17 july 2020 daily global regional and local rice e newsletter

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Global Regional and Local Rice News

Duty cut on rice import to hit next harvest
July 16, 2020 22:00:39
The government's decision for a cut on import duty of rice appears to be a hastily
taken one. The reason for the decision, according to the food ministry, is the
shortfall in the ongoing procurement of Boro rice this year. Curiously, this shortfall
has nothing to do with the availability of the major staple which, as reports say, has
experienced a bumper harvest. So, what is it that impedes the procurement drive? It
is the price set by the government at Tk 35-36 a kg which according to experts is
well below the market price. As a result, neither farmers nor millers are interested
to sell their produce to the government at prices they consider unreasonable.
Reports say currently coarse rice sells at Tk 42-45 per kg, while medium and finer
varieties sell at Tk 48-54 and Tk 55-65 respectively. The current price of coarse
rice is 16-18 per cent higher than that of the last year.
The procurement drive that began on April 26 and would continue until August 31
has, so far, been able to accomplish very little, collecting some 0.34 million tonnes

of rice till July 05 as against the procurement target of 19.5 million tonnes.
Presently, the government has 0.9 million tonnes of rice in stock which was 1.37
million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Clearly, there was a
serious mismatch in fixing the procurement price, and one wonders how the
authorities did so disregarding the market price. The anticipated bumper harv est
might have influenced the price-setting, but once it became apparent that market
prices were higher, and that farmers and millers would not bother to help the
government build its stock receiving less than the market prices, the authorities
should have revised the prices.
It may be noted that the agriculture ministry had said last month that the fairly good
harvest of Boro paddy was capable of getting rid of worries about food security for
the coming six months. Over and above, the next major paddy crop Aman which is
set to be harvested in less than six months and that of Aus coming up in three to
four months make it a no-worry situation so far as food security is concerned for the
next one and a half years. Obviously, such optimism was backed up by the
government's readiness to build an adequate stock and that could be possible on
offering a reasonable price.
Now that the duty on rice import is set to be reduced, concerned quarters are
unanimous that it would seriously harm the next crop Aman besides affecting the
state coffer through spending in foreign exchange on import. If imports start
arriving from August, observers fear, prices of this second important crop Aman
could drop drastically during the harvesting season from November to January. As a
result, farmers in the vast swathes of the Aman-growing regions in the eastern part
of the country would be hard hit. The policymakers would do well to take this
factor into consideration before further firming up the decision of duty reduction.
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/duty-cut-on-rice-import-to-hit-next-harvest-
1594915239
India sees sharp rise in edible oil exports at 80,765 tonnes for
2019-20
Our Bureau Ahmedabad | Updated on July 16, 2020 Published on July 16, 2020

At current tariff value of USD 573 per tonne for refined palmolein, SOPA said the amount of
customs duty being evaded is ₹19,968 per tonne. - Reuters
Brightens price prospects for oilseed growers
In a major boost for India‘s oilseed sector, the country has recorded a sharp jump — nearly 54
per cent — in edible oil exports to 80,765 tonnes for 2019-20, according to government data.
India had exported 52,490 tonnes of edible oils in 2018-19. The country earned ₹955.51 crore
during 2019-20 from the exports, which is more than ₹320 crore higher from ₹627 crore
recorded in the previous year.
The rise in bulk exports is seen as a big boost to oilseed growers as it brightens the prospects for
better remuneration for their oilseed crops. Edible oils are freely exportable in bulk, while
mustard oil is allowed in consumer packs not exceeding 5 kg. Major oils exported are groundnut
oil, rice bran oil and also small quantity of sesame oil, sunflower oil and mustard oil. Groundnut
oil is a major oil exported from India with a total of 38,226 tonnes of exports worth ₹390 crore.

China is a major buyer of India‘s groundnut oil (crude and edible) with 33,505 tonnes. Last year,
India had exported 15,533 tonnes of groundnut oil worth ₹128 crore.
Bhutan and Canada are the largest buyers of India‘s soyabean oil with 5,708 tonnes and 2,193
tonnes respectively, while the US imports 1,140 tonnes of soyabean oil from India. India

exported 9,822 tonnes of soyabean oil during 2019-20, which is valued at ₹86.23 crore.
Soyabean oil exports for 2018-19 were recorded at 4,246 tonnes worth ₹38 crore.
India also exported mustard oil in consumer packs of 5 kg at 3,681 tonnes worth ₹46.97 crore,
mainly to the UAE with 963 tonnes and to the US with 445 tonnes. India reported a rise in
exports of sesame oil and coconut oil over the last year at 5,618 tonnes and 7,870 tonnes,
respectively, showing a year-on-year growth of over 12 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.
―The rise in exports of edible oils is a positive development for India‘s oilseed growers. This
enables higher realisations for their crops,‖ said BV Mehta, Executive Director, The Solvent
Extractors‘ Association of India (SEA).
Export of rice bran oil has been allowed in bulk since September 2015, which has helped boost
exports. As per data compiled by SEA, India exported 12,521 tonnes of rice bran oil and small
quantity of mahua and mango kernel oils worth ₹127 crore. In 2018-19, India exported 12,807
tonnes of rice bran oil. Major buyers for India‘s rice bran oils are the US, Japan, Malaysia and
Thailand.
Published on July 16, 2020
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/india-sees-sharp-rise-in-edible-
oil-exports-at-80765-tonnes-for-2019-20/article32103883.ece
Bird Droppings CarryAntibiotic Resistant Bacteria, Cause Food
Poisoning
July 16, 2020 by News Desk Leave a Comment

Whenever there is a food poisoning outbreak linked to produce, we have told you that one source
of the pathogen may be bird droppings. A new study conducted at Rice University and published
in Elsevier journal Environmental Pollution states that bird droppings carry antibiotic resistant
bacteria and may ―harbor abundant‖ numbers of the pathogen along with resistance genes.
The study was conducted by environmental engineers and led by postdoctoral research
associate Pingfeng Yu of Rice‘s Brown School of Engineering and co-author Pedro Alvarez.

