If research is to be believed, rice seems to have led to the 'downfall' of chickens. Well, not literally. But the study has found that the chickens used to live high up in trees and were tempted to come down due to rice farming. This new study, which has been conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, the University of Exeter and Cardiff University, has been published in the journal ‘Antiquity’. According to them, the birds seem to be a relatively new addition to farms.&nbsp;This research also says that humans seem to have not come into close contact with chickens till 1500 BC. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/diabetes-drug-helps-people-with-obesity-to-lose-weight-significantly-says-study-485412" hreflang="en">Diabetes drug helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly, says study</a>

With the help of carbon dating, researchers have established the age of around 23 of the earliest chickens, which were found in western Eurasia and north-west Africa. Dr Julia Best of Cardiff University, said, “This is the first time that radiocarbon dating has been used on this scale to determine the significance of chickens in early societies. Our results demonstrate the need to directly date proposed early specimens, as this allows us the clearest picture yet of our early interactions with chickens.” &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level?

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After these jungle birds were domesticated, the chickens were transported to different areas around the world. Prof Greger Larson of the University of Oxford said, “This comprehensive re-evaluation of chickens firstly demonstrates how wrong our understanding of the time and place of chicken domestication was. And even more excitingly, we show how the arrival of dry rice agriculture acted as a catalyst for both the chicken-domestication process and its global dispersal.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

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If research is to be believed, rice seems to have led to the 'downfall' of chickens. Well, not literally. But the study has found that the chickens used to live high up in trees and were tempted to come down due to rice farming.

If research is to be believed, rice seems to have led to the 'downfall' of chickens. Well, not literally. But the study has found that the chickens used to live high up in trees and were tempted to come down due to rice farming. This new study, which has been conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, the University of Exeter and Cardiff University, has been published in the journal ‘Antiquity’. According to them, the birds seem to be a relatively new addition to farms. This research also says that humans seem to have not come into close contact with chickens till 1500 BC. Also Read: Diabetes drug helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly, says study With the help of carbon dating, researchers have established the age of around 23 of the earliest chickens, which were found in western Eurasia and north-west Africa. Dr Julia Best of Cardiff University, said, “This is the first time that radiocarbon dating has been used on this scale to determine the significance of chickens in early societies. Our results demonstrate the need to directly date proposed early specimens, as this allows us the clearest picture yet of our early interactions with chickens.” Watch: Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level? × After these jungle birds were domesticated, the chickens were transported to different areas around the world. Prof Greger Larson of the University of Oxford said, “This comprehensive re-evaluation of chickens firstly demonstrates how wrong our understanding of the time and place of chicken domestication was. And even more excitingly, we show how the arrival of dry rice agriculture acted as a catalyst for both the chicken-domestication process and its global dispersal.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Rice seems to have led to ‘downfall’ of chickens, says study. Find out how

Amid the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India has extended a helping hand to the island nation. On Tuesday (April 12) news agencies reported that the stock of 11,000 MT of rice from India reached Colombo. This was announced ahead of the county's New year celebrations, which will take place on April 14. &nbsp;

Eldos Mathew Punnose, who is the Central Public Information Officer, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka told ANI: "11000 MT rice from India reached Colombo by ship Chen Glory today ahead of New Year celebration in Sri Lanka."&nbsp;

"16,000 MT of rice was supplied by India to Sri Lanka in the past week itself. These supplies which mark a special bond between two nations will continue," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-designates-pak-handler-of-2016-pathankot-air-base-attack-as-terrorist-470600">India designates Pak handler of 2016 Pathankot air base attack as terrorist</a>

"In addition to $1 billion credit line, India supported food medicines and other essential commodities guided by the priority of govt of Sri Lanka. India has also extended USD 500 million credit line to purchase fuel, under this around 2,70,000 MT of petrol, diesel has already arrived in Sri Lanka."&nbsp;

"Our relationship with Sri Lanka is multidimensional and it is comprehensive in nature. We are good friends and good neighbours," the Indian high commission official added. '

The Indian high commission official added, "Our relationship with Sri Lanka is multidimensional and it is comprehensive in nature. We are good friends and good neighbours."&nbsp;

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Watch: 11,000 MT of Rice from India reaches Sri Lanka earlier in the day. Rice is part of India's $ 1 Bn line of credit. 
 
Video Csty: Ministry of Trade , Govt of Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/HWEfQRdMDj">https://t.co/HWEfQRdMDj</a> <a href="https://t.co/noeTjDOaKh">pic.twitter.com/noeTjDOaKh</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1513921245074829316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka | 11,000 MT of rice from India reached Colombo before New Year celebrations in the country 
 
This consignment comes under the $1 billion credit line extended by India. Already 16,000 MT have been supplied under this credit line: Eldos Mathew Punnoose <a href="https://t.co/PwNy7Ir3jW">pic.twitter.com/PwNy7Ir3jW</a>
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While speaking to media, the Chairman of State trading corporation, Yoga Perera said that many countries have come forward to help and negotiations going on but India was the first country under credit line delivering the consignment to help Sri Lanka at this time.

