Pakistani exporters invited to exploit Nigerian markets

Staff Report February 08, 2014 Be First To Comment

      

LAHORE: Nigerian High Commissioner in Pakistan Dauda Danladi has said that Nigerian market has huge potential for Pakistan rice, textile products, pharmaceuticals and agricultural machinery, including tractors; therefore Pakistani businessmen should avail the opportunities in these areas.The high commissioner was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday. LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari presented address of welcome while Chairman LCCI Committee for Pakistan-Africa Trade Promotion Zafar Mehmood, LCCI former Executive Committee Member Rehmatullah Javaid also spoke on the occasion.The HC said that the President of Pakistan and the Punjab Chief Minister had promised to take business delegations to Nigeria that would pave way for frequent business exchanges between the two countries.Danladi said that Chief Minister Punjab had formed a committee to finalise modalities for a high-powered visit to Nigeria.He expressed the optimism that the trade between Pakistan and Nigeria would get a new boost as both sides were planning to sign various trade-related agreements including Preferential Trade Agreement very soon.Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari said that Pakistan’s business community was well aware of the market size of Africa and Nigeria could serve to be the best destination to exploit the potential.The LCCI president said that the continuity of organizing Africa Show every year in Lahore is a clear sign of LCCI’s commitment towards bridging the gaps and upsizing the current level of two-way trade.Engineer Sohail Lashari said that it is encouraging to note that Nigeria is one of the major member states of African Union and classified as an emerging market rapidly approaching to middle income status.“By way of having good banking network and stock exchange, Nigeria seems fully poised to lead the acceleration of Africa’s economic development.”He said that the joint efforts in the form of organizing Africa Show on regular basis from the last three years or so have started paying off. The positive change in trade figures, which is although less significant, has taken place and we will keep on making efforts to take it to the desirable level.

Major export items from Pakistan to Nigeria are tractors, medicament mixtures, woven fabric of synthetic fiber, cotton fabrics, electro-medical apparatus, garments, rice, articles of plastic and etc.Items of imports from Nigeria to Pakistan comprise cotton, sheep/lamb leather, raw hides and skins, natural gums, resins, milk and cream, preserved vegetables, nuts and coconuts etc.He said that Pakistan has a strong agro and industrial base. It has a vast potential to export most the products imported by Nigeria from other countries.The LCCI President said that Pakistan is equally capable of facilitating Nigerian market with better quality products at competitive rates. We can also export cereals, light vehicles, electrical appliances, pharmaceutical products, auto-parts, articles of plastic etc. even at a much competitive rates.He said that there is a dire need to identify more tradable products to enhance our mutual trade. Nigeria is the twelfth-largest producer of petroleum in the world, therefore, sharing of expertise in oil and gas sector can also be initiated on priority.Engineer Sohail Lashari said that Pakistan is known around the globe for its textile products, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice, carpets, footwear and so many other consumable items, which still need to be properly introduced in African markets. He said that market research should be conducted regarding the range of products and priority may be given to each other for import of products.He said that frequent exchange of trade delegations, continuous liaison and exchange of information can prove important instruments to strengthen our trade and investment relations.He said that organization of Pakistan Show in Nigeria could help reach out to such importers who have yet to get familiar with the manufacturing capabilities of Pakistan. The Chairman LCCI Standing Committee on Pak-Africa Trade Promotion Zafar Mehmood threw light on Africa Show being planned by the Lahore Chamber in the month of May 2014.

Groups oppose rice imports by private sector

By Kimberly Go

Some farmer groups and agriculture watchdogs are demanding that the government revoke its decision to

allow private businessmen to import rice.

They say the move makes no sense in light of increasing reports of rice smuggling, reiterating that the

National Food Authority (NFA) should be the sole importer of the country's staple.

Ernesto Ordoñez, who heads Alyansa Agrikultura, says the smuggling has been happening time and

again, and the anger of the farmers is rising to fever pitch.

The NFA announced this week that private importers may now secure permits from the agency to import

as much as 163,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand, India, China and Australia.

The groups say allowing private traders to import rice will only result in graft and corruption.

Jaime Tadeo, Spokesman of the National Rice Farmer's Council and Trinidad Domingo of the  National

Rural Women's Congress added that imported rice competes with local produce in the market.

Agriculture officials meanwhile say they will study the groups' demands, while clarifying that there is an

executive order that allows private participation in rice imports.

So, for now the decision stays, although Rex Estoperez, NFA Spokesman, acknowledged that there is

now stricter policy in the accreditation process for imports.

The group Rice Watch and Action Network says the government would do well to shift the focus from

importing rice to supporting farmers to increase local supply.

The Agriculture Department told Congress this week that it is looking into lowering farmers' production

costs.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala says he hopes boosting farmers' productivity will eventually put an

end to rice smuggling.

But the farmers say they've heard that from the government before.

The group says the government should subsidize rice farmers' production costs, the way it is done in

many competitive rice-producing countries.

8th Feb 2014 NEWs

Vietnamese rice faces barriers in biggest marketsVietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese rice is now “in danger,” finding it difficult to enter the three biggest export markets. Meanwhile, though being welcomed in China, Vietnam keeps cautious about the market.

Indonesian Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa has requested the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture to take a probe against the illegal rice imports from Vietnam.According to the Vietnam News Agency, the minister said there are some evidences about the importers’ license abuse.The request has been made following the information that the illegal rice imports from Vietnam are being wholesaled in Cipinang or Baten province in eastern Jakarta on January 30, estimated at 16,900 tons.The volume of rice was sold more cheaply than the domestic products. Sources said the rice has been imported to Indonesia with the legal license granted by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade.Hatta Rajasa emphasized that the Indonesian government never allows individuals to import rice, and that it has authorized Bulog, an agency of the country, to import rice to stabilize the market prices. Therefore, it is highly possible that Vietnam’s rice has penetrated the Indonesian market through legal channels.Prior to that, in October 2013, NFA, the Filipino food agency, warned that the contract on importing 120,000 tons of rice signed between the Filipino private import firms and the Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2) is invalid, and that the imports will be blocked by the country’s customs agencies.

According to NFA, under the country’s national quota program, Filipino businessmen can only buy rice from Thailand, India, China and Australia. The importers must obtain the special import licenses from NFA before they import rice from other countries.Vietnam’s rice exports to the loyal markets of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have dropped dramatically recently, thus leading to the sharp fall of the total rice exports.The rice exports to the Philippines dropped by 63 percent in the first nine months of 2013, while the exports to Malaysia dropped by 35 percent. Especially, Indonesia did not import rice from Vietnam.In the context of the sharp falls in the exports to the loyal markets, the Vietnam’s rice production was “saved” by the strong rise in the exports to China. The export volume to the market in 2013 was four times higher than that in 2012, about 1.6 million tons.China consumed 32 percent of Vietnam’s total rice exports, while African markets bought nearly 30 percent.However, Vietnam has been warned against the reliance on China as the main export market. The unstable market would upset Vietnam’s rice export strategy one day if Vietnam does not follow a reasonable business development plan.Nguyen Dinh Bich, a well-known rice expert, on his article on Thoi bao Kinh te Saigon--while noting that Vietnam had to lower the export prices sharply in 2013, which was a big bitterness, has warned that the same scenario may repeat in 2014.The US Agriculture Department has predicted that the demand from the three Vietnamese loyal markets would soar in 2014 to 4 million tons, while the demand from eight Asian big rice importers would increase by 20.1 percent to 9.22 million tons. However, Bich commented that it would be not easy to boost exports to the markets.Dat Viet

Tags: rice exports , vietnamese rice , barriers ,

7th Feb

Rice Heists: Why the FBI Is Arresting Chinese Agricultural Scientists

In the last two months, the U.S. government has arrested eight

scientists for allegedly trying to steal rare seeds that cost American

companies tens of millions of dollars to develop

On Aug. 7, 2013, a hot, muggy day in Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. Customs

and Border Control stopped a group of Chinese nationals as they were

boarding a flight back to China and asked to look inside their luggage.

As customs agents began combing through the bags, they discovered a

treasure trove of rice seeds, according to a federal indictment that was

recently unsealed. In one carry-on, ziplock bags of seeds were tucked into

various pockets and compartments. The seeds had also been hidden inside

suitcases—in one case, they were stashed inside a paper copy of

the Arkansas Democrat Gazette that had been folded into the shape of an

envelope.

Rice varieties from the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center (USDA)

Each of the baggies and packets containing the seeds had a label of a few

English letters. To the untrained eye, it looked like gibberish. But they were

actually coded references to specific and rare strains of rice.

Most Americans have never heard of Stuttgart, a town of 10,000 people that’s

a good 60 miles away from nearest big city. But for those in the agricultural

world, particularly those who study and trade in rice, Stuttgart is quite possibly

the most important place on the planet.

The town is often referred to as America’s Rice and Duck Capital.

