Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter from Riceplus Magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine
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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter
February 27 , 2015
V o l u m e 5, Issue I

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Reps probe Stallion Group, Popular Foods, Olam over N43b
import duty evasion
By Luke Ajulo
February 27, 2015 00:26:08am GMT |
National Assembly
WorldStage Newsonline-- The House of Representatives
on Thursday approved a motion to investigate all
investor companies involved in rice importation under
the new policy. Specifically, three major companies-
Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nig Lt were
said to have exceeded their approved quota and evaded
payment of import duties to the Federal Government to
the tune of about N43 billion.
The investigation was expected to ascertain the exact amount owed government by the affected
companies.In addition, the investigation would ascertain the approved quota for each importer against
their excess imports in metric tons.Appropriate measures for recovering the debt would also be
recommended by the investigation panel. The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of the
prayers of a motion by Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) who accused major importers of conniving with
foreign investors to undermine the nation's economy.He said: "Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam
Nig Ltd in collusion with their foreign investors have imported rice exceeding their approved quota and
thus owe the Federal government about N28.399 billion.
"Stallion Group and Popular Foods with an unpaid outstanding import duty of over N15 billion have
imported another 85,000mts of rice into the country."The actions of the companies are capable of
scuttling the country's self-sufficiency drive in rice production and act and also deny the Federal
government the needed revenue on import duties".The motion was unanimously adopted when it was out
to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.The report on the investigation was expected to be turned
in three weeks.
Courtesy:http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=news&newscid=20936&catid=2
House to Probe Rice Importers
27 Feb 2015
Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal
Muhammad Bello in Abujaâ€¨The House of Representatives Thursday resolved to investigate
companies involved in rice importation under the federal government policy aimed at
encouraging investment in local rice production.

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The crux of the matter that precipitated the motion that led to the
resolution was the allegation that some companies in concert with
some foreign investors have imported the commodity in a manner that
exceeded “their approved quota and thus owe the federal government
about N28,399 billion.
”The companies fingered are: Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nigeria Limited. The
House regretted that Stallion Group/ Popular Foods, with an unpaid outstanding import duty of
over N15 billion, has imported another 85,000 metric tonnes of rice into the country.Hon. Simon
Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) expressed concern “that the actions of these companies are capable of
scuttling the nation’s self-sufficiency drive in rice production and an act which deny the federal
government the needed revenue on import duties.”
Tags: Nigeria, Featuered, News, Aminu Tambuwal
Courtesy:http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/house-to-probe-rice-importers/202850/
PhilRice Agusan is best branch station anew
February 26, 2015
REMEDIOS T. ROMULADEZ, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- PhilRice Agusan received
the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest – an annual internal competition organized by the
Institute to elevate and improve the modalities in promoting new technologies in rice production.
It also aims to highlight the best-fit practices of the stations in rice Research and Development
(R&D).PhilRice Agusan was also recognized for successfully and creatively executing the
Intensified Rice-Based Agri-bio Systems (IRBAS) program in support of PhilRice’s major
advocacy, the Rural Transformation Movement (RTM).RTM aims to help reduce poverty by
promoting diversified farming and agri-business ventures.
Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support services including training,
inputs, custom services, technologies, product development and packaging, and marketing.“I
thank the PhilRice management for organizing this contest and all my colleagues for keeping our
station beautiful,” said Abner T. Montecalvo, station manager.PhilRice Midsayap and Batac
placed second and third, respectively, and were cited for creating a strategic research direction
and for continually improving their internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated
Management Systems standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.The following awards
were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baños; Most Interactive Field Day to Negros;
and Most Innovative External Linkage to Bicol.

