been given to farmers for testing," he added.
Sharma further said, "We want to launch a farmer-to-farmer seed production program. As part of
this, we want to produce seeds and give them to farmers for production under the university's
supervision. Also in coming years, many other farmers will be covered under the program."
A farmer said that they have benefited from the new variety of Basmati seeds as the old variety
Jammu Basmati 370 used to ripen late and the yield was not as much. This used to result in the
late plantation of wheat and lesser produce. The new variety 118 has helped increase the
production of both rice and wheat and in doubling the income.
Another farmer stated that production from old variety Basmati 370 was around 1 quintal while
that from the new variety Basmati 118 is more than 1.5 quintals. This means greater produce and
more money.
These new varieties are also more resistant to diseases, added another farmer. (ANI)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not
necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the
author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought
to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.
http://www.businessworld.in/article/New-Basmati-variety-by-Jammu-university-doubles-
farmers-income-/10-02-2021-376017/
OP-ED: Breaking science‘s glass ceiling
Sarmin Akther
 Published at 12:01 am February 11th, 2021

PIXABAY
Is Bangladesh doing enough to equalize the playing field for women in science and
technology?
Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day was marked by
the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015 in order to recognize the
critical role of women and girls in science and technology. The main focus of this day is t
ensure the equal participation and involvement of women and girls in the fields of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In today‘s world, the role of science education cannot be undervalued; the World
Economic Forum anticipated that 90% of future jobs will require some form of ICT
knowledge. But women are still underrepresented in STEM -- data from Unesco shows
that only one-third of all female students choose STEM-related subjects in higher
education, though in case of ICT subjects, it is just 3%. Moreover, according to The
World‘s Women 2020: Trends and Statistics report of the UN, women represent only
slightly more than 35% of the world‘s STEM graduates.
This limited representation of women in science education makes them a minority group
in scientific research and development, making up less than one-third of the world‘s
researchers while the percentage is lowest in South and West Asia, comprising only
18.5% female researchers.
Globally, around 6% of women have gotten Nobel prizes; their credit is also sometimes
stolen by their male counterparts, as reported by BISR. Additionally, the World

Economic Forum‘s Global Gender Gap Report shows that only 22% of AI professionals
are women.
Looking at the global scenario, one might ask where Bangladesh stands. The Gender
Statistics of Bangladesh, published by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics in 2018, shows
that the share of female STEM graduates in tertiary level is only about 20%, which ought
to be at least 40% as per rate of female graduation.
The report also shows that till 2017, only about 20% female students were in Bangladesh
University of Engineering & Technology (Buet). In Dhaka University, about 30-40%
students in physics and chemistry are female. However, in medical education, female
students outnumbered the boys. As of 2017, 55% female students enrolled in different
public medical colleges while the percentage is a little over 57% in case of private
medical colleges.
Besides education, women are also underrepresented in STEM-related job sectors. If we
look at the website of five prominent research organizations of Bangladesh, we will get a
real picture of the current scenario of women‘s participation in STEM jobs. The website
of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) provides a
list of 221 scientific staff currently working in that organization. Among them, only 82
are women.
A total of 72 scientific officers are working in Bangladesh Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (BCSIR), and 28 of them are women. In Bangladesh Institute of
Development Studies (BIDS), 12 out of 34 researchers are women, and in the Bangladesh
Atomic Energy Commission, 16 out of 90 of the total scientists and engineers are women.
The website of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute provides a list of 227 scientists where
54 of them are women.
The picture of the other research and engineering organizations of the country is not
different from these five organizations. Looking at these websites, the names of male
scientists, researchers, and engineers will be found more frequently than women.
However, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science focuses on the reality that
science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of internationally agreed
development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Bangladesh, being committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, needs to
ensure gender equality in science along with all other sectors. For this, it is necessary to
start from the primary level. Forming STEM clubs in every school of Bangladesh can
encourage girls to study STEM subjects. Organizing STEM innovation fairs and
competitions in all educational institutions would be helpful to find young scientists,
even from the remote areas of the country. Providing research stipends and other support
would increase the proportion of women scientists in the future.
At the occupational level, initiating more fellowships, funds, and grants for women
scientists will pave their way to become scientists. The good news is that in recent years,
the work of Bangladeshi women scientists is being recognized in international platforms.
Among them, the name of Dr Firdausi Qadri (winner of the L‘Oréal-UNESCO For
Women in Science Award 2020) is worth mentioning.
In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune, she talked about the misconception related to the
long working hours to become a scientist. She mentioned that giving attention and

concentration on work is the key. Focusing on this would minimize the difficulties faced
by women in balancing family life and a scientific career.
Sarmin Akther is a Researcher of Social and Gender division of Bangladesh Institute of
Social Research (BISR) Trust. Her areas of interest are women empowerment, crime, and
gender dimension of health. She can be reached at akther.sarmin101@gmail.com.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/2021/02/11/op-ed-breaking-science-s-glass-ceiling
Philippines pays tributes to five Filipina scientists on
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Published February 11, 2021, 9:42 AM
by Charissa Luci-Atienza
The Philippines joins the international community in celebrating the International Day of
Women and Girls in Science on Thursday, Feb. 11.
(Unsplash)
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring Feb. 11 as the
International Day of Women and Girls in Science ―in order to achieve full and equal access
to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and
the empowerment of women and girls.‖

As the UN stresses that the world needs science, and science needs women and girls, the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
(PNRI) pays tribute to five Filipina scientists and their contributions to Nuclear Science.
They are the following:
DR. ALUMANDA DELA ROSA
An expert in radiation chemistry, Dela Rosa is the only woman director and the longest-
serving head of the PNRI to date.
In 1991, she was given the rank of Career Scientist IV under the Scientific Career System,
the highest rank accorded to a Filipino scientist at that time.
According to PNRI, Dela Rosa‘s leadership of DOST-PNRI from 1998 to 2016 saw several
milestones.
―She led research teams that developed several radiation-modified products from natural
polymers found in indigenous materials. Such products include rubber latex, plantation
trees, cellulosic waste, and carrageenan extracted from seaweed,‖ the PNRI said.

Dela Rosa was also tapped as a consultant for the Department of Energy for matters related
to the prospective nuclear power program in the Philippines.
DR. LUCILLE ABAD
Abad, a specialist in radiation chemistry, was tasked as lead project coordinator for various
projects by the International Atomic Energy Agency involving radiation processing for
agricultural, industrial, and medical purposes.
Her major research and development projects include the Hydrogel Wound Dressing for
burns, wounds and bedsores, and the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter for increasing the

yield of rice and other crops. With these contributions, she was given the ―Presidential
Lingkod Bayan Regional Award.‖
Abad, a Career Scientist III under the Scientific Career System, is also a Civil Service
Commission Dangal ng Bayan awardee.
DR. JANE GERARDO-ABAYA
Abaya, an expert in geology and geothermal hydrology, is
the current Director of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Division for Asia
and the Pacific.
Just like Abad, she received an award for her projects
involving isotope hydrology, water and geothermal energy
resources. She was a Balik-Scientist Awardee before her
stint at the IAEA.
She leads the advancement of nuclear science education
among secondary schools in the Asia-Pacific region.
DR. ALVIE ASTRONOMO

Astronomo, a physicist, currently leads the Nuclear Reactor Operations Section of DOST-
PNRI.
She is behind the project to re-establish the historic Philippine Research Reactor-1 as a
Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education and Research.