Wengui Yan (USDA)

That’s of particular interest to China these days. China produces more rice

than any other nation and is almost synonymous with the crop. But because of

a combination of lower output, rising consumption and higher domestic prices,

China over the last couple years has become a net importer of rice. That

means it no longer is producing enough of the grain to feed its own

population. Chinese rice imports will continue to grow by 10 percent this

year, according to the International Grains Council. Chinese farmers are

getting desperate to increase the yield on their crops.

Iincreasingly, they’re coming to America to figure out how to make seeds that

grow bigger and better plants—and Stuttgart is a natural stop for them.

The town is home to the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center and to

Riceland foods, which runs the world’s largest rice miller. According to some

estimates, 40 percent of the America’s rice is produced in Stuttgart.

Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center (USDA)

But the Chinese who were stopped at the airport didn’t just come to Stuttgart

for the usual international exchange visit. About two weeks earlier, they had

been escorted through the Dale Bumpers center by their Chinese American

compatriot, Wengui Yan. Yan, who holds a PhD from the University of

Arkansas, was Dale Bumper’s lead geneticist.

The Dale Bumpers research center is a vast building with hundreds of offices,

research laboratories, seed storage facilities and greenhouses. It has a

collection of some 18,000 rice cultivars, which are used to study the quality

and productivity of the grain. Yan had access to these buildings, but he did not

have clearance to remove—or distribute—any rice seeds from the facility.

As the indictment points out, he “lacked authority to distribute those seeds to

anyone else.” Nevertheless, according to the U.S. government, Yan passed

them to the members of the visiting delegation.

The Dale Bumpers Center, when contacted for this story, declined to

comment, as did the Department of Justice.

Dion Honnell, manager of the Best Western in Stuttgart who was on duty the

afternoon that Chinese delegation checked in, doesn’t recall the group, but

says foreign delegations like those are fairly common. “Guests from 16

nations have stayed in the last year because of the Rice Research Center,”

Honnell says. “There are so many foreign nationals that come through that we

don’t keep track of them.”

When questioned at the airport, the Chinese claimed they were taking the

seeds for research purposes. Their seeds were confiscated but they were

allowed to leave the country. That’s because the delegation was not the FBI’s

target.

Yan was.

Rice being harvested in Stuttgart, Arkansas (USDA)

Nearly four months later, on Dec. 11, 2013, Yan was arrested by the FBI.

He is charged with conspiracy to steal American trade secrets. If convicted, he

faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to

$250,000.

Strangely, this doesn’t appear to be an isolated incident—there have been

several Chinese nationals in the last few months that have been arrested by

the Department of Justice, which appears to be cracking down on the theft of

agricultural trade secrets.

Also last December, the FBI arrested Weiqiang Zhang, a rice geneticist, on

similar charges. The FBI alleges that Zhang, an employee of Ventria

Biosciences, a Colorado-based bioscience company that holds more than 100

patents for its rice-breeding methods, handed that same delegation rice seeds

that Ventria claims to have invested $75 million to create.

A week later, in a separate case, the FBI field office in the southern district of

Iowa announced it had arrested six Chinese nationals who were part of a

plot to steal trade secrets from U.S. seed companies.

Rice in Stuttgart, Arkansas (USDA)

“The defendants are alleged to have conspired to steal inbred corn seed from

Dupont Pioneer, Monsanto and LG Seeds,” the FBI noted in a

statement   following the arrest. “After stealing the inbred corn seed, the

conspirators attempted to covertly transfer the inbred corn seed to China. The

estimated loss on an inbred line of seed is approximately five to eight years of

research and a minimum of $30 million to $40 million.”

The United States and China have a notoriously complex and often litigious

relationship when it comes to protecting trade secrets. Typically, American

companies are wary about sharing digital or manufacturing assets with the

Chinese. Some American entrepreneurs understand these risks

intimately well.  

McAfee, the security firm, recently surveyed 1,000 senior IT decision makers

and found that half the respondents rated China’s “threat level” to their

sensitive data in China as “high.” A quarter of the respondents said they

wouldn’t even do business with China because they felt their digital assets

would be compromised.

But the recent arrests put a new spin on theft of intellectual property: It’s now

happening on American soil. Literally.

Weiqiang Zhang (USDA)

According to the indictment in the second of the two December arrests, Mo

Hailong, who worked as the director of international business for the Beijing

Dabeinong Technology Group Company, was found on his knees in an Iowan

cornfield allegedly stealing propriety corn from Pioneer, a U.S.-based corn

breeder.

According to the federal indictment, “A Pioneer field manager saw Mo on

his knees in the same grower’s field, which had just been planted within the

previous two days, and another Asian male sitting in a nearby car.” After Mo

was confronted, he apparently ran into the car and drove off with his

accomplice. The field worker jotted down the rental plate number and Mo was

arrested.

6th Feb 2014

Russian scientists confirm: Space veggies are safe to eatVegetables grown aboard the International Space Station "didn't differ a lot from the plants grown on Earth"LINDSAY ABRAMS   Follow

18

24

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TOPICS: AGRICULTURE, INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, SPACE, SUSTAINABILITY NEWS, TECHNOLOGY

NEWS

(Credit: NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

The Space Race of the 21st century, if you want to call it that, is taking the form of extraterrestrial agriculture. Last fall, NASA announced plans to grow food — romaine lettuce, specifically — from aboard the International Space Station. Beating them to the punch, however, Russian scientists also aboard the ISS have confirmed that food they’ve grown in orbit – peas, dwarf wheat and Japanese leafy greens — is officially safe to eat.“The plants have been very developed, absolutely normal and did not differ a lot from the plants grown on Earth,”  Margarita Levinskikh, of Russia’s Institute of Biological Problems (which is partnered with Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory), told the Voice of Russia.Popular Science has more on this giant step for produce:

ADVERTISEMENT

Produce in the International Space Station grow in a greenhouse named Lada, after the Russian goddess of spring. Lada has removable “root modules,” in which astronauts are able to grow several generations of crops before the modules’ nutrients are used up. At that point, the astronauts send the modules back to Earth for analysis. Biologists on Earth examine the modules to see if any harmful microbes have grown on them. They also check the modules and the plants’ leaves for contaminants which may come from the space station’s environment. ”These are the same types of tests we routinely conduct on the food grown on Earth,” Bugbee says.

Lada needs some repairs now, RIA Novosti reports. Once those are done, astronauts will plant it with rice, tomatoes and bell peppers, none of which have been grown in space before. Rice has a special advantage: Its genome has been fully sequenced, so scientists will be able to compare space rice with Earth rice to see if space affects which genes the staple expresses, RIA Novosti reports.

Crop scientist Bruce Bugbee of Utah State added that the astronauts have already been snacking on the veggies and have yet to experience any problems.

Lindsay Abrams is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on all things sustainable. Follow her on Twitter @readingirl, email labrams@salon.com.

7th Feb 2014

Rice millers make hay as govt revises levy priceP M Raghunandan, Bangalore, Feb 6, 2014, DHNS:

They are even procuring rice from neighbouring states

Thanks to the State government’s overzealousness in ensuring sufficient quantity of rice for its flagship Anna Bhagya scheme of supplying rice at Re one a kg, for which it raised the levy procurement price from Rs 2,160 a quintal to Rs 2,400, the scheme has rice mill owners laughing all the way to the bank.  

Rice mill owners, who protested against the levy policy which had fixed  annual levy target of 5 metric tonnes and forced the government to halve the target, are now eager to meet the earlier target, with many even procuring rice from neighbouring states to do so. 

Incidentally, close to 1,000 rice mill owners had gone on strike protesting the annual levy target of 5 lakh MT, claiming they would suffer losses. Several mills were also shut, causing panic among the public.

The striking millers had not only forced the government to bring down the target to 2.5 lakh MT a year, but also hike the levy procurement price.

The government, which was procuring a huge quantum of rice at Rs 21.90 a kg from Chhattisgarh and through online trading (Rs 22 a kg), took to increasing levy procurement price to buy it at Rs 21.60 a kg, least expecting prices to crash during the harvest season, official sources said. 

According to State Food and Civil Supplies Department, the happy millers have so far supplied 1.30 lakh MT of rice against the target of 1.5 lakh MT till March 2014. About 1 lakh MT were supplied in just a month’s time after the government hiked the levy procurement price on December 19, 2013. The millers had supplied only 2,646 MT till mid-December. 

Official sources said millers in some districts were buying rice from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and supplying to the State government under levy policy. The price of rice varies from Rs 19 a kg to Rs 21 a kg in neighbouring states, they added. 

Food and Civil Supplies Commissioner Harsh Gupta said the department has taken note of millers’ unethical practice and a case has been booked in Davanagere in this regard. He added that strict instructions have been issued to keep tabs on such offenders. 

6th Feb 2014

Rice smuggling, corruption, protectionism – almost the same thing!CROSSROADS (Toward Philippine Economic and Social Progress) By Gerardo P. Sicat (The Philippine

Star) | Updated February 5, 2014 - 12:00am

Rampant rice smuggling provides the headline news of the day. This is tied up with the concern for rising food

prices, the problem of continued corruption at Customs, and the country’s deficiency in food production.

