2nd december,2020 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
2nd
December ,2020 Vol 11 Issue 11
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…
 Bühler introduces LALA pick-up rice cleaner
 ARDB calls for assistance to rice farmers
 You Don’t Need to Worry About the New Ebola-Like Virus If You Live
in the U.S.
 USA Rice Goes Wild in the UK
 Rice Exchange announces first trades, including Meskay & Femtee
from Pakistan
 Pakistan Market Monitor Report - November 2020
 My Turn | Water Woes (Part 2)
 USC Changes Its Trademark To Meet Customers' Satisfaction
 Pakistan, China need to collaborate on cotton research
 UN Chief Condemns Killing Of Rice Farmers In Nigeria
 Rice farmers count losses as prices drop
 Pres. Moon’s plan to provide rice to N. Korea is canceled
 Guyana wants Panama to pay rice debt
 World shocked at massacre of 110 rice farm workers in Nigeria
 UN chief denounces murder of rice farmers in Nigeria
 Rice farmers count losses as prices drop
 Madagascar Key Message Update: Below average rainfall
compromises the beginning of rice plantation in Southern Highlands
 Kingdom exports more than 600,000 tonnes of milled rice in the first
11 months
 Thai gov't approves further budget to assist rice farmers amid
plummeting price
 Economists, farmers decry Bangladesh’s rice import decision
 INDIA'S JAN-OCT RICE EXPORTS JUMP 43% Y/Y TO 11.95 MLN T- GOVT
 Indonesia: Seasonal Climate and Vegetation Monitoring Outlook -
Special Focus: Potential Impacts of La Niña (October - December
2020)
 3 provinces in W. Visayas surpass 100% rice production
 India's Jan-Oct rice exports jump 43% y/y to 11.95 million tonnes:
Government data
 Benefits of rice water for the skin
 Boost To Bunyala Rice Farmers As An Agro-Mechanisation Hub Is
Launched

News Detail…
Bühler introduces LALA pick-up rice cleaner
Bühler‘s LALA pick-up cleaner. Photo courtesy of Bühler.
12.01.2020
By Susan Reidy
UZWIL, SWITZERLAND — Bühler has developed the LALA pick-up cleaner, a paddy pre-
cleaner.
The machine consists of two core components. The first is a vibrating sieve that separates long
impurities from the freshly harvested paddy, while the second is a rake unit in the back of the
machine that picks up the impurities at the end of the sieve, which prevents the sieves from
getting frequently clogged. The unique pick-up design allows the efficient removal of long
impurities — making it the heart of the LALA pick-up cleaner.

With the highly automated LALA pick-up cleaner rice mills can save on manpower by
reallocating workers previously assigned to picking up the impurities, and fewer full-time
machine operators are required. This not only applies for the LALA, but also for downstream
machinery.
The LALA pick-up cleaner also has a highly effective performance on wet paddy — for example
at a product moisture of 28% the LALA can guarantee a throughput rate of 25 tph. Unlike other
paddy pre-cleaners, the LALA has a fully enclosed design that reduces dust emissions and
assures workplace safety.
The spacious design makes it extremely easy to clean and maintain. Most importantly, however,
the LALA successfully removes up to 80% of long impurities like straws and bag strings from
freshly harvested paddy, preventing costly downtime caused by clogged machinery.
For even more pre-cleaning results the LALA pick-up cleaner can e com ined with a Bühler
SMA screening machine. During a second pre-cleaning step the SMA then removes stones,
broken grains and dust with its two sieve layers and aspiration.
https://www.world-grain.com/articles/14544-b%C3%BChler-introduces-lala-pick-up-rice-cleaner
ARDB calls for assistance to rice farmers
Soth Koemsoeun | Publication date 02 December 2020 | 08:20 ICT
Some farmers face labour and equipment shortages leading to a decline in harvest collections. Hong Menea
The Agricultural and Rural Development Bank of Cambodia (ARDB) has called on authorities
and volunteers to assist farmers in rice harvest.
In its November 29 appeal, the bank said while some farmers are collecting aromatic rice and
jasmine rice in time, farmers in other areas face labour and equipment shortages leading to a fall
in harvest collection and subsequent decline in rice prices.
According to the ARDB, farmers lack combine harvesters due to demand. The situation has led
to a three-fold harvester price increase over last year.
If the situation continues and shortages prolong, rice will be overripe and lose its quality and
prices will decline.
ARDB officials called on local armed forces stationed near farms to help harvest rice
immediately to ease the potential economic pitfalls.

―[The ARDB] would like to call on com ine harvester operators not to raise prices and please
maintain the same fees. The bank hopes members of the armed forces and youth volunteers will
join in solidarity to ease the difficulties of farmers ‖ it said.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries spokesman Srey Vuthy could not be reached for
comment on December 1.
Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak said on December 1 the call was to get parties on
board to respond to the problem.
―The ARDB working group should work with local authorities at this time to help farmers in an
expression of solidarity.
―We welcome this call. Over the years we have helped farmers who lacked the ability to collect
rice. We‘ve helped harvest rice with our own hands ‖ he said.
Phim Sreyleak, a representative of farmers in Kampot province, said some farmers there are
gradually collecting rice. She said some were able to hire tractors or combine harvesters while
others lacked the ability to do so and still used hand labour force, threshing rice stalks with their
own hands and using cattle to transport rice stalks.
―I would like to call on relevant authorities to help stop the decline in rice prices when farmers
collect rice yields. I also ask combine harvesters not to raise fees too much because in Kampot,

the fees have been raised to 400,000 riel ($99) per hectare while last year it was only 350,000
riel ‖ she said.
Theng Savoeun, director of the NGO Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC), said
on December 1 that if there are only calls without preparing management systems to help
farmers, the authorities still cannot help solve their problems in a timely manner. They should
help intervene in the prices of rice and machinery to collect rice yields.
He said authorities must prepare a strategy to encourage or impose conditions on owners or rice
mills and brokers who receive loans from the ARDB so that they help buy rice from farmers at
an affordable price. By so doing, he said farmers would get profits to offset spending.
―I don‘t know yet how the authorities can help ease farmers‘ difficulties ecause most listen only
to the orders of the government or their own institutions ‖ he said.
Savoeun said if the authorities do not help farmers collect rice yields on time, the quality of rice
will be affected.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ardb-calls-assistance-rice-farmers
You Don‘t Need to Worry A out the New E ola-Like
Virus If You Live in the U.S.
By
Korin Miller
Fact checked by
James Lacy
November 30,
Key Takeaways
 The Chapare virus, which is similar to the Ebola virus, recently caused a small outbreak
in Bolivia. Scientists have discovered that it can spread from person-to-person.
 There is no known treatment for the Chapare virus.
 Experts say that people living in the United States do not have to worry about the new
Ebola-like virus unless they will be traveling to places like Bolivia where the virus has
been found.
Scientists have discovered that a deadly virus found in South America that causes similar
symptoms to Ebola can spread from person to person. Researchers from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) presented their research on the Chapare virus at the annual
meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.1

The research also presented early evidence about the species of rodent that carries the Chapare
virus. The findings included information on how the rodents can spread the virus to humans
directly or to other animals that can then infect humans.
What This Means For You
If you‘re not planning to travel to Bolivia any time soon there‘s really no reason to worry a out
the Chapare virus. However if you do travel to the country it‘s a good idea to at least e aware
of the symptoms and take preventative steps to stay safe.
What Is the Chapare Virus?
While the Chapare virus is largely a mystery, the researchers discovered new clues using data
from five infections that occurred near La Paz in Bolivia in 2019. Three of those infections were
fatal.2
Before the recent Chapare virus cases emerged, the only known outbreak of the disease was a
small cluster in Bolivia's Chapare Province in 2003.
The most recent outbreak led infectious disease experts from Bolivia's Ministry of Health, the
CDC, and the Pan-American Health Organization to dive into the origins of the disease. They
also developed a new diagnostic test for the virus.
"Our work confirmed that a young medical resident, an ambulance medic, and a
gastroenterologist all contracted the virus after encounters with infected patients—and two of
these healthcare workers later died," Caitlin Cossaboom, DVM, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist
with the CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a press release.
"We now believe many bodily fluids can potentially carry the virus."
Ebola: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The researchers found evidence that the medical resident who died from the virus may have been
infected while she was suctioning saliva from a patient. The ambulance medic who was infected
and survived was likely infected when he resuscitated the medical resident as she was being
transported to the hospital once she developed symptoms.
The CDC's research on the human-to-human transmission of the virus highlights the importance
of making sure that healthcare providers (and anyone else who interacts with patients) avoid
contact with anything that could be contaminated with blood, urine, saliva, or semen.
The researchers also detected viral RNA in the semen of one survivor 168 days after infection,
raising the possibility of sexual transmission.