According to PNRI, Astronomo‘s research ―involves the characterization of reactor core
configurations and neutron fields, including its application in the medical sector.‖
DR. JASMINE ANGELIE ALBELDA
Albelda is a specialist in particle physics. She serves as Senior Science Research Specialist
from the PNRI Nuclear Training Center.
At present, she leads the Philippines‘ participation in a technical cooperation project with
the International Atomic Energy Agency on Educating Secondary School Teachers and
students on nuclear science and technology.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/02/11/philippines-pays-tributes-to-five-filipina-scientists-on-
international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science/
New variety of rice BRRI Dhan 100 to be released soon
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 10:39, Feb 10,2021
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is going to release a high-zinc fortified rice, BRRI Dhan 100,
which will fulfill nutritional and minerals demand of people.
This particular rice variety will be released formally as soon as possible during the Mujib year.
The decision was taken at the 104th meeting of the National Seed Board at the agriculture
ministry conference room in Dhaka on Tuesday, according to an official release.
The demand for zinc is very important. Because of deficiency of zinc-rich food many people
suffer from diarrhea and the BRRI invented the rice variety to meet the need of people.
BRRI Dhan-100, containing 25.70 milligram zinc in per kilogram rice, will be cultivated during
the boro season with maximum yield of 7.69 tonnes in per hectare breaking all the previous
records of the zinc fortified rice cultivated during the Aman season, said agriculture secretary M
Meshbahul Islam, also president of the National Seed Board.
The new zinc fortified variety will help to fulfill the zinc deficiency as most of the nutrition
include calorie, protein and minerals of the poor people comes from the rice, said the official
during the meeting.
According to nutritionists, common symptoms of the zinc deficiency is increased rates of
diarrhea. Zinc deficiency also effects the skin and gastrointestinal tract; brain and central nervous
system, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems.
Terming the zinc fortified rice variety as the reflection of our long-cherished expectation, the
BRRI scientists said the duration of the variety was 148 days and yield was more compared to
BRRI Dhan 29, adding that the variety was expected to be more popular among the farmers due
to its exorbitant production and nutritional quality.
Additional secretary Kamlaranjan Das, additional secretary and director general (seed) Balai
Krishna Hazra, BADC chairman M Sayedul Islam, BRRI DG M Shahjahan Kabir, and BJRI DG
ASM Anwarul Haque, among others, were present at the meeting.
https://www.newagebd.net/article/129764/new-variety-of-rice-brri-dhan-100-to-be-released-soon

Jammu Agricultural University develops new Basmati
variety, helps double farmers' income
Published: 10th February 2021
The new variety of Jammu Basmati 118 that the University came up with is 20 -25 per cent more
productive than the most famous varieties
Edex Live
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu has
come up with new varieties of seeds of Basmati rice which have doubled the yield per hectare
and helped increase farmers' income. Scientists at SKUAST have developed the new varieties -
Jammu Basmati 118,123 and 136 - after years of research.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, JP Sharma said, "The new variety of Jammu Basmati 118
that we came up with is 20 -25 per cent more productive than the most famous varieties Basmati
370 and it is ready for cultivation 25 days before Basmati 370. Also, Basmati 370 takes time to
ripen as a result of which farmers do not get time to plant wheat. This will help increase the
income of farmers by increasing the yield of both rice and wheat."
ADVERTISEMENT
production of both rice and wheat and in doubling the income. Another farmer stated that
production from old variety Basmati 370 was around 1 quintal while that from the new variety
Basmati 118 is more than 1.5 quintals. This means greater produce and more money. These new
varieties are also more resistant to diseases, added another farmer.
https://www.edexlive.com/news/2021/feb/10/jammu-agricultural-university-develops-new-
basmati-variety-helps-double-farmers-income-18145.html
Bangladesh develops best hi-zinc rice yet
Reaz Ahmad
Published at 07:28 pm February 11th, 2021

BRRI dhan100 Courtesy: BRRI
BRRI dhan100‘s release coincides with the birth centenary celebration of Bangabandhu,
comes in handy in the fight against zinc-deficiency during the time of Covid-19
This couldn‘t be better timed.
Breeders in Bangladesh have just released the most promising zinc-rich rice line yet.
The new variety – enriched with high zinc content and high yield potential – got
regulatory approval on Tuesday and reach to farmers for cultivation in the next Boro
season, scientists at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) told Dhaka Tribune.
The release of – BRRI dhan100 – coincides with Bangabandhu‘s birth centenary
celebration year and is expected to come in handy in the fight against zinc-deficiency
during the time of Covid-19.

Zinc is essential to good health and immunocompetence. Its deficiency is generally
associated with a negative impact on overall health, increased susceptibility to disease,
and infections.
Around 29% of South Asia‘s population, including that of Bangladesh, are at risk of
inadequate zinc intake, according to Harvest Plus, a program based at the International
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) that helped BRRI scientists develop six hi-zinc
rice varieties since 2013.
Breeders in Bangladesh released the world's first biologically fortified (biofortified) high-
yielding variety zinc rice – BRRI dhan62 – back in August 2013.
Biofortification is the idea of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value either
through conventional selective breeding, or through genetic engineering. BRRI developed
all six hi-zinc rice varieties, so far, through conventional breeding.
The varieties are – BRRI dhan62, BRRI dhan64, BRRI dhan72, BRRI dhan74, BRRI
dhan84, and BRRI dhan100.
Besides, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University and Bangladesh
Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) also developed three zinc varieties with moderate
success.
According to HarvestPlus Bangladesh, seeds of zinc rice varieties reached out to over 2.4
million farmers across Bangladesh over the past seven years and now state-run
Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation‘s (BADC) seed production and
marketing efforts are also being supplemented by agro-companies like ACI, Lal Teer,
Supreme Seed, Ispahani etc.
What’s so promising about BRRI dhan100
One criticism about zinc rice varieties, now being produced, is that they are not in line
with consumer preferences, undercutting the benefits of increasing awareness.
Before the release of BRRI dhan100, the most competitive variety of zinc rice has been –
BRRI dhan74. But its a coarse rice, while Bangladeshi consumers strongly prefer to
consume fine rice.
In head-to-head acceptability trials, consumers preferred existing, market-leading
varieties of rice – BRRI dhan28 and 29 to BRRI-74.
HarvestPlus Bangladesh country head Khairul Bashar now hopes the slender feature of
the new hi-zinc variety would be a winner.
Unlike most of the previously released zinc rice varieties, the just-released one is finer in
quality, and consumers in Bangladesh generally prefer fine rice over coarse rice.
Moreover, BRRI dhan100‘s yield potential is higher than previous best zinc rice – BRRI
dhan74, Bashar added.
BRRI scientists told Dhaka Tribune, per kg of BRRI dhan100 contains nearly 26mg of
zinc and it has a high yield potential of nearly 7.7 tons per hectare.
Why do we need zinc?
Zinc is involved in more body functions than any other mineral.
Zinc deficiency can cause stunting and increase the risk of common childhood infections
including diarrhea, pneumonia, and possibly malaria.
Billions of people — over 17% of the global population — are at risk of inadequate zinc
intake.

The prevalence of inadequate zinc intake is estimated to exceed 25% in sub-Saharan
Africa and 29% in South Asia.
Direct measures of the prevalence of zinc deficiency are scarce as the recommended
method for measuring zinc deficiency is not used widely.
Stunting is commonly used as a proxy to estimate the risk of zinc deficiency in a
population. Approximately 23% of preschool-age children are stunted globally.
Cost of Zinc Deficiency
• Zinc deficiency contributes to stunting and a loss of appetite, lowers immunity,
and increases the risk of diarrheal disease and respiratory infections.
• 36% of children under 5 in Bangladesh do not get enough zinc in their diet.
• Annually, Bangladesh loses over $700 million in GDP to mineral and vitamin
deficiencies (World Bank).
Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh, with daily per-capita rice consumption ranging
between 390 grams to 450 grams.
Given its high degree of consumption, rice is a good vehicle to deliver nutrition
interventions at scale. Rice biofortified with zinc could help address the critical gap by
delivering up to 60% of their daily dietary requirements of zinc.
More than 50 million people in smallholder farming families in 41 countries now benefit
from biofortified crops, which are making a measurable impact on human nutrition,
health, and development.
Several varieties of biofortified zinc rice and zinc wheat are now available or being tested
in countries all over the world, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Today, biofortified crops, including vitamin A orange sweet potato, iron beans, iron pearl
millet, vitamin A yellow cassava, vitamin A orange maize, zinc rice, and zinc wheat,
have been released in more than 30 countries and are being tested and grown in more than
40 countries
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/agriculture/2021/02/11/bangladesh-develops-best-hi-
zinc-rice-yet
ASIA RICE-INDIA RATES ANCHORED NEAR 3-YEAR
PEAK ON STRONG EXPORT DEMAND
2/11/2021
* Vietnam, Thai markets muted due to Lunar New Year
* Indian rates steady near May 2018 levels
* India lines up deepwater port to export rice
By Nakul Iyer
Feb 11 (Reuters) - Rice export prices in India, the top exporter of the staple, remained anchored
near a three-year high this week as other Asian and African buyers continued purchases,
shrugging off the uptick in rates in recent weeks.
India's 5 percent broken parboiled variety <RI-INBKN5-P1> was quoted at $402-$408 per tonne
this week, unchanged from last week, which was the highest since May 2018.