The tensions felt by the nation in the scandal of rice smuggling is a symptom of what underlies the current state

of economic policies pertaining to the food production sector. Beneath the problem lurks the policy of

protectionism that the government has put in place to “help” entrenched producers  in the agricultural sector.

We will explain why smuggling, corruption and protectionism come together as a single package. In fact, they

almost become one and the same thing! This was the bane of past setback in Philippine industrialization. And

this could be the lynchpin for a setback in food production even as we move forward economically.

“The face of customs smuggling.” The rampant smuggling of goods in the country is not news anymore. A

recent former head of Customs said that commissioners come and go, but smuggling continues as a practice.

The industry watchdog in the private sector, the Philippine Federation of Industries, has estimated, based on

discrepancies in Philippine import data and the export data of major trading partners, that the volume of

smuggling is astounding, exceeding P300 billion alone in 2010 and 2011.

A recent internal report in the Finance Department has categorically stated that “a long history of backroom

deals, institutionalized theft and impunity has made the Bureau of Customs one of the most prominent faces of

corruption in the government.”

“Rice smuggling in the news and in the Senate hearing.” High domestic demand for rice and the high cost of

production in the country relative to low-cost rice production elsewhere in Southeast Asia – Thailand and

Vietnam in particular – are two major factors that have contributed to continued rice importation by the

Phillippines.

In addition , the country has been unable to produce sufficient rice for the nation’s needs , despite rising yields.

This has necessitated rice importation to assure the country’s food security.

Rice importation is regulated by the National Food Authority (NFA). It used to be that the NFA was the sole

legal importer of rice. After determining the nation’s supply deficiency, it would contract the nation’s import

needs directly.

The practice has changed. As the country’s food stabilization agency with powers to intervene in the rice trade

and distribution, it has had a colourful history. In the domestic sector it sets the prices of palay prior to milling

and then mills what it buys for storage and sale to the public. It acts as a rice price stabilizer for domestic

production and distribution.

That role extended to the purchase and resale of imported rice to the public. That was good until the practice

was changed during the time of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when the direct importation of rice was transferred to

private importers but under a regime of quantitative restrictions for each quota holder.

“Who benefited from the import quotas.” To import rice, quota holders were initially awarded licenses by the

NFA. Qualified quota holders were grains importers, individuals, and entities including farmers organizations

(associations and cooperatives).

The choices were undertaken by the agency. In distributing them, there were few requirements to enable quota

applicants. The import quotas were not auctioned to the highest bidders.

The government, therefore, did not earn any income commensurate with the privileges being offered. Thus,

selected quota holders were probably parties close to the agency or to the government in power.

In the Senate hearing, however, what surfaced was that those who were allocated import quotas turned around

quickly and sold their quotas to other rice traders at a premium. That meant easy money just to be a quota

holder.

Eventually, too, only a few traders controlled the importation of rice through the consolidation of the purchases

of the individual quota holders.

In all these, the protection that was supposed to benefit rice farmers did not go directly to that group. The

beneficiaries were those lucky to receive quotas and the traders who made profits from the trading acitivity.

“The face of corruption.” Easily, this practice led to the following: the quota holders made a quick profit. The rice

importers who eventually consolidated imported the rice from the designated sources. These importers were

required to pay a 40 percent tariff on the imported rice.

Did they pay the relevant import duties? Reports of smuggling of rice indicate some hint of failure to collect the

tariff duties on the rice imports.

Hence, this could only mean that expected revenues from the rice imports were never fully collected. As a

result, the high tariffs did not result in having any revenues earned to help strengthen the state coffers.

“Philippine agriculture and the processed food industry is highly protectionist.” Before the country’s accession

to the WTO, the agricultural sector enjoyed protectionism mainly in the form of non-tariff barriers. As part of its

accession to that international trade body, it committed toward remove non-tariff barriers that existed before.

This was done through the Agricultural Tarification Act of 1996 (Republic Act 8178). This law repealed other

laws and regulations that granted quantitative restrictions to several agricultural products. Except for the

country’s staple, rice, which was allowed temporary use of quantitative restrictions, the other agricultural

products were given tariff adoption guidelines.

This led to some tariff rates on a few agricultural products which were given substantial tariffs. Among these

are onions, potatoes, garlic and cabbages. Because of their high tariffs, these products are also the object of

smuggling.

“Lessons from the past.” Food prices are a significant part of the poor’s incomes. High tariffs and protection for

many industries do not protect industries as often claimed by their proponents.

Instead, protection serves to make our industries less competitive and less innovative. As a result, they fall

behind other foreign producers making the country economically strong.

Also, high protective tariffs encourage smugglers. It gives them ammunition to defy and corrupt further our

weak institutions. In the end, they also lead to higher prices. The wrong parties are enriched!

My email is: gpsicat@gmail.com. Visit this site for more information, feedback and

commentary:http://econ.upd.edu.ph/gpsicat/

5th Feb,2014

Heavy metals tungsten, cadmium and lead found in organic raw vegan brown rice protein productsIndustry: Health and Nutrition

Three laboratories validate findings of heavy metals in organic raw vegan brown rice protein products

United States (PRUnderground) February 4th, 2014

A Natural News food science investigation conducted in cooperation with the non-profit Consumer

Wellness Center has found alarming levels of the heavy metals tungsten, lead and cadmium in

popular vegan and vegetarian protein supplements. Findings were confirmed at three laboratories,

including a university lab.

Results of the food science investigation have been published at this Natural News article.

The heavy metal tungsten was found at concentrations exceeding 10,000 ppb in one lot of brown

rice protein sold under a popular brand name. Lead was found at over 500 ppb and cadmium

exceeded 1800 ppb. Several other lots were also tested and found to contain all three heavy metals.

Tungsten has recently been linked to a heightened stroke risk in a study published in the open

access journal PLoS ONE (Jessica Tyrrell, Tamara S. Galloway, Ghada Abo-Zaid, David Melzer,

Michael H. Depledge, Nicholas J. Osborne. High Urinary Tungsten Concentration Is Associated with

Stroke in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2010. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8

(11): e77546 DOI)

Lead researcher Mike Adams, aka the “Health Ranger,” is the first food scientist to confirm and

publish findings of tungsten contamination in dietary supplements. More results of lab testing of

other foods are published at labs.naturalnews.com

The serving size of the protein products tested by Natural News is 23 grams, meaning that the total

intake of these three heavy metals from consuming one serving of the protein is:

Tungsten: 236 micrograms

Lead: 13.5 micrograms

Cadmium: 42 micrograms

California Proposition 65 limits the daily intake of lead to 0.5 micrograms from a dietary supplement.

This means this brown rice protein product exceeds Prop 65 lead limits for dietary supplements by

2700%.

California Proposition 65 also limits the daily intake of cadmium to 4.1 micrograms from a dietary

supplement. This brown rice protein product exceeds Prop 65 cadmium limits for dietary

supplements by over 1000%.

California Proposition 65 does not set limits for the heavy metal tungsten, but if tungsten limits were

the same as lead limits, this brown rice protein would exceed Prop 65 limits for dietary supplements

by 47,200%.

The concentration of heavy metals found in many brown rice protein products even exceeds the far

more lax tolerances defined by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) which allows daily

microgram consumptions of Cadmium at 4.1 and Lead at 10 from any single product.

“These proteins contain the highest concentration of tungsten, lead and cadmium that we’ve ever

found in any edible product, across all categories,” warned lead researcher Mike Adams.

The protein products tested are certified organic by the USDA. Organic certification does not test

products for heavy metals, and there are no heavy metal limits established by the USDA.

Relatively little is known about the long-term health effects of tungsten consumption, as it is a heavy

metal which only became an environmental contaminant after the rise of manufacturing of electronic

devices such as mobile phones. Tungsten mines can release the heavy metal into streams, rivers

and water tables. All the protein products found to contain Tungsten in this Natural News

investigation were derived from rice, a crop which consumes large quantities of water as it grows.

Full results of this investigation are published at Labs.NaturalNews.com

About Natural News

Natural News is a science-based consumer watchdog investigative news agency focused on food

science and holistic health.

