27th december,2013 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

27th December , 2013

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com
News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com
Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Share developments in RICE
and allied sectors,
Promote the Concept of Knowledge
Economy
Dear Sir/Madam,

YOUR IDEA has a great worth---JUST share it through
RICE PLUS
10000+ stakeholders of rice industry read & apply various ideas
and analysis written by the authors.

Be the part of Rice plus authors
Visit: www.ricepluss.com,www.publishpk.net
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
riceplus@irp.edu.pk

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU
Latest News Headlines…
















De Lima orders reopening of rice-smuggling probe
OFFICIAL CORRECTION-Iraq issues tender to buy at least 30,000 tonnes of rice
DOJ eyes renewed hunt for rice cartel financier
Rice prices drop as buyers take to sidelines ahead of year-e
EC has yet to approve Commerce Ministry's rice selling plan
Rice millers hurt by political standoff
Govt targets rice exports of 8m tonnes next year
Agri Buzz : India's Rice Exports To Iran Rises Over 12% in 2013
Farmers body seeks more procurement of paddy by Assam govt.
Odisha announces special assistance for paddy
Bangladesh wants rice seed trade with India
TABLE-India Grain Prices-Delhi- December 27
Review rice importation policy, maritime expert urges Nigerian government
Rice Bran Oil consumption found significantly reducing cholesterol
Trade boss: Rice exports wilt in 2013

NEWS DETAILS:
De Lima orders reopening of rice-smuggling probe
Category: Nation
27 Dec 2013 :Written by Joel R. San Juan
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to reopen its
probe on the smuggling activities in the country involving a certain David Tan and several others.In an
interview with reporters, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also denied the allegation made by Sen. Ralph Recto
that it sat on the Senate‟s recommendation to prosecute David Tan and several others for their alleged
involvement in big-time rice smuggling activities in the country.Based on reports, the Senate joint committee
recommended to prosecute Tan, as well as a certain “Danny Ngo,” Danilo Garcia (head of a rice dealers‟

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

association in southern Metro Manila) and Willy Sy (owner of Montevallo Enterprises, allegedly a bogus
cooperative) for corruption; violation of Sections 101 and 3601 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the
Philippines, and of Republic Act 1956, which amended Article 186 of the Revised Penal Code on monopolies
and combinations in restraint of trade, against the suspected financiers and operators of the rice cartel.De Lima
explained that the NBI initially looked into Tan‟s case but it was forced to suspend its investigation due to lack
of leads.
This time, de Lima said, she has directed the NBI Antigraft Division Chief Romulo Asis to lead the
reinvestigation.“Apparently there is a syndicate here,” she said.De Lima said at least six teams, led by the NBI
Antigraft Division, took on the case when it was referred to her by the Senate on March 16.“They were given 30
days to investigate and file their report on Tan‟s case but there was no development. The investigation was then
extended to 90 days but they still weren‟t able to gather solid evidence against Tan, and thus the probe was
temporarily suspended,” he explained.
In its 43-page report, the Senate joint committee investigating the existence of the rice smuggling cartel in the
country found that Tan were among the “financiers” of 26 cooperatives that cornered a big chunk of the rice
importation of the National Food Authority (NFA).The said cooperatives, according to the Senate report, were
allegedly considered as fronts for Tan and his group.Aside from the prosecution of Tan and his gang, the Senate
also recommended to slap ex-NFA administrator Lito Banayo, his former chief of staff Gilberto Lauengco, and
six other NFA officials with graft charges since the NFA “very well knew that the participants [in the Private
Sector Financed Importation Program] do not have the financial nor the technical capability to import rice.”But,
de Lima said most of the resource persons they invited during the first investigation denied knowing Tan or his
operations.