Sri Lanka is going through a difficult phase with the economy plunging to record lows. Protests have taken place across the country to call for Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.&nbsp;

People showed anger at soaring inflation and lengthy power cuts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India has extended a helping hand to the island nation. On Tuesday (April 12) news agencies reported that the stock of 11,000 MT of rice from India reached Colombo.

Amid the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India has extended a helping hand to the island nation. On Tuesday (April 12) news agencies reported that the stock of 11,000 MT of rice from India reached Colombo. This was announced ahead of the county's New year celebrations, which will take place on April 14. Eldos Mathew Punnose, who is the Central Public Information Officer, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka told ANI: "11000 MT rice from India reached Colombo by ship Chen Glory today ahead of New Year celebration in Sri Lanka." "16,000 MT of rice was supplied by India to Sri Lanka in the past week itself. These supplies which mark a special bond between two nations will continue," he added. ALSO READ | India designates Pak handler of 2016 Pathankot air base attack as terrorist "In addition to $1 billion credit line, India supported food medicines and other essential commodities guided by the priority of govt of Sri Lanka. India has also extended USD 500 million credit line to purchase fuel, under this around 2,70,000 MT of petrol, diesel has already arrived in Sri Lanka." "Our relationship with Sri Lanka is multidimensional and it is comprehensive in nature. We are good friends and good neighbours," the Indian high commission official added. ' The Indian high commission official added, "Our relationship with Sri Lanka is multidimensional and it is comprehensive in nature. We are good friends and good neighbours." Watch: 11,000 MT of Rice from India reaches Sri Lanka earlier in the day. Rice is part of India's $ 1 Bn line of credit. Video Csty: Ministry of Trade , Govt of Sri Lanka https://t.co/HWEfQRdMDj pic.twitter.com/noeTjDOaKh — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 12, 2022 × Sri Lanka | 11,000 MT of rice from India reached Colombo before New Year celebrations in the country This consignment comes under the $1 billion credit line extended by India. Already 16,000 MT have been supplied under this credit line: Eldos Mathew Punnoose pic.twitter.com/PwNy7Ir3jW — ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2022 × While speaking to media, the Chairman of State trading corporation, Yoga Perera said that many countries have come forward to help and negotiations going on but India was the first country under credit line delivering the consignment to help Sri Lanka at this time. Sri Lanka is going through a difficult phase with the economy plunging to record lows. Protests have taken place across the country to call for Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down. People showed anger at soaring inflation and lengthy power cuts. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka economic crisis: 11,000 MT rice from India reaches Colombo ahead of Lanka's New Year

Sri Lanka may be on a brink of bankruptcy as the island country faces an acute financial crisis topped by a blow to a food supply. As 2022 begins, Sri Lanka is looking to face record-high inflation, financial crisis, exorbitant food prices, humanitarian crisis, and pandemic-induced disruptions. The Sri Lankan government had decided to temporarily ban the use of chemical fertilizers in May 2021. The ban led to protest by farmers ultimately leading to a drastic drop in cultivation in Sri Lanka. Moreover, long queues were seen outside shops for bare necessities lie milk, sugar, and rice. Also, several shops in the markets were shut. Opposition MP Harsha de Silva told Sri Lankan parliament that the country would go bankrupt.

Sri Lanka may go bankrupt in 2022? From financial to food crisis Sri Lanka’s woes amid Covid

It is not just rice that India is supplying to the kitchens in China. Along with rice, the demand for chillies has increased too. China, one of the primary chilly producers of the world, has now started importing the key ingredient required for its cooking from India.

"While China produces over 45 per cent of world chillies, it has started importing the same as they find Indian chillies better and spicier," an exporter told India Narrative. 
 
News portal MoneyControl in a report echoed the same sentiment. It said that in recent years, Chinese people have taken a fancy to Indian chillies, which are hotter than what is produced elsewhere. The report added that China now accounts for nearly half of the export of hot spice. 
 
According to the Chinese media house of Xinhua a total of 780 hectares of chilli was planted in 2018. Local officials had handed out more than 16 million chilli seedlings and encouraged 5,461 impoverished families to grow more than 653 hectares of the crops. 
 
"But due to the excessive rains and floods, large part of these crops have been damaged. Last year several chilly growers had also been hit by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>," the exporter said. 
 
The chunk of chilly production in China is concentrated in Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi Hebei, Henan, Sichuan and Shaanxi. 
 
Besides, China, demand for Indian chillies and chilli powder has grown among other countries including several in South East Asia and the Middle East. 
 
