13th june 2020 daily global regional and local rice e newsletter today

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Global Regional and Local Rice News

Foodfor Thought: How to help picky eaters
Prepare one meal for everybody and serve it family-style so your kids can pick and choose what
they want.
Parents of children who are picky eaters could be making the problem worse according to a new
study.
Researchers at the Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children's Hospital recently found that parents
who demand that a child eat or restrict food are associated with some of the pickiest eaters, while
lower levels of picky eating in children were associated with parents who impose few restrictions
on food and a lack of pressure to eat.
The study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, found that about 15% of the children in
the study fell into the "high" picky eater group - children who didn't accept vegetables often or
were highly nervous about new foods.
Here are a few ways to help your picky eater to be more comfortable with new or nutritious
foods, according to Parents.com.
• Make a schedule: Children need to eat every three to four hours: three meals, two snacks, and
lots of fluids. If you plan for these, your child's diet will be much more balanced and they will be
less cranky, because they won't be famished.
• Plan dinners: Try to plan two or three days worth of dinners at a time. A good dinner should be
balanced: whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta; a fruit or a vegetable; and a protein source like lean
meat, cheese or beans.
• Don't become a short-order cook: Prepare one meal for everybody and serve it family-style so
your kids can pick and choose what they want.
• Bite your tongue: Try not to comment on what or how much your kids are eating and be as
neutral as possible.
• Introduce new foods slowly: Sometimes kids' taste buds have to get used to a flavor before they
like they taste.
• Dip it: Experiment with condiments and dips for vegetables.
• Get kids cooking: If your children become involved in choosing or preparing meals, they'll be
more interested in eating what they've created.

• Cut back on treats: By having fewer junk foods around, you'll force your children to eat more
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
• Have fun: Being more creative with meals and the greater variety of foods will gets your kids
excited about the foods they eat.
Easy recipe
Asparagus and Rice Casserole
Serves: 6
Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Steps
Turn the broiler to high. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick oil spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water.

When the water is boiling, add half of the asparagus and cook until the asparagus is tender, 3 to 5
minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the prepared ice water and repeat with remaining
asparagus. When all of the asparagus is cooked, remove from the ice bath, pat dry and cut into
3/4-inch pieces.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring
frequently, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring constantly,
until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until its raw flavor is cooked out,
about 3 minutes.
Add the half and half, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring, until the mixture has thickened, 5 to
7 minutes. Add the rice and asparagus and cook, stirring, just until heated through, 3 to 5
minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese until it melts. Season to taste with
salt and pepper.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Broil until the cheese is
melted and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
— SouthernKitchen.com
Drink
Sugary drink warning labels
According to research of more than 20 different studies, warning labels on sugary drinks lead to
healthier drink choices.
Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said warning labels have the
potential to help inform consumers reduce the consumption of unhealthy beverages like sodas,
energy drinks and fruit-flavored drinks.
Fun fact
Peanut butter
Each year, Americans consume enough peanut better to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon —
about 500 million pounds.
Project launched to make residual of paddy crop useful

APP
June 13, 2020
FAISALABAD - Punjab government has launched a project to make the residual of
paddy crop useful through the latest machinery. Earlier, farmers burnt residual of paddy crop
which caused smog and environment pollution, said agriculture department spokesperson here on
Friday. In this regard, Punjab Agriculture Department has started receiving application forms for
providing Pak Seeder/Happy Seeder & Rice Straw Chopper and Shredder machines to farmers
on 80 percent discount rates. The machines will be given to farmers in the following districts---
Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, Lahore, Kasur,
Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Bahawalnagr and Okara, he said. The
farmer owner of a 65 horse power tractor can apply for the machinery. He said that farmers
would be bound to provide machinery to other farmers on rent for four years. The farmers will
attach a copy of CNIC, registration book, transfer letter, ownership of agri land, and a copy of
‗Gardawary‘ along with stamp paper of Rs 100.The application forms are available at the offices
of Agri Engineer (field) and Agriculture Officer (extension) of respective districts. The forms
can also be downloaded from website www.agripunjab.gov.pk or www.field.agri.punjab.gov.pk
Application can be submitted by June 30. For further information, farmers can call at landline
number 042-9920005, spokesman added.
Pompeo going to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii
E-paper
https://nation.com.pk/13-Jun-2020/project-launched-to-make-residual-of-paddy-crop-useful
USU Extension professionals make connections in the
Phillippines
Written by Shelby Ruud Jarman - USU Extension
June 12, 2020

In order to learn more about Extension abroad and make connections with program
administrators, practitioners and academics in the field, Utah State University Extension faculty
members travelled to the Philippines earlier this spring to participate in the first International
Extension Professional Development program.
The program is part of a recent agreement between USU and the University of the Philippines in
Los Baños, with support from USU Extension and Epsilon Sigma Phi, the National Association
of Extension Professionals. Participants from USU Extension, as well as Extension professionals
from Colorado, Iowa and Wisconsin, learned about Extension work in the Philippines in the
areas of nutrition, family and consumer sciences, youth development, agriculture and
environmental sustainability.
The group discussed program priorities with national Extension leaders in Manila, attended
presentations by faculty who lead local, regional and national Extension initiatives, observed a
cooking demonstration of traditional Filipino food, learned about rice breeding at the
International Rice Research Institute, networked with academics and students from the
University of the Philippines Los Baños, and presented a symposium on Extension work in the
United States and how it can connect to Extension work in the Philippines.
how they view aspects of their lives related to Extension work is critical
―Understanding more about how family units work, how people view jobs and careers and how
they view aspects of their lives related to Extension work is critical,‖ said program participant
Kelly Kopp, USU Extension professor and water conservation and turfgrass specialist. ―Learning
these things about the Filipino culture, or any other culture, will help me be a better Extension
educator.‖
This program is one of the many ways USU Extension provides professional development
opportunities for faculty. Linking with other areas of the world, such as the Philippines, can help
Extension faculty broaden their views on ways to address the issues of food security, agricultural
research and environmental sustainability locally.
International work is important for Extension because we learn different and sometimes better
ways to deliver Extension programs
―International work is important for Extension because we learn different and sometimes better
ways to deliver Extension programs,‖ said Justen Smith, Extension agriculture and natural
resources department director and Extension professor who participated in the program. ―It
allows us to ‗think outside the box.‘ We live in a global society, and Extension faculty
participating in these experiences learn to appreciate cultural diversity and broaden their
understanding of the needs of various cultures.‖

For more information about USU Extension, visit https://extension.usu.edu/.
Share
https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2020/06/12/usu-extension-professionals-make-
connections-in-the-phillippines/#.XuS3BqZRU2w
Project Launched To Make Residual Of Paddy Crop Usefull
Umer Jamshaid
Fri 12th June 2020 | 06:16 PM
Punjab government has launched a project to make the residual of paddy crop useful
through the latest machinery. Earlier, farmers burnt residual of paddy crop which caused
smog and environment pollution, said agriculture department spokesperson here on Friday
FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jun, 2020 ) :Punjab government has
launched a project to make the residual of paddy crop useful through the latest machinery.
Earlier, farmers burnt residual of paddy crop which caused smog and environment pollution, said
agriculture department spokesperson here on Friday.
In this regard, Punjab Agriculture Department has started receiving application forms for
providing Pak Seeder/Happy Seeder & Rice Straw Chopper and Shredder machines to farmers
on 80 percent discount rates. The machines will be given to farmers in the following districts---
Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, Lahore, Kasur,
Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Bahawalnagr and Okara, he said.
The farmer owner of a 65 horse power tractor can apply for the machinery.
He said that farmers would be bound to provide machinery to other farmers on rent for four
years.
The farmers will attach a copy of CNIC, registration book, transfer letter, ownership of agri land,
and a copy of 'Gardawary' along with stamp paper of Rs 100.The application forms are available
at the offices of Agri Engineer (field) and Agriculture Officer (extension) of respective districts.
The forms can also be downloaded from website www.agripunjab.gov.pk or

www.field.agri.punjab.gov.pkApplication can be submitted by June 30. For further information,
farmers can call at landline number 042-9920005,spokesman added.
https://dailypakistan.com.pk/latest
Panchayats fail to lease out village common land
 Posted: Jun 13, 2020 07:33 AM (IST)
A meeting of block samiti under way at Malaudh near Payal. Tribune photo
Our Correspondent
Ahmedgarh / Payal, June 12
The lockdown imposed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected earnings of
panchayats, which they earned by leasing out village common land.

Farmers are hesistant to take panchayat land on higher lease due to multiple reasons, including
shortage of labourers to sow paddy and high cost of direct seeded rice (DSR) machinery.
As a result, panchayats in Ludhiana and Sangrur districts have been facing problems in
auctioning common land on high lease.
In 2019, the price varied between Rs45,000 and Rs55,000 per acre, but now nobody is willing to
pay above Rs30,000. The auction had to be stopped in some villages as there were no bidders.
Block Development Panchayat Officer Navneet Joshi said the issue was discussed and it has
been resolved that highest bidders should be allotted common land instead of keeping it vacant.
―Earlier, a large number of farmers used to show interest. Agriculturists are not coming forward
to bid for common land this season,‖ said Joshi.
Farmers hesistant to take land on higher lease
Farmers are hesistant to take panchayat land on higher lease due to multiple reasons, including
shortage of labourers to sow paddy and high cost of direct seeded rice (DSR) machinery
.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/panchayats-fail-to-lease-out-village-common-land-
98489
Current HealthPandemic Shows the Need to
RestructureOldAgricultural TradePolicies
 Haiti continues to face severe food insecurity that has been exacerbated by the COVID-
19 pandemic.
 Trade facilitation and capacity building (TFCB) programs present another solution.
 Tanzania has since placed a ban on rice imports for the 2020/21 marketing year in an
effort to boost local production.
Haiti is still rebuilding following the devastation of the 7.0 earthquake that struck a decade ago.
Among an array of social burdens keeping this small Caribbean country in a perpetual cycle of
vulnerability, food insecurity has been a persistent threat to its citizens since well before the