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The judges traveled across the country to evaluate each station based on the following: IRBAS (Rural
Transformation Campaign Execution); level of mechanization; organization of field day; varietal demo;
client satisfaction; innovations; internal processes and financial reports; housekeeping and safety; state of
infrastructure; income generation; and station management.The judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former
director for communications of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT); Dr. Genaro San Valentin and Thelma Padolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan, founder
of Good Food Community; and Donald Mateo, from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development
and Mechanization (PHilMech).
PhilRice Agusan had earlier received the Best Field Day (2011) and Best Station awards (2013).
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the
Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on November 5, 1985 (as amended) to
help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all
Filipinos. (PhilRice Web Team/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Courtesy:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701424840597/philrice-agusan-is-best-branch-station-
anew#sthash.0Y1bqgyj.dpuf
Philippines to import 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand
and Vietnam
Friday, 27 February 2015 08:40
The Philippines will sign deals with Thailand and Vietnam to import 500,000 tonnes of rice
as the country looks to boost buffer stock ahead of the lean harvest season
According to the USDA, the Philippines may import 1.6mn tonnes of rice in 2015. (Image
source: Paul Suesskind/Flickr)
According to the country’s National Food Authority
(NFA), the country is expected to sign the contracts for the
rice deal on or before 10 March 2015.NFA is an
agricultural agency, which is responsible for ensuring the
food security of the country and the stability of supply and
price of rice.“Thailand had offered to sell 100,000 tonnes
of rice worth US$780 per tonne. The prices were lower
than Vietnam’s offers, but Vietnam agreed to match
Thailand’s bid and the country will ship the remaining
150,000 tonnes of rice.

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All shipments will arrive in the Philippines by 30 April 2015,” added NFA.In 2015, NFA may
import rice between 500,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes. The NFA currently imports most of the
rice requirement for buffer stocking.Despite record high domestic harvests in recent years,
including last year’s output, the Philippines remains one of the world’s biggest rice buyers. In
2014, the Philippines imported around 1.7mn tonnes of rice.
Courtesy:http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5063:
philippines-to-import-500-000-tonnes-of-rice-from-thailand-and-vietnam&catid=1083&Itemid=98
Rice stockpiles to be cleared in 2 years
Petchanet PratruangkraiThe Nation/Asia News NetworkFriday, Feb 27, 2015
Despite delaying a plan to release rice under an auction,
the Commerce Ministry is confident it will be able to
clear huge stocks within two years, said Commerce
Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya.He said that the
ministry planned to release up to 18 million tonnes of
rice via auctions and negotiate with rice-import
countries to receive huge amounts under government-
to-government (G-to-G) contracts.The general said that
Thailand had between 17-18 million tonnes stockpiled,
and it recently negotiated to sell 2 million tonnes to China.Although the ministry wanted to clear
the warehouses, Chatchai said, the government would carefully consider all proposed contracts
through the G-to-G and bidding processes to ensure transparency and prevent contracts
defaulting.
If any bidder were found have a suspect background, the ministry would not sell rice to that
dealer.Under the plan to clear rice stocks, the ministry previously announced it aimed to sell
about 10 million tonnes under many methods this year, including selling about one million
tonnes via general auction each month.However, the ministry could sell only about 500,000
tonnes through an auction in January, and will on March 6 open the second auction for one
million tonnes after missing the February auction date.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of
the Foreign Trade Department, said that the ministry had already sold more than two million
tonnes of rice in the first two months of the year.Of those, she said about 1.5 million tonnes was
sold under G-to-G contracts.