Are There Other Viruses Like Ebola?
Should You Worry?
If you live in the United States, how likely is it that you would come into contact with the
Chapare virus? ―It‘s very rare ‖ Richard Watkins, MD, an infectious disease physician in Akron,
Ohio, and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tells
Verywell.
According to the CDC, the only documented outbreaks of CHHF have occurred in select regions
of Bolivia.3
Watkins adds that arenaviruses similar to Chaparae that have caused disease in
humans have been found in other areas of South America.
Vaccines You Might Need Before Traveling
Watkins says that Americans shouldn‘t stress over the Chapare virus. Out reaks of the virus
have been limited and occurred many years apart, meaning a pandemic is likely not imminent.
However if you‘re planning to travel to Bolivia the CDC recommends that you stay clear of
areas that are infested with rodents and avoid touching the bodily fluids of people who are sick.4
How Does the Chapare Virus Spread?
The Chapare virus causes Chapare hemorrhagic fever (CHHF), a viral fever that leads to
bleeding.5
The Chapare virus is a member of the arenavirus family, a class of viruses that usually
spreads to people through direct contact with infected rodents or indirectly through the urine or
feces of an infected rodent.
People can reathe in the virus after it's een stirred up in the air or when they eat food that‘s
been contaminated with urine, saliva, or droppings from infected rodents.
An infected person can spread the illness to other people through their bodily fluids or during
medical procedures that aerosolize the infected person‘s odily fluids like CPR and intu ation.5
It‘s not clear which type of rodent usually spreads the Chapare virus ut researchers have
detected the virus in pigmy rice rats and small-eared pigmy rice rats near La Paz.
Symptoms of Chapare Virus
Once someone is infected with the Chapare virus, it can take between four and 21 days to
develop symptoms.6
The symptoms of Chapare hemorrhagic fever include:

 Fever
 Headache
 Joint and muscle pain
 Pain behind the eyes
 Stomach pain
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Bleeding gums
 Rash
 Irritability
Chapare virus has a high fatality rate: 60% of patients died in the most recent outbreak.6
Chapare Virus Treatment
There is no definitive treatment for the Chapare virus.7
However, the CDC says that medical personnel should try to keep patients comfortable.
Interventions that can be used as supportive care include:
 Providing hydration and managing shock
 Offering sedation and pain reli
 ef
 Giving blood transfusions (if needed)
Is the Ebola Viruses Mutating?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/bolivia-chapare-virus-outbreak-human-transmission-5088925
USA Rice Goes Wild in the UK
By Sarah Moran
ARLINGTON, VA -- USA Rice held its annual meeting with the California Wild Rice Advisory Board
and the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council earlier today to discuss the 2020 wild rice marketing
program and plans for 2021.
On behalf of the wild rice industry, USA Rice receives $60,000 from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Market Access Program (MAP) to promote wild rice overseas. Last year, more than 9,000
tons of wild rice was grown in the U.S. and nearly 4,000 tons was exported to 37 countries worldwide.
"The United Kingdom (UK) is the largest export market for U.S. wild rice, bringing in about 15 percent
of U.S. wild rice exports," said Eszter Somogyi, USA Rice director for Europe, Middle East and Africa,
who also manages the wild rice portfolio. "Over the past year, USA Rice has conducted UK retail
promotions supporting local brands that source U.S. wild rice and identify U.S. origin, created social
media posts to raise consumer awareness about U.S. wild rice, and promoted e-commerce sales, which

has substantially increased in the UK in 2020."
Recently, USA Rice teamed up with UK celebrity chef Peter Sidwell to produce recipe videos of all types
of U.S. rice, including wild rice and wild rice/white rice mixes. These videos have been used in consumer
and foodservice promotions to increase visibility and awareness of U.S. wild
rice.
"In discussing promotion plans for 2021, the wild rice industry has decided to continue to focus
efforts on the largest export market, the United Kingdom," said Somogyi. "We will continue to
engage with consumers and foodservice in the UK through digital media and retail promotions,
and we are planning to work with the UK brands that source U.S. wild rice, seeking their
commitment through both development of effective marketing plans and their financial
contributions to the promotions." ‗
USA DailyRice

Rice Exchange announces first trades including Meskay
& Femtee from Pakistan
Web Desk
06:37 PM | 30 Nov, 2020
LONDON/ SINGAPORE/ LAHORE - The first three international rice trades have
been concluded on the Rice Exchange platform. The value of each of the trades ranged between
US$250,000 and US$2 million.
Having gone live at the end of September 2020, multiple buyers and sellers of rice from around
the world are registered on the platform and trading.
These customers also have direct platform access to Maersk and Ducat Maritime for shipping,
Cotecna and ISC for inspection services and Siaci Saint Honore for insurance. The Rice
Exchange platform was built by Fujitsu using Hyperledger Fabric technology.
The first three trades were between:
o Wisdom Grain Pte in Singapore and a buyer in Europe
o KLA Group from India and a buyer in Burkina Faso
o Meskay & Femtee from Pakistan and a buyer in West Africa
o
―Rice Exchange is revolutionizing the glo al rice market the most important agricultural
commodity in the world ‖ says Stephen Edkins CEO and Founder of Rice Exchange. ―These
first trades show that the global rice trade is looking for new ways of doing business that is
modern digital and trustworthy.‖
Rice Exchange is a pioneering, blockchain-based commodity trading platform, focused on the
maritime rice trade. It connects buyers and sellers of rice from over 60 countries. By the end of

2020 up to 20% of the buyers and sellers of the US$20 billion a year international rice market
will be active on the platform.
Mr Lakshya Agarwal, CEO of KLA Group in India commented: ―We on oarded as soon as the
Rice Exchange platform was live and within a few days we concluded our first deal with a new
buyer with whom we connected via the platform. The contract was created within seconds of
concluding the deal and our trusted inspection company, Cotecna, received an automated
notification. The Rice Exchange platform is well-designed and saves time and money when
executing a rice trade and we expect to conclude more deals in coming days.‖
Rice is the main daily calorie intake for over 4 billion people around the world. Some 1 billion
people depend on rice for their livelihoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global rice markets
seized up because the rice trade is paper-based, low on trust and prone to fraud. Rice Exchange
solves these problems as it allows buyers and sellers to meet, negotiate, discuss terms, and
transact on a fully digital platform.
―I have een in the glo al rice market for 35 years and it is extremely gratifying to see these first
trades, as well as to see all the other customers who have signed up to the platform ‖ says Frank
Gouverneur COO and Founder of Rice Exchange. ―This is just the eginning of the digital
transformation of the world‘s most important food.‖
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/30-Nov-2020/rice-exchange-announces-first-trades-including-
meskay-femtee-from-pakistan
Pakistan Market Monitor Report - November 2020
Format
Situation Report
Source
 WFP