earthquake. The earthquake exacerbated Haiti‘s food crisis, and consequently, about half of the
Haitian population remains undernourished.
In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, the country of 10 million people faced a dire food
shortage. Approximately 25,000 tons of food aid of U.S. origin was distributed in response to the
earthquake. Over 80 percent of the total dollar value of funds and metric tons of U.S. food aid
allocated for emergency activities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean during the 2010
fiscal year was apportioned to Haiti. During the same year, Haiti imported about US$160 million
worth of rice from the United States. Haiti needed to rely on foreign food aid, including rice
imports.
Fast forward to 2020, Haiti continues to face severe food insecurity that has been exacerbated by
the COVID-19 pandemic. Haiti imported more staple food, for which the prices had decreased,
by April 2020 than the previous year. However, the global slowdown on imports and exports, in
addition to low domestic production and high production costs, have resulted in elevated prices
on locally produced staple food such as rice. Haiti‘s dependency on rice imports is puzzling
considering that it once produced enough rice for local consumption.
As a supporter of trade liberalization myself, it is important to fully understand this contradiction
by going back to the liberalization policies of the 1980s and 1990s, when many Latin American
and Caribbean countries implemented open-market trade policies to grow their economies. In
1986, Haiti placed a 50 percent ad valorem tariff on rice imports. By 1995, with the support of
U.S. President Bill Clinton, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank pushed
structural adjustment programs in Haiti, which involved Haiti drastically reducing its tariffs on
rice imports to three percent.
Rather than leading to economic growth, these policies resulted in an influx of cheaper,
subsidized rice imports. Haitian rice imports increased dramatically from 7,000 metric tons in
1985 to 207,000 metric tons a decade later, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) figures. The majority of these imports came from the United States.
On the other hand, rice productivity in Haiti dropped significantly. From 1980 to 1990, Haiti
averaged 124,000 tons of rice produced, which dropped down to an average of 114,400 tons by
2005-06.
Most of the U.S. rice imports come from Clinton‘s home state of Arkansas. The rice grower in
Arkansas has received billions of dollars of subsidies since 1995. Following the earthquake,
Clinton stated during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, ―It may have been good for
some of my farmers in Arkansas, but it has not worked. I have to live every day with the
consequences of the lost capacity to produce a rice crop in Haiti to feed those people, because of
what I did.‖

The liberalization of Haiti‘s rice market has created a cycle of dependency for the country, which
becomes more evident during a crisis, such as the 2010 earthquake and today‘s global health
pandemic. Many Haitian rice growers have found it difficult to sell within their own market
because of the inability to compete against the lower cost, subsidized imports from the United
States. As a result, and prior to the pandemic, 80 percent of rice consumed in Haiti had been
imported.
With the current global health pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme estimates
that the number of people in Haiti alone that face food insecurity will jump from 700,000 to 1.6
million.
In April 2020, the World Bank, which supported trade liberalization in Haiti, provided US$9.5
million to Haiti‘s agricultural sector to address the deepened food insecurity resulting from the
COVID-19 outbreak, as well its impact on global trade. Ironically, such support may help the
local agricultural sector to become self-sufficient again. Time will tell.
Awareness to Action
Haiti‘s story is a familiar one in other regions as well, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. However,
many remain unaware of the link between trade policies and food insecurity. For instance, in
response to my TEDx talk on the subject, people have commented, ―I had no idea about how
these policies impacted so many lives.‖
Similar to Haiti, the East African country of Tanzania is a net importer of rice, a least-developed-
country, and implemented liberal trade policies by the 1990s. Local measures have been taken to
reduce the effects of trade liberalization on Tanzania‘s local farmers and food production thus,
offering insight into three approaches to mitigate the negative impact of structural adjustment
policies–acknowledge disproportionate trade policies, implement policies that support local
producers, and build the capacity for local producers to compete internationally.
Consider the trade policies that restrict market access to local producers and create an unfair
competitive advantage for foreign producers. Being aware of the role of disproportionate trade
policies in the loss of food in developing countries and creating a reliance on imported food aid
is the first step to developing effective policies and practices to promote higher levels of food
security.
Tanzania allows for duty-free agricultural imports from other East African Community (EAC)
members—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. However, it places a 75 percent
tariff or $345 per ton, whichever is higher, on rice imports from non-EAC countries. This high
tariff rate limits the influx of foreign rice imports. In 2018, Tanzania imported a total of 236 tons
of rice from international suppliers. The majority of rice—180 tons–came from Pakistan. The
United States only accounted for 16 tons.

Tanzania has since placed a ban on rice imports for the 2020/21 marketing year in an effort to
boost local production. The US Department of Agricultural estimates a nine percent decrease in
rice imports into Tanzania during this period.
The second solution is to develop policies that complement local production, rather than displace
it. It becomes a win-win outcome when exported goods are not already abundantly available in a
market for which there may be a growing demand. However, the export of staple crops already
being produced in a lower-income country should add to the supply and be sold at market value
to allow for fair competition.
At the same time, Tanzania has experienced increased imports as rising demand exceeds local
production. For instance, in the late 1990s, food imports jumped almost three-fold only because
of a decline in domestic production, rather than trade liberalization. Rice imported from the
United States are mainly for food aid programs. The rice imports supplement, rather than
compete directly with, local production.
Finally, trade facilitation and capacity building (TFCB) programs present a third solution. Such
programs emphasize enhancing the skills of local farmers to compete in today‘s global economy.
TFCB programs can produce success stories, given that they are implemented under truly
reciprocal trade policies and practices.
The EAC countries, including Tanzania, have implemented TFCB programs with technical
assistance from organizations such as the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD). EAC countries have adopted an electronic cargo tracking system and invested in
transport infrastructure (ports, roads, railways, airports) to improve their trade competitiveness.
In Tanzania alone, the transportation and storage industries have grown 16.6 percent by 2017.
Improving infrastructure becomes important as Tanzania‘s rice production is expected to
increase slightly by 2020, per USDA estimates. Furthermore, Tanzania has expanded its market
access by exporting rice to its neighboring East African countries, making it a major supplier of
rice throughout the region. Tanzania‘s rice producers can provide for domestic and international
markets. Tanzania‘s response to trade liberalization has resulted in it being the fastest growing
East African economy at 7.1 percent in 2017.
In sum, trade liberalization policies create structural incentives that shift supply and demand in
favor of foreign producers to the detriment of local subsistence farmers. As the COVID-19
pandemic is showing, the cycle of food insecurity only worsens when imports are restricted,
local production remains low, and food prices go up. However, designing trade liberalization
policies and capacity-building programs that support local producers over the long-term may
help address food insecurity in developing countries.
__________________________________________________________________

Sarita D. Jackson, Ph.D. is the President and CEO of the Global Research Institute of
International Trade, a Californian think-tank and consulting firm. Dr. Jackson has previously
worked on overseas projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
and the Fulbright Scholar/Lecture Award. She is also a published author, TEDx speaker, and
business school instructor. She conducts her work in English and Spanish. Dr. Jackson earned a
Bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish at the University of Southern California and a
Master’s and Doctorate in political science at Brown University.
https://www.globaltrademag.com/current-health-pandemic-shows-the-need-to-restructure-old-
agricultural-trade-policies/
BSP tariff collectionhits P8 billion in 5 months
Mary Grace Padin (The Philippine Star
) - June 13, 2020 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has collected almost P8 billion in rice
import tariffs in the first five months of the year, even as trade volume declined due to the effects
of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement, BOC said revenues generated by the agency from rice import tariffs under the
Rice Tariffication Law reached P7.955 billion from January to May 2020.
This is almost 80 percent of the BOC‘s annual rice tariff collection target of P10 billion, which
will be remitted to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
Data obtained by The STAR showed the May collection figure is 0.48 percent higher than the
P7.917 billion collected by the BOC during the same five-month period last year. The Rice
Tariffication Law only took effect in March 2019.
BOC data also indicated that the volume of rice imports in the first five months of 2020 dropped
by 32.16 percent to 1.25 million metric tons from 1.85 million in the same period last year.
Sought for comment, BOC assistant commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said the drop in
importation volume was due to the ―effect of COVID-19 on the trade environment.‖

Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law liberalized the importation of rice by imposing
tariff in lieu of quantitative restrictions.
Proceeds from rice tariff collections are earmarked for the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness
Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which will be used to provide cheap credit, high quality seeds,
agricultural machinery and skills training to rice farmers.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/06/13/2020479/bsp-tariff-collection-hits-p8-billion-5-
months
What Consolidation in Food Aid Delivery May Meanfor USA Rice
By Rebecca Bratter
ARLINGTON, VA -- COVID-19 aside, 2020 was already shaping-up to be one of the worst
years on record for food insecure nations before adding more instability into the mix. Experts
are projecting that poor weather, historically high demand for shelf stable commodities, and
increased purchases of commodities for domestic food aid will all have significant impacts to the
world of food assistance this year.
"While the global food assistance supply chain has remained mostly intact, we are keeping our
eye on some of the trends that will define our work in the coming year, some of them even
favorable for the commodity world," said Jesica Kincaid, USA Rice manager of International
Trade Policy.
In years with good weather and growing economies overseas, the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) would focus much of their $1.1 billion Food For Peace Program budget
on development projects, investing in infrastructure overseas. However, due to the extreme
situation right now, USAID is spending more and more of that budget on Title II "PL480"
programs, providing emergency assistance through food purchases, concentrated in four
countries: Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen. The nature of emergency programs
coupled with limited destinations that may not prefer rice in the diet obviously limits the amount
of rice going into those programs.
PL480 projects that provide U.S. food assistance in response to emergencies and disasters around
the world make up 90 percent of all food aid programming. More than 50 percent of those
projects consist of vouchers, local and regional purchase, and cash transfers; and 42 percent is in-

kind assistance.
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to utilize in-kind food aid, spending
almost $350 million on commodity purchases," said Kincaid. "Half of all Food For Progress and
McGovern-Dole school feeding programs, both run by USDA, utilize U.S-grown rice. USA
Rice can be a strong contributor to these efforts, especially with fortified rice being a critical
component for emergency feeding programs."
Implementation of these programs, particularly when providing in-kind food donations rather
than development funding, does not go without challenges. The universe of food assistance
program implementers has shrunk considerably over the years, with 64 percent of PL480 projects
and 45 percent of McGovern-Dole projects implemented by the World Food Programme
(WFP). Where there were once dozens of players, each with different goals and different
alliances, there's now closer to just one dozen organizations responsible for distributing billions
in federal aid every year.
"Consolidation among the array of implementers is not necessarily bad, but knowing WFP is the
agency with the best infrastructure system to accommodate emergency response and challenging
situations helps USA Rice focus our outreach," Kincaid added. "In addition to building
relationships with the team at WFP, we are also handling outreach to the other food aid
implementers and evaluating what needs to be improved to make U.S.-grown rice a more
important tool in battling hunger. We're looking at creative ways to extend shelf-life when
stored overseas in difficult climates as well as packaging improvements to keep food aid
shipments a sustainable part of our industry's business model."
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwHNqFlFpnCpxrbZLSMLDCXXBjz
Govt urged to save rice, cotton crops from locust
attack
FAO of United Nations has issued warning of a second locust swarm attack in Pakistan in
July
Iqtidar Gilani
June 12, 2020