========

5th Feb

European Rice Quotes Stable

     

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Feb 04, 2014

There were no big movements in paddy rice quotes in Europe for the week ending January 28.  Only a few indications changed in comparison with the previous week, while most quotations remained unchanged. Milled rice quotes fluctuated a bit more, especially in Romania and France, according to European Union data.  SPAIN - Paddy rice: Japonica varieties were shown at 268.5 euros (about $362) per ton and Indica at 260 euros (about $351) per ton, both unchanged from the week before. PORTUGAL - Paddy rice: Long grain A varieties were indicated at 278 euros (about $375) per ton, up 7 euros on the previous week, when they were 271 euros (about $366) per ton. Long grain B varieties were fixed at 260 euros (about $351) per ton, unchanged from the previous week. GREECE - Paddy Rice: Medium grain varieties remained unchanged at 350 euros (about $472) per ton, Long grain varieties (no difference between A and B) unchanged at 450 euro (about $608) per ton, and Indica varieties were unchanged at 240 euros (about $324) per ton. ROMANIA - Paddy rice: Japonica varieties were fixed at 320.38 euros (about $432) per ton, up 15 euros (about $20) compared to 295.29 euros (about $398) per ton of the previous week. Indica varieties were quoted 277.37 euros (about $374) per ton, down 14 euros (about $18) compared to the week before. BULGARIA - Paddy rice: only Japonica varieties received a quotation unchanged from the previous week, of 276 euros (about $ 372) per ton. SPAIN - Milled rice: Japonica varieties were fixed at 542.4 euros (about $732) per ton unchanged on the week before. ROMANIA - Milled rice: Japonica varieties were fixed at 648.76 euros (about $874) per ton, down 61 euros (about $82) compared to 709.58 euros (about $958) per ton of the previous week. Indica were quoted 510.85 euros (about $874) per ton, down 96 euros (about $129) compared to 614.82 euros per ton (about $829) of the previous week BULGARIA - Milled rice: only Japonica varieties received a quotation,

unchanged on the previous week, around 814 euros (about $ 1,099) per ton. FRANCE - Milled Rice: Round rice quotations declined slightly at 460 euros (about $621) per ton, down 10 euros (about $13) on the week before. Long grain A varieties advanced to 570 euros (about $770) per ton, up 30 euros (about $40) on the previous week, when they were quoted 540 euros (about $729) per ton. Long grain B varieties were fixed at 450 euros (about $608) per ton, up 10 euros (about $13) from the week before.Tags: european rice quotes     - See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/european-rice-quotes-stable#sthash.DpsMXBcn.dpuf

Oryza Quick Glance at World News

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Financial Times –*Brazil in January reported its biggest monthly trade deficit of about 4.1 billion in history as the depreciation of the nation’s currency has yet to translate into a sharp improvement in exports.*The ECB on Monday countered attacks on the credibility of its crucial health check of the eurozone’s biggest lenders, saying its clean-up operation would leave no doubts over the financial system and help boost the currency bloc’s weak recovery.*Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg and the EU’s longest-serving leader, bowed out of top-level European politics on Friday saying a summit of fellow heads of government in Brussels was almost certainly his last.*Jack Lew, U.S. Treasury secretary, issued an urgent call for Congress to raise the borrowing limit this month, ratcheting up the pressure on Republicans to abandon brinkmanship and stave off a new fiscal crisis in America.*UniCredit, Italy's largest bank by assets, has sold €700 million of non-performing loans to specialist private equity group AnaCap Financial Partners – joining a trend of Italian banks seeking to offload the risky loans they built up during Italy's two-year recession.*BP's profits fell to $2.8 billion in the last quarter of 2013 after divestments and narrowing refining margins weighed on revenues and upping its legal provisioning for Gulf of Mexico oil spill to $42.7 billion last year. The British oil major increased its dividend though.

*The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates steady at record-low rates at 2.5%. But last week, quarterly CPI jumped from 2.2 to 2.7% from a year ago, nearing the upper range of the central bank's 2-3% target. Many analysts said that would reduce the RBA's flexibility.Wall Street Journal-*Thailand's opposition leaders emboldened by their success in disrupting the weekend's general elections vowed on Monday to maintain street protests and lawsuits aimed at removing Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from power.*Farmers battling Australia's second severe drought in under a decade have been warned not to expect a multibillion-dollar rescue package to help relieve rising debt, with Treasurer Joe Hockey warning, "the days of entitlement are over."*Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said Monday he had ordered the army to end the blockade imposed by armed protesters on oil terminals in the east of the country. The country's oil production has fallen sharply after rebels blocked the terminals in the summer last year, bringing the government on the brink of a financial crisis.*Nasser al-Kidwa, the deputy to international Syria mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, is stepping down.*A cross-border buyout that once valued Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. at $2.5 billion has now devolved into a court battle over as little as a few hundred million dollars. Cooper officially terminated its sale to India's Apollo Tyres Ltd. Monday after months of delay in which Apollo sought to cut the $35-a-share price.*E.U. nations must strengthen their controls against high-level corruption, the European Commission said in a report on Monday, citing policies that fail to prevent politicians, government officials, and companies from enriching themselves at the public's expense.*Hundreds of contractors working for America's biggest defense companies are taking on a broader role in helping Iraq's military learn to use new weapons in a growing battle against Islamist insurgents.New York Times-*President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan has been engaged in secret contacts with the Taliban about reaching a peace agreement without the involvement of his American and Western allies, further corroding already strained relations with the U.S.*Authorities in China have warned they will go after officials who cover up corruption, state media reported on Tuesday, in the government's latest effort to curb widespread graft.*Looking to defuse Ukraine’s crisis, the U.S. and Europe are trying to assemble a financial package that could ease the path for a new government there to guide the country out of its current impasse between Europe and Russia, American and European officials say.*Sri Lanka's president said Tuesday that it would be a "grave crime" if anyone brings war crime allegations against his government over its conduct

in the final months of a quarter-century civil war, saying it would be a victory for forces opposed to peace on the island nation.*A three-ship Chinese navy squadron has concluded exercises in the Indian Ocean and sailed on to the western Pacific, showing off the growing reach of the country's seagoing forces at a time of sharpening territorial disputes in regional waters.*Britain's biggest banks have still paid out only a fraction of the more than 3.75 billion pounds ($6 billion) they have set aside to compensate small firms mis-sold hedging products, data from the financial regulator showed.*Panasonic Corp said on Tuesday it would sell chip assembly plants in Southeast Asia to a unit of Singapore's UTAC Holdings Ltd as it moves into the final stages of a sweeping restructuring to unload unprofitable operations.Tags: World news     - See more at: http://oryza.com/global-news/oryza-quick-glance-world-news-50#sthash.EgpYlu9K.dpuf

Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Thailand, India and Pakistan rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged today. Vietnam rice sellers are out today due to a holiday.5% Broken RiceThai 5% rice (of new crop) is quoted around $435 - $445 per ton, about a $35 per ton premium over Viet 5% rice last shown around $400 - $410 per ton.Indian 5% rice is quoted around $410 - $420 per ton, about a $20 per ton premium over Pak 5% rice quoted around $390 - $400 per ton.25% Broken RiceThai 25% rice (of new crop) is quoted about $390 - $400 per ton, about a $15 per ton premium over Viet 25% rice last shown around $375 - $385 per ton.Indian 25% rice is quoted about $355 - $365 per ton, about a $10 per ton premium over Pak 25% rice quoted around $345 - $355 per ton.Parboiled RiceThai parboiled rice of the old crop is quoted around $455 - $465 per ton.Indian parboiled rice is quoted around $395 - $405 per ton, about $10 per ton discount to Pak parboiled rice quoted around $405 - $415 per ton.100% Broken Rice

Thai broken rice, A1 Super, of the old crop is quoted around $310 - $320 per ton, about a $45 per ton discount to Viet broken rice last shown around $355 - $365 per ton.Indian broken sortexed rice is quoted about $295 - $305 per ton, about a $25 per ton discount to Pak broken sortexed rice quoted around $320 - $330 per ton.Tags: Asia rice quotes, Pakistan rice quotes, Thailand rice quotes, Vietnam rice quotes, India rice quotes- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/asia-rice-quotes-unchanged-today-5#sthash.iZRFVdJu.dpuf

Ram C. Chaudhary

Global Rice Genetics & Breeding Expert

Dr. Ram Chet Chaudhary holds a Ph. D. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding and Post Doctorates from Technical University Munich, Germany and IRRI

Philippines.  Born and educated in India, he has been working with various national and international organizations for the last 42 years.  Throughout first 10 years of his career, he served as Rice Breeder, and Associate Director and Professor of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, in Pantnagar, India. Over the next 5 years he served Rajendra Agriculture University, Pusa (Bihar), India as Chief Rice Scientist, Professor of Plant Breeding, and Regional Director.  Working with the World Bank in Nigeria as the Rice Production Specialist, he brought several policy level changes. With International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) based in the Philippines, he worked as Rice Breeder and Global Coordinator of the world’s largest rice germplasm evaluation and utilization network, International Network for Germplasm Evaluation of Rice (INGER) for 10 years, in 100 rice growing countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Dr. Chaudhary was awarded the Gold Medal by the Prime Minister of Cambodia for his contribution in turning the nation into a rice exporter. With the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, he worked for 15 years in Iraq, Myanmar, North Korea, Uganda and Zambia focussing on issues related boosting rice production, food security, seed security, rural development, refugee resettlement, etc. He has helped develop and release more than 156 rice varieties in 60 countries, especially India and Cambodia.  Dr. Chaudhary has published more than 30 books and bulletins, and over 250 scientific papers related to rice.  A dozen of his books have been published by the World Bank and FAO, the most prominent ones being “Speciality Rices of the World: Breeding, Production and Marketing”, and “Crop Production, Seed Production and Weed Control in NERICA Rice.”  His book, “Introduction to Plant Breeding,” is a text book at the UG level in Indian agricultural universities. He is a prominent contributor on rice forums of IBC ASIA, Rice India, Informa, and international rice conferences. He is member of several national and international societies in India, Japan and USA. Currently, in addition to serving as Senior Consultant of FAO, UNDP, EU and others on rice research, production, planning and trade, he is Chairman of Participatory Rural Development Foundation (PRDF), based in eastern part of India, and working with the farmers on local issues untouched by the government agencies. Recent career highlights include having rejuvenated the local aromatic rice Kalanamak KN3 released in 2010, git protected under PVP&FR and GI, and its high yielding semi-dwarf version “Bauna Kalanamak” in 2014.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Bids Increase Slightly With Futures, Although Most Sellers Continue to Wait For Yet Higher Prices

