21st january,2021 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
1 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
January 21 ,2021 Vol 1 Issue 13
www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 92 321 3692874

Editorial Board
Chief Editor
 Hamlik
Managing Editor
 Abdul Sattar Shah
 Rahmat Ullah
 Rozeen Shaukat
English Editor
 Maryam Editor
 Legal Advisor
 Advocate Zaheer Minhas
Editorial Associates
 Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid
 Javed Islam Agha
 Zahid Baig(Business Recorder)
 Dr.Akhtar Hussain
 Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui
 Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF)
 Islam Akhtar Khan
Editorial Advisory Board
 Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim
Assistant Professor, Gomal
University DIK
 Dr.Hasina Gul
Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK
 Dr.Hidayat Ullah
Assistant Professor, University
of Swabi
 Dr.Abdul Basir
Assistant Professor, University of
Swabi
 Zahid Mehmood
PSO,NIFA Peshawar
 Falak Naz Shah
Head Food Science & Technology
ART, Peshawar
Rice News Headlines…
 Top 10 Rice Importing countries In The World
 Dec. rice inventory down but still enough for 87-day
consumption
 PH rice stocks lower by 10.7% in December — PSA
 Beyond rice supremacy and food diversity in Indonesia
 After vaccine diplomacy, India rises to supply rice to the world
 MMA-ADA looks to double rice production
 Demand for processed rice products up 11% in 2019
 Telangana Sona rice hits Kuwait markets
 Rice attributes that improve nitrogen use efficiency found
 FEED FIGHT: AFRICAN CONSUMERS HIT AS ASIA GOBBLES UP
RICE SUPPLIES
 2.1-MMT rice imports just 45% of volume applied for
 Trapped China miners ask for rice porridge, sausages
 Kenya to receive 12 ambulances from Pakistan
 Chinese diplomat calls for special services/outlets for foreign
investors
 2.1-MMT rice imports just 45% of volume applied for
 Panic shopping as Kigali goes back into lockdown
 ‘Pakistan, Italy can lift trade to $5b’

Top 10 Rice Importing countries
In The World
January 20, 2021
By
Bhupinder Singh
Rice is the staple food of many countries. It is consumed by the largest segment of the human
population. It is grown in wet environments, which is widely found in the Asian region. Asia is
the biggest exporter of rice in the world; Asian countries like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and
Pakistan have the highest export volume of rice globally. Paddy cultivation plays a vital role in
raising the economy of these countries. The Asian region has more than 200 million rice fields
and contributes about 90% of the world‘s total rice production. You will find thousands of
varieties of rice in the Asian continent, some of which are Basmati rice, Jasmine rice, Black rice,
Arborio rice, Glutinous rice, Koshy rice, Com tam rice, etc.
There are many countries where rice is eaten but grown. In this article, we will throw light on the
world‘s largest importers of rice. The following 10 countries are responsible for 50% of rice
imports worldwide.

 Philippines
Philippines tops the list of largest rice importers by purchasing 2.5 MMT rice in 2019-2020.
Generally, it exports rice from Vietnam and Thailand. Rice is the staple food of Filipinos. In the
Philippines, uncooked rice is known as Bigas, and cooked rice is called Kanin. The people of this
country prefer to eat both sticky and slender long grain rice.
 China
Although China is the largest producer of rice in the world, it imports rice from other countries.
It is the second-largest buyer of paddy in the world. In 2020 China produces around 2.8 MMT
rice while imports 2.3 MMT rice. It majorly purchases rice from Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam,
Cambodia, and Pakistan. Chinese people love to eat glutinous, japonica, and indica rice.
 European Union
The European Union consists of 27 countries that allow the free movement of goods, services,
and people. It ranks third in the world in rice procurement. European Union imports
approximately 2.3 MMT paddy in 2019-2020. France, the Netherlands, the UK, India, and
Germany export rice to most European countries. Europeans love to eat locally grown rice called
Japonica.
 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the fourth-largest buyer of rice. A great part of this country is surrounded by
desert, which makes rice cultivation difficult. This country has import 1.35 MMT rice in 2019-
2020.Saudi imports rice from 15 countries, including India, Pakistan, USA, Thailand, Australia,
Vietnam, Brazil, Bangladesh, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Egypt, China, the Philippines, and
Argentina. Saudi Arabia purchases a large quantity of Indian Basmati rice every year. They use
this aromatic rice in making Al Kabsa, Mathlotha, Ruz al Bukhari, etc.
 Senegal
Senegal is a West African country and is ranked 5th in the list of the world‘s largest importers of
rice. In 2019-2020 it purchased 1.15 MMT rice from other countries. India, Thailand, and Brazil
are the major supplier of rice to Senegal. Jollof rice is the most popular dish of Senegal: cooked
with long -nutty Jasmine rice.
 Iraq, Iran & Côte D’ivoire
All these three countries hold 6th position by importing 1.1MLT rice in 2019-2020. India
supplies maximum rice grain to both Iraq and Iran. Côte d‘Ivoire lies on the south coast of West
Africa. The rice production of this country is very low; Only 8% of people cultivate rice here.
Hence it imports high quantities of rice from other countries.
 Nigeria, South Africa & UAE
Nigeria, South Africa & UAE ranks 7th on this list. These countries‘ rice import in 2019-2020 is
1 MMT. Generally, Nigeria, South Africa, and the UAE imports rice from India, Pakistan, and
Thailand.
https://recentlyheard.com/2021/01/20/top-10-rice-importing-countries-in-the-world/

