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17th April,2020 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter.pdf
1. 17th
April,2020 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter
www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
Traders challenge likely rice export ban with stock
stats
KARACHI: Exporters on Tuesday said a ban on rice exports in a bid to avoid a possible shortage would be
unnecessary as well as unjustified as huge stocks of this grain were available in the market, while sowing for
the next crop was around the corner. This year (2019-20) Pakistan produced around 7 million tons of basmati
and non-basmati rice, of which 2 million tons are consumed locally, 4 to 4.5 million tons are exported legally,
while 0.5 million tons are traded unaccounted. ―A lot of rice is available in the market and by next month,
growers will sow paddy for the next season,‖ Rafique Suleman, a rice exporter and leader of Rice Exporters
Association of Pakistan (REAP) told The News. ―Around 1.5 million tons are lying with exporters, while a
bulk quantity is also available for local sale. Due to Iran-Pakistan border closure, a lot of stocks of basmati and
super basmati are also available,‖ Suleman said. He said an increase of 15 percent in the prices was seen in the
local market during last couple of weeks, which was largely an impact of 8.5 percent depreciation in rupee
against the US dollar. ―Since most of non-basmati rice is exported, any currency depreciation affects its price,‖
the REAP official said. ―Besides, due to lockdown, a sudden increase in the demand by households, private
welfare organisations, and government affected the prices. Once lockdown is over, prices will come down.‖ He
said that there was no shortage of rice and the commodity was available at every shop. ―If it disappears from
shops, then it will be called shortage,‖ he said. Exporters have also rejected a Sindh government proposed ban
on rice exports. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his coronavirus situation review video-meeting
with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, suggested a ban on export of wheat, pulses, and rice. Shah said
food items should not be exported, as no one knew about the upcoming crop in the country and demand in the
local market. Suleman said a ban on rice export would be dangerous for not only rice industry employing 1.5
to 2 million workers abut also millions of growers. ―Rice is not our staple food. Our staple food is wheat.
Some people eat rice occasionally, and some people even don‘t eat rice,‖ he said. He said every year Pakistan‘s
2. rice harvest was almost 4.5 to 5 million tons surplus and an export ban would prove disastrous for millions of
people and the country ran the risk of losing a big chunk of foreign exchange. ―If any coercive decision is
taken this time, it will affect negatively and growers will not sow paddy, as it is mostly an export commodity,‖
he said. The rice exporter said due to international crisis, some export orders were cancelled from Europe
while some buyers had delayed the payments.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/644444-traders-challenge-likely-rice-export-ban-with-stock-stats
Daily Rice News
Traders challenge likely rice export ban with stock
stats
KARACHI: Exporters on Tuesday said a ban on rice exports in a bid to avoid a possible shortage would be
unnecessary as well as unjustified as huge stocks of this grain were available in the market, while sowing for
the next crop was around the corner. This year (2019-20) Pakistan produced around 7 million tons of basmati
and non-basmati rice, of which 2 million tons are consumed locally, 4 to 4.5 million tons are exported legally,
while 0.5 million tons are traded unaccounted. ―A lot of rice is available in the market and by next month,
growers will sow paddy for the next season,‖ Rafique Suleman, a rice exporter and leader of Rice Exporters
Association of Pakistan (REAP) told The News. ―Around 1.5 million tons are lying with exporters, while a
bulk quantity is also available for local sale. Due to Iran-Pakistan border closure, a lot of stocks of basmati and
super basmati are also available,‖ Suleman said. He said an increase of 15 percent in the prices was seen in the
local market during last couple of weeks, which was largely an impact of 8.5 percent depreciation in rupee
against the US dollar. ―Since most of non-basmati rice is exported, any currency depreciation affects its price,‖
the REAP official said. ―Besides, due to lockdown, a sudden increase in the demand by households, private
welfare organisations, and government affected the prices. Once lockdown is over, prices will come down.‖ He
said that there was no shortage of rice and the commodity was available at every shop. ―If it disappears from
shops, then it will be called shortage,‖ he said. Exporters have also rejected a Sindh government proposed ban
on rice exports. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his coronavirus situation review video-meeting
with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, suggested a ban on export of wheat, pulses, and rice. Shah said
food items should not be exported, as no one knew about the upcoming crop in the country and demand in the
local market. Suleman said a ban on rice export would be dangerous for not only rice industry employing 1.5
to 2 million workers abut also millions of growers. ―Rice is not our staple food. Our staple food is wheat.
Some people eat rice occasionally, and some people even don‘t eat rice,‖ he said. He said every year Pakistan‘s
rice harvest was almost 4.5 to 5 million tons surplus and an export ban would prove disastrous for millions of
3. people and the country ran the risk of losing a big chunk of foreign exchange. ―If any coercive decision is
taken this time, it will affect negatively and growers will not sow paddy, as it is mostly an export commodity,‖
he said. The rice exporter said due to international crisis, some export orders were cancelled from Europe
while some buyers had delayed the payments.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/644444-traders-challenge-likely-rice-export-ban-with-stock-stats
Rice farmers change how they approach planting,
harvesting amid virus outbreak
Updated: 7:23 PM PDT Apr 15, 2020
Mike Luery
Reporter
YUBA CITY, Calif. —
Farmers in rice country are taking big steps to beat the coronavirus.
―Once you get inside the tractor for disinfectant, start with the steering wheel,‖ said Max Alves,
a tractor operator for Montna Farms, a rice growing company located about 10 miles south of
Yuba City in Sutter County.
Before Alves can drive his tractor, he must first go through an elaborate cleaning routine – and
he‘s the only one assigned to the machine – a big change from the way things used to be.
―Going from field to field, if somebody doesn't show up that day - but now it's looking like this
is going to be the new normal,‖ Alves said.
Montna Farms has 4,000 acres of rice fields, giving crew members plenty of room to spread out
and practice social distancing.
And workers are encouraged to do rigorous hand-washing, using baby wipes mixed with a 60%
alcohol solution.
4. ―Those are the new procedures we've had to implement because of the coronavirus,‖ said Jon
Munger, vice president of operations for Montna Farms.
―It's trying to keep everybody safe and healthy so we can keep them employed, number one, as
an essential business,‖ Munger said. ―And number two, get our rice crop planted,‖ he added.
Planting begins this weekend, Munger said, with harvest expected in September.
Agriculture is an essential industry in California, the nation‘s second top rice producer behind
only Arkansas. California farmers expect to harvest some 500,000 acres this year.
―California rice contributes more than $5 billion to our economy each year and 25,000 jobs,‖
said Jim Morris of the California Rice Commission, which represents some 2,500 growers in the
state.
―We also are home to millions of birds and the environmental benefits are valued well into the
billions of dollars as well,‖ Morris said
And while workers are doing everything they can to stay safe, farmers face big challenges when
it comes to bringing rice to market.
―There's a lot less going into food service and restaurants,‖ Morris said. ―There is a lot more
going into retail.‖
Rice farmers are no longer able to sell their crop to sushi restaurants, which are largely closed
now because of the coronavirus.
―With them not being open that will I believe have impact on our short grain business,‖ Munger
said. ―Whether we can make that up on the retail side of things - when it's all said and done,
that's yet to be seen.‖
https://www.kcra.com/article/rice-farmers-planting-harvesting-virus-outbreak-coronavirus-covid-
19/32163493
Indian traders signing rice export deals after gap of
three weeks – industry
5. MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian rice traders have resumed signing new export contracts after a gap
of nearly three weeks, four industry officials told Reuters on Thursday.
Traders had stopped signing new export contracts amid a nationwide lockdown to curb the
spread of coronavirus, as labour shortages and logistics disruptions hampered deliveries.
Export operations have resumed, said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters
Association (REA).
"New contracts are getting signed but at a very low pace due to bottlenecks in the supply chain,"
Nitin Gupta, vice president of trader Olam India's rice business, told Reuters.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/indian-traders-signing-rice-export-120052887.html
Minister Says Farmers Ready to Harvest 19.8mn Tons
of Rice
6. TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto said that all rice production centers
are currently entering the main harvest period. With this harvest, Agus predicts, there will be an
additional production of 19.8 million tons until August 2020. "I am optimistic that rice stock and
production will meet national needs until the end of December 2020," Agus said in an official
statement after visiting Cipinang Rice Main Market (PIBC) in East Jakarta, Thursday, April 16.