     

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Feb 04, 2014

New crop offers remain steady near $13.33-$14.44 per cwt fob farm (about $294-$318 per ton) depending on where they are located while most bids were could still be found around $13.00-$13.33 per cwt fob farm (about $287-$294 per ton) which has not generated much selling interest. As for old crop, offers remain firm around $15.55 fob farm (about $343 per ton) although most farmers are looking to net $16.11 per cwt fob farm (about $355 per ton) or higher. Bids from larger mills increased slightly today to around $14.85 per cwt (about $327 per ton) while bids for exporters increased to around $15.55 per cwt (about $343 per ton), both for February through March delivery, although smaller mills were reported to be bidding as high as $16.30 per cwt (about $359 per ton) for prompt delivery.Tags: U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/us-rough-rice/oryza-us-rough-rice-recap-%E2%80%93-bids-increase-slightly-futures-although-most-sellers#sthash.rw5RJBf0.dpuf

elebrate Goddess of Knowledge, Learning, and Music with Rice and Lentil Dish, Khichri

     

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Feb 04, 2014

On Tuesday, citizens in Kolkata, India celebrated Saraswati Puja, honoring the Goddess Saraswati who is the goddess of knowledge, learning, and music.  One of the traditional dishes served during this celebration, khichri, is a popular rice dish made with lentils.  Even better, it’s a one-pot meal that cooks in about a half hour, making it perfect for a rushed mid-week dinner.  Ayurvedic practitioners claim this dish has a cooling energy that promotes detoxification in the body, and limited spices can be used if you or your fellow diners have a sensitive stomach. What you need: •1 cup rice•½ cup red lentils (dal) – you can use any kind of lentils or pulses, but may have to adjust the cooking time.•5 teaspoons oil (any kind)•3 teaspoons ghee (clarified butter)•1 teaspoon cumin seeds•1 cinnamon stick•2-3 tablespoons raw peanuts•1 teaspoon turmeric powder•½ teaspoon ground cloves•1 teaspoon black pepper•1 onion, finely chopped•5-6 garlic cloves, sliced or diced•1 teaspoon ginger, minced•1 medium potato, diced•½ cup frozen green peas•Salt to taste•Chili powder to taste What you do:

 1. Rinse the rice and lentils until the water runs clear.  If you’d like, you can soak the rice and lentils in fresh water for 15-30 minutes.2. Add a few teaspoons of oil and butter to a pressure cooker over medium heat.  Once warm, add the cumin seeds until they sizzle.  Then add the cinnamon stick and peanuts and cook until the peanuts are light brown.3. Add turmeric powder, ground cloves, black pepper, onions, garlic, and ginger.  Stir well and cook for about a minute.4. Add potatoes, peas, salt, and chili powder, and mix well.5. Add the rice and lentils to the pressure cooker and close the lid.  Cook until the whistle blows, and then turn off the heat.  Wait until the pressure is dissolved and the pot cools down, and then remove the lid.  The water should be evaporated, but the mixture should be mushy.6. Serve hot!  Consider serving with a side of papadum (a thin bread).7. Experiment with the flavors –for example, you could omit the green peas and add cauliflower or squash instead. Do you have a favorite rice dish you like to enjoy for certain occasions? Tags: khichri, Saraswati Puja, Goddess Saraswati, Kolkata, India rice dishes- See more at: http://oryza.com/grain-interest/celebrate-goddess-knowledge-learning-and-music-rice-and-lentil-dish-khichri#sthash.MZK6zLoB.dpuf

UAE Company Invests in Rice Processing, Hopes to Boost Role as Regional RiceTrading Hub

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is striving to become the “queen of rice” – and a company there has invested $150 million (Dh550m) to build a processing mill there in hopes of facilitating this goal. The mill should be built within 16 months and will begin processing and polishing only basmati rice at first, but it hopes to expand into other types of rice eventually.  Initially, the mill will process about 100,000 tons of basmati rice annually, and 75,000 tons of it will be designated for the UAE.  The company hopes to double capacity within 5 years. The mill will store and distribute rice, in addition to processing and polishing it.  It will have over 60 silos to help contribute to food security in the region. 

The company hopes to position Abu Dhabi as a rice hub for the Middle East market.  With Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran importing about 90% of basmati rice globally, Abu Dhabi is in an optimal position to fulfill that role as the UAE is already a logistical hub for regional rice trade.Tags: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi, middle east rice trade, Basmati rice, rice milling- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/uae-company-invests-rice-processing-hopes-boost-role-regional-ricetrading-hub#sthash.SAJS7hpD.dpuf

Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today – Brazil Real, Mexico Peso Both Advance 1.5%

     

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Feb 04, 2014

U.S. dollar index was up +0.14% from the open today, when it traded at 81.121 at the close. Euro was weaker -0.07% today by the close, trading around 1.3516 by end of day, after trading between an intraday high of 1.3539 and low of 1.3494.  Thai baht was stronger +0.59%, trading at 32.748 at the close of business. Indian rupee was stronger +0.06% at 62.5350. Brazilian real was +1.45% stronger than the open at today’s close, when it ended at 2.4055 reais per dollar. Pakistan rupee was +0.16% stronger at 105.4367. Vietnamese dong was unchanged at 21060. Mexican peso was +1.47% stronger today, when it traded at 13.3393 pesos per dollar by the close of business today. Chinese yuan was weaker -0.01%, trading at 6.0613. Argentine peso was +0.07% stronger, trading at 8.0074 pesos per dollar.Tags: foreign exchange rates- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/fx/oryza-rice-currency-analysis-today-%E2%80%93-brazil-real-mexico-peso-both-advance-15#sthash.IV80zkMd.dpuf

Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today – Brazil Real, Mexico Peso Both Advance 1.5%

     

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Feb 04, 2014

U.S. dollar index was up +0.14% from the open today, when it traded at 81.121 at the close. Euro was weaker -0.07% today by the close, trading around 1.3516 by end of day, after trading between an intraday high of 1.3539 and low of 1.3494.  Thai baht was stronger +0.59%, trading at 32.748 at the close of business. Indian rupee was stronger +0.06% at 62.5350. Brazilian real was +1.45% stronger than the open at today’s close, when it ended at 2.4055 reais per dollar. Pakistan rupee was +0.16% stronger at 105.4367. Vietnamese dong was unchanged at 21060. Mexican peso was +1.47% stronger today, when it traded at 13.3393 pesos per dollar by the close of business today. Chinese yuan was weaker -0.01%, trading at 6.0613. Argentine peso was +0.07% stronger, trading at 8.0074 pesos per dollar.Tags: foreign exchange rates     - See more at: http://oryza.com/news/fx/oryza-rice-currency-analysis-today-%E2%80%93-brazil-real-mexico-peso-both-advance-15#sthash.oRjB3TTe.dpuf

Oryza Afternoon Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Make Last Minute Recovery to Close Slightly Higher; Wheat and Soymeal Rally over 3%

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery settled 6 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $15.360 per cwt (about $339 per ton). Rough rice futures spent the majority of the trading session moving within a few cents of unchanged. Sellers were met with underlying scaled down buying interest which was enough to keep prices from falling much below unchanged. However, a last minute uptick in buying saw prices ultimately move higher on the day. The market was only able to momentarily dip below nearby support at $15.300 per cwt (about $337 per ton) provided by the lower Bollinger band. Secondary support is provided by yesterday’s session low of $15.250 per cwt (about $336 per ton), a level that will be closely monitored by technical traders. The other grains finished sharply higher today; soybeans closed about 1.6% higher at $13.1325 per bushel; wheat finished about 3.7% higher at $5.8450 per bushel; and corn finished the day about 1.4% higher at $4.4275 per bushel. U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday, with equities regaining some footing after the prior day's rout that shaved more than 300 points off the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Equities maintained their gains after data had factory orders falling 1.5% in December after a 1.5% gain in November. After a 109-point rise, and a brief dip into negative terrain, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lately up 76.50 points, or 0.5%, at 15,449.30. Consumer discretionary and materials fared best among the 10 major sectors on the S&P 500, which gained 13.69 points, or 0.8%, at 1,755.58. The Nasdaq rose 42.95 points, or 1.1%, to 4,039.92. The dollar edged higher against the currencies of major U.S. trading partners; the yield on the 10-year Treasury note used in figuring mortgage rates and other consumer loans rose 5 basis points to 2.626%. Gold is trading about 0.7% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 0.7% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.1% higher at about  1:00pm Chicago time. Monday, there were 2,035 contracts traded, up from 1,167 contracts traded on Friday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Monday increased by 472 contracts to 8,029.Tags: chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/cbot/oryza-afternoon-recap-%E2%80%93-chicago-rough-rice-futures-make-last-minute-recovery-close#sthash.H85zWozW.dpuf