Posted
30 Nov 2020
Originally published
30 Nov 2020
Attachments
 Download document(PDF | 841.27 KB)
HIGHLIGHTS
• In Octo er 2020 the average retail prices for wheat and wheat flour increased y 5.4% and
3.8%, respectively, while the prices of rice Irri-6 and rice Basmati increased by 0.4% and
0.1%, respectively, when compared to the previous month;
• Headline inflation ased on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased in Octo er 2020 y
1.70% over September 2020 and increased by 8.91% over October 2019;
• The prices of staple cereals and non-cereal food commodities in October 2020 experienced
negligible to slight fluctuations, except for live chicken and eggs which experienced
significant price increases when compared to the previous month‘s prices;
• In Octo er 2020 the average ToT slightly decreased by 3.6% from the previous month;

• In Novem er 2020 the total glo al wheat production for 2020/21 is projected at 772.38
million MT, indicating a decrease of 0.7 million MT compared to the projection made in
October 2020.
https://reliefweb.int/report/pakistan/pakistan-market-monitor-report-november-2020
My Turn | Water Woes (Part 2)
BY JESUS QUITAIN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020
JESUS V. QUITAIN
THE cause of Asia‘s water trou le is the Himalayan Mountains which give water to 8 ig rivers:
the big Mekong river which initially streams through China goes along down to Laos, Cambodia
and Vietnam before emptying in the Tonkin gulf; the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra which
flows inside India; while the Yellow and Yangtze rivers run through China alone. India‘s 1
billion 500 million plus people rely on the Ganges and Brahmaputra river for rice irrigation.
China‘s 1 illion 300 million plus rely on the Yangtze, Yellow and Amur (Manchuria) waters for
their ricelands. The rivers are inside their territories so there is no problem.
The Indus river passes through India before it runs the entire length of Pakistan. India in the
1980‘s egan uilding dams for electricity, farming, drinking and sanitation tapping Indus
water. And today they are adding more dams. Pakistan, because of lack of planning, foresight or
political will did not put dams during the same period. Now it is complaining that India‘s many
dams have reduced Indus water for Pakistan to slow streams. Since 1947, India and Pakistan had
fought several times. The biggest problem is that aside from China and North Korea, Pakistan
and India had successfully tested nuclear om s in the 1990‘s. If they go to war using nuclear
bombs, the radioactive fall out will affect the whole world. Compounding this matter is the
Kashier area which is being claimed by both countries.
The Mekong river in the Himalayas passes first to China then to three nations, Laos, Cambodia,
and Vietnam. The four nations should be the only states involved in the Mekong water issue.
However world security and politics are involved. The world‘s top rice exporters are Thailand
and Vietnam. The world‘s top rice importers are Indonesia, with a population of about 250
million, and our own country, the Philippines, with 100 million plus people. They are followed
by China, India, Pakistan and Africa. If Vietnam or Thailand rice production is reduced because
of lack of water for irrigation there will e less rice to sell. If the world‘s top rice importers
cannot buy Thailand or Vietnam rice there will be less imported rice for us and the other nations
which could lead to hunger and trouble.
There are two possible scenarios: A) Internally. Prolong hunger will lead to unrest, protests,
anger, revolution. B. Externally. War over water between neighboring states. The problem began
in the 1990‘s when China uilt dams in the Mekong river inside their area called Lancang Kiang
when they switched from coal power electricity which is a major cause of world pollution and
global warming to safer and cleaner hydropower. Today they have six giant dams there
producing 15,000 megawatts. Projecting a need for more electricity for their expanding industry
and agriculture, China plans to construct more dams.
In the 2000s China and Laos agreed to tap Mekong as it passed through Laos with China‘s
financing and technical know-how. Today, Laos is selling electricity from their two giant dams

on Don Sahong and Xayaburi to Thailand and is planning to compete with Thailand and Vietnam
in exporting rice. As of 2018, Mekong and its tributaries have 40 dams. With foresight, the four
nations along Mekong created the Lancang Mekong mechanism to resolve water disputes but it
has not stopped the construction of dams. Vietnam and Cambodia being at the end of the
Mekong flow has complained for the last 5 years that it is getting less water for their rice lands.
If Vietnam‘s rice produce goes down Thailand alone cannot export rice enough to feed the
people of India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Africa and the Philippines, which has a total
population of 3 billion plus. Without knowing it, the Asean nations have dragged into the
Mekong whirlpool because the Indonesian and Philippine yearly rice shortages are filled by
Vietnam and Thailand rice.
There are 6 critical commonalities in the 4 global water flashpoints, in Africa, Middle East, Indus
Valley, and the Asean: 1) The populations of the states in the flashpoints keep getting bigger
every year. This plus great pressure to produce more food 2) Commercial freshwater fishing is
almost zero except in Mekong meaning less food in Africa, Middle East and Indus Valley. 3)
Global warming equals longer droughts meaning less food crops 4) Global warming create hotter
weather resulting in bigger and heavier storms leading to bigger floods. The bad news is,
Australia‘s New South Wales University studies show glo al warming reduces water moisture in
the soil. The very thirsty soil quickly absorbs excess remains from storms. Thus, floodwaters
which should run to rural areas, rivers, creeks and other waterways are reduced. This causes
water shortages in the drams. Not enough electricity and less water for agricultural crops and
farms means food production shortages which could lead to higher food prices, hoarding, and
social unrest. 5) Plenty of fresh clean water equals good health and sanitation. Dirty stagnant
waters lead to water-borne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, and others. 6) In 2018, retired US
military officials released a study that ―xx water stress defined as a shortage of fresh water is a
growing factor in the world hot spots and conflict areas xx.‖ Water will either lead to war or e
the number one catalyst for war.
Postscript: Drink plenty of clean water while they last. Bottoms up!
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/12/01/my-turn-water-woes-part-2/
USC Changes Its Trademark To Meet Customers'
Satisfaction
Tue 01st December 2020 | 12:47 PM
he Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) Tuesday changed its trademark to meet
customers' satisfaction across the country
ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Dec, 2020 ) :The
Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) Tuesday changed its trademark to meet
customers' satisfaction across the country.

Managing Director USC, Umer Lodhi announced the change in USC trademark to
rebrand it in the eyes of all stakeholders, with an effort to modernize Utility Stores across
the country, said a press release issued here by the USC.
Managing Director said that the new logo envisages corporation dynamic approach towards
making Utility Stores better able to meet customer satisfaction.
The shift from red and yellow to orange, green and olive green depicts a friendly, confident and
growth-oriented message. Lastly, the shopping cart speaks for itself giving USC a modern brand
image.
"In our efforts to uplift standards of services at all utility stores across the country and ensuring
provision of grocery items at prices lower than the open market, we have taken many initiatives
including change in USC Trademark", said Umer Lodhi.
Umer Lodhi reiterated that USC is providing five staple food items (Wheat Flour, Pulses, Rice,
Ghee and Sugar) at subsidized rates, successfully transferring Government's subsidy to the
people of Pakistan.