LAHORE - Expressing alarm over reports of even bigger attack of locust swarm in
July this year, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) former chairman Shahzad Ali
Malik has urged the government to take immediate measures for saving rice and cotton crops.
Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has issued warning of a second
locust swarm attack in Pakistan in July. As such two most precious crops of the season, rice and
cotton will be at huge risk. Malik stressed the need for massive ariel spray especially in Sindh
and Southern Punjab to save rice and cotton crops from the wrath of locust swarm.
Rice exports are currently hovering slightly over US$ 2.2 billion dollars and the government and
exporters are endeavouring to take it to US$ 5 billion by the year 2023, but possible damage by
locust swarm will hit hard these efforts rather may reverse the situation, he feared. He said that
agriculture is the second largest sector of the national economy which is contributing 20 per cent
in the GDP while over 50 per cent of the workforce is employed by this sector. Locust swarm is
the bigger threat than Coronavirus as no one can escape from famine or hunger, he added.
Speaker KPK assembly Mushtaq Ghani tests positive for coronavirus
Malik said already locust had damaged wheat, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fodder and mango
crops and it is said that the coming locust swarm which is expected in July will be four times
larger than what have experienced recently. He said that not only locust is expected from Africa
but those which are breeding locally will add to the contingent. He said in July, paddy will be in
the flowering stage especially in Sindh and Southern Punjab and if immediate steps are not taken
it may be ruined totally by the pest. Talking about the remedial measures, he said that both short
and long term steps are needed. In short term, Department of Plant Protection (DPP) should
either acquire aircraft on lease for spray from other countries or army aviation‘s aircraft and
helicopters should be converted for dusting (aerial spray) on large scale to deal with this pest.
In the longer run, he said that the Department of Plant Protection which had 20 aircrafts in the
1980s should be given the task to raise a big fleet to meet any such situation in the future. He
said already crop size of non-basmati rice has increased manifold in Pakistan as it was 2.563
million metric tons in 2010-11 while in 2018-19 it rose to 3.54 million metric tons because of the
introduction of hybrid varieties, which also help non-basmati to gain a larger share in national
exports as compared to Basmati varieties. Damage to rice crop in Sindh and South Punjab means
hit to this bigger chunk of export cake, he concluded.
https://nation.com.pk/12-Jun-2020/govt-urged-to-save-rice-cotton-crops-from-locust-attack

Despite overall contraction, Pakistan's agri sector grows
2.7%
By Usman Hanif
Published: June 12, 2020
KARACHI:
The agriculture sector – the backbone of national economy and a major source of employment –
recorded a significant growth of 2.67% in the outgoing fiscal year 2019-20 compared to a poor
0.58% growth in FY19.
The agriculture sector has provided some relief for Pakistan‘s economy, which has registered a
negative growth for the first time in 68 years. Rice production increased 2.9% to 7.410 million
tons and maize crop rose 6% to 7.236 million tons. Cotton harvest fell 6.9% to 9.178 million
bales and sugarcane production dropped 0.4% to 66.88 million tons.
Meanwhile, the production of wheat – being the most important crop – recorded a growth of
2.5% to 24.946 million tons.
However, experts term the agri-growth overestimated, saying the government may revise it later.
―Agriculture growth looks overestimated,‖ said Syed Atif Zafar, Director Research and Chief
Economist at Topline Securities.
―This is perhaps for the first time Pakistan is reporting GDP growth in the Economic Survey
based on full-year estimates compared to the previous practice of estimates based on nine-month
data as the impact of Covid-19 is too significant to be ignored,‖ he said.
Pakistan‘s gross domestic product (GDP) – the size of national economy – is expected to
contract for the first time since 1952.
The agriculture sector, which contributes 19.3% to the GDP, recorded a year-on-year growth of
2.67% in FY20, lower than the target of 3.5%, but higher than last year‘s growth of 0.58% and
preceding five-year average of 1.8%.
―Looking at the breakdown and their respective weights, we expect the government to revise
down agriculture growth for FY20,‖ said the analyst in a report.

Nonetheless, according to the survey, other crops showed a growth of 4.57% mainly due to
increase in the production of pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. Cotton ginning declined 4.61% due
to decrease in the production of cotton crop. Overall, the crops sector recorded a notable growth
of 2.98% owing to a 2.9% increase in the harvest of important crops.
The livestock sector achieved a growth of 2.58%. Meanwhile, the fishing sector grew 0.6%
whereas the forestry sector jumped up 2.29%.
Water availability
In 2019-20, total availability of water for Kharif (summer) crops was recorded at 65.2 million
acre feet (maf), an increase of 9.4% compared to 59.6 maf in 2018-19.
In the Rabi season 2019-20, total water availability was recorded at 29.2 maf, an increase of
17.7% over Rabi 2018-19 but 19.8% less than the normal availability of 36.4 maf.
Fertiliser sector
Fertiliser production during July-March FY20 rose 5.8% over the same period of last year on the
back of additional supply of gas, according to the economic survey. Fertiliser import decreased
20.7%.
The government announced a subsidy of Rs37 billion for the fertiliser sector, however, it failed
to release the money in the stipulated time, which resulted in a plunge of around 70% in fertiliser
offtake in the last one and a half month, said Mehmood Nawaz Shah, Vice President of the Sindh
Abadgar Board.
In the first nine months of FY20, there was an uptick in agricultural credit disbursement as banks
disbursed Rs912.2 billion, up 13.3% compared to the disbursement of Rs804.9 billion in the
same period of last year, according to the survey.
―Although the growth rate is higher than the last two to three years, overall the growth in the
agriculture sector is unimpressive,‖ said Shah. ―Per acre yield in Pakistan is the lowest
worldwide,‖ he added.
After 2005-06, there had been a constant decline in the agriculture sector, which meant the
country had a huge untapped potential, he emphasised.
―Commodity prices have not been increased except for the adjustment due to rupee depreciation
against the US dollar, which has a grave impact on the return on investment made by farmers;
the government needs to look into it,‖ he said.

The government should announce an encouraging policy for the agriculture sector in the
upcoming budget so that the sector could make further progress, remarked Khalid Tawab, former
Sindh minister for commerce, trade and industry.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th
, 2020.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2240816/2-despite-overall-contraction-pakistans-agri-sector-grows-
2-7/
Govt unveils economic survey, misses key targets
By Shahzad Paracha
June 11, 2020
–Economy to shrink the most in decades while fiscal deficit likely to widen to 9.4pc of GDP in
FY20
–Agriculture sector grows 2.67pc, whereas industrial and services sectors shrink -2.64pc and -
3.4pc, respectively
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan‘s economy will shrink the most in decades while its fiscal deficit will
likely widen to 9.4pc of gross domestic product by the end of the FY20, according to the
Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20.
―The country‘s provisional gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for FY20 will likely
contract 0.4pc instead of growing 3.3pc as previously forecast,‖ Adviser to PM on Finance
Abdul Hafeez Shaikh told a news conference while unveiling the budget on Thursday.
This contraction would be the deepest in decades.
―The economic contraction depicts the challenges that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
government faced in its second year in power and the miseries caused by the Covid-19 that
started battering the world in December 2019.‖
The IMF and World Bank had earlier projected that the economy will shrink by up to 2.6pc.

The adviser said the IMF and World Bank were making bleaker assumptions keeping in view the
severity and duration of the coronavirus pandemic. ―In my view, we will have a better estimation
when this year ends on June 30.‖
He highlighted the government‘s swift and decisive policy actions since the start of the current
fiscal year, including resource mobilisation, completion of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) programme, austerity measures, and monetary policies helping stabilise the economy.
The adviser stated that these measures helped the economy to reverse large external and internal
imbalances. He said that significant improvement in external accounts was made as the current
account and trade deficit witnessed a substantial contraction.
―Foreign reserves steadily improved. There was an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI).
The credit rating profile also improved. Fiscal performance remained strong during the first three
quarters of the outgoing fiscal year, on the back of consolidation efforts and targeted reforms.‖
The adviser said the Covid-19 has pushed the global economies towards a recession. Pakistan
has also been affected by the unprecedented health and economic shocks caused by the outbreak
of coronavirus. During the current fiscal year, Pakistan‘s economy has undergone a sharp
contraction as growth is recorded at negative 0.4pc.
―To mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic, the government announced a stimulus
package of Rs1.24 trillion, and offered further relief measures through the State Bank of
Pakistan. The policy rate was also cut by 5.25pc to 8.0pc,‖ he said. ―The monetary and fiscal
policy interventions have been made to restore the economic activity in this difficult time and to
reduce negative effects on poverty and unemployment.‖
The agriculture sector recorded a growth of 2.67pc against the target of 3.5pc, however, the
industrial and services sectors witnessed negative growth rates of -2.64pc and -3.4pc,
respectively, pulling the overall growth rate down, the adviser stated.
Sheikh said manufacturing contracted by 22.9pc year-on-year in March 2020 but added that
―fiscal deficit was still manageable from July-March 2020 at 4pc of the GDP while last year it
was 5.1pc of the GDP‖ in the same period.
―The government has taken loans to tackle the burden of the debt left by previous governments,‖
said Shaikh. ―Pakistan returned Rs5,000 billion in debt – the loans of past years.‖
―Tax collection target for FY20 was ambitious and the government doesn‘t want to collect it
aggressively in a Covid hit economy. When the economy recovers, we hope tax collection will
rise due to economic recovery.‖

Shaikh said the PTI government did not green-light any additional grants for any government
department for a year. ―We have entered the area of primary surplus. We controlled government
expenditure. Our primary expenditure was less than our revenue which may be a first in the
country‘s history.‖
The finance adviser reiterated that PM Imran‘s vision was that every decision benefits the
general public. ―A large amount was allocated to benefit the lower class. Rs152 billlion were set
aside for the merged areas.‖
For the upcoming fiscal year, the government has approved a low-economic growth plan, suggesting that
the country will not be out of economic wounds in the next fiscal year too. The following graphs highlight
the economic trajectory of key indicators in the preceding fiscal years.
https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/06/11/govt-unveils-economic-survey-misses-key-
targets/
ProjectTo Utilize Paddy Residues Efficiently
Launched
Thu 11th June 2020 | 10:20 PM
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jun, 2020 ) :The Punjab government
has started implementation of the project aimed at utilizing the paddy residues efficiently by
using modern machinery.
A spokesman for the department said on Thursday that applications had been sought from the
farmers of Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahuddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, Lahore, Kasur,
Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Bahawalnagar and Okara in this
regard.
Farmers would be given Pak Seeder, Happy Seeder, Rice Straw Chopper/Shredder on 80 percent
concessionary price, he added.
He said that an applicant must own a useable tractor of 65 horse power, whereas under this
scheme for 4 years an applicant would be bound to give obtained agricultural machinery to other
farmers on rent.