OFFICIAL CORRECTION-Iraq issues tender to buy at least 30,000 tonnes of rice
Reuters Middle East – 20 hours ago

(Changes Thailand to Brazil in first paragraph after trade ministry corrected statement)
BAGHDAD, Dec 26 (Reuters) - Iraq issued a tender to buy at least 30,000 tonnes of rice, with long-grain supplies which can be
sourced from the United States, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, a trade ministry statement said on Thursday.The closing date
for the tender is Jan. 13, and offers must be valid until Jan. 17.In its previous rice tender which closed on Dec. 8, Iraq rejected
all offers and made no purchase due to high prices asked by traders, a trade ministry source said. (Reporting by Ahmed
Rasheed; Editing by Louise Ireland)

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

DOJ eyes renewed hunt for rice cartel financier
By Jorge Cariño, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 12/27/2013 4:15 PM | Updated as of 12/27/2013 4:15 PM

MANILA - The Department of Justice is looking at reorganizing a team handling the issue of rice smuggling
after National Bureau of Investigation operatives came up empty-handed on the hunt for a certain David
Tan.News reports said Tan was identified in a Senate joint committee inquiry on rice smuggling at the Subic
Bay freeport and the Port of Legazpi.Tan was identified as one of the financiers who bankrolled the syndicate
of bogus cooperatives and enterprises that cornered a hefty chunk of the National Food Authority's rice
imports under the Aquino administration.Tan reportedly gave as much as P6 billion in kickbacks to Customs
officials and employees who facilitated the entry of his shipments of smuggled rice over the last two years.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said she was able to talk with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
Friday morning who told her that the case was temporarily closed because the NBI has been unable to locate
Tan and a certain Danny Ngo."I think you will all agree with me that the names are quite common. And despite
their checks and… The NBI also said that no one among the members of the alleged cooperatives were willing
to give testimony, or at least, to cooperate to unveil the identities," said Valte.Valte said de Lima will meet with
the NBI team today and will also direct NBI officials to reopen the probe.She said the NBI will discuss ways on
how to reopen the investigation and how to move the investigation forward in order to achieve significant
results."The Secretary of Justice also mentioned to us that she is willing to either reorganize the team that is
handling the investigation or to enhance the team composition," said Valte.

Rice prices drop as buyers take to sidelines ahead of year-e
BUSINESS
Rice prices drop as buyers take to sidelines ahead of year-end
DECEMBER 27, 2013

Asian rice prices eased in subdued trade this week as buyers stayed on the sidelines ahead of the year-end
holiday, traders said.Common grade Thai 5 percent broken rice was offered at $420 (RM1,383) per tonne, down
from last week's $435, they said."The weaker baht allowed exporters to lower their offers, but that still failed to
attract buyers as demand remained thin," said a Bangkok-based trader.The Thai baht has dropped against the
dollar due to political turmoil in the country.Thai rice prices were also under pressure from rising supply during
the harvesting period, traders said.Harvesting of Thailand's main 2013/14 crop is expected to flood the market
with around 28.4 million tonnes of paddy.

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Supply normally peaks in late November.Vietnam's rice market was also quiet with low demand. The market is
expected to be more active next week after the new year, said a trader in Ho Chi Minh City.Five percent broken
rice eased to $415-$420 a tonne, on a free-on-board basis.The 25% broken variety was at $385-$390 a
tonne.Vietnam's rice exports in 2013 dropped 16.1% from the previous year to an estimated 6.72 million tonnes,
the government said.Revenue from rice exports fell 18.7% from 2012 to $2.99 billion (RM9.8 billion) due to
easing global rice prices. - Reuters, December 27, 2013

EC has yet to approve Commerce Ministry's rice selling plan
Date : 27

2556

BANGKOK, 27 Dec 213, (NNT) - The Commerce Ministry has put a break on its plan to make Government-toGovernment (G-to-G) rice deals as the Election Commission (EC) has yet to give it a nod on the
matter. According to Mr. Surasak Riangkrue, the Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT),
the Commerce Ministry will have to put on the back burner its plan to sell rice in its stockpile through G-to-G
deals given it has to wait for the EC's official decision whether to allow it to proceed with the plan. He has,
however, reassured rice farmers that the DFT will keep negotiating with foreign countries, asking them to buy
more rice. His department has in the past sold over 140 billion baht worth of rice and the amount has already
been returned to the Finance Ministry. He also expects the department to return another 140 billion baht to the
Commerce Ministry next year.