India's total exports of red chillies&nbsp;of various kinds&nbsp;stood at about 6,01,500 tonnes worth about Rs 8,430 crore in 2020-21.

Produce Report, a Chinese news portal for exporters, importers and retailer, pointed out that global trade in chili peppers was worth nearly $30 billion in 2017, greater than that for coffee or tea.

Chillies are required not only for daily food and diet, they also form a key ingredient for several pharmaceutical products.

Not surprising that chillies have now caught the fancy of the world.

Earlier, this week, the government's Press Information Bureau said that for the first time a 250 kg consignment of Bhoot Jolokia or "Raja Mircha",&nbsp;the hottest chillies in the world, from Nagaland was shipped to London. "In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of 'Raja Mircha'&nbsp;also referred as king chilli from Nagaland was today exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time," the PIB said on Wednesday. It got GI certification in 2008.

The consignment was sourced from Tening, part of Peren district, Nagaland and was packed at APEDA assisted packhouse at Guwahati.

It is not just rice that India is supplying to the kitchens in China. Along with rice, the demand for chillies has increased too. China, one of the primary chilly producers of the world, has now started importing the key ingredient required for its cooking from India.

It is not just rice that India is supplying to the kitchens in China. Along with rice, the demand for chillies has increased too. China, one of the primary chilly producers of the world, has now started importing the key ingredient required for its cooking from India. "While China produces over 45 per cent of world chillies, it has started importing the same as they find Indian chillies better and spicier," an exporter told India Narrative. News portal MoneyControl in a report echoed the same sentiment. It said that in recent years, Chinese people have taken a fancy to Indian chillies, which are hotter than what is produced elsewhere. The report added that China now accounts for nearly half of the export of hot spice. According to the Chinese media house of Xinhua a total of 780 hectares of chilli was planted in 2018. Local officials had handed out more than 16 million chilli seedlings and encouraged 5,461 impoverished families to grow more than 653 hectares of the crops. "But due to the excessive rains and floods, large part of these crops have been damaged. Last year several chilly growers had also been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic," the exporter said. The chunk of chilly production in China is concentrated in Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi Hebei, Henan, Sichuan and Shaanxi. Besides, China, demand for Indian chillies and chilli powder has grown among other countries including several in South East Asia and the Middle East. India's total exports of red chillies of various kinds stood at about 6,01,500 tonnes worth about Rs 8,430 crore in 2020-21. Produce Report, a Chinese news portal for exporters, importers and retailer, pointed out that global trade in chili peppers was worth nearly $30 billion in 2017, greater than that for coffee or tea. Chillies are required not only for daily food and diet, they also form a key ingredient for several pharmaceutical products. Not surprising that chillies have now caught the fancy of the world. Earlier, this week, the government's Press Information Bureau said that for the first time a 250 kg consignment of Bhoot Jolokia or "Raja Mircha", the hottest chillies in the world, from Nagaland was shipped to London. "In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of 'Raja Mircha' also referred as king chilli from Nagaland was today exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time," the PIB said on Wednesday. It got GI certification in 2008. The consignment was sourced from Tening, part of Peren district, Nagaland and was packed at APEDA assisted packhouse at Guwahati.

China falls for 'hotter' than anywhere Indian chillies, import goes up

Dozens of people in Cambodia recently died after drinking toxic home-brewed alcohol. A man named Prom Vannak, who was 50 years old, had some wine for his uncle's funeral.

Dozens of people in Cambodia recently died after drinking toxic home-brewed alcohol. A man named Prom Vannak, who was 50 years old, had some wine for his uncle's funeral. After drinking the wine, he felt very tired and his eyes felt drowsy. By the evening, Vannak had started shaking and violently throwing up. When his wife tried to persuade her husband to go to the local hospital he refused, saying he just needed rest. The following morning he was dead. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' His wife, Hun Pheap, was quoted by BBC saying, "He opened his mouth to try to send a message to his mother and children. His tears were falling, he was passing away. He could only open his mouth but could not talk". Vannak is not the only one who died after having the drink. More than 50 others were hospitalised. Also, two people from the village died after drinking from the same batch. The case of mass poisoning led to at least 30 deaths. A total of 13 people died in Pursat province at the start of June, and at least 12 people lost their lives in Kandal on 10 May. Jonathan Padwe, an anthropologist who has worked in the country, was quoted by BBC saying, "Since the mid-1990s, when I started working in Cambodia, the situation has been pretty constant, with home distillers operating ramshackle stills inside their houses or shops, and selling this home-produced rice whiskey to their neighbours". Various tests conducted on the funeral batch showed that to raise the drink's potency, had resulted in deadly levels of methanol. Methanol is a alcohol commonly used for various industrial purposes, including as a solvent in ink, dyes and varnishes. It is often added to increase the content in alcoholic drinks for profit reasons, especially in low-income countries like Cambodia. To cope up with the issue, at least 15 rice wine brewers and sellers have been arrested. As per the Cambodian police, the health ministry has called for people to avoid drinking contaminated alcohol. Also, n Pursat, officials have banned the production and sale of rice and herbal wines. The district where Thnong village is situated has temporarily banned the production, import and export, and distribution of rice wine.