"In the last two weeks prices have gone up, but buyers are still making decent purchases," said an
exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh will use a deepwater port to export rice for the first time
in decades amid a global shortage of the grain, according to a government order seen by Reuters,
which could raise shipments this year by a fifth.
A revision to neighbouring Bangladesh's import policy in part helped lift global rice prices to a
seven-month high in January, according to the latest report of Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO).
"In the parboiled segment, sentiment was also influenced by a series of government purchases by
Bangladesh, its approval of lower duties on private sector imports, on condition that traders
market supplies promptly," according to the report.
Bangladesh imported around 100,000 tonnes of rice mainly from India over the last month and
more deals are being finalised, a food ministry official said.
Activity was muted in Vietnam and Thailand's rice trading market is closed as regional traders
and exporters observe the Lunar New Year. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and
Ruma Paul in Dhaka; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
© Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Click For Restrictions -
http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/asia-rice-india-rates-anchored-near-3-year-peak-
on-strong-export-demand
Food department seeks 5% GST levy on de-oiled rice bran
Updated : February 11, 2021 09:51 PM IST
Currently, GST on rice bran (before oil extraction) and raw rice bran oil is 5 percent but
de-oiled rice bran doesn‘t have any GST.
TIMSY JAIPURIA
In what could be a relief for the domestic edible oil industry and to ensure there is level
playing field, the department of food and public distribution is pitching North Block to
levy 5 percent GST on de-oiled rice bran (DORB).
According to sources, "Department of food and public distribution secretary – Sudhanshu
Pandey in a letter to revenue secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey has called for an urgent
imposition of 5 percent GST on de-oiled rice bran."
Food department is of a view that the country needs to increase domestic production of rice
bran oil which is now only 60 percent of its potential. The move will also help in Atma
Nirbhar Bharat program.
"Department is striving to increase domestic production of edible oils and thereby reduce
our dependence on imports which is 60 percent of the total consumption. ln order to
increase domestic production of edible oils, it was felt that ways of increasing the domestic
production of rice bran oil in the country, which is now only 60 percent of its potential, be
explored. Taking this forward, committee of secretaries (CoS) in its meeting held on

January 28, 2021 recommended that the production of rice bran oil may be increased in the
country for domestic use and the same may be promoted extensively as healthy medium of
cooking," department of food and public distribution secretary‘s letter said, which has been
reviewed by CNBC-TV18.
Food ministry is also of a view that ―once the levy is introduced it will dis-incentivize the
sale of rice bran directly to feed manufacturers as de oiled rice bran, thereby increasing the
availability of rice bran for oil extraction," sources in the know of the matter confirmed.
Food ministry also feels that the levy will ―prevent loss to the exchequer on account of sale
of rice bran as de-oiled rice bran by unscrupulous traders. And will also be beneficial to the
oil extraction units in the form of input GST offset on rice bran oil."
Currently, GST on rice bran (before oil extraction) and raw rice bran oil is 5 percent but
de-oiled rice bran doesn‘t have any GST. It is also understood that the matter will also be
soon taken up by committee of ministers headed by home minister, which looks into the
price status and availability of essential food items and edible oil in the country.
According to sources, the rationale explained by the food ministry is that currently, "Rice
bran is sold directly to animal feed producers directly from the un-organised market or
billed as de-oiled rice bran, so as to avail nil GST. Rice bran and de-oiled rice bran are
similar in appearance and cannot be differentiated. This results in less availability of rice
bran for oil extraction. 5 percent GST may be imposed on de-oiled rice bran so as to level
the playing field and dis-incentivize the sale of rice bran directly to feed manufacturers as
de-oiled rice bran, thereby increasing the availability of rice bran for oil extraction. lt will
also prevent loss to the exchequer on account of sale of rice bran as de-oiled rice bran by
unscrupulous traders. It will also be beneficial to the oil extraction units in the form of
input GST offset on rice bran oil."
However, the key here is that any decision on GST rates, whether to levy or to reduce taxes
or to even introduce a new item under the GST ambit is not taken by the finance ministry.
Any such decision rests with the GST Council, which the governing body including finance
ministers of states and Centre.
When it comes to rates, the process laid down by the GST council rules is that the GST
Council nominated fitment committee looks into the proposals made by various
stakeholders. This Fitment committee, which is a mix of Centre and state officers then
looks into the rationale, impact, assesses the industry response and a lot of other factors
before making its recommendation to the council. The council is empowered to either
accept or reject the recommendation made by the fitment committee.
"From a policy standpoint, removal of any GST exemption results in free flow of input
credit and hence makes sense. However, since DORB is an important cattle feed, the move
may be resisted by some States," said Pratik Jain, who leads the indirect tax practise at
PwC India.
Let's see whether the GST Council looks into this matter and the plea made by food
ministry or the council decides to hold on its guns as the economy is still recovering from
the pandemic impact and continues with its stand to not to tinker with any rates for a
smooth recovery.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/economy/food-department-seeks-5-gst-levy-on-de-oiled-rice-bran-
8283731.htm

Despite Rainfall Deficit, Rabi Sowing Reaches All-Time
High; Wheat Exports Jump Five Times
By TWC India Edit Team
TWC India
A Golden view of a wheat farm in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra
(Aniruddha Singh
Dinore / BCCL,
Nagpur)
Following a 9% excess
monsoon rainfall in
2020, all-time high
Karif production had
been reported in India.
However, the rains have
remained subdued since
then across the country,
excluding the southern
peninsula. Many
regions reporting a
significant deficit in
rainfall, especially since December 2020.
Despite these factors and the ongoing farmer protests in the country, the Rabi season sowing has
reached an all-time high again this year, overtaking the breathtaking numbers reported last year.
As per the reports, the winter-sown crops have expanded beyond the normal area, rising the
hopes of another bumper harvest season this year.
The data from the farm ministry show that the area under rabi sowing has surpassed the all-time
high recorded last year at 65.2 million hectares. Areas sown under wheat, rapeseed, mustard and
gram have also breached the highest levels on record.
Interestingly, the wheat‘s sown area has grown significantly in Madhya Pradesh, despite the state
receiving less than half of the normal rainfall from October 1, 2020, to February 11, 2021,
demonstrating increased access and use of groundwater. In Madhya Pradesh, the area sown
under wheat has grown from 5.3 million hectares in 2017-18 to 8.8 million hectares this season.
Due to a wet southwest monsoon season, total foodgrains production in India during the Kharif
season has been estimated to be at an all-time high of 144 million tonnes. Similarly, Rabi
production is also expected to breach the last year‘s total of 153 million tonnes, contributing to
an increased abundance of total foodgrains and boosting the exports further.
India's cereal exports grow exponentially
Contrary to expectations, India has become a food grain provider to the world during the time of
COVID-19 pandemic with exports of rice, wheat and coarse cereals witnessing a sharp jump
during the first three quarters of the financial year 2020-21. According to Ministry of Commerce
& Industry's data, the exports of cereals rose to Rs 49,832 crore in April-December period of

FY21 from a level of Rs 32,591 crore reported during the same period last year—a growth of
52.9%.
Representational image
(Chadi/Xinhua/IANS)
The total share of cereal exports stood at 48.61 per cent in Rupee terms in the total export of
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA) scheduled
products.
Interestingly, the export of non-basmati rice jumped over 100 per cent while shipment of
Basmati rice witnessed relatively smaller rise during the last nine months, the data showed. The
share of export of non-Basmati rice was 22.32 per cent in the total export of APEDA products,
while that of Basmati rice was 21.44 per cent. India exports non-Basmati rice to countries
including Nepal, Benin, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Guinea and many other countries in
Asia, Europe and the United States, while Basmati rice is mainly exported to Iran, Saudi Arabia,
Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and European Countries.
The sharp spike in rice exports especially during a phase where globally the COVID-19
pandemic has disrupted supply changes of many commodities can be attributed to the
government taking prompt measures to ensure exports of rice while taking all the necessary
safety precautions, as per the Ministry. "We took several measures in terms of ensuring safety
and hygiene because of the operational and health challenges posed by COVID-19 while
ensuring that rice exports continue uninterrupted," Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, Chairman,
APEDA said.
Along with rice, the export of wheat rose by a staggering 456.41 per cent (in Rupee term) to Rs
1,870 crore ($ 252 Million) against Rs 336 crore ($ 48 Million) reported during the first nine
months of the previous year. The share of export of wheat is 1.84 per cent in the total export of
APEDA scheduled products. The key exports destination for wheat includes Nepal, Bangladesh,
and the United Arab Emirates.
As per the April- December 2021 data, the export of other cereals - millets, maize and other
coarse gains was Rs 3,067 crore ($ 413 US$ Million) against Rs 1061 crore ($149 Million) in the
same period of the previous year. The exports of millets rose 189.09 per cent in rupee term and
177.02 per cent in dollar terms in the current fiscal.