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She said that the government was confident of releasing rice amounts as planned because many
traders were interested in joining the government's auctions due to the main harvest season
ending.Moreover, she said that in August the ministry would release low-grade rice grain to the
market to supply the manufacturing sector.
Courtesy:http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/rice-stockpiles-be-cleared-2-years#sthash.nj4y2wYb.dpuf
Thailand offers lowest rice bid price
By Anna Leah E. Gonzales | Feb. 27, 2015 at 11:05pm
Thailand on Friday offered the lowest bid to supply 500,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines
this year to boost Manila’s buffer stocks for the lean season.The National Food Authority invited
Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to supply rice under a government-to-government
procurement deal. Cambodia did not join the auction.The NFA Council earlier agreed to import
250,000 metric tons with 25 percent brokens and 250,000 MT with 15 percent brokens of well-
milled long grain white rice to augment the country’s stock, especially during the lean season
that starts in July.
The NFA said 50 percent of the volume awarded would be delivered not later than March 31 this
year, while the balance would be shipped not later than April 30, 2015Thailand offered to supply
100,000 metric tons with 15 percent brokens at $441 per metric ton, while Vietnam tendered
250,000 metric tons at $442.50 a ton.Both offers were below the reference price of $442.94 per
metric ton.NFA special assistant to the administrator Patricia Galang-De Jesus said Vietnam
agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $441 per metric
ton.
For the 25 percent brokens, Thailand offered to supply 100,000 metric tons at $421 per metric
ton while Vietnam tendered 250,000 tons at $424.50 a ton.The NFA said both offers were also
lower than the $425.85 per metric ton reference price.“For the 25 percent brokens, Vietnam also
agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $ 421 per metric
ton,” De Jesus said.NFA procurement committee chairman Piolito Santos said the agency would
recommend the results of the government-to-government offers for final approval of the NFA
Council.“We expect to complete the issuance of notice of award not later than March 3. The
signing of contract will not be on March 4 to 10,” Santos said.
Courtesy:http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/27/thailand-offers-lowest-rice-bid-price/
Pricey rice may mar auction
27 Feb 2015 at 07:45 3,885 viewed0 comments
NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

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The government's ambitious attempt to sell its rice
stocks could hit a snag as demand ebbs for costly
Thai grains.Thailand is likely to face difficulty
selling rice now that global market demand is
slowing amid greater supply and price competition,
said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of
the Thai Rice Exporters Association.World rice
trade is estimated at 41 million tonnes this year,
down from an earlier forecast of 42 million tonnes,
he said.
Worse still, Vietnamese rice prices have dropped significantly, with 5% white rice quoted at
US$350 a tonne. The price of Thai 5% white rice, meanwhile, is as high as $400-405 a
tonne."We expect most buying nations are now delaying their purchases to wait and see about
the rice price situation," Mr Chookiat said.As a result, he predicts tepid participation from
bidders in the state's second rice auction of an additional 1 million tonnes to take place next
week, with the government selling 400,000 tonnes at best.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general
of the Foreign Trade Department, said the government was set to call the second auction for an
additional 1,008,837 tonnes next Thursday.
The total includes 762,700 tonnes of 5% white rice, with the rest comprising 10% white rice,
15% white rice, 25% white rice, 10% white glutinous rice and broken rice.The rice up for sale
will be available at 124 state warehouses in 33 provinces, with the names of qualified bidders
announced next Friday.The government sold about half the nearly 1 million tonnes of rice put up
during the year's first auction last month.The plan is to dispose of 17 million tonnes of rice in
state stockpiles within two years, with 10 million tonnes to be sold this year.Sales this year will
consist of both premium-grade rice (60%) and substandard grains (40%).Keep up-to-date with
the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call *4513910
Courtesy: Bangkok Post
B10bn budget to aid farmers' co-ops
27 Feb 2015 WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS
The government plans to spend about 10 billion baht to promote the business roles of rice and
palm growers' cooperatives nationwide. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Related search
Agricultural cooperatives, rice farmers, palm oil
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to spend 9.9 billion baht on improving the
business capabilities of rice and oil palm farmers' cooperatives over the next five

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years.Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Pitipong Phuengboon Na Ayudhaya said on
Thursday the government intended to strengthen the organisations of rice farmers and palm
growers, who made up a substantial proportion of the farming community.
About 6.5 billion baht would fund projects
to enable rice growers' cooperatives in 19
provinces to gather and process more
paddy. Their paddy collection capabilities
should increase from 450,000 tonnes in
2014 to 948,000 tonnes by 2019, and their
rice processing capability should rise from
53,000 tonnes in 2014 to 134,000 tonnes in
2019, Mr Pitipong said.Members of rice
farmers' cooperatives grew rice in 26
million rai of land, which accounted for
48% of all paddy fields in the country, and they produced 11.3 million tonnes of grain, about
39% of the national crop, the minister said.
About 3.4 billion baht would be spent to promote the integration of palm plantations, increase
palm oil production, and support growers' capabilities for gathering and processing palm nut
yields. Keep up-to-date with the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call
*451391000 to subscribe – 39 baht/month (7 days free, available in Thailand only) Bangkok Post
SMS News: Deliver only trustworthy news on SMS
Courtesy: The Bangkok Post
In Victory for Farmers, USDA Extends Base Acre and Yield
Update Deadline
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack announced a one month extension for producers to
update yield history and reallocate base acres for the new
commodity programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The
previous cutoff date had been today, but the new deadline is now
March 31, 2015."This flexibility provided by the department is
greatly appreciated by farmers in every state and region, but is especially important to those of us
in rice producing regions as we are already in the field preparing ground for this year's crop,"