Rice millers hurt by political standoff
Paddy supply comes to a halt
Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, Pabna

Rice producers in Pabna are apprehensive over the political stalemate that has affected distribution and left
about 15,000 workers sitting idle. Most rice mills in the district remain closed as there is virtually no paddy
collection or sales for a lack of transportation. The government's aman procurement drives began on December
1, with targets to procure 10,866 tonnes by February 28, said Md Moyen Uddin, district controller of food. The
drive may miss targets due to the lingering political turmoil, he added. “Since December 1, we have procured
just 1,234 tonnes of rice.
At
this
rate,
we
are
not
sure
if
we
can
meet
the
target.”
A mere 491 rice mills made agreements with the government to supply 7,458 tonnes of rice; other millers in the

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

district are reluctant to make a promise as production costs have increased due to the continuous blockades,
Main Uddin said.According to officials at the district food office, 849 rice mills used to produce 52,000 tonnes
of rice in every 15-day cycle, but production stopped last month for the political impasse. “Rice traders could
not receive paddy from the northern and southern districts due to the blockades for a month. Due to a lack of
paddy, most rice mills remained shut that hampered production,” said Md Idris Ali Bishwas, president of the
district rice mill owners association.A few rice mills in Ishwardi upazila continued production with low
amounts of paddy that increased production costs.
Previously, I used to bring 200 to 250 bags of paddy a day to produce approximate 100 bags of rice. But in the
last two weeks, I had to keep my mill shut for a lack of paddy,” said Md Sadek Ali Bishwas, a rice mill
owner.Transporters are now charging about Tk 25,000 for a truck carrying rice to Dhaka, up from Tk 12,00014,000, which is also increasing prices, he added.
Published: 12:00 am Friday, December 27, 2013
Last modified: 9:32 pm Friday, December 27, 2013

Govt targets rice exports of 8m tonnes next year
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI:THE NATION December 27, 2013 1:00 am
THE COMMERCE Ministry targets rice exports of at least 8 million tonnes next year, making Thailand once
again the world's top rice exporter.The Foreign Trade Department predicts that with the ministry's huge
stockpiles and the currently competitive price of Thai rice, shipments should increase in 2014.For this year, the
department projects that rice exports will reach 6.68 million tonnes, worth US$4.38 billion. This would
represent a drop by 3.9 per cent in volume from 2012, and a decrease by 7.9 per cent in terms of value.As of
December 16, rice exports were down by 3.7 per cent year on year to 6.4 million tonnes, for a 7.4-per-cent drop
in value to $4.2 billion (Bt138 billion).The department says that if the country sells 8 million tonnes of rice in
2014, it will earn up to $4.8 billion, up 19.8 per cent in volume and 9.4 per cent in value."Rice exports should
increase continuously next year as many countries have looked at purchasing more from Thailand, which is
known for the high quality of its rice. The falling of its price to around that of Vietnamese rice should also
encourage more traders to purchase Thai rice," department director-general Surasak Riangkrul said.

Africa, Middle East
He said the department would try hard next year to sell more rice in many markets, focusing on Africa and the
Middle East.Despite the current administrative vacuum caused by the dissolution of Parliament pending a snap

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

election, the department will try to release rice from the government stockpiles through various methods. It
plans to continue to sell rice under government-to-government contracts, hold general auctions for both
domestic traders and exporters, and use the futures market.The department is also waiting for the Election
Commission to decide whether to allow it to sign new rice-sale contracts during the caretaker
government.Surasak expects about 60 per cent of the rice exported next year would be shipped under G2G
contracts.
The department also reported that export of tapioca products reached 7.6 million tonnes in the first 10 months of
this year, an increase by 11.17 per cent in volume. Shipment value was $2.55 billion, up by 10.94 per cent year
on year.Surasak said that as implementation of the Asean Economic Community nears, cross-border trade was
projected to reach Bt1.05 trillion next year, up by 16 per cent. In the first 10 months of this year, cross-border
trading was up slightly, 0.48 per cent year on year, to Bt762.77 billion. Exports dropped 1.13 per cent to Bt462
billion, while imports increased 3.05 per cent to Bt161.24 billion.Malaysia is Thailand's largest cross-border
trading partner, accounting for 54.6 per cent, followed by Myanmar at 21.1 per cent, Laos at 14.24 per cent, and
Cambodia at 10.07 per cent