Earlier studies showed that bird-borne antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and bacteria can be
transferred to humans through these vectors: swimming, contact with bird feces or contaminated
soil, and inhaling aerosolized fecal particles.
Alvarez told Science Daily, ―We still do not fully understand what factors exert selective
pressure for the occurrence of ARGs in the gastrointestinal system of wild urban birds. Residual
antibiotics that are incidentally assimilated during foraging is likely one of these factors, but
further research is needed to discern the importance of other potential etiological factors, such as
bird diet, age, gut microbiome structure and other stressors.‖
The scientists compared fresh fecal samples from each bird species found in the Houston area in
the winter and summer months to samples taken from poultry and livestock that may carry some
of the same mutations. They found that antibiotic resistant genes in all species had significant
resistance to tetracycline beta-lactam and sulfonamide antibiotics. And the ―relatively high
abundance‖ of ARGs were comparable to those found in fresh feces of domesticated poultry that
are given antibiotics in their feed.
Alvarez added, ―Our results indicate that urban wild birds are an overlooked but potentially
important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes, although their significance as vectors for
direct transmission of resistant infections is possible but improbable due to low frequency of
human contact.‖
They also found that ARGs were in the soil up to 1 inch deep around the bird droppings, which
may play a role in contamination of crops.
The researchers concluded that since bird droppings carry antibiotic resistant bacteria, people
should avoid contact with them, especially vulnerable groups who are at high risk for
complications from infections. The bacteria can cause respiratory infections, food poisoning, and
sepsis.
Huiru Zhao, Ruonan Sun, Pingfeng Yu, Pedro J.J. Alvarez. High levels of antibiotic resistance
genes and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria indicators in urban wild bird
feces. Environmental Pollution, 2020; 266: 115200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115200
Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: Antibiotic Resistance, Food Safety
By submitting a comment, you are contacting Pritzker Hageman, P.A. An attorney may contact
you to ask if you would like a free consultation regarding your foodborne illness.
Speak Your Mind
https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2020/bird-droppings-carry-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-cause-
food-poisoning/

ASIA RICE-THAI RATES HIT 4-MONTH LOW ON
WEAK DEMAND, BAHT
7/16/2020
* Fresh supplies could push prices further down- Thai trader
* Vietnamese traders expect rise in rice shipments to Europe
* India rates steady as farmers expand cultivation area
* Flood hits cultivation in Bangladesh
By Shreyansi Singh
BENGALURU, July 16 (Reuters) - Thai rice export prices dipped to an over four-month low this
week due to lack of buyers and weakening of the baht, while strong demand from Cuba and
Malaysia pushed Vietnamese rates to a near one-month high.
Thailand's benchmark 5-percent broken rice <RI-THBKN5-P1> prices dropped to $440–$455 on
Thursday, the lowest since late-February, from $455-$485 quoted last week.
Thai rates were also weighed down by expectations of fresh supply of rice early next month.
"With no buyers now, the injection of new supply could push down the price further," a trader
said.
In Vietnam, rates for 5-percent broken rice <RI-VNBKN5-P1> rose to $435-$457 per tonne, the
highest since June 18, from $425-$457 a week earlier.
"Strong demand from Cuba and Malaysia have pushed prices up a bit," a trader based in Ho Chi
Minh City said.
"However, trading activity has slowed down this week as some buyers are waiting for prices to
go down in anticipation of increased supplies from the ongoing harvest that will end early next
month."

Traders expect an increase in rice shipments to Europe after a free trade agreement between
Vietnam and the European Union takes effect from August 1, while the EU's imposition of an
annual quota will prevent a sharp rise in exports.
Rates for India's 5-percent broken parboiled variety <RI-INBKN5-P1> were unchanged at $377-
$382 per tonne, as farmers expand acreage of the summer-sown paddy crop.
"Demand is moderate. Rising cases of coronavirus in Asia and Africa is a big concern. It could
create logistical problems for buyers and sellers," said an exporter based at Kakinada, in the
southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
Indian farmers have planted rice on 12 million hectares as of July 10, up 26% from a year earlier,
government data showed.
Bangladesh will make a decision over cutting taxes on rice imports by the end of this month,
food ministry officials said.
Floods also hit cultivation in Bangladesh, farmers said, submerging tracts of land. (Reporting by
Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Ruma Paul in Dhaka, Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Panu Wongcha-um
in Bangkok; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/asia-rice-thai-rates-hit-4-month-low-on-weak-
demand-baht
New genes control plant height, could lead to flood-proof
crops
By Erik StokstadJul. 16, 2020 , 1:40 PM
Deep-water rice can outgrow floods, as here, in Vietnam.
JOSE MORE/VWPICS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Stature matters to plants. Short crops can carry more grain without bending under their own
weight—a key trait that helped power the Green Revolution in the 1960s. But tall plants are
better at surviving long floods. Now, researchers have found two genes that together help control
the height of rice plants: one that accelerates the elongation of the stem and another that acts as a
brake. If the system is similar in other plants, scientists say it could be useful in the breeding of
many kinds of crops.
―This could be one more great tool in the toolbox,‖ says Julia Bailey-Serres, a rice biologist at
the University of California, Riverside, who was not involved in the new research.
In the mid–20th century, plant breeders typically selected for wheat and rice varieties with short
stems; these plants devoted more resources to grain and were less likely to fall over in heavy
wind or rain. Biologists later discovered that these varieties, at certain times in their
development, produce less of a hormone called gibberellic acid (GA) or can‘t respond to its
signals to elongate their stems. Side effects of those mutations can include young plants that
sometimes emerge from the ground too soon in drought-prone regions.
Plant molecular geneticist Motoyuki Ashikari of Nagoya University and colleagues have been
studying rice varieties that survive long, deep floods by growing taller—and quickly, if need be,
up to 25 centimeters per day. So-called ―deep-water rice‖ is grown in delta areas, mainly in
Southeast Asia where slow seasonal floods can reach 1 meter or deeper. Previous work had
shown that when plants are submerged, ethylene gas accumulates in their tissues and triggers GA
production. Ashikari and his colleagues wanted to know how GA coaxes stems to grow in deep-
water varieties of rice.