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said John Owen, a Louisiana grower and Chairman of the USA Rice Federation Producers'
Group.
"Without this extension, thousands of farmers would not have the opportunity to align the new
programs with their most recent plantings and yields and would be substantially disadvantaged in
what looks to be a rough few years in farm country due to depressed commodity prices."If no
changes are made to yield history or base acres by March 31, 2015, the farm's current yield and
base will be used. Additionally, a program election of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made
by March 31, 2015, or there will be no 2014 payments for the farm and the farm will default to
PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year.
"I hope everyone takes these deadlines seriously," Owen said, "if all the owners and producers
involved in an operation aren't on the same page and haven't signed the proper documentation,
no financial assistance will be available for losses from last year's crop." Owen encouraged all
growers to visit or call their local FSA office today.
Contact: Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471
World Market Price Meeting Covers Reporting
Mechanisms, Thailand, South Korea and More
Keith Glover
WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday morning, the World Market Price
Subcommittee convened to discuss planting prospects for the coming
year, rice price reporting to National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), and trade issues facing the rice industry.Representatives
from NASS answered questions and clarified reporting guidelines.
ccurate reporting of prices received by farmers is especially important
this year for the successful execution of programs under the 2014
farm bill. "It is critically important the prices reported reflect what
farmers are actually receiving for their rice," said Subcommittee Chairman Keith Glover.
"This will ensure U.S. farmers enrolled in the new ARC/PLC programs will be covered for
losses due to uncontrollable price declines, which is the intent of the program." The U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) updated the group on the
ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. At the subcommittee's request, FAS also
shared information on Thai rice stocks and their Rice Paddy Pledging program as well as South
Korea's progress implementing new tariff rates.The 2013-15 USA Rice Foundation Leadership
Class also attended the meeting, having graduated from their two-year program earlier in the
week.

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They saw first-hand the variety of topics covered by the World Market Price subcommittee, and how
members work with government officials to tackle tough issues facing the U.S. rice industry.Chairman
Glover was pleased with the depth of topics discussed on Thursday, saying, "We expressed our most
sincere appreciation to USDA and NASS for working with the U.S. rice industry."
Contact: Kristen Dayton (703) 236-1464
USA Rice Launches Flickr Account: Get Up Close and
Personal with USA Rice
Calling all shutterbugs!
ARLINGTON, VA -- Ready for your close up? The USA Rice Federation
is launching its Flickr account, a popular website designed to optimize the
process of sharing photos publicly."Flickr is an effective way to organize
pictures into photo albums based on location and event," explained
Michael Klein, USA Rice's vice president for marketing, communications,
and domestic promotion."We're going to provide a structured platform for
USA Rice members, the media, and nutrition professionals to access and
download high resolution images that depict the many dimensions of the
rice industry.
"USA Rice's Flickr account debuts with an extensive array of pictures from
the recent Government Affairs Conference and will be frequently updated
with pictures of USA Rice conferences and events. Flickr will also serve as an exclusive,
behind-the-scenes look at the rice industry that will keep our members informed about
everything that is happening at USA Rice. Klein added he's looking forward to including images
of rice production to help tell the industry's story, and members are encouraged to submit
pictures from their rice operations for inclusion.To submit images for consideration, email
Colleen Klemczewski at cklem@usarice.com. A link to the Flickr account will be added to the
USA Rice website in an effort to make it easily accessible to USA Rice members and the public.
Contact: Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446
Japan Announces Results of 13th Ordinary Import Tender
in FY 2014