According to Agus, the volume is sufficient to anticipate the lengthy COVID-19 response period.
The minister said that the national rice needs are approximately 2.5 tons per month or roughly
22.5 million tons until December.
Right now, there are 3.38 million tons of national rice stock.
In late March, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned about the impact of Covid-
19 on world food supplies. FAO's chief economist and assistant director-general or economic
and social development Maximo Torero Cullen said that the shipping industry had reported a
slowdown in activity due to port closures in several regions. These logistical barriers could
disrupt the food supply chain in the next few weeks. "To prevent food shortages, countries need
to maintain their food supply chains," he said. On Monday, April 13, 2020, President Joko
Widodo or Jokowi also asked his ministries to secure Indonesia's food readiness amid the
coronavirus outbreak. Not only for the great harvest in April, but Jokowi also asked his men to
secure the second harvest in August and September.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1332239/minister-says-farmers-ready-to-harvest-19-8mn-tons-of-rice
7. 11pc increase in rice export during first 8 months of
current FY
Date: 16-Apr-2020
ISLAMABAD-Rice export during first eight months of current financial year grew by 11.09 per
cent as compared to the export of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from
July-February, rice worth $1,397,491 thousand were exported as compared to the export of rice
worth $1,257,995 thousand of same period of last year. According the data released by the
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the export of Basmati rice increased by 36.65 per cent, valuing
$501,179 thousand as compared to the export of rice worth $366,765 thousand of same period of
last year. Meanwhile, fish and fish preparations worth $278,637 thousand were also exported in
first eight months of current financial year as compared to the export of fish valuing $248,000
thousand of same period of last year. During the period under review, fruit exports of the country
recorded positive growth of 1.61%. Fruit worth $346,508 thousand were exported as compared
to the export of $341,007 thousand of same period of last year.
https://nation.com.pk/16-Apr-2020/11pc-increase-in-rice-export-during-first-8-months-of-current-fy
NFA: Rice supply in PH is enough amid ECQ
April 16, 2020
The Philippines has enough rice supply despite the implementation of the enhanced community
quarantine in Luzon.
National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Judy Carol Dansal assured that the rice stock will still
last for 11 days and that private entrepreneurs have plenty of rice reserves.
NFA Administrator Dansal also urged traders to continue importing rice to avoid shortage and called
on importers to give a fair price to help consumers affected by the ECQ. – PTV News
https://ptvnews.ph/nfa-rice-supply-in-ph-is-enough-amid-ecq/
Solon wants PH to relax rice importation rules to
ensure adequate supply
8. By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu - Reporter / @GabrielLaluINQ
INQUIRER.net / 12:09 AM April 16, 2020
MANILA, Philippines – Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda is urging the government
to relax rules on rice importation and secure commitments from other countries to avoid
a rice shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salceda explained on Wednesday that these moves — while sustaining the local
production of rice — would be necessary as it was uncertain if the Philippines could
import rice from Vietnam and Thailand.
Salceda said that Vietnam, the world‘s third largest exporter of rice, banned export rice deals to
secure its domestic supply, while Thailand was forced by drought to scale down exports from 10
million metric tons to just 8 million metric tons.
―Secure commitments for adequate supply from supplier countries such as Vietnam and Thailand,
while also sustaining support for local production through programs such as the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the National Rice Program,‖ he said in a paper
about possible threats to rice supply while areas are still under the enhanced community quarantine
(ECQ).
―Relax rules and regulations on rice importation. Consolidate small import orders through the
Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC),‖ he added.
In terms of the local rice supply, Salceda suggested that both the Department of Agriculture (DA)
and the Department of Trade and Industry ensure the movement of the rice supply, along with
materials and equipment that would be needed for rice production.
He also asked that workers involved in the rice supply chain — from farmers to those who deliver
the grains to warehouses — be afforded the permits to move through the ECQ.
Salceda made the recommendations after reports surfaced that some of the trucks intended to
deliver rice at the National Food Authority warehouse in Malolos, Bulacan, were held up at
quarantine checkpoints.
9. ―The DA and the DTI must monitor the strict implementation of their respective agencies‘
issuances that the flow of rice and other essential commodities – as well as the necessary inputs to
produce and process these commodities, such as fertilizers and pesticides – should remain
unhampered,‖ Salceda noted.
―Ensure that the labor force across the rice supply chain (from farmers, to millworkers, to drivers
of transport) are able to work and are conferred the privileges granted to those who work in
essential services,‖ he added.
As the staple food of Filipinos, rice is considered a basic commodity in most
households. According to Salceda, rice prices, especially in the National Capital Region, have
already increased by around P3.00 per kilogram.
The ECQ was placed over Luzon due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. However, in the
early part of the lockdown, food supply transporters faced difficulty due to the numerous
checkpoints near Metro Manila‘s borders.
As of Wednesday, the Department of Health has confirmed 5,453 COVID-19 patients — 349 of
whom have died and 353 have recovered.
Worldwide, over 1.98 million individuals have been infected, while 126,834 have died from the
disease and 484,109 have recovered from it.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1259420/solon-wants-ph-to-relax-rice-importation-rules-
secure-deals-to-ensure-adequate-supply#ixzz6Jrg4H0SB
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/04/16/2007770/covid-19-farm-intervention-boost-rice-supply-84-days-
adequacy
10. Asia Rice-Indian prices at 8-month peak; Thai rates
ease after rains
REUTERS
BRIJESH PATEL
April 16, 2020
10:49 AM EDT
BENGALURU — Rice export prices in India bounced to an eight-month high this week, as
traders resumed signing new contracts after a gap of nearly three weeks, while rains brought
some relief in drought-hit Thailand, easing prices off a multi-year peak.
Top exporter India‘s 5 percent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $375-$380 per tonne
this week – the highest since the first week of August – and significantly higher than $361-$365
quoted last month.
―There is good demand for Indian rice, but supplies are limited due to the lockdown,‖ said an
exporter based at Kakinada.
Indian rice traders had stopped signing new export contracts amid the nationwide lockdown as
labor shortages and logistics disruptions hampered delivery of even existing contracts.
India extended the lockdown until at least May 3 as the number of coronavirus cases exceeded
12,000.
Neighboring Bangladesh will double its allocation of ration cards to 10 million under a
subsidized rice sales scheme to help the poor during its nationwide lockdown.
Domestic prices of rice have recently been driven to two-year highs as people resorted to panic
buying.
11. Thailand‘s benchmark 5% broken rice prices fell to $530-$538 per tonne from last week‘s $555–
$580 – their highest since April 2013.
Traders said this week‘s rainfall in Bangkok and some rice-growing provinces lifted hopes that
an ongoing drought, which started from November last year, may come to an end sooner than
expected.
―When it rained this week, prices dropped slightly,‖ a Bangkok-based trader said. ―We have to
see if the rainfall was only an irregularity, so prices could still swing back.‖
Expectations of a prolonged drought previously led to a forecast of lower Thai rice output this
year, resulting in higher prices compared to competitors.
Vietnam‘s 5% broken rice prices were unavailable for the fourth week in a row even as the
government partially lifted its ban on rice exports.
―Though the government has allowed the export of 400,000 tonnes of rice for this month, no new
rice export contracts have been signed because the volume of the contracts signed before the ban
is already higher than the quota,‖ a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.
The country last month banned signing new export contracts to ensure ample domestic supplies.
―Local rice exporters have been fighting to have a slice in the 400,000-tonne quota this month,
but the way the customs authorities are handling customs formalities is messy and not
transparent,‖ another trader said. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Ruma Paul in
Dhaka, Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok;Editing by Elaine
Hardcastle)
https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/asia-rice-indian-prices-at-8-month-peak-thai-rates-
ease-after-rains
12. Rice production so far unaffected by COVID-19 –
GRDB
-40% increase in exports to Latin American countries
Nizam Hassan
By Stabroek News
April 16, 2020
The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has expressed
confidence that rice production this year would be ―excellent‖
despite the novel coronavirus pandemic fallout and assures that
that there will be adequate supplies for local, regional, and extra-regional markets.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, GRDB‘s General Manager,
Nizam Hassan, expressed this confidence yesterday while stating that all quality assurance
services continue to operate as usual since rice exportation is ongoing.