(With inputs from IANS)
**
https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2021-02-11-despite-rainfall-deficit-rabi-sowing-
reaches-all-time-high-wheat-exports
India's cereal exports jump five fold during pandemic
India has quietly become a food grain provider to the world during the time of the pandemic with
exports of rice, wheat and coarse cereals witnessing a sharp jump during the first three quarters
of 2020-21 financial year
Feb 11, 2021
India has quietly become a food grain provider to the world during the time of the pandemic with
exports of rice, wheat and coarse cereals witnessing a sharp jump during the first three quarters
of 2020-21 financial year.
According to Ministry of Commerce and Industry data, the exports of cereals rose to Rs 49,832
crore in April-December period of FY21 from a level of Rs 32,591 crore ($ 4.58 billion) reported
during the same period last year. This is a growth of 52.90 per cent in rupee terms and 45.81 per
cent in dollar terms.
The total share of value of cereal exports stood at 48.61 per cent in rupee terms in the total export
of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA)
scheduled products.
Interestingly, the export of non-Basmati rice jumped over 100 per cent while shipment of
Basmati rice witnessed relatively smaller rise during the nine month period, the data showed.
During the period under review, the exports of non-Basmati rice stood at Rs 22,856 crore ($ 3.06
billion) against Rs 10,268 crore ($ 1.45 billion) reported during April-December period of FY20.
In rupee terms the growth in exports stood 122.61 per cent and in dollar terms it was 111.81 per
cent.
The share of export of non-Basmati rice is 22.32 per cent in the total export of APEDA products.
India exports non-Basmati rice to countries including Nepal, Benin, United Arab Emirates,
Somalia, Guinea and many other countries in Asia, Europe and the United States.
In contrast to the non-basmati variety, exports of Basmati rice grew moderately (by 5.31 per cent
in rupee term and 0.36 per cent in dollar terms) to Rs 22,038 crore ($2.94 billion) against Rs
20,926 crore ($ 2.93 billion) reported during April-December period of previous fiscal.

The share of export of Basmati rice was 21.44 per cent in the total export of products under
APEDA basket. The major destinations for Basmati rice exports from India include Iran, Saudi
Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and European Countries etc.
Along with rice, the export of wheat rose by a staggering 456.41 per cent (in rupee term) to Rs
1,870 crore ($ 252 Million) against Rs 336 crore ($ 48 million) reported during the first nine
months of previous year.
The share of export of wheat is 1.84 per cent in the total export of APEDA scheduled products.
The key exports destination for wheat include Nepal, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates,
"We took several measures in terms of ensuring safety and hygiene because of the operational
and health challenges posed by COVID19 while ensuring that rice exports continue
uninterrupted," Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.
For boosting rice exports, the government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF),
under the aegis of the APEDA. REPF has representations from rice industry, exporters, and
officials from APEDA, ministry of commerce and directors of agriculture from major rice-
producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Read more at: https://southasiamonitor.org/index.php/india/indias-cereal-exports-jump-five-fold-
during-pandemic
Palay farmgate price rises 0.1% in second week of Feb.
February 11, 2021 | 8:02 pm
PHILSTAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE average farmgate price of palay, or unmilled rice, rose 0.1% week-on-week to P16.72 per
kilogram during the second week of February, with the price rising 4.6% from a year earlier, the
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.
In its weekly update on palay, rice, and corn prices, the PSA said the average wholesale price of
well-milled rice rose 0.2% to P37.37 while the retail price rose 0.1% to P40.93.
The average wholesale price of regular-milled rice fell 0.1% to P33.31 while the retail price fell
0.03% to P36.14.
The farmgate price of yellow corn grain fell 0.1% week-on-week to P12.51.
The average wholesale price of yellow corn grain fell 0.1% to P19.97 while the retail price fell
0.5% to P24.34.
The farmgate price of white corn grain rose 2.5% week-on-week to P13.82.
The average wholesale price of white corn grain fell 0.2% to P17.13 while the retail price fell
0.6% to P25.71. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
https://www.bworldonline.com/palay-farmgate-price-rises-0-1-in-second-week-of-feb/
USDA sees 10% decline in PHL rice imports this year to 2.2
MMT
ByBusinessMirror
February 11, 2021

The country‘s rice imports this year could decline by 10 percent to a four-year low of 2.2 million
metric tons (MMT) on the back of rising domestic harvest, the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) said.
In its latest monthly global grain market report, the USDA revised downward its import forecast
for the Philippines to 2.2 MMT from 2.3 MMT earlier estimate.
The USDA slashed its import forecast for the Philippines as it estimates higher milled rice output
for 2021.
The USDA said domestic milled rice production this year could reach a three-year high of 12.2
MMT.
The volume was 1.6 percent higher than the USDA‘s earlier production estimate of 12 MMT last
January.
The USDA kept its rice consumption and residual forecast for the Philippines this year at a
record-high 14.4 MMT.
The USDA revised upward its full-year rice import estimate for China in 2020 to 2.9 MMT from
2.3 MMT.
With the upward revision, China has overtaken the Philippines last year as the biggest buyer of
rice in the global market, based on USDA data.
The Philippines imported about 2.45 MMT of rice last year, according to the USDA.
The Philippines became the largest buyer of rice in the global market in 2019 after it enacted a
law that deregulated its rice industry and eased restrictions on importation.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) said it targets to increase the country‘s unhusked
rice output to a new record-high of 20.4 MMT from last year‘s 19.44 MMT.

If the production target is realized, the country will achieve a 95 percent self-sufficiency level in
rice, according to the DA.
The DA had earlier filed a petition before the Tariff Commission to reduce the most favored
nation (MFN) rates on rice imports to 35 percent from the current 40 percent (in-quota) and 50
percent (out-quota) levels.
The tariff reduction measure is supported by the Department of Finance. The DA and the DOF
said the reduction in tariff would result in more available cheaper rice sources for the Philippines
as export prices in Thailand and Vietnam continue to rise.
The DA and the DOF are looking at South Asian countries as alternative suppliers to the
country‘s staple supply. The DOF noted that rice export prices in India are now 30 percent
cheaper than their counterparts in Vietnam and Thailand.
At least 90 percent of the country‘s rice imports come from Vietnam and Thailand.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/11/usda-sees-10-decline-in-phl-rice-imports-this-year-to-
2-2-mmt/
New Basmati Variety By Jammu University Doubles
Farmers' Income
New Basmati variety by Jammu university doubles farmers' income
10February, 2021
by ANI
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], February 10 (ANI): Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu has come up with new varieties of
seeds of Basmati rice which have doubled the yield per hectare and helped increase farmers'
income.
Scientists at SKUAST have developed the new varieties - Jammu Basmati 118,123 and 136 -
after years of research.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, JP Sharma told ANI, "The new variety of Jammu Basmati
118 that we came up with is 20 -25 per cent more productive than the most famous varieties
Basmati 370 and it is ready for cultivation 25 days before Basmati 370. Also, Basmati 370 takes
time to ripen as a result of which farmers do not get time to plant wheat. This will help increase
the income of farmers by increasing the yield of both rice and wheat."