Managing Director informed that since January, 2020 USC has served 40.28 million households
by ensuring supply of staple food items at subsidized rates.
He said that Sugar remains available in utility stores at Rs.68 per kilogram, Wheat Flour at
Rs.800 per 20 kilogram, Ghee at Rs.170 per kilogram, Super Basmati Rice at Rs.140 per
kilogram, Sella Rice at Rs.139 per kilogram, Dal Channa at Rs.130 per kilogram, White Gram at
Rs.115 per kilogram throughout the year-2020.
He informed that a pilot project of deployment of Point of Sale (POS) system is successfully
executed at 10 utility stores and we have successfully completed data transformation of all USC
saleable items with barcodes to be used with warehousing and POS system.
Umer Lodhi expected that USC would achieve another milestone of acquiring approximately Rs.
100 billion turn over till year end as USC has previously achieved Rs. 22 Billion, highest ever
sales in USC history during the month of Ramadan.
The rebranding and automation would also motivate USC employees to work for betterment of
USC and would re-position the Corporation in retail sector, expects Managing Director.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/usc-changes-its-trademark-to-meet-customers-1101261.html
Pakistan, China need to collaborate on cotton research
News Desk
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Pakistan, China need to collaborate with each other to exchange cotton germplasms, so as to
share knowledge and scientific approaches for having quality yield.
This colla oration is imperative as Pakistan doesn‘t have cotton that is suita le for machine
picking and China‘s cotton is not that resistant to heat and drought ‖ said Muhammad Tehseen
Azhar, a Faculty member of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), and Lecturer-Chair of Germplasm and Genetic Stocks, ICGI.
The Gwadar Pro quoted him as having said, that lack of technology in Pakistan could be
pro lematic for some time. ―Pakistan is still on the list of developing countries and there‘re lots
of differences in cotton research between Beijing and Pakistan, like the lack of proper
infrastructure in agriculture.‖―Farm work is mechanized in most parts of China you know from
sowing to picking or harvesting ut Pakistan is still in the end of that line ‖ he further
mentioned.

In order to tap the potential of Pak-China cooperation in cotton research, he has signed MoUs of
joint research program with different Chinese institutions, including Department of Science and
Technology of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Agricultural University (XAU),
School of Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou University, and Institute of Cotton Research (ICR)
of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Anyang.
According to Muhammad Tehseen Azhar, the Gwadar Pro added, germplasm is the baseline of
breeding, so a breeder cannot conduct any experiment without germplasm. Therefore, a gene
pool that has all the desirable genes needed for the development of variety is longed by scientists
and it calls for efforts from scholars of different nations.
He has already signed a MOU operation agreement on research of cotton germplasm resources
with Professor Du Xiongming, director of Cotton Germplasm Resources Division, ICR, CAAS,
to assess the adaptability of the Chinese germplasm of cotton in Pakistan.
Dr. Azhar also mentioned the idea of consolidation and standardisation in the cotton seed
industry in Pakistan. He noted that cotton outputs in Pakistan have plunged to 21-year lows these
days threatening the livelihoods of growers and textile sector‘s via ility.
According to the latest official statistics, Pakistan is going to harvest 8.5 million bales of cotton
in 2020/21.
As per Dr. Azhar, poor cotton production is mainly the result of a shift to other remunerable
crops like corn, rice, and sugarcane. And cotton area is expected to decline mainly due to the
potential threat of pest attack, uncertain weather conditions, followed by insufficient availability
of certified seed. Besides, social economic problems like the lack of labour force are worsening
the situation. ―Our work is to set up standards like the purity standard the generation standard;
that‘s what we do as hum le researchers ‖ Dr. Azhar said adding ―It might be lonely, but it
could make a difference for mankind.‖
https://dailytimes.com.pk/696098/pakistan-china-need-to-collaborate-on-cotton-research/
UN Chief Condemns Killing Of Rice Farmers In
Nigeria
Mon 30th November 2020 | 02:19 PM
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday condemned the deadly
attack against rice farmers carried out by suspected Boko Haram militants in northeast

Nigeria's Borno state
UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Nov, 2020 ) :United
Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday condemned the deadly attack against
rice farmers carried out by suspected Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria's Borno state.
Through a statement attributable to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief
condemned "in the strongest terms the horrific attack on rice farm workers in Koshobe village,
near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri by suspected militants on Nov. 28, in which scores
were reportedly killed and many others injured or abducted, including women." The secretary-
general extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people
of Nigeria, wished a swift recovery to the injured, and called for immediate and safe returns of
the abductees and those still reported missing.
"He hoped those responsible for these heinous crimes will be quickly brought to justice," said the
statement. The secretary-general reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting the
Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and in its response to
pressing humanitarian needs in the northeast of the country, the statement added.
Suspected members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram reportedly killed at least 40 rice
farmers in Nigeria as they were harvesting crops in the state of Borno. The farmers were

reportedly rounded up and summarily killed by armed insurgents in retaliation for a failed
extortion attempt.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/un-chief-condemns-killing-of-rice-farmers-in-1100191.html
Rice farmers count losses as prices drop
Rice prices have gone down, the lowest the farmers have registered in the
market over the past two years. Rice production is a popular economic activity in Butaleja
District, where rice is cultivated mainly in the Doho Irrigation Scheme, one of the biggest rice-
growing schemes in the country. The price slump has been blamed on low consumption
occasioned by Covid-19 induced lockdown. The prices have decreased from Shs2,500 to
Shs1,500 per kilogram. A 100kg sack of rice now goes for Shs150,000 from Shs250,000. This
has left farmers in a fix as they can barely register enough profit to take care of their family
needs such as food, education, and hospital expenses, among others. Mr. Shabani Majanjasi, a
rice farmer, who owns more than five acres, says the continued ban on public gatherings has also
worsened the situation. ―The consumption of rice is low and this is why the price has terri ly
dropped. We used to sell our rice in big quantities and at better prices to the organizers of public
gatherings such as weddings urials and so on ut this is no longer the case ‖ he said. President
Museveni banned public gatherings in March in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. Ms.
Nyanga Rema, another rice farmer, said she has failed to get buyers for her stock even at a low
price yet she has debts to pay. Doho Scheme has more than 2,500 acres of land with 9,000
farmers, who are involved as both out-growers and part of the scheme growers. Statistics from
the Butaleja District production office estimates that the district produces about 65,000kgs of
milled rice every year. Mr. Isaac Kabasa, the general secretary of the Doho Irrigation Scheme,

said it is unfortunate that rice imported into the country has not been affected. “Rice from India
and Pakistan, which is the same as ours, is being sold highly compared to the rice produced in
the country. This is unfair ‖ he said. Mr. Jimmy E il Ssegawa the Butaleja resident district
commissioner, said the government will support farmers to cope with the situation through
government programs such as Emyooga.
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rice-farmers-count-losses-as-prices-drop-3214950
Pres. Moon’s plan to provide rice to N. Korea is
canceled
Posted December. 01, 2020 07:45
Updated December. 01, 2020 07:45
A project to provide rice to North Korea, which was launched after the Moon Jae-in
administration took office with about 13 billion won budget, was canceled a year and a half later
due to North Korea‘s rejection. The Unification Ministry announced that it will give up its plan
to provide 50,000 tons of rice to North Korea through the World Food Programme (WFP) and
withdraw the project budget. While the ministry proposed a plan to provide rice and fertilizer to
the North next year, the resumption of the inter-Korean cooperation seems challenging as North
Korea refused to accept any support from the South.
The South Korean government decided to provide rice to the North through the WFP in June last
year and transferred 11.77 million dollars to the international organization for project
management expenses, such as the shipping and distribution of rice and monitoring. The is the
first attempt by the current administration to provide rice to the North and the first of kit kind
since 5,000 tons of rice was given to the North by the South Korean government in 2010. The
government first considered direct support, but chose an indirect method through an international
organization due to North Korea‘s refusal to discuss.
Even such a plan came to a standstill when North Korea publicly refused to accept rice in
opposition against the ROK-U.S. joint military training in July last year, a month after the
South‘s announcement of the plan.
―The project udget will e recollected as the unused udget transferred from the previous year
cannot be retransferred to the following year according to the National Finance Act, said a
mem er of the Unification Ministry. ―It is yet to e decided whether a similar project will e
implemented next year.‖
www.donga.com/en/article/all/20201201/2257651/1/Pres-Moon-s-plan-to-provide-rice-to-N-Korea-is-
canceled

Guyana wants Panama to pay rice de t
Article by
sherrylynclarke@nationnews.com
Guyana‘s Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha. (GP)
GEORGETOWN – Guyana has called on Panama to meet its GUY$1.9 billion (One Guyana
dollar=US$0.004 cents) debt owed for the supply of rice.
A government statement on Monday said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched a letter to
the Panamanian authorities on Friday, urging them to honour their obligations to Guyana and to pay
the funds owed to the rice millers.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the Spanish-speaking country acknowledged the
arrears and has since committed to paying the sum soon.
―They wanted the contract to continue in the new year. Since then to now they have indicated that
they will pay, but they are awaiting the end of this pandemic (COVID-19) ‖ Mustapha said.
Mustapha said that to follow up the letter he will be contacting his Panamanian counterpart in the
new week, to fix a date for the money to be released.