Various killed in Cambodian village due to a bad batch of rice wine

Basmati, a distinctive long-grain rice now at the centre of the latest tussle between India and Pakistan as India has applied for an exclusive trademark that would grant it sole ownership of the basmati title in the EU.

India claims ownership of 'Basmati' rice

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar&nbsp;has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar&nbsp;Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies."

This is the&nbsp;first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore.

In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government&nbsp;of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday. He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies." This is the first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two countries. The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018. In fact, Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore. In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

India-Madagascar FMs talk; New Delhi to send 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicines

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence.

The war-torn country has been struggling to meet ends meet with the majority of the population falling below the poverty line.&nbsp;

In order to help the ailing country, India is delivering 2,000 tonnes of rice as a response to the request for emergency humanitarian assistance from the Syrian government, the external affairs ministry said.

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Govt. of India’s humanitarian assistance of 2000 MT rice as Gift for People &amp; Govt of Syria arrives in Latakia. Amb Hifzur Rahman presents the gift to Syrian Minister of Local Admin, Head of Supreme Relief Com. Eng Makhlouf<a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SecySanjay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecySanjay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/ivoUnjSXsN">pic.twitter.com/ivoUnjSXsN</a>
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The Indian ambassador Hifzur Rahman handed over the first 1,000 tonnes of rice to Hussain Makhlouf, Syria’s minister of local administration and head of the Supreme Relief Committee on Friday at Latakia port. Next 1,000 tonnes of rice will be delivered to Syria by February 18.

"India and Syria have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. The government of India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Syria, and our bilateral engagement has continued apace even during the years of internal conflict there through a number of development and capacity building projects," the external affairs ministry said.

Last year in July, the Indian government had gifted nearly 10 tonnes of medicines to Syria to assist them through the coronavirus pandemic, which had stopped several aides to the war-torn country.

In addition to this, a camp was also set up in January 2020, called 'Jaipur foot', for artificial limbs. Organised by the Indian external affairs ministry in partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, this camp, organised in Damascus, benefited nearly 500 Syrian nationals.

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence.

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence. The war-torn country has been struggling to meet ends meet with the majority of the population falling below the poverty line. In order to help the ailing country, India is delivering 2,000 tonnes of rice as a response to the request for emergency humanitarian assistance from the Syrian government, the external affairs ministry said. Govt. of India’s humanitarian assistance of 2000 MT rice as Gift for People & Govt of Syria arrives in Latakia. Amb Hifzur Rahman presents the gift to Syrian Minister of Local Admin, Head of Supreme Relief Com. Eng Makhlouf@DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @SecySanjay @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/ivoUnjSXsN — India in Damascus (@eoidamascus) February 11, 2021 × The Indian ambassador Hifzur Rahman handed over the first 1,000 tonnes of rice to Hussain Makhlouf, Syria’s minister of local administration and head of the Supreme Relief Committee on Friday at Latakia port. Next 1,000 tonnes of rice will be delivered to Syria by February 18. "India and Syria have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. The government of India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Syria, and our bilateral engagement has continued apace even during the years of internal conflict there through a number of development and capacity building projects," the external affairs ministry said. Last year in July, the Indian government had gifted nearly 10 tonnes of medicines to Syria to assist them through the coronavirus pandemic, which had stopped several aides to the war-torn country. In addition to this, a camp was also set up in January 2020, called 'Jaipur foot', for artificial limbs. Organised by the Indian external affairs ministry in partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, this camp, organised in Damascus, benefited nearly 500 Syrian nationals.

India gifts 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria as 'humanitarian assistance'

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme.&nbsp;

To support the programme, Iraq's trade ministry needs around 1-1.25 million tonnes of rice per year.&nbsp;

In March, the ministry asked for money from state's budget to build a stockpile of rice and wheat that will supply for at least three months as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the country.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Iraq's trade ministry pleaded for more funds by saying that allocations were crucial despite problems in the budget. Iraq's budget has been affected because many of its citizens are "struggling to provide their daily food due to tough economic conditions amid the coronavirus crisis".

The middle eastern country has been a major buyer of wheat and rice, was under a political gridlock after former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was ousted by nationwide anti-corruption protests, hampering efforts to get a state budget approved before the start of the calendar year.

Iraq's grain board, which comes under the trade ministry, holds regular international tenders to import wheat and rice for the rationing programme, which also covers cooking oil, flour and sugar.

(Inputs from Agency)

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme.