―We don‘t expect that there will be any fallbacks from our projections, and for this year just as
we had done last year, we expect that we will get over 1 million tonnes of paddy, which will be
equivalent to approximately 700,000 tonnes rice.
https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2020/04/16/despite-increase-purchases-from-venezuela-
local-market-has-enough-rice-grbd-head/
11pc increase in rice export during first 8 months
of current FY
13. APP
April 16, 2020
ISLAMABAD-Rice export during first eight months of current financial year grew by 11.09 per
cent as compared to the export of the corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-February, rice worth $1,397,491 thousand were exported as
compared to the export of rice worth $1,257,995 thousand of same period of last year. According
the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the export of Basmati rice increased by
36.65 per cent, valuing $501,179 thousand as compared to the export of rice worth $366,765
thousand of same period of last year. Meanwhile, fish and fish preparations worth $278,637
thousand were also exported in first eight months of current financial year as compared to the
export of fish valuing $248,000 thousand of same period of last year. During the period under
review, fruit exports of the country recorded positive growth of 1.61%. Fruit worth $346,508
thousand were exported as compared to the export of $341,007 thousand of same period of last
year.
https://nation.com.pk/16-Apr-2020/11pc-increase-in-rice-export-during-first-8-months-of-
current-fy
14. Minister Says Farmers Ready to Harvest
19.8mn Tons of Rice
Translator: Ririe Ranggasari
Editor: Laila Afifa
16 April 2020 15:11 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto said that all rice production centers
are currently entering the main harvest period. With this harvest, Agus predicts, there will be
an additional production of 19.8 million tons until August 2020.
"I am optimistic that rice stock and production will meet national needs until the end of
December 2020," Agus said in an official statement after visiting Cipinang Rice Main Market
(PIBC) in East Jakarta, Thursday, April 16.
According to Agus, the volume is sufficient to anticipate the lengthy COVID-19 response
period. The minister said that the national rice needs are approximately 2.5 tons per month or
roughly 22.5 million tons until December.
Right now, there are 3.38 million tons of national rice stock.
15. In late March, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned about the impact of
Covid-19 on world food supplies. FAO's chief economist and assistant director-general or
economic and social development Maximo Torero Cullen said that the shipping industry had
reported a slowdown in activity due to port closures in several regions. These logistical
barriers could disrupt the food supply chain in the next few weeks.
"To prevent food shortages, countries need to maintain their food supply chains," he said.
On Monday, April 13, 2020, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi also asked his ministries to
secure Indonesia's food readiness amid the coronavirus outbreak. Not only for the great harvest
in April, but Jokowi also asked his men to secure the second harvest in August and September.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1332239/minister-says-farmers-ready-to-harvest-19-8mn-tons-of-
rice
Makassar city government ensures sufficient rice
stocks until Oct 2020
16th April 2020
16. Illustration: two workers inside a warehouse of the Makassar city-based State Logistics Agency
ANTARA FOTO/Arnas Padda/YU/Aww.
The food stocks in Makassar remain secure and will be able to meet the demand until October
this year
Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The food security authority in Makassar, South Sulawesi
Province‘s capital, has provided 110 tons of rice to enable the city government fulfill the needs
of residents during the imposition of 14-day-long large-scale social restriction measures.
"The food stocks in Makassar remain secure and will be able to meet the demand until October
this year," Head of the Makassar City Administration's Food Security Office Sri Sulsilawati
informed journalists here on Thursday.
Some 100 tons of reserved rice stocks for the city, sourced from the state budget for disaster
emergency response, are stored at the State Logistics Agency's (Bulog's) warehouses.
Meanwhile, 10 tons have been readied by utilizing the city government's budget as a
precautionary measure to handle the dearth of rice stocks, she explained.
The Indonesian health ministry has approved the Makassar city government's proposed
imposition of the large-scale social restriction measures to break the chain of the new
coronavirus outbreak, as revealed in the minister's letter dated April 16.
The large-scale social restriction and distancing measures will be applied for 14 days and can be
extended, Acting Mayor of Makassar City M. Iqbal Suhaeb stated.
Some 13 days prior to the central government's approval for the imposition of large-scale social
restriction measures in Makassar, South Sulawesi Governor HM Nurdin Abdullah had instructed
local authorities across the province to quarantine all visitors for 14 days.
"We have all agreed to impose that policy. It must be upheld," he told journalists on the sidelines
of his visit to the Nusantara Seaport in Parepare City on April 3. He made the statement in
connection with measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 in South Sulawesi Province.
Visitors will be quarantined for 14 days to ensure they are not infected with the deadly virus.
They will be allowed to return to their provinces of origin on completion of the quarantine
period, he stated.
The provincial, district, and city administrations will work hand-in-hand to ensure the effective
imposition of quarantine in all urban and rural areas. All ports of entry to South Sulawesi will
also be secured, the governor revealed.
The provincial capital Makassar is the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Sulawesi.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the governor has urged outsiders to postpone their plans to
visit the province during the Idul Fitri "mudik" season.
"Mudik" refers to the annual exodus of citizens to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri with
18. The price of rice has gradually been rising in the last couple of months, putting pressure on the
consumers, particularly the low and fixed income groups.
The people who live a budgeted life are in dire straight as they have to dig deeper into their
pockets for most of the commodity since amid the general holiday since March 26.
Panic buying has triggered a rise of essential items in the capital and elsewhere of the country as
new cases of coronavirus were detected in March.
Though the country has enough rice stock the price of rice has been increasing in the country in
the last couple of months.
Experts said, some unscrupulous traders, millers have increased the price of rice for bagging
extra profit in a time of crisis.
They said the government must act promptly to ensure a smooth supply chain in order to prevent
any possible crisis for the cereal in the coming weeks.
Many were seen buying these items in bulk in fear of shortages if the virus spread further.
The Consumers‘ Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chairman Ghulam Rahman said some
unscrupulous traders increased the price of rice after manipulating the market as people started to
buy a huge amount of rice due to coronavirus panic. The government should increase market
monitoring and give proper punishment to traders involved with the price hike in this crisis
moment, he said.
Coarse price was Tk 42-50 per on April 15, its price was Tk 34-40 a month earlier, and it shows
a 24.32 percent hike in a month, according to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Medium quality rice price was Tk 50-58 per kg on April 15, its price was Tk 45-55 per kg a
month earlier, and it shows an 8 percent hike in a month, it said. Fine quality rice price was Tk
60-68 per kg on April 15, its price was Tk 55-60 per kg a month earlier, and it shows 11.30
percent in a month, it said.
In its report, the TCB mentions that the price of fine quality rice has increased further on April
11 and medium quality rice price increased further on April 12.
Rice prices started to rise indiscriminately from the third week of March with the beginning of
panic buying by city-dwellers fearing any possible lockdown.
The upswing continued as prices of the staple witnessed a gradual hike in the following weeks,
according to traders.
https://www.daily-sun.com/post/476082/2020/04/15/Rice-price-increases-gradually
Bulog asks for additional Rp 10 trillion to buy rice
Dzulfiqar Fathur Rahman
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta / Thu, April 16, 2020 / 02:39 pm
19. A resident buys rice at a shopping center in Serpong, Banten, on March 19. (JP/Berto
Werdhatama)
The State Logistics Agency (Bulog), a governmental body responsible for securing the staple
food supply, plans to ask for an additional Rp 10 trillion (US$637 million) from the government
to buy rice from farmers to augment rice stocks.
The agency‘s director of operations and public service, Tri Wahyudi Saleh, said in Jakarta on
Wednesday that the extra funds would be enough to procure about 1.2 million tons of rice from
the farmers.