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Country of
Origin
Variety Number of
Importer
Quantity (MT) Participated
Bidders
Amount of
Bids (MT)
USA Non-glutinous
milled rice
(medium grain)
3 36,000 20 240,000
Thailand Non-glutinous
milled rice
(long grain)
3 14,856 17 92,568
Grand Total 6 50,856 37 332,568
Avg Price for
Successful Bids
JPY 94,736/mt
JPY 102,315/mt
(tax excluded)
(tax included)
Millers take brunt of blockade
700 rice mills in Pabna shut as transport cost goes up
Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, Pabna
Things may not seem that bad in the capital, but elsewhere
the almost two-month-long blockade coupled with
frequent hartal has hit every aspect of people's lives very
hard. With inter-district communications snapped,
businesses have come to a near-halt, education is in
tatters, farmers are counting heavy losses and people
venture out of their homes in constant panic. In this series,
we look at how the blockade and shutdown are affecting
public life outside Dhaka.
Three of the four mills in Joynagar village in Pabna were closed after the non-stop blockade began early last month. Photo: Star

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Like most businesses of the country, commercial rice milling in Pabna district has been hit hard
by the ongoing blockade and hartals by the anti-government alliance.Millers are counting hefty
losses due to a sharp rise in transportation cost and drop in sales.As a result, around 700 out of
800 rice mills in one of the largest rice producing districts of the country have been closed after
the BNP-led alliance began the countrywide transport blockade on January 6, said Idris Ali
Bishwas, president of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.
Over 10,000 people have lost their jobs in the
process, he told The Daily Star recently."Due to
the shortage of transports, processed rice could
not be sent to markets across the country. On the
other hand, millers could not bring paddy from
the wholesale markets to their mills," said Main
Uddin, district food controller of Pabna.The
district's Ishwardi upazila alone has 650 rice
mills, over 500 mills of which have been shut
down since the blockade began, said Fazlur Rahman Malitha, president of Ishwardi Rice
Producers' Association.
The mill, is now open but operating with 10 people, half its usual workforce. The photos were taken a few days ago. Photo: Star
He said rice millers are incurring huge losses due to the fall in prices of rice. The rising volume
of import of rice from India also dealt another blow.Miller Touhidul Islam of Joynagar village
said he had lost Tk 2 lakh as his mill was closed from January 10 to February 20."Over 200
sacks of rice, processed early January, have remained stacked in my warehouse. I cannot sell
them due to a shortage of transports. As I could not sell rice, I can't buy paddy. So, I had to keep
my mill closed."
However, Touhid last week bought some paddy in Jessore, but he had to count the transport cost
twice the usual rate as most truck owners are not operating their vehicles, fearing attacks by
blockaders. Opposition blockaders have firebombed and damaged over a thousand vehicles in
their bid to cripple the country's communications and supply networks.And those, who are
operating vehicles defying the odds, are charging double the normal fare.
"Due to the rise in transport cost, the production cost of each sack of rice has increased by Tk
200-300," Touhid said. "On the other hand, local retailers are reluctant to pay the additional
price. Rather, they are going for the cheaper rice imported from India."At retail level, imported
coarse rice is being sold at Tk 28-29 per kg while the local variety is being sold at Tk 35-36 per
kg.

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What's worse for Touhid is that he could not pay the installments of bank loans."In a normal
situation, I would earn Tk 2 lakh a month. But now I earn nothing," he said, urging the political
parties to resolve the current crisis as quickly as possible for the sake of businesses.Mizanur
Rahman Babu, also from Joynagar, has kept his mill shut for two weeks now."If I run the mill, I
would face a loss of Tk 1.5-2 lakh every month. But if the mill is closed, then the loss will be Tk
30,000-40,000 … So, it is better to keep the mill shut,” said Mizan.
The rice millers fear they would face an even direr situation if the political stalemate
continues."If the [political] situation does not become normal soon, most rice millers would face
huge financial losses, as they have to repay bank loans even if there is no production at all," said
Idris of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.
http://www.thedailystar.net/millers-take-brunt-of-blockade-67000
First Global Pesticide Runoff Map Shows Streams At Risk
Posted by News Editor in At Risk, Latest News, RSS, Water on February 27, 2015 3:19 pm
LEIPZIG, Germany, February 27,
2015 (ENS) – The application of
insecticides poisons streams in roughly
40 percent of the global land surface,
new research reveals. Streams in the
United States, the Mediterranean,
Central America and Southeast Asia are
most at risk.These findings are drawn
from the first global map to be modeled
on insecticide runoff to surface waters,
which has just been published in the
journal “Environmental Pollution” by an
international team of scientists.
Application of pesticide on the West Bank (Photo courtesy Helmholtz Center)
Until now the global extent of the
potential water pollution from the
application of insecticides has remained
largely unknown, according to the
authors, who are researchers from the
Helmholtz Center for Environmental
Research and the University of
Koblenz-Landau together with
scientists from the University of Milan,
Aarhus University and Aachen

