14th September 2020 Daily Global Regional, Local Rice E - Newsletter-Hamid Malik

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
Editorial Board
Rice News Headlines…
Chief Editor www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
 New Paddy Season in Pakistan3 ‫۔۔‬
 Hamlik mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 92 321 3692874
 The UAE’s sustainable food plan involves growing rice &
Managing Editor developing ‘soil’ …5
 Abdul Sattar Shah  Enough seeds benefit over 150k farmers in CAR ...6
 Rahmat Ullah  PhilRice Batac recognizes partners in seed …8
 Rozeen Shaukat  New, free fertilizer app for rice available on PlayStore …9
 Ensuring Food Security in Pakistan…11
English Editor  Southern food bowl…18
 Maryam Editor  Mindanao leaders ask Congress to review rice …23
 Legal Advisor  State Tribal Museum Virtual Tour: Indigenous Methods of Food
 Advocate Zaheer Minhas
Preservation by ‘Paraja’ Community…24
 Basmati rice tote bag is a real thing…25
Editorial Associates
 Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid
 NESG vs CBN: A Battle of Wits?...26
 Javed Islam Agha  Punjab govt committed to doing more for rice sector…30
 Zahid Baig(Business Recorder)  IMF in 'initial stages' of Argentina loan talks: official…31
 Dr.Akhtar Hussain  Pb Govt Gives 50 Pc Subsidy On Micronutrients: Langrial
 Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui  Funding options for agriculture in Nigeria expands with N50 bln
 Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF) scheme…33
 Islam Akhtar Khan  Rice, Sugar, and Pulses Lead India’s Agricultural Exports…36
 NFA still has P10-B for palay procurement…37
Editorial Advisory Board  India could lose basmati rice market in Iran to Pakistan as US
 Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim sanctions disrupt payments…39
Assistant Professor, Gomal  As low prices beset local farmers, PH expected to import more
University DIK rice…41
 Dr.Hasina Gul
 Rice imports lowest in 20 years, agric exports drive …
Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK
 China's impact on poor Brazilians: prices of staples skyrocket,
 Dr.Hidayat Ullah
Assistant Professor, University black beans 30%, rice 20% ...46
of Swabi  PhilRice mobile app to help optimize fertilizer dosages…47
 Dr.Abdul Basir  Bengaluru: Re-exam to be held for NLAT candidates who faced
Assistant Professor, University of glitches….48
Swabi  Buhari laments devastation of over 450,000 hectares of rice
 Zahid Mehmood farms ON … 48
PSO,NIFA Peshawar  Angono SK Council trades recyclable plastic bottles for foodstuff,
 Falak Naz Shah face mask, face shield…50
Head Food Science & Technology  Heavy Monsoon Rains Benefit Punjab; Worst Affect Sindh, KP:
ART, Peshawar Arif Goheer … 53
1|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com
Today Rice News Headlines...
New Paddy Season in Pakistan

Contributor :Dr. Hamid Malik
New Paddy arrival has started, in fact Coarse varieties like Super fine is already in the market for
the last couple of weeks. New Super fine is healthy , hope, milling recovery, a key economic
factor, will be better. Same is for hybrid Paddy , reaching to peak arrival gradually. Some farmers
have 90/100 maunds Paddy output which means a healthy return for farmers. I was a bit worried
on Super fine Paddy rates(started 1600/1700/40 kg & Hybrid 1350/40 kg, very high for hybrid
Paddy keeping in view Indian competition. Exporters have bought Rs57/kg ex Karachi last week.
Better sense prevailed & Hybrid Paddy price on 27 August came down to 1225/1250 per 40 kg &
Miller's sold to Karachi based Exporters at 58.5 ex Karachi means FOB 274$/ton ,a competitive
price to compete lowest offers from India. But much lower than Vietnam & Thailand. I guess
Pakistan Rice Exporters will be able to sell like 250,000/300,000 or even more tons in next 3
weeks or by end of September. The prevailing price of Non Basmati in Pakistan is a win situation
for Exporters & Miller's also & is a workable level for Pak Non Basmati Exporters. Miller's
should try to keep Hybrid Paddy buying at 1200/40 kg level & should not start a price war due to
lucrative international prices. I believe global Export market will remain bullish till end of
September as from October onward new arrival in Thailand & Vietnam will start, Myanmar &
Cambodia , so far, has good standing crops & prices may come down heavily in November
onward. One plus point is that global production of milled rice will remain less than 500 million
Tons(495 tons precisely ,mainly due to lower area of Paddy in Thailand & damage caused by
floods in Bangladesh.
India is going to have a big crop back to back & is also sitting on huge rice stocks. Pakistan is
expected to make new record of 7.6 million tons this year. Movement of Pak RS is very critical
for export earnings. I Will be able to comment next week. Very important is Paddy crop in Sind.
Recent heavy rain in Mirpurkhas, Sangarh, Lower Sind might have get damaged in some area.
Production figure will be reviewed in next 10 days. Non Basmati crop in Punjab is so far healthy
but rain will continue in Sept also which is bad for Non Basmati & good for BASMATI. In my
opinion this is best time to cover your position in Non Basmati NOW.
Thanks Allah, this year Owing to above average rains, favorable weather, Technical/financial &
logistics support of global institutions like Mars Foods/Sustainable Rice Platform & untiring
/sustainable efforts of Hybrid Seed Research/Marketing Companies lead by Guard Agriculture
Research , Hybrid production of Paddy is 4 tons to 4.4 tons /Acer(9.9/10.9 tons/hectare) in
Allahabad District Kasur Punjab. Hybrid Paddy is arriving since last 10 days nearing peak
arrivals. This is phenomenal & prodigious performance by Hybrid Rice sector which will give
15/20% increase to Farmers income this year. This is a promising start of new Rice season(Sept
to August) in Pakistan.
By accepting one fact that from last year ,Hybrid Seed has started encroaching our Basmati area.
Farmers income & Financial empowerment is prime factor to opt for Hybrid or Basmati/Basmati
like varieties. Basmati(Super & 515) & Basmati like varieties(C1121, 1509, Kissan) has failed to
increase Farmers income even by 10%. Super & 515 Basmati varities are max giving 43
mounds/Acer in best managed & most fertile Kalar area) & but Ave in Gujranwala Division,
Sheikhupura, Hafizabad is 36/37 maunds ,which means a Punjab Provincial average of these
elite areas is 37/38 maunds average. Farmers sell their Paddy from last week of October to end of
December. After that stockists hold it & sell at higher rates. Avearage realization of Basmati
Paddy at Farm gate has been Rs2385/40 kg which means per Acer earning Rs2385 x
38maunds=Rs90,600. This is 145/150 days crop from sowing of Nursery. More costly input &
water guzzling crop. Hybrid Paddy which is 70/80 days crop, its production this year (last 20
days) from Allahabad Chunian, Kangan pur, Mundi Ahmed Abad in District Kasur & Basirpur in
Deepalpur) is 100/110 maunds per Acer. Crops started at 1300 came down 1150 & mostly at
Rs1200/ 40 kg which means Rs114,000/Acer income, an increase of 20 % income of Farmers.
So it's natural, logical & inevitable that Hybrid sowing will increase in Dist Kasure, Deepalpur,
Okara, Arifwala, Pakpattan, Vehari, Nankana sahib, Sheikhupura gradually. One more reason for
increased area of Hybrid Rice is Heat & drought resistant varieties , Farmers friendly after sales
efforts/care by Hybrid Seed Cos. In case of Basmati Seed & crop management , because it's Govt
sector seed, least post sowing care & follow up. Another factor is authenticity of Hybrid Seed.
Below standard Hybrid Seed import can't be ruled out but it's negligible & importers & Brand
sellers are accountable.
Another point raised above is Paddy crop devastation this year in Sind. Germination was
excellent & weather remained favourable. But early down crop in Sangarh, Random Muhammad
Khan ,Matli, Talhar belt which was ready for harvest got hit & heavy rains damaged by 15%
standing crop, where expected production was 100 maunds/Acer in that belt. We r expecting
10/15 Crop damage overall in Sind but this has nothing to do with Seed quality. Due to Hybrid
Paddy Sind Farmers income has doubled(traditional Irri 6 on right bank of Indus river a is 55
maund. Rate is same. Inspite of crop loss in Lower Sind, I m expecting a record production of
milled Rice at 7.6 million tons to 8 million tons. Please look at post rain effected Paddy in
Golarchi last week with milled Rice which had got damaged/amber color.
I fear if we don't increase potential of our traditional Basmati, Super & 515 & Basmati like
varieties C1121, 1509 etc, Farmers will shift to Hybrid Paddy even in Kalar & Basmati
traditional areas.
###
The UAE’s sustainable food plan involves growing rice &

developing ‘soil’
By Matilda Coleman
September 13, 2020
With the UAE almost wholly reliant on food imports, food security is a national priority.
In recent months, the Covid-19 pandemic has heightened domestic concerns as global supply
chains of imports were disrupted.
The crisis also prompted renewed debate about how best to boost local agriculture and foster
farming innovation.
Searing summer temperatures, little rainfall and a landscape dominated by arid desert, has meant
that the UAE’s agricultural activities have been relatively restricted to small areas.
Grassroot thinking
That could soon change, however, say academics at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University, who are
developing ‘artificial soil’, made up of almost 90% desert sand.
Their goal is for the product to be used by local, and eventually regional farmers, to grow plants
& vegetation.
The soil created in the laboratory resembles the texture, porosity & fertility of soils found in
Thailand & Ukraine.
If patent approved, scientists in the capital are optimistic that it has the potential to transform the
UAE’s burgeoning home-grown crops sector.
To dig deeper into the topic, Inspire Middle East’s Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham caught up with
Associate Professor, Dr. Saeed Alkhazraji, a passionate innovator who helped co-create the
earth.
He began by explaining the soil’s unique qualities, which should be given extra consideration in
light of the UAE’s extreme weather conditions.
“Farmers have to be aware that any crop they’re trying to grow [here] needs to be dealt with in a
specific way, to allow them to maximize their yield,” he said. “For example, if they want to grow
a plant that is difficult to grow in the UAE, perhaps you need to use a greenhouse along with the
soil that we are making.”
The soil’s potential to contribute to the local food supply chain, is significant, the Professor went
on to tell .
“There are many different crops that are challenging to grow in the UAE, crops that sustain
human lives, like rice and wheat – because of their excessive need for water.” said Dr. Saeed
Alkhazraji. “The soil that we developed can allow us to have better water management, because
it allows us to have a higher water retention than typical soils around the UAE.”
Desert rice
With rice a food staple of the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment recently
announced a joint research programme with the Republic of Korea, aimed at cultivating rice in
the desert.The seeds were sowed back in 2019, cultivated using a water-saving drip irrigation
system, and the rice was recently harvested.
Preliminary results for the first project of its kind in the region, indicated a yield of 763kg of rice
per 1,000 square metres.
This prompted the Ministry to say that, if successful on a large scale, the project had the potential
to shape the future of agriculture and be replicated in other arid regions.
Sharjah’s organic growth
The location of the rice initiative was the emirate of Sharjah, which according to scientists, is an
emerging hotbed of agricultural innovation in the UAE.
It is also home to the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park, a place which supports
famers & harnesses new technology to produce sustainable local food all year round.
The Park notably contains a 150-square metre farm, and an eco-friendly Merlin Agrotunnel,
capable of producing a ton of organic fruits & vegetables each month.
In keeping with the country’s environmental and sustainable farming goals, all produce is
irrigated with seawater desalinated via solar energy.
SRTI’s CEO, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, predicts that in the next 5 years at least 30 percent of the
UAE’s food will be domestically produced.
He told Inspire that continuous research and development into new farming innovations &
agricultural technology will accelerate the sector’s growth in the years ahead.
“Since the inception of the Park, we’ve started to promote things like hydroponics technology,
aquaponics technology & tunnel farming. And they’ve all taken off,” he said. “At the moment,
we are [also] using Artificial Intelligence to study how aquaponics works, with relation to fish.
How the fish really move and how much food they eat.”
Sustainable agriculture
When asked about the economic feasibility of large-scale farming projects in the UAE, and how
production and harvesting costs could be kept down, Al Mahmoudi had this to say:
“I think the feasibility is there, because the UAE has an abundant amount of land. A lot of
farmers in the UAE, especially the national ones, get free land. If you couple this with the cost of
doing business here, it is also relatively low compared to other parts of the world. There’s also
the fantastic infrastructure – in terms of ports and airports and storage and other things.”
On the subject of the UAE being one of the world’s top rice importers, SRTI’s CEO is convinced
that producing home-grown rice would be game-changing for the domestic market.
“I think we can play a strategic role in growing rice,” he said. “We have the infrastructure, both
soft infrastructure and public sector, to really become a regional player in producing rice and
ensuring food security.”
https://upnewsinfo.com/2020/09/13/the-uaes-sustainable-food-plan-involves-growing-rice-
developing-soil/
Here are the latest news in the rice sector. Here are the important details you should know:
Enough seeds benefit over 150k farmers in CAR,