Dec. rice inventory down but still enough for 87-day
consumption
By: Karl R. Ocampo - Reporter / @kocampoINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:08 AM January 20, 2021
The country‘s rice inventory in December declined from month-ago and year-ago levels, data from
the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
But consumers need not worry as the available stocks were still adequate to cover Filipinos‘ rice
requirement for 87 days—enough until March.
From 3.16 million metric tons (MT) of rice recorded from households, commercial warehouses
and depositories of the National Food Authority (NFA) in November, the PSA reported that rice
stocks declined by 11 percent to 2.77 million MT in December.
Compared to stocks from a year ago, this was lower by 12 percent.
All sectors also recorded decrements in rice stocks. Most of the inventory or 59 percent was kept in
households, while 29 percent was recorded in commercial warehouses.
The rest or 13 percent was in NFA depositories, including local palay that has been procured and
milled by the agency.Unlike other agricultural commodities, prices of the staple continued to go
down.
As of the third week of December, regular milled and well-milled rice were being sold at an
average of P36.17 and P40.93 a kilo, respectively. INQ
https://business.inquirer.net/316102/dec-rice-inventory-down-but-still-enough-for-87-day-consumption
PH rice stocks lower by 10.7% in December — PSA
By CNN Philippines Staff
Published Jan 20, 2021 1:06:01 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20) — The country‘s rice inventory slid in
December last year from the same month in 2019, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority
revealed.
Rice stocks during the month stood at 2.77 million metric tons (MT), down by 10.7% from
December 2019. The figure is also lower by 12.4% than the 3.16 million MT logged in
November last year.
The report did not specifically state how long this figure would last the country, but based on the
country‘s average daily consumption of 32,000 MT, the latest rice stocks figure is enough to last
at least 86 days.
Inventory in commercial warehouses and NFA depositories shrank by 21.3% and 26.6% year-on-
year, respectively. Households, meanwhile, saw a slight 0.7% growth in their rice stocks.
However, all three sectors saw declines compared to November‘s figures. Commercial
warehouses suffered the worst inventory contraction at 17.5%, followed by households at 10.5%
and NFA depositories at 8.5%.
Households‘ stocks comprised the biggest chunk of the country‘s total rice inventory at 58.5%.
Commercial warehouses followed with 28.7%, then NFA depositories at 12.8%.
https://www.cnn.ph/news/2021/1/20/PH-rice-stocks-inventory-December-2020.html

Beyond rice supremacy and food diversity in
Indonesia
JOSA LUKMAN
THE JAKARTA POST
Jakarta / Wed, January 20, 2021 / 02:38 pm
Hot stuff: Nasi goreng, with its many spices and toppings, is one of Indonesia‘s favorite rice dishes.
(Shutterstock/gkrphoto)
Rice is perhaps the most essential food item for many Indonesian households, judging
from the many dishes you can make out of it.
There is stir-fried nasi goreng, with its many spices and toppings. Maybe a hot bowl of
chicken porridge is preferred to start the day, or even just plain steamed white rice to
accompany whatever is on the menu.
So close is rice to our hearts that one of the first things you‘d see during the start of mass
unrest is panicked shoppers hoarding massive bags of rice, perhaps not unlike the
Westerners who rushed out to buy toilet paper during the start of the pandemic.
Of course, the issue of food scarcity is no laughing matter, especially during a time of
crisis, but are we too dependent on rice for our own good?
In Goethe-Institut‘s biweekly discussion Bingkis, journalist and researcher Andi Arif
highlighted the current administration‘s food estate program, which he said was rather
similar to the New Order‘s failed Mega Rice Project.
Initiated in 1995, the Mega Rice Project was an ambitious undertaking that aimed to turn
1 million hectares of peatland in Kalimantan into rice paddies, ostensibly to achieve rice
self-reliance.
All about rice: Rice is must-have food item in any Indonesian household.
(Shutterstock/Louno Morose)
However, the project ended in failure and was ultimately abandoned due to the massive
environmental damages and adverse economic impact that resulted from it.
―I think this is like repeating the same mistakes – forcing the definition of food
sufficiency in Indonesia as being based entirely on rice, even though we have a diverse
source of food and food culture,‖ he said.

While he conceded that rice has existed as a food source since time immemorial, people
also eat other forms of staple foods, like sago, which grows rather well in Kalimantan.
―Sago is interesting because it is a good fit for peatland, not needing to convert or adapt
to the specific environment. This is where the mistake happens: prioritizing rice as a
primary food source even though the rice plant itself can only grow in specific locations
and circumstances.‖
―Not every location in Indonesia is a good fit for rice plants, and this is why the country
has such a diverse food culture. It‘s impossible to force rice to grow in Papua, for
example,‖ he added, noting the problems faced by the food estate program in Merauke.
Other issues may also crop up from forcing a specific plant to grow in unsuitable places.
As people from Java are flown in to help grow the rice, a shift happens where the food
grown cannot be produced by locals, which Andi said was a mistake that repeated time
and again.
Pick your carbs: Food security in Indonesia is most often understood as self-sufficiency in
rice production, despite the country‘s diverse range of food sources. (Shutterstock/Billion )
Researcher Gatari Surya Kusuma, a member of the Bakudapan Food Study Group, said
the government‘s understanding of food sustainability was then lacking, as it only
covered essential foodstuffs, focusing on production numbers without paying heed to
other aspects like local expertise.
―If we see Indonesia as more than Java, other islands have their own strategies for food
security. But when a larger institution sees that we are facing a food crisis and will have
to prepare accordingly, it is as if the local knowledge and wisdom are sidelined,‖ she
said.
Gatari is of the opinion that the narrative on food sustainability should not be seen from
the aspect of production quantity alone, but also from other supporting areas.
Andi agreed with her sentiment, saying that food diversity was key to food security and
sovereignty.
―Going back to rice, it might be a good fit for regions like Java, Bali, some parts of Nusa
Tenggara or Sumatra. Forcing rice to be grown in every region with their differing
cultures is a huge mistake.
―President Sukarno, in the years before his removal from power, had warned of this when
he officiated the IPB University: we cannot fulfill the people‘s needs of food if they are
only told to eat rice.‖

The reason for this is geographical, as dryland and peatland are far more common than
soil suitable for rice paddies.
Still, the New Order‘s obsession with rice is well-documented in history, and rice itself
became a component in the civil servant‘s salary, either as actual bags of rice or their
monetary equivalent.
―Because of this, rice is then seen as being in a higher ‗caste‘, and paid civil servants
regularly eat rice. This in turn influenced other regions to turn from their local food
sources.
―I‘ve seen how in some areas, land meant to grow sago – which is still culturally
significant and consumed regularly – is turned into rice fields. This even happened on the
islands of Raja Ampat, where they had already achieved food sovereignty through local
food sources like sago and other tubers,‖ Andi said.
Perhaps most telling of the current food situation is something a government official in
Halmahera, North Maluku, said to Andi.
―It‘s quite sad, really, because [the official] replied that they wanted to emulate the
Javanese by eating rice. I think this is a very fatal sidelining of culture – sago is the oldest
food source in Indonesia, and can be said to be the ‗mother‘ to our food.‖ (ste)
https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2021/01/19/beyond-rice-supremacy-and-food-diversity-in-
indonesia.html
After vaccine diplomacy, India rises to supply rice to the
world
 Wed, Jan 20 2021 07:03:44 PM

By Mahua Venkatesh
New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): India is rapidly turning out to be the most crucial supplier of rice in the
world. Supply of the staple cereal from other major rice exporting economies including Thailand
and Vietnam fell sharply in 2020, due to reduced production after floods and droughts ravaged
those countries. Besides, compared to the Indian rice, the price of the grain supplied by Thailand
and Vietnam is almost $100 to $150 higher per tonne.
A stronger Thai Baht has also become a cause for concern for many rice exporters in the southeast
Asian country.