Brazil Paddy Rice Index Declines Slightly in Last Week

     

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Feb 04, 2014

The Brazilian paddy rice index maintained by CEPEA stood at around 36.54 real per 50 kilograms as of February 04, 2014, down slightly from around 36.8 real per 50 kilograms recorded a week earlier on January 27, 2014.However, in terms of USD per ton, the Brazilian paddy rice index declined to around $300 per ton on February 04, 2014, down about 2% from around $306 per ton on January 27, 2014.Tags: Brazilian Paddy Rice Index     - See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/brazil-paddy-rice-index-declines-slightly-last-week-2#sthash.AR9RfOf1.dpuf

Philippines Region VI to Draft Code of GAP on Rice

     

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Feb 04, 2014

The Region VI (Western Visayas) of the Philippines is planning to draft a Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Rice, according to the Director of the Department of Agriculture-6.The Code of GAP on Rice will be drafted by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standard (BAFS) in consultation with the farmers. The Director of DA-6 said that the code of GAP on Rice is a set of standards covering the production, harvesting and on-farm post-harvest, handling and storage. He emphasized that GAP would help farmers to boost both yield as well as the quality of rice grains. It is an important tool for the products to be allowed by the Bureau of customs to be exported to other Asian and European countries, he noted.BAFS Focal Person added that GAP is a control measure and a requirement for accreditation which will that the products are produced through good agricultural practices. He urged the farmers and the local governments to take part in a series of trainings, activities and public consultations to gain an understanding of the standards of GAP on rice.Rice is the top commodity produced in the Region VI of the Philippines.Tags: Philippines Rice Production- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/philippines-region-vi-draft-code-gap-rice#sthash.2Y8jNBay.dpuf

Iraq Receives Offers in Tender to Buy 15,000 Tons India Basmati Rice

     

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Feb 04, 2014

The lowest offer in Iraq’s recent tender to buy at least 15,000 tons of Indian basmati rice is $1,479 per ton CIF free out. The next offer is for $1,510 per ton CIF free out, according to trade sources.The tender closed on February 2, 2014 and offers must remain valid until February 7, 2014.Tags: Iraq rice tender, india basmati rice- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/tenders/iraq-receives-offers-tender-buy-15000-tons-india-basmati-rice#sthash.Vpz0CfZ3.dpuf

U.S. Rice Production Declines 8.3% in 2013; Average Prices Increase 6.2%

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Total rice production in the U.S. stood at around 6.6 million tons (milled equivalent) in the calendar year 2013, down about 8.3% from around 7.2 million tons (milled equivalent) produced in 2012, according to the USDA. Average paddy rice prices in 2013 increased by around 6.2% to about $340.24 per ton from the previous year's $320.22 per ton, the U.S. agency says.The U.S. long-grain production in the calendar year 2013 stood at around 5.04 million tons (milled equivalent), down about 5% from around 5.31 million tons (milled equivalent) in 2012. Average prices of the U.S. long-grain increased by about 10% to $331 per ton during 2013, up from $301 per ton in 2012. The U.S. medium and short grain production during 2013 stood at around 1.29 million tons, down about 32% from around 1.89 million tons in 2012. Average prices of the U.S. medium and short-grain during 2013 were $373.68 per ton, down 0.5% from $375.7 per ton in 2012.Total U.S. rice production in the first six months of MY 2013-14 (July – June) stands at about 2.47 million tons (milled equivalent) , down around 19% from about 3.05 million tons during the same period in MY 2012-13. The average price during July - December 2013 is $342.81 per ton, compared to around $324.07 per ton during the same period in MY 2012-13.The US long-grain production in the first six months of MY 2013-14 stood at 1.93 million tons (milled equivalent), down 20% from 2.41 million tons (milled equivalent) during the same period in the MY 2012-13. The average price during July - December 2013 is $336.90, compared to $308.23 during the same period in MY 2012-13. The US medium and short-grain production in the first six months of MY 2013-14 stood at 368,955 tons, down about 41% from 630,318 tons during the same period in the MY 2012-13. Average price during the period July - December 2013 is $364.12 per ton, compared to $382.86 during the same period in MY 2012-13.In its recent Rice Outlook report, the USDA estimates that the U.S. paddy rice production may reach 8.61 million tons (about 6 million tons, basis milled) during MY 2013-14 due to increased acreage and average yield per hectare. The US agency estimates long-grain production at around 5.98 million tons and that of medium and short-grain production at 2.63 million tons. The agency estimates long-grain season-average farm price range at $326.28 - $348.33 per ton. It estimates the combined medium- and short-grain farm price range at $359.35 - $381.40 per ton and all rice and season-average farm price range at $337.30 - $359.35 per ton.Tags: U.S. rice prodution, chicago rough rice futures; U.S. rice prices- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/us-rice-production-declines-83-2013-average-prices-increase-62#sthash.cSDVWlyW.dpuf

The Curious Case of 'David Tan' and Rice Smuggling in the Philippines

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Authorities in the Philippines seem to be clueless about illegal imports of rice in to the country. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) says that a person named “David Tan” or “Mr. T” is the kingpin of rice smuggling, but no one seems to know the real identity of this “David Tan.” Authorities first claimed that there are at least three “David Tans” (some reports say eight), and that each of them will be summoned. The Agriculture Secretary said he was glad “David Tan” had surfaced. However, BOC soon said that David Tan could be fictitious. Last month, the BOC chief said, “We don’t know if there’s really a David Tan.” This week, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), held a businessman named Davidson Tan Bangayan, but released him on bail within hours. The accused claims he is not the real David Tan. Is this any less intriguing than a Sherlock Holmes mystery?Tags: Rice Smuggling in the Philippines, David Tan

- See more at: http://oryza.com/op-ed/curious-case-david-tan-and-rice-smuggling-philippines#sthash.qQ5RdHj1.dpuf

CONAB to Auction About 45,087 Tons of Brazil Paddy Rice on February 7, 2014

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Brazil's state agency, CONAB, announced that it will sell about 45,087.41 tons of Brazilian paddy rice from the previous crop including 2008-09, in two different auctions on February 7, 2014. The first auction is for about 28,538.045 tons of paddy, the second auction is for about 16,549.364 tons of paddy. The auctions will be conducted through the electronic trading system of the national food supply company, SEC.  The selling price will be released in reals per kilogram, VAT excluded, two days after the date of auction.Tags: Brazil rice, Conab paddy rice auction- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/tenders/conab-auction-about-45087-tons-brazil-paddy-rice-february-7-2014#sthash.R5fcBR7h.dpuf

Asia and Pacific Countries Formulate Regional Rice Strategy

     

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Feb 04, 2014

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) members from the Asia and Pacific Region have formulated a regional rice strategy, according to the FAO Assistant Director-General (ADG) and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.The FAO ADG says that the Asia-Pacific regional rice strategy has been formulated as a response to the region’s FAO members' demand for a common strategy that would benefit both net exporters and importers of rice, which is a staple food source across the Asia-Pacific region. He adds that though each country must have its own strategy, a regional strategy would facilitate the formulation of national rice strategies, policies and investment plans to address emerging challenges and benefit from new

opportunities. A regional rice strategy would go a long way in contributing to the betterment of people - economically, socially and environmentally - in the Asia and Pacific regions, the FAO ADG says.Senior government officials and development partners from Asia’s major rice exporting and consuming countries, including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, attended the "Consultative Meeting on Rice Strategy for Asia and the Pacific", convened by the FAO in Pattaya, Thailand. The participants finalized the draft contents of "Rice Strategy for Sustainable Food Security in Asia and the Pacific Region" which will be presented for consideration at the FAO's 32nd Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, which is likely to take place in March 2014 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Tags: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia-Pacific regional rice strategy- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/asia-and-pacific-countries-formulate-regional-rice-strategy#sthash.JFeqARyh.dpuf

Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Slightly Lower Following Yesterday’s Steep Selloff