Region 2
More than 150,000 farmers in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley
(Region 2) benefitted from certified inbred seeds given by the Rice Competitiveness
Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program this wet season.
“The program allocated almost 400,000 bags, which is enough for the rice farmers in CAR and
Region 2. This allotment can be distributed anytime,” Engr. Leo C. Javier, Department of
Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research (DA-PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela, branch director,
said.
Through partnership with the local government unit, the station had accomplished over 100
percent of its target delivery in said regions amidst community quarantine.
“We strictly followed physical distancing and wearing of masks to help ensure a safe
environment for the farmers receiving seeds,” Javier said.
Farmer-beneficiaries planted the certified inbred rice seeds, distributed at 20kg/bag, in almost
200,000 ha or 92 percent of the target area.
Implementers of RCEF-Seed Program also established 10 technology demonstration farms with

60 farmer-partners from both regions. Called PalaySikatan, the technology demonstration farms
showcase regional varieties, one location-specific technology, and newly released inbred rice
varieties. Machines such as walk-behind and riding-type mechanical transplanters are also
introduced to reduce production cost.
Furthermore, more than 90,000 farmers received Gabay sa Makabagong Pagpapalayan leaflet,
which contains information about modern farming while trainers and farm schools will receive
PalayCheck System booklet and primer, respectively.
The RCEF-Seed Program, which is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication
Law signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, allots P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers.
Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help the
farmers compete in the international rice market.
Bureau of Plant Industry, DA-regional offices, provincial and municipal government units, seed
grower associations, and policymakers assisted in program implementation in CAR and Region
2.
PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead agency on rice research
and development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure Philippines. With eight stations across
the country, its programs and projects are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas na
Kita” battlecry. For more information about the Institute’s program, queries can be sent thru
PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423) or email prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph.
Source: Philrice
PhilRice Batac recognizes partners in seed distribution

program
An official of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in

Batac City, Ilocos Norte lauded partner-agencies in implementing a government’s flagship
program benefitting over 55,000 farmers in Region I.
Executed amidst a health crisis, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed
Program delivered more than 200,000 bags of free certified seeds of the region’s recommended
rice varieties.
“Despite limitations and danger posed by the pandemic, we’re happy that we have provided
farmers the needed seeds in time for the planting season. This is due to the cooperation, strong
commitment, and partnership among concerned agencies and local government units. We’re also
grateful to the support of our congressmen,” Dr. Reynaldo Castro, PhilRice Batac director said.
In Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, City Agriculturist Marilyn G. Martin shared that more than 1,000
bags were distributed to almost 1,000 farmers in two hours during Enhanced Community
Quarantine without breaking health and safety protocols.
“We minimized contact and held the distribution in a wide venue so that physical distancing is
observed,” she said.
The RCEF Seed Program, a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the
international rice market, also helped some cooperatives expand their memberships.
“Many women-farmers applied for membership in our cooperative after receiving the free high-
quality seeds. They learned it’s easier for farmers to access government support if we’re
organized,” Anita Benito, president of Nasalukag Women’s Multi-purpose Cooperative in
Solsona, Ilocos Norte said. She added that their members expect higher yield from RCEF seeds
based on the crop’s stand.
Lauding the effort, Sen. Cynthia Villar, author of the Rice Tariffication Law, in which the
RCEF-Seed Program is a component, also cited the program implementers in a social media
post. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed the Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion fund
every year for the rice farmers.
“Congratulations to PhilRice Batac, DA-Regional Field Office 1, provincial/municipal/city

agriculture offices, and LGUs in implementing the RCEF- Seed Program in the Ilocos Region!
Let’s continue to support our farmers,” she posted.
PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead agency on rice research
and development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure Philippines. With eight stations across
the country, its programs and projects are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas na
Kita” battlecry. For more information about the Institute’s program, queries can be sent thru
PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423) or email prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph.
Source: Philrice
New, free fertilizer app for rice available on PlayStore

Right amount of nitrogen fertilizer for rice can now be generated through a free android
application developed by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-
PhilRice).
Derived from a four-stripped handy “ruler” called Leaf Color Chart (LCC), the PhilRice Leaf
Color Computing Application (PhilRice LCC App), which can assess nitrogen status of the rice
pl
ant, is now available on Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=ph.gov.philrice.lcc).
Designed for farmers, extension workers, researchers, and students, the mobile app generates
nitrogen recommendations in just under a minute based on the digital images of intact rice leaves
photographed directly from the field.
Ailon Oliver Capistrano, PhilRice senior researcher, said that app users only need to lay down
the topmost, fully expanded rice leaf on smartphone’s front camera to capture its image with the
surrounding light as source of luminance.
According to him, nitrogen levels of rice plants can be measured from a digital photo of its
leaves, which is strongly correlated with actual leaf nitrogen concentrations.
“The app measures the intensity of green color based on the captured leaf images and converts
this into values correlated with the amount of nitrogen in the leaf,” he explained.
Different camera-types are normally installed in smartphones with variations in terms of

resolution. The research team found that regardless of brand, smartphone cameras will deliver an
almost similar reading at 5MP. This means that app users can install the app even in an
inexpensive smartphone brand and benefit from its function.
“The app is more accurate than the LCC as it eliminates subjective perception of users, which is
prone to variation or errors. The app is also handy for new users or adopters who have no
training or experience in the use of the manual LCC,” Capistrano said.
Meanwhile, Dr.Karen Eloisa Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive director for development, said
the app is useful for farmers who often apply too much nitrogen especially during wet season,
which results in pest infestation.
“Many farmers are now online. They also have their children to assist them. I’m sure that the
LCC app will quickly find its way to them to guide them in the accurate application of nitrogen,”
Barroga said.
January-April 2020 data of the DA-PhilRice Facebook page showed that 75% of its clients are
farmers who frequently use the Messenger. The rest are students, extensions workers, and
researchers.
Recommendations derived from the LCC app will be showcased in field demonstration while
farmers engaged through Facebook will be encouraged to download the LCC app.
Recently, Agriculture Secretary William Dar announced that the department will harness state-
of-the-art tools, systems and technologies to modernize and industrialize Philippine agriculture to
ensure food supply.
“By digitalizing agriculture, our farmers and fishers can achieve bigger yields of higher quality
products, at a more cost-efficient and sustainable manner….,” he said.
Philrice
Ensuring Food Security in Pakistan

A significant percentage of Pakistanis face food insecurity and it is not because food is not
available but rather due to a lack of affordability and inequitable distribution. Pakistan’s
agriculture sector faces complex challenges that hinder productivity and yields which are much
lower than many regional countries.
Magazine Desk
September 12, 2020
Over the last few years, Pakistan has seen a drastic decline in the production of staple crops, such
as wheat, rice and cotton, due to natural disasters, volatile security situation and low economic
10 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
growth. As a result, the national nutrition survey 2018 points out that an estimated 37 percent of
the population faces food insecurity.
In Pakistan, food availability is not the real problem – the real issue lies in affordability and
inequitable distribution across the country that leads to price distortions, supply chain losses and
inadequate availability in some districts. The situation is exacerbated for the vulnerable groups of
women and children, and two-thirds of the population who live in rural areas that lack market
access.
In 2018, the government approved a comprehensive national food security policy, terming it the
most critical element of national security. This policy aims to enhance food availability, improve
food access, enable food utilization and ensure food stability by promoting a more sustainable
food production and distribution system in Pakistan.
However, agriculture faces a complex set of challenges that limit its productivity and, thereby,
hinder the goal of achieving food security. Some of these issues have been highlighted as
follows:
Self-sufficiency in fertilizer production
Before 1980-81, Pakistan imported well over 50 percent of its annual fertilizer requirements.
During the 1980s, the situation improved considerably after the expansion of the local industry;
however, the country was still a net importer of urea till 2012. The Fertilizer Policy 2001
encouraged investments in new fertilizer plants by providing regionally competitive and fixed
gas prices.
As a result, the local fertilizer players invested around PKR 162 billion in state-of-the-art
production facilities, which led to an increase of around 1.9 metric tons per annum of urea
production capacity. These investments enabled the country in attaining self-sufficiency of urea
through production from indigenous gases and reduced the reliance on imports which also
resulted in significant foreign exchange savings for the national exchequer.
Against a subsidy of PKR180 billion on lower feed gas price, the fertilizer sector has passed on a
benefit of Rs 600 billion over the last decade to the farmer community in the form of reduced
urea rates compared to international prices. Furthermore, the fertilizer sector is committed to
making continuous investments for the reliable operations of these plants and utilizing the idle
capacities to allow stable production of urea and contribute towards ensuring national food
security.
Going forward, the government must make commercially viable decisions which support the
national interest and provide to small farmers. The recent GIDC decision by the Supreme Court
could be a setback for the fertilizers industry, along with other industrial sectors such as textiles,
as it would be liable to pay huge sums (PKR 111 billion on non-concessionary gas and PKR 69
billion on concessionary gas, if applicable) even though the impact of GIDC was not passed on
due to price intervention by the government.
Further, the GIDC payment over two years would put an immense financial constraint on the
industry and jeopardize future investment plans of the businesses. In case GIDC becomes
payable on concessionary gas as well, it would make urea price increase imminent that would
directly impact the farmer community and agriculture sector of Pakistan.
The need for smart subsidies
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), around 10 percent of large landowners
hold 52 percent of the agricultural land in Pakistan. As part of its 100-day agenda, the PTI
government had envisioned a smart subsidy program to provide cheaper agricultural inputs to 3
million small scale farmers that own up to 5 acres of land and ensure food security with
affordable prices for the country.
Currently, the government provides an across-the-board subsidy on urea produced using

imported RLNG that disproportionately benefits the large landowners rather than small farmers
who need it the most. As per calculations, the large landowners get 52 percent of across the
board national subsidy, while the smallest farmers only get 19% of the government subsidy.
By introducing a sticker-based mechanism to roll out smart subsidy, as being already
successfully done for phosphates in Punjab, the government can ensure that small subsistence
farmers earn more and catalyze the growth of the agriculture sector. Through the smart subsidy
mechanism, much higher discounts on urea to small and medium-sized landowners can be made
possible.
Low crop yield and use of nutrients