The team compared the DNA of one species of deep-water rice with another rice variety that can
only grow in shallow water. They soon located the two genes, which they
dubbed ACE1 (accelerator of internode elongation) and DEC1 (decelerator of internode
elongation). Greenhouse experiments showed what the genes did: In deep-water rice, ACE1 turns
on when plants are covered in water, stimulating cell division in their stems and helping them
grow, the researchers report this week in Nature. But a typical shallow-water variety, which has
a mutation in ACE1, did not lengthen its stem when flooded.
In other experiments, the team showed that DEC1 suppresses stem growth. DEC1 was active in
the shallow-water variety, and it stayed active when those plants were flooded, essentially
keeping the brakes on stem growth. In contrast, when deep-water rice was exposed to flooding,
the brakes were lifted: DEC1 stopped expressing, further allowing for stem growth.
If plant breeders or molecular biologists can control those two genes, they might be able to adjust
plant height without having to modify GA levels—perhaps even in crops other than rice—says
Laura Dixon, a plant biologist at the University of Leeds. That means GA would continue to
influence other parts of the plant normally. The two new genes could act like a simple ―dimmer
switch‖ for plant height, says Susan McCouch, a rice biologist at Cornell University, who was
also not involved in the research.
The two genes also exist in sugarcane, barley, and the well-studied grass Brachypodium
distachyon. They might occur widely in other agriculturally important grasses, Ashikari believes.
Another important crop, corn, has an equivalent to ACE1, but it has a gene that only partially
resembles DEC1. Still, the range of species with the two genes makes the new discovery
―supersignificant,‖ McCouch says.
The genes might help rice breeders improve low-yield varieties that can already cope with
seasonal flooding—or engineer new ones from productive shorter varieties. If this approach
works in other plants, it could even help engineer flood-proof crops for areas experiencing more
frequent flooding because of climate change, including the U.S. Midwest, Bailey-Serras says.
Such efforts would depend entirely on whether the genes in the target crops are responsive, but,
―It would make a heck of a lot of difference to the farmer.‖
Posted in:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/07/new-genes-control-plant-height-could-lead-flood-
proof-crops
Agriculture’s extremely tiny saviors

BY KAT MCGOWAN
INDIGO
To hear Geoffrey von Maltzahn talk, the future is in the dirt. But he means that in a good way.
He is one of several entrepreneurs who are convinced that the toughest problems in agriculture
can be solved in the ground by microbes — the teeming communities of microscopic life such as
bacteria and fungi that shape the health and vitality of plants, people, and, basically, all life on
this planet.
Von Maltzahn‘s Boston-based company, Indigo Ag, intends to harness the marvelous abilities of
microbes to nourish crops, protect plants from drought and heat, reduce agricultural pollution,
use less fossil fuel for farming, and make corn, wheat, rice, soy, and cotton plants more vigorous
and productive. It‘s an attempt to capitalize on a phenomenon that scientists are still trying to
fully understand: that the growth of food crops and other plants is heavily influenced not only by
their own genetic codes, but by microbes that live in the plants‘ stems and roots and in the soil
around them.

Supported By
―We think this is an area of science that‘s going to be applicable to every one of the quadrillion
seeds that gets planted‖ every year across the world, von Maltzahn says. Soil microbes even
offer a solution to climate change, he says, because they could supercharge agricultural practices
that suck carbon dioxide out of the air and bury it in farmland soil. These microorganisms might
improve the health and vitality of cover crops, which are planted in cycles between cash crops
like corn, or they might themselves increase the amount of carbon dioxide that gets deposited in
the soil by plants.
Over eons, plants and microbes have evolved mutually beneficial partnerships that have become
an appealing target for biotechnology researchers.
Starting in 2014, Indigo scientists and their collaborators began seeking out plants that were
mysteriously thriving under conditions of drought, disease, or nutrient deficiency that killed
neighboring plants. The team sampled the microbes living inside these super-survivor plants,
coaxed those microbes to grow in a lab, and then tested what happened when they applied them
to plants in greenhouses. Now the company sells seeds coated in these beneficial bacteria and
fungi.
INDIGOCotton seeds coated in beneficial bacteria and fungi.
Indigo‘s first product, released in 2016, was designed to help cotton tolerate drought. There are
now more for other crops; Indigo says that as a group they boost yields by upwards of 5 percent.
The company says its various microbial products have been used on 4 million acres of crops
worldwide.
Investors are buying into this vision. Indigo Ag has raised roughly $850 million, making it the
biggest and best-capitalized of dozens of startups developing microbes to address agricultural
needs. (Indigo is also expanding beyond microbe mixes. The company provides a wide range of
data analysis and technical consulting services to farmers.)
Several other ag-tech companies are hacking the best known natural relationship between plants
and microbes. That‘s the one in which bacteria provide essential nitrogen fuel for hungry plants.
Inside the roots of legume plants like beans and peas, resident microbes suck nitrogen gas out of
the air and convert it into a form plants can actually use. In return, plants feed those ―nitrogen-
fixing‖ bacteria with sugar.