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery are currently paused 1.5 cents per cwt (about $0.33 per ton) lower at $15.285 per cwt (about $337 per ton) as of 8:00am Chicago time. The other grains are seen higher this morning ahead of floor trading in Chicago: soybeans are currently seen about 0.8% higher, wheat was paused about 0.1% higher, and corn is noted about 0.4% higher.U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Tuesday, with the focus on factory order data for December. Factory orders will be published by the government at 10 a.m. ET. Analysts polled by Reuters forecast orders rose by 1.8 percent, after falling by 1.9 percent in November. The Congressional Budget Office will release its annual budget and economic outlook, which will provide an official update of the projected budget deficit for fiscal year 2014. In addition, the Fed's Jeffrey Lacker and Charles Evans will give speeches, which may be of interest given recent poor data and emerging market stress. European and Asian shares traded lower early on Tuesday, following a selloff on Wall Street on Tuesday. Benchmark indexes fell through key support levels, after the ISM gauge of factory activity disappointed, heightening concern about the economy before Friday's monthly jobs report. U.S. stock index futures are currently trading about 0.7% higher, gold is currently trading about 0.7% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 0.3%

higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% higher at 8:00am Chicago time.Tags: chicago rough rice futures- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/cbot/oryza-overnight-recap-%E2%80%93-chicago-rough-rice-slightly-lower-following-yesterday%E2%80%99s-steep#sthash.IEF0TfKZ.dpuf

China Cancels Deal to Buy 1.2 Million Tons of Rice from Thailand

     

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Feb 04, 2014

China has cancelled a government-to-government deal to buy 1.2 million tons of rice from Thailand after Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) began investigations into the state rice-buying scheme, according to Thailand’s Caretaker Commerce Minister.The deal between Thailand and Chinese state enterprise Beidahuang was signed on November 20, 2013, for delivery starting in December, but the delivery was delayed after Thailand’s Prime Minister dissolved the Parliament on December 9, 2013.Thailand’s Caretaker Commerce Minister said China cancelled the deal following NACC's probe into the transparency of rice deals between Thailand and China. The NACC is investigating the role of the Caretaker Prime Minister as the head of the National Rice Committee, which was overlooking the implementation of the rice-pledging scheme. Last week, the Rice Committee decided to discontinue the rice-pledging scheme after February 2014.The cancellation of the rice export deal comes amid protests by Thai rice farmers who are waiting for payments for nearly four months now. The caretaker government, which is barred from making any government-to-government deals, is struggling to raise funds to make payments to the farmers and attempts to secure loans from banks have failed so far. The Thai government was hopeful of raising funds for the scheme after the February 2, 2014 elections. However, disruption of vote in few provinces left the election incomplete. Protestors are demanding an unelected "people's council" that would oversee reform of the country's political system.Meanwhile, Thailand’s Caretaker Commerce Minister said the government would open a tender to sell 400,000 tons of rice from state stocks next week. The government hopes to raise around 10 billion baht (around $303 million) through the sale. The government needs around 130 billion baht (around $4 billion) to pay the farmers for the 2013-14 main crop.Tags: 

Thailand rice exports, China rice imports, Thailand rice mortgage program- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/china-cancels-deal-buy-12-million-tons-rice-thailand#sthash.bumqPp1A.dpuf

Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Slightly Lower Following Yesterday’s Steep Selloff

     

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Feb 04, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery are currently paused 1.5 cents per cwt (about $0.33 per ton) lower at $15.285 per cwt (about $337 per ton) as of 8:00am Chicago time. The other grains are seen higher this morning ahead of floor trading in Chicago: soybeans are currently seen about 0.8% higher, wheat was paused about 0.1% higher, and corn is noted about 0.4% higher.U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Tuesday, with the focus on factory order data for December. Factory orders will be published by the government at 10 a.m. ET. Analysts polled by Reuters forecast orders rose by 1.8 percent, after falling by 1.9 percent in November. The Congressional Budget Office will release its annual budget and economic outlook, which will provide an official update of the projected budget deficit for fiscal year 2014. In addition, the Fed's Jeffrey Lacker and Charles Evans will give speeches, which may be of interest given recent poor data and emerging market stress. European and Asian shares traded lower early on Tuesday, following a selloff on Wall Street on Tuesday. Benchmark indexes fell through key support levels, after the ISM gauge of factory activity disappointed, heightening concern about the economy before Friday's monthly jobs report. U.S. stock index futures are currently trading about 0.7% higher, gold is currently trading about 0.7% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 0.3% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% higher at 8:00am Chicago time.Tags: 

chicago rough rice futures

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/cbot/oryza-overnight-recap-%E2%80%93-chicago-rough-rice-slightly-lower-following-yesterday%E2%80%99s-steep#sthash.kwGf0gKy.dpuf

26th Feb.,2014

Brazil Paddy Rice Index Declines 1% in Last Week

     

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Feb 25, 2014

The Brazilian paddy rice index maintained by CEPEA stood at around 35.28 real per 50 kilograms on February 24, 2014, down about 1% from around 35.77 real per 50 kilograms recorded a week earlier on February 17, 2014.

In terms of USD per ton, the index declined to around $301.7 per ton on February 24, 2014, down slightly from around $304 per ton seen on February 17, 2014.Tags: 

Brazil paddy rice index cepea

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/brazil-paddy-rice-index-declines-1-last-week-0#sthash.z7BjbaGS.dpuf

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Light Trade Activity Subsides after Futures Settle Lower

     

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Feb 25, 2014

The U.S. cash market was saw some light trade activity today after yesterday’s rally in the futures market however most of the interest subsided after the futures market settled lower. As of today, old crop offers were unchanged around $15.55-$16.11  fob farm (about $343-$355 per ton) depending on where they are located and how quickly they could ship. Bids from larger mills decreased today back to around $15.25 per cwt (about $336 per ton) while bids for exporters were unchanged near $15.55 per cwt (about $343 per ton), both for March delivery, although there were reports of rice trading as low as $15.75 per cwt (about $347 per ton) delivered barge facility and as high as $16.15 per cwt (about $356 per ton) delivered mill.Tags: 

U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market

     

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/us-rough-rice/oryza-us-rough-rice-recap-%E2%80%93-light-trade-activity-subsides-after-futures-settle#sthash.ascHi4Sz.dpuf

Iraq Buys 90,000 Tons of South America Rice

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Iraq about 90,000 tons of rice of South American origin, inlcuding: 30,000 tons Argentina rice at $713 per ton CIF; 30,000 tons of 30,000 tons of Uruguay rice at $713 per ton CIF; and Argentina rice at $699 per ton CIF, trade sources tell Oryza. Tags: 

Iraq rice tender

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/iraq-buys-90000-tons-south-america-rice#sthash.FWxLlIks.dpuf

Oryza Afternoon Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Collapse as Market Appears to Have Topped out; Sellers Take Advantage of Lofty Prices

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery settled 29.5 cents per cwt (about $7 per ton) lower at $15.750 per cwt (about $347 per ton). After trading to afresh multi-month high, rough rice futures made a huge reversal today and closed just above technical support provided by the 10-day moving average which was noted at $15.735 per cwt (about $347 per ton) today. The market reached a morning high of $16.100 per cwt (about $355 per ton) before abruptly falling over 30 cents per cwt (about $7 per ton), more than erasing solid gains earned yesterday. Today’s action has returned prices to a place within the Bollinger bands and a fact that likely added a technical aspect to the day’s selloff. Additionally the recent rally in future prices likely reflected an attractive selling price to commercial interests who are looking to unload physical inventory. Many trade insiders expect a fresh round of registrations of warehouse receipts on first notice day this Friday. Technically the market remains in supportive territory and the current trend of higher prices remains intact, however today’s action is seen as a cause of concern for the bulls. The other grains finished the day mostly higher; soybeans closed about 0.9% higher at $13.9900 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.5% lower at $6.1500 per bushel; and corn finished the day about 0.9% higher at $4.5675 per bushel. U.S. stocks turned higher on Tuesday, lifting the S&P 500 above its record close, as better-than-expected earnings from home-improvement retailer Home Depot helped deflect a decline in consumer confidence. The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metro areas gained 0.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis. After rising 34 points and falling 59, the Dow Jones Industrial

Average was lately up 24.89 points, or 0.2%, to 16,232.03. The S&P 500 added 2.06 points, or 0.1%, to 1,849.67, with materials and consumer staples faring best and financials and industrials hardest hit among its 10 major sectors. The Nasdaq rose 1.41 points to 4,294.37. Gold is trading about 0.3% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 1.1% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.1% lower at about  1:00pm Chicago time. Monday, there were 2,208 contracts traded, up from 1,567 contracts traded on Friday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Monday decreased by 188 contracts to 7,523.Tags: 

chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/cbot/oryza-afternoon-recap-%E2%80%93-chicago-

rough-rice-futures-collapse-market-appears-have-topped-out#sthash.BxSNFFcL.dpuf Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Maintain Their Position Above $16.000 following Yesterday’s Massive Rally

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery are currently paused 0.5 cent per cwt (about $3 per ton) higher at $16.050 per cwt (about $354 per ton) as of 8:00am Chicago time. The other grains are seen mostly lower this morning ahead of floor trading in Chicago: soybeans are currently seen about 0.1% lower, wheat was paused about 0.3% lower, and corn is noted about 0.1% higher.U.S. stock index futures signaled a lower start to Wall Street trade on Tuesday, ahead of more housing market indicators. Two housing market indicators for December will be published at 9 a.m. – the Case-Shiller 20-city Index and the FHFA Housing Price Index. These will be followed by the Conference Board's consumer confidence data for February at 10 a.m. Analysts polled by Reuters see confidence coming in at 80.3, slightly down from 80.7 in January. U.S. stocks rallied on Monday as investors cheered merger and acquisition news and continued to disregard lackluster economic data, attributing it to harsh winter weather. The S&P 500 was lifted to an intraday record, and briefly cleared its 2014 loss. U.S. stock index futures are currently trading about 0.1% lower, gold is currently trading about 0.1% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 1.2% lower, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% lower at 8:00am Chicago time.Tags: 

chicago rough rice futures

     

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/cbot/oryza-overnight-recap-%E2%80%93-chicago-rough-rice-futures-maintain-their-position-above-16000#sthash.AQ3maSMO.dpuf

Colombia Rice Prices Increase in February 2014

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Average white rice prices in Colombia stood at around 1.86 million pesos per ton as of February 24, 2014, up about 2% from around 1.82 million pesos per ton recorded in January 2014, but down about 5% from around 1.97 million pesos per ton in February 2013, according to Fedearroz.Average green paddy prices stood at around 891,695 pesos per ton as of February 24, 2014, up about 2% from around 873,900 pesos per ton in January 2014, and up about 3% from around 868,929 pesos per ton in February 2013.In terms of USD per ton, Colombia’s average white rice prices declined to around $913 per ton in February 2014, down slightly from around $915 per ton (using historical exchange rates) in January 2014 and down about 17% from around $1,103 per ton (using historical exchange rates) in February 2013.In terms of USD per ton, Colombia’s average green paddy rice prices declined to around $436 per ton as of February 24, 2014, down slightly from around $438 per ton (using historical exchange rates) in January 2014, and down about 10% from around $485 per ton (using historical exchange rates) in February 2013.Tags: 

colombia rice prices

     

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/rice-news/colombia-rice-prices-increase-february-2014#sthash.JXlK5G08.dpuf

Rice Smuggling Happens in Compounds of NFA, Claims Philippines Senator

     

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Feb 25, 2014

A senator in the Philippines has accused the National Food Authority (NFA) for issuing import permit to a Cooperative in 2013 despite the Bureau of Customs (BoC) tagging it as one of the consignees involved in illegal rice trade. At the hearing of the Senate committee on agriculture and food on Tuesday, the senator said he received information that rice smuggling is happening at the compounds of the NFA.The NFA granted import permit to San Carlos Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SACAMUCO) to import over 28,000 sacks of rice worth P34 million (around $761,552). The NFA acting Administrator responded saying the agency learned of SACAMUCO's alleged practice of mis-declaring rice shipments after the import permit has been issued. "We already made corrections when

we found out about the BOC's findings. Subsequent permits of San Carlos were not issued," he adds.Seven officials of the Cooperative are facing legal charges before the Department of Justice (DoJ) for mis-declaring the quantity and origin of the rice imports. “Historically, we’ve seen this already. It would appear from documents that the NFA was letting these coops get away. Like we said, we know this already. Hopefully, this won’t happen again," the senator said. He suggested the NFA to stop issuing permits after the shipments arrived.The Senate was also urged yesterday to investigate the alleged overpricing of rice imports from Vietnam by the NFA. However, the Committee of Agriculture is acting cautiously as the Vietnam government is involved in the matter. Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture Panel said she will ask the DoJ to submit its findings on the alleged overpricing of imports from Vietnam.Tags: 

Philippines rice smuggling

     

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Nigeria Considers Lower Import Tariff on Rice

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development are consulting with the President to slash the import duties on rice, according to local sources.At an event organized by the Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, the Minister of Finance, who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, said that the existing 100% duty and 10% levy on rice imports need to be reviewed in the light of loss of several billions of dollars in customs revenue and increasing smuggling via land borders. She said, “The 100 per cent duty and 10 per cent levy on rice has led to an increase in the nation’s rice output especially in the North and it has created jobs but it has also caused a significant reduction in customs revenue and has been largely hijacked by smugglers and neighboring countries.”Nigeria is keen on increasing domestic rice production and is planning to ban rice imports from 2015. However, industry sources and other stakeholders want the government to postpone the import ban to 2019 as the country is still not ready for large-scale commercial production and the decision may be counter-productive to the country's economy.

According to the USDA, Nigeria’s rice production is expected to reach about 2.8 million tons in MY 2013-14, up 17% from 2.4 million tons produced in the MY 2012-13. However, consumption is estimated to increase by 11% to 6 million tons from 5.4 million tons in MY 2012-13. The US agency estimates Nigeria’s rice imports in MY 2013-14 at around 3 million tons, up about 3.5% from around 2.9 million tons imported in MY 2012-13.Tags: 

Nigeria rice import tariff

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Pakistan Government Neglects Power Problems of Parboiling Rice Industry

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Parboiled rice processing units in Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces are facing difficulty due to lack of gas supply and power load-shedding and the government is indifferent to the problems faced by the parboiled rice industry.According to local sources, nearly 160 out of 200 parboiling processing units have been shut down in the Sindh province in the last two years due to power shortages. Many of units’ owners prefer to produce white rice by removing husk rather than parboiled rice. Most of the manufacturers have invested huge amounts and installed imported modern plants during the last ten years to meet the increased demand for the country's parboiled rice for foreign markets. Many of them have installed generators to overcome the power shortages but their production costs have gone up tremendously and their earnings are insufficient to cover their costs.The owners of parboiled processing units have many times requested the government to address their problems, but in vain. Recently, the President of the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has sought urgent measures from the government for the revival of the country's parboiled industry.Parboiling improves the nutritional value of rice and changes its texture and the health benefits associated with this type of rice are immense as the process nutrients such as thiamine from the bran into the grain. Pakistan's parboiled rice has heavy demand from Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and Africa.Pakistan exported 1.76 million tons of rice during the first seven months of the FY 2013-14 (July - June), according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The country's non-basmati exports, including parboiled rice exports

increased by 2% to reach 205,403 tons during the first seven months of FY 2013-14, up from 201,150 tons in FY 2012-13.Tags: 

Pakistan parboiled rice

     

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Rice Husk Can Fuel Power Plants in Rice Mills, Finds Study

     

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Feb 25, 2014

Rice husk, which is mostly a waste product from rice milling, can be used to generate power in rice mills, according to a study by the Affiliated Renewable Energy Center, Central Philippine University (CPU-AREC).The study on “Rice Husk potential as Energy Source in Panay, Philippines” finds that rice husk can be used to generate energy, which can be alternately used for other purposes like drying in the rice mills. According to Mr. Jeriel G. Militar, Project Director of CPU-AREC, approximately 290 kilograms of rice husk is obtained from a ton of paddy rice milled and it is usually left on paddy fields to be decayed or burned. Most of the mills face difficulty in disposing it. Though the rice husk is used as fuel for cook stoves, pottery kilns, ovens and dyers, its use is by far very limited.According to the study, rice husk has high calorific value of about 3,000 kcal/kg and it is a renewable source of energy as well as a non-carbon fuel. Mr. Militar and team found that one ton of rice husk can produce approximately 726.46 Kilo watts of energy per hour and 82.93 megawatts of power. They recommend setting up of rice husk fueled power plants in rice mills.However generating power from rice husk has some disadvantages. Rice husk is difficult to store because of its bulky nature and ash content from rice husk (17 - 26%) is much more than that from wood (0.2 - 2%) and coal (12.2%). The total cost of setting up plant and running it is pretty high. Mr.Militar and his team are identifying rice mills which are ready to invest in rice husk power plants in each municipality in the Panay province of the

Philippines. However, the study will be useful in countries such as Pakistan, where power costs are high and supply is inconsistent.The team is also considering recommendations of earlier studies on the subject. According to previous studies, direct combustion is recommended for most heat applications and gasification is recommended for small to medium scale applications. Already some rice mills in Nueva Ecija province are using 'Flatbed Paddy Dryer' using direct combustion and 'Flatbed Paddy Dryer' using gasifier. Similarly a rice mill in Isabela province has set up 1-MW rice husk fueled Power Plant and another mill in the same province has set up a 2- MW Power Plant.The study also says that the Philippines government is providing various incentives for energy utilization of rice husk under the Renewable Energy Law.Tags: 

Rice husk, Affiliated Renewable Energy Center, Central Philippine University (CPU-AREC)

- See more at: http://oryza.com/news/research-development/rice-husk-can-fuel-power-plants-rice-mills-finds-study#sthash.vN5J1WZl.dpuf