Crop yields in Pakistan have considerably lagged behind our regional peers primarily due to
usage of non-certified/substandard seeds, improper nutrients application, lack of mechanization
and low agricultural research & development expenditure.
To ensure the availability and accessibility of food, Pakistan needs to boost yield per acre of
crops, modernize agricultural practices and promote public-private partnerships for greater
investments into research and development in the sector.
One of the primary reasons behind the country’s lackluster crop productivity is the lack of
application of phosphorus and potash fertilizers.
Experts have forecasted that with the use of balanced fertilizers, wheat productivity can be
enhanced by 35% and maize by 40%. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
highlights the over-application of ‘Nitrogen’ by Pakistani farmers (77 percent of the total
nutrient application) against a recommended rate of 57 percent.
While manufacturers like Engro Fertilizers have introduced fertilizers comprising Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) in a balanced blended product (NPK), which is an optimal
combination of the key nutrients required for soil health, there is a need to create greater
understanding among farmers about the impact on agricultural productivity of these nutrients.
Read more: Pakistan’s Unusual and Unprecedented Food Inflation – What is driving it?
The Punjab government has previously implemented a targeted subsidy scheme for small-scale
farmers to encourage the application of Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizers, which
resulted in an increase in the use of these farm nutrients by 56 percent over the last couple of
years. To promote balanced use of fertilizers and improve agricultural output, the subsidy should
only be provided on Phosphate, Potassium and micro-nutrients products.
Earlier this year, the government had announced a subsidy package of PKR 37 billion on
fertilizers. Based on the impact on agricultural productivity, the subsidy on Nitrogen-based
products was rightly withdrawn, and it was decided to extend smart subsidy on Phosphatic (P)
and Potassium (K) products only. However, the subsidy scheme is yet to be executed as there is a
misalignment of provinces on the implementation mechanism.
Climate change
According to the latest Global Climate Risk Index ranking, Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable
country to climate change. Recent past serves as a good example of what is yet to come as
temperatures are rising, rainfall and seasonal patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable,
and natural disasters of floods, droughts and heatwaves are now more common.
Climate change has increased water demand of crops by up to 30 percent while decreasing the
yield by around 18 percent and pushing the prices of food higher. Small landholders, who
account for more than 80 percent of the total farmers, are most susceptible to the way climate
change is negatively impacting crops.
Therefore, policy measures by the government need to focus around limiting the impact of
climate change as a foremost priority. While climate change is inevitable, adaptation strategies
must be applied by bringing together knowledge and technology, developing institutional
capacity and introducing policies that help sustain crop production.
Access to capital/credit
Small and medium-sized farmers in Pakistan have limited access to formalized agri-loans due to
which they are encircled in a continuous debt trap at the hands of unorganized financing entities.
Therefore, the issue of organized financial inclusion of small farmer needs to be looked at from a
broader perspective because of its wider socio-economic implications.
The small farmers are heavily dependent on local arthis/middleman for credit availability due to
reluctance of the formal sector and its cumbersome processes. However, it has been realized that
without organized financial inclusion of these farmers, the agricultural sector of Pakistan will
continue to experience low growth and this, in turn, would limit the country’s progress as well.
Financial inclusion and private sector participation in this endeavor must be based on financing
across the entire ‘farm to fork’ value chain. There is a need for targeted, value chain aggregated
projects and cooperatives to improve efficiencies and credit worthiness of small farmers, as seen
from examples in Africa and India.
Collateral Management Companies (CMC) can help create an ecosystem that will improve
warehousing and crop grading practices, provide credit access and price discovery mechanism to
farmers and enable electronic trading of commodities. Technology should be leveraged to design
e-credit and e-subsidies initiatives that can be supported by the private sector.
The future of food security in Pakistan depends on how well the government achieves its
objectives outlined in the national food security policy. However, this would require strong
coordination and trust between the provincial and federal governments.
At the same time, the need of the hour is to engage with all stakeholders in the agricultural value
chain and take rational decisions that promote investment and public-private partnerships for the
overall well-being of small and medium-sized farmers.
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/ensuring-food-security-in-pakistan/
Southern food bowl

DAVAO CITY—Agriculture production areas in Mindanao have been
prepped up to provide a continuous supply of basic food items to quarantined
cities and capital towns of Mindanao and beyond, while local governments
have asked the national task force on Covid-19 to relax strict quarantine
protocols in agricultural areas.Mindanao regions such as the Caraga Region in
the northeast and Soccsksargen Region in central south are given various
forms of support, including seeds, farm inputs and financial assistance.
Beneficiaries are mostly hard-up farmers and their families.
Cornfields on a hilltop in Bukidnon in the Northern Mindanao region.
Livestock and crops such as vegetables and corn, which are considered secondary products of the
province, have also been given ample support in terms of research, marketing and a wider area
for planting.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the government’s socioeconomic planning unit
for this southern Philippine island, has pushed this program as one of the key initiatives for
recovery in Mindanao in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The regions
In the first quarter of the year, all economic activities, including the wide areas of agriculture,
were at a standstill due to the quarantine restrictions imposed by the various local government
units (LGUs).
As food became scarce due to dwindling supplies, authorities eventually allowed the unrestricted
passage of trucks and vehicles carrying vegetables, crops and meat from the production areas.
The restriction on the movement of produce from farm to market was also lifted.In Agusan del
Sur in the Caraga Region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office provided rice
seeds and fertilizer subsidies to farmers in time for the wet cropping season. Considered as the
region’s rice-producing province, Agusan del Sur was allocated P125.8 million, or 60 percent, of
the P207-million Rice Resiliency Project budget of the region.
“With a coastline of 36,289 kilometers, the fifth-longest in the world, and surrounded by seas
and ocean, it is unthinkable that the Philippines still imports fish from countries whose fishermen
could be fishing in our waters.”—Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel F.
Piñol
This move is seen to increase local rice production through the use of high-quality seeds and
fertilizer given to an estimated 30,000 rice farmers covering 32,277 hectares.
The regional DA office also allocated P7.4 million under its Expanded SURE Aid Fund as cash
assistance to 296 farmers and fishermen whose incomes were badly affected by the enhanced
community quarantine since the early phase of the lockdown.
The farmers and fishermen came from the municipalities of Las Nieves, Nasipit, Buenavista and
Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The financial assistance
was released by Baug Carp Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative and the Bayugan Achievers
Multipurpose Cooperative as partner conduits.
Sustained food production
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE Assistant Regional Director for Operations Rebecca Atega said the
government wanted to ensure sustained food production despite the challenges and restrictions of
the pandemic.
The rice hybridization program started two years ago in 2018, when hybrid seeds used by the
farmers increased production by 17.11 percent in 2019, indicating the adaptability of hybrid
seeds in the farms. The barangays of Lemon, Basag and Ampayon in Butuan City were chosen as
the technology demonstration sites, covering 100 hectares.
The demonstration farm program would be supported by the SL Agritech Corp., SeedWorks,
Bioseed, Ramgo, Bayer, Pioneer, Syngenta, Advanta and LongPing, alongside the DA-Philippine
Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and Phil-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology
(PhilSCAT).
“As the country transitions to the so-called new normal, the Department of Agriculture-Caraga
continues to come up with different interventions and advocacies to promote a sustainable and
secure food production through the Plant Plant Plant program,” said Director Abel James I.
Monteagudo.
In this September 5, 2015, file photo, fishermen line up to have their catch of tuna weighed at a
fish port in General Santos City, nicknamed the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The city is the
regional center for commerce and industry of the Soccsksargen region.
Other interventions include the distribution of various vegetable seedlings and seeds given to
nonfarmers who want to have their own vegetable gardens. Just in the first week since the
program was introduced, no less than 200 individuals have availed themselves of this assistance.
In addition to vegetables, the DA-Caraga promoted backyard corn production and launched the
Project Maisan sa Nataran, or Pro-Mais, as the latest addition to the integrated and diversified
home food production program.
Corn has its health benefits, such as controlling diabetes, preventing heart ailment, and lowering
of hypertension. Through the project, individuals who have available area of at least 100 square
meters and were willing to plant corn were given one-fourth kilo corn seeds.
To further encourage people to patronize corn, free tasting of rice-corn blend—or cooked rice
mixed with corn—was also conducted. To complement this food production initiative, the
Organic Agriculture (OA) program also handed out organic concoctions that the people could
use and apply on their vegetables to ensure these would be safe for them and their families to
consume.
The World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Program also saw the construction of the
warehouse, seedling production building and seedbed for rubber tree growers. This infrastructure
support amounting to P8.4 million further re-energized the farming sector in the Caraga Region.
The collaboration between the regional DA, Department of Public Works and Highways and the
various LGUs in Caraga made possible the completion of 121 farm roads costing P1.9 billion.
From 2015 to 2019, a total of 185.6 kilometers of farm roads was constructed in the region.
Other initiatives included the turnover of 50 head of cattle to backyard raisers in Agusan del
Norte, vegetable production by the Soccsksargen Police Regional Office, turnover of P3.7
million worth of farm inputs and tools to the farmers of Makilala and Tulunan towns in North
Cotabato, and turnover of 100 bags of conventional hybrid corn seeds, 2,664 packs of pinakbet
seeds, 276 kilos of mungbean seeds, 200 bags of inorganic fertilizers, 70 rolls of laminated
sacks, 76 rolls of high-density polyethylene pipes and 150 units of water plastic drums at Sitio
Flortam, Barangay Batasan, Makilala.
Self-reliance
MinDA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol has encouraged LGUs in Mindanao to be self-reliant, “as
the country grapples with the effects of Covid-19.”
Piñol believes “that in order to restart the economy and bolster socioeconomic development in
the island-region, every local government unit should rely on their own concerted efforts and
abilities in this time of recovery since the national government, on the other hand, has been
devoting its resources to the ongoing fight against the pandemic.”
“LGUs cannot expect a lot from the national government.
The national government has no funds now. In fact, the funds of agencies have been sequestered
[for Covid response]. So, there’s not much money to talk about right now,” Piñol said in a mix of
English and Filipino, noting that majority of government funds were realigned to combat the
pandemic.
He said MinDA must refocus its programs to help the economy regain its momentum once again
and yield concrete results “that will be felt on the ground despite the presence of financial
difficulties and limitations.”
Addressing his management team, he said: “Our objective is to really restart the economy of
Mindanao. Here’s what we should consider in prioritizing our programs: what program will have
immediate effect that can quickly benefit our people and restart the economy,” he said.
While efforts for economic restoration remain under way, he said it is also the right time for
LGUs “to unleash their individual coping mechanisms and maximize resources under the new
normal.”
“So, whatever we do in Mindanao right now will be guided by the philosophy of self-reliance.
We will have to encourage LGUs to really invest,” Piñol added.
In his recent visits to Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan (Imtasula) in Bukidnon, he
urged the mayors to look for ways to prop up their local economies.
“You buy equipment. Don’t be scared to borrow. Buy the needed equipment because you have to
build your own roads right now.”
Among the Covid-19 response programs that MinDA is actively taking on are the Balik
Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa BP2 program, Sustainable Agriculture Project for Imtasula areas and
MinDA Tienda.
It has also started to validate the different fish center sites to double Mindanao’s current
aquaculture and fisheries production of two million metric tons annually by year 2025.
“With a coastline length of 36,289 kilometers, the fifth-longest in the world, and surrounded by
seas and ocean, it is unthinkable that the Philippines still imports fish from countries whose
fishermen could be fishing in our waters,” he said.
Piñol also asked local chief executives to urge lawmakers to review the rice importation law,
Republic Act 11203, saying that farm-gate prices of palay had dropped from P22 a kilo two
years ago to just P11 per kilo in many areas of the region during harvest season.
He reported also that the municipality of Kalawit in Zamboanga del Norte has earmarked a 200-
hectare plantation area for the first 200 families coming home from Metro Manila under the BP2
program.
MinDA already turned over on August 18 a P500,000 support fund for the survey of the
proposed BP2 site.
The province will give each family a house and the whole community of returning families will
work as one in undertaking agricultural production.
“In contrast, the Kauswagan Model has a compact area of 6.3 hectares where the beneficiaries
will undertake organic chicken and vegetable production,” he said.
This week, Piñol suggested that grains storage complexes with modern dryers and silos be
established in at least four corn-producing regions of Mindanao to ensure food security on the
island and propel the economy adversely affected by the pandemic.
“This problem is not new. As a farm boy who grew up among rice and corn farmers, I saw the
frustration and disappointment in my late father and other farmers’ faces when their earnings
after four months fell way below what they had expected. This trapped them in an endless cycle
of poverty where they borrowed money to plant and paid back with what they harvested,
oftentimes leaving them in deep debt,” Piñol stressed.
He likewise discussed the measures which are the salient features of the Mindanao Corn
Development Program that MinDA is crafting, and which will be submitted as a priority project
for inclusion in the Mindanao Peace and Development Program, or Rise Mindanao.
Image credits: Teoderico Decierdo | Dreamstime.com, Hugo Maes |
Dreamstime.com, minda.gov.ph, Jamesbox | Dreamstime.com
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/13/southern-food-bowl/
DA gives P53.8-M agri-machinery to Davao rice farmers