production of both rice and wheat and in doubling the income.
Another farmer stated that production from old variety Basmati 370 was around 1 quintal while
that from the new variety Basmati 118 is more than 1.5 quintals. This means greater produce and
more money.
These new varieties are also more resistant to diseases, added another farmer. (ANI)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not
necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the
author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought
to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.
http://www.businessworld.in/article/New-Basmati-variety-by-Jammu-university-doubles-
farmers-income-/10-02-2021-376017/
In Memory: Bill Knoll
USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of William Lowe ―Bill‖ Knoll, who
passed away February 5, at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by Sandy, his wife of 59
years.
Bill was a native son of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and met Sandy while stationed in Rome in 1945
during World War II. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant in the Air Corp and was trained in
cryptographic security.
Bill Knoll
A career employee at Riceland Foods, Bill worked
for 38 years for the farmer-owned cooperative,
retiring in 1984 as group vice president in the rice
division. Bill also served as president of the Rice
Miller Association in 1969, before it became part of
the USA Rice Federation in 1994, and eventually
renamed the USA Rice Millers‘ Association.Bill was
passionate about many things, including his family,
photography, fishing, gardening, and entertaining. He
loved to host parties where guests enjoyed music and
dancing. Another hobby of Bill‘s was golfing – he
scored seven holes-in-one in his lifetime!―Bill was
one of my early bosses and mentors at Riceland,‖
said Carl Brothers, a long-time co-worker and friend.
―He had a rich history with our cooperative as his
father was the first secretary/treasurer of the Arkansas Rice Growers Association, formed in
1921, which later became known as Riceland Foods, Inc.‖

Memorial donations may be made to the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, 912 E. Fourth
Street, Stuttgart, AR 72160; or the ICCM Food Bank, 120 W. Seventh Street, Stuttgart, AR
72160.
USA Rice Daily
2020 Rice Export Tonnage Dips, Value Increases
By Peter Bachmann
WASHINGTON, DC -- Last Friday, the U.S. Census
Bureau released the December 2020 trade data,
providing the first full look at the 2020 calendar
year‘s export and import performance for all
agricultural products, including rice.
Click image for full report
As widely expected by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) economists, U.S. rice
exports, originally on a trajectory to increase in 2020, took a 9 percent nosedive. For the
same period, metric tons of imported foreign rice saw a 23 percent increase, namely from
India, Thailand, and Pakistan.
The prospect for U.S. rice exports in January and February of 2020 looked promising, both
foreign and domestic demand was high while supplies were tight and strong planting
projections were on the horizon. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global
shipping efficiency and costs led to sustained high U.S. rice prices before, during, and after
the harvest season which meant decreased sales abroad last fall. U.S. exports to Iraq,
Mexico, and throughout Central America saw the most significant decreases in 2020.
While export tonnage decreased from 3,625,292 MT in 2019 to 3,287,355 MT in 2020,
export value actually increased from $1.85 billion in 2019 to nearly $1.88 billion in 2020,
a 1 percent jump.
―While we did see decreased sales in some of our primary markets in 2020, we also saw
some markets perform well, like Haiti and some of our markets in the Middle East, ‖ said
USA Rice Vice President International Sarah Moran. ―Surprisingly, we saw increased
sales in Venezuela and even a resurgence of sales to Brazil. Brazil‘s weather and economic
situation necessitated

a
duty-free quota for rice last summer and fall, and that was enough to move them from 93rd
in terms of tonnage to 8th in terms of tonnage. Brazil hasn‘t been in our top ten export
markets by value or tonnage in the last decade, so that was a really welcome change.‖
Thus far in 2021, USDA believes exports will remain relatively flat, absent any major
market changes, and USA Rice will continue to double-down on international promotion
efforts abroad as safety allows.
USA rice Daily
Govt to amend rules for faster purchase of
commodities
12:00 AM, February 11, 2021 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:54 AM, February 11, 2021
Rejaul Karim Byron and Dwaipayan Barua
The government is going to amend procurement rules to import rice, wheat and other
commodities in the fastest possible time.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs yesterday approved a proposal to reduce the time it
took to make such purchases.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal at a press briefing said they needed to reduce the time to
secure competitive prices in a volatile global market.
According to the public procurement rules (PPR), nothing can be procured in a short time
through international tenders, he said.
The PPR only allows saving time for domestic purchases in cases where it is a necessity of the
state, he informed, adding that nothing of such was mentioned about international procurements.
"Since we need to import rice from abroad, we directed the Implementation Monitoring and
Evaluation Division (IMED) to bring amendments to the public procurement rules," he said.
It now takes 40 to 42 days to import goods through international tenders, said the minister.
But in a volatile global market, prices of commodities like rice, edible oil, wheat and others
fluctuate daily and so the procurement needs to be done in a shorter period of time, he said.
"If it takes such a long time, we will not be able to secure competitive prices and the
international bidders will not bid," he said.
The time taken for making such procurements should be a maximum of one week as prices
remain valid within this period, he opined.
"Within this timeframe the tenderer would offer the price and we would complete all the required
procurement procedures like opening of LCs and others so that they can make the shipment by
the period," he said.
A proposal of the Directorate of Food for importing 1 lakh tonnes of non-basmati rice from India
was placed in the meeting yesterday but the committee decided to approve it in the next meeting
following the IMED amendments to the procurement rules.
However, the government has till date given approval for the directorate to import 4.50 lakh
tonnes of rice in a bid to boost food grain reserves.

Of the amount, the cabinet committee on purchase on February 3 approved the import of 1 lakh
tonnes from Myanmar, albeit under two conditions.
On January 6, it permitted another 2.5 lakh tonnes to be purchased from Indian and Singaporean
firms.
The remaining 1 lakh tonnes got the nod in December 2020.
As for private imports, the government since January 3 granted permission to 320 private firms
to import 10.14 lakh tonnes of rice at a reduced duty of 25 per cent.
In yesterday's meeting the economic affairs committee also approved a proposal of the
Liberation War affairs ministry to follow direct procurement method to arrange drone, aerial and
firework shows marking the golden jubilee of independence on March 26.
"We want to display our previous achievements to the countrymen through such shows," said the
minster.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/govt-amend-rules-faster-purchase-commodities-
Some food contamination starts in the soil
 By American Society of Agronomy
 Feb 11, 2021
When most people hear ―food contamination,‖ they think of bacteria present on unwashed fruits
or vegetables or undercooked meat. However, there are other ways for harmful contaminants to
be present in food products.
Angelia Seyfferth, a member of the Soil Science Society of America, investigates food
contamination coming from the soil where the plants grow.
―It all comes down to the chemistry of the soil,‖ explains Seyfferth.
Most recently, Seyfferth has been studying rice. The elements arsenic and cadmium can be
present in the paddies where rice is grown. She presented her research at the virtual 2020 ASA-
CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting.
―Contaminants being taken up by crop plants is a route of dietary exposure to contaminants that
is understudied,‖ Seyfferth says. ―We can help decrease human exposure to toxins by applying
our knowledge of soil chemistry.‖
Small amounts of arsenic and cadmium are present all over the globe and can be detected in
many food products. It‘s the concentration in the vegetable or fruit, the chemical form of the
element, and how much of it someone eats that determines if an individual experiences a
negative health effect.
High concentrations of arsenic and cadmium are harmful to the body. Consuming low doses over
a long period of time can even cause cancer.
Elements like arsenic and cadmium can be in different chemical forms depending on their
environment. Contaminants are taken up by plants when their chemical form in the soil
resembles a nutrient the plant needs.
―How food is grown affects not only the concentration of contaminants, but also where the
contaminants are stored within the food,‖ says Seyfferth. ―If we understand the chemical forms
of contaminants in soil, we can design solutions to decrease plant uptake of them.‖