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme. To support the programme, Iraq's trade ministry needs around 1-1.25 million tonnes of rice per year. In March, the ministry asked for money from state's budget to build a stockpile of rice and wheat that will supply for at least three months as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the country. On Saturday, Iraq's trade ministry pleaded for more funds by saying that allocations were crucial despite problems in the budget. Iraq's budget has been affected because many of its citizens are "struggling to provide their daily food due to tough economic conditions amid the coronavirus crisis". The middle eastern country has been a major buyer of wheat and rice, was under a political gridlock after former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was ousted by nationwide anti-corruption protests, hampering efforts to get a state budget approved before the start of the calendar year. Iraq's grain board, which comes under the trade ministry, holds regular international tenders to import wheat and rice for the rationing programme, which also covers cooking oil, flour and sugar. (Inputs from Agency)

Only 190,000 tonnes of rice left in the country for food programme: Iraq's trade ministry

India's&nbsp;rice&nbsp;exports&nbsp;in&nbsp;April-June&nbsp;dived&nbsp;28.2%&nbsp;from a year ago to 2.35 million tonnes, a government body said on Monday, as demand for non-basmati&nbsp;rice&nbsp;was subdued from African buyers.

The country's non-basmati&nbsp;rice&nbsp;exports&nbsp;plunged 43% during the period to 1.2 million tonnes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said in a statement.

India's&nbsp;rice&nbsp;exports&nbsp;in 2019/20 are likely to fall to their lowest level in seven years, industry officials said last month, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-rice-rates-dip-as-demand-slows-bangladesh-to-review-export-ban-211739">weak demand from African countries</a> weighs and shippers absorb the absence of government incentives that supported previous sales.

New Delhi is the world's biggest exporter of&nbsp;rice, buffalo meat and guar gum.

The country's buffalo meat&nbsp;exports&nbsp;during the period eased to 275,398 tonnes from 276,450 tonnes a year ago, it said.

India's&nbsp;guar gum&nbsp;exports&nbsp;dropped 5.5% to 127,700 tonnes on lower demand from the United States, while pulses&nbsp;exports&nbsp;more than halved to 45,344 tonnes, the APEDA said.

India's rice exports in April-June dived 28.2% from a year ago to 2.35 million tonnes, a government body said on Monday, as demand for non-basmati rice was subdued from African buyers.

India's rice exports in April-June dived 28.2% from a year ago to 2.35 million tonnes, a government body said on Monday, as demand for non-basmati rice was subdued from African buyers. The country's non-basmati rice exports plunged 43% during the period to 1.2 million tonnes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said in a statement. India's rice exports in 2019/20 are likely to fall to their lowest level in seven years, industry officials said last month, as weak demand from African countries weighs and shippers absorb the absence of government incentives that supported previous sales. New Delhi is the world's biggest exporter of rice, buffalo meat and guar gum. The country's buffalo meat exports during the period eased to 275,398 tonnes from 276,450 tonnes a year ago, it said. India's guar gum exports dropped 5.5% to 127,700 tonnes on lower demand from the United States, while pulses exports more than halved to 45,344 tonnes, the APEDA said.

India's April-June rice exports dive 28.2%

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-rice-exports-hit-by-strong-baht-unlikely-to-meet-2019-goal-234687">Rice export prices</a> in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries.

Thailand's benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices were quoted at $390-$404 a tonne on Thursday, free on board Bangkok (FOB), down from $395-$413 last week.

"The new crop is expected to start entering the market next month and this has driven the price down a little but the strong baht also means that the export price remains strong overall," a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Demand for Thai rice has remained flat as the local currency strengthened, traders added.

Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019, hurt by the stronger baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday.

Thailand shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June with orders in the last two months falling to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

For top rice exporter India, prices of the 5 percent broken parboiled variety were quoted around $374-$377 per tonne this week, up from last week's $371-$374.

The Indian rupee on Thursday rose to its highest level in 11-months, trimming exporters returns from overseas sales.

"For white rice demand is negligible. There's modest demand for parboiled from African buyers," said B V Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association (REA).

The Indian government has also raised the price at which it will buy new-season common rice varieties from local farmers by 3.7 percent.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Bangladesh will procure 400,000 tonnes of paddy at 26,000 taka or $307.73 a tonne during the current harvesting season to support local farmers reeling under declining domestic prices, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar said.

Market insiders, however, said the move would not benefit most growers in dire need of cash, since they were compelled to sell their crop at much cheaper rates to millers or middlemen.

Bangladesh has also been unable to clinch deals since its ban on rice exports was lifted in May.

In Vietnam, rates for 5% broken rice rose to $335-$340 a tonne from $330-$335 last week, as traders looked to increase profits, merchants said.

"Demand for 5% broken rice has been lacklustre this week," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. "We have received orders for fragrant rice only."