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University. “Our analysis provides a global map of hotspots for insecticide contamination that
are a major risk for biodiversity in water bodies.
To our knowledge this is the first study that assesses insecticide contamination of water bodies
on a global scale,” says Professor Dr. Matthias Liess from the Helmholtz Center, who serves on
the scientific advisory board for Germany’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Use of Plant
Protection Products.The authors estimate that about four million tons of agricultural pesticides
are applied annually around the world, equating to an average of 0.27 kilograms per hectare of
the global land surface.Pesticide contamination of streams kills their invertebrate inhabitants
such as insects, crustaceans, snails and worms. These small creatures are often used as indicators
of the health of streams.“We know from earlier investigations that pesticides can reduce the
biodiversity of invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems by up to 42 percent and that we can expect
an increased application of pesticides as a result of climate change,” explains Dr. Liess.
Pesticide is applied to an Egyptian tomato field. (Photo by Mohamad Khedr)
He warns also of an increase in the application of pesticides in many developing countries as
farmers switch from traditional agricultural practices to more intensive ones.The researchers
produced several world maps. The vulnerability map only takes into account the geographic and
climatic background.The risk map shows the risks from this natural vulnerability through human
land use.“The risks of insecticide exposure to water bodies increased significantly the further
South one travelled on a North-South gradient in Europe, North America and Asia, mainly
driven by a higher insecticide application rate as a result of higher average temperatures,” said
Dr. Mira Kattwinkel, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and
Technology.
Because the economy and the population are growing rapidly in many countries of the southern
hemisphere, scientists expect a higher insecticide application rate in those countries in the future
to cover an increase in agricultural production.Daily rainfall intensity, terrain slope, and
insecticide application rate play an equally important role as well as the crops cultivated,”
explains junior professor Dr. Ralf Schäfer from the University of Koblenz-Landau.“In order to
test such complex models, we therefore carried out control measurements of insecticide
contamination in freshwater ecosystems from four different regions,” he said.In Southeast Asia,
countries such as the Philippines or Vietnam are greatly affected.
Helmholtz Center researchers are looking into solutions for such regions together with the
International Rice Research Institute, in an attempt to reduce pesticide application rates.One
approach could be to revitalize the functioning of ecosystems so that the natural competitors of
rice pests can help to avoid their mass reproduction and subsequent harvest yield losses.In
another approach, buffer zones along the edges of water bodies where chemicals are not applied
can reduce the negative impacts of pesticides.The researchers intend to use the global map to
sensitize citizens and authorities about this issue in vulnerable regions and to stimulate local
investigations.

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http://ens-newswire.com/2015/02/27/first-global-pesticide-runoff-map-shows-streams-at-risk/
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 27
Month Price Net Change
March 2015 $10.470 + $0.085
May 2015 $10.745 + $0.090
July 2015 $11.985 + $0.085
September 2015 $11.060 + $0.085
November 2015 $11.255 + $0.115
January 2016 $11.345 + $0.115
March 2016 $11.345 + $0.115
APEDA Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-
02-2015
APEDA Statistics
Today's Leads
Seller Leads Buyer Leads

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Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-02-2015
Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs/Qtl
Product Market Center Variety
Min
Price
Max Price
Maize
1 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1450 1450
2 Bellary (Karnataka) Local 1201 1286
3 Saharsa (Bihar) Other 1310 1400
Paddy(Dhan)
1 Borsad (Gujarat) Other 1200 1400
2 Kota (Rajasthan) Other 1381 2214
3 Saharsa(Bihar) Other 1360 1400
Pine Apple
1 Chala (Kerala) Other 1800 1850
2 Sirhind(Punjab) Other 2000 2800
3 Kangra(Himachal Pradesh) Other 2800 3000
Brinjal
1 Attingal (Kerala) Other 1500 2000
2 Angul (Orissa) Other 1000 1500
3 Gumla(Jharkhand) Other 1000 1600
Source: agmarknet for more products
Egg Rs per 100 No.
Price on 26-02-2015

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Product Market Center Price
1 Mysore 283
2 Nagapur 246
3 Namakkal 255
Source: e2necc.com
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 26-02-2015
Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price
Garlic
1 Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1800
2 Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 2000
3 Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1300
Ginger
1 Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 4600
2 Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
5100
3 Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 3000
Guar Gum Powder
1 Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 4230
2 Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 1550
3 Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 2950
Source:agra-net for more products
Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ / package
Price on 26-02-2015
Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High
Potatoes
Package: 50 lb cartons

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1 Atlanta
Colorado
Russet 21 21.50
2
Baltimore Idaho Russet
22.50 24
3
Chicago Idaho
Russet 18 20
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1 Atlanta
Mexico Long Seedless
12 13.50
2
Chicago Canada
Long Seedless 13.50 13.50
3
Dallas California
Long Seedless 21 21
Grapes
Package: 4/5 bushel cartons
1 Atlanta
Peru Red Globe
20.50 21.50
2
More from this Week's Government Affairs Conference
USA Rice Producers' Chairman
John Owen presents
Rice Industry Champion Award
to Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and
USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley at
USA Rice-DU luncheon

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Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA)
meets with Louisiana delegation Carl Brothers briefing
House Ways & Means staff
Keith Glover and Nolan Canon
Chuck Wilson (third from left)
enjoys lunch with the
Rice Leadership Class
Rice Leadership Class at
GAC General Session From left: Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR)
with AR producers Steve Orlicek and
Joe Mencer

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Chris Crutchfield and Todd Burich take a load off at the end of GAC
Devant: 500 acres in Felicity for rice farming
By Joel Julien joel.julien@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 26, 2015 at 9:51 PM ECT
FIVE hundred acres of land in Central Trinidad previously earmarked to house a military
hospital and support battalion for the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment have now been approved
for rice produc-tion, Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj has said.The land has the
potential of producing some $6 million worth of rice, Maharaj said.Maharaj made the
announcement at the weekly post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in
St Clair yesterday.The land in question, which is located in Felicity, Chaguanas, was previously
owned by Caroni 1975 Ltd.
“Cabinet approved 500 acres of agricultural lands at Felicity, Chaguanas, to be utilised by the
Ministry (of Food Production) for rice cultivation. Under the Ministry’s Food Production Action
Plan 2012-2015, rice has been identified as a key staple to betargeted for increased local
production,” Maharaj said.“One of the main approaches taken to ramp up this production is to
increase the land area under rice production by utilising all available potential rice-growing
areas,” he said.Maharaj said the area in question was previously allocated to the Ministry of
National Security but because nothing has been done with it, Cabinet instead opted to hand the
land over to the Food Production Ministry.“The parcel of land formerly owned by Caroni 1975
Limited was previously allocated to the Ministry of National Security in 2006 for the
establishment of the support and service battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and
military hospital,” Maharaj said.
“However since then to now, no action has been taken with respect to further development and
the land remainedunderutilised,” he said. Maharaj said the soil in the area is “ideally suited” for
rice cultivation.“The Ministry of Food Production has identified that the soil type in this area
consists of Frederick and Bejucal clays, which have been identified by soil scientists as ideally
suited for rice cultivation,” Maharaj said.“When brought into commercial rice cultivation, this
500-acre parcel of land can produce some 2,800 tonnes of paddy or an equivalent of 1,700 tonnes
of rice, valued at approximately $6 million,” he said.

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Maharaj said this will have a “significant impact” on the local rice industry.“This will indeed
have a significant impact on the local rice industry and directly and indirectly through the
various activities associated with bringing these lands into full commercial rice production,” he
said.Maharaj said the Food Production Ministry was currently working with the Water and
Sewerage Authority (WASA) to rectify the water woes currently being experienced by local rice
farmers.
www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Devant-500-acres-in-Felicity-for-rice-farming-294305261.html
Armed militias in Karachi not acceptable: Nawaz
* PM says ongoing operation in Karachi will not be abandoned half way; peace will be
restored in city by 2018 * Power of gun rests with government, not militants
APP
February 27, 2015
KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday
that armed militias in Karachi are not acceptable.He said the
ongoing operation in the port city would not be left half way
and would continue till its logical end. Addressing the
inauguration ceremony of Ninth Expo Pakistan here, the prime
minister said the government was firm in eradicating militancy
and had decided to take solid steps to ensure peace in the country.
The prime minister said the decisive moment had come to bring Karachi’s peace back and make
the city free from the hold of militants. “We are determined that the power of gun would rest
with the government, not with the militants,” he said. He vowed that Karachi would soon be rid
of major crimes including kidnapping for ransom.The prime minister mentioned Zarb-e-Azb
operation being successfully carried out in North Waziristan, and said the decision for this
operation should have been taken much earlier. He said peace in the country would guarantee
economic revival and prosperity. To the foreign investors attending the Expo Pakistan, Sharif
said Pakistan was successfully encountering the spillover security challenges. “Pakistan is
swiftly been brought back to normalcy,” Sharif said and urged the businessmen to set up
industrial units in Pakistan and benefit from the investment-friendly environment. The Prime
Minister said Pakistan would overcome its energy crisis by the end of 2017.
Nawaz Sharif Thursday said his government was committed to make Pakistan the preferred
destination for business and hoped in next three years the country’s exports would rise to US 50
billion. Addressing the launch of Expo Pakistan, country’s biggest trade fair, showcasing largest
collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services, he said that Pakistan was a land of

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business opportunities. “We offer our foreign buyers a very competitive sourcing option. The
captains of our industry have carved out their niche in the world market due to their production
efficiencies and business ethics.”The Prime Minister said his government was dedicated and
committed to economic development of Pakistan.
“I and my team are actively engaged to bring in long term reforms in socio-economic sectors of
Pakistan. We are well aware of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and will do our utmost
to vindicate the trust reposed in us,” the Prime Minister said. He said owing to consistent efforts,
his government has succeeded in enhancing Pakistan’s exports to its highest ever turnover of
over US $ 25 billion during the fiscal year 2013-14.
“I am sure our entrepreneurs will maintain and further accelerate this growth momentum to
achieve export level of US$ 50 billion within three years,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime
Minister said that the government recently approved its Textile Policy, aimed at doubling exports
of textiles and clothing sector from existing US$ 13 billion to US$ 26 billion by the year 2019.
He said that Asia was gradually emerging as the new global economic hub and Pakistan was
fortunate to be located in the high economic growth neighbourhood. He said that Pakistan was
currently not part of this highly competitive economic growth activity but was fully resolved to
achieve a similar target. The prime minister particularly highlighted the performance of Pakistani
textile and apparel industry and said it was considered amongst the world’s leaders.
The bed sheets, quilt covers, T-shirts and jeans produced in Pakistan were sold at international
leading chain stores from discounters to upscale outlets and under leading brand names. Prime
Minister said that Pakistan has modern rice milling and processing industry and its exotic
Basmati rice has made its mark in the world market. All these production advantages offer
“unlimited business opportunities” that has been aptly chosen as the slogan of EXPO Pakistan.
He said as an incentive to adding profitability to business ventures, Pakistan has effectively
negotiated the bilateral, multilateral and pluri-lateral trading arrangements with many regions
and countries in the world enabling its products to enter the foreign markets at lower tariffs. In
this regard he mentioned the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) that was in operation
and aimed at liberalizing trade with its South Asian neighbors.
Courtesy:http://pakistanlink.org/Headlines/Feb15/27/08.htm

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