In rice, arsenic and cadmium uptake results from opposite conditions. Arsenic can be taken up
when the field is flooded. Cadmium is more likely to be taken up when the field is not flooded.
Seyfferth‘s work has searched for a way to prevent plants from taking up arsenic and cadmium
from the soil. This is often done by adding materials to the soil, called amendments.
An amendment helps change the soil environment. By changing the soil environment,
researchers can help control the chemical forms and plant uptake of contaminants in the soil.
In this case, Seyfferth found that adding rice husk residue to rice paddy soils can help lower the
amount of arsenic and cadmium taken up by the plants. Rice husk residue is plant material left
over after processing rice for human consumption.
This solution is simple yet effective. Rice husk residue is high in the element silicon, which is an
important nutrient for rice. The chemical form of silicon is similar to the form of arsenic taken up
by rice plants when fields are flooded. This similarity helps ‗distract‘ the plant, which prevents it
from taking up as much arsenic.
In soils where cadmium is a problem, rice husk residue helps make the soil less acidic. This
helps to lock up cadmium in the soil. The silicon in the husk may also help decrease the toxicity
of cadmium.
―Not all sources of silicon behave the same way though,‖ says Seyfferth. ―In order for it to be
effective, the silicon source must provide silicon in a high enough concentration during the time
the rice plant is filling grain. Rice husk residue is a successful source because it breaks down
slowly and releases silicon throughout the growing season.‖
High arsenic can decrease grain yield, but Seyfferth‘s work shows that adding rice husk residues
can help prevent yield loss. Half of the world depends on rice as a staple food, so this research
has exciting potential for positive impact.
In the past, Seyfferth has studied similar contamination issues in mushrooms.
For most American adults, the amount of arsenic and cadmium they consume from rice and
mushrooms is not enough to cause concern. But there are other populations that eat these
products more frequently and from an early age.
―People need to be aware of their daily load of contaminants, which depends on their body
weight, the concentration and chemical form of the contaminant in the food, and the amount
consumed,‖ Seyfferth explains.
―The daily load is highest for people who consume rice multiple times a day and who may also
have arsenic in their drinking water,‖ she says. ―Some examples include populations in South
and Southeast Asia.‖
Angelia Seyfferth is an associate professor at the University of Delaware, whose work was
supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
and the University of Delaware.
https://www.aberdeennews.com/farm_forum/some-food-contamination-starts-in-the-
soil/article_94d7f23a-6b0e-11eb-9cbd-4360788f1c89.html
GI glossary for Asia and Middle East: Researchers creates
first database for everything from dim sum to habba hamra
By Guan Yu Lim
10-Feb-2021 - Last updated on 10-Feb-2021 at 09:47 GMT

Researchers creates first glycaemic index glossary for Asian and Middle Eastern foods ©Getty
Researchers have consolidated the glycaemic index (GI) of 940 common Asian and Middle
Eastern food items such as nasi lemak, chapati, dim sum, dates and habba hamra in a review
article published in the Nutrition and Diabetes journal.
The review covered foods typically consumed in South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines), East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India,
Sri Lanka), as well as certain parts of the Middle East (UAE, Oman, Saudi, Lebanon).
This is the first GI compendium of non-Western foods. First author Professor Christiani
Jeyakumar Henry from the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)
told FoodNavigator-Asia, ―Most international GI tables are based on Western foods such as
doughnuts, eclairs and cake, but how many of us really eat these on a daily basis?‖
A typical non-Western diet, such as in South Asia, is high in carbohydrates such as polished rice,
white flour, finger millet, semolina and wheat.
The principle is that the slower the rate of carbohydrate absorption into the bloodstream, the
lower the rise of blood glucose level and the lower the GI value. GI values are categorised into
low (≤55), medium (56-69) and high (≥70).
Research has been shown that South Asians elicits postprandial glucose peaks that are two to
three times larger than Caucasians for an identical carbohydrate load.
Adding to this is Asia being the epicenter of type two diabetes in the world.
―One of the ways in which we can combat type two diabetes is to select a low GI foods. There is
this data set missing so we decided to compile data across the region.‖
Research design
For this review, researchers conducted literature search for relevant GI articles published from
January 2000 to May 2020 on PubMed and Google Scholar.
Year 2000 was the start point as it marked the exponential growth in GI testing in non-Western
countries.
GI misconception
Commenting on the findings, Professor Henry said many people had the misconception about
high GI foods, whether it is carbohydrates or fruits.
Professor Henry said most people think rice is high in GI, which is partly true, however the GI of
rice was found to have a wide range between 14 (low) to 99 (high).
Choosing low to medium GI rice will allow consumers to still enjoy eating rice every day.
―Foods that are labelled as “bad” or “high GI”, you can actually make good out of it, either by
selecting the low GI variety, or by the way in which we eat the food.‖
―For instance, eating rice in a particular sequence will lower spike in blood glucose, that is
eating vegetables first, soup, meat, finally the rice.‖
In addition, not all high GI foods are “bad”, according to Professor Henry.
One example is nasi lemak (Malaysian coconut milk rice). ―The coconut milk in nasi lemak
reduces glycemic index rise precipitously because it contains lauric and myristic acid that
supposedly binds to carbohydrate, so that it is not completely broken down.‖
In addition, overall vegetable and fruit intake in people between 20 to 30 is still relatively low,
according to Professor Henry.
―In the case of fruits, people still think all fruits are high GI. But there are some medium to low
GI fruits, for example, sweeter fruits like mangoes and watermelons are considered low GI.‖
In the glossary, watermelon from South Korea has a GI of 53.5, which is considered low GI.

―So, I think they could do more to encourage people to eat more vegetables and fruits.‖
Future directions
This study compiled data from different countries around the world, ending up with 950 data
points.
It initially consolidated more than 1,400 data points, but had to exclude certain data to meet its
standards (recommended GI analysis method, testing equipment, minimum number of subjects).
―The only limitation is that we had to apply some control mechanism to ensure that the data
provided can be used by the consumer with some degree of confidence and accuracy,‖ according
to Professor Henry.
This glossary currently covers Asia and the Middle East region.
Professor Henry said these countries were selected for their available market research and GI
data.
―We don’t have data from other Middle Eastern countries because there are few researchers
working on this particular focus. Data from the Middle East on GI studies are very limited.
“Even in Singapore, just six years ago, there was no footprint on nutrition. And unless, the
government invests in research focused on nutrition and GI, there won’t be data generated.‖
Source: Nutrition & Diabetes
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-020-00145-w
USDA sees 10% decline in PHL rice imports this year to 2.2
MMT

The country‘s rice imports this year could decline by 10 percent to a four-year low of 2.2 million
metric tons (MMT) on the back of rising domestic harvest, the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) said.
In its latest monthly global grain market report, the USDA revised downward its import forecast
for the Philippines to 2.2 MMT from 2.3 MMT earlier estimate.
The USDA slashed its import forecast for the Philippines as it estimates higher milled rice output
for 2021.
.The USDA said domestic milled rice production this year could reach a three-year high of 12.2
MMT.
The volume was 1.6 percent higher than the USDA‘s earlier production estimate of 12 MMT last
January.
The USDA kept its rice consumption and residual forecast for the Philippines this year at a
record-high 14.4 MMT. The USDA revised upward its full-year rice import estimate for China in
2020 to 2.9 MMT from 2.3 MMT. With the upward revision, China has overtaken the
Philippines last year as the biggest buyer of rice in the global market, based on USDA data.
The Philippines imported about 2.45 MMT of rice last year, according to the USDA. The
Philippines became the largest buyer of rice in the global market in 2019 after it enacted a law
that deregulated its rice industry and eased restrictions on importation. The Philippine
Department of Agriculture (DA) said it targets to increase the country‘s unhusked rice output to
a new record-high of 20.4 MMT from last year‘s 19.44 MMT./
If the production target is realized, the country will achieve a 95 percent self-sufficiency level in
rice, according to the DA.
The DA had earlier filed a petition before the Tariff Commission to reduce the most favored
nation (MFN) rates on rice imports to 35 percent from the current 40 percent (in-quota) and 50
percent (out-quota) levels.
The tariff reduction measure is supported by the Department of Finance. The DA and the DOF
said the reduction in tariff would result in more available cheaper rice sources for the Philippines
as export prices in Thailand and Vietnam continue to rise.
The DA and the DOF are looking at South Asian countries as alternative suppliers to the
country‘s staple supply. The DOF noted that rice export prices in India are now 30 percent
cheaper than their counterparts in Vietnam and Thailand.
At least 90 percent of the country‘s rice imports come from Vietnam and Thailand.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/11/usda-sees-10-decline-in-phl-rice-imports-this-year-to-
2-2-mmt/
Boost your well-being with U.S.- grown rice
February 11, 2021
© Omidiii
Cameron Jacobs from the USA Rice Federation tells us you can boost your well-being with
U.S.- grown rice
When you think of ways to ensure your well-being, rice consumption may not be your first
thought, but maybe it should be. U.S.-grown rice has wide-ranging benefits from nutritional and
emotional to even self-care.