Tri said that the increase in prices of milled rice and unhusked rice would make rice procurement
more costly. With the high price, the procurement would be too costly if the agency had to
borrow from banks, he added.
The price of medium quality rice is averaging Rp 10,202 per kilogram, about 8 percent higher
than the retail price ceiling (HET). The price of unhusked rice is Rp 4,977 per kilogram, 17
percent higher than the government‘s reference price (HPP).
―We hope the government will give a stimulus for additional funds to buy husked and unhusked
rice,‖ Tri said in an online discussion on Wednesday. ―With the government‘s permission, we
will propose it at the limited coordination meeting so that Bulog can get the opportunity to buy
as much as it can above the HPP.‖
20. The government has asked the agency to raise stocks of basic commodities to control the rising
staple food prices, including rice, to anticipate both surging demand during Ramadan and Idul
Fitri and logistical disruptions due to large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).
Between March and May, the Agriculture Ministry estimates the demand for rice will total 7.6
million tons. The rice harvest reaches its peak in April, and production is expected to exceed
demand by 8.3 million tons by the end of May.
However, consumption tends to rise by 3 percent in the period leading up to Ramadan, set to take
place on April 23, and by 20 percent leading up to Idul Fitri on May 24, according to a survey by
the Agriculture Ministry‘s Food Security Agency. Bulog‘s sales usually rise by 10 percent over
the period.
The introduction of large-scale social restrictions in Greater Jakarta, considered the nation‘s
COVID-19 epicenter, may pose a challenge to the government‘s plan.
―We have prepared a banner for Bulog logistics [shipments] saying that the goods inside belong
to the agency,‖ said Tri. ―This was very helpful when we distributed sugar and rice from
Lampung to Jakarta. We were prioritized by the ASDP [state-owned ferry operator] and we were
escorted by the local police traffic unit.‖
The Jakarta and West Java administrations have suspended public activities and have imposed
limitations on transportation for 14 days until late April to slow the spread of coronavirus.
As of Tuesday, Jakarta, which accounts for about 20 percent of the national rice market, had
confirmed 2,335 cases of COVID-19 – nearly half of the total confirmed cases nationwide.
Not all staple food supplies are distributed by Bulog. As private retailers also take part in the
distribution of staple food, they should maintain product quality despite logistical disruption due
to the government‘s measures to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus, said Center for
Indonesian Policy Studies researcher Galuh Octania.
―Even before the introduction of large-scale social restrictions, some distributors complained
about delays,‖ Galuh said in the same online talk on Wednesday. ―The shipment of food
commodities usually takes a day, but it was delayed by up to three days for various reasons, such
as drivers‘ reluctance to work or fear of getting stopped [by authorities].‖
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/04/16/bulog-asks-for-additional-rp-10-trillion-to-buy-
rice.html
Domestic Usage Report Benefits All
21. The Market Year 2018-2019 Domestic Usage Report Survey has been issued to RMA members.
Following successful updates of the 2017-18 report, the DUR Subcommittee agreed to continue using the
same questionnaire going forward, and asks that completed forms be returned by May 1. The updated
report provides an accurate and representative picture of the domestic U.S. rice industry. The entire U.S.
rice industry benefits from a comprehensive DUR report, and USA Rice encourages maximum
participation from mill members. Gaining a solid perspective on current market conditions and market
segment shipments helps identify opportunities for growth.
For more information, please contact Jesica Kincaid. Jesica Kincaid.
USA Rice Daily
Storms Delay Mississippi Planting
By Emily Woodall
RICE COUNTRY, MS-- The waters are still high in Mississippi from storms that swept across
the state on Sunday. While the storm front produced tornadoes that caused severe damage in
south Mississippi and north Louisiana, many producers in Cleveland and the surrounding rice
country had minor farm damage from the strong winds.
"We had some wind damage in Cleveland, but thankfully nothing major on our operation," said
Austin Davis from Shaw. "We've been 12 hours shy of getting to plant two separate times this
year, but just as we close in and it gets dry enough, another two inches of rain would fall on
us. Last weekend was no exception."
Nat McKnight, also from Cleveland, is hoping he and his team can get back in the fields this
weekend and plant their first acre of the year. "We haven't planted anything on our operation yet
and for the state as a whole, I would estimate that only 3-5 percent has been planted."
Farther southeast in Avon, Marvin Cochran is draining water off the fields. "Most people had
one to two-and-a-half inches of rain this weekend depending on the location. That sums up this
years' planting progress so far: depends on where you are. Some producers have started
planting, some have their fields prepped, and some haven't been able to do anything."
Producers like Davis will be able to hit the ground running when drier weather hits the state. He
said, "We were lucky to be able to get 97 percent of our field prep done last fall, so as soon as
the weather cooperates, all of our rice ground is ready to go, and we can start planting."
Despite the slow start, rice farmers remain optimistic about this year's crop. "I think Mississippi
rice acreage will be up like they're projecting this year," said Cochran.
22. McKnight
agreed:
"I wouldn't be surprised if we planted between 150 and 170,000 acres this year. Depending on
the weather, of course. That's the amazing thing about us farmers, we always look for a bright
spot."
Rice Prices
as on : 16-04-2020 03:29:22 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals Price
Current %
change
Season
cumulative
Modal Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
29. Panichowki(Kumarghat)(Tri) 1.40 NC 16.80 2970 2900 -
Naanpara(UP) 1.30 62.5 523.30 2400 2350 5.49
Raiganj(WB) 1.30 NC 513.40 3300 3300 -
Anandnagar(UP) 1.20 -40 167.10 2520 2540 9.57
Islampur(WB) 1.20 NC 608.20 3400 3400 -
Penugonda(Mah) 1.00 NC 21.00 4090 4090 NC
Alibagh(Mah) 1.00 NC 56.00 4200 4200 NC
Murud(Mah) 1.00 NC 55.00 4200 4200 NC
Shikohabad(UP) 1.00 -80 237.00 2550 2500 15.91
Risia(UP) 1.00 NC 55.40 2430 2430 -
Wazirganj(UP) 1.00 -33.33 27.80 2630 2650 -
Melaghar(Tri) 0.80 -20 32.40 2800 2900 3.70
Ujhani(UP) 0.60 NC 25.70 2625 2650 7.14
Published on April 16, 2020
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article31354861.ece#
Spurred by handsome wheat yield, rabi output to be close
to 150 million tonnes
The rabi prospects this year looked up because of the excess monsoon rainfall in 2019, leading to
full-to-brim reservoirs in most parts of India
30. India would produce close to a record 150 million tonnes (MT) of food grains during the current
rabi season, according to latest estimates released by the Agriculture Ministry on Thursday.
The gross food grain output during the last rabi season was around 139 MT.
This may help India to have a total food grain harvest of 291.95 MT during 2019-20, according
to data presented at the National Kharif Conference, convened by the Ministry in New Delhi
with State Agriculture Ministers and officials participating remotely through video conferencing.
Best-ever wheat output
The slated bumper rabi harvest is on account of the best-ever wheat output, which would cross
106 MT as against a little over 99 MT in the previous season.
The rabi prospects this year looked up mainly because of the excess monsoon rainfall the country
received last year, leading to full-to-brim reservoirs in most parts of the country.
Almost all major rabi crops this season did better than last year. While the winter rice production
is expected to be 15.53 MT as against 13.63 MT in the previous season, oilseeds output would go
up to 10.75 MT as compared to 10.25 MT in the same season last year.
The 2020 rabi production of pulses is estimated to be 15.11 MT as compared to 15.02 MT in the
last season. The output of maize in the current rabi season is slated to be 8.22 MT (7.58 MT in
2019 season), sorghum 2.66 MT (1.84 MT), and that of barley 1.88 MT, a little less than
previous season's 1.92 MT.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/spurred-by-handsome-wheat-yield-rabi-
output-to-be-close-to-150-million-tonnes/article31353897.ece
Govt sets foodgrain production target at 298 million
tonnes for 2020-21 crop year
T V Jayan New Delhi | Updated on April 16, 2020 Published on April 16, 2020
31. The Union Agriculture Ministry on Thursday asked the States to plan for a total foodgrain
production of 298 million tonnes (mt) for the crop year 2020-21, increasing mainly the output of
pulses and coarse cereals.