Not just Thailand, according to Worldstopexports, a data collation portal, Vietnam's rice exports
declined by 48.6 per cent, Pakistan's 36.9 per cent.
India has started supplying broken rice to several new markets including China, Vietnam, Malaysia
besides Bangladesh besides increasing the quantum to its existing markets. The price sensitive
African countries have also increased their rice orders from India, as its role in maintaining global
food security becomes more pronounced.
India has already exported about 7 million tonnes of non-basmati rice in the April-November
period, a jump of 123 per cent. According to the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) the
total exports of broken rice could touch 10 million tonne in 2020-21. The export of basmati rice,
which is primarily directed towards Europe, US and the middle-eastern countries, witnessed a jump
of 71 per cent.
"We expect the year 2021 to be very good for the rice exporters of the country with higher
production and competitive pricing," Vinod Kaul, executive director, All India Rice Exporters'
Association told IndiaNarrative.com.

Kaul added that with increased rice production, India has sufficient stocks to meet domestic
demands including the quantum required for the public distribution system (PDS) and expand its
shipment to all other importing countries.
According to Bangkok Post, rice exports in 2021 "are expected to slightly recover from an expected
5.8 million tonnes in 2020, which was the lowest in 20 years." Typically rice from Thailand is
priced at about $400-$450 per tonne while India exports the grain at about $300 per tonne.
"Rice exports remain gloomy this year, as consumers worldwide are likely to opt to save their
money and buy rice at cheaper prices," the newspaper quoted Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary
president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, as saying.
Sources said that Indian rice exporters are ready to meet additional demand which may arise as
many countries have resorted to increased imports of the grain as uncertainty related to the
Coronavirus pandemic remains despite the ongoing vaccination drive.
India's rice reaches China
Despite political tensions between India and China, Beijing, which imports about 4 million tonnes
of rice every year, has placed an import order for 100,000 tonnes at around $300 per tonne. The
dragon has traditionally imported rice from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan among other
countries but avoided shipment from India.
A CNBC report said that for two-thirds of people living in China, rice is the staple food. "The
country is running out of rice, and they are looking at India to meet this demand," it said.
Notably, last year Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the ‗Clean Plate Campaign' to reduce
wastage of food. While foreign policy analysts said that the campaign is a preventive measure
aimed at food security amid extensive floods all across the dragon nation last year, it sparked off a
debate on whether the dragon was facing a food crisis.
"The campaign is meant to ensure food security especially as the country has been wrecked by
severe floods but China has managed to register an economic growth, so the fear and panic are
uncalled for," BR Deepak, expert on China and Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
earlier said.
https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=793201

MMA-ADA looks to double rice production
 By Staff Reporter
 - January 20, 2021
The MMA-ADA is accelerating efforts to realise the government‘s plans to double rice
production over the next five year
By Kellon Rover
THE Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) is
accelerating efforts to realise the government‘s plans to double rice production over the next five
years.
General Manager, Mr. Curbette Victorine, says the Authority plans to improve agriculture in
Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) as it is the largest rice producing area in the country.
―MMA-ADA is geared at agricultural development. The government continues to view Guyana‘s
economic prosperity through its agricultural performance, so the emphasis on agriculture in
Region Five epitomises agriculture nationally,‖ Mr. Victorine said.
The General Manager said some $112 million was secured for capital expenditure from the
Emergency Budget last year. That sum was utilised in key areas aimed to boost production and
secure and expand agriculture in the region.
―We chose to utilise those funds to prepare ourselves to regain the capacity where drainage and
irrigation is concerned, and so we were able to procure two long-reach excavators. Some of these
drains have become sluggish and the maintenance was not there. Our intention is to make sure
that we bring those systems back to the designed capacity so that their function can be assured.‖
The first phase of the MMA-ADA Scheme was completed since the mid-1980s with a
conservancy situated at the headwaters of the Abary River. This phase services approximately
40,000 acres of paddy production from state lands and about another 20,000 acres of private
lands within the Abary-Berbice District. The irrigation system also services some 14,000 acres of
cultivation of the Blairmont Sugar Estate.
While this is already in place, the MMA-ADA plans to expand its services. A technical team has
begun studies to finalise two other phases of work in the Scheme to effectively service the upper
reaches of the Mahaicony and Mahaica Rivers.
―We have already put in some, but minimal, infrastructure in the Mahaicony -Abary Phase and
we are also operating in the Mahaica-Mahaicony Phase. Together, the Mahaicony and the
Mahaica divisions amount to an additional 50,000 acres of paddy production,‖ Mr. Victorine
said.
One challenge that farmers have encountered getting the best out of their inputs is access to their
farmlands. They have also complained bitterly about the neglected drainage and irrigation
system over the past years. Once these issues were highlighted to Minister of Agriculture, Hon.
Zulfikar Mustapha, he took steps to secure some $98 million in emergency funds to facilitate
major infrastructural works within the Scheme.