ByRuth Palo
September 13, 2020

DAVAO CITY: The Department of Agriculture (DA) gave a total of P53.8-million worth of
agri-machinery to rice farmers in the Davao Region under the Rice Competitiveness
Enhancement Fund mechanization component held recently in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
DA Secretary William Dar, who led the distribution, highlighted the agency’s priority programs
to help rice farmers reduce the cost of production and increase their income. Included among the
agri-machinery were 32 floating tillers, 23 hand tractors, 13 combine harvesters, 13 four-wheel
tractors, 8 riding-type transplanters, 4 walk-behind transplanters, one reaper and one precision
seeder.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/13/news/regions/da-gives-p53-8-m-agri-machinery-to-
davao-rice-farmers/767552/
Mindanao leaders ask Congress to review rice

importation law
By: Jigger J. Jerusalem - @inquirerdotnet
Inquirer Mindanao / 02:51 PM September 13, 2020
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Mindanao leaders are asking Congress to revisit the Rice
Tariffication Law, or Republic Act 11203, in a bid to address the sharp drop in the income of rice
farmers whose production now competes with supply from abroad.
The call came through a resolution of the governing board of the Mindanao Development
Authority (MinDA) that counts among its members local and regional leaders of the government
and private sector.
MinDA is the government’s chief coordinating agency for fostering development in Mindanao.
Among the members of its governing board are Bangsamoro chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, MinDA chair, noted that the farm gate price of palay or unmilled rice
in some parts of Mindanao has dropped to P11 per kilo, from P22 per kilo two years ago.
The price of P11 per kilo is below the average production cost of P12 per kilo, Piñol said.
Implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law began in March last year, doing away with
quantitative limits to imports of the staple crop while also setting higher tariffs that would go into
the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to support the local rice industry.
The law aims to provide affordable rice prices for consumers as well as raise the income of rice
farmers.
However, Piñol, who used to be the country’s Agriculture chief, said there is “irrefutable evidence
that the unimpeded rice importation has caused injury to the local rice industry and rice farmers of
Mindanao.”
“The resolution was presented during the MinDA governing board meeting as among the issues
and problems which could affect Mindanao’s economic recovery following the coronavirus
pandemic,” he explained.
Mindanao has about 1.2 million hectares of rice farms, generating over 350,000 jobs.
If left unchecked, Piñol said the worsening situation of rice farmers could adversely affect the
economic recovery efforts of Mindanao.
Piñol cited studies conducted by the Federation of Free Farmers showing that while rice consumers
benefited from the lower rice prices, at an estimated value of P6 billion, rice farmers lost about P80
billion because of reduced income from very low farm gate prices.
“Additional losses which have yet to be quantified were also reported in ancillary activities to rice
production, including land preparation equipment utilization, milling and processing and by-
products like rice bran and rice hulls,” he added.
He revealed that Sen. Zubiri, who voted for the Rice Tariffication Law, has expressed openness to
revisiting the measure.
“If it is really causing injury to the rice industry and hardships to our farmers, then it is only fair
that we review the law,” Piñol quoted Zubiri as saying.
JE
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1334801/mindanao-leaders-ask-congress-to-review-rice-
importation-law#ixzz6XzWWQaZm
State Tribal Museum Virtual Tour: Indigenous

Methods of Food Preservation by ‘Paraja’ Community
STATE AT LARGE
By Pragativadinewsservice
On Sep 12, 2020
Bhubaneswar: As a new initiative of the ST&SC Development Department, State Tribal

Museum goes virtual. Visitors can visit the museum virtually by opening the Twitter pages
@scstrti, @stscdev in every Sunday.
On 13th September visitors can visit the indigenous methods of food preservation by ‘Paraja’
community. Paraja are the agrarian tribe settled in the districts of Koraput, Nawarangapur,
Malkangiri, Kalahandi, and Rayagada in the Southern Odisha. For the vast majority of ‘Paraja’
who live in Odisha, life revolves around paddy cultivation.
To ensure food and seed security, the ‘Paraja’ follow traditional methods of food preservation.
They preserve food grains like rice, finger millet, black gram, and green gram. They prefer to use
organic pesticides and pest control techniques.
The ‘Paraja’ community of Koraput cultivates open-pollinated local varieties of rice. Indigenous
traditional knowledge of ‘Paraja’ tribes reflect that they use leaves of the crown flower, neem,
and bitter gourd. These leaves are mixed with cow dung and cow urine and the mixture is
allowed to ferment for 15-20 days. The resultant liquid is filtered and used as pesticide spray.
If a pest attack is observed, interestingly ‘Paraja’ use spiders for natural pest control. An odd
number of Sala Palm leaves (5,7,9) each bearing cobwebs is planted among the growing
seedlings. The practice being a combination of traditional beliefs and scientific observance. The
Goleki or Bamboo grain bin serves as the storehouse of the family’s rice. The grain beans are
placed in a small room with the ‘Paraja House. The second way of preserving rice is in a wooden
storage bin known as ‘Gaadia’.
Using traditional practices, the ‘Paraja’ preserves grain, pulses, and vegetables. The ‘Paraja’
maintain the biodiversity of the Koraput region favouring open pollination rather than hybrid
seeds. Their traditional practices, the use of organic pesticides, and insecticides natural pest
control, and indigenous methods of food preservation are studied by Agriculture Scientists.
‘Parajas’, much before the invention of refrigerators and other machinery, were trying to
preserve using their own indigenous methods. Different kinds of vegetables mainly mushroom,
Potato, ginger, cauliflower, and many other vegetables were preserved often pretty long time
using their indigenous method and using organic materials, said Prof. Dr. Akhil Bihari Otta,
Director, SCSTRTI.
https://pragativadi.com/state-tribal-museum-virtual-tour-indigenous-methods-of-food-
preservation-by-paraja-community/
Basmati rice tote bag is a real thing

September 11, 2020
NDTV – Next time you get Basmati rice, don’t throw the sack away – instead, try re-purposing it
into a trendy tote bag. Sounds rather like a strange thing to do? Many on Twitter would agree
with you if you answered yes. In fact, thousands of people on the microblogging platform were
left stunned to discover that ‘Basmati rice tote bags’ are a thing that actually exist.
The bags came to light last week when a Twitter user wrote “I can’t believe this is real” while
sharing a picture of a Basmati rice tote bag, which is exactly what it sounds like – a sack re-
imagined into a bag.
More details on Weekend’s Borneo Bulletin
https://borneobulletin.com.bn/2020/09/basmati-rice-tote-bag-is-a-real-thing-2/
NESG vs CBN: A Battle of Wits?

September 13, 2020 4:58 am
SimonKolawolelive By Simon-Kolawole, Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805

500 1961
SIMONKOLAWOLE! BY SIMON KOLAWOLE
Amidst the series of tough decisions rolled out by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Nigerian
economy gasps for breath under the weight of low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic, a
mini-war broke out between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Economic
Summit Group (NESG) last week. In a statement with the title “Matters of Urgent Attention”,
NESG dished out subtle and not-so-subtle criticisms of the CBN over its development finance,
and questioned the transparency and sustainability of the interventions.
The CBN, in a reply dripping with fury, defended its record and called
to question the intellectual authority of the NESG leadership.
As journalists, we love “two fighting” because it gives us a litany of
headlines. But this is not a joke. We are discussing matters that affect
the life of every Nigerian — rich and poor, high and low, northerners
and southerners, schooled and unschooled. NESG was set up as a non-profit private sector
organisation in 1996 with a mandate “to promote and champion the reform of the Nigerian
economy into an open, private sector-led globally competitive economy”. Therefore, the face-off
between NESG and CBN should be seen as a “contest of ideas” on the economic health of
Nigeria and Nigerians rather than some media relief from the socio-economic tension.
Although NESG raised many issues, most were aimed at the CBN: the efficiency of the
agriculture intervention under the anchor borrowers programme; transparency in foreign
exchange transactions, disbursement of intervention funds, and price ﬁxings “without appropriate
policy clarity”; provision of “immunity” for CBN officials in the newly amended Banking and
Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA); “distortions” in the liquidity and interest rate
management; and the “quantitative easing” (what you and I would call pumping money into the
economy) by the CBN to fund the large deficit caused by low oil prices and effects of the
pandemic.
For one, NESG got it wrong when it said CBN was seeking immunity for its officials under the
amended BOFIA. The provision, according to the CBN, “protects the Federal Government, the
Central Bank of Nigeria and their respective officials against adverse claims for actions or
omission in good faith exercise of powers under BOFIA and other specified statutes including
the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and regulations…” In fact, the “immunity” has been there as far
back as 1991. This error makes NESG vulnerable to accusations of pursuing an agenda and
questions its credibility, given the calibre of professionals within its ranks. Some also find it a bit
curious that the NESG chose to go to the media rather than utilise its communication channels
with the CBN and federal government.
But immunity is the smallest issue, if you ask me. The NESG wants the government to re-open
our borders “given its negative impact on trade and employment”. Our work in ECOWAS, it
said, “must also effectively harness trade opportunities within the sub-region”. That is, allow
trans-border trade to continue unhindered. In an ideal world, you cannot fault the logic. In fact,
some will argue that shutting the borders is primitive. But what do you do when, in practice, free
trade becomes an open invitation to the smuggling of rice, eggs, cars, fuel and even arms —
thereby ruining your own economy and security? This was not the intention of those who wrote
the ECOWAS treaty.
Ideally, you say “beef up security then”. But what do you do when the people beefing up the
security are the ones facilitating the illegal trade? The incentives to be corrupt or to corrupt the
system are so high. It’s a no-win situation. Open the borders, you are damned. Close the borders,
you are damned. Yet we all know that the borders cannot be closed forever. But some will ask:
what is CBN’s business with the borders? It’s a good question. The CBN has, for all intents and
purposes, become a major stakeholder having financed agriculture extensively and feeling
threatened that if the borders are re-opened so soon, the gains particularly in rice and poultry
farming will go down the drain.
The issue of border closure as it affects the economy should ordinarily be addressed by the
ministry of finance or presidency, rather than the CBN. The bank still ventured an opinion,
though, stating: “Benin Republic imports as much rice as China and nearly as much frozen
chicken as the UK… In which country does the NESG think all these rice and chicken end up?
How then can a Nigerian rice farmer or poultry owner survive?” However, the border closure
also comes with unintended consequences. I would love to suggest how to effectively curb the
illegal trade but I have no idea. ECOWAS countries should sit down and develop the solution.
For now, Nigeria is the biggest victim.
On the power sector, I was initially critical of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, for the
apex bank’s intervention. I kept asking: why should the CBN be providing loans to the power
sector? Today, I look back and conclude that but for the CBN, the sector would have collapsed
long ago. The liquidity problem was grave. The fiscal authorities did not want to approve tariff
increase for obvious reasons. You would be justified to argue that it was not CBN’s business to
intervene. But doing nothing, especially when you have the leeway to provide the financial
oxygen, also has dire consequences for the economy. Let’s now hope the industry will be saved
with the new tariffs.
We can apply similar arguments to agriculture intervention. I wrote a sceptical article some years
ago when Emefiele announced a forex ban on 41 import items, including rice. I argued then that
what we really needed was a fiscal policy, not just a monetary one, to grow our agriculture and
become self-sufficient. This is typically the position of free market economists. To them,
restricting imports under any guise is a no-no. We could not legally ban rice import because of
WTO rules, but we could stop funding rice imports. We could help our local industry grow and
reduce the pressure on the exchange rate. That was what CBN did and we have clearly made
progress in rice farming.
The NESG made a valid point, in my view, about the sustainability of CBN’s interventions,
especially the deficit caused by minimising the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Their
argument is that the government should “consider a strong communicating (communication)
strategy that engages the people and prepares them for tougher times ahead whilst the current
reforms take effect”. It said that the “current business as usual disposition is not sustainable”.
Except there is something unsaid here, I think this is a fair point. The CBN cannot afford to
pump money into the system for too long; at some point, the bubble will burst. It’s going to be a
painful journey to recovery.
Still, the CBN defended its “quantitative easing” by drawing parallels with how central banks
across the world reacted to the pandemic by expanding their balance sheets through monetary
measures that would otherwise be considered “unorthodox”. The US Federal Reserve Bank
provided loans to non-banking institutions and bought corporate bonds usually classified as
below investment grade. The bank pumped a stimulus of $3 trillion into the American economy,
and there is no plan to stop until the economic impact of COVID-19 begins to ease significantly.
We don’t know when. The European Central Bank also pumped in $1 trillion as the pandemic bit
harder in the European Union.
Even the Bank of England that initially said it would resist “political influence” ended up
opening its treasury to the UK government to save the economy. The UK government, in trying
to save jobs, undertook to pay as much as 80 percent of staff salaries for certain businesses. It
provided “bounce back” loans of maximum £50,000 to small businesses, repayable over five
years after a one-year moratorium. The government also did an “eat out to help out” scheme to
save the eateries and restaurants. In all, the Bank of England injected over £750 billion into the
UK economy by buying government and corporate bonds. Nothing is cast is stone about
economic theories.
By the way, I am not against this battle of ideas. We can have a decent debate devoid of rancour
and ill will. For instance, some think we should re-open our borders; others think it is premature
except we want to hurt the little progress we have made. Check both ideas. Neither is 100
percent right or wrong. In all policy decisions, there are always trade-offs. We left the border
open for decades and suffered immense damage to the economy and security — but it also
promoted legitimate trade and created legitimate jobs. We’ve now closed the border and have
reduced smuggling and protected some sectors of the economy, but legitimate trade is also
suffering! There must be a way out.
Emefiele has come under heavy criticism but the whole truth is that the economy is in a big
mess. Fiscal mess. Monetary mess. We are in desperate times. We are taking desperate measures.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we were living on borrowed time. Our overreliance on
oil was bound to drown us one day. The severe distortions that come with poorly managed oil-
powered economies have damaged the normal economic, social and political order. All the
arguments about trade, agriculture and monetary policies, etc, are products of an economic and
socio-political system built on a feeble petrodollar foundation. Let’s hope we have finally
reached the turning point.
AND FOUR OTHER THINGS…
HARDENED CRIMINALS
Kaduna state lawmakers have passed a law prescribing castration for rapists. For sure, we need
to tackle the rape menace with all our might, but I’m not sure the lawmakers got medical advice.
They would have discovered that castration (removal of the testes, except they are talking about
cutting off the penis entirely) does not prevent rape. A castrated man can still have sex but he
cannot father a child. Castration can affect the ability of a man to have an erection, but even that
can be taken care of with aphrodisiacs and medication. We should also realise that rapists are
perverts — they are not just interested in having sex, but having it without restraint. It is not that
I have a better punishment for rapists, but castration is not it. Overrated.
NAKED ABUSE
Close to rape is sexual harassment. The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, organised a
webinar on Wednesday inspired by Naked Abuse, a book by celebrated columnist and Ife
alumnus, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, on sexual harassment in African universities. In his remarks,
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo spoke my mind when he said: “The victim must always be seen
as the victim. There cannot be an excuse, especially given the power configuration between
students and lecturers, that the victim could have somehow invited the abuse upon themselves.”
We only justify perfidy when we blame the victim. Imagine a robber accusing you of inviting
robbery on yourself by having a car! Twisted.
GANA GONE
The death of Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, “the most wanted bandit in Benue state”, remains a
mystery. Did soldiers kill him extra-judicially or was he really taken down in a gun fire
exchange? It is scary, all the same, that he appeared to have enjoyed the sympathy of some
politicians. I remember that in the early 2000s, some Niger Delta boys were bred as militias by
one or two governors, only for them to become Frankenstein monsters that went completely out
of control. Has it become a Nigerian culture now? The early growth of Boko Haram was
fertilised by politicians who used and dumped the youth. Today, thugs and bandits operate
fiefdoms all over the country. Terrifying.
OSHIOMHOLE VS OBASEKI
On Saturday, the governorship election will hold in Edo state. The key contest is a reverse of the
2016 poll: Mr Godwin Obaseki, then of APC now of PDP, squaring off with Pastor Osagie Ize-
Iyamu, then of PDP now of APC. After he got into office, Obaseki fell out with his Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole, his benefactor. This governorship battle is, therefore, not an ordinary one. If
it goes Obaseki’s way, that means he has taken out two heavyweights with one blow. If it goes
Ize-Iyamu’s way, Oshiomhole would have made his point and Obaseki would likely fade into
political oblivion. Clearly the stakes are extremely high. My plea to all: play well, play fair.
Sportsmanship.
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/09/13/nesg-vs-cbn-a-battle-of-wits/
Punjab govt committed to doing more for rice sector:

minister
Recorder Report
12 Sep 2020
LAHORE: The Punjab government has been giving 50 percent subsidy on the micronutrients and is
committed to introducing more measures to facilitate rice sector.
Under the Prime Minister's Agricultural Emergency Program, subsidy is being given to farmers
for the approved varieties of paddy seeds, agricultural machinery, large and small components
and herbicides with a hefty amount of Rs. 6.32 billion. Punjab Minister for Agriculture Malik
Nauman Ahmad Langrial stated this while speaking at a launching ceremony of Journal of the
Rice Exporters Association Pakistan at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar, Chairman Rice
Exporters Association Shahjahan Malik, Member Rice Exporters Association Captain Taimur
Ahmed (retd), Pir Nazim Hussain Shah and Chief Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture Punjab
Shahid Qadir were also present on the occasion.
Under the Prime Minister's Agricultural Emergency Program, various projects are being
implemented worth Rs. 300 billion. In these projects, subsidy is being given to farmers for the
approved varieties of paddy seeds, agricultural machinery, large and small components and
herbicides with a hefty amount of Rs. 6.32 billion; the Minister said adding that rice crop is
important for our nutritional needs as well as earning foreign exchange. Pakistani basmati rice is
loved all over the world for its aroma and quality.
The Minister said the farmers will be given trans-planters and rice harvesters at 50 percent
discount and rice choppers will also be given to the farmers on subsidy. He said that the LCCI
will be given representation in the agriculture committee of the Punjab government. He said the
government will coordinate with rice exporters in regard with the use of pesticides. Competitions
should be held among the farmers to encourage production, adding that the government is
working to develop long grain basmati which is internationally acceptable.
During the financial year 2018-19, rice was exported 2.19 million tonnes and country earned
foreign exchange of $ 2.04 billion. Under the Prime Minister Agricultural Emergency Program, a
plan to increase paddy production per acre has been launched in 15 districts of Punjab which will
increase the average production of coarse, and basmati varieties of paddy by 20 and 10 men per
acre respectively, he said.
The provincial government is striving to make the agricultural sector active and developed and
for this purpose, despite financial constraints, priority is given to the agriculture sector by the
federal and provincial governments, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President LCCI Ali Hussam Asghar said that there is a
lack of Research & Development, especially in developing hybrid seed varieties for Basmati.
Other countries, despite of the fact that we have most suitable soil for basmati cultivation, have
developed more hybrid varieties of rice. He also said the most effective remedy for lowering the
cost of production is increasing the per acre yield. This has been witnessed in case of coarse
variety where hybrid rice replaced IRRI and took tremendous yield jump in Sindh. He was of the
view that there is a need to work in collaboration with the private and public research institutes
to introduce new varieties especially hybrid in Basmati rice, which could ensure quantum jump
in its production thus leading to more export surplus as well as the economic well-being of the
farmers.
He stressed upon the need of participation of private sector in seed development; the current
MNFSRD regime for seed certification needs to be shifted to truth-in-labelling regime. He
pointed out the areas that need intensive work including seed development, Better farm practices
and higher yields through water management and mechanical transplanting and Research and
Development.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40018169/punjab-govt-committed-to-doing-more-for-rice-
sector-minister
IMF in 'initial stages' of Argentina loan talks: official

The IMF is in the early phase of talks with Argentina over a new financing programme, and is gathering
information on how best to help the country, confirms spokesperson.
IMF SPOKESMAN GERRY RICE. | IMF

The International Monetary Fund is in the early phase of talks with Argentina over a new rescue
package, and is gathering information on how best to help the crisis-hit nation, a fund official
said Thursday.
"We are in the initial stages of the process," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters, noting
that fund officials are focused on "fact finding" and "listening to the Argentine authorities for
their sense of priorities."
After defaulting on its debt in May for the ninth time in history, the government of President
Alberto Fernández in late August reached a deal with foreign creditors to restructure US$66
billion in debt after months of tense negotiations, giving it US$37.7 billion in debt relief.
Once a deal seemed assured, Buenos Aires formally opened consultations with the IMF to agree
new terms on the repayment of a US$44 billion bailout loan agreed in 2018 (the original credit
line was worth US$57 billion, though not all of it was received by Argentina).
The talks with the Washington-based crisis lender are "taking place in what I would characterise
as a very constructive climate," Rice said at a press conference, but there is no date yet for a
sending a mission to Argentina to further the discussions.
Key topics in the talks include the government's "plans to strengthen macroeconomic stability,
kick start growth and job creation and reduce poverty, unemployment and, of course, to help
Argentina fight the pandemic, which is an additional serious challenge," the official said.
Argentina's troubles have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than a third
of the country's population of 44 million living in poverty.
Inflation stands at 40 percent and the IMF expects Latin America's third largest economy to
shrink by 10 percent this year.
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/economy/imf-in-initial-stages-of-argentina-loan-talks-
official.phtml
Pb Govt Gives 50 Pc Subsidy On Micronutrients: Langrial

Fri 11th September 2020 | 10:06 PM
Punjab government was giving 50 percent subsidy on the micronutrients and also
committed to introduce more measures to facilitate rice sector
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2020 ) :Punjab government was
giving 50 percent subsidy on the micronutrients and also committed to introduce more measures
to facilitate rice sector.
T
hese views were expressed by Minister for Agriculture Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial during
the launching ceremony of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Journal at
the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday.
The minister said that the farmers would be given transplanters and rice harvesters at 50 percent
discount,a dding that rice choppers would also be given to the farmers on subsidy.
He said that the LCCI would be given representation in the agriculture committee of the Punjab
government.
Speaking about the measures which government had planned to implement, the minister said
that government would coordinate with rice exporters in regard with the use of pesticides.
He said that competitions should be held among the farmers to encourage production, adding that
the government was working to develop long grain Basmati which was internationally
acceptable.
Speaking on the occasion LCCI Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar said that there was a
lack of Research & Development, especially in developing hybrid seed varieties for Basmati.
Other countries, despite of the fact that we had most suitable soil for Basmati cultivation, have
developed more hybrid varieties of rice.
He said the most effective remedy for lowering the cost of production was increasing the per acre
yield.
Ali Hussam Asgahr was of the view that there was a need to work in collaboration with the
private and public research institutes to introduce new varieties especially hybrid in Basmati rice,
which could ensure quantum jump in its production thus leading to more export surplus as well
as the economic well-being of the farmers.
LCCI Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmed, Chairman REAP Shahjahan Malik, Pir Syed
Nazim Hussain Shah and LCCI executive committee members were also present on the occasion.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/pb-govt-gives-50-pc-subsidy-on-micronutrients-
1027311.html
Funding options for agriculture in Nigeria expands with N50

bln scheme
14 SEP 2020
THE NATION
Published 14 Sep,2020 via The Nation - The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGSF)
Amendment Act assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari increased the share capital of the
fund from N3 billion to N50 billion. The new scheme is in line with Central Bank of Nigeria’s
(CBN’s) move to increase lending to the agricultural sector and support increased food
production. The fund provides a guarantee for bank loans for agriculture and boost lending to
agriculture. Financing of production farm machinery, production equipment, processing, storage
and transportation are now allowed under the amended ACGSF Act, writes COLLINS NWEZE.
Before now, farmers were the least that banks would consider for loans. Such loans, if approved,
were deemed lost from the outset, especially when advanced to smallholder farmers.
Today, the story is different. Both the smallholder farmers and established ones can take a shot at
bank loans. Also, lenders, which previously saw agricultural loans as high risk, are now seeing
the potential of how much a well-priced credit can add to their balance sheets and profitability.
The amendment of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGSF) Bill raised share capital
of the fund from N3 billion to N50 billion, a step that allowed more farmers to access
agricultural loans.
A breakdown of the ACGSF Amendment Act 2019 shows that the sharing ratio is Federal
Ministry of Finance (60 per cent) and Central Bank of Nigeria (40 per cent). The maximum for a
non-collaterised loan under the scheme is now N100,000.00, the maximum amount for
collaterised loan granted to individuals, cooperative societies and corporate entities is now N50
million, up from N10 million.
Also, complete Agricultural Value Chain financing is now allowed as well as the financing of
production farm machinery, production equipment, processing, storage and transportation.
This Act amends the ACGS Fund Act Cpa. A11, Laws of the Federation Nigeria 2004, to
enhance capital base, expand coverage of the scheme, increase the size of the loanable fund,
increase membership and give more powers to the board.
Further details of the ACGSF showed that the amended section 2 of the Principal Act enacted by
the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, now requires that the Minister shall
appoint a chairman, a representative of the Nigerian farmers, a representative of the Federal
Ministry of Finance, and a representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The fund was
increased from N100 million to N50 billion, which may be increased by such amount the Board
may determine and that amount shall be contributed in a proportion as the board may prescribe.
President Buhari signed and certified the ACGSF Bill into law.
CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele identified agriculture financing as the way forward for the
economy. He explained that part of its developmental role, the CBN has in collaboration with the
Federal Government established the ACGSF for promoting agricultural enterprises in Nigeria.
The fund, he added, will complement other special initiatives of the apex bank in providing
concessionary funding for agriculture.
According to Emefiele, “there was no need to allocate scarce forex to rice importers when vast
amounts of paddy rice of comparable quality produced by poor hard-working local farmers
across the rice belts of Nigeria are wasted, and farmers are falling deeper into poverty at a time
the government exports their jobs and income to rice-producing in overseas countries.
“A few decades ago, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil but, today, we
import nearly 600,000 metric tonnes while Indonesia and Malaysia combine to export over 90
per cent of global demand.
“Under these circumstances, I believe it is appropriate, and in fact, expected, that the CBN
contributes to protecting the jobs and incomes of local farmers, using some of the same
principles Western economies use to justify the protection of their farmers through huge
subsidies.”
Noting that agriculture remained the largest employer of labour, the CBN chief said the sector
contributes about 24.2 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Emefiele described as unacceptable that the greatest share of the demand for forex goes directly
to importing agricultural produce.
He said: “So, the CBN has both a direct and indirect rationale to ensure that this sector is revived
in a significant way. In this regard, we are gratified that the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’
Programme (ABP), together with other initiatives like the CACS and Nigeria Incentive-based
Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), are proving to be successful in several
states.”
He explained that in Kebbi State alone, over 78,000 smallholder farmers cultivate about 100,000
hectares of rice farms. It is expected that over one million metric tonnes of rice will be produced
in that state alone this year.
Bankers’ Committee and Agric Financing
The CBN and commercial banks, under the aegis of the Bankers’ Committee, restated their
commitment to expanding bank lending in agro-business to discourage importation of goods that
can be produced locally.
The bankers also stated their resolve to explore large corporates as anchors to lend to participants
across the value chain to improve the capacity of Nigeria’s agro-businesses to create sustainable
jobs and inclusive growth.
The bankers affirmed their commitment to financial deepening of the economy, improving
financial access to key sectors of the economy, innovative solutions for the critical finance of
generation, provide finance for small and medium enterprises, among others.
“We note that four basic commodities that are consumed by Nigerians – rice, wheat, fish and
sugar jointly account for a significant amount of the country’s annual import bill. We are
convinced that the nation can produce these consumables in required amounts to meet our
domestic consumption needs. With its attendant impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and
job creation, agriculture remains a critical focus sector of the financial system,” the Committee
added.
Stakeholders speak on agricultural potential in the economy
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Ade
Ayeyemi, has said Nigeria can feed Africa’s estimated 1.2 billion people if it harnesses the gains
of the agricultural value chain.
According to him, success in Nigeria’s agricultural sector means the reduction in the demand for
foreign exchange to import food items into the country and the development of the agribusiness
value-chain with a resultant effect in the creation of a new breed of entrepreneurs as well as jobs
for the teeming population.
Ayeyemi spoke at the Ecobank Agribusiness Summit in Lagos. The summit had its theme
“Unlocking Productivity and Investment Opportunities Across Nigeria’s Agribusiness Value
Chain”
Also speaking, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Nanono affirmed
that the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari is committed to finding a lasting
solution to issues bothering on food security affecting the country.
He stressed on the need for viable synergy and collaboration between relevant stakeholders in the
agricultural sector, to further promote its contribution to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of
the country.
“Nigeria’s potentials and prospects make the agricultural sector a pilot for economic
stabilisation, diversification and growth in the country. Indeed, the sector is a major contributor
to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing about 27 per cent to the GDP and
the biggest in job creation in the non-oil sector”.
Nanono disclosed that the Federal Government has also earmarked N600 billion to enhance
farmer access to agricultural financing in the country. He said that about 2.4 million farmers
were targeted to benefit from the interest-free facility, designed to encourage the application of
modern technologies in rice and cash crop cultivation.
Nanono said the initiative would support farmers to achieve improved productivity, enhance self-
sufficiency and food security in the country. He said: “We have commenced farmer registration
exercise to capture their information, number of farmlands and locations.
“Also, the beneficiaries will be monitor to ensure effective utilisation of the facility, and mobilise
participation in subsequent programmes.”
ACGSF’s Linkage Banking Initiative
Through the ACGSF Self-Help Group Linkage programme, farmers are encouraged to form
themselves into groups of between five and 15 based on common purpose (informal and
informal). The groups are encouraged to undertake regular savings with a partner bank of their
choice. After operating such savings for six months, they could then apply to the partner bank for
a loan. The amount saved provides part cash security for loans to saving groups.
Bank loans to the groups are normally in multiples of the balance in their savings account at the
time of the application for the loan. The group savings security would not be drawn on until the
loans are fully repaid. The aim of the Self-Help Group Linkage Banking is to inculcate the
culture of savings and banking habit in-group members as well enable them to build up resources
for financing their farm projects without recourse to bank borrowing on the long run.
Understanding the ACGSF Amendment Bill
The ACGSF Amendment Bill, sponsored by Senator Andy Uba, a representing Anambra South
senatorial district, was targeted at improving the prospects of commercial agriculture as an
integral contributor to the Nigerian economy. This it seeks to do by expanding the capacity to
guarantee credit facilities extended to Nigerian farmers, and making the regulation of such
finances in consonance with international best practices.
Furthermore, the new Act will facilitate better management of agricultural funds, enhance greater
transparency, promote export business and safeguard the delivery of dividends to Nigerian
farmers.
Uba disclosed that the law would drive the course of Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Analysts said that with the signing of the ACGSF bill into law, the Federal Government is
reiterating its commitment towards repositioning the agricultural sector and enhancing its overall
contributions to the government’s overall earnings.
Copyright © 2020 Vintage Press Limited. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
https://www.salaamgateway.com/story/funding-options-for-agriculture-in-nigeria-expands-
with-n50-bln-scheme
Rice, Sugar, and Pulses Lead India’s Agricultural Exports

September 14, 2020
Gurneel Kaur
India assures UNFAO for an undisrupted supply of agricultural commodities as it sees a surge of

23% in agricultural exports. Rice, Sugar, and Pulses lead India’s agricultural exports.
Increase in India’s Agricultural Exports
While several countries witnessed disruption in trade, India’s agricultural exports increased
23.24% to Rs 25,553 crore during March-June this year, 4,818.2 crores more than the previous
year. Also, India’s agrarian GDP has registered an increase of 0.5% from 2017-18 to 2018-19.
Data released by WTO reveals that India’s agricultural exports and imports in the world
agriculture trade in 2017 stood at 2.27% and 1.90%, respectively.
While basmati rice worth Rs 8,591 crore tops the list of farm exports, non-basmati rice
contributed the highest rise of Rs 2,392 crore to the Agri exports. Non-basmati rice and sugar
together account for more than a 95% increase in the Agri commodities export.
India has Enough Stocks to Meet Global Demand
Agriculture commissioner S K Malhotra, in FAO’s 35th Asia-Pacific regional Conference,
assured that India has enough stock not only for domestic needs but also for global supply.
Further, he added that the government is focusing on penetrating wellness food under the “Brand
India” campaign into foreign markets.
Agriculture ministry officials stated that India’s agricultural export basket has a limited scope.
Though India’s rice is demanded globally, wheat is still not competitive at the international level.
Besides, India produces pulses to meet domestic requirements.
Prompt Action Amid the Pandemic Ensured Timely Procurement and Eliminated Wastage
Experts attribute this surge to the abundant availability of stocks of rice, sugar, and wheat.
Besides, India has also been quick in providing support to farmers during harvesting season amid
the pandemic. Moreover, India has also gained from the rise in Thai and Vietnamese rice prices
owing to poor weather conditions. Besides, the depreciation of Indian rupee against the dollar
facilitated exporters to quote lower prices. Not only has this but carryover stocks of sugar also
facilitated more significant shipments to Indonesia and Brazil. The country had also supplied its
excess wheat stocks to Lebanon and Afghanistan. Shipments to the African region, Malaysia,
the Philippines, and Russia have increased this year.
In all, India has the prospects of gaining immensely due to the mentioned reasons. It will need to
continue providing quality products in the international market to sustain the rise in agricultural
exports.
https://www.grainmart.in/news/rice-sugar-and-pulses-lead-indias-agricultural-exports/
NFA still has P10-B for palay procurement

Published September 14, 2020, 3:03 PM
by Madelaine Miraflor
For the remainder of the year, the National Food Authority (NFA) still has more than P10
billion budget to buy as much as 10 million bags of locally produced unhusked rice, a top
official of the state-run grains agency said.
In a text exchange, NFA Administrator Judy Dansal said NFA is still set to buy 10 million
bags of palay from rice farmers for the remaining part of 2020. If this isn’t enough, she said,
the agency could still buy more since it has “credit lines available.”
“For this year, we have P7 billion from subsidy, P5.5 billion from corporate receipts that
include our sales of rice, and P2.5 billion from cash and credit lines. So far, we already used
P3 billion for procurement,” Dansal said on Monday.
“Yes [we can buy more palay because] we have credit lines available and the DOF
[Department of Finance] supports us,” she added.
She said this amid calls by some groups for the Philippine government to buy more palay
from farmers so they wouldn’t be forced to sell their produce at current farmgate price of
about P11 per kilogram (/kg) to P12/kg.
In the Philippines, the cost to produce rice is about P12/kg, while NFA, whose sole mandate
has been reduced to buffer stocking for calamities and emergencies after the passage of Rice
Tariffication Law, buys palay at P19/kg.
Every year, NFA gets an annual budget of P7 billion to procure palay, which it sells to local
government units (LGUs) and other government agencies like Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) to support their relief efforts.
Dansal told Business Bulletin that while NFA could increase the amount of palay it could
buy for this year, the agency couldn’t buy it all because some farmers would still choose to
sell to traders.
“We don’t buy everything. The private traders of course will also buy because they have
clients requiring local rice too,” she said.
At present, NFA procures 33,775 bags of palay per day nationwide in different provinces.
In August, Dansal said it is not the supply, but the lack of rice milling facilities and low
buying price that impedes the agency’s palay procurement.
According to her, NFA’s rice milling warehouse could only cater to 25 percent of its palay
inventory, forcing the agency to keep its contract with private millers, while farmers
sometimes opt to sell their produce to traders when the farm-gate price of palay is higher
than the government buying price.
“The market dictates the price. So if the farm-gate price of palay is high, higher than the
P19/kg buying price of the government, the farmers sell their produce to the private
traders,” she said.
Also on Monday, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) pointed to the unabated entry and
unpredictable pattern of rice imports as the main cause for the current drop in palay
farmgate prices.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that palay prices have been on a
downward trend, averaging P18.39/kg in late August, down about 5 percent from their peak
in May 2020.
Field reports, on the other hand, showed that buying prices, as of September, have already
gone down to as low as P16/kg on a dry basis and to P11/kg to P13/kg for wet or freshly
harvested palay.
The FFF noted that the decline in farmgate prices is surprising considering that imports
from January to August 2020 totaled only 1.66 million tons, or about 25 percent lower than
in the same period last year.
In turn, national rice inventories as of August 1 were about 16 percent lower than in the
previous year, which should also help push the price of palay higher.
FFF National Manager Raul Montemayor attributed the declining prices to speculative
behavior of traders arising from the lack of a clear rice import policy from the DA.
“Many traders are playing safe and buying low because they fear that imports will continue
to come in and flood the market again in the coming months. Last year, they bought palay
from farmers during the first half of the year at relatively high prices and were caught
flatfooted by the massive inflow of imports in the second half of the year. Many of them
could not unload their stocks at a profit and some had to suspend their operations,” he said.
Normally, palay buying prices really go up in September because of the scarce supply of
palay and then go down only during the peak harvest season in October and November.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/14/nfa-still-has-p10-b-for-palay-procurement/
India could lose basmati rice market in Iran to Pakistan as

US sanctions disrupt payments
Tehran and New Delhi explore barter trading options even as Iran has stepped up importing
basmati rice from Pakistan.
NAYANIMA BASU 14 September, 2020 12:04 pm IST
File image of India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (left) with his Iranian counterpart
Javad Zarif | Photo: ANI
New Delhi: India could lose its position as the leading exporter of basmati rice to Iran, with
Tehran now beginning to procure the produce from Pakistan, ThePrint has learnt.
For the first time in decades, basmati rice exports from India to Iran have fallen drastically in the
first half of 2020-21 fiscal owing to disruption in payments, a result of the US-led sanctions.
New Delhi and Tehran are now exploring a conventional barter trading system to address the
rising concerns.
The matter was discussed between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian
counterpart Javad Zarif during the former’s recent visit to that country. Jaishankar had made
a stopover in Tehran while on his way to Moscow last week for the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation’s foreign ministers’ meeting .
India and Iran have been discussing the barter trading system for nearly a year now, ever since
the Donald Trump administration began imposing tough economic sanctions on Tehran.
Iran has said it will buy basmati rice, sugar and medicines from India in lieu of fertilisers. New
Delhi, however, is yet to firm up its decision, Iranian government sources told ThePrint.
Iran is now importing basmati rice from Pakistan while Indian consignments worth Rs 1,500
crore are stuck owing to payment issues, the sources said, adding that Tehran has now asked
New Delhi to quickly move on this decision by utilising the banking channels of UCO Bank and
IDBI Bank that continue to maintain a presence there.
Sanctions and the barter system

Due to the US sanctions on Iran, it has become difficult for Indian banks to operate the payment
mechanism, while exporters are finding it increasingly difficult to sell rice in that market.
Some of the exporters, who used to ship their basmati rice consignments through Dubai, have
now come under the scanner of investigating agencies.
The Indian government believes a traditional barter trading system with Iran will be difficult
since India has stopped buying crude oil from that country. This is because India exports basmati
rice worth $1 billion to that market, and hence buying fertilisers worth that amount will not be
cost-effective, according to Indian government sources.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is exploring the options of extending a
limited line of credit to Iran via the EXIM Bank so that the payments issue for Indian exports can
be sorted out until the sanctions are lifted.
“Exporters are concerned that rice exports can also come under sanctions and payments have
become a huge issue,” said Ajay Sahai, DG and CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organisations
(FIEO). “Basmati rice exports to Iran have taken a hit this year. Getting the market back will be
difficult if we lose it to other countries, if and when the sanctions are lifted.”
Owing to the US’ unilateral sanctions, India brought down its crude imports from Iran to zero in
May last year. In 2019, India was the top exporter of basmati rice to that country, shipping nearly
1.6 million tonnes.
China eyeing massive investments in Iran
While India has made it clear to Iran that it will not be able to make much progress in the next
phase of the Chabahar Port project as long as the US sanctions are there, Tehran has asked New
Delhi to invest in some of the affiliated projects such as free trade zones, economic enclaves and
other logistical infrastructure.
Even though the Chabahar port project was spared from American sanctions, Indian players have
shied away from participating in the next phase, which entails constructing a rail link from the
port to Zahedan in the Sistan-Baluchistan province and a 218-km road from Zaranj to Delaram.
“India has to see these projects from the perspective of its own national interest and not through
the prism of other countries,” said a top Iranian official, who refused to be named.
“We are telling India to at least invest in the ancillary projects that will feed into the larger
Chabahar project. Many countries are waiting to invest in these projects but we want India to
come in but it should not be too late.”
According to the official, India should “utilise this opportunity to be a major partner in the
lucrative project” even as China is planning investments of billions of dollars under the new and
updated Iran-China strategic partnership deal.
“Wish India also did the same… To be close to China does not mean we are against India,” the
official said.
The China-Iran agreement is expected to overshadow even the multi-billion dollar China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor. Under this deal, China is also expected to build a major port
development project on the Strait of Hormuz.
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https://theprint.in/india/india-could-lose-basmati-rice-market-in-iran-to-pakistan-as-us-
sanctions-disrupt-payments/501818/
As low prices beset local farmers, PH expected to import

more rice
By: Karl R. Ocampo - Reporter / @kocampoINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:10 AM September 14, 2020

The Philippines is expected to produce less and import more rice this year, according to an
international report.
Based on a report by the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Services

(USDA-FAS), the Philippines would likely increase its rice imports this year to 3 million metric
tons (MT) from 2.9 million MT in 2019.
Milled rice production, on the other hand, was expected to decrease to 11 million MT from 11.9
million MT last year.
The projections ran counter to USDA-FAS’s report last month, where it stated that the country’s
rice imports could decline to 2.2 million MT amid improving local production.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar had also said they were gunning for a record high palay
production of 22.12 million MT this year, which may translate to 13.72 million MT of rice.
Amid the conflicting estimates provided by the USDA and the Department of Agriculture on rice
production and imports, industry groups were more worried about another issue—the low farm
gate prices of palay.
According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, the average farm gate price of palay is
currently at P14 a kilo on average and not P18 a kilo as stated by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA).
The group said data from the PSA was inaccurate, noting there were no surveys conducted in rice-
producing areas.
They said it was a worrying trend for farmers given that the harvest season is still a month away.
Low prices are a major disincentive for palay producers. INQ
https://business.inquirer.net/307260/as-low-prices-beset-local-farmers-ph-expected-to-
import-more-rice#ixzz6Y0YOuQaR
Rice imports lowest in 20 years, agric exports drive

foreign trade
By Femi Ibirogba, Head, Agro-Economy

14 September 2020 | 3:06 am
Rice paddies produced in Taraba State last year
• Cocoa beans, sesame seeds lead exports
• Experts harp on standards, value chain infrastructure
• ‘1m tonnes of smuggled chicken prevented’
Despite multifarious challenges facing the agricultural sector of the economy, indications have
emerged that Nigeria’s strength truly lies in the sector if obstacles are removed and necessary
infrastructure is emplaced.
This follows as Nigeria’s rice importation data in 2020 has been described as the lowest in 20
years as a result of total land border control, disincentives to neighbouring countries (which
imported rice to re-export), and home-grown Anchor Borrowers’ scheme in the rice value chain.
The Foreign Affairs Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
indicated this in its August 2020 report. Similarly, the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS’) Top
Products by Imports and Exports for the first quarter (Q1) 2020 recent report showed that though
Nigeria’s total export value decreased by 14.42% in Q1, 2020 compared to the value recorded in
Q4, 2019, the value of agricultural goods exports grew 85.36% in Q1, 2020 compared to Q4,
2019 and 46.76% compared to Q1, 2019.
“The value of raw material exports,” NBS data said, “increased 60.17% in Q1,2020, relative to
last quarter but decreased by 7.08% year on year.”Solid minerals exports were 16.31%, lower in
Q1,2020 relative to Q4 2019 and 82.17% less than the value recorded in Q1, 2019; manufactured
goods exports decreased by 12.72% in value in Q1,2020 compared to Q4,2019 and 3.86%
compared to Q1, 2019.
Also, crude oil exports decreased by 18.86% in Q1, 2020 compared to Q4, 2019 and 12.80%
compared to Q1, 2019. Other oil products exports decreased by 1.47% in value in Q1,2020,
compared to Q4, 2019 and 4.89% compared to Q1, 2019.
By implication, only agricultural exports and raw materials (which were mostly semi-finished
agricultural products) drove the export sector of the country’s international trade in the first
quarter.
This buttresses the persistent calls for emplacement of farm infrastructure, such as irrigation
facilities, rural road upgrade, and farm mechanization for productivity as part efforts to entrench
agriculture as a major employer of labour and biggest foreign exchange earner for the country of
the year.
During the quarter, total trade in agricultural goods stood at N387.7 billion (or 4.67% of the
overall trade), of which exported agricultural goods accounted for N126.3 billion.
Key drivers of agricultural product exports were sesame seeds, whether or not broken
(N49.1billion), good fermented Nigerian cocoa beans (N35.2billion) and superior quality cocoa
beans (N16.8 billion).
Sesame seeds worth N9.8 billion, N9.5 billion and N9.3 billion were exported to Japan, Turkey
and China respectively, while good fermented cocoa beans were exported mainly to The
Netherlands (valued at N16.5 billion) and Germany (valued at N6.6 billion). Superior raw cocoa
beans were also exported mainly to The Netherlands at a value of N11.2 billion.
In another development, the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has disclosed that over
one million tonnes of chicken was prevented from being smuggled into the country, translating
into about 100,000 jobs along the broiler and turkey value chains, while about N50 billion was
saved in the poultry sector.
The FAS of the USDA said neighboring countries served as ports of entry for parboiled rice, and
arrivals through these neighboring countries largely offset the decline in rice shipped directly to
Nigeria over the past couple of years.
“However, rice arriving in Nigeria and surrounding ports both began to sharply decline
beginning in October 2019.
“The combination of various trade policies, economic conditions stemming from lower oil
prices, and more intense border checks …, have led to lower imports through the nearby
countries and ultimately on to Nigeria. As a result, Nigerian rice imports are forecast at the
lowest level in about 20 years,” the USDA report said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria produced 4,536 million tonnes in 2017; 4,470m tonnes in 2018; 4,538m
tonnes in 2019; 5,040m tonnes as of July, 2020, while it consumed 6,700 million tonnes in 2017;
6,750m tonnes in 2018; 6,800m tonnes in 2019; 6,550m tonnes as of July, 2020, according to the
USDA production and consumption database.
Prof. Eustace Iyayi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS),
explained that Nigeria consumes about 2 million tonnes of poultry meat yearly, and 70% of this
was smuggled into the country before the border closure.
According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), the closure of the border significantly
reduced the smuggling of chicken into the country, saving the poultry industry about N50 billion.
Prof Iyayi added: “According to PAN, production activities in the broiler meat industry has
increased to 70% from the previous 45% capacity utilisation due to the border closure. The
poultry sub-sector is the most commercialised sub-sector in the agricultural sector worth about
1.6 trillion.”
He added that the government/CBN could do more to boost the sub-sector by giving support for
input supply, especially maize, which constitutes about 70% of the poultry diet. “Poultry farmers
should be given subsidy for day-old chicks,” he suggested, “the starting material for any poultry
enterprise. Eggs should be incorporated into the School Feeding Programme and poultry farmers
should be compensated in periods of adversity.”
A professor and former Dean of Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Funso
Sonaiya, commented that the government policy had promoted the export of agricultural
products.
“We all remember that the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has been working with
various potential exporters, particularly in the area of standards and this certainly is one
outcome….”
Prof. Sonaiya said agriculture could replace oil as number one foreign exchange earner, saying,
“Agriculture should be the basis for our economic and industrial development in Nigeria if we
pay the necessary attention to its development in terms of ensuring that the right seeds are
produced by breeders; that the right husbandry methods are used for crops and animals; that the
right harvesting techniques and storage environments are provided.”
He added that Nigerians should realise that with agriculture, because it is renewable, food and
raw materials could be produced two-three times in a year.
He recommended that first, the results of agricultural research need to be properly studied and
implemented, saying, “So, we need to go back to those shelves and get all the results and use
them to develop agriculture and agricultural policies. We should all put our hands on deck to
develop our country through agriculture.”
Vice President, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, admitted that though
there are many challenges in the sector, policies of the government appear to be making an
impact, and there are some more fundamental things that are evolving.
He said: “During the time of Dr Akinwumi Adesina, when he was Minister of Agriculture, he
revolutionised the thinking in agriculture and started bringing people’s minds to the opportunities
that exist in the space. More and more educated people are coming into the sector. And what is
more interesting is the fact that those various factors negated people’s attitude towards
agriculture are beginning to sort themselves out.”
Ijewere explained that oil in particular was the biggest and most destructive blow to agriculture,
and forces beyond Nigeria are now changing the entire outlook in the oil sector.
The blow on the oil sector, he added, is making it dawn on Nigerians that the future is not in oil,
but in agriculture.
“Monthly state allocations are no longer what they were, whereas, their various expenditures are
increasing. That translates to state governments being more favorably disposed to agriculture.
What we have seen is a tip of the iceberg.
“And the Ministry of Trade and Investment is now playing a positive role. Over and above that is
the attitude of the CBN that has been extremely positive to agriculture. They are identifying
those various obstacles and removing them. We are just beginning to see a turn-around,” he said.
Also commenting, Executive Director, Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute
(ARMTI), Ilorin, Dr Olufemi Oladunni, said the government efforts, policies and CBN injection
of funds into the agricultural value chain have been commendable.
But, he added: “What the country needs to do is to further step it up by providing international
standards for the entire value chain so that we will not have a rejection of our products at the
international market as a result of poor quality.”

https://guardian.ng/features/agro-care/rice-imports-lowest-in-20-years-agric-exports-drive-
foreign-trade/
China's impact on poor Brazilians: prices of staples

skyrocket, black beans 30%, rice 20%
Monday, September 14th 2020 - 08:27 UTC
Inflation (IPCA) measured by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has
been 0.7% since the beginning of the year, but food has shot up 6.10%.
Black beans are up nearly 30%, beef about 40% – Brazilians are facing a skyrocketing rise in
food prices, caused by record exports to China and strong domestic demand. This rebound, amid
the economic and social crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, has led the president,
Jair Bolsonaro, to ask the owners of supermarkets to show “patriotism” and “keep their profit
margin as low as possible”.
Inflation (IPCA index) measured by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)
has been only 0.7% since the beginning of the year, but the food item has shot up 6.10%.
Among the staples of the daily diet in Brazil, the price of rice has risen 19.3%, black beans
28.9%, corn flour 8.1% and soybean oil 18.6%.
Regarding animal proteins, according to the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), beef increased
by 38%, chicken and eggs by 7.5% and pork by 19.4% between September 2019 and August
2020.
The rise is mainly explained by the growing appetite of foreign buyers, and in particular China,
in a context of strong depreciation of the Brazilian real against the dollar (-36% in one year) and
the trade war between Beijing and Washington , which leads the Asian giant to buy more in
Brazil.
The soybean and corn harvest, of which Brazil is the first and third world producer respectively,
is expected to reach historic levels this year, but that will not alleviate the situation in the
domestic market.
Strong external demand “reduced the supply of these foods in the Brazilian market” because
farmers prefer to export them, André Braz, an economist at FGV, told ..
Brazilian soybean exports to China increased 29.5% between January and August compared to
the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Economy. The harvest of that
grain should have an increase of 4.3% this year.
At the same time, the rise in prices of grains and oilseeds has led to higher production costs for
ranchers, who feed their cows, chickens and pigs with soy and corn flour.
“The decline of the Brazilian cattle herd in the last two years” and the growing demand from
China have also put pressure on the prices of this animal protein, explains Thiago Bernadino,
from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics of the University of Sao Paulo
(Cepea) .
Vice President Hamilton Mourao on Wednesday attributed the increase in food prices to the rise
in domestic consumption, due to the emergency aid of 600 reais (about US$ 115) that the
government gave since April to the poorest to deal with the pandemic, halved in September.
«The money that the government injected into the economy was much more than what people
are used to, » he said.
“The problem is that the government is abandoning its policy of regulatory reserves, which allow
it to intervene in the event of a sharp increase in inflation,” says Enori Barbieri, vice president of
the Agrarian Federation of the State of Santa Catarina (south).
Barbieri believes that the tax exemption on rice imports, announced on Thursday, will not have
much impact on the price in supermarkets, because the devaluation of the real has made
purchases abroad more expensive.
:https://en.mercopress.com/2020/09/14/china-s-impact-on-poor-brazilians-prices-of-staples-
skyrocket-black-beans-30-rice-20+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk
PhilRice mobile app to help optimize fertilizer dosages