The targets were given to State Agriculture Ministers and officials who participated in the
national kharif conference organised by the Ministry through video-conferencing.
New targets
While the target for rice and wheat for the coming year remains more or less same as 2019-20‘s
estimated production of 117.47 mt and 106.21 mt respectively, the targets for coarse cereals and
pulses go up by nearly 3.5 mt and 2.5 mt, respectively, to 48.7 mt and 25.6 mt, said Agriculture
Commissioner SK Malhotra at the conference, which was chaired by Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar.
32. Similarly, targets for oilseeds and cotton, too, were kept relatively higher at 36.64 mt (as against
the production estimate of 34.19 mt this year) and 36 million bales (one bale is 170 kg) as
against 34.89 million bales in 2019-20.
As regards the availability of seeds, India has sufficient stock of seeds for most of the crops,
barring soyabean, Malhotra said in his presentation.
While India needs 27.23 quintals of soya seeds for the 2020 kharif season, the available quantity
is around 24.03 lakh quintals, he said.
The Ministry also estimated the requirement of urea for the forthcoming kharif season.
While the need of urea would go up to 166.88 lakh tonnes (lt) from the total sales of 155.73 lt in
the last kharif season, the requirement of DAP would be 51.61 lt (50.17 lt), MOP 20.22 lt (15.81
lt), NPK 52.95 lt (50.88 lt) and SSP of 26.42 lt (22.10 lt).
34. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/govt-sets-foodgrain-production-target-at-
298-million-tonnes-for-2020-21-crop-year/article31356546.ece
NGOs sourcing rice from FCI for free distribution
N. Rahul
HYDERABAD , APRIL 16, 2020 19:09 IST
Only genuine NGOs being given stock, explains officer
As the food requirements of poor and people on streets are getting acute by the day due to
prolonged lockdown, NGOs have stepped in to source rice at subsidised rate straight away from
the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for free distribution.
The FCI has already allotted Grade ‗A‘ rice meant for public distribution system to four NGOs in
Telangana at ₹ 22 a kg while its market price ranged from ₹ 35 to ₹ 40 a kg. The FCI has also
offered wheat at ₹ 21 a kg but there were no takers in the State.
General Manager of FCI here Ashwin Kumar Gupta told The Hindu that many organisations had
approached the agency for allotment of rice but only a genuine few were selected.
The allotment was so far done to Danam Lingamurthy Trust run by TRS MLA Danam Nagender
which was sanctioned 25 tonnes. The New Delhi based International Association for Human
Values was sanctioned 10 tonnes, Joy of Sharing Society two tonnes and Bharati Memorial
Foundation one tonne.
The Art of Living Foundation and Akshayapatra Foundation had also contacted the FCI.
Centre’s directive
The FCI informed all the collectors of Telangana with copies to the Chief Secretary and the Civil
Supplies Commissioner on Wednesday that the Centre had decided, as a one-time measure, that
charitable trusts and NGOs running relief camps or community kitchens for providing food to the
needy people may be provided food grains — both rice and wheat — under FCI‘s Open Market
Sale Scheme (OMSS). Accordingly, it was decided that the district collectors shall be nodal
officers for the purpose.
35. The charitable trusts and NGOs must first approach the collectors along with a request letters
mentioning details of their organisations, purpose for which the rice will be used, quantity and
depots from where they wished to lift the stocks.
The offices of collectors will verify the credentials of the organisations and endorse the letters if
the claims were genuine. Then, they may deposit the money to the account of FCI regional office
here.
The minimum quantity to purchase shall be one tonne but there was no cap on the maximum.
Payment received
The organisations may mail the request letters along with the collector‘s endorsement and
payment particulars to the FCI which will then direct its divisional offices to issue release orders
to concerned depots.
The buyers must deposit full cost within five working days and complete lifting the stocks within
10 days for quantities between one to 10 tonnes. For above 10 tonnes, the cost must be met
within 21 days and lifting the stocks within 35 days.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/ngos-sourcing-rice-from-fci-for-free-
distribution/article31357695.ece
Conservation agriculture key to better income,
environment protection: Study
T.V. Jayan New Delhi | Updated on April 17, 2020 Published on April 17, 2020
36. The use of farm machinery in agriculture is languishing at 40-45% G_KARTHIKEYAN
Resorting to conservation agriculture would not only increase crop yield, income and reduce the
use of natural resources, but would also confer climate change benefits, according to a study by
Indian agricultural scientists and others published in an international journal on Thursday.
The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, also showed that conservation
agriculture was key to meeting many of the UN‘s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such
as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, climate action and clean water.
Conservation agriculture can offer positive contributions to several SDGs, said M. L. Jat, a
Principal Scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and
first author of the study.
The analysis, which looked at the benefits of conservation agriculture on a variety of cropping
systems and environments in South Asia, used data from 9,686 site-year comparisons from
across the sub-continent.
37. Apart from Jat‘s colleagues at CIMMYT, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR), International Rice Research Institute, the University of California, Davis and
Cornell University, collaborated in the study.
The researchers looked at a variety of agricultural, economic and environmental performance
indicators — including crop yields, water-use efficiency, economic return, greenhouse gas
emissions and global warming potential — and compared how they correlated with conservation
agriculture conditions in smallholder farms and field stations across South Asia.
The study found that zero tillage with residue retention, a conservation agricultural practice, for
instance, offered a mean yield advantage of around 6 per cent, provided farmers almost 25 per
cent more income, and increased water-use efficiency by about 13 per cent as compared to
conventional agricultural practices. More importantly, this combination of practices was found to
cut global warming potential of the field by a third.
Agriculture and climate vulnerability
This is also important because agriculture in the subcontinent is known as a global ―hotspot‖ for
climate vulnerability. Studies in the past have shown that climate change, with rising
temperatures and changing monsoon rainfall patterns, may cost India 2.8 per cent of its GDP
(gross domestic product).
―Smallholder farmers in South Asia will be impacted most by climate change and natural
resource degradation,‖ said ICAR Director-General Trilochan Mohapatra. ―Protecting our
natural resources for future generations, while producing enough quality food to feed everyone,
is our top priority,‖ said Mohapatra, adding that ICAR along with other stakeholders, has been
working to develop and deploy conservation agriculture in India over the past decades.
With the region‘s population expected to rise to 2.4 billion, demand for cereals is expected to
grow by about 43 per cent between 2010 and 2050. This presents a major challenge for food
38. producers, who need to produce more while minimising greenhouse gas emissions and damage
to the environment, and other natural resources.
Published on April 17, 2020
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/conservation-agriculture-key-to-better-
income-environment-protection-study/article31364196.ece
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna: A potent
weapon to fight COVID-19 pandemic
16-Apr-2020
Abhishek Dayal
As the country fights an unprecedented battle against Corona Virus, there are battles
waging on many fronts. The medical care staff is at the forefront of this battle and the
scientists are working round the clock to come up with a vaccine. But no less important is
the role of each and every citizen who is a partner in the battle to prevent the spread of
the infection. To limit the numbers of infections and to prevent a stage 3 community
spread, Prime Minister has appealed to each and everyone of us to follow a unified and
well thought out strategy. The chief components of this strategy are lockdown and social
distancing. It is heartening to note that the entire country has responded to his call with
enthusiasm and maturity.
One aspect of an extended lockdown is the economic hardship faced by the vulnerable
sections of our society. The government is fully aware of how important it is to assist the
poorer sections of our society in this time of crisis. So far, more than 32 crore poor
people have already received financial assistance to the tune of Rs 29,352 crore under the
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package.Using Direct Benefit Transfer, the govt. has
successfully deposited Rs. 28,256 Cr. to 31.77 Cr. beneficiaries‘ bank accounts under
Covid relief.As part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, the Government is
providing free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and
farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana in Manipur
In Manipur, rice and other food grain distribution is going on in full swing in all the
districts. Migrant labourers are being taken care of. The citizens of the state stuck in other
parts of the country and who have registered themselves with the state government are
being provided with Rs 2000 immediate financial assistance. A large number of NGOs
and social organisations are also working shoulder to shoulder with the government to
provide relief to the economically weaker sections.
As per latest data, the State Government is distributing PDS items to every household in
all the districts under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Thus for
example, in Konthoujam AC in Imphal West district, 907.93 quintal of rice was lifted
yesterday and for Khurai AC in Imphal East district a total of 801.1 quintal of rice was
39. lifted. A total of 14.35 quintal of rice under PMGKAY was lifted for Tamenglong, while
1182 quintal of rice for Tamei Sub-division, 75 quintal of rice for Nungba Sub-division
and 700 quintal for Tousem Sub-division were lifted. For Chandel district, 91.05 quintal
of rice under PMGKAY (AAY) and 137.57 quintal under PMGKAY were lifted. The
distribution is being monitored by the top officers of the state.
Some personal experiences
The relief amounts are invaluable to the beneficiaries who do not have immediate
economic opportunities and who do not have the cushion to sustain them. Let us listen to
some of these voices:
Asom Sanahanbi, Tharoijam, Imphal West district Manipur says, ―Under the leadership
of PM Modi, I received Rs, 500/- through my zero balance bank account. I would like to
thank our PM Modi.‖ Similarly, N. Manihal, Kakching district Manipur says, ―We‘re
happy to acknowledge that we not only got money directly to our account but problems
of cooking gas are also solved. Our PM make us feel secure in these days of lockdown
and curfew. I thank our PM for this.‖ Kh. Tamu Devi, Kakching district Manipur tells
his experience thus, ―I am a daily wage earner. In this situation I am in a position to
starve. But at this crucial time, our PM came forward to help us. We have got money in
bank account as well as money for cooking also. Thank you Prime Minister.Kh.
Indumukhi Leima, Awang Leikinthabi, Imphal West says, ―At this crucial time of
lockdown, it was very surprising and unbelievable that a sum of Rs. 500 was credited to
my bank account and also another Rs. 850 for cooking gas. Thank you Prime Minister.‖
Similar voices are coming from the length and breath of the state. Free gas cylinders
under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has come as a boon to the poor families struggling
to feed themselves. To them this assistance is all that is required to sustain them through
an economically difficult period.
The Garib Kalyan Package across the country
Several other crucial decisions are part of the overall Garib Kalyan package. Increased
rate has been notified for MNREGA and Rs 7100 crore released to states to liquidate
pending dues of both wage and material. An insurance scheme for health workers in govt
hospitals and health care centres has been operationalised by New India Assurance
covering 22.12 Lakh health workers.Of the total disbursement, Rs 14,946 crore has gone
towards payment of the first instalment of PM-KISAN. Under the scheme, nearly 7.47
crore out of the 8 crore identified beneficiaries got ¹ 2,000 directly in their account. 19.86
crore women Jan Dhan account holders received ¹ 500 each in their account. As on 13th
April,2020, the total disbursement under the head was ¹ 9,930 crore. The National Social
Assistance Programme (NSAP) disbursed about ¹ 1,400 crore to about 2.82 crore old age
persons, widows and disabled persons. Each beneficiary received an ex-gratia cash of Rs
500 under the scheme as the first instalment. Another instalment of Rs 500 each will be
paid during next month. As many as 2.17 crore Building &construction workers received
financial support from the Building and Construction Workers‘ Fund managed by state
governments. Under this Rs 3,071 crore were given to beneficiaries.
India will win this war and come out stronger. The bonds between the people will be
strengthened because of the actions we are taking. The state machinery will be in a better
40. position to come to direct assistance to the people whenever there is a crisis next time.
The health care system will improve manifold. We will show to the world that in times of
crisis every Indian is a soldier and a powerful one at that. The author is a Director of
PIB, Imphal
https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/4/16/As-the-country-fights-an-unprecedented-battle-
against-Corona-Virus-there-are-battles-waging-on-many-fronts-The-medical-care-staff-is-at-the-
forefront-of-this-battle-and-the-scientists-are-working-r.html
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna: A potent weapon
to fight COVID-19 pandemic
16-Apr-2020
Abhishek Dayal
As the country fights an unprecedented battle against Corona Virus, there are battles waging on
many fronts. The medical care staff is at the forefront of this battle and the scientists are working
round the clock to come up with a vaccine. But no less important is the role of each and every
citizen who is a partner in the battle to prevent the spread of the infection. To limit the numbers
of infections and to prevent a stage 3 community spread, Prime Minister has appealed to each
and everyone of us to follow a unified and well thought out strategy. The chief components of
this strategy are lockdown and social distancing. It is heartening to note that the entire country
has responded to his call with enthusiasm and maturity.
One aspect of an extended lockdown is the economic hardship faced by the vulnerable sections
of our society. The government is fully aware of how important it is to assist the poorer sections
of our society in this time of crisis. So far, more than 32 crore poor people have already received
financial assistance to the tune of Rs 29,352 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Package.Using Direct Benefit Transfer, the govt. has successfully deposited Rs. 28,256 Cr. to
31.77 Cr. beneficiaries‘ bank accounts under Covid relief.As part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib
Kalyan Package, the Government is providing free food grains and cash payment to women and
poor senior citizens and farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana in Manipur
In Manipur, rice and other food grain distribution is going on in full swing in all the districts.
Migrant labourers are being taken care of. The citizens of the state stuck in other parts of the
country and who have registered themselves with the state government are being provided with
Rs 2000 immediate financial assistance. A large number of NGOs and social organisations are
also working shoulder to shoulder with the government to provide relief to the economically
weaker sections.
As per latest data, the State Government is distributing PDS items to every household in all the
districts under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Thus for example, in
Konthoujam AC in Imphal West district, 907.93 quintal of rice was lifted yesterday and for
41. Khurai AC in Imphal East district a total of 801.1 quintal of rice was lifted. A total of 14.35
quintal of rice under PMGKAY was lifted for Tamenglong, while 1182 quintal of rice for Tamei
Sub-division, 75 quintal of rice for Nungba Sub-division and 700 quintal for Tousem Sub-
division were lifted. For Chandel district, 91.05 quintal of rice under PMGKAY (AAY) and
137.57 quintal under PMGKAY were lifted. The distribution is being monitored by the top
officers of the state.
Some personal experiences
The relief amounts are invaluable to the beneficiaries who do not have immediate economic
opportunities and who do not have the cushion to sustain them. Let us listen to some of these
voices:
Asom Sanahanbi, Tharoijam, Imphal West district Manipur says, ―Under the leadership of PM
Modi, I received Rs, 500/- through my zero balance bank account. I would like to thank our PM
Modi.‖ Similarly, N. Manihal, Kakching district Manipur says, ―We‘re happy to acknowledge
that we not only got money directly to our account but problems of cooking gas are also solved.
Our PM make us feel secure in these days of lockdown and curfew. I thank our PM for
this.‖ Kh. Tamu Devi, Kakching district Manipur tells his experience thus, ―I am a daily wage
earner. In this situation I am in a position to starve. But at this crucial time, our PM came
forward to help us. We have got money in bank account as well as money for cooking also.
Thank you Prime Minister.Kh. Indumukhi Leima, Awang Leikinthabi, Imphal West says, ―At
this crucial time of lockdown, it was very surprising and unbelievable that a sum of Rs. 500 was
credited to my bank account and also another Rs. 850 for cooking gas. Thank you Prime
Minister.‖
Similar voices are coming from the length and breath of the state. Free gas cylinders under
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has come as a boon to the poor families struggling to feed
themselves. To them this assistance is all that is required to sustain them through an
economically difficult period.