Agri Buzz : India's Rice Exports To Iran Rises Over 12% in 2013
Capital Market/ 12:56 , Dec 27, 2013

After the 'rupee payment mechanism' for trading with Iran kicked in last year, India's exports to the Persian Gulf
country rose steeply, as Iran needs to buy goods from India to make use of the rupees that it gets for its oil
exports.According to UCO Bank, which handles trade with Iran, India's exports to Iran currently stand at about
$500 million. This is compared with $40 million a year back - a sharp rise of over 12 times.Interestingly, most
of these exports are food items. UCO Bank has so far processed 3,112 letters of credit (LCs), involving goods
worth Rs 17,463 crore, of which 960 LCs worth Rs 12,191 crore, or 70 percent, were for food and agricultural
products. And the commodity that witnessed the most dramatic rise in exports was basmati rice. While India
exported Rs 2,034 crore worth of the aromatic rice in 2010-11, the figure jumped to Rs 6,166 crore in the first
six months of the current year.Now, the U.S. government has eased restrictions on India (as well as China and
South Korea) for buying more oil from Iran. Also, though not formally agreed upon, Iran wants India to pay 55
percent of its oil dues in euros. Therefore, experts see Iran accumulating more rupees and the only way it can
use the money is by buying goods and services from India.Against this backdrop, India has begun encouraging
domestic companies to bid for projects in Iran, such as for laying roads, building railway lines or factories.
Last week, the Commerce Ministry met officials of public sector companies, notably BHEL, SAIL and
IRCON, in this regard.Such 'project exports' are typically high-value in nature and take time to secure.
However, the Government ushered in another measure a few months back which could help boost exports in
quick time — a manufacturer can import raw materials and export to Iran with only 15 percent value-addition;

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

other conditions, such as the goods should leave an Indian port and should reach an Iranian port, remain
unchanged.However, export under this 'value addition' facility is yet to happen. T.S. Mallikarjuna, Deputy
General Manager with UCO Bank, in-charge of trade with Iran in the bank, presumes that exporters may not be
aware of this facility.UCO Bank has been holding meetings with exporters — one was held in Chennai on
December 21 — to sensitize them about the opportunities that Iran now offers.At the Chennai meeting, the
officials said the bank had tie-ups with six Iranian banks for processing payments and would soon enter into
pacts with four more.
Powered by Commodity Insights

Farmers body seeks more procurement of paddy by Assam govt.
Assam State Kishan Sabha has called for a statewide protest on December 30
As Assam is looking at surplus production of about 10 lakh MT of paddy, the Assam State Kishan Sabha
(ASKS) has called for a statewide protest on December 30 to mount pressure on the State Government and the
Food Corporation of India (FCI) to procure more paddy from the farmers in the State to prevent distress
selling.Assam Agriculture Minister Nilamani Sen Deka told The Hindu that paddy production for the current
year was poised to touch a record 55 lakh MT mark, due to surplus production. He said about 70 procurement
centres had been set up by the Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board and the FCI to procure more paddy as
compared to the previous years. The State government has fixed Minimum Support Price of Rs. 1,250 a quintal
for coarse varieties and Rs. 1,280 a quintal for fine varieties.
ASKS Secretary Khemraj Chetri, however, alleged that the total targeted procurement by Agricultural
Marketing Board and the FCI would be only around 80,000 MT. “This is too little and will lead to distress
selling of paddy by the farmers at much lower prices than the minimum support price fixed by the State
government,” he cautioned.Mr. Chetri said even those farmers who do not produce marketable surplus go for
selling paddy to meet their cash requirement for other purposes. “Normally such farmers knowing well that the
paddy harvested by them will barely last or may not last the whole year to feed the entire family, want to sell off
paddy as they need cash to meet their other household requirements.

