Daily Archives: May 2, 2012

USA – LSU AgCenter to establish Master Rice Grower program

Source: Delta Farm Press30/04/2012 – Officials with the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry met recently with representatives of the Kellogg Co. to work on details for a Master Rice Grower program that will encourage sustainable farming practices.

Thailand – Thai rice loses price competitiveness

Source: Bangkok Post01/05/2012 – Thai rice exports fell by 63% year-on-year in March as the government rice mortgage programme pushed prices well above competitors such as India and Vietnam, according to a senior Bank of Thailand official.

India – High-tech graft-busting helps feed hungry indians

Source: AJC29/04/2012 – The dreams of modern India rarely make it to Rayagada. The Indians of these eastern forests forage for sago leaves and wild mango to survive. Barely a third can sign their names. Most live without electricity. Many have joined a Maoist insurgency fighting to overthrow the system.

Philippines – China backs bid to extend Phl rice import perks

Source: PhilStar.com28/04/2012 – China has expressed willingness to support the Philippine request before the World Trade Organization (WTO) to extend its special treatment through quantitative restrictions on rice imports.

Thailand – Analysis: Why rice intensification matters in Asia

Source: IRIN24/04/2012 – The system of rice intensification (SRI) is gaining ground across Asia as more and more governments come to rely on it for food security. 

China – China allows import of Indian basmati rice

Source: NDTV24/04/2012 – China has finally allowed import of basmati rice from India, which comes as a big boost to exporters who would now get access to a huge market of 1.3 billion people for their about 4.5 million tonnes of aromatic rice.