Mustapha also said the Guyana government remains committed to recouping the sums and will
continue to make representation for the rice industry. He said the matter could have been resolved a
long time ago had the previous administration shown ―some interest‖ in the concerns of rice farmers.
The statement said that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has also held talks with the Panamanian
government on the issue. (CMC)
https://www.nationnews.com/2020/12/01/guyana-wants-panama-pay-rice-debt/
World shocked at massacre of 110 rice farm workers
in Nigeria
Voice of America
1st December 2020, 05:18 GMT+11
At least 110 people are feared dead in a weekend attack on farmers in the northeast part of
Nigeria blamed on Islamic jihadists that are active in the area.
United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the African country, Edward Kallon, said in a
statement he was "outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians" in the village
of Koshobe near Borno State capital Maiduguri.
"At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed, and many others were wounded in this attack,"
Kallon said, adding that it was the most violent attack on innocent civilians this year. He called
"for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice."
Late Sunday, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesperson issued a
statement in which he strongly condemned the "horrific attack on rice farm workers in Koshobe
village." Guterres extended "his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the
people of Nigeria," Stephane Dujarric said in the statement, wishing "a swift recovery to the
injured and calls for the immediate and safe return of the abductees and those still reported
missing."
Guterres reaffirmed the UN commitment "to support the Government of Nigeria in its fight
against terrorism and violent extremism and in its response to pressing humanitarian needs in the
northeast of the country."
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari issued statement condemning the killings, in which he
also said that "the entire country is hurt by these senseless killings." Buhari said the government
had equipped the armed forces with everything needed "to take all necessary steps to protect the
country's population and its territory."
Although, there is no group to have claimed the responsibility for the weekend massacre on
Nigerian farmers, such attacks have been carried out in the past by Boko Haram or the Islamic

State West Africa Province, which are both active in northeast Nigeria, where Islamic jihadists
have killed at least 30,000 people.
https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/267128663/world-shocked-at-massacre-of-110-rice-
farm-workers-in-nigeria
UN chief denounces murder of rice farmers in Nigeria
Date
11/30/2020 3:19:39 PM
(MENAFN) On Sunday, Nov. 29, the lethal attack against rice farmers done by suspected Boko
Haram fighters in northeast Nigeria's Borno state was denounced by United Nations Secretary-
General Antonio Guterres.
Through a declaration attributable to his representative Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief
denounced "in the strongest terms the horrific attack on rice farm workers in Koshobe village,
near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri by suspected militants on Nov. 28, in which scores
were reportedly killed and many others injured or abducted, including women."
Antonio Guterres expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the dead and to the people
of the country, wished a quick recuperation to the wounded, and demanded urgent and secure
returns of the abductees and those who haven't been found yet.

The declaration stated: "he hoped those responsible for these heinous crimes will be quickly
brought to justice."
MENAFN30112020000045011361ID1101209984
https://menafn.com/1101209984/UN-chief-denounces-murder-of-rice-farmers-in-Nigeria&source=30
Rice farmers count losses as prices drop
TUESDAY DECEMBER 01 2020
The prices have decreased from Shs2,500 to Shs1,500 per kilogramme. A 100kg sack of rice now
goes for Shs150,000 from Shs250,000. PHOTO | FILE
By Olivier Mukaaya

Rice prices have gone down, the lowest the farmers have registered in the market over the past
two years.
Rice production is a popular economic activity in Butaleja District, where rice is cultivated
mainly in Doho Irrigation Scheme, one of the biggest rice growing schemes in the country.
The price slump has been blamed on low consumption occasioned by Covid-19 induced
lockdown.
The prices have decreased from Shs2,500 to Shs1,500 per kilogramme. A 100kg sack of rice
now goes for Shs150,000 from Shs250,000.
This has left farmers in a fix as they can barely register enough profit to take care of their family
needs such as food, education, and hospital expenses, among others.
Mr Shabani Majanjasi, a rice farmers, who owns more than five acres, says the continued ban on
public gatherings has also worsened the situation.
―The consumption of rice is low and this is why the price has terri ly dropped. We used to sell
our rice in big quantities and better prices to the organisers of public gatherings such as
weddings, burials, and so on but this is no longer the case ‖ he said.
President Museveni banned public gatherings in March in bid to control the spread of Covid-19.
Ms Nyanga Rema, another rice farmer, said she has failed to get buyers for her stock even at a
low price yet she has debts to pay.

Doho Scheme has more than 2,500 acres of land with 9,000 farmers, who are involved as both
outgrowers and part of the scheme growers. Statistics from the Butaleja District production
office estimates that the district produces about 65,000kgs of milled rice every year.
Mr Isaac Kabasa, the general secretary of Doho Irrigation Scheme, said it is unfortunate that rice
imported into the country has not been affected.
―Rice from India and Pakistan which is the same as ours is eing sold highly compared to the
rice produced in the country. This is unfair ‖ he said.
Mr Jimmy Ebil Ssegawa, the Butaleja resident district commissioner, said government will
support farmers cope with the situation through government programmes such as Emyooga
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rice-farmers-count-losses-as-prices-drop-
3214950
Madagascar Key Message Update: Below average
rainfall compromises the beginning of rice
plantation in Southern Highlands
Format
Situation Report
Source
 FEWS NET
Posted

30 Nov 2020
30 Nov 2020
Origin
View original
Attachments
 Download document(PDF | 493.92 KB)
Key Messages
 As of October 2020, regions in eastern Madagascar and northern central highlands (Sofia,
Betsiboka, Analamanga regions) received normal rainfall, while the remaining regions have
yet to receive significant rainfall. Large production regions such as Vakinankaratra, Menabe,
and the southern part of Melaky have not yet received sufficient rain for the development of
seedlings for rainfed crops, particularly rice. For November 2020, normal to below-normal
rains are forecast in SAVA, Sofia, Alaotra Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Atsimo
Andrefana, and Melaky regions. For others, normal to above normal rainfall is projected.
 In southern Madagascar, which has experienced several consecutive seasons of poor rainfall,
the start of the 2020-2021 rainy season has been mixed. As of mid-November, rainfall has
been average or above average in most of Ampanihy but well below average in Androy. As
rainfall begins in earnest in the coming weeks, the GFS two-week forecast suggests