Microbes that could do the same trick for corn, wheat, and rice could address a big problem in
farming. Today, farmers feed these row crops with commercial fertilizer, which is synthesized
from natural gas using massive amounts of energy.
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer enables the eye-popping productivity of modern agriculture, where
an acre of land now yields three times more corn than it did in the 1950s. It also uses about 1
percent of the entire world‘s annual energy supply, and accounts for about 1 percent of
all greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers dump as much as 160 pounds of nitrogen per acre on their cornfields each year, because
a lot washes away in rainstorms. That nitrogen runoff contaminates streams and rivers, causing
nasty green slicks of algae that kill aquatic life. More nitrogen drifts off the fields as gas into the
atmosphere, where it creates ozone pollution and accelerates global warming.
The idea of reducing the use of synthetic fertilizer by repurposing natural nitrogen-fixing
bacteria is decades old. But the first wave of bacterial sprays that could be applied to fields —
‖bugs in a jug‖ — weren‘t too impressive, says farmer Jack Boyer, a retired engineer who grows

corn, seed corn, soy, and cereal rye in Reinbeck, Iowa, and experiments with farming techniques.
―The products that I have tried, I saw zero success,‖ he says. He‘s had more success enriching
his soil with cover crops planted in between cycles of cash crops.
But ag-tech companies are now using the tools of synthetic biology to create more effective
organisms that can provide a consistent product. At the Berkeley, Calif.-based Pivot Bio,
scientists began in 2011 by identifying microbes that have nitrogen-fixing genes that are
currently inactive. By editing the DNA that regulates how these genes function, they figured out
how to restart this dormant ability. The team then put those microbes into a product that is shelf-
stable and cost-effective for farmers to spray on their fields during planting.
The resulting product, Proven, was launched for corn in 2019, promising to deliver 25 pounds of
nitrogen per acre over the growing season and allowing farmers to reduce their applications of
synthetic nitrogen. Nine field tests conducted last year by university partners showed an average
increase of six bushels per acre when compared against fields without the boost.
This year, farmers are using Proven on hundreds of thousands of acres of corn, says Pivot Bio
co-founder Karsten Temme. It sold out for the season. ―We‘re trying to make sure we can scale
our supply chain to meet the demand, because it‘s beyond our wildest expectations,‖ he says.
Joyn, a joint venture between Bayer and the Boston-based genetic engineering company Ginkgo
Bioworks, is still in the early phases of its long-range plan: developing high-performance
microbes that can be customized into a range of niche products by adding or modifying genes.
Rather than genetically modifying the crops themselves, the idea is to engineer the bacteria that
help them along. Joyn‘s CEO, Michael Miille, envisions some that take nitrogen from the air,
others that produce compounds that suppress weeds or pests, and still more than boost plant
health in other ways.
Joyn is hoping to start field trials next spring, but likely won‘t have a commercial product for at
least four years. The dream of fully modular microbes may take a decade or more. ―There‘s no
question that the need is there,‖ he says. ―Ag needs innovation and new approaches.‖
It‘s still not clear, however, that microbes will deliver consistent cost-effective benefits on a
commercial scale, and win over farmers who may be resistant to gambling on a new type of
product. There‘s little independent research to back up the claims made by Pivot and Indigo.

Boyer, the Iowa farmer, is open to giving it another try, as long as the price is right. ―Farmers are
interested in the environment too,‖ he says. ―If you can do it — and make a living — they‘re
interested in doing it. "
Kat McGowan is a journalist in California who covers health, medicine, and science. Follow her
on Twitter @mcgowankat.
https://apps.bostonglobe.com/ideas/graphics/2020/07/the-future-of-food/articles/agricultures-
extremely-tiny-saviors/
Philippines stops purchase of rice after Vietnam
resumes exports
Created: Thursday, 16 July 2020 12:55
The Philippine has dropped a plan to import up to 300,000 tonnes of rice from
governments
Vietnam
resumed its rice exports from May after a brief suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Image source: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay)
The decision comes after Vietnam, the main rice supplier of the Philippine, has resumed
selling grains.
As reported in the Reuters, the Philippines had planned to import under a government-to-
government scheme.

Philippine International Trading Corp (PITC) issued a tender to import 25 per cent broken,
well-milled long grain white rice, with bids from India, Thailand,
Vietnam and Myanmar opened on 8 June.
Myanmar tops with an offer of US$489.25 per tonne for a volume of 33,000 tonnes and
US$494.25 per tonne for a separate volume of 42,000 tonnes on the basis of ranking qualified
bids, the cource added.
According to the source, other bids including those from India and Thailand were rejected.
Vietnam resumed its rice exports from May after a brief suspension due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The Philippines imports around seven per cent to 14 per cent of its rice requirements,
with 90 per cent coming from its southeast Asia neighbours.
http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/technology/infrastructure/philippines-stops-purchase-of-
rice-after-vietnam-resumes-exports
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/duty-cut-on-rice-import-to-hit-next-harvest-
1594915239
4 millers booked for Rs 14cr paddy scam
 Posted: Jul 17, 2020 07:04 AM (IST)
Tribune News Service
Moga, July 16
An alleged paddy scam worth Rs 14-crore has come to the fore at Baghapurana city in the
district.
Owners of three rice mills — Akshit Agro Food, Surya Agro Food and Keshav Agro Food —
have collectively siphoned off paddy, which was allotted to them by Pungrain.
Food and Civil Supplies Controller (DFSC) Sartaj Singh said 9.56 lakh bags of paddy were
allotted to these rice mills by Pungrain, but during initial physical verification, at least 1.24 lakh
bags were found missing from the stock.

An FIR has been registered against the rice millers and their anticipatory bail have been rejected
by the District and Sessions Court.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/4-millers-booked-for-rs-14cr-paddy-scam-113933
UC RICE BLOG
Weedy Rice Survey 2020
 Author: Whitney Brim-DeForest
Published on: July 16, 2020
California Rice Production
UCANR: Safeguarding abundant and healthy food for all Californians

Weedy rice in a rice field in California.
The UCCE Rice Team will be starting a survey of weedy rice across the rice-growing counties in
the next week. We are surveying fields that are known to have weedy rice infestations (from
reports from the past 3 years). We will use this opportunity to update the extent of the
infestation, collect samples, and pull out as many weedy rice plants as possible (from fields that
have low infestations).
If you are a grower or PCA with a field that has had an infestation in the past, we will be
reaching out to you to let you know when we will be visiting.
A big thank you to the California Rice Commission for providing the funding for this survey. For
more information about weedy rice in California, visit caweedyrice.com.
For questions regarding the survey, feel free to reach out to Luis Espino (laespino@ucanr.edu),
Whitney Brim-DeForest (wbrimdeforest@ucanr.edu), or Michelle Leinfelder-Miles
(mmleinfeldermiles@ucanr.edu).
Public Value: UCANR: Safeguarding abundant and healthy food for all Californians
Focus Area Tags: Agriculture
Tags: Rice (15), weed identification (2), Weeds Affecting Plants (4), weedy rice (5)
Comments: 0
Mid Season Disease Update
 Author: Luis Espino
There are a couple of interesting issues I have noticed while looking at fields, mostly in the
northern part of the valley. One is bakanae. Bakanae is a seed borne disease that is managed by
soaking the seed in sodium hypochlorite or bleach. Levels are very low and is not going to affect
yield. Affected plants are taller than the rest, tend to be lighter green and chlorotic. The tell sign

that the problem is bakanae is the rotting of the crown. Affected plants will die before producing
a panicle or will produce a blanked panicle.
Another interesting issue I found is young plants affected by aggregate sheath spot. Usually I
don't see this disease being severe this early, but in this field a large patch seemed affected.
Young plant affected by aggregate
sheath spot
Area affected by aggregate sheath spot. Notice the yellow
leaves near the water.
I have heard blast is present in the Willows and Maxwell areas, but I have not seen any yet.
Usually, a tell sign of leaf blast is burned circular areas near headlands, where N overlaps are.
But make sure to inspect closely. In one field, the dead circles were not caused by blast, but most
likely by rats or muskrats that had cut the rice and created a sort of nest.
Burned area caused by blast Circular area damaged by rodents
Comments: 0
New Rice Factsheets Available
Fact Sheet #2: Managing Potassium in Rice Fields

The UCCE Rice Team has developed a series of Factsheets to simplify and convey information
about important topics that we find we are frequently discussing with growers and PCA's. Each
fact sheet is 2 pages long, back to front.
There are 6 so far:
 Fact Sheet #1: Nutrients in Rice Grain and Straw at Harvest
 Fact Sheet #2: Managing Potassium in Rice Fields
 Fact Sheet #3: Stem Rot and Aggregate Sheath Spot of Rice
 Fact Sheet #4: Kernel Smut of Rice
 Fact Sheet #5: Growing Season Water Use in California Rice Systems
 Fact Sheet #6: Managing Rice with Limited Water
We are continuously in the process of developing more topics, so if you have suggestions, please
reach out to Luis Espino (laespino@ucanr.edu) or Whitney Brim-DeForest
(wbrimdeforest@ucanr.edu).
Comments: 0
New California Rice Herbicide Available in 2020: RebelEX®
 Author: Roberta Firoved
Published on: June 24, 2020
A new herbicide is available this year for use in California rice: RebelEX®, manufactured by
Corteva. It is a premix of two other well-known herbicides: Clincher® and Granite SC®, both
from Corteva. The active ingredients in RebelEX® are cyhalofop (same as Clincher®) and

penoxsulam (same as Granite SC®). Since it contains cyhalofop, it is important to check with
your respective counties on the buffer zones and aerial application restrictions for Clincher®, as
the same permit conditions will apply.
The labeled weeds that RebelEX®controls are sprangletop, watergrass (both early and late),
barnyardgrass, ricefield bulrush, Monochoria, redstem, ducksalad, California arrowhead, and
water plantain. It does not have a water-holding period. The application timing begins from when
the rice has one leaf or more, up to 60 days before harvest. Efficacy, as with most products, is
better when the weeds are smaller. For flooded fields, it is important to have maximum contact,
so it is recommended to lower the water in the field until at least 70% of the weed biomass is
exposed, before application.
The product is ―rainfast‖ (meaning it isn't affected by water) within 2 hours, so reflooding
quickly is recommended. The label recommends restarting the flood at 3 hours after application,
and to have the field completely reflooded within 24 to 48 hours at a maximum. Long drainage
periods can encourage additional germination of certain weed species, including smallflower
umbrella sedge, watergrass, barnyardgrass, and sprangletop.
Since RebelEX® also contains penoxsulam, it cannot be applied in the same season as Granite
GR® or Granite SC®. Doing so will cause significant phytotoxicity to the rice, and will likely
impact yields. Clincher® can be applied in the same season, but depending on the rate of
RebelEX® applied, the Clincher® application rates will vary, so please refer to the label for rates
and timings if planning to also apply both herbicides in the same season. For management of
resistance, however, it is not recommended to apply Clincher® and RebelEx® in the same
season, as both contain the same active ingredient, cyhalofop. Repeated applications of the same
active ingredient (cyhalofop) will select for resistance in sprangletop, barnyardgrass, and
watergrass (both late and early).
Remember to always follow all label instructions when applying any pesticide, as the label is the
law. Make sure to pay particular attention to the Use Precautions and Restrictions. Consult your
local Agricultural Commissioner's Office regarding buffer zones and aerial restrictions, before
making any applications.

Label and SDS: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/crop-protection/rebelex-ca.html
Tags: Pesticides (1), Rice (15), Weeds (19)
Comments: 0
Cerano herbicide damage on M-206 vs. M-105
 Author: Bruce Linquist
Published on: June 18, 2020
This year we are conducting a study at the Rice Experiment Station to look at lodging differences
between M-206 and M-105. There has been anecdotal evidence that M105 is more susceptible to
lodging than M-206. We want to quantify this and see if we can manage N to reduce lodging if
need be. Anyways, with this experiment, we have both of these varieties side-by-side in
experimental plots. We used Cerano as part of the herbicide program. You can clearly see
from the picture that M-206 is more susceptible to Cerano bleaching than M-105. Ray talked
with Kent McKenzie about this and he also said he had seen similar findings. Anyway, we
thought this might be interesting information for you.
Ballots Out for California Rice Commission Major
Amendment
JULY 16, 2020 AGRI-BUSINESS, FIELD & ROW CROPS, RADIO REPORTS
Rice industry members have until August 3 to cast their vote on a California Rice Commission
(CRC) major amendment. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has mailed out a
second round of ballots to all growers and handlers who have yet to return the first ballot.If the
minimum number of ballots are not returned, the vote is invalid and will have to be repeated.

Fifth-generation farmer and CRC Chair, Sean Doherty explains what the proposed amendment
aims to achieve.
Listen to the radio report below.
http://agnetwest.com/ballots-out-for-california-rice-commission-major-amendment/
Traveling to the Middle East in a bite
By: Sandy Daza
Inquirer Lifestyle / 05:15 AM July 16, 2020
READING
TRAVELING TO THE MIDDLE EAST IN A BITE
The Lamb Lahem, a platter of spicy fried basmati rice with peanuts and raisins topped with
chunks of tender lamb —SANDY DAZA

Every time I have to work or go far, I see it as a blessing. I do what I have to do, but find a new
place to dine in or simply go back to a place that gave me a memorable meal.
Last Friday, I had to go to the main office of the National Bureau of Investigation on Taft
Avenue. Far, but my thought was already on where to dine.
The ones crossing my mind were Emerald Garden on Roxas Boulevard, Ongpin Street to find a
dining place and walk around or, on the way back, Banawe. When I was almost done with my

business, I remembered Salas Street in Mabini. That Middle Eastern restaurant, Shawarma Snack
Center.
Decades ago, I would drive there alone and would get rattled at what I‘d see and eat. There were
roast Middle Eastern chicken, all sorts of wraps like beef, chicken and even lamb, pots of cooked
food all emitting the beautiful aroma of spices, and a huge vat of yellow basmati rice topped with
chunks of roast lamb! What do I choose?
Many times, I‘m asked, what are you having for lunch? My answer is always, ―Depends on what
I feel like having then.‖ This was it!
There were two restaurants before, one across from each other. The other one is gone. As I sat
and looked at the menu, confusion again. I didn‘t know what to get. In cases like these, I ask the
server what the best sellers are.
Mixed grill
I ended up with a mixed grill of beef chunks, spice-infused ground beef and chicken. All these
were grilled on top of buttered dry and loose basmati rice.
On the table were bottles of chili sauce and garlic sauce. I poured some over the rice and meat,
boom! I was already thinking of what I‘d come back for. I took home some wrapped sandwiches
for my kids, and they loved every bite.
Two days after, I was looking forward to going back. It was a Sunday and no traffic. In my post
on Instagram, someone told me about a lentil soup.
So, this time I had a platter called Lamb Lahem. It included lentil soup, mixed pickles and a
platter of spicy fried basmati rice with peanuts and raisins. On top were chunks of tender, melt-
in-your-mouth lamb. I squeezed some white garlic sauce and spicy sauce all over and simply
traveled to the Middle East! It was so, so good. I was just talking to myself thinking of what I
could bring home to my kids. Outstanding!
I will go back for the roast chicken. They have party platters. They can have a whole roast of
chicken, beef or lamb with all the sidings of pita bread, or one we used to get: a huge platter of
flavored basmati rice topped with roast lamb. That always was a party hit.
I hardly eat rice. That didn‘t happen here. It was that good.
Beside them is a store selling Middle Eastern stuff. I got pita bread which I used when I cooked
Mexican tacos at home. Yummy! I also took home some dates. Also very good. Last Sunday, I

bought a pack of super salty goat cheese. I know how to reduce the saltiness. I‘ll slice it thinly,
fry and put it on toasted pan de sal.
Shawarma Snack Center, 484 R. Salas St., Ermita, Manila; tel. 85212121, 85244409
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/366332/traveling-to-the-middle-east-in-a-
bite/#ixzz6SRu7FbRs: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Rice purchases for national reserves to be completed by mid-
August
15:32 | 16/07/2020
The General Department of State Reserves GDSR is set to complete this year purchasing of
rice for national food reserves by August 15
GDSR General Director Do Viet Duc said that, as of July 10, the agency had purchased 158,880
tonnes of husked rice and 60,200 tonnes of unhusked grain, equivalent to 83.5% and 75% of the
respective targets for 2020.
It has strived to address the difficulties to ramp up food purchases for the national reserves at the
Prime Minister‘s request, so as to stay ready to perform tasks when necessary, he noted.
During the first half of this year, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the GDSR worked with
ministries and sectors to distribute food and other supplies worth over VND1 trillion (US$43.4

million) from national reserves to support frontline forces in fighting the disease and helping
those affected stabilise their lives.
Source: VNA
english.vov.vn
https://customsnews.vn/rice-purchases-for-national-reserves-to-be-completed-by-mid-august-
15221.html
IRRI focuses on resilience to tackle economic shocks
Tribune Desk
 Published at 06:35 pm July 16th, 2020
Varieties of rice sample in a shop Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune
With this motto in front, IRRI, the rice research organization launched its annual report
for 2019

As countries continue to grapple with the realities of pandemics, climate change,
increasing poverty and hunger, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) stands
ready to ensure the sustainability of the global rice sector, which provides food for half
the world‘s people.
With this motto in front, IRRI, the rice research organization launched its annual report
for 2019, said a press release.
Titled ―Race for Impact‖, the report is a compilation of IRRI‘s cumulative work that
focused on making the rice sector more climate-resilient and sustainable for the benefit of
smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
It features initiatives to provide lasting contributions to the SGDs and to national
development plans including implementation of local evidence hubs, high-impact
technological innovations, opening an African regional center of leadership for rice, and
forging an international partnership with other CGIAR Centers to drive food systems
transformations in Asia.
―The transformation of the global food systems is an immense but imperative goal of
delivering healthier diets without exhausting the world‘s resources. Making this happen
requires restructuring agricultural priorities where the top priority is producing healthier
foods for balanced diets rather than producing cheap foods,‖ said Matthew Morell,
director general of IRRI.
Transforming the world‘s rice-based agri-food systems and achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) are no small challenges.
In these crucial times, IRRI is focused on bolstering the resilience of the global rice
sector against economic shocks, the report outlines.
―We have recently launched Research-for-Development agenda in five key areas: Climate
Change, Environment, Social Equity, Prosperity, and Nutrition and Food Security. These

will help us streamline and refocus our work around the SDGs,‖ said Dr Humnath
Bhandari, IRRI country representative for Bangladesh.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world‘s premier research
organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving
the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing
environment for future generations.
It is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the
Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government.
The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing
countries in Asia and Africa, and more than 1,000 staff.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2020/07/16/irri-focuses-on-resilience-to-tackle-
economic-shocks
Rice Crop 2020: Louisiana’s poised to see record yield
LOCAL NEWS
Posted: Jul 15, 2020 / 05:46 PM CDT / Updated: Jul 16, 2020 / 09:35 AM CDT
RICHALND PARISH, La. (KTVE/KARD) — (07/15/20) 2020 looks to be the year for rice in
Louisiana as the crop continues to head down the road to a bumper crop. Northeast Louisiana is
playing a huge part in making this happen.
―The market was significantly better in relation to the other crops we grow, I think that‘s why a
lot of rice got planted. But, long term, the new technologies and new growing systems in rice
really gives the farmer a much bigger playbook‖ Scott Franklin, President of the Northeast
Louisiana Rice Growers Association said.
This includes Furrow Irrigation, or Row Rice, as well as Alternate Wetting and Drying, which
makes the growing process more environmentally and economically beneficial. This left the state
with 450,000 acres of rice this year, as opposed to the average 400,000 acres.

―And almost all of that increase is attributed to the Northeast portion of the state.‖ Franklin said.
This method has been in practice the area for a while, but hasn‘t been insured until this year after
Congressman Ralph Abraham made the insurance possible.
―Technically it was not insurable under federal crop insurance guidelines. That gave a lot of
farmers the chance to become rice growers‖ Franklin said.
Farmers also did not have to worry about flooded fields this year, as they had enough time in
between rain and dry spells.
―The timely rains have been very beneficial to the rice crop.‖ Franklin said.
Local rice farmers are saying that the combination of these factors could lead to a record farming
year for rice in Louisiana, which is great for NELA‘s and the state‘s economy.
―I think it‘s one of the best rice crops we‘ve ever had in the state of Louisiana. It‘s dried here, it‘s
milled here so those dollars turn over, about seven and a half times the actual dollar value of the
rice.‖ Franklin said.
Farmers are hoping excessive rainfall can hold off until harvest time, which for Northeast
Louisiana is around the middle of August. Until then, they won‘t know if the crop officially
broke any yield records.
https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/local-news/rice-crop-2020-louisianas-poised-to-see-record-
yield/
Explained: Why MP’s push for inclusion into the GI
list of Basmati can hurt India globally
India stands tall in the global arena as the only producer of premium Basmati.
No other country (other than 18 districts of Pakistan) can call any of its rice
as ‗Basmati‘.
Written by Anju Agnihotri Chaba | Jalandhar | Published: July 17, 2020 12:31:05 pm

Basmati rice at Punjab’s Khanna mandi. (Express Photo: Jasbir Malhi)
Following Madhya Pradesh (MP) government‘s pressure on the central government for seeking
Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Basmati produced in 13 districts of MP, the All India Rice
Exporters‘ Association (AIREA) has appealed to the government to preserve and protect the
integrity of one of the most cherished national produce of India — Basmati rice.
India stands tall in the global arena as the only producer of premium Basmati. No other country
(other than 18 districts of Pakistan) can call any of its rice as ‗Basmati‘. AIREA argues that if
MP is included in the GI list of Basmati crop then it will not only harm the reputation of Indian
Basmati as a whole, but also the national interest. The Indian Express explains what MP‘s
demand really means:
What is GI?

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA), it is an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product, originating from a specific
geographical area due to which it possesses unique characteristics and qualities. GI tag is
basically an assurance that the product is coming from that specific area. It‘s kind of trademark
in the international market.
When was Basmati brought under GI tag and which is the area where GI tag is applicable
to the Basmati?
In May 2010, APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, got this certification
for the region located in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) below the foothills of the Himalayas, spread
across seven states — Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western UP (26
districts) and Delhi.
According to APEDA, the origin and reputation of Basmati rice as a ‗long grain, aromatic rice‘
from the IGP is found in tradition, folklore, scientific and culinary literature and political and
historical records. They said Dehraduni Basmati, Amritsar Basmati and Tarawari basmati all
have not become famous in one day as they are producing Basmati for hundreds of years.
When MP does not fall in IGP, then why does it want its rice to be included under the GI
list?
MP falls in the Madhya Bharat Pathar and started cultivation of varieties of Basmati rice only
around the middle of the first decade of this century. The state claims that this rice possesses the
same characteristics and qualities as that of the rice grown in the IGP. It also claims that nearly
80,000 farmers of the state are growing Basmati in 13 districts and exporting worth Rs 3,000
crore annually.
Why MP cannot be included in GI Tag?
AIREA said that under WTO‘s TRIPs (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights)
agreement, physical attributes are not enough for a product to earn GI tag and that reputation
linked to the geographical region is essential and imperative. As per GI of Goods (Registration &
Protection) Act in 2003, ‗reputation‘ to a geographical area is central to the recognition of a GI

product and only seven states have that reputation. Even if the rice grown in MP has all the
required characteristics (or maybe even better than Basmati rice grown in the traditional growing
areas), the same would not still entitle such rice to qualify as Basmati. Just like sparkling wine
produced in Australia or California or Italy cannot be called Champagne and Kancheepuram Silk
Sari is a GI product, but a Banarsi sari cannot claim a share of the status though it might be as
beautiful as the Kancheepuram Sari. Same goes with Basmati and any rice which is grown
outside the designated area cannot be called Basmati.
What efforts are being undertaken by the MP to grab the GI tag?
Apart from putting pressure on the Centre, MP has appealed in Madras High Court where its plea
was rejected in February this year. Earlier too in 2016, Intellectual Properties Appellate Board
(IPBA) in Chennai had given the decision in favour of the APEDA, which is not in favour of
including MP in the GI list. Despite these orders, MP has been repeatedly agitating and raising
banter through political and bureaucratic channels, and even many traders from MP are selling
the rice from MP using the IGP imagery on their packages – through MP is far away down south
of the IGP, said AIREA.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/basmati-rice-geographical-indication-tag/
Cambodia’s rice market to have growing importance
in global rice supplies, says OECD-FAO
Sai Da / AKP
Cambodian rice to have major impact in global supplies. Photo supplied
A medium-term outlook for agriculture released Thursday forecast that Cambodia
would play an increasingly important role in the global market for rice exports.
Launched in Paris, the joint report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United
Nations (FAO) covers the 10-year period from 2020 to 2029.

―India, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Pakistan will remain the leading global suppliers of
rice,‖ the report said.
―But Cambodia and Myanmar are expected to play an increasingly important role in
global rice exports.‖
The OECD and FAO expect rice shipments by Cambodia and Myanmar to almost
double from an estimated four million tonnes this year to seven million tonnes by
2029.
In addition, the report forecast that Cambodia — along with Bangladesh, Laos and
Myanmar — would continue to increase productivity by adopting higher-yield
varieties and better agricultural practices.
Annual global growth in rice trade is projected to be 2.8 percent over the period, with
volumes increasing by 15 million tonnes from 2020 to 62 million tonnes in 2029.
―India is expected to remain the world‘s largest rice exporter,‖ the report said.
―Thailand, where shipments have traditionally been largely composed of higher
quality rice, is expected to remain the second largest rice exporter.
―In Viet Nam, expected growth is partly linked to ongoing efforts to diversify the
varietal make-up of the country‘s rice shipments.‖
But the top five exporters – India, Thailand, Viet Nam, Pakistan and the United States
– ―are expected to see their export shares reduced slightly compared to the past
decade.
―This reflects expectations of Chinese shipments remaining well over the lows seen
between 2010-2016, albeit at a somewhat lower level than recorded in 2019.
―Moreover, amid expectations of large exportable surpluses, shipments by Cambodia
and Myanmar are expected to continue making headway,‖ the report said.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50745569/cambodias-rice-market-to-have-growing-importance-in-
global-rice-supplies-says-oecd-fao/

BEPA Seals 100 Rice Mills In-violation Of
Environment Laws
20 hours ago Thu 16th July 2020 | 11:12 PM
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (BEPA) has sealed 100 unauthorized
rice mills in the province for violating the environment laws
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2020 )
:Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (BEPA) has sealed 100 unauthorized rice
mills in the province for violating the environment laws.
The Director General BEPA issued orders to seal 10 illegal rice mills in Naseerabad
district, 6 in Sohbatpur district and 84 in Jaffarabad district.

Talking to APP, an official of the EPA Muhammad Khan Utmankhail said "No one
would be allowed to violate the Environment act 2012 and no concession would be given
to the violators. Strict action will be taken against illegal factories without permission of
the Environmental Protection Agency".
Muhammad Khan said that EPA has also imposed fines on dozens of industries across the
province for polluting the environments and violating the laws.
In Pishin District 7 illegal crushing plants were sealed on the orders of Director General
of EPA. The EPA has also banned 16 industries in Hub, two in Chaghi and one in
Jafferabad district over polluting the environments.
The industries have been imposed Rs 50,000 each fine for violating the Environmental
Protection Act 2012 and all the industries concerned were required to pay a fine within
15 days of the action, he added.
In case of non-payment, action will be taken under Balochistan Environmental Protection
Agency Act 2012, he added.
He said that it is the duty of us to keep the environment clean and to protect the people.
Air pollution is a major problem which is causing dangerous diseases, he added.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/bepa-seals-100-rice-mills-in-violation-of-env-976413.html

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