September 14, 2020 | 12:03 am
THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said it has developed a mobile application that
will help farmers determine the right amounts of nitrogen fertilizer to use for rice.The
application, PhilRice Leaf Color Computing App (PhilRice LCC App), checks the nitrogen
status of the rice plant and is based on an older tool, a leaf color chart.“Designed for farmers,
extension workers, researchers, and students, the mobile app generates nitrogen
recommendations in just under a minute based on the digital images of intact rice leaves
photographed directly from the field,” PhilRice said.
According to PhilRice senior researcher Ailon Oliver V. Capistrano, the users must photograph
the topmost, fully expanded rice leaf on a smartphone using available light.Mr. Capistrano said
the nitrogen levels can be determined from photographs, guiding decisions on fertilizer use.
“The app measures the intensity of green color based on the captured leaf images and converts
this into values correlated with the amount of nitrogen in the leaf,” Mr. Capistrano said.
PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development Karen Eloisa T. Barroga said the app will
keep farmers from using excessive nitrogen fertilizer during the wet season and also cut down on
pest infestation.
PhilRice said in its Facebook page that 75% of the clients are farmers, while the rest are students,
extension workers, and researchers.
“Many farmers are now online. They also have their children to assist them. I’m sure that the app
will quickly find its way to them to guide them in the accurate application of nitrogen,” Ms.
Barroga said.
PhilRice said its mobile app can be downloaded for free via the Google Play Store. — Revin
Mikhael D. Ochave
https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/7744424141239132414
Bengaluru: Re-exam to be held for NLAT candidates who

faced glitches
TNN | Sep 14, 2020, 10:56 IST
TimesPoints
NLSIU informed some of the affected candidates that they will get another chance to write the
exam on Monday a...Read More
BENGALURU: After complaints from several students who faced technical glitches during the
National Law Aptitude Test held on Saturday, the National Law School of India University
informed some of the affected candidates that they will get another chance to write the exam on
Monday at 12.30pm.
Some students received a message on Sunday night that a technical review committee reviewed
their queries and recommended that they write a re-exam the next day. The message said the
final slot will begin at noon; after verification, the exam will begin at 12.30pm. If a student
chooses to log in, the previous exam score will be erased. If not, the September 12 score will be
considered.
However, students continued to be anxious about the re-exam announced at such a short notice.
We are not aware of the criteria used by NLSIU to determine who gets this second chance,” said
a student.
Buhari laments devastation of over 450,000 hectares of rice

farms ON
Kebbi Floods: Buhari laments devastation of over 450,000 hectares of rice farms ON
SEPTEMBER 13, 20206:36 PMIN
Promises to assist affected farmers soon By Gabriel Ewepu – Abuja President
Muhammadu Buhari, at the weekend, lamented the devastation of over 450, 000 hectares of
rice farms caused by floods in Kebbi State.
The Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Mohammed Nanono, on a visit to assess the situation and commiserate with the State
Government and affected farmers pledged assistance to mitigate the effects of the losses
incurred. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Information, Federal Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development, Theodore Ogaziechi, where Nanono described the floods
as one of the worst disasters ever witnessed in recent times. The Minister who was accompanied
by the Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Baguda, said his visit was “to restore hope and
build up confidence for the farmers in the State.” READ ALSO: Kebbi flooding a national
tragedy, requires urgent attention ― Gov Bagudu Hundreds of villages are said to be affected
and many homelands washed away by the floods. Affected places the Minister visited include
Argungu, Natsimi Gada of Argungu , and communities along the Dukku- Makera Road that
were completely washed off, where he promised that seeds will be made available to the
farmers to commence planting after the raining season and floods recede.
According to him Kebbi State being one of the major producers of the commodity in the country
including other crops like maize, groundnuts, wheat, sweet potatoes, sorghum, and millet, and
this huge loss will affect other states in the country. He, therefore, promised that the Ministry will
immediately set up a special committee to mitigate the situation and ensure that the dry season
farming will be boosted He said the ministry will also encourage the farmers to explore the
innovative early harvesting of their products as is done with other crops and promised to assist
them with improved seeds.
He said: “What I have seen here today is very devastating, my coming here is at the instance of
President Muhammadu Buhari who has sent me to commiserate with the people of Kebbi state
over the flood and to give you hope and assurance that the government is concerned about your
plight and will do something. “Meanwhile, affected farmers not to despair, the Federal
Government will address the situation. Also lamenting the unprecedented loss by farmers in the
State, the Governor, Abubakar Bagudu, while explaining that it is not only the rice farms that
were affected, but also animals, crops, and fishing grounds including human lives. Bagudu also
commended the resilience of affected farmers and encouraged them to do more not only to
compensate for lost grounds but also to generate more support. According to him, 2020 flooding
in the State is worst after the 2012 experience, which over 450, 000 hectares of farmland
stretching more than 270km of farmlands. Meanwhile, he commended the Federal Government’s
proactive steps taken to embark on an immediate assessment visit to the state and promised that
the state will remain focused and consistent with its agricultural programmesFG promises speedy
intervention to Kebbi flood victims The Minister also visited Sarki Kebbi Argungu, Alhaji
Samaila Mohammed Mera, and the Emir of Gwandu who is also Chairman, Kebbi State Council
of Chiefs, Alhaji Ilyasu Bashar. They both expressed appreciation for the speedy visit of the
Federal Government to commiserate with the State. The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Bashar said, the
flooding affected many communities who had no option than to relocate. Bashar said the disaster
came just when the people were recovering from the shock of COVID-19, which he mentioned
crops lost to the flood, including rice, millet, sorghum, others. The traditional ruler also called on
the people to be patient and appealed to the media to assist in sensitizing them on the
government’s efforts.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/kebbi-floods-buhari-laments-devastation-of-over-
450000-hectares-of-rice-farms/
Angono SK Council trades recyclable plastic bottles for

foodstuff, face mask, face shield
Published September 12, 2020, 8:41 PM
by Nel Andrade
ANGONO, Rizal – The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council in this town has led a program
of bartering recyclable plastic bottles for rice, canned goods, face masks, face shields, or
free printing of school materials.
SK Angono Federation President “BJ Tolits” Forbes shows off some of the sacks full of plastic bottles
bartered by neighbors in exchange for rice, canned goods, face shields, and face masks. (Photo from
Facebook page of Forbes/ MANILA BULLETIN)
According to SK Angono Federation president, former child actor Bernard Joecel “BJ
Tolits” Forbes, he thought of offering the concept of bartering recyclables to his fellow
youth sector members in Barangay San Isidro to help the local government’s Zero Basura
(Zero Trash) program. This is also to help others through the items traded for recyclables
they surrendered to the SK San Isidro office.
Since its launch in August during the Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week), the “Barter
Recycle” project of SK San Isidro has generated more than 11,000 pieces of recyclable
bottles, almost filling up the conference room and SK office.
This is SK San Isidro’s Barter Recycle Chart:
· 5 Bottles = 5 face masks and 1 biscuit
· 10 Bottles = 10 face masks and 1 face shield
· 20 Bottles= 15 face masks and 2 face shields
· 50 Bottles = 1 kilo of rice and 1 canned food
Forbes, who is also an ex-officio municipal councilor, recalled that last month, a mother
from a poor family was very happy to have redeemed several canned goods and rice in
exchange for the bottles she bartered.
Another resident went to the SK San Isidro office to trade 1,600 empty bottles earning him a
box full of canned goods and rice, Forbes said.“Our aim is for the people of Angono,
especially the youth, to see the benefits of waste segregation and recycling right in their
respective homes. Imagine what will happen if these empty bottles ended up in our
waterways instead?” Forbes said.He also said that the concept of recycling in communities
has long been a practice among his townmates since then mayor, and now Vice Mayor
Gerardo Calderon, implemented the Solid Waste Management Program and his Zero Basura
project. The town’s former dumpsite was transformed into an Ecological Solid Waste
Management Park where the Materials Recovery Facility is located.
Several residents turn over their empty bottles daily to the SK San Isidro office for the
barter program, which SK Angono hopes to be adopted by other villages and towns in the
province.
SK San Roque and SK Kalayaan (all in Angono) have also similar barter program. Aside
from face protection, SK Kalayaan offers free use of its printer for students.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/12/angono-sk-council-trades-recyclable-plastic-bottles-for-foodstuff-
face-mask-face-shield/
Heavy Monsoon Rains Benefit Punjab; Worst Affect

Sindh, KP: Arif Goheer
Sun 13th September 2020 | 06:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2020 ) :The above normal
monsoon rainfall received by the country from the month of July to September has helped
benefit the productivity of Kharif crops in Punjab whereas the crops sowed in Sindh and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa were badly affected.Head of Agriculture and Coordination, Global Change Impact
Studies Centre (GCISC) and Agro-Climatologist, Dr Muhammad Arif Goheer told APP that the
South Asia Forum meeting in April predicted 10 percent above normal rainfall in the region
during monsoon season.
He said Pakistan Meteorological Department Seasonal forecast had predicted 20 percent above
normal rainfall as in Karachi the normal monsoon rains were recorded as 140 millimeters (mm)
but this year it had lashed upto 500mm.
He informed that monsoon season in Pakistan occurred from July 1st till mid September whereas
early start of rainfall was noted as early onset and any delay in the pattern beyond July 1st was
termed as late onset.This year monsoon rains started primarily after July 1st but within the
normal duration so that it could not be reckoned as a late onset of rains.It was slightly above
normal in Punjab which would benefit the rice and maize crops and had also enhanced their
growth.
He added that the rainfall during the months of July, August and week of 1st September had also
reduced the burden on extensive ground water extraction through tube wells as maize crops
needed water after every third day which was made up by the heavy rainwater downpours.
Goheer also highlighted impending risk of worms attacking the autumn crops mainly maize due
to rising moisture after rainfalls and only selected agrochemicals and pest control sprays were
affecting them. He added that maize crops in Kasur, Depalpur and Pakpattan were affected by
worms.
The rice crops of Sindh were flooded due to extraordinary rainfall than normal which proved the
recent monsoon rainfall not favourable for cultivation in that region.In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the
recent floods in Swat and other areas had inundated the maize crops and apricot orchards in the
area which had badly destroyed the crops, he added.Dr Goheer said there were two impacts of
the recent heavy rainfalls as at one hand it helped in boosting the growth of Kharif crops namely
rice, maize, cotton and sugarcane.
While on the other hand, the entire rainwater was not used for agriculture neither was absorbed
underground whereas it flowed through catchment areas into dams and water reservoirs. It had
helped in accumulating a favourable amount of water to cater the needs for future."Every year
in November, there has been 20 percent water shortage reported in the country's reservoirs
whereas this time it will not happen as mega water reservoirs like Mangla Dam is filled to its
capacity for the first time after capacity rise. The situation is similar at other dams as well."/395
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/heavy-monsoon-rains-benefit-punjab-worst-aff-
1028489.html

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Bengaluru: Re-exam to be held for NLAT candidates who

Buhari laments devastation of over 450,000 hectares of rice

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· 5 Bottles = 5 face masks and 1 biscuit

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Heavy Monsoon Rains Benefit Punjab; Worst Affect

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