significantly below average rainfall across much of region. Should this forecast come to
fruition, the early harvests in March will be negatively affected and lean season will extend
until the beginning of April.
 In October 2020, staple food prices were above the five-year average by 25 to 40 percent for
cereals and by 50 to 100 percent for tubers due to below normal supply in monitored markets,
except in Antananarivo and Toamasina where prices were near normal. Prices also increased
compared to last year except in those two cities, by 20 to 35 percent for cereals and 110 to
225 percent for tubers. Prices slightly stabilized compared to the previous month, except in
Amboasary where prices increased.
 An October 2020 SMART survey conducted by the Nutrition Cluster in southern Madagascar
confirmed an acceptable nutritional situation in Betioky and a serious situation in Amboasary.
It is expected the serious GAM (WHZ) in Betoiky is driven lower food and water availability.
The nutrition s with a GAM (WHZ) point estimate of 9.7 percent and a 95 percent of
Confidence Interval between 4.5 and 10.6 percent, situation in Amboasary deteriorated
compared to 2018 and 2019, particularly in the northern communes of the district. The
nutritional situation in six other districts of southern Madagascar was in alert with GAM
(WHZ) point estimates between 5.7 and 9.7 percent, with a deterioration as well in Bekily
compared to 2018.
 According to OCHA October 2020 reporting, 800 households in the district of Amboasary and
539 households in Ampanihy received food assistance from the government. WFP plans to
distribute four months of assistance, which began at the end of October, to 500,000 persons in
nine districts with general food distribution and cash transfer. The WFP distributions include
emergency assistance in Amboasary in October and November for 70,000 persons. CRS
distributed 7,206 MT of food in Beloha and Tsihombe in October.
 Effects of drought in southern areas, subsequent crop losses and lower labor opportunities,
maintain high needs in November. Large-scale food assistance is supporting many
beneficiaries to minimally meet their food needs, driving Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes
at the area-level in most of southern Madagascar. Nevertheless, some poor households are in
Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4), even in the presence of food assistance.
Assistance is likely to continue through February, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are
expected in March and April prior to the May harvest.
https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-key-message-update-below-average-rainfall-
compromises-beginning
Kingdom exports more than 600,000 tonnes of milled
rice in the first 11 months
December 1, 2020
Sok Chan / Khmer Times

Rice for export, milled and bagged. AKP
Cambodia has exported more than 600,000 tonnes of milled rice in the first 11 months of the
year, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
MAFF‘s Minister Veng Sakhon said that the rice exports from Cambodia in the first 11 months
rose 16 percent, reaching at 601,045 tonnes. He added that more than 481,000 tonnes of the rice
exports was fragrant rice, and 113, 703 tonnes was various varieties of milled rice, while around
6,151 tonnes was parboiled rice.
―There are more than 60 countries that have ordered rice from Cam odia in the first 11 months
including 24 out of 28 countries in the European Union, China (including Hong Kong, Macau
and other nations) ASEAN mem er countries 6 and on 29 other continents ‖ Sakhon said.
He added that in the first 11 months, Cambodia exported rice to China around 234,940 tonnes
(39.09 percent), EU was 188,436 ( 31.35 percent), ASEAN was 78,208 tonnes (13.01 percent),
and other destinations in 29 countries was 99,461 tonnes (16.55 percent).
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50787992/kingdom-exports-more-than-600000-tonnes-of-milled-rice-in-
the-first-11-months/

Thai gov't approves further udget to assist rice farmers
amid plummeting price
Source: Xinhua| 2020-12-01 22:15:01|Editor: huaxia
BANGKOK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's cabinet approved the National Rice Policy
Committee's proposal on Tuesday to raise the budget for the rice farmers' income guarantee
scheme from 28.711 billion baht (948 million U.S. dollars) to 46.807 billion baht (1.54 billion
U.S. dollars).
The increased budget was designed to help Thai rice farmers at a time when the price of rice had
plummeted sharply, said government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek.
The price of jasmine rice had dropped due to export slowdown and limited tourism from the
COVID-19 fallout, she said.
"Hence, the cabinet has green-lighted the go-ahead for the budget increase to facilitate the rice-
guarantee scheme for farmers in their rice harvest," Ratchada said.
Under the scheme, the price per ton of rice will be guaranteed at 15,000 baht (495.54 U.S.
dollars) for jasmine, 14,000 baht (462.50 U.S. dollars) for off-season jasmine, 10,000 baht
(330.36 U.S. dollars) for ordinary rice, 11,000 baht (363.40 U.S. dollars) for Pathum Thani rice
and 12,000 baht (396.43 U.S. dollars) for sticky rice.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives said it expects more rice to be
produced this year thanks to a sufficient supply of water, adding that 2018 and 2019 had been
harsh years for rice farmers due to severe drought. Enditem
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/01/c_139556425.htm
Economists farmers decry Bangladesh‘s rice import
decision
Emran Hossain | Published: 23:57, Nov 30,2020 | Updated: 00:03, Dec 01,2020

The government has started importing rice amid continued refusal of local millers to supply the
staple despite legal obligation.
The decision to import rice in December when aman harvest reaches its peak is set to take a toll
on farmers by lowering further the existing price of aman paddy while they are not even fetching
the production cost.
Economists found no justification for rice import when largely impoverished local growers are
losing their investment thanks to a food supply chain fraught with corruption and poor
procurement mechanism.
Dhaka University department of development studies‘ professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir
told New Age on Monday farmers would face further fall in price of aman although they
committed no error for depleting public food stocks.
To him the government‘s move was nothing ut policy errors that would only enefit vested
quarters.
Echoing similar views, former professor of economics at Jahangirnagar University Abdul Bayes
said ‗growers are put in a difficult situation with millers not giving them legitimate price and the
government preferring international market to them.‘
He said that all local millers wanted the government to do at the moment was to go for import so
that they could pay farmers even less in order to build a good stock of the staple.
The millers previously reneged on their deal during boro procurement that ended in September,
leading to the government‘s failure to procure only 1.95 million tonnes despite bumper
production of 20 million tonnes.
The government managed to buy only 0.94 million tonnes of boro rice and paddy. Boro rice is
mostly stocked by millers.
The poor procurement caused the government stock to rapidly decline which plunged to 5.64
lakh tonnes on Monday, nearly half the stock the government had on the corresponding day last
year. The desired stock is 1.3 million tonnes.
The actions taken by the government against the millers after poor boro procurement apparently
made no impression as they refused to supply aman to the government too.
The government has plans to buy 6.5 lakh tonnes of aman rice at Tk 37 per kilogram from the
millers but received response from only a handful of millers promising to give only 72,000
tonnes so far. They did agree to sell rice at a cost below Tk 41 per kilogram.
The government announced its fixed price for aman rice and paddy over a month ago.

The government is expecting the aman production to reach 13.9 million tonnes this year after a
10 per cent fall in the production of the 2nd most important rice of the country compared with
last year.
‗The government has taken the right decision y importing rice ‘ said KM Layek Ali secretary
general of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association.
He said that they promised the government to provide 20 per cent of the targeted procurement
amount.
‗We request all to wait with patience ‘ said Layek Ali.
But farmers, nearly half of them are so poor that they do not possess any farmland and they
cannot afford to wait after harvest as they have no place to store rice.
They are forced to sell 60 per cent of their paddy in the first month after harvest.
In economically stressed condition farmers are forced to let go of their produce even faster.
Farmers are in unprecedented economic stress after going through multiple floods amid the
coronavirus crisis since March.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute estimated that farmers were selling a kilogram of paddy for
Tk 22 in many northern areas such as Kurigram.
The government is procuring only 2 lakh tonnes of aman paddy at Tk 26 per kilogram from
farmers.
The Department of Agricultural Extension calculated that farmers spent more than Tk 27 for
producing a kilogram of paddy this year after flood destroyed many of their rice fields multiple
times.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute‘s agricultural economist A dur Rouf Sarkar said that the
market price might fall by Tk 2.5 per kilogram because of the import.
‗The government should procure more from farmers ‘ said Rouf.
He said that the government import should not exceed 1,00,000 tonnes.
Directorate General of Food is planning to import 3,00,000 tonnes by January.
‗We recommended to the purchase committee for appointing an international idder for
importing 50,000 tonnes in the first consignment ‘ said DG Food additional director
Moniruzzaman.
He said that they proposed paying $417 per tonne to import rice, which stands at nearly Tk 35.5
per kilogram. The market price for per ton of boiled rice in India, Thailand and Vietnam ranged
between $368 and $485 on Monday.