U.S. rice is grown in six states: Arkansas, California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and
Missouri. The U.S. might not come to mind as a major rice exporter, but nearly half of the entire
U.S. rice crop is exported each year, making the U.S. one of the top five rice exporters in the
world. Our farmers are proud to grow U.S. rice sustainably, preserving the land and resources for
future generations to come, while supplying consumers around the globe with a healthy and
nutritious product grown under high food safety and regulatory standards.
The nutritional power of rice
Rice is the most popular grain globally and the primary dietary staple for more than half the
world‘s population. This tiny but mighty grain is nutrient-rich, supplying energy, complex
carbohydrates, protein, fibre, beneficial antioxidants, and more than 15 vitamins and minerals. It
is gluten-free, highly digestible, and the least allergenic of all grains, making it a nutritious and
flavorful grain option for those with gluten-free diets or other food sensitivities.
Rice can also play a distinct role in weight management. While some may look to exclude
carbohydrates from their diets, rice as a carbohydrate is unique in its ability to offer many health
benefits and assist in maintaining a calorie-controlled diet. U.S.-grown rice is virtually fat-free,
containing no trans-fat or saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol, and studies show that
rice eaters are significantly less likely to be overweight or obese.
Here‘s the scoop on U.S.-Grown Rice:
 It’s a “hundred calorie pack”: One half-cup serving of rice contains about 100
calories.
 It’s a “free” food: Naturally, sodium-, cholesterol-, gluten- and GMO-free.
 It’s plant-based: A plant-based eating pattern provides nutritional and health benefits
as well as environmental.
 Rice packs a nutritional punch: It provides essential vitamins and minerals
including, folic acid, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium, fibre, iron and
zinc.
 Whole grain goodness: Whole grains, like brown or wild rice, are a food that can
help reduce health problems while providing numerous benefits. Research shows that
eating whole grains can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes,
certain cancers, and may aid in weight maintenance. Like fruits and vegetables, whole
grains have been identified as a key dietary component contributing to better health
outcomes.
 Energy booster: Rice is a complex carbohydrate that helps fuel your body and brain.
The emotional power of rice
The benefits of U.S.-grown rice are not just limited to nutrition; rice consumption can both
impact how you feel and benefit you emotionally. As a complex carbohydrate that the body
digests slowly, rice provides eaters with a feeling of being energised throughout the day. This
energy boost stems from the difference in how the body processes complex carbohydrates versus
simple sugars, which allows more consistent long-term energy levels to be maintained. In
addition to the increased energy, research demonstrates eating rice increases levels of serotonin,
the ―feel-good chemical‖ which improves moods and helps regulate appetites.
The self-care power of rice
While many may not associate rice with self-care, it has been used throughout history as a beauty
product and self-care tool. U.S.-grown rice can help strengthen hair, exfoliate the skin, soothe
muscles, and even help you relax.

Washing hair with rice water has proven to be a beneficial hair treatment that can improve the
strength, texture, and growth of hair. Rice water is rich in amino acids, which
strengthen hair roots, adds shine, and makes hair smooth and silky. It also contains a
carbohydrate known as inositol which repairs damaged hair and protects from further damage.
Rice can benefit the skin as well thanks to its exfoliating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
properties and through the use of a face scrub, rice can control excess shine and oil on the skin.
Rice water has also been shown to benefit the skin with the starch in rice water helping to heal
damaged skin.
Lastly, rice can soothe sore muscles, injuries, or cramps through heating pads filled with rice and
even encourage relaxation with scented rice-filled eye masks that can be frozen or heated.
Conclusion
While this is only the tip of the grain when it comes to the benefits associated with U.S.-grown
rice, it is clear that U.S.-grown rice can boost wellbeing through a variety of avenues from
consumption to application and benefit different aspects of consumer welfare. To learn more,
visit thinkrice.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @usariceintheuk and @think_rice.
Cameron Jacobs
Director, Domestic Promotion
USA Rice Federation
Phone: +1 703 236 2300
Email: riceinfo@usarice.com
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/boost-your-well-being-with-u-s-grown-rice/103542/
Dhaka's kitchen market sees rise in rice, edible oil prices
YASIR WARDAD | Published: February 12, 2021 09:48:54 | Updated: February
12, 2021 15:37:42
The prices of rice and edible oil continued to rise in the city's wholesale and retail
markets last week hitting people's pockets.
According to trading sources, the prices of common course rice, medium variety
and common finer varieties increased by Tk 2.0-Tk 3.0 per kilogram in a week
based on their quality.
Course rice price went up to Tk 48-Tk 52 per kilogram, medium variety to Tk 55-Tk
60 and common finer varieties to Tk 65-Tk 80 a kg.
However, the refiners raised the prices of edible oil again. The price of soybean oil
hit Tk 142 a litre last week.
Rice prices increased by Tk 60-Tk 100 per 50-kg sack at the milling hubs in last
one and a half weeks, according to Bangladesh Auto Major Husking Mill Owners
Association (BAMHMOA).
Millers and wholesalers were trading both imported and local Guti Swarna at Tk 42 -
Tk 43.5 a kg last week.
Medium variety of BRRI dhan-28, Swarna-5 varieties were retailing at Tk 46-Tk 48
a kg at mill gates.

Based on its quality, Miniket rice was wholesaling at Tk 59-Tk 63 a kg at mill
gates.
Imported Najirshail (Haryana super) variety of rice was sold at Tk 68-Tk 70 and
local Najirshail at Tk 70-Tk 72 a kg at wholesale level.
Hazarat Ali, a Nilphamari-based trader, said the prices of both imported and local
coarse rice are now almost the same.
Imports of rice could hardly help ease prices, he added.
Rezaul Haque, a Dinajpur-based trader, said import duty is still much higher while
prices have also surged by 5.0-6.0 per cent in India with the start of import by
Bangladesh.
Import duty should be reviewed again as the country witnessed a production loss in
the Aman season, he said, adding that import cost of coarse rice is above Tk 43 a kg
in February. "It has still been rising."
Mr Haque also said Boro harvest will begin from May.
Until the arrival of new harvest, he said, rice prices might continue to rise if import
duty is not reviewed immediately.
A latest study conducted by Food and Agriculture Organization said the rice price
index increased by 2.6 per cent in January 2021 to reach 114.3 points.
The index value marked a seven-month high, standing 10.6 per cent above its year-
earlier level, said the study report published in February.

Meanwhile, the government of Bangladesh and the private sector imported 0.13
million tonnes of rice mainly from India in last five weeks, according to the food
ministry.
The private sector has already got approval to bring in 1.0 million tonnes of rice
from global sources.
Value chain expert Prof Golam Hafeez Kennedy said import only benefits millers.
"Most of the importers are also millers and the prices of both imported and local
produce are depending on their consensus."
The government has set a cap on import of 1.0 million tonnes by the private sector
and kept 25 per cent of duty when global prices started rising, he added.
Mr Kennedy further said the volume of imports should be increased after reviewing
duties for next two months due to a decline of 1.5-2.0 million tonnes of production
in the Aman season. According to a Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)
study, rice production declined by 10 per cent in 2020 amid several spells of
flooding. Edible oil prices also witnessed further hike last week.
Half litre jar of soybean oil of different companies has been fixed at Tk 71 last
week. One litre jar was Tk 140 and five-litre jar Tk 650-Tk 670.
Loose soybean was traded at Tk 120-Tk 125 a litre while super palm oil at Tk 110-
Tk 115 per litre-a Tk 3.0-Tk 4.0 hike.
Md Belal Hosaain, a grocer at Madhubazar in Dhanmondi-15, said prices of edible
oil have been rising for four or five days. Meanwhile, the prices of broiler chicken
increased further by Tk 10 a kg as sold at Tk 140-Tk 155 a kg on Thursday.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/dhakas-kitchen-market-sees-rise-in-rice-edible-oil-
prices-1613101734
SEPA Shut Down Factories
Thu 11th February 2021 | 08:37 PM
The Director-General of Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Naeem Ahmad
Mughal inspected the cotton waste, rice straw and husk factories in the Hyderabad site
area to prevent and control air pollution and immediately issued orders for closure, on the
spot
KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Feb, 2021 ) :The Director-General
of Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Naeem Ahmad Mughal inspected
the cotton waste, rice straw and husk factories in the Hyderabad site area to prevent and control
air pollution and immediately issued orders for closure, on the spot.
Later, DG SEPA Naeem Ahmad Mughal inspected the brick kilns in Tando Haider and its
surrounding in detail and issued legal action orders under the Sindh Environmental Protection
Act 2014 against the kilns causing environmental pollution, said a statement issued here on
Thursday.