Preliminary data showed nearly 60,000 tonnes of rice is to be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City ports during the July 1-16 period, compared with 311,700 tonnes in June, another trader said.

Most of the new shipments were headed to Iraq, Malaysia and West Africa, the trader added.

Rice export prices in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries.

Rice export prices in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries. Thailand's benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices were quoted at $390-$404 a tonne on Thursday, free on board Bangkok (FOB), down from $395-$413 last week. "The new crop is expected to start entering the market next month and this has driven the price down a little but the strong baht also means that the export price remains strong overall," a Bangkok-based rice trader said. Demand for Thai rice has remained flat as the local currency strengthened, traders added. Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019, hurt by the stronger baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday. Thailand shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June with orders in the last two months falling to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. For top rice exporter India, prices of the 5 percent broken parboiled variety were quoted around $374-$377 per tonne this week, up from last week's $371-$374. The Indian rupee on Thursday rose to its highest level in 11-months, trimming exporters returns from overseas sales. "For white rice demand is negligible. There's modest demand for parboiled from African buyers," said B V Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association (REA). The Indian government has also raised the price at which it will buy new-season common rice varieties from local farmers by 3.7 percent. Meanwhile, neighbouring Bangladesh will procure 400,000 tonnes of paddy at 26,000 taka or $307.73 a tonne during the current harvesting season to support local farmers reeling under declining domestic prices, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar said. Market insiders, however, said the move would not benefit most growers in dire need of cash, since they were compelled to sell their crop at much cheaper rates to millers or middlemen. Bangladesh has also been unable to clinch deals since its ban on rice exports was lifted in May. In Vietnam, rates for 5% broken rice rose to $335-$340 a tonne from $330-$335 last week, as traders looked to increase profits, merchants said. "Demand for 5% broken rice has been lacklustre this week," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. "We have received orders for fragrant rice only." Preliminary data showed nearly 60,000 tonnes of rice is to be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City ports during the July 1-16 period, compared with 311,700 tonnes in June, another trader said. Most of the new shipments were headed to Iraq, Malaysia and West Africa, the trader added.

Strong currency props up Indian rice rates, wider demand subdued

Asian rice exporting hubs saw tepid activity this week, with prices for the staple from top exporter India dipping on lower demand, while Bangladesh mulled a review of its ban on exports of the grain.

India's 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $377-$380 per tonne, down from last week's $387-$390.

Demand from African buyers was weak as they have ample inventories, said Nitin Gupta, vice president, rice business at Olam India.

Aggressive selling of old inventories by China at lower prices has also weighing on prices, he added.

The country's rice exports for April-February dropped 9.4 per cent from a year earlier to 10.57 million tonnes, as leading buyer Bangladesh trimmed its purchases due to a bumper local harvest, a government body said.

On Thursday, Bangladesh's commerce minister said a long-standing ban on rice exports will be discussed after strong pleas from traders to lift the restriction.

"If we have surplus, we can allow rice exports," Tipu Munshi told reporters after a meeting with the rice traders association.

Bangladesh, traditionally the world's fourth biggest rice producer, banned overseas shipments of some common rice varieties in May 2008 following a spike in domestic prices. It banned all rice exports a year later.

In 2017, the country was forced to massively increase imports to shore up domestic reserves after floods wrought havoc on local crops and pushed domestic rice prices to record highs, but domestic stocks have since greatly improved.

In Thailand, the world's second-largest exporter, the benchmark 5-per cent broken rice prices eased slightly to $393-$411 a tonne, free on board Bangkok, from $405-$410 last week.

"Overseas buyers have turned to rice from India and Vietnam because their prices have been more competitive compared to ours," a trader said.

However, concerns over domestic supply in the country have kept prices steady recently, traders said.

"The harvest of the last crop was completed last month and there is no new supply except unsold rice from the mills, this meant prices remain stable with a tendency to rise even though there is no demand," a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Rates for Vietnam's 5 per cent broken rice stood flat for a fifth week at $360 a tonne, as supply begins to wane, traders said.&nbsp;

However, prices were still at their highest since mid-January, with traders hoping for fresh demand from China.

Asian rice exporting hubs saw tepid activity this week, with prices for the staple from top exporter India dipping on lower demand, while Bangladesh mulled a review of its ban on exports of the grain.