However, if they do not get the minimum support price, they will land in trouble. In absence of adequate official
procurement at the minimum support price, the farmers are compelled to sell their paddy at much lower prices.
Therefore, we are demanding that the State government should ensure that at least 10 lakh MT of paddy is
procured from the farmers to prevent distress selling and ensuring that they get remunerative prices for hard
work,” he added.The peasants‟ leader said ASKS would stage dharna at block level on December 30. He
alleged that in some places the farmers had been selling paddy for less than Rs. 1,000 a quintal.Mr. Deka said
while private procurers go to villages, the farmers are required to bring paddy to procurement centres for

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

procurement by the FCI or the Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board and in such a situation many farmers
find it easier to sell it to the private procurers. He, however, claimed that in some area private paddy procurers
had been procuring paddy at little higher price than the minimum support price fixed by the government for
milling it and selling milled rice back to farmers to earn profits.
Keywords: Assam govt., paddy procurement, Assam State Kishan Sabha, Food Corporation of India

Odisha announces special assistance for paddy
PTI
BHUBANESWAR, DEC 27:

The Odisha government on Friday announced a special assistance of Rs 100 per quintal of paddy for the farmers hit by
cyclone Phailin and subsequent floods.“The farmers will get special assistance of Rs 100 per quintal, over and above the
minimum support price of paddy,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at a public meeting in Baragarh.Claiming that he
was running a farmers‟ government, he said: “The government considered the plight of the farmers sympathetically and
made this decision to help the peasants affected by the twin calamities.”Patnaik said the farmers would get the benefit of
special assistance till the end of Kharif season which was mostly till April next year.The state is likely to bear an
estimated additional expenditure of Rs 150 crore, a senior official said, adding, the assistance would be given to a farmer
up to 100 quintals of paddy.The farmers disposing more paddy would get the benefit up to 100 quintal. This apart, the
government has also decided to exempt CST on paddy, which is generally two per cent, in case farmers sell their product
in other states, he said.The state government has targeted to procure about 30 lakh quintals of paddy during the ongoing
Kharif season, sources said.

The decision was reportedly taken at the state cabinet meeting last night, but was not made public in view of
model code of conduct being in force for the ensuing Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation elections.Patnaik
had also held a separate meeting with BJD leaders on the subject. Earlier, a group of MLAs from western
districts had sought payment of bonus on paddy.The decision comes three days after Patnaik‟s convoy was
obstructed by angry farmers near the State Secretariat on December 24. At least 26 members of the Navanirman
Krushak Sanagathan (NKS), were arrested on charge of obstructing the Chief Minister‟s convoy.While
demanding bonus for affected farmers, the NKS activists had also demonstrated inside the Assembly during the
winter session of the House.Both Congress and BJP, however, slammed the state government for making the
announcement of special assistance on paddy keeping any eye on next general elections.“Patnaik‟s
announcement exposes the government‟s narrow political motive. It would be better if the government
announces Rs 300 bonus per quintal of paddy,” Congress chief spokesman N Mishra said.Senior BJP leader B
B Harichandan also alleged that the announcement was made keeping in view the next elections
(This article was published on December 27, 2013)

Keywords: Odisha, government, special assistance, paddy, cylone Phailin, floods, farmers

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Bangladesh wants rice seed trade with India
Edited from www.thedailystar.net | December 27, 2013