On this occasion, Regional Incharge SEPA Hyderabad Imran Ali Abbasi said that such
operations will continue in the future and no unit that spreads environmental pollution will be
spared and legal action will be taken against them as per SEP Act 2014.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/sepa-shut-down-factories-1165924.html
Research Institute Approves Rice Production Project 2021-
22
Thu 11th February 2021 | 07:20 PM
FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Feb, 2021 ) :The Ayub
Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad has approved its rice production project 2021-
22 for increasing the crop production in the country.
Addressing a meeting at AARI on Thursday, Director Agriculture (Extension) Abdul Hameed
said that Pakistan ranks fourth in rice producing countries of the world while Punjab is
contributing 70 per cent to total rice production in the country.
Earlier, draft of the rice production project 2021-22 was presented in the meeting and the
participants approved it with some necessary amendments.
Director Adoptive Research Sheikhupura Dr Muzammal Hussain, Associate Professor University
of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Dr Muhammad Umar Chattha, Assistant Professor UAF Dr
Amir Rasool, Director Social Sciences PARC Unit Faisalabad Dr Arshad Ali, Principal Scientist

NIAB Dr Ziaul Qamar, Principal Scientist NIAB Dr Muhammad Rasheed, Chief Scientist Dr
Nadeem Iqbal, SSO PARC Islamabad Dr Shehbaz Hussain, Senior Scientist Rice Research
Institute Kala Shah Kako Usman Saleem, Research Officer Adoptive Research Lahore Dr Javaid
Iqbal, Assistant Director Research Information Unit Faisalabad Qamar Yousuf Raheel and others
also participated in the meeting.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/research-institute-approves-rice-production-p-
1165849.html
East Africa: Tanzania, EAC to Reap From Pakistan Market
11 FEBRUARY 2021
Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
By Deus Ngowi
TANZANIA and other East African Community (EAC) partner states are set to exploit the
Pakistan market, with former already exporting raw cotton to the Asian country.
Pakistan High Commissioner to Tanzania and the EAC, Ambassador Muhammad Saleem
disclosed in Arusha that last year, Pakistan imported raw cotton worth US$50 million from
Tanzania.
Speaking after presenting his letter of credence to the EAC Secretary General (SG), Ambassador
Liberat Mfumukeko, the Pakistani envoy noted that other potential export crops from Tanzania
and the bloc include palm oil, coconuts and cashew nuts.
"Economic diplomacy for Pakistan is not about our country dumping goods in East Africa. We
are seeking a win-win situation for Pakistan and East Africa," said Ambassador Saleem.
He added that education and vocational training were also areas where East Africa would benefit
immensely from cooperation with Pakistan. Relations between Pakistan and Tanzania were
established in the 1960's, when Pakistan expressed its support for Tanzania in getting
independence from British rule.
Among Pakistan's main exports to Tanzania are cement, textiles, rice and sugar, as well as some
relatively high technology goods such as machinery and tractors. On the other hand, Pakistan
imports mainly tea, raw cotton and hides for leather from Tanzania, along with some imports of
tobacco, edible oils and tanning materials.
"Pakistanis constitute the fourth largest population of skilled workers in the Silicon Valley after
the US, India and Romania and Pakistan also exports vast amounts of ICT apps to US companies
including Apple," said the Pakistan High Commissioner.
Ambassador Saleem said that Pakistan was ready to support EAC's industrialization plans in
diverse sectors but especially in areas where his country had built capacity for several decades,
namely: sugar processing, textile manufacture, cement and fertiliser manufacturing, and
pharmaceuticals.
Ambassador Mfumukeko was of the view that Pakistan, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
worth 287bn US dollars (by 2019), is a country that EAC partner states could do a huge business
with. The Community will thus explore areas of cooperation with the Asian country.

"Pakistan is a potential huge market that EAC needs to exploit. The two parties therefore, need to
explore areas of cooperation and investment," said Ambassador Mfumukeko, adding that EAC
would arrange a business delegation to visit Pakistan as soon as feasible.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202102110256.html
Panel adds B3.83bn for price guarantee
PUBLISHED : 12 FEB 2021 AT 04:00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS
WRITER: CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
Rice is harvested in a field in Phitsanulok province. A spokesman says the prime minister has
voiced concerns about the government budget supporting ever-expanding rice price
guarantees. (Photo by Taweechai Tawatpakorn)
The National Rice Policy Committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha approved
yesterday 3.83 billion baht worth of additional spending for the state-sponsored rice price
guarantee scheme for the 2020-21 crop year, raising total spending to 50.6 billion baht this
harvest season.
A higher budget has been allocated because there are additional registrants in the scheme, said
government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri.

He said the Commerce Ministry and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives
have been tasked with preparing details to be proposed for cabinet approval.
As of Feb 3, there were 4.68 million families with a combined 61.2 million rai of farmland
registered with the scheme, up from the previous 4.57 million families with 56 million rai.
Mr Anucha said Gen Prayut has voiced concerns about the government budget supporting the
rice price guarantee scheme, which has risen every year.
The premier authorised related agencies to accelerate efforts to reform the farm sector in a bid to
increase value and generate more income for the sector.
Gen Prayut also approved the state planning unit, the National Economic and Social
Development Council, working closely with related agencies such as the Budget Bureau and the
Finance, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Industry, and Higher Education, Science, Research and
Innovation ministries to rev up agricultural reforms, aiming to increase the value of farm
products, beef up communities' incomes and upgrade the quality of crops.
He insisted the government remains committed to supporting the farm sector via various
projects, such as the production factor reduction scheme and market management and insurance
schemes.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry reported yesterday it plans to promote 59.9 million
rai of farmland, with 24.7 million tonnes of paddy in the 2020/2012 main crop.
As of Feb 3, the ministry found rice farmland has already increased to 61.2 million rai.
The rise in rice cultivation is mainly attributed to higher water supply in August and the
government's rice price guarantee scheme.
For off-season crops, the ministry planned to promote 3.12 million rai with 2.07 million tonnes.
But as of Feb 3, the amount of rice farmland had already increased to 7.55 million rai.
In a related development, Gen Prayut also authorised related agencies to tackle obstacles for rice
exports this year, particularly the container shortage.
Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said shipments are
unlikely to reach 6 million tonnes this year because Thai rice prices are relatively higher than
those of other countries.
In January, the Commerce Ministry set a target for rice exports of 6 million tonnes this year,
slightly above the 5.72 million tonnes shipped last year.
Of the 6 million tonnes, white rice is expected to make up 2 million tonnes, followed by
Thai hom mali rice at 1.5 million tonnes, parboiled rice at 1.5 million tonnes, while Pathum
Thani fragrant rice, provincial fragrant rice and sticky rice account for the remainder.
According to Mr Charoen, the free-on-board price of Thai white rice 5% is now quoted at
US$530 a tonne, while Vietnam's price is $490-500 per tonne. Indian white rice stands at only
$440 a tonne, leading importers to buy more Indian rice.
As of Jan 19, India still topped global rice exports at 480,000 tonnes, followed by Pakistan at
350,000 tonnes, Thailand 340,000 tonnes and Vietnam 260,000 tonnes.
Last year India ranked first in global rice exports with 14 million tonnes, followed by Vietnam at
6.3 million tonnes, Thailand 5.72 million tonnes, Pakistan 4 million tonnes and the US 3.05
million tonnes.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2066843/panel-adds-b3-83bn-for-price-guarantee

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