Abu Sayeed, a farmer of Aditmari, Lalmonirhat, is scared at the prospect of paddy price reducing
further. He sold per maund at Tk 960.
‗I cannot think of getting any less. How will I survive?‘ asked Sayeed.
Agricultural economists have long demanded that the government buy paddy directly from
farmers. But the government has always cited the lack of milling capacity for mostly buying rice
from millers.
The limited direct procurement of the government from farmers is fraught with many problems.
Farmers are often returned for failing to supply paddy at the right moisture level or unless they
bribe food officials.
Paddy changes three layers of middlemen before it reaches millers with its price soaring at every
layer.
‗The government should have reformed its procurement mechanism and strengthened the food
chain instead of finding a solution in rice import ‘ commented A dul Bayes.
https://www.newagebd.net/article/123067/economists-farmers-decry-bangladeshs-rice-import-decision
INDIA'S JAN-OCT RICE EXPORTS JUMP 43% Y/Y
TO 11.95 MLN T- GOVT
12/1/2020
MUMBAI, Dec 1 (Reuters) - India's rice exports in January to October jumped 43% from a year
ago as buyers purchased lower-priced Indian supply to rebuild inventories after rival exporters
trimmed shipments due a drought, government data showed on Tuesday.
Higher shipments from India, the world's biggest rice exporter, could cap global prices, reduce
the country's bulging inventories and limit Indian state stockpiler purchases from farmers.
India's rice exports in the first ten months of 2020 totalled million 11.95 tonnes, up from 8.34
million tonnes a year earlier, according to data compiled by the ministry of commerce and
industry.
Non-basmati rice exports jumped 61% from a year earlier to 7.6 million tonnes after prices
jumped in the world's second biggest exporter Thailand, making Indian shipments attractive, said
an exporter based in Mumbai.
The country's basmati rice exports rose 20% to 4.36 million tonnes on strong purchases from
Iraq, the data showed.

India mainly exports non-basmati rice to Bangladesh, Nepal, Benin and Senegal, and premium
basmati rice to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
India's rice exports in 2020 may rise by nearly 42% from a year ago to record highs of 14 million
tonnes, the Rice Exporters Association estimates. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav, editing by
Louise Heavens)
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/indias-jan-oct-rice-exports-jump-43-yy-to-1195-mln-t-
govt#:~:text=MUMBAI%2C%20Dec%201%20(Reuters),government%20data%20showed%20on%20Tu
esday.
Indonesia: Seasonal Climate and Vegetation
Monitoring Outlook - Special Focus: Potential
Impacts of La Niña (October - December 2020)
Format
Analysis
Sources
 Govt. Indonesia
 WFP
Posted
1 Dec 2020
1 Dec 2020
Origin

View original
Attachments
 Download document(PDF | 9.54 MB)
Key Messages & Recommendations
Response to La Niña conditions: Given the anticipated rainfalls from October to December
2020, paddy cultivation conditions are expected to be optimal. In line with typical La Niña
patterns, an increase of 40% above average rainfall is predicted across several parts of
Indonesia.
In July, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society and the Climate
Prediction Centre predicted a 50-55% chance of La Niña to develop during September to
November and last until December 2020 to February 2021.
However to mitigate any anticipated adversary La Niña effects to maintain production
potential the following is recommended: a) improved irrigation and drainage system for better
management of excess water, and b) provision of timely early warning information and
services at community level on unusual flooding and landslides.
In addition, the provision of flood- and/or pest-resistant paddy seedling varieties and
promotion of paddy crop insurance to safeguard against crop failure has potential to function
as an anticipatory action allowing farmers respond to climatic anomalies and ensure crop
productivity.
Geographic variation in precipitation from normal, to droughts to areas of
flooding: From July to September 2020, although there was some geographic variation,
precipitation was classified as normal in most provinces. Whilst, the northern provinces
received sufficient precipitation, the southern provinces including Jawa, Bali, Nusa Tenggara
Timur experienced meteorological drought. In the southern provinces of Sulawesi Tenggara,
southern Maluku, southern parts of Papua localized extreme days (> 60 days) without rain
were observed. Although July to September is the peak of the dry season, extreme rain events
occurred in several provinces, including Jawa Barat, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tenggara,
Sulawesi Tengah and Maluku, causing floods and damaging crops.

Reservoir levels low yet increasing: Water levels in many reservoirs across Indonesia
decreased during the peak of the 2020 dry season; yet remained above 2019 dry season levels.
In the beginning of September, the reservoir height remained below the baseline. Levels are
anticipated to rise with an increased September rainfall.
Shocks impacting production: According to Ministry of Agriculture reports (July to
September) on hydrometeorological disasters and pests, crop failure occurred in 21,000 ha of
159,000 ha of paddy fields. This was due to dual shocks. First, extreme rain resulted in floods
in the northern regions. Flooding during the dry season resulting in crop disturbances is not
typical in Indonesia. In July the incidence of flooding in paddy fields in selected areas
increased drastically. Second, long no-rain-periods resulted in droughts in the southern
regions.
From July to September 2020, the areas affected by natural disasters and pest attacks included
the primary rice-production provinces of Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tenggara, Jawa Tengah,
Jawa Timur. Rice production in Sulawesi Selatan decreased by 7%, or 214,500 tons,
compared to 2019 due to heavy rainfall and floods. Nonetheless, the paddy field areas affected
by the climatic disasters and pests this year as well as crop failure remain lower compared to
the long-term average.
BMKG predicted that October-November precipitation throughout Indonesia would remain at
moderate to high levels with some geographic variation in the south-east, such as southern
Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur and Merauke in Papua. With the
decline of water reservoir levels and with the predicted minimal rainfall, careful water
management is recommended in these areas to minimize the effects of drought.
https://reliefweb.int/report/indonesia/indonesia-seasonal-climate-and-vegetation-monitoring-outlook-
special-focus
3 provinces in W. Visayas surpass 100% rice production
Manila Bulletin|December 2, 2020A farmer gathers palay (unmilled rice) that has been dried
under the sun in Iloilo City
. TARA YAP
ILOILO CITY— Three provinces in the Western Visayas region
were able to surpass the 100-percent production growth of rice,
according to the Department of Agriculture (DA-6),
Citing the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), DA-6 reported that the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, and
Guimaras surpassed the previous year‘s rice production y more
than 100 percent.
https://www.magzter.com/article/Newspaper/Manila-Bulletin/3-provinces-in-W-Visayas-surpass-100-
rice-production

India's Jan-Oct rice exports jump 43% y/y to 11.95
million tonnes: Government data
SECTIONS
India's Jan-Oct rice exports jump 43% y/y to 11.95 million tonnes: Government data
ReutersLast Updated: Dec 01, 2020, 05:52 PM IST
India's rice exports in the first ten months of 2020 totalled million 11.95 tonnes, up from
8.34 million tonnes a year earlier, according to data compiled by the ministry of commerce
and industry.
AFPThe country's basmati rice exports rose 20% to 4.36 million tonnes on strong purchases from
MUMBAI: India's rice exports in January to October jumped 43% from a year ago as buyers
purchased lower-priced Indian supply to rebuild inventories after rival exporters trimmed
shipments due a drought, government data showed on Tuesday.
Higher shipments from India, the world's biggest rice exporter, could cap global prices, reduce
the country's bulging inventories and limit Indian state stockpiler purchases from farmers.
India's rice exports in the first ten months of 2020 totalled million 11.95 tonnes, up from 8.34
million tonnes a year earlier, according to data compiled by the ministry of commerce and
industry.
Non-basmati rice exports jumped 61% from a year earlier to 7.6 million tonnes after prices
jumped in the world's second biggest exporter Thailand, making Indian shipments attractive, said
an exporter based in Mumbai.
The country's basmati rice exports rose 20% to 4.36 million tonnes on strong purchases from
India mainly exports non-basmati rice to Bangladesh, Nepal, Benin and Senegal, and premium
basmati rice to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
India's rice exports in 2020 may rise by nearly 42% from a year ago to record highs of 14 million
tonnes, the Rice Exporters Association estimates.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indias-jan-oct-rice-exports-jump-
43-y/y-to-11-95-million-tonnes-government-data/articleshow/79511974.cms?from=mdr