Bilateral cooperation on cross-border exchange of rice seeds will benefit both Bangladesh and India
significantly because of their similarities in agro-climate conditions, said a recent study.“Increased cooperation
will help millions of farmers to have more access to better quality seeds at a cheaper price,” said Mahfuz Kabir,
co-author of the study—“Bangladesh-India rice seeds trade: trends, issues and policy perspective.”There is a
persistent demand and supply gap in rice seeds in Bangladesh hovering around 180,890 tonnes to 189,415
tonnes in the last several years, he said. In India, the situation is reverse. In 2013, there is a surplus of 42,572
tonnes of rice seeds in four eastern Indian states—Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.“This gap can
potentially be filled by export of Indian rice seeds of both hybrid and high yielding varieties,” said Kabir, also
senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
At present, the demand and supply gap of rice seeds in Bangladesh is being partly filled by import of hybrid
seeds from China. China meets more than 90 percent of Bangladesh's import demand for rice seeds. India's
exports to Bangladesh remain negligible, accounting for less than 3 percent of its total exports. Anecdotal
evidences suggest that there is some informal rice seeds trade occurring at the border points between India and
Bangladesh.Trading barriers have been reported to be more rigid and greater in number from the Indian side.
Bangladesh imports a wide array of products from India through formal and informal processes. From the
Bangladesh side, there are minimal trade barriers. But in case of India, due to their federal government system,
facilitating trade requires much longer time and many forms of documents and authorization and certification
from a number of bodies, according to the study.The issue of harmonization of seed standards and certification
is critical for both Bangladesh and India, especially for addressing the issue of food security and climate
change, the study said.“The potential of seed trading between Bangladesh and India is immense,” said Swapan
Kumar Datta, deputy director general (crop sciences) of India Council of Agricultural Research.Informal
bilateral trade in rice seeds is on the rise even as there might have been some technical barriers to seed trading
between the two countries, he said.In Bangladesh, more than 100 private companies are involved in seed
production and around 5,000 dealers are operational across the country. Also, there are thousands of contract
farmers engaged in seed production. Bangladesh's seed market is worth around $261 million.Khondkar Ibrahim
Khaled, a former chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, and Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of Centre
for Policy Dialogue, reported.

TABLE-India Grain Prices-Delhi- December 27
Fri Dec 27, 2013 4:20pm IST
TABLE-India Grain Prices - Delhi - Dec 27

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Rates by Asian News International, New Delhi
Tel: 011 2619 1464
Indicative
Grains

Previous

opening

close

(in rupees per 100 kg unless stated)
---------------------------------------------------------Wheat Desi

1,725-2,525

1,725-2,525.

Wheat Dara

1,800-2,000

1,800-2,000.

Atta Chakki (per 10 Kg)
Roller Mill (per bag)

Rice Basmati(Common)

I.R.-8
Gram

1,900-2,000.

1,850-1,950

Rice Basmati(Lal Quila)

Rice Sela

1,920-2,025.

1,900-2,000

Rice Basmati(Sri Lal Mahal)

Rice Permal

215-240.

1,920-2,025

Maida (per bag)
Sooji (per bag)

215-240

1,850-1,950.

12,000
11,500

11,500.

7,450-7,800

2,450-2,600
3,300-3,550
2,350-2,500
3,300-3,600

12,000.

7,500-7,900.

2,450-2,600.
3,325-3,600.
2,350-2,500.
3,300-3,600.

Peas Green

3,400-3,700

3,450-3,750.

Peas White

2,600-2,700

2,600-2,700.

Bajra
Jowar white
Maize

1,300-1,550
1,800-2,050
1,550-1,850

1,350-1,600.
1,800-2,050.
1,500-1,800.

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Barley
Guwar

1,500-1,550
3,300-3,900

1,500-1,550.
3,300-3,900.

Source: Delhi grain market traders.

Review rice importation policy, maritime expert urges Nigerian
government
Premium Times:Published: December 27,2013