Asian rice exporting hubs saw tepid activity this week, with prices for the staple from top exporter India dipping on lower demand, while Bangladesh mulled a review of its ban on exports of the grain. India's 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $377-$380 per tonne, down from last week's $387-$390. Demand from African buyers was weak as they have ample inventories, said Nitin Gupta, vice president, rice business at Olam India. Aggressive selling of old inventories by China at lower prices has also weighing on prices, he added. The country's rice exports for April-February dropped 9.4 per cent from a year earlier to 10.57 million tonnes, as leading buyer Bangladesh trimmed its purchases due to a bumper local harvest, a government body said. On Thursday, Bangladesh's commerce minister said a long-standing ban on rice exports will be discussed after strong pleas from traders to lift the restriction. "If we have surplus, we can allow rice exports," Tipu Munshi told reporters after a meeting with the rice traders association. Bangladesh, traditionally the world's fourth biggest rice producer, banned overseas shipments of some common rice varieties in May 2008 following a spike in domestic prices. It banned all rice exports a year later. In 2017, the country was forced to massively increase imports to shore up domestic reserves after floods wrought havoc on local crops and pushed domestic rice prices to record highs, but domestic stocks have since greatly improved. In Thailand, the world's second-largest exporter, the benchmark 5-per cent broken rice prices eased slightly to $393-$411 a tonne, free on board Bangkok, from $405-$410 last week. "Overseas buyers have turned to rice from India and Vietnam because their prices have been more competitive compared to ours," a trader said. However, concerns over domestic supply in the country have kept prices steady recently, traders said. "The harvest of the last crop was completed last month and there is no new supply except unsold rice from the mills, this meant prices remain stable with a tendency to rise even though there is no demand," a Bangkok-based rice trader said. Rates for Vietnam's 5 per cent broken rice stood flat for a fifth week at $360 a tonne, as supply begins to wane, traders said. However, prices were still at their highest since mid-January, with traders hoping for fresh demand from China.

India rice rates dip as demand slows, Bangladesh to review export ban

Top Asian rice exporting hubs India and Thailand were hit by slack demand with fresh overseas deals few and far between, while a booming harvest and stronger baht added further pressure on Thai markets.

In top exporter India, the benchmark 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $378-$383 per tonne this week, down from last week's $380-$385 due to a depreciation in the rupee.

"Demand is modest. Prices are coming down due to a falling rupee," an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh said.

The rupee is down about 2 per cent versus the dollar this year.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Bangladesh, imports slowed to 137,000 tonnes in July-February due to the imposition of a tax on rice imports in June, food ministry data showed.

The south Asian country, which emerged as a major importer in 2017 after floods wrought havoc on local crops, imposed the 28 per cent duty to support its farmers after local production revived.

Bangladesh imported a record 3.9 million tonnes of rice in the 2017-2018 financial year that ended in June 2018.

In Vietnam, rates for 5 per cent broken rice rose to $345 a tonne from $340 last week.&nbsp;

"Prices have edged up a bit after the government said it is buying rice from farmers for stockpiling," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.

The country's rice exports in January-February were forecast to fall 4.9 per cent from a year earlier to 788,000 tonne, the government's General Statistics Office said on Thursday. Revenue from rice exports in the period was expected to drop 17.5 per cent to $335 million.

February rice exports from Vietnam, the world's third-largest shipper of the grain after Thailand, totalled 350,000 tonnes, worth $140 million, the GSO said.

Thailand's benchmark 5 per cent broken rice prices marginally narrowed to $383-$398, free on board Bangkok from $383-$405 quoted last week.

Fresh supplies of rice entering the market have pushed prices slightly lower and demand remains flat, traders said.

"Exporters are selling the rice at a lower price but there are no major deals at the moment that (could) impact prices," a Bangkok-based trader said.

While exporters still anticipate large deals from the Philippines, the strength of the local currency against the dollar makes Thai rice export less competitive, traders said.

"New supply has helped lower the price but the strong baht and the lack of demand remains two worrying factors for exporters," another Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Top Asian rice exporting hubs India and Thailand were hit by slack demand with fresh overseas deals few and far between, while a booming harvest and stronger baht added further pressure on Thai markets.

Top Asian rice exporting hubs India and Thailand were hit by slack demand with fresh overseas deals few and far between, while a booming harvest and stronger baht added further pressure on Thai markets. In top exporter India, the benchmark 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $378-$383 per tonne this week, down from last week's $380-$385 due to a depreciation in the rupee. "Demand is modest. Prices are coming down due to a falling rupee," an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh said. The rupee is down about 2 per cent versus the dollar this year. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Bangladesh, imports slowed to 137,000 tonnes in July-February due to the imposition of a tax on rice imports in June, food ministry data showed. The south Asian country, which emerged as a major importer in 2017 after floods wrought havoc on local crops, imposed the 28 per cent duty to support its farmers after local production revived. Bangladesh imported a record 3.9 million tonnes of rice in the 2017-2018 financial year that ended in June 2018. In Vietnam, rates for 5 per cent broken rice rose to $345 a tonne from $340 last week. "Prices have edged up a bit after the government said it is buying rice from farmers for stockpiling," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. The country's rice exports in January-February were forecast to fall 4.9 per cent from a year earlier to 788,000 tonne, the government's General Statistics Office said on Thursday. Revenue from rice exports in the period was expected to drop 17.5 per cent to $335 million. February rice exports from Vietnam, the world's third-largest shipper of the grain after Thailand, totalled 350,000 tonnes, worth $140 million, the GSO said. Thailand's benchmark 5 per cent broken rice prices marginally narrowed to $383-$398, free on board Bangkok from $383-$405 quoted last week. Fresh supplies of rice entering the market have pushed prices slightly lower and demand remains flat, traders said. "Exporters are selling the rice at a lower price but there are no major deals at the moment that (could) impact prices," a Bangkok-based trader said. While exporters still anticipate large deals from the Philippines, the strength of the local currency against the dollar makes Thai rice export less competitive, traders said. "New supply has helped lower the price but the strong baht and the lack of demand remains two worrying factors for exporters," another Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Rice demand dwindles in top Asian exporters; Thai rates hit by fresh supplies