The Garib Kalyan Package across the country
Several other crucial decisions are part of the overall Garib Kalyan package. Increased rate has
been notified for MNREGA and Rs 7100 crore released to states to liquidate pending dues of
both wage and material. An insurance scheme for health workers in govt hospitals and health
care centres has been operationalised by New India Assurance covering 22.12 Lakh health
workers.Of the total disbursement, Rs 14,946 crore has gone towards payment of the first
instalment of PM-KISAN. Under the scheme, nearly 7.47 crore out of the 8 crore identified
beneficiaries got ¹ 2,000 directly in their account. 19.86 crore women Jan Dhan account holders
received ¹ 500 each in their account. As on 13th April,2020, the total disbursement under the
head was ¹ 9,930 crore. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) disbursed about ¹
1,400 crore to about 2.82 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons. Each beneficiary
received an ex-gratia cash of Rs 500 under the scheme as the first instalment. Another instalment
of Rs 500 each will be paid during next month. As many as 2.17 crore Building &construction
workers received financial support from the Building and Construction Workers‘ Fund managed
by state governments. Under this Rs 3,071 crore were given to beneficiaries.
India will win this war and come out stronger. The bonds between the people will be
strengthened because of the actions we are taking. The state machinery will be in a better
position to come to direct assistance to the people whenever there is a crisis next time. The health
care system will improve manifold. We will show to the world that in times of crisis every Indian
is a soldier and a powerful one at that. The author is a Director of PIB, Imphal
42. https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/4/16/As-the-country-fights-an-unprecedented-battle-
against-Corona-Virus-there-are-battles-waging-on-many-fronts-The-medical-care-staff-is-at-the-
forefront-of-this-battle-and-the-scientists-are-working-r.html
Customs seize imported rice concealed in beans bags
Published April 17, 2020
KINDLY SHARE THIS STORY
Ted Odogwu, Kano
The Kano/Jigawa Customs Command on Thursday said it had intercepted about 295 bags of
foreign rice concealed in 351 bags of beans.
According to a statement made available to newsmen in Kano by the command‘s spokesman, lsa
Danbaba, the rice was impounded on Dawakin Tofa-Dawanu-Katsina axis of Kano.
The Customs Area Controller, Nasr Ahmed, was also quoted as saying in the statement that
smugglers were still unrelenting in their nefarious activities despite the government-ordered
lockdown and closure of entry points occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19.
He said, ―It is unfortunate that desperate smugglers take advantage of the situation in devising all
possible methods to smuggle rice into Kano.
―This is demonstrated by the seizure made on 15th, April, 2020 by operatives of Nigeria
Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command of 295 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,
concealed in 351 bags of beans.‖
43. Managing Director, Alhamsad rice, Alhaji Abubakar Dalhatu, commended the effort of the
Customs, adding, ―without the Customs, the future of rice millers in the country will be bleak.‖
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https://punchng.com/customs-seize-imported-rice-concealed-in-beans-bags/
Can't afford any further delay on rice production, govt
told
Published on: Friday, April 17, 2020
KOTA KINABALU: The lack of a clear blueprint on improvement of rice production in the
State for some years now has placed the State‘s rice supply at risk in the face of the Covid-19
pandemic, Parti Cinta Sabah President Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, warned.
He said rice production in Sabah had fallen rapidly during the last several years vis a vis the
population increase. Sabah‘s rice production now stands at 26 per cent of Sabah‘s needs.
44. ―This is at critical level. I have voiced this matter for years both in the Assembly and media. I
maintained that Sabah is depending more and more on imports of rice.
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―If Vietnam and Thailand are stricken by natural disaster, supply of rice in Sabah will be in
peril. Now it seems that this has become a reality.‖
The former Tuaran MP added the Covid19 epidemic which had a global effect had not spared
Sabah.
―Because of the Movement Control Order operations, the people faced difficulty securing food
for their families. The government had to intervene in food assistance.
―News that Vietnam is reviewing their export of rice is a worry to Sabah. Even if we have the
money if there is no rice for sale. What will the people eat?
―A country like Singapore had no worry because rice made up a small percentage of their diet.
For Malaysians and Sabahans, rice is an everyday necessity.‖
He said this situation seems to have jolted the consciousness of the state government as the chief
minister had admitted that continuous import of rice from Thailand and Vietnam is insecure in as
far as food safety for Sabah.‖
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He asked why is it only now that the State Government is scrambling to develop 10,000 acres in
Terusan Sapi.
―How long can this land produce paddy in view of the critical supply situation now. He also
mentioned about hill paddy in Long Pasia. It is very clear that the present state government is
void of a clear blueprint on improvement of rice production in the short term and long term.‖
Wilfred said one of the main reasons for the situation is the declining number of farmers going
into rice cultivation.
―This is due to the rising cost of inputs such as ploughing tractors, lack of seedling, declining
subsidies and fertiliser assistance.
―There is also declining government expenses in maintaining infrastructures such as irrigation
channels, flood mitigation facilities. Without government intervention it would be uneconomical
for farmers to plant rice.
―The government also overlooks the increasing acreage of abandoned padi land, especially in the
west coast such as Papar and Tuaran.
He said instead of looking for new land, why not redevelop these ready padi lands.
―Instead of spending RM200 million of infrastructure at this critical time why not channel this
fund to rice production. Developing a big rice estate is welcome but the traditional padi farmers
who own their own land must be helped to be involved in rice production.
―The argument that the farmers cannot continue to cling to subsidies will not hold water in as far
as smallholders are concerned. It is a fact that small scale paddy farming is not as profitable as
other sectors, but if they are assisted they can collectively help in the production of rice.
―In time of calamities as of now at least many of the rural people have their own rice to feed their
families and the government can help them on other basic necessities.‖
He said it is high time the Government pull up their socks on this very important matter because
the rice security problem would not end with the end of Covid19 epidemic.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/150931/cannot-afford-any-further-delay-on-rice-govt-told/
45. DA chief: PHL rice stockpile will rise to 84 days before
lean months
By
Jasper Y. Arcalas
-
April 17, 2020
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte sign a
memorandum of agreement at the launching of the Urban Agriculture Program for Quezon City.
46. Dar said the Department of Agriculture is distributing seeds to the barangays for planting in
backyards during the enhanced community quarantine.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said the country has more than enough rice
supply to cover the lean months as it projected an 84-day stockpile by end of the first semester.
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the DA‘s anti-Covid interventions would boost the
country‘s rice output, hence, expanding staple supply by end-June.
―We earlier said that we have rice supply for the country good for 75 days. With the
implementation of the Plant, Plant, Plant [PPP] Program, we are optimistic to produce an
additional nine-day supply going into the lean months of July to September,‖ Dar said in a
statement.
Dar explained that higher-than-earlier estimated rice stocks is attributed to the yield increment
caused by the DA‘s Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra Covid-19 program or PPP.
The DA projects that local palay output coupled by rice imports by the private sector would be
more than enough to meet the country‘s total staple requirement.
―By the end of 2020, the DA expects a total rice supply of 18 million metric tons (MMT), which
is 18 percent more than this year‘s demand of 14.67 MMT of rice,‖ Dar said.
―At a conservative assumption of 70-percent adoption rate of the Plant, Plant, Plant Program
interventions on rice, we can produce an additional 1.3 MMT. Add that to our projected local
production and imports with SPSICs of 1.86 MT, we will have a year-end stock good for more
than three months,‖ he added.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recently
approved the P8.5-billion fund for the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) under the Plant, Plant,
Plant Program, according to DA.
47. ―The RRP aims to boost palay production by the end of 2020 to 22.12 million metric tons,
equivalent to 13.51 MMT of rice,‖ it said.
―Right after the current dry season, the DA under its RRP will urge farmers to plant more areas
by providing them quality seeds, fertilizers, and appropriate technical assistance,‖ it added.
The DA explained that the RRP will cover additional rice areas this main cropping season, with a
total 2.7 million hectares—1.2 million hectares under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement
Fund to be planted to inbred rice; 550,000 hectares planted to hybrid; and 950,000 hectares to
inbred rice.
However, the DA disclosed that by end-22020, six regions—CAR, NCR,4 A, 7, 11 and
BARMM—will not have enough rice supply. But the projected supply deficits in these regions
would be augmented by supplies coming from 10 regions with surplus.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/04/17/da-chief-phl-rice-stockpile-will-rise-to-84-days-before-lean-
months/
MENU
Palliatives: Rice millers fault FG over release of seized rice
April 17, 2020 Correspondents
With the released of 46,000 metric tons of seized foreign rice by the Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS) to the Federal Government as part of palliative measures amid the deadly Covid-19
pandemic, the Rice Farmers‘ Association of Nigeria (RiFAN) has kicked against the move,
saying it was a setback to the success of the country‘s local rice policy initiative.
A chieftain of RiFAN, who spoke to New Telegraph on the condition of anonymity, faulted the
directive,
The RiFAN source explained that such move to release sized foreign rice to the Nigerian
populace would be detrimental to the association‘s local rice investment and development since
Nigeria is about to achieving self-sufficiency in the commodity.
Particularly, the source pointed out that releasing such seized foreign rice to vulnerable persons
in the society was dangerous on health grounds, saying that the seized rice could now be
poisonous since they have been stored for too long.
48. The RiFAN chieftain argued that the number of local rice in circulation was enough to sustain
Nigerians at this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
He emphatically noted that highly placed Nigerians, politicians, government agencies, state
governments and merchants had been ordering for local rice to support the populace.
The source said: ―RiFAN members are not happy with Federal Government‘s order directing the
office of the Nigeria Customs Service to release 46,000 metric tons of seized foreign rice into
circulation for vulnerable persons in Nigeria.
―We believe that government should not have taken such erroneous decision at this period of the
Covid-19 pandemic because we have enough local rice that can go round in our warehouses in
the country, and people have been coming to purchase the rice in large quantities.
―Again, this seized foreign rice released by Customs has been seized a long time ago while some
have been with them for years, so they could be poisonous.‖
The Nigeria Customs Service had announced the release of N3.3 billion worth of seized food
items and other goods as relief materials.
The release, it said, was in accordance with the directive of the President Muhammadu Buhari-
led Federal Government to distribute the items as part of palliative measures.
NCS in a press statement disclosed that in compliance with the presidential directive, the
Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), had approved the release of the relief
items.
Customs‘ Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, announced the food items as 46,000 metric
tons (158 trailers) of rice, 36,495 kegs (30 trucks) of vegetable oil, 3,428 kegs (1 truck) of palm
oil, and 136,705 cartons (54 trucks) of tomatoes paste.
Also released were: 2 trucks of Spaghetti/ noodles, 828 bales (1 truck) of wrappers and 2,300
rolls (1 truck) of lace fabric.
Customs further disclosed that the items had an estimated market value of N3.25 billion with
duty paid value of N2.03 billion.
The law enforcement agency, however, noted that only edible items certified fit for human
consumption by NAFDAC were released to the public.
Research debunks claim Australia may face
coronavirus food shortages
Government agricultural body says low stocks of pasta, rice and flour are due to
panic buying, not supply shortages
49. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email
Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications
Coronavirus Australia maps and cases: live numbers and statistics
Anne Davies
@annefdavies
Thu 16 Apr 2020 18.30 BSTLast modified on Thu 16 Apr 2020 18.31 BST
An Abares paper says fears of feed shortages in
Australia are misplaced. Photograph: Peter
Walton Photography/Getty Images
The federal government‘s agricultural research
body, Abares, has sought to debunk fears that
Australia could run out of basic foodstuffs such
as rice and wheat, though it says it is possible
there could be temporary disruptions to supply chains due to Covid-19.
An Abares paper released overnight on Thursday says fears of feed shortages are misplaced and
that dwindling stocks of rice, pasta and flour on supermarket shelves are due to consumers panic
buying and not due to any fundamental shortages.
Don't panic, Australia. The coronavirus doesn't mean we'll run out of food
David Littleproud
Read more
The head of Southern Riverina Irrigators, Chris Brooks, has claimed that Australia risks running
out of rice and wheat as a result of the pandemic and that, at least on the east coast of Australia,
there is not enough of these grains being produced to meet supply.
These concerns have been picked up by Nines‘ 60 Minutes, and echoed by the NSW deputy
premier, John Barilaro, in recent days.
Sign up for Guardian Australia‘s daily coronavirus email newsletter
50. But Abares says that such fears are ―misplaced‖ and that, although Australia does import rice to
meet consumers‘ tastes for different varieties, it also exports 52% of local rice, based on three-
year averages of production.
―We remain a net exporter of food. We export 70% of our beef and veal, 71% of our wheat, and
41% of our dairy products,‖ the agriculture minister, David Littleproud, said as he released the
report.
He said ensuring food security was one of the government‘s top priorities and part of the $320bn
response.
―We have implemented strategies that include maintaining agriculture‘s service and supply lines,
extending work visas and providing freight support,‖ he said.
Only 11 cents in every dollar is spent on imported food in Australia, and that is usually because
of consumer tastes for variety or out-of-season produce. Some categories such as seafood, frozen
vegetables and processed pork have higher levels of imports.
The Abares report includes detailed breakdowns of major foodstuffs. It says Australia exports
86% of the sugar it produces; 75% of the beef produced, 71% of wheat and 40% of dairy.
'I’ve never seen it like this': why vegetables are so expensive in Australia at the moment
Read more
The numbers were based on average production for the three years 2015-6 to 2017-18 and some
of these crops have been significantly reduced during the drought.
51. But Abares said the outlook for rainfall for the coming season was positive. This should see
production of wheat, which is generally fed by rainfall rather than irrigated, bounce back.
The picture for rice has been complicated by high prices for water in the Murray-Darling Basin,
which has seen rice farmers in the Riverina plant their smallest crops since the Millennium
drought.
The February Abares report forecast just 54,000 tonnes would be produced in 2020. This is
below Abare‘s estimate of domestic consumption of rice of around 300,000 tonnes in its latest
report.
This suggests that there will be reliance on imports in 2020.
Some rice growers and dairy farmers sold their high security water rights during government
buybacks which were part of the plan to reduce the overall amount of water extracted from the
river system. During the drought less secure water entitlements were given a zero or small
allocation, which left farmers who relied on this sort of water unable to plant crops.
In contrast, farmers growing high-value crops such as almonds or with permanent plantings such
as grapes, further down the Murray river, have been prepared to pay high prices for water, which
has seen prices skyrocket.
Abares noted that some rice growers wanted governments to intervene in the water market to
bolster commodities such as rice.
Coronavirus: the week explained - sign up for our email newsletter
Read more
52. ―All water in the Murray-Darling Basin is allocated and so government intervention to provide
additional water to a particular sector or producer would need to take water from some other use,
such as reserves held to provide future town water supply or environmental outcomes,‖ Abares
said.
The issue of water is particularly fraught in the Goulburn and Murray valleys, where farmers
have been hurt by low prices for dairy and high prices for water. The National party has come
under electoral pressure from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party over the impact of rising
water prices on farmers.
Water ministers have asked for their meeting with the federal water minister, Keith Pitt, to be
brought forward and there is likely to be renewed pressure for the federal government to relax its
targets under the Murray-Darling Basin plan for further water recovery.
These is also likely to be renewed calls for the Environmental Water Holder to make water held
for environmental purposes in the Hume and Dartmouth dams available for other uses.
During the drought, the federal government intervened to make water available to grow fodder,
but there will be strong resistance to intervening on behalf of one crop.
Abares said there was still some concerns about supply chain disruptions – for instance, there
was some concern there might not be enough refrigerated containers to export food in due to
Covid-19-related disruptions to international trade.
It also said there was a risk of labour shortages.
Abares concluded that the risks to food security were far greater for poorer nations, because
prices could rise due to the uncertainties of supply.
Despite the coronavirus, cargo is continuing to arrive and depart from ports around Australia,
albeit with rules now governing the disembarkation of crew from cargo ships.
Crew on international cargo ships are exempt from the mandatory self-isolation requirement that
applies to arriving passengers but are required to self-isolate on the vessel or in their
accommodation. Time at sea counts toward the self-isolation period.
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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/research-debunks-claim-australia-may-face-
coronavirus-food-shortages
https://www.newtelegraphng.com/palliatives-rice-millers-fault-fg-over-release-of-seized-rice/
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/conservation-agriculture-key-to-better-
income-environment-protection-study/article31364196.ece