The Federal Government wants to discourage rice
importation.The spokesperson of the Seaport Terminal
Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) on Friday urged the Federal
Government to review the policy on rice importation in the
interest of the nation‟s economy.Mr. Akinola made the appeal
in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.He
said that Nigeria was losing an average of N1billion daily to
the subsisting policy on rice importation and the attendant
high level smuggling of the commodity into the
country.“Before January 2013, rice importers paid a 60 per cent duty, but when it was increased to 110 per cent,
importers shun Nigerian ports for neighbouring countries.“No rice vessel has berthed at any port in Nigeria in
close to a year now. What that means is that government is losing revenue that the Customs should have
collected.“The vessels just go to neigbouring ports where they will pay far less duty and the smugglers end up
bringing the same rice into the country illegally,” he said.He said that the policy has affected the revenue of the
Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service from rice import.Mr. Akinola said the Command had so far
collected only N11 million as duty on rice as against what it used to be.
“The Area Controller of Apapa Customs said that rice was the highest revenue-earner for them, but this year,
the Command collected only N11 million as import duty on rice.“In 2012 and 2011 about N138 billion and
N135 billion respectively was collected as revenue on rice importation. You can see the monumental loss to the
Nigerian government,” Mr. Akinola said.Mr. Akinola said it was evident that the plan to develop the local
production of rice still needed time because during this yuletide Nigerians ate imported rice and not locallyproduced ones.“During this celebration period people ate the same imported rice, not the one grown in
Abakaliki or Ofada,” he said.The Federal Government wants to make Nigeria self sufficient in rice production

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

and has thus put in place policies to discourage importation. Statistics from the Agriculture Ministry indicate
that Nigeria currently produces about half of the amount of rice consumed annually in the country.

Rice Bran Oil consumption found significantly reducing cholesterol
India Infoline News Service/ Mumbai 15:25 , Dec 27, 2013
The Study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cooking oil substitution with either Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil or
Extra Virgin Olive Oil.Consumption of Refined Rice Bran Oil causes significant decrease in bad cholesterols as

compared to consumption of Groundnut Oil and Olive Oil. This has been established in a randomized, open
labeled clinical study conducted by Dr. Debasish Hota, Head of Departments of Pharmacology and
Endocrinology at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research at Chandigarh and his team. Dr.
Hota is currently the Prof. & Head of Department of Pharmacology, AIIMS, Bhubneshwar.The Study was
conducted to evaluate the effect of cooking oil substitution with either Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil or
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Groundnut Oil on the lipid profile in patients with raised cholesterol levels.The study
population consisted of 120 subjects from both sexes. Most of the study population was between 41-60 years.
No diet restrictions and physical activity instructions were issued.

Olive Oil was taken into study as it is known to reduce bad cholesterols attributable to the presence of a unique
nutrient known as “polyphenols”. Since polyphenols are present in maximum quantities in the Extra Virgin
variety of Olive Oil, a renowned international brand of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil was used in the study. Rice Bran
Oil was taken into the study as this oil contains a unique nutrient known as “Oryzanol” which is well known in
the literature for its cholesterol lowering properties besides many other health benefits. “There are several
studies on humans and animals showing that Oryzanol found in Rice Bran Oil has the property of lowering low
density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and total serum cholesterol and increasing the high density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL) to some extent by influencing absorption of dietary cholesterol,” the study points out.

The efficacy conclusion of the study was that the percentage decrease in LDL cholesterol, total Cholesterol and
Triglyceride level was maximum and significant in Rice Bran Oil group as compared to Groundnut Oil and
Extra Virgin Olive Oil groups. “Keeping this result in view the study has concluded that Rice Bran Oil is more
effective for lipid profile management as compared to Olive oil and Groundnut Oil,” says Dr. Hota.