Cambodia and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-top-court-orders-compensation-for-myanmar-workers-in-landmark-case-190503&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHqZ2PkfffAhXJpI8KHeoDDlAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0X-0uCGzvL2F0rEIVdNcsw">Myanmar</a> have railed at the European Commission for resuming tariffs on millions of dollars of rice, with one ministry describing the move as a "weapon" against already poor farmers.

The EC reimposed duties of up to 175 euros ($200) per tonne of Indica rice from the two countries for three years following intensive lobbying by Italy, who said cheap imports were damaging its farmers.

While it is unconnected, the EC decision comes against the backdrop of threats to remove both Southeast Asian countries from its Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme because of human rights abuses.

The EBA deal allows developing countries access to export a broad array of goods — including rice —to European markets without shouldering tariffs.

The EC found that Indica rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar had increased by 89 per cent in the last five seasons.

But Cambodia's ministry of commerce said the complaint was based on inaccurate information and would hurt farmers in one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries.

It is a "weapon to kill them and their families who are in debt", it said late Thursday.

Nearly half of Cambodia's 625,000 tonnes of exported rice went to EU markets last year, according to government data.

Ye Min Aung, of Myanmar's Rice Federation, also slammed the move, saying its rice exports to the EU amounted to around $100 million annually.

"We request the EU to keep helping us," he said. "Our country has many difficulties to overcome."

This week Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened "to step on the throat" of his political rivals if the EU ended the Anything But Arms deal, which would hit the kingdom's cash-cow garment sector the hardest.

Removing EU trade preferences is a long, drawn-out process that can take several months. 
&nbsp;

Cambodia and Myanmar have railed at the European Commission for resuming tariffs on millions of dollars of rice, with one ministry describing the move as a "weapon" against already poor farmers.

Cambodia and Myanmar have railed at the European Commission for resuming tariffs on millions of dollars of rice, with one ministry describing the move as a "weapon" against already poor farmers. The EC reimposed duties of up to 175 euros ($200) per tonne of Indica rice from the two countries for three years following intensive lobbying by Italy, who said cheap imports were damaging its farmers. While it is unconnected, the EC decision comes against the backdrop of threats to remove both Southeast Asian countries from its Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme because of human rights abuses. The EBA deal allows developing countries access to export a broad array of goods — including rice —to European markets without shouldering tariffs. The EC found that Indica rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar had increased by 89 per cent in the last five seasons. But Cambodia's ministry of commerce said the complaint was based on inaccurate information and would hurt farmers in one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries. It is a "weapon to kill them and their families who are in debt", it said late Thursday. Nearly half of Cambodia's 625,000 tonnes of exported rice went to EU markets last year, according to government data. Ye Min Aung, of Myanmar's Rice Federation, also slammed the move, saying its rice exports to the EU amounted to around $100 million annually. "We request the EU to keep helping us," he said. "Our country has many difficulties to overcome." This week Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened "to step on the throat" of his political rivals if the EU ended the Anything But Arms deal, which would hit the kingdom's cash-cow garment sector the hardest. Removing EU trade preferences is a long, drawn-out process that can take several months.

Cambodia, Myanmar hit out at tough EU rice tariffs

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has withdrawn the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-free-rice-from-govt-if-villages-are-littered-not-free-from-open-defecation-puducherry-lt-guv-kiran-bedi-133430">order that restricted rice subsidy to villages which were not free from open defecation and garbage</a>.

The governor withdrew her order saying that her intention was not to deny subsidy to the poor.&nbsp;

In her clarification, Bedi said that her intention of linking rural open defecation and cleanliness with free rice distribution is not to deny any poor persons of their entitlement.

She added that she had already sanctioned and directed to provide quality food grains to needy families.&nbsp;

She took to Twitter&nbsp;to clarify "&nbsp;In view of misreading of my intent to improve d living conditions of rural poor & in view of assured commitment that rural areas will be Open defecation free by June 2018,&nbsp;I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings.Tom shall b my 156, weekend round"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In view of misreading