―We have drained and cleaned canals, bringing them back into a proper functioning state. We
also did substantial works to ensure bridges and access and so forth are put back in good shape,‖
Mr. Victorine added. Farmers have commended the intervention by the government as they are
now enjoying the benefits.
Mahaica-Berbice contributes between 35 to 50 per cent of the gross national rice production.
Currently, Guyana produces more than one million tonnes of paddy.
Minister Mustapha is also confident that Guyana will attract new markets for rice exports as
production yields climb. Already, an additional quota of 24,000 tons of rice will be exported to
Brazil. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said the government is committed to helping
farmers produce better rice yields, noting that added resources will be put into research and
development. The MMA-ADA is an Authority set up specifically to administer agricultural
development in Region Five and is responsible for over 800 miles of drainage and irrigation
canals. Its responsibility spans from the east bank of the Mahaica River to the west bank of the
Berbice River and from the Atlantic seaboard to about 30 miles inland.
https://guyanachronicle.com/2021/01/20/mma-ada-looks-to-double-rice-production/
Demand for processed rice products up 11% in 2019
Ready-to-eat porridge products are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul in this file photo taken on
Wednesday. (Yonhap)

Local retail sales of processed rice products shot up nearly 11 percent in 2019 from a year earlier
due to the growing demand from single-member households while more people opt for
convenient meals, data showed Thursday. Retail sales of processed rice products, including
ready-to-eat steamed rice, porridge, and noodles, came to 884 billion won ($804 million) in
2019, compared with 797.3 billion won posted in 2018, according to the latest data provided by
the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Of the sales from 2019, ready-to-eat
steamed rice accounted for 493.8 billion won, followed by rice cake with 154.2 billion won and
porridge with 133.2 billion won. Discount stores took up 32.5 percent of the sales, followed by
convenience stores with 24 percent. The ministry, which has not yet provided data for 2020, said
the sales of such goods are estimated to have further gathered ground through last year as more
people refrained from dining out amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to its latest online
survey carried out on 900 consumers in 2020, the ministry said around 80 percent of South
Koreans have purchased a processed rice product over the past three-month period. Ready-to-eat
steamed rice products were especially popular among respondents in their 20s and 30s, it added.
Rice is a key staple food for Koreans, but its consumption has been on a steady decline since
1980. Per capita average annual rice consumption hit a fresh low of 59.2 kilograms in 2019,
down 3 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea. But the
demand for ready-to-eat products has been growing sharply over the past years in sync with the
rising number of single-member households. The proportion of single-member households in
South Korea surpassed 30 percent of the total for the first time in 2019. (Yonhap)
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210121000417
https://ricenewstoday.com/?p=123638
After vaccine diplomacy, India rises to supply rice to
the world
21-Jan-2021
India is rapidly turning out to be the most crucial supplier of rice in the world. Supply of the
staple cereal from https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/after-vaccine-diplomacy-
india-rises-to-supply-rice-to-the-world-521518
Telangana Sona rice hits Kuwait markets
Rice variety to be exported to US, UK and Middle East
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By B. Krishna Mohan | Published: 21st Jan 2021 12:14 amUpdated: 21st Jan 2021 1:22 am
The first batch of the consignment of 24,000 kg has been sent under the brand Befach Diabetic
White Rice
Hyderabad: Even as Telangana has been steadily increasing its rice production, it also started
focusing on rice exports. Home grown rice variety Telangana Sona, known for possessing a low
glycemic index, has now found buyers in Kuwait and the first batch of the consignment of
24,000 kg (24 tonne) has been sent under the brand Befach Diabetic White Rice.
At least five more containers will be sent in the coming two months, according to Rajesh Saraf,
director, Befach 4X Private Limited, the marketing partner of Prof Jayashankar Telangana State
Agricultural University (PJTSAU), which released the new revolutionary rice variety (RNR
15048) in 2015.
Befach‘s role is to sell Telangana Sona both in the online and offline modes using its marketing
network. ―We have signed up with a big distributor in Kuwait. They have committed to take
almost 200 tonne of Telangana Sona by the end of March this year. So far, 24 tonne has been
sent,‖ Saraf told Telangana Today.
Befach has close to one lakh customers and many of them are repeat customers. India sales of
Telangana will be upwards of 80,000 to 1,00,000 kg per month by March end this year. Exports
are also getting added almost by the same quantity. It has sold about 2,00,00 kg (200 tonne) in
the first phase. Total exports by March are expected to touch 3,00,000 kg (300 tonne). Befach
buys from farmers in Nalgonda, Miryalaguda and other places in the State known for rice

cultivation. It is in the process of appointing 200 dealers across India and will work with players
like TSRTC for logistics.
―We received a LOI form an America-based importer and distributor. We are also confident of
reaching Europe as well by April this year. We will also cover Middle East markets. We are
getting good response from export markets as diabetes is a universal problem and people are
finding the Telangana rice beneficial,‖ Saraf said.
A paper published in American Journal of Food and Nutrition said that Telangana Sona, also
known as Chittimallelu, fared better than Japonica (68) rice in glycemic index (GI). Japonica rice
is cultivated and consumed in China, Japan and Korea.
Telangana Sona had a low glycemic index (51.72) and on regular consumption for three months
reduced the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic subjects thereby suggesting its
potential in the maintenance of blood glucose. It implied that RNR15048 may be used for
regulating glucose levels in type-2 diabetic patients.
https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-sona-rice-hits-kuwait-market
Rice attributes that improve nitrogen use efficiency found
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI , JANUARY 20, 2021 20:44 IST
It could help farmers use nitrogenous fertilizers efficiently, save costs.
A team of scientists reports physical attributes and genes that help identify which types
of rice use nitrogen efficiently. Such knowledge could help farmers use nitrogenous
fertilizers efficiently, save costs, as well as limit nitrogen-linked pollution, which
contributes to climate change.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rice-attributes-that-improve-nitrogen-use-efficiency-
found/article33619293.ece

FEED FIGHT: AFRICAN CONSUMERS HIT AS
ASIA GOBBLES UP RICE SUPPLIES
1/20/2021
* Multi-year high feed grain prices drive demand for rice
* China, Vietnam buy lower quality Indian rice for feed
* African buyers hit as lower quality rice prices climb
* Lack of availability of containers adds to supply woes
By Naveen Thukral, Rajendra Jadhav and Ayenat Mersie
SINGAPORE/MUMBAI/NAIROBI, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Tightening global supplies of basic
foodstuffs and disruptions to shipping caused by the coronavirus pandemic are driving up the
cost of rice, the most important staple food for billions of people worldwide.
Rising food prices are a worrying trend in countries that depend on imports, while the cost of rice
is politically sensitive in many parts of Asia and Africa. A spike in the price of the grain led to
unrest in several countries during the world food crisis of 2008.
Benchmark rice prices jumped 20%-45% in key Asian producers last year, while demand for
lower-quality rice as an alternative animal feed and soaring shipping costs are raising concerns
that poorer nations that rely on imports may face shortfalls in supplies.
"There are no immediate supply issues in Africa, but if exports from Asia get curbed ... it could
lead to worries between June and October which is traditionally a lean (production) period for
northern and western Africa," said FAO rice economist Shirley Mustafa in Rome.
"Logistical bottlenecks could lead to food supplies getting squeezed and food inflation,
potentially aggravating the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."
Sub-Saharan Africa is a major rice buyer, depending on imports for 40% of regional
consumption, while in many parts of South and Southeast Asia - by far the top rice producer and
exporter - rice is served at most meals.
CORN SPILLOVER

The price rises come as measures to slow the coronavirus pandemic distorted global food supply
lines in 2020, adding to concerns about food security.
At the same time strong demand from China sent global cereal prices to their highest in 6 years,
according to the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).
China's grain consumption was so strong in 2020 that it not only depleted the county's once-
mammoth stockpiles, but also boosted crop imports to record levels and helped run up prices of
corn, sorghum and barley - largely used to feed animals.
A 25% jump in the price of corn, a key feed-grain ingredient, has spilled over into food-grade
rice, as some animal feeders switch to cheap rice products that can also be fed to animals, such as
100% broken rice, a by-product of rice milling.
The cost of this variety of rice has climbed to $280 a tonne, free on board, at some of Indian
ports, from $260 in December and is likely to rise further, according to local suppliers.
"Traditionally, African countries buy 100% broken rice since it is cheaper," said Himanshu
Agarwal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, India's biggest rice exporter.
"But lately Asian countries such as Vietnam and China have started buying 100% broken rice
and are paying a premium over prices paid by African buyers."
China, the world's top rice producer, imported the grain from India for the first time in at least
three decades last month.
"China is buying 100% broken rice for noodles as well as for feed," said a Mumbai-based dealer
with a global trading firm.
The global rice market was also clipped by drought in Southeast Asia which caused shipments
from No.2 and No. 3 rice exporters Thailand and Vietnam to drop more than a quarter in January
through November 2020 compared to the same slot in 2019.
Prices of benchmark 5% broken rice from Thailand and Vietnam are up 19% and 45%
respectively from a year ago, while domestic paddy prices in mainland China are up around
25%, according to Refinitiv Eikon.
CONTAINER SHORTAGE
Some high-end rice supplies were also hit by a global shortage of shipping containers, frequently
used to carry bagged rice and other foods.

Containers are taking longer to unload in many countries due to coronavirus restrictions, yet
remain in high demand due to booming e-commerce and for shipments of personal protective
equipment.
This has led to a surge in the cost of shipping goods via container, and lengthy delays.
"From Pakistan for example, we used to pay $850 or $900 per container. Now, we're looking at
$1,650 to $2,100 per container," said Mital Shah, managing director of Kenya-based Sunrice,
one of East Africa's largest rice importers.
Kenya consumes roughly 700,000 tonnes of rice annually, of which around 600,000 tonnes are
imported, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
The freight cost for shipping a tonne of rice from India to Africa has tripled to $150 from $50 in
November.
"It's a lot to ask for a commodity which costs less than $300 a tonne," said one rice trader,
referring to Indian broken rice.
African importers are banding together to buy bulk cargoes, traders and analysts said, but
combined with the lower shipments from Southeast Asia, the container crunch has lifted prices
and pinched rice supplies in key African markets.
"In another month or two, we will see some shortfalls of rice here," said Sunrice's Shah in
Kenya. "We may be behind by 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes."
(Reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore, Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Ayenat Mersie in
Nairobi & Libby George in Lagos; editing by Gavin Maguire and Richard Pullin)
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/feed-fight-african-consumers-hit-as-asia-
gobbles-up-rice-supplies
2.1-MMT rice imports just 45% of volume applied for
ByJasper Y. Arcalas
January 20, 2021

THE country‘s rice imports last year reached 2.079 million metric tons (MMT), less than half of the
4.5 MMT that eligible importers applied for last year, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) reported.
Latest BPI data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed that 217 rice traders, cooperatives, farmers‘
associations and firms obtained 5,331 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) to import
4.588 MMT of rice last year.
However, BPI data showed that only 193 qualified importers imported rice using 2,785 SPS-ICs,
representing a total volume of 2.079 MMT, which is 45.31 of the total applied volume last year.
The total volume of rice imports last year was 30 percent lower than the record-high of nearly 3
MMT volume in 2019.
BPI data showed that Vietnam was the top source of rice imports last year as it accounted for nearly
87 percent of the total imports or about 1.808 MMT.
It was followed by Myanmar at 153,174.984 MT and Thailand at 68,604.98 MT, based on BPI data.

The other countries where qualified rice importers purchased the staple were: China (26,130 MT),
India (10,822 MT), Pakistan (9,132 MT), Singapore (1,884), South Korea (1,000 MT), Taiwan (300
MT), Cambodia (200 MT), Japan (9.6 MT), Italy (5.68 MT) and Spain (0.312 MT), BPI data.
BPI data showed that Gold and Perfect Corp. topped the list of rice importers last year as it brought
in 110,541.250 MT of rice followed by Arvin International Marketing Inc. with 100,029.899 MT.
Puregold Price Club Inc., the leading rice importer in 2019, fell to 15th spot at 34,449.348 MT of
imported rice, based on BPI data.
BPI data showed that rice importers brought in the most staple in the month of May at 384,613.915
MT, while they imported the least volume in November at 52,505.5 MT.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier said the country‘s rice imports this year could decline by
15.5 percent to 1.69 MMT due to the projected record-high palay harvest of 20.48 million.
Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan said they project full-year domestic palay production
this year to reach 20.48 MMT, 5.35 percent higher than the estimated output of 19.44 MMT last year.
The higher production this year would bring the country‘s rice self-sufficiency level to 95
percent from last year‘s 90 percent.
This means that the country would only import about 5 percent of its total domestic rice
requirement which is about 1.69 MMT, Cayanan said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/20/2-1-mmt-rice-imports-just-45-of-volume-applied-for/
Trapped China miners ask for rice porridge, sausages
Rescuers drilled three more channels on Tuesday as they race against time to extract the 22
workers.
Members of a rescue team work at the site of a gold mine explosion where 22 miners are trapped
underground in Qixia, in eastern China's Shandong province [AFP/China OUT]
20 Jan 2021

Workers trapped in a Chinese gold mine for more than nine days have received more medical
and food supplies, including bandages, blankets and rice porridge, but one of the group is in a
critical condition with a severe head injury, state media said.
A total of 22 workers were left trapped in the Hushan mine, in Shandong province, after an
explosion on January 10.
A week later, it emerged that at least 12 of them were still alive as a note retrieved from the mine
said: ―We hope the rescue won‘t stop.‖
A drilled channel on Sunday located 11 of the miners, who were working more than 600 metres
(1,968 feet) underground and rescuers were subsequently able to speak to them via a wired
telephone.
But the progress of the rescue has been slow, according to Chen Fei, a top city official.

Rescuers drilled three more channels on Tuesday in an effort to extract the trapped miners
[Stringer/AFP]―The surrounding rock near the ore body is mostly granite … that is very hard, resulting in
the slow progress of the rescue,‖ Chen told reporters.
―There is a lot of water in the shaft that may pose a danger to the trapped workers.‖
Chen said the current food supply was only enough for two days.
‘Please speed up the rescue’
Rescuers drilled three more channels on Tuesday, according to a rescue map published on the
Yantai government‘s official Weibo account, a Chinese version of Twitter.
More than 300 people are involved in the rescue effort and excavators and machinery are on site
but the teams have warned it will be extremely difficult to bring out the miners from the tunnel‘s
entrance.
The official Xinhua news agency said the miners had requested on Monday evening sausage and
pickles as well as porridge but medical experts decided they should not eat hard food having only
just regained their strength.

Fortified by the food and medical supplies – the fourth consignment to reach the group – two
workers who had previously been very weak were able to walk again on Tuesday, Xinhua
reported, citing a member of the rescue team.
However, the state-run newspaper People‘s Daily said one worker was in a coma and in a critical
condition, after sustaining a head injury in the blast, while two were ―mildly unwell‖ and eight in
good health.
One more worker has been located in another section of the mine, while the whereabouts of the
other 10 remain unknown.
News that some of the miners are still alive has boosted Chinese netizens‘ hopes for a miraculous
escape, with thousands leaving prayer messages on Weibo and calling on the authorities to
―please speed up the rescue‖.
China‘s National Mine Safety Administration has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the
country‘s non-coal mines, which will continue until the end of March, the People‘s Daily
reported.
There are 32,000 non-coal mines in China, most of which are small, use outdated technology and
equipment and have poor safety management, it said, citing an administration official.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/20/trapped-china-miners-get-food-blankets-but-one-person-in
Kenya to receive 12 ambulances from Pakistan
WRITTEN BY: KNA
January 20, 2021 16:22
Pakistan High Commissioner to Kenya Saqlain Syday (3rd right) hands over an ambulance that
was donated by the Overseas Pakistani Foundation Global Africa to Star of Hope Association
Kenya in Mombasa
Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Africa will donate 12 ambulances to marginalized
communities in Kenya.

The donation is part of the 25 ambulances that will be donated to marginalized communities in
East African Countries.
This was announced in Mombasa on Tuesday by Pakistan High Commissioner to Kenya Saqlain
Sydah during the handing over of an ambulance donated to the Star of Hope Association of
Kenya.
During the event organized by the Overseas Pakistani Global Foundation Africa, Ms Sydah said
Kenya will receive 12 ambulances while the rest will be distributed to other countries in East
Africa.
The envoy said already 17 ambulances have been purchased and donated to various marginalized
communities in the region. Ms Syday hailed the cordial relationship between Pakistan nd Kenya
saying despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the trade between the two countries grew by 1.5 per cent
last year. ―Kenya is among the biggest importer of Pakistani‘s rice while we are the largest
importer of Kenyan tea,‖ added the High Commissioner.The ambulance that was donated by
Overseas Pakistani Foundation Global Africa to Star of Hope Association Kenya in Mombasa
The Chairperson of the Star of Hope Association of Kenya Harun Said disclosed that the
Pakistani community in Kenya is planning to construct a 200-bed capacity ultra-modern hospital
in Isiolo County.
Harun noted that the construction of the Sh1.5 billion hospital that is expected to significantly
improve health services in the county will begin in April this year. ―The project once finished
will immensely benefit nearly 300,000 residents of the area through quality health services,‖ said
Harun.He said besides organizing several medical camps in Isiolo, Marsabit and Meru Counties,
the Foundation has also distributed 430 metric tonnes of food during this Covid-19 period.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenya-to-receive-12-ambulances-from-pakistan/

Chinese diplomat calls for special services/outlets for
foreign investors
By News desk
January 20, 2021
Observer Report
Islamabad
The need of opening up special services and outlets for foreign investors including Chinese
enterprises has been underscored by Peng Zhengwu, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General
of PRC in Lahore as an impetus to boost up more flow and scope of international investment to
Punjab.
According to Gwadar Pro, Peng said such incentives have great potential to revamp an ―ease of
doing‖ business ambience. ―Indeed, it is a demand of hour,‖ he added.
Peng said it is one of the major tasks of the Consulate General of PRC in Lahore to promote
trade and investment between Punjab and Chinese provinces. He said they are proud of the
Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant, the Bahawalpur Zonergy Solar Power Project, the Lahore
Orange Line, the M-3 Motorway and the Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line, which are the major
CPEC projects serving the Pakistani people.
With the launching of these infrastructure, the daily life of people in Punjab is undergoing a
fundamental change. During past years, Pakistan exports of rice and fruits also increased
steadily. In 2021, they will discuss and push forward more projects with the Punjab government
within the framework of CPEC Phase II.
In regard of the Pakistan-China business cooperation in 2021, Peng said that details of
cooperation are in the process of bilateral discussion.
He pointed out that the year 2021 is important to both sides as it marks the 70th anniversary of
establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. He added that in spite of the
difficulty caused by the Covid-19, great and plenty of events of commemoration are worth of
expectation
https://pakobserver.net/chinese-diplomat-calls-for-special-services-outlets-for-foreign-investors/

2.1-MMT rice imports just 45% of volume applied for
ByJasper Y. Arcalas
January 20, 2021
THE country‘s rice imports last year reached 2.079 million metric tons (MMT), less than half of
the 4.5 MMT that eligible importers applied for last year, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
reported.

Latest BPI data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed that 217 rice traders, cooperatives,
farmers‘ associations and firms obtained 5,331 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance
(SPS-IC) to import 4.588 MMT of rice last year.
However, BPI data showed that only 193 qualified importers imported rice using 2,785 SPS-ICs,
representing a total volume of 2.079 MMT, which is 45.31 of the total applied volume last year.
The total volume of rice imports last year was 30 percent lower than the record-high of nearly 3
MMT volume in 2019.
BPI data showed that Vietnam was the top source of rice imports last year as it accounted for
nearly 87 percent of the total imports or about 1.808 MMT.
It was followed by Myanmar at 153,174.984 MT and Thailand at 68,604.98 MT, based on BPI
data.
The other countries where qualified rice importers purchased the staple were: China (26,130
MT), India (10,822 MT), Pakistan (9,132 MT), Singapore (1,884), South Korea (1,000 MT),
Taiwan (300 MT), Cambodia (200 MT), Japan (9.6 MT), Italy (5.68 MT) and Spain (0.312 MT),
BPI data.
BPI data showed that Gold and Perfect Corp. topped the list of rice importers last year as it
brought in 110,541.250 MT of rice followed by Arvin International Marketing Inc. with
100,029.899 MT.
Puregold Price Club Inc., the leading rice importer in 2019, fell to 15th spot at 34,449.348 MT of
imported rice, based on BPI data.
BPI data showed that rice importers brought in the most staple in the month of May at
384,613.915 MT, while they imported the least volume in November at 52,505.5 MT.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier said the country‘s rice imports this year could
decline by 15.5 percent to 1.69 MMT due to the projected record-high palay harvest of 20.48
million.
Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan said they project full-year domestic palay
production this year to reach 20.48 MMT, 5.35 percent higher than the estimated output of 19.44
MMT last year.
The higher production this year would bring the country‘s rice self-sufficiency level to 95
percent from last year‘s 90 percent.
This means that the country would only import about 5 percent of its total domestic rice
requirement which is about 1.69 MMT, Cayanan said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/20/2-1-mmt-rice-imports-just-45-of-volume-applied-for/
Panic shopping as Kigali goes back into lockdown
By
Michel Nkurunziza
Published : January 20, 2021
At Nyarugenge market, shoppers were seen loading sacks of groceries into their cars. Many said they
were stocking up in case of speculation by retailers which might lead to price hikes. / Photo: Dan
Nsengiyumva.
Food markets across Kigali city were on January 19 flocked by crowds of people – retailers and
wholesalers – following an announcement that the capital was returning to total lockdown.
The 15-day lockdown announced by a cabinet meeting on Monday is aimed at curbing the spread
of Covid-19 in the city, which has been rampant in the past few days.

Food markets are part of essential services and will remain operational under strict measures
during the lockdown, while transportation of food supplies to or from the markets within the city
will remain unhindered.
Despite this however, on Tuesday, the markets across Kigali were characterised by huge
numbers of shoppers, as people rushed to stock up supplies for the two weeks of lockdown.
Whereas some feared the markets will run out of supplies, others think neighbourhood stores
which are also allowed to open throughout the lockdown, will take advantage of limited mobility
to hike prices.
Shoppers thronged Kimironko market on Tuesday as Kigali headed back into
lockdown. Photo: Dan Nsengiyumva.

The New Times conducted a mini-survey across the city and found that while other commercial
buildings and malls were almost empty with few open shops, food markets had many people,
making it difficult to respect physical distancing in some of them.
Some shoppers found at Kwa Mutangana market in Nyabugogo area who talked to The New
Times said that they were stocking up food supplies for different reasons.
Anicet Twishime, a resident of Kinyinya sector had bought 25 kilogrammes of rice, 15Kg of
cassava flour, 25Kg of maize flour, 15Kg of beans, oil and some peanuts.
―I want to buy supplies that will last long. We are not sure if it will be possible to access major
markets during the lockdown, which means we might be forced to buy from neighborhood shops
yet we fear they may hike prices as was the case during the previous lockdown,‖ he said.
He bought a kilo of beans at Rwf800 while some other varieties of beans were being sold at
Rwf900.
Joseline Ndayisenga, another buyer found at the same market said that some retailers in
neighbourhood stores hike prices of some commodities simply because clients are not aware of
the differences in prices.
At this market, the Tanzanian rice variety was going for Rwf22,500 while Irish potatoes are
going for over Rwf400.
Some vendors were selling 25Kg of Pakistan rice at Rwf24,000.
From both markets, the prices were relatively within range of the tariff on food commodities
announced last week on January 11, 2021, by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The tariff shows that 25 kilogrammes of Tanzanian rice G1 should go for between Rwf20,000
and Rwf23,000 at wholesale price and between Rwf800 and Rwf1,000 at retail price per kilo.
Tanzanian rice G2 should be sold between Rwf16,500 and Rwf18,000 at wholesale for a bag of
25 kilos while retail price per kilo should be between Rwf750 and Rwf800.

Less demand for fruits and vegetables
Meanwhile, the visit to fruit and vegetables stalls at outlets including Kwa Mutangana,
Nyabugogo modern market and Nyarugenge Market were not as crowded as other stalls with
vendors reporting less demand.
―People are afraid of buying large quantities of fruits and vegetables because they can‘t last long.
They probably think of accessing them daily in neighborhood shops,‖ said Pauline
Uwizeyimana, a vendor at Nyabugogo modern market.
Many private cars were also seen at Nyarugenge market loading sacks of food commodities.
―We ask the ministry of trade to monitor so that prices are not hiked in neighborhood shops
because it is what many are fearing,‖ a client with a vehicle at the market said.
During the lockdown last year, the Ministry of Trade and Industry cautioned retailers and
wholesalers against taking advantage of the novel coronavirus outbreak to increase prices of
products.
As a consequence some businesses were slapped with fines.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/panic-shopping-kigali-goes-back-lockdown
‘Pakistan, Italy can lift trade to $5b’
Ambassador asked investors to capitalise on opportunities in Rome
Our CorrespondentJanuary 20, 2021
LAHORE:

Italy attaches the utmost importance to its relations with Pakistan and all-out efforts are being
made to boost economic ties with Islamabad, remarked Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese.
During a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday, he said
the Italian government was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in every area of
opportunity.
―Italy has over $5 trillion in savings, hence it possesses ample fiscal space to undertake
investment projects,‖ the envoy said. ―Pakistani investors should come forward and avail
themselves of investment opportunities.‖
He stressed that a massive potential existed for Pakistan and Italy to lift the bilateral trade
volume to $5 billion. He pointed out that there were several opportunities in Italy‘s
construction, agriculture and tourism sectors.

The ambassador revealed that Italian visas having validity of three to five years would be
offered to potential investors from Pakistan. ―This will help enhance business-to-business
contacts as well as trade relations between the two nations.‖
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah highlighted that Italy was an
important trading partner of Pakistan in Europe as it ranked fifth among Pakistan‘s top export
destinations.
―For the first time, Rome has ranked first among major supplying markets for Pakistan‘s
imports from the European Union,‖ he said. ―With a consistent uptrend in two-way trade, it is
indeed a healthy sign that both imports and exports are increasing with each passing year.‖
Citing figures, the LCCI president pointed out that Pakistan‘s exports to Italy stood at $810
million in 2019 while imports from Italy stood at $937 million, which took the bilateral trade
volume to its highest level of $1.74 billion.
Misbah added that Pakistan‘s exports to Italy were heavily concentrated in textile items,
leather products and rice.
He underlined that both economies had a tremendous potential to enhance economic and trade
cooperation in areas of construction, agricultural technology, plastics, processed food, dairy,
livestock, pharmaceuticals and environment protection.
―Italy is extending technical assistance to Pakistan in textile, leather and marble sectors,‖ he
said.
He praised Italy‘s initiative of establishing a textile machinery training centre in Pakistan and
said it would support the development of domestic textile industry by enhancing its technical
capacity.
Misbah highlighted that Pakistan had recently introduced the mobile device manufacturing
policy as well as electric vehicle policy, which provided a great platform for forming joint
ventures by companies of the two countries.
―We intend to develop close liaison with the Italian Trade Commission office in Pakistan in
order to exchange important information related to trade queries,‖ he added. The LCCI

president said that Special Economic Zones were being established under the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC), which offered modest tax incentives to investors.
―If Italian companies take interest in investing in these zones, then Pakistan can become a
lucrative destination for them,‖ he said.
LCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan and Executive Committee
members Chaudhry Khadim Hussain and Shahid Nazir were present on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th
, 2021.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280604/pakistan-italy-can-lift-trade-to-5b
After vaccine diplomacy, India rises to supply rice to the
world
INDIA
20th January 2021
New Delhi, January 20 (IANS): India is rapidly turning out to be the most crucial supplier of
rice in the world. Supply of the staple cereal from other major rice exporting economies
including Thailand and Vietnam fell sharply in 2020, due to reduced production after floods and
droughts ravaged those countries. Besides, compared to the Indian rice, the price of the grain
supplied by Thailand and Vietnam is almost $100 to $150 higher per tonne.
A stronger Thai Baht has also become a cause for concern for many rice exporters in the
southeast Asian country.
Not just Thailand, according to Worldstopexports, a data collation portal, Vietnam's rice exports
declined by 48.6 per cent, Pakistan's 36.9 per cent.
India has started supplying broken rice to several new markets including China, Vietnam,
Malaysia besides Bangladesh besides increasing the quantum to its existing markets. The price
sensitive African countries have also increased their rice orders from India, as its role in

maintaining global food security becomes more pronounced.
India has already exported about 7 million tonnes of non-basmati rice in the April-November
period, a jump of 123 per cent. According to the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA)
the total exports of broken rice could touch 10 million tonne in 2020-21. The export of basmati
rice, which is primarily directed towards Europe, US and the middle-eastern countries, witnessed
a jump of 71 per cent.
"We expect the year 2021 to be very good for the rice exporters of the country with higher
production and competitive pricing," Vinod Kaul, executive director, All India Rice Exporters'
Association told IndiaNarrative.com.
Kaul added that with increased rice production, India has sufficient stocks to meet domestic
demands including the quantum required for the public distribution system (PDS) and expand its
shipment to all other importing countries.
According to Bangkok Post, rice exports in 2021 "are expected to slightly recover from an
expected 5.8 million tonnes in 2020, which was the lowest in 20 years." Typically rice from
Thailand is priced at about $400-$450 per tonne while India exports the grain at about $300 per
tonne.
"Rice exports remain gloomy this year, as consumers worldwide are likely to opt to save their
money and buy rice at cheaper prices," the newspaper quoted Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary
president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, as saying.
Sources said that Indian rice exporters are ready to meet additional demand which may arise as
many countries have resorted to increased imports of the grain as uncertainty related to the
Coronavirus pandemic remains despite the ongoing vaccination drive.

India's rice reaches China
Despite political tensions between India and China, Beijing, which imports about 4 million
tonnes of rice every year, has placed an import order for 100,000 tonnes at around $300 per
tonne. The dragon has traditionally imported rice from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan
among other countries but avoided shipment from India.
A CNBC report said that for two-thirds of people living in China, rice is the staple food. "The
country is running out of rice, and they are looking at India to meet this demand," it said.
Notably, last year Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the ‗Clean Plate Campaign' to reduce
wastage of food. While foreign policy analysts said that the campaign is a preventive measure
aimed at food security amid extensive floods all across the dragon nation last year, it sparked off
a debate on whether the dragon was facing a food crisis.
"The campaign is meant to ensure food security especially as the country has been wrecked by
severe floods but China has managed to register an economic growth, so the fear and panic are
uncalled for," BR Deepak, expert on China and Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
earlier said.
https://www.morungexpress.com/after-vaccine-diplomacy-india-rises-to-supply-rice-to-the-world

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