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Rice Bran Oil is unique edible oil produced from the oily layer of brown rice, which is separated as rice bran,
while producing white rice. “It has the most ideally balanced fat composition, hence, can be used regularly
without there being any need to switch between oils as is normally advised in respect of other conventional
oils”, says Dr. A.R. Sharma, Chairman of the SEA RBO Promotion Council. “Various research studies have
proved that „Oryzanol‟, which is uniquely found in Rice Bran Oil, offers numerous health benefits besides
lowering bad cholesterols. It is known to improve insulin sensitivity in Type-2 diabetics, protect liver, reduce
hypertension, provide relief from gastric troubles, treat osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms, keeps skin
young and helpful in body building,” emphasizes Dr. Sharma. “The National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
has also endorsed some of the reported health benefits of Oryzanol. National Institute of Nutrition (The Apex
body of Nutrition in India) in its recently released Dietary guidelines has mentioned that Oryzanol found in Rice
Bran Oil is helpful in reducing cholesterol and oxidative damage due to ageing, inflammation which occur in
chronic diseases”, he added.
For the last few decades, Rice Bran Oil is being used as premium edible oil in countries like Japan, Korea,
Taiwan & Thailand. In Japan, it is popularly known as “Heart Oil” because of its scientifically proven
cholesterol lowering properties. It has acquired the status of “Health Food” in US Markets. Recently Indian
Markets too have witnessed some of the good brands of Refined Rice Bran Oil.
“The demand for Rice Bran Oil has grown considerably in the country because of its multiple health benefits.
India is the largest producer of Rice Bran Oil although it is second largest producer of rice after China. It has the
potential to produce over 14 lakh tonnes of Rice Bran Oil, however currently it produces about 9 lakh tonnes, of
which only 3 lakh tonnes are used as edible oil while the rest is used by vanaspati industry or blended with other
oils and sold as branded products,” said Dr. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors‟
Association of India (SEA). “It is our constant endeavor to support the small players to create visibility in retail
chains and educate the consumers about the benefit of this unique oil,” he added.The Solvent Extractors‟
Association of India (SEA) is busy promoting the health benefits of one of the 'World‟s Healthiest Oil' - RICE
BRAN OIL known as the 'Wonder oil' to many leading cardiologists, diabetes experts, nutritionists and health
advisors world over. Rice Bran oil with its ideal SFA/ MUFA/ PUFA ratio and EFA ratios most ideally matches
the prescribed levels suggested by World Health Organization (WHO).

Trade boss: Rice exports wilt in 2013
Exporters' chief calls figures 'impossible'
Published: 27 Dec 2013 :Newspaper section: Business

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

The government acknowledged for the first time rice exports in 2013 will reach a mere 6.68 million tonnes
worth US$4.38 billion, down by 3.9% and 7.9%, respectively.The amount is far below the forecast range of 8
million to 8.5 million tonnes for the year.Surasak Riangkrul, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department,
blamed the drop on higher prices for Thai rice than for Indian and Vietnamese grains and a delay in purchases
by several rice-importing countries such as Indonesia.Mr Surasak said 60% of the rice shipments stemmed from
government sales of rice stocks, but Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters
Association, said Mr Surasak's claim is impossible."If the government's rice stock sales made up 60% of the
country's overall rice shipments, this is tantamount to the government selling as much as 3-4 million tonnes and
the private exporters selling only 2 million tonnes," said Mr Chookiat."This is impossible. Parboiled rice, which
is sold only by exporters, is equal to 2 million tonnes this year. That would mean the exporters sold hardly any
white rice."He said the figures claimed by the department are most likely inaccurate.

"The National Anti-Corruption Commission is expected to rule soon over the scope of government-togovernment (G2G) rice sales," said Mr Surasak."G2G deals should be made with a letter of credit concerning
the deal issued to the Foreign Trade Department, not how it's done now with the government assigning certain
rice exporters to sell state rice stocks on its behalf."In November, Mr Surasak said the government had sold 7-8
million tonnes of its rice stockpile over the last two years through G2G contracts.The government remains
adamant its remaining stockpile is 10 million tonnes, though industry sources put the amount closer to 16-17
million.He predicted rice exports in 2014 of 8 million tonnes worth $4.8 billion. Once again, rice sold through
G2G deals will account for 60% of the country's total rice shipments, he said.The department expects to fetch
130-140 billion baht from selling rice stocks via G2G contracts in 2014, and to pay back the Bank for
Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). The Commerce Ministry repaid 140 billion baht to the
BAAC in 2013, he said.

For Advertising SPECS & RATES
Contact: Advertising Department
Mujahid Ali
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
+92 321 369 2874

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

27th december,2013 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (14)

Similar to 27th december,2013 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Similar to 27th december,2013 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

27th december,2013 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine