Ghana – Ghana to increase rice production by 2012
Source: GNA29/06/2011 – Government is poised to produce 20,000 metric tonnes of “highest grade” quality rice by 2012 to reduce rice importation.
India – Food ministry say ‘okay’ to possible grain exports
Source: Money Control29/06/2011 – Food minister KV Thomas gave a nod to possible exports of grains because of bumper crops and overflowing storage on Wednesday, after government sources told Reuters there could be one million tonnes of both wheat and rice offered.
Nigeria – 2015: Rice farmers give Jonathan condition. How to stop rice smuggling – Customs
Source: Tribune05/05/2013 – A new twist has been introduced into the 2015 presidential race as northern rice farmers have challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to ban importation of rice if he wants to secure the immediate support of the core north for his rumoured re-election bid.
USA – California ships 100% solar powered rice to Japan
Source: Clean Technica26/06/2011 – The U.S. agricultural sector is beginning to take on a leadership role in the transition to renewable energy, and the latest example is the California rice industry’s adoption of solar power. In a first of its kind partnership, several California rice companies pooled their stock to put together an entire shipment of rice…
USA – Feds block rice with invasive insect from entering country at Baltimore port
Source: The Baltimore Sun23/06/2011 – Baltimore Customs and Border Protection agents have ordered a shipping container of rice from Pakistan to be sent back or destroyed in an effort to block a destructive, invasive beetle from entering the United States.
India – World rice output in 2011 estimated at 476mn tonnes: FAO
Source: The Hindu24/06/2011 – Global rice production is expected to touch 476 million tonnes in 2011, on the back of improved weather conditions, as the influence of La Nina is expected to neutralise by June, United Nation’s body FAO said.
Tanzania – Sugar, rice importation evokes mixed feelings
Source: IPP Media04/05/2013 – The recent government decision to allow free importation of rice and sugar has been praised by some Dar es Salaam communities while others blame traders for influencing the decision to be taken.
USA – Texas rice farmers’ livelihoods at Stake in water talks
Source: The Texas tribune23/06/2011 – From Austin to this city in Southeast Texas, the Colorado River makes six twists and turns before it reaches Mike Burnside’s rice farm in Matagorda County. Through a 1,100 mile-long canal system, Burnside floods nearly 1,000 acres of rice fields, which are emerald green in June despite the drought.
Thailand – More jasmine-rice export grades planned in bid to boost competitiveness
Source: The Nation23/06/2011 – The authorities will revamp the Tahi jasmine-rice export standard into more grades in order to ensure export growth, following the loss of market share to other fragrant – rice exporting nations due to the Kingdom’s high prices.
Ghana – Rice Sector Suport Programme launched in UER
Source: GhanaWeb23/06/2011 – The Rice Sector Support Programme (RSSP), an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOFA), that is aimed at increasing rice production was launched at Pusu-Namongo near Bolgatanga. The RSSP would also promote rice processing and marketing in order to expand production and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.