He further said that applications in this regard would be obtained till June 30 whereas farmers
could contact on 99200705 for further information.
It is pertinent to mention here that this scheme would help in overcoming the practice of burning
paddy residues.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/project-to-utilize-paddy-residues-efficiently-
944657.html
Myanmar’s mangroveforests are in grave peril
By Sustainability Times on June 12, 2020
Agriculture Forest
Mangrove forests are under threat across Southeast Asia and in the country of Myanmar alone
more than 60% of them were lost within just two decades between 1996 and 2016, according to
researchers at the National University of Singapore.
―Mangroves are one of the world‘s most threatened ecosystems, and Myanmar is regarded as the
current mangrove deforestation hotspot globally,‖ the scientists write in a study published in
Environmental Research Letters. ―Net national mangrove cover declined by 52% over 20 years,
with annual net loss rates of 3.60%–3.87%. Gross mangrove deforestation was more profound:
63% of the 1996 mangrove extent had been temporarily or permanently converted by 2016.‖
Most of the country‘s mangroves have been converted into rice paddies, oil palm and rubber tree
plantations, as well as areas used for aquaculture. The profound loss of deforestation in the
country‘s mangrove forests, which are critical for biodiversity, is the reason why Myanmar has
been described as a primary hotspot of mangrove loss in the world. ―It is quite incredible to
consider that nearly two-thirds of all mangroves in Myanmar were deforested over a 20-year-
period,‖ says Edward Webb, one of the authors of the study.
Mangrove trees grow in various depths of water in coastal areas and they are crucial for coastal
marine ecosystems. Their dense entangled roots stabilize coastlines and provide homes to a
variety of marine species, including fish and crustaceans. Mangroves can also absorb large
amounts of carbon dioxide, as a result of which these forests play an important role in the fight
against climate change.

Mangroves growing in South Asia, in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region
account for nearly half, or 46%, of the world‘s entire mangrove forests. Southeast Asia is home
to the world‘s highest rate of mangrove biodiversity. Many of the region‘s mangroves, however,
have been lost owing to agricultural activities.
―Loss of mangroves equates to loss of habitat available for mangrove-dependent wildlife, and
this may include birds, mammals, fish and crustaceans, as well as crocodiles,‖ Webb says.
―Perhaps, as important are the implications for other ecosystem services associated with
mangroves, including shoreline protection and carbon sequestration.‖
The rapid deforestation of mangroves in Myanmar has also been detailed in another study, led by
Daniel Richards and Daniel Friess, two researchers at the National University of Singapore who
investigated the rate of mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, between
2000 and 2012.
The scientists reported that rice farming was a main driver of mangrove loss. The government of
Myanmar has sought to increase food security, which has resulted in boosts to rice farming
production. Yet that has come at a cost to mangroves that have been converted into paddies.
―Almost 25,000 hectares of Myanmar‘s mangroves were converted to rice paddy between 2000
and 2012,‖ Richards noted.
A similar situation has prevailed elsewhere in Southeast Asia. ―Sixteen percent of all deforested
mangroves in Southeast Asia were replaced with oil palm plantations during our study period,‖
the scientist said. ―We usually think of oil palm as an issue which affects tropical forests on land
but our study shows that demand for oil palm is also driving deforestation in coastal mangrove
forests.‖
The rate of deforestation is of especial concern in Myanmar because the country‘s government
does not consider mangroves to be important parts of the ecosystem that need to be preserved.
―As a result of the lack of environmental safeguards and continuing economic transformation in
Myanmar, we may expect mangrove conversion to rice and other agriculture to continue to
displace large areas of mangrove in this country in the future,‖ the authors warn in their study.
The loss of nearly two-thirds of Myanmar‘s mangroves in just a few short years has raised the
specter of an environmental calamity in the making. Yet the remaining forests can still be saved.
―The fate of mangroves in the country will be tied to the strength of policies and implementation
of conservation measures,‖ Webb says. ―Through proper long-term planning, management and
conservation, this resilient ecosystem can recover and be maintained for the future.‖
https://www.sustainability-times.com/environmental-protection/myanmars-mangrove-forests-
are-in-grave-peril/

Purchaseof wheat prolongedfor 15 extra days …
cleansingthe arms displayingmiddlemen below the
guise of farmers
By Abigale Lormen on June 12, 2020
The alternative of thousands and thousands of readers over 70 years
Pilibhit. Due to Kovid-19, wheat procurement in lockdown was began from April 15 as a
substitute of April 1. In this, wheat was returned with out shopping for, stating that farmers had
extra moisture from authorities buying facilities. After that, the farmers had been compelled to
promote their wheat to the middlemen and middlemen at throwaway costs.
However, when the arrival of wheat declined and farmers didn‘t have any wheat left, the federal
government prolonged the federal government 15 days to purchase extra wheat. Now wheat
procurement could be accomplished by June 30. Most farmers have offered their wheat to
brokers and middlemen at Rs 200 to 250 per quintal. If they now not have wheat left, then the
place will the wheat be bought at authorities buying facilities. Departmental sources say that
middlemen will take actual benefit of presidency wheat procurement. He will meet the federal
government procurement goal solely by supplying wheat bought at low charges from farmers to
buying facilities. The identical is going on as a result of farmers have already offered their wheat
in lockdown. With that cash, plowing of agriculture, sowing of paddy plant has additionally been
accomplished. Some cash will probably be spent in planting paddy. After the monsoon rains, the
farmers' pockets will once more be empty. The district has set a goal of buying 1.79 lakh metric
tonnes of wheat. For this, procurement of wheat was began at 133 buying facilities. However,
thus far solely 77 % of wheat has been procured.
50% wheat procurement accomplished earlier than begin
Regarding transparency in wheat procurement, farmers had been instructed to register and make
funds by PFMS. When the acquisition of wheat didn‘t begin from April 1 as a result of
lockdown, there was confusion among the many farmers. Taking benefit of this, middlemen and
rice millers began tricking the farmers and shopping for wheat at low charges. A big amount of
wheat was bought on the charge of Rs 250 per quintal from the fastened charge by going to the
farmers' home within the early morning between 1 to 15 April. Here, when procurement began
on the authorities buying facilities from April 15, by then, greater than 50 % of the farmers had
bought wheat, middlemen and rice millers.
Government procurement targets will probably be met by middlemen
The token system in wheat procurement got here into drive to forestall Kovid-19 an infection.
Due to this, farmers have change into disenchanted with authorities buying facilities from day
one. After the strictness of the officers, fast procurement began, however on the identical
velocity, the graph of wheat procurement stopped at 62 %. Seeing that there was much less

arrival of wheat on the buying facilities, the federal government additionally ended the token
system. But even this didn‘t considerably enhance the wheat procurement goal. Now an try is
being made to satisfy the federal government goal by buying Gehenu from brokers and
middlemen.
Mobile buying facilities began to extend purchases
The authorities directed to buy door-to-door by cellular buying facilities when the arrival on the
buying facilities was much less. DM Vaibhav Shrivastava directed the income division and
buying company managers to cooperate in growing wheat procurement. Since June 5, 70
thousand quintals of wheat have been bought by cellular buying facilities.
The authorities has prolonged 15 days for wheat procurement. Now wheat procurement will
probably be accomplished by 30th June. 70 thousand quintals of wheat have been procured by
cellular buying facilities. Middlemen are on full watch. Already funds are being made by
registration and PFMS to forestall disturbances. – Dr. Avinash Jha, Deputy RMO
Pilibhit. Due to Kovid-19, wheat procurement in lockdown was began from April 15 as a
substitute of April 1. In this, wheat was returned with out shopping for, stating that farmers had
extra moisture from authorities buying facilities. After that, the farmers had been compelled to
promote their wheat to the middlemen and middlemen at throwaway costs.
However, when the arrival of wheat declined and farmers didn‘t have any wheat left, the federal
government prolonged the federal government 15 days to purchase extra wheat. Now wheat
procurement could be accomplished by June 30. Most farmers have offered their wheat to
brokers and middlemen at Rs 200 to 250 per quintal. If they now not have wheat left, then the
place will the wheat be bought at authorities buying facilities. Departmental sources say that
middlemen will take actual benefit of presidency wheat procurement. He will meet the federal
government procurement goal solely by supplying wheat bought at low charges from farmers to
buying facilities. The identical is going on as a result of farmers have already offered their wheat
in lockdown. With that cash, plowing of agriculture, sowing of paddy plant has additionally been
accomplished. Some cash will probably be spent in planting paddy. After the monsoon rains, the
farmers' pockets will once more be empty. The district has set a goal of buying 1.79 lakh metric
tonnes of wheat. For this, procurement of wheat was began at 133 buying facilities. However,
thus far solely 77 % of wheat has been procured.
50% wheat procurement accomplished earlier than begin
Regarding transparency in wheat procurement, farmers had been instructed to register and make
funds by PFMS. When the acquisition of wheat didn‘t begin from April 1 as a result of
lockdown, there was confusion among the many farmers. Taking benefit of this, middlemen and
rice millers began tricking the farmers and shopping for wheat at low charges. A big amount of
wheat was bought on the charge of Rs 250 per quintal from the fastened charge by going to the
farmers' home within the early morning between 1 to 15 April. Here, when procurement began
on the authorities buying facilities from April 15, by then, greater than 50 % of the farmers had

bought wheat, middlemen and rice millers.
Government procurement targets will probably be met by middlemen
The token system in wheat procurement got here into drive to forestall Kovid-19 an infection.
Due to this, farmers have change into disenchanted with authorities buying facilities from day
one. After the strictness of the officers, fast procurement began, however on the identical
velocity, the graph of wheat procurement stopped at 62 %. Seeing that there was much less
arrival of wheat on the buying facilities, the federal government additionally ended the token
system. But even this didn‘t considerably enhance the wheat procurement goal. Now an try is
being made to satisfy the federal government goal by buying Gehenu from brokers and
middlemen.
Mobile buying facilities began to extend purchases
The authorities directed to buy door-to-door by cellular buying facilities when the arrival on the
buying facilities was much less. DM Vaibhav Shrivastava directed the income division and
buying company managers to cooperate in growing wheat procurement. Since June 5, 70
thousand quintals of wheat have been bought by cellular buying facilities.
The authorities has prolonged 15 days for wheat procurement. Now wheat procurement will
probably be accomplished by 30th June. 70 thousand quintals of wheat have been procured by
cellular buying facilities. Middlemen are on full watch. Already funds are being made by
registration and PFMS to forestall disturbances. – Dr. Avinash Jha, Deputy RMO
About Post Author
Abigale Lormen
Abigale is a Masters in Business Administration by education. After completing her post-
graduation, Abigale jumped the journalism bandwagon as a freelance journalist. Soon after that
she landed a job of reporter and has been climbing the news industry ladder ever since to reach
the post of editor at Our Bitcoin News.
https://ourbitcoinnews.com/purchase-of-wheat-extended-for-15-more-days-cleaning-the-hands-
showing-middlemen-under-the-guise-of-farmers/
Soil scientist Rattan Lal wins World Food Prize 2020
The announcement was made by World Food Prize Foundation president Barbara Stinson
in an online ceremony from Washington on June 11.
 By: Express News Service | Ludhiana | Updated: June 13, 2020 12:44:43 pm

Rattan Lal
An alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and a renowned agricultural soil scientist
from Ohio State University (OSU), Dr Rattan Lal (76), has been declared the winner of the
World Food Prize 2020.
The announcement was made by World Food Prize Foundation president Barbara Stinson in an
online ceremony from Washington on June 11.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr B S Dhillon, in a statement, said PAU may be the only institution in
the world to have two alumni as World Food Laureates. The honour was earlier won by PAU
alumnus Dr Gurdev Singh Khush, a plant breeder and pioneer in rice genetics. He had won this
award in 1996 for his excellence in developing new rice varieties and ushering green revolution
in rice farming.
Responding to the congratulatory message from PAU V-C, the winning scientist Dr Rattan Lal
remarked, ―To be a graduate from PAU is a great honour in itself. I want to thank you, the
faculty staff and students of PAU for their support and good wishes. I look forward to visiting
the university which has been long overdue.‖
Lal, referring to Khush, said he was ―a big inspiration and a unique role model to follow‖.
Dr Lal did his graduation (B.Sc in agriculture) from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in
1963, M.Sc (soils) in 1965 from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and PhD
(soils) in 1968 from Ohio State University.
A professor of Soil Science at Ohio State University, he is also the founding director of the
university‘s Carbon Management and Sequestration Center.
Stinson, while announcing him as the winner, termed Dr Lal as ―trailblazer in soil science with a
prodigious passion for research that improves soil health, enhances agricultural production,
improves the nutritional quality of food, restores the environment and mitigates climate change‖.
Dr Lal‘s research in the 1990s revealed that restoring degraded soils through increasing soil
carbon and organic matter not only improved soil health, but helped combat rising carbon
dioxide levels in the air by sequestering atmospheric carbon. He provided leadership to a range
of soil restoration projects in Asia, Africa and Latin America, integrating no-till farming and use
of cover crops, mulching and agro-forestry to protect soil, conserve water and return back
nutrients, carbon and organic matter in the soil. Additionally, Dr Lal‘s research seeks wider use
of soil conservation measures focused on soil health in developed countries.

Dr Lal was born in Karyal in erstwhile Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was conferred the honorary
degree of Doctor of Science by PAU in 2001.
The World Food Prize was created by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug in 1986 to
recognise scientists and others who have improved the quality and availability of food. The
foundation that awards the $250,000 prize is based in Des Moines. This award is considered to
be the Nobel Prize in Agriculture.
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Rice is a grain with endless possibilities.
Rice is a grain with endless possibilities. While Ashkenazi Jews often relegate it to the side of
their plates or see it as a sponge to mop up sauces and gravies, in Sephardi culture, rice
preparation is revered as an art form.
In the Ashkenazi world, rice is usually served white and plain. Maybe butter is added, but that‘s
about it.
However, Sepahrdi rice recipes are studded with spices, herbs, vegetables, fresh and dried fruit,
beans, and nuts, which add texture, color and intense flavor to a delicate grain that can stand
alone but is enhanced by additional ingredients. Many Sephardic recipes call for basmati or
jasmine rice, both long-grained varieties.
The most renowned of all Sephardi rice dishes is Persian rice, which is famous for its thick
crunchy crust.

―Persian rice is meant to be al dente, not soft and gushy like a lot of other rice dishes,‖ says
Hadar Orshalimy, an Israeli-American singer, songwriter, musician and artist. She comes from a
large, Persian Jewish family, which hails from Iran. She learned how to make Persian rice from
her grandmother.
Treasured like jewels, rice recipes and cooking techniques are frequently passed down from one
generation to the next in families. Young women, often before they marry, learn how to make
rice by observing a mother or grandmother in the kitchen.
Because this precious grain is so stunning, it‘s time to reimagine rice. Think like a Sephardi cook
and move rice from a sideshow to the center of the table where it belongs.
Here is Hadar Orshalimy‘s recipe.
Persian Rice (Pollo) | Pareve or Meat
Serves 9 people
Equipment: 2½-quart nonstick saucepan. A nonstick pan is essential.
2 medium-size carrots, or more if needed
3 cups basmati rice
1 cup raisins, or any dried fruit, such as cranberries, cherries or barberries (typical of Persian
cuisine)
2 tablespoons turmeric, plus more for dusting
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil, plus more for coating saucepan
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 potato, white or sweet
Dice the carrots until you fill ½ cup. Reserve.
Place the rice in a strainer and rinse it well under cold water. Move it to a large bowl. Add the
carrots and raisins. Stir together, making sure the carrots and raisins appear equal in color. If not,
add more of one so both colors are equally brilliant. Add 2 tablespoons turmeric, salt and pepper,
stirring until well combined. Add the oil and stir. Pour in the stock and stir again, making sure
ingredients are well blended. Reserve.
Peel the potato and cut into slices about ¼ inch thick. Pour a thin coat of oil into the bottom of
the saucepan. Dust turmeric over the oil, creating an even yellow layer. Arrange potato slices in a
single layer over the turmeric-oil. If you have too many slices, use them for another purpose.
Spoon the rice mixture over the potato layer and even it out with the back of a spoon.

Move the pot to the stove. Slowly pour in enough water so it is about ½ inch above the rice.
Important note: You don‘t want your rice to be sticky or mushy, so it‘s better to start with less
water and add it as you go, as long as you keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn‘t burn.
Place a dish towel over the pot. Cover the towel with the pot lid. If the towel touches the burner,
then fold over the corners and tuck them under the pot lid to avoid burning the towel. Cook on a
high flame for about 2 minutes, and then reduce to a medium flame in order to crust the potatoes
and rice that are on the bottom, called Ta‘adik. Check every few minutes to make sure there‘s a
layer of water above the rice. If not, slowly add a little more water.
After 15-20 minutes, check to see there‘s water bubbling above the rice. If not, add water one
tablespoon at a time. Reduce the flame to low. Taste the rice every few minutes. When its texture
is al dente, soft on the outside but firm on the inside, the rice is ready.
Find a plate which is larger in diameter than the saucepan. Remove the saucepan‘s lid and the
towel. Place the plate over the saucepan. Turn over the saucepan onto the plate, using an oven
mitt to hold the bottom so you don‘t burn your hands. Place the plate on a kitchen counter.
Thump the bottom of the saucepan with the towel and/or a spoon to encourage the rice to loosen.
Lift the saucepan and the rice should slide onto the plate. It will retain the shape of the saucepan
and exhibit the world renowned crunchy crust of Persian rice. Serve immediately.
Pink Rice from Rhodes | Pareve
Serves 6
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more, if needed
2 shallots, diced fine
5 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt to taste
⅛ teaspoon oregano, or more, if desired
1 Italian plum tomato, diced fine
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2½ cups water
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped fine
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over a medium flame until warm, about 1-2 minutes. Add the
shallots, garlic, salt and oregano. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the tomato and stir until it
gives off some of its juice.

Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated. Drizzle in more oil, if mixture is dry. Pour in the
water, followed by the tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves. Cover the saucepan
and reduce the flame to low.
Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if it bubbles away too quickly.
Continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is no longer firm in
the center.
Move to an attractive bowl and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Israeli Yellow Rice | Meat or Pareve
Serves 6
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more, if needed
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon turmeric
⅛ kosher salt, or more if desired
1 cup basmati rice
A couple saffron threads, optional
2½ cups water
1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped fine
In a large saucepan, heat oil over a medium flame until warm, about 1-2 minutes. Add garlic,
turmeric and salt and sauté. Add the rice and stir until grains are coated with oil. Slowly drizzle
in more oil, if the mixture is dry and rice is sticking to the pot. Add the saffron threads and stir.
Pour in the water, followed by the bouillon cube. Stir briefly.
Cover the pot and reduce the flame to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The
bouillon cube should be completely dissolved. Check to see if more salt is needed and add
gingerly, if desired. Add more water if it bubbles away too quickly. Continue to simmer for
another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is no longer firm in the center.
Move to an attractive bowl and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.
Egyptian government denies reports on hike in rice prices
By: MENA
Fri, Jun. 12, 2020

CAIRO - 12 June 2020: The Cabinet media center denied reports purporting a planned increase
in rice prices in the markets in the coming period due to supply shortage.
In a report issued Friday, the cabinet media center said it contacted the Ministry of Supply and
Internal Trade, which described these reports as not true, assuring that there are no plans to
increase the prices of rice.
The price of one kilo of rice ranges between EGP 7 to 9, the ministry noted, pointing to the
availability of strategic stock.
The ministry called on all media outlets and social media users to adhere to accuracy and contact
the concerned official sources of information to avoid circulating any fake news.
It urged citizens to report any violations via the Consumer Protection Agency hotline 19588.
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/3/88522/Egyptian-government-denies-reports-on-hike-in-
rice-prices
Rice Prices
as on : 12-06-2020 03:25:39 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals Price
Current %
change
Season
cumulative
Modal Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Bangalore(Kar) 1184.00 9.23 102891.00 4100 4100 -9.89
Mandya(Kar) 766.00 26.19 3153.00 2400 2550 -

Siliguri(WB) 265.00 -7.02 4567.00 3400 2800 -
Sultanpur(UP) 180.00 NC 5277.00 2400 2385 -4.00
Hanagal(Kar) 156.00 271.43 207.00 1800 1750 -
Azamgarh(UP) 125.00 NC 4733.70 2585 2575 5.73
Gondal(UP) 115.00 -0.43 6166.00 2400 2400 -2.04
Kanpur(Grain)(UP) 110.00 15.79 5455.00 2325 2300 -1.48
Dadri(UP) 105.00 16.67 1030.00 5950 5950 -
Barhaj(UP) 100.00 42.86 8678.00 2525 2525 6.09
Lucknow(UP) 79.00 -35.25 4865.00 2450 2455 -7.20
Ballia(UP) 70.00 -22.22 2553.00 2550 2550 8.05
Kandi(WB) 70.00 NC 1275.50 2690 2720 6.75
Lohardaga(Jha) 67.00 -4.29 314.00 1950 1950 -
Hardoi(UP) 60.00 -40 7842.80 2500 2510 6.84
Kopaganj(UP) 51.00 4.08 1185.00 2590 2580 5.50
Vilaspur(UP) 51.00 NC 1407.70 2610 2610 3.98

Lalitpur(UP) 46.00 -8 1296.50 2500 2490 -3.85
Kalipur(WB) 46.00 -11.54 2317.00 2450 2400 2.08
Hapur(UP) 43.00 22.86 887.00 2650 2670 -8.30
Gorakhpur(UP) 40.00 NC 541.70 2620 2610 -
Faizabad(UP) 35.00 -12.5 1072.00 2420 2420 1.89
Lakhimpur(UP) 35.00 16.67 2162.00 2450 2460 4.26
Bankura Sadar(WB) 35.00 25 1824.00 2600 2600 -
Beldanga(WB) 35.00 -12.5 1125.00 2750 2750 NC
Meerut(UP) 32.50 18.18 548.00 2625 2625 -2.42
Choubepur(UP) 31.00 10.71 1387.25 2480 2480 -7.29
Teliamura(Tri) 30.00 20 289.00 2900 3100 NC
Muradabad(UP) 30.00 -6.25 1165.00 2600 2590 NC
Muzzafarnagar(UP) 30.00 66.67 4104.00 2665 2660 -7.30
Agra(UP) 30.00 NC 3181.50 2540 2540 -0.20
Pilibhit(UP) 28.00 12 46984.50 2605 2600 3.17

Saharanpur(UP) 28.00 -15.15 2078.00 2630 2630 -8.04
Shamli(UP) 28.00 -12.5 825.90 2665 2670 -3.44
Basti(UP) 27.00 -6.9 1294.00 2560 2550 8.94
Mainpuri(UP) 27.00 -10 3498.50 2540 2500 4.96
Etawah(UP) 25.00 -7.41 2399.50 2525 2550 -0.98
Jhijhank(UP) 25.00 -37.5 260.50 2540 2530 -
Puranpur(UP) 24.00 14.29 2192.50 2590 2600 4.86
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB) 24.00 NC 210.00 2500 2500 NC
Asansol(WB) 23.00 4.55 971.89 3100 3100 3.33
Kolaghat(WB) 23.00 NC 206.00 2500 2500 NC
Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB) 22.40 14.87 581.70 5000 5000 66.67
Egra/contai(WB) 22.00 33.33 464.00 2600 2600 13.04
Manvi(Kar) 20.00 -20 495.00 1839 1900 -
Badayoun(UP) 20.00 NC 1061.50 2585 2575 4.23
Chorichora(UP) 20.00 53.85 1269.00 2620 2620 16.70

Durgapur(WB) 20.00 -4.76 900.25 2760 2700 -3.16
Fatehpur(UP) 19.50 -13.33 2150.40 2470 2465 7.39
Sirsaganj(UP) 19.50 5.41 832.00 2550 2580 NC
Nawabganj(UP) 19.00 5.56 583.00 2400 2400 50.00
Balrampur(UP) 19.00 26.67 815.00 2400 2400 4.35
Gazipur(UP) 18.00 -18.18 1891.00 3210 3210 -1.53
Sahiyapur(UP) 17.00 -22.73 2086.00 2560 2550 7.56
Utraula(UP) 16.00 -3.03 257.20 2400 2400 -
Kayamganj(UP) 15.00 -25 1754.00 2500 2460 -4.21
Paliakala(UP) 13.00 18.18 454.50 2430 2430 6.11
Farukhabad(UP) 12.00 -14.29 911.50 2460 2450 -6.82
Jafarganj(UP) 12.00 -25 968.00 2415 2440 11.81
Rasda(UP) 12.00 20 399.00 2510 2530 1040.91
Jangipura(UP) 12.00 -7.69 530.00 2540 2540 8.55
Jayas(UP) 11.30 -5.83 627.20 2350 2350 17.50

Bahraich(UP) 11.00 -8.33 1001.30 2430 2420 1.25
Etah(UP) 11.00 22.22 322.00 2560 2560 NC
Mohamadabad(UP) 11.00 -63.33 746.30 2450 2460 -
Sheoraphuly(WB) 10.60 -3.64 149.50 3100 3100 3.33
Champadanga(WB) 10.00 -16.67 560.00 3150 3050 5.00
Mahoba(UP) 8.00 -25.23 398.10 2410 2400 6.40
Karvi(UP) 8.00 -42.86 504.00 2400 2385 4.58
Kasganj(UP) 7.00 16.67 416.50 2580 2570 0.78
Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB) 7.00 16.67 1076.00 2800 2800 3.70
Milak(UP) 6.50 8.33 125.10 2590 2580 -
Devariya(UP) 6.00 -14.29 880.00 2575 2575 4.67
Tulsipur(UP) 6.00 20 67.90 2400 2400 -
Naanpara(UP) 5.60 -17.65 607.50 2410 2410 8.56
Chandoli(UP) 5.00 -16.67 52.20 2575 2550 11.47
Achalda(UP) 5.00 25 283.10 2500 2540 13.12

Amroha(UP) 4.50 -10 137.00 2570 2580 -1.15
Mirzapur(UP) 4.00 -20 238.00 2645 2650 12.08
Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP) 3.80 5.56 554.50 2450 2450 -2.00
Khurja(UP) 3.20 -8.57 208.30 2650 2650 0.19
Akbarpur(UP) 3.20 -20 365.20 2420 2410 2.54
Bharwari(UP) 3.00 NC 70.50 2520 2460 -
Safdarganj(UP) 3.00 NC 31.00 2450 2450 -
Perinthalmanna(Ker) 2.90 NC 26.10 3000 3000 7.14
Kosikalan(UP) 2.50 8.7 203.00 2545 2540 1.80
Bilsi(UP) 2.00 33.33 17.00 2580 2580 -
Sehjanwa(UP) 2.00 -92 2155.50 2600 2600 20.37
Muskara(UP) 1.70 6.25 60.30 2350 2350 3.98
Charra(UP) 1.60 6.67 92.00 2550 2550 0.20
Baberu(UP) 1.50 NC 70.00 2370 2380 6.52
Lalganj(UP) 1.50 50 254.60 2300 2300 -

Mawana(UP) 1.50 -25 129.20 2630 2625 -
Wazirganj(UP) 1.50 NC 47.50 2580 2590 -
Panichowki(Kumarghat)(Tri) 1.30 -18.75 32.70 2960 2950 -
Khair(UP) 1.20 20 66.70 2580 2580 -0.77
Alibagh(Mah) 1.00 NC 71.00 4200 4200 NC
Murud(Mah) 1.00 NC 70.00 4200 4200 NC
Melaghar(Tri) 1.00 66.67 49.70 2700 2700 NC
Shikohabad(UP) 1.00 -60 263.00 2750 2750 12.24
Achnera(UP) 0.80 NC 31.00 2050 2560 -19.29
Anandnagar(UP) 0.70 -22.22 194.10 2540 2525 15.45
Atrauli(UP) 0.60 -14.29 5.20 2570 2560 -
Bharuasumerpur(UP) 0.60 -50 15.30 2500 2500 28.21
Published on June 12, 2020
 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article31812614.ece

Govt urged to save rice, cotton crops from locust attack
FAO of United Nations has issued warning of a second locust swarm attack in Pakistan in July
Iqtidar Gilani
June 12, 2020
LAHORE - Expressing alarm over reports of even bigger attack of locust swarm in
July this year, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) former chairman Shahzad Ali
Malik has urged the government to take immediate measures for saving rice and cotton crops.
Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has issued warning of a second
locust swarm attack in Pakistan in July. As such two most precious crops of the season, rice and
cotton will be at huge risk. Malik stressed the need for massive ariel spray especially in Sindh
and Southern Punjab to save rice and cotton crops from the wrath of locust swarm.
Rice exports are currently hovering slightly over US$ 2.2 billion dollars and the government and
exporters are endeavouring to take it to US$ 5 billion by the year 2023, but possible damage by
locust swarm will hit hard these efforts rather may reverse the situation, he feared. He said that
agriculture is the second largest sector of the national economy which is contributing 20 per cent
in the GDP while over 50 per cent of the workforce is employed by this sector. Locust swarm is
the bigger threat than Coronavirus as no one can escape from famine or hunger, he added.
Malik said already locust had damaged wheat, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fodder and mango
crops and it is said that the coming locust swarm which is expected in July will be four times
larger than what have experienced recently. He said that not only locust is expected from Africa
but those which are breeding locally will add to the contingent. He said in July, paddy will be in
the flowering stage especially in Sindh and Southern Punjab and if immediate steps are not taken

it may be ruined totally by the pest. Talking about the remedial measures, he said that both short
and long term steps are needed. In short term, Department of Plant Protection (DPP) should
either acquire aircraft on lease for spray from other countries or army aviation‘s aircraft and
helicopters should be converted for dusting (aerial spray) on large scale to deal with this pest.
In the longer run, he said that the Department of Plant Protection which had 20 aircrafts in the
1980s should be given the task to raise a big fleet to meet any such situation in the future. He
said already crop size of non-basmati rice has increased manifold in Pakistan as it was 2.563
million metric tons in 2010-11 while in 2018-19 it rose to 3.54 million metric tons because of the
introduction of hybrid varieties, which also help non-basmati to gain a larger share in national
exports as compared to Basmati varieties. Damage to rice crop in Sindh and South Punjab means
hit to this bigger chunk of export cake, he concluded.
https://nation.com.pk/12-Jun-2020/govt-urged-to-save-rice-cotton-crops-from-locust-attack
MT food grains stockavailablewith FoodCorporationof
India
June 12, 2020
New Delhi: As per the Food Corporation of India report dated 11.06.2020, FCI currently has
270.89 LMT rice and 540.80 LMT wheat. Hence, a total of 811.69 LMT food grain stock is
available (excluding the ongoing purchase of wheat and paddy, which have not yet reached the
godown). About 55 LMT food grains is required for a month under NFSA and other welfare
schemes.
Since the lockdown, about 117.43 LMT food grains have been lifted and transported through
4194 rail rakes. Apart from the rail route, transportation was also done through roads and
waterways. A total of 245.23 LMT has been transported. 15,500 MT grains was transported
through 13 ships. Total 11.68 LMT food grains have been transported to the North-Eastern
States.
Food grain distribution to migrant labourers:

(Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package)
Under Atma Nirbhar Bharat package, Government of India has decided that 8 LMT food grains
will be provided to about 8 Crore migrant labourers, stranded and needy families, who are not
covered under NFSA or State scheme PDS cards. 5 Kg of food grain per person is being
distributed free of cost for the months of May and June to all migrants. The states and UTs have
lifted 5.48 LMT of food grains and distributed 22,812 MT of food grains to total 45.62 lakh (in
the May 35.32 lakh and in June 10.30 lakh) beneficiaries. The Government of India also
approved 39,000 MT pulses for 1.96 crore migrant families. 8 Crore migrant labourers, stranded
and needy families, who are not covered under NFSA or State scheme PDS cards will be given 1
kg of gram/dal per family for the month of May and June for free. This allocation of gram/dal is
being done according to the need of the states.
Around 33,916 MT gram/dal have been dispatched to the states and UTs. A total 23,733 MT
gram has been lifted by various States and UTs. 2,092 MT gram has been distributed by the
states and UTs. The Government of India is bearing 100% financial burden of approximately Rs.
3,109 crores for food grain and Rs 280 crores for gram under this scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana:
Food grain (Rice/Wheat)
Under the PMGKAY, for the 3 months April-June a total of 104.3 LMT rice and 15.2 LMT
wheat is required of which 94.71 LMT rice and 14.20 LMT wheat have been lifted by various
States and UTs. A total of 108.91 LMT food grains has been lifted. In the month of April 2020 ,
37 LMT (92 %) food grains have been distributed to 74 crore beneficiaries, in May 2020, total
35.82 LMT (90%) food grains distributed to 71.64 crores beneficiaries and in the month of June
2020, 9.34 LMT (23%) food grains have been distributed to 18.68 crores beneficiaries. The
Government of India is bearing 100% financial burden of approximately Rs. 46,000 crores under
this scheme. Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, – Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat and rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs.
Pulses
As regards Pulses, the total requirement for the three months is 5.87 LMT. The Government of
India is bearing 100% financial burden of approximately Rs 5,000 crore under this scheme. So
far, 5.50 LMT Pulses have been dispatched to States/UTs and 4.91 LMT have reached the
States/UTs, while 3.06 LMT pulses has been distributed. A total of 11.87 LMT pulses (Toor-
6.12 LMT, Moong-1.60 LMT, Urad-2.38 LMT, Chana-1.30 LMT and Masur-0.47 LMT ) is
available in the stock as on 10.6.2020.
Food grain Procurement:

As on 11.06.2020, total 376.58 LMT wheat (RMS 2020-21) and 734.58 LMT rice (KMS 2019-
20) were procured.
Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS):
Under the OMSS, the rates of Rice is fixed at Rs.22/kg and Wheat at Rs.21/kg. FCI has sold 5.57
LMT wheat and 8.90 LMT rice through OMSS during the lockdown period
https://orissadiary.com/811-69-lmt-food-grains-stock-available-with-food-corporation-of-
india/
Excess of Rice & WheatProductionis Hurting Indian
Agricultural Production:NitinGadkari
Garsha Sai Nitesh 12 June, 2020 2:29 PM IST
Modi Government‘s minimum support prices (MSP) are way higher than domestic and
international rates said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday while addressing through a
webinar. ―The prominent issue in this sector is the international price for agricultural
commodities and the vast difference in the price in the market and the MSP. Now there are many
new problems of which some are political. It is difficult to make decisions,‖ he said.
―However, the ground reality is that our MSP is higher than rates of domestic and international.
This will create a big economic crisis in the city.‖
We need to find some different options, an alternative for that. Without solving problems in
agriculture we cannot increase our purchasing power parity which in return affects the growth of
the economy he said.
At present India has a surplus of Rice and Wheat and there is a problem with the storage of these
grains. ―In the agriculture area, we have a clear surplus problem of rice and wheat, we don‘t have
a place for storage. It is full past three years,‖ said the Union Minister.

Gadkari suggested formulating a policy to convert rice into ethanol or bio-ethanol."Presently our
ethanol production is Rs 20,000 crore and imports are Rs 6-7 lakh crore. So now we are planning
to make ethanol economy of Rs 1 lakh crore," he said.
He added that states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana have a problem of growing overly
they need to reduce the acreage of wheat and rice. He further added that India imports a huge
quantity of edible oil worth around Rs 90,000 crore as India‘s edible oil production is less which
we need to increase.
Soybean production in Brazil and The United States per acre is 27-28 quintal and 30 quintals
while in India it is 4.5 quintal per acre. There is a need to research the production of quality
oilseeds in the country for higher production.
https://krishijagran.com/agriculture-world/excess-of-rice-wheat-production-is-hurting-indian-
agricultural-production-nitin-gadkari/
Amid pandemic, direct seeding of rice helps Punjab farmers
Date
6/12/2020 6:32:33 AM
(MENAFN - IANS) By Vishal Gulati
Chandigarh, June 12 (IANS) The concept of self-reliant India is growing among farmers of
Punjab, one of the country's prominent granaries, with the pruning of farm labour caused by the
outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Even the farmers are branching out to become tech savvy, paving way for the government to sow
the seeds of less water-intensive mechanised technology in the kharif season when the sowing of
water guzzling paddy is on.

For nearly a decade, the state has been advocating to put an end to the age-old method of
transplanting water-guzzling way -- the puddle method -- with the mechanical method of paddy
plantation.
With the large migration of labourers to their home states amid the lockdown, agriculture experts
believe circumstances have changed the mindset of a large number of farmers to opt the new
mechanized method rather than sticking to the traditional way of sowing saplings in puddle
fields.
Government estimates this time around 25 per cent of the total area of paddy will be brought
through the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique -- a method that saves water and labour.
Punjab has a target to sow paddy on 26 lakh hectares, including around seven lakh hectares
under highly remunerative basmati rice, this season.
For this, the state needs at least 600,000 labourers to transplant paddy if it goes by the traditional
method.
Progressive farmer Shubkarman Singh of Zira village in Ferozepur district said last year he had
successful experimentation of DSR technique in half of his fields.
"This time there is a huge shortage of labourer. So we have decided to go for the DSR technique
for paddy plantation in the entire 12 acres," he told IANS.
According to him, the mechanical plantation not only saves the money but also saves the time.
"Almost a week-long exercise of plantation has been reduced to a few days," he added.

An elated farmer Ramandeep Gill of Khanna town said: "When the government's drives have
failed to motivate the farmers, it is the pandemic that forced them to opt the less labour intensive
technique."
He said owing to the migrant labour shortage and abnormally high rates demanded by the local
labourers, the local farmers were forced to go for the mechanized method that saves irrigation
water and power.
"If the yields are comparable good, in the next season the DSR acreage will double," Gill told
IANS.
In the previous season, the average rate for paddy transplantation on an acre was Rs 2,500-3,000.
This time it rose up to Rs 5,000 per acre.
Also, the normal paddy transplantation is labour-intensive and time consuming.
The farmers first prepare a nursery and then replant the saplings after 25-30 days in a puddled
field.
The DSR technique does not require nursery or sapling transplantation. The paddy seeds are
directly drilled into the field by a tractor-powered machine.
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has developed 'Lucky Seeder' which not only
sows paddy directly but also sprays weedicides.
"Nearly 25 per cent of the area under paddy sowing is expected to come under the mechanized
way as it will help slashing cultivation costs," Agriculture Secretary K.S. Pannu told IANS.
He said the mechanised plantation will also help saving lakhs of litres of groundwater this year.

According to Pannu, one machine covers seven-eight acres in a day. The government is also
providing a 40 per cent subsidy on the DSR machine.
Admitting the direct seeding of rice helped saving groundwater, Balbir Singh Sandhu of Moga
said at the success rate of the DSR machine would be visible only at the time of paddy
harvesting.
"If the paddy yield is normal, then we can say the machine is successful. Otherwise, we will
revert to the traditional method. Till that time we are keeping our fingers crossed."
Some areas of Punjab, like Mukerian and Ferozepur belts, do grow basmati. But most farmers
end up growing common paddy, called 'jhona' as the input cost is less.
Punjab, with only 1.54 per cent of India's geographical area, produces around 20 per cent of
wheat, 10 per cent of rice and 10 per cent of cotton production of the country. The state
contributes over 50 per cent food grains to the national kitty alone.
(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at )
https://menafn.com/1100313707/Amid-pandemic-direct-seeding-of-rice-helps-Punjab-farmers
Rice and broken rice export earnings hit around 580
million USD
NEWS
PUBLISHED 12 JUNE 2020

In nearly eight months of the current fiscal year, Myanmar earned around 580 million US dollars
from exports of nearly two million tons of rice and broken rice, according to the Myanmar Rice
Federation (MRF).
Till May 29 of 2019-2020 FY, Myanmar exported 1.965 million tons of rice and broken rice
worth 578.728 million US dollars.
Rice exports of 1.2 million tons of rice amounted to 397.581 million US dollars while the exports
of nearly 700,000 tons of broken rice hit 181.147 million US dollars.
Exports of over 420,000 tons of rice to China hit 132.898 million US dollars, accounting for over
33 per cent of the total rice exports. This is the highest rice export volume.
Myanmar exported 170,000 tons of broken rice worth 43.426 million US dollars to Belgium,
making up over 23 per cent of the total broken rice exports. This is the maximum broken rice
export.
Myanmar exports rice and broken rice via border trade routes and marine trade.
During this period, Myanmar earned over 74 million US dollars from exports of over 260,000
tons of rice and broken rice via border trade camps. Exports of nearly 1.7 million tons of rice and
broken rice hit over 504 million US dollars.
―Myanmar can export more than 2 million tons of rice a year. This year, the total rice exports are
expected to hit around 2.5 million tons,‖ said Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo.

Some countries have offered to buy rice from Myanmar, said Dr. Than Myint, Union Minister
for Commerce.
https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/rice-and-broken-rice-export-earnings-hit-around-580-million-
usd
Parish-owned grain exporterto add $11.6Mrice mill
June 11, 2020 GMT
LACASSINE, La. (AP) — A parish-owned and farmer-operated grain exporter in southwest
Louisiana is adding a rice mill.
Officials of the South Louisiana Rail Facility in Lacassine and Gov. John Bel Edwards
announced the plans Thursday.
The mill will create seven jobs with salaries averaging $43,000, a news release said.
The South Louisiana Rail Facility is owned by the Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury and can
handle up to 25,000 bushels (880 cubic meters) of rice per hour for storage and export.
It‘s located at the Lacassine Industrial Park and was launched in 2010 to receive, preserve and
distribute paddy rice to international markets. It can also handle other commodities inlcuding
corn and soybeans.
https://apnews.com/f2bf5be4e8b7529a3c41f9e1f3619db7
Uncertain future awaits global food markets in 2020/21
because of COVID-19, says FAO
Posted on June 11, 2020 by IAC Desk in Agriculture, Featured, Food, Must Read, Policy
Food markets will face many more months of uncertainty due to COVID-19, but the agri-food
sector is likely to show more resilience to the pandemic crisis than other sectors, according to a
new report released today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO).

The Food Outlook report provides the first forecasts for production and market trends in 2020-
2021 for the world‘s most traded food commodities – cereals, oilcrops, meat, dairy, fish and
sugar.
―The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt – at varying degrees – across all food
sectors assessed by FAO. Whilst COVID-19 has posed a serious threat to food security, overall,
our analysis shows that from the global perspective, agricultural commodity markets are proving
to be more resilient to the pandemic than many other sectors. That said, owing to the size of the
challenge and the enormous uncertainties associated with it, the international community must
remain vigilant and ready to react, if and when necessary,‖ said Boubaker Ben-Belhassen,
Director of the FAO Trade and Markets Division.
Key trends and prospects for major food commodities in 2020/21
Cereals
In spite of uncertainties posed by the pandemic, FAO‘s first forecasts for the 2020/21 season
point to a comfortable cereal supply and demand situation. Early prospects suggest global cereal
production in 2020 surpassing the previous year‘s record by 2.6 percent.

World cereal trade in 2020/21 is projected to stand at 433 million tonnes, up 2.2 percent (9.4
million tonnes) from 2019/20, and setting a new record high, boosted by expected expansions in
trade of all major cereals.
Meat
World total meat production is forecast to fall by 1.7 percent in 2020, due to animal diseases,
COVID-19-related market disruptions, and the lingering effects of droughts.
International meat trade is likely to register a moderate growth – but considerably slower growth
than in 2019 – largely sustained by high imports from China.
International meat prices have fallen by 8.6 percent from January 2020, with the sharpest drop in
ovine meat, followed by poultry, pig and bovine meats due to the impacts of COVID-19-related
measures, including ensuing logistical bottlenecks, steep decline in global import demand, and
substantial volumes of unsold meat products.
Fish
The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to heavily affect seafood markets, particularly fresh
products and popular restaurant species this year. On the supply side, fishing fleets are laying
idle and aquaculture producers have drastically reduced stocking targets.
The pandemic is set to severely hit, in particular, global shrimp and salmon production. The
shrimp farming season in Asia, which generally begins in April, is now delayed until June/July.
In India, for example, farmed shrimp production is expected to fall by 30-40 percent.
Also, worldwide demand for both fresh and frozen shrimp is declining significantly, whilst
demand for salmon is expected to drop by at least by 15 percent in 2020. Retail sales, in
particular, of fresh salmon and trout have fallen greatly, and this will not recover for some time.
Sugar
World production of sugar in 2019-2020 is forecast to drop for the second consecutive year and
fall below the estimated level of global consumption – for the first time in three years.
Trade in sugar is foreseen to expand, sustained by low prices and stock rebuilding in some
traditional importing countries.
So far, the expectation of a global sugar production deficit for 2019/20 season has done little to
support international sugar prices, which have been falling since mid-2017, and are below
estimated production costs for the vast majority of world producers.

Milk
Notwithstanding market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, world milk production
is showing resilience, possibly growing by 0.8 percent in 2020. However, world dairy exports are
expected to contract by 4 percent, amid faltering import demand.
Oilcrops
Despite subdued demand prospects linked, amongst other things, to the pandemic, FAO‘s latest
2019/20 forecasts for oilseeds and derived products point towards a tightening global supply-
demand situation, triggered by a marked contraction in production.
Tentative forecasts for 2020/21 suggest that supplies could remain tight relative to demand.
https://www.indoasiancommodities.com/2020/06/11/uncertain-future-awaits-global-food-
markets-in-2020-21-because-of-covid-19-says-fao/
East Timor rice exports ready to roll
Hin Pisei | Publication date 10 June 2020 | 22:17 ICT
East Timor will soon begin importing Cambodian rice for the first time. YOUSOS
APDOULRASHIM
Cambodia is prepared to export 30,000 tonnes of milled rice to East Timor soon, which will open
a promising new market for the rice sector.
At an April 17 meeting with the Green Trade Company, under the Ministry of Commerce, and
the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), Ambassador of East Timor to Cambodia Ermenegildo
‗Kupa‘ Lopes proposed a plan for the Kingdom to start exporting rice to East Timor.
At a meeting with Lopes on Tuesday, Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak said Cambodia was
now ready to start the project.
He said: ―Cambodia has already prepared 30,000 tonnes of rice for export to East Timor and has
asked it for feedback.‖
He also urged East Timor‘s private sector to invest in a rice mill in the Kingdom.

Lopes said East Timor is intent on importing rice from Cambodia and added that East Timor
could export crops to the Kingdom as well.
He also mentioned that his country could provide 3,000 fuel sector jobs to Cambodians.
CRF president Song Saran told The Post on Wednesday that Cambodia has enough white rice
stockpiled to meet East Timor‘s demand.
He said: ―With the efforts of the Cambodian government, we hope that East Timor will become a
new strong market for Cambodian rice exporters.‖
He added that East Timor has never bought rice from Cambodia and historically relied on
Vietnam to satisfy its demand.
CRF board chairman Hun Lak told The Post in April that East Timor had first offered to buy rice
from Cambodia to prevent a food shortage due to Covid-19. The country has yet to specify an
amount.
Lak said the government had requested East Timor to send a letter to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation outlining the specifications of their order.
At a meeting with Lopes on May 27, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodia wants East Timor
to set up a representative office for its rice-purchasing companies in the Kingdom.
He said he wanted the companies to build warehouses, factories and silos as well as establish
purchasing channels to facilitate rice exports to East Timor.
Rice export reports show that in the first five months of this year, Cambodia exported 356,097
tonnes of rice to the international market, a 42.34 per cent year-on-year increase.
Last year, the Kingdom exported 250,172 tonnes of rice worth $241 million.
East Timor imported 6,800 tonnes of rice in the first two months of this year, around 5,000
tonnes less than the year-ago period, Port Authority of Timor-Leste data shows.
Cambodianrice exports see growth trend
Sorn Sarath / Khmer Times

Inspecting Cambodian fragrant rice. Supplied
The Minister of Agriculture has claimed that the Kingdom‘s milled rice exports to the
international market are expected to reach 1 million tonnes this year, the amount set by the
government five years ago, However, rice exporters said the country will take at least two years
more to meet that amount.
Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon is optimistic tha Cambodia‘s export
of milled rice would reach the milestone figure because of high demand from the international
market during COVID-19.
He said according to the first quarter results, which increased more than 40 percent compared
with the same period last year, exports for 2020 could reach the goal as set by the government
five years ago.
―As some countries reduce rice exports because of the pandemic spread, it is an opportunity for
Cambodia to send more rice and the ministry predicts that the country could export around 1
million tonnes because we got more orders during COVID-19,‖he said.
The government aimed to export 1 million tonnes of milled rice to the international market by
2015 but the exports so far have reached only half that amount.
Secretary-General of Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) Lun Yeng said that Cambodia will take
at least until 2022 to reach the goal.
―We need to see the real market demand because the EU is almost at saturation point and we
now will depend more on Chinese and other markets to boost growth,‖ he said, adding that rice
export this year are expected to reach around 800,000 tonnes because Cambodia now has the
infrastructure, facilities and investment in rice seeds that provide higher yields.
―Since early this year, our weekly exports reached more than 10,000 tonnes while we could
export only 20,000 tonnes a month last year. Now we export at least 50,000 tonnes a month,‖ he
said.
Yeng said China and the EU are still Cambodia‘s major market while it is exploring new
markets.
―Our exports to the EU this year will still increase after the tariff rate imposed by the EU
declines and we get more orders because of the pandemic spread,‖ he said. New markets such as

Australia, Hong Kong and Macao are also increasing and other destinations including ones in
Africa are under way with price discussions.
Cambodia sent more than 350,000 tonnes of rice to international markets during the first five
months of this year, according to Yeng.
Cambodia‘s rice exports to international markets amounted to 620,106 tonnes last year, slightly
down 0.97 percent from 626,225 tonnes in 2018.
Cambodia has failed to win a bid to supply milled rice to the Philippines since the memorandum
of understanding (MOU) agreement because its cost was higher than Thai and Vietnamese rice.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50733123/cambodian-rice-exports-see-growth-trend/
Thai rice prices hit 1-month peak on strong baht, supply
woes
Business Reuters
Jun 12, 2020 00:06:24 IST
By Shreyansi Singh
(Reuters) - Thai rice export prices rose to their highest in about a month this week due to a strong
baht currency and persistent supply concerns, losing out to cheaper offers from other Asian hubs.
Quotes for Thailand's benchmark 5-percent broken rice prices rose to $505-$533 per tonne on
Thursday - the highest level since early May - from $490-$512 last week.
"Our prices are higher than all of our competitors thanks to the strong baht which makes it hard
to find buyers," a Bangkok-based trader said.
The baht hit a more than four month high, translating into higher export prices in U.S. dollars.

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