Benefits of rice water for the skin
Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — Written by Zawn Villines on November 30,
2020
Many people use rice water for the skin either to improve its appearance or to ease conditions
such as eczema. Some beauty companies claim rice water has anti-aging properties, but there is
little scientific evidence to confirm these claims.
Rice water consists of the starchy liquid left over after soaking or boiling rice. A person can
make rice water at home or purchase skin care products that contain rice water.
This article looks at the potential benefits of rice water for the skin, how to make rice water, and
how to use it.
Is rice water good for the skin?
Share on PinterestImage credit: carlosrojas20/Getty Images
Rice water may have some benefits for the skin. However, few high quality studies on the effects
of rice water currently exist. In order to prove that rice water has substantial benefits, scientists
will need to carry out larger scale studies.
Here is what existing research says about the potential benefits of rice water:
Antioxidants
Rice contains antioxidants, such as inositol. Antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals,
which are volatile molecules that can damage cells in the body. Companies often add
antioxidants to skin care products.
A small 2018 study with 12 participants tested a rice water gel on the skin for 28 days. The
researchers found that the rice had the same antioxidant activity as ascorbic acid, or vitamin C.
Reducing skin aging
There is limited evidence that rice water may reduce or slow skin aging.
The 2018 study also found that rice water reduced the activity of elastase, an enzyme involved in
skin aging. This suggests rice water may have the potential to reduce the formation of wrinkles
and lines on the skin.

According to a 2001 study, inositol may smooth existing wrinkles. The researchers tested a 1–
2% inositol moisturizer on females of varying ages for 7 weeks.
At the end of the study, the researchers estimated that the inositol reduced the size of wrinkles by
12.4% and increased elasticity by 17%.
However, it is important to note that both of these studies were small and that the latter did not
specifically test rice water.
Reducing skin irritation
In 2002, researchers tested the effects of bathing in water that contains rice starch on two groups:
people with atopic eczema and people whose skin had become irritated by sodium lauryl
sulphate (SLS).
They found that the skin‘s healing capacity improved y 20% for the people with SLS irritation.
This occurred after people bathed in the rice starch mixture for 15 minutes twice per day.
The skin barrier also improved with this treatment in people with atopic eczema.
Treating dandruff
Preliminary research suggests that fermented rice water may inhibit the growth of certain fungi.
A 2013 laboratory study found that day-old rice water contains the bacterium Bacillus cereus,
which produces the antibiotics zwittermicin A and kanosamine. These antibiotic substances can
inhibit the growth of Malassezia furfur, which can cause dandruff.
However, as this was a laboratory study, this does not necessarily prove fermented rice water is
an effective dandruff treatment in humans.
Scientists will need to carry out further investigations to determine whether rice water can treat
dandruff under normal conditions.
How to make rice water
There are a couple of methods for making rice water:
Soaking: Soak 1/2 a cup of uncooked rice in 2–3 cups of water for 30 minutes.
Boiling: Cook rice by boiling it in double the amount of water normally used for
cooking.

When finished, strain the water into a clean bowl or bottle for immediate use. Store the rest in a
clean container in the refrigerator.
To make fermented rice water, use the soaking method and then leave the rice water at room
temperature for 1–2 days before storing it in the refrigerator.
How to use rice water for skin care
There are several ways to use rice water for skin care. A person can:
wash the face using rice water
apply rice water as a toner after cleansing
spritz rice water on the face after pouring it into a spray bottle
add rice water to baths
add rice water to a foot soak
Some people also use rice water as a hair conditioner or treatment.
Learn more here about the benefits and uses of rice water for the hair.
Are there any risks?
There is no evidence that fresh rice water is harmful to the skin. However, as with any beauty
product, it is prudent to test the product on a small patch of skin first.
Rice water remains safe to use for around a week. It is advisable to discard any rice water that is
older than this.
People with rice allergies should not use rice water.
It is worth noting that rice water is not a substitute for medical care. It may help manage a skin
condition, but for proven and effective treatments for conditions such as eczema, a person should
consult a doctor.
When to contact a doctor
A person should consult a doctor if:
they have patches of dry, flaky, or itchy skin
they experience adverse effects after using rice water, such as hives or a rash

their skin shows signs of infection, such as a painful open wound, red streaks in the skin,
a fever, or a wound that will not heal
If a person experiences swelling in the face and throat or difficulty breathing after using rice
water, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
Rice water is inexpensive to make at home and, in most cases, unlikely to cause harm. For these
reasons, some people may want to try it as part of their skin care routine.
However, while using rice water is popular, there is little conclusive evidence to prove it has
substantial benefits for the skin. Some may find that it helps their skin heal from irritation or that
it reduces oiliness.
Last medically reviewed on November 30, 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rice-water-for-the-skin
Boost To Bunyala Rice Farmers As An Agro-
Mechanisation Hu Is Launched
KNA December 1, 2020 Agriculture, Busia, Counties, Editor's Pick, Manufacturing0
Rice farmers in Bunyala area of Busia County have received a boost through a pilot agro-
mechanization hub for a three-year incubation period.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya who handed over agricultural machinery to Bunyala
Cooperative Society hub at Busagwa Primary school on Friday said mechanisation is the only
way to ridge Kenya‘s rice production deficit that currently stands at 986 000 metric tonnes.
The machinery included three pre-planters and three combine harvesters which the CS said will
optimise farmers‘ outputs by increasing land under rice production in the region by 11,000 acres
capable of feeding the entire region.
He said: ―Kenya has een forced to import rice from Pakistan and other countries to meet the
shortfall. It‘s for this reason that the government is implementing sustainable agricultural
intensification mechanisation expansion and marketing strategies to ridge the gap.‖
Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi commended rice farmers for this season‘s umper
harvest attributing the increase in production from an average of 20 bags to 40 bags per acre to
mechanisation.
He said value addition in both rice and fish farming is critical if the farmers are to reap big from
their agricultural activities.

―I will e a happy man to see Busia rice packaged in Bunyala and availed in local supermarkets
across the county with by-products used in production of feeds and other products ‖he said
adding that the county government is doing all it can to support farmers across the
county.
Bunyala Rice Farmers Cooperative Society chairman Robert Musolo lauded the Agriculture CS
for identifying their society as a pilot agricultural hub noting that the move will improve rice
production in the region through the use of mechanisation and modern technology.
He said with increased membership from 301 in 2019 to 630 currently, the society is in the
process of establishing a Co-op Jirani bank agency to enhance the culture of saving.
The County Agriculture Executive Moses Osia requested CS Munya to allow his Ministry‘s
engineers to facilitate installation of a rice milling plant donated by the Venezuela Government
through FAO and the Ministry a request which the CS acceded and directed immediate
commencement.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture rice is currently the third most important cereal crop
after maize and wheat with its consumption estimated at 1,050,000 metric tonnes compared to an
annual production of 160,600 metric tonnes.
It is grown mainly by small-scale farmers as a commercial and food crop. About 80 percent of
rice grown in Kenya is from government established irrigation schemes, while the remaining 20
percent is produced under rain-fed conditions.
The mechanisation hub model has been tried and has revolutionised rice farming at Mwea
Irrigation Scheme.
With the support of the national and county government Bunyala Irrigation Cooperative Society,
is expected to start enjoying benefits of these equipment and be in a position to surpass the
current rice production on 2,100 acres of land with an annual value of Sh110 million.
For Livestock keepers, these machinery and equipment can be utilized to open up more land for
fodder and pasture establishment to transform Busia County which has a potential of expanding
its economic base and be a net exporter of animal products and triple its annual value of Sh5.1
billion.
https://www.world-grain.com/articles/14544-b%C3%BChler-introduces-lala-pick-up-rice-cleaner

2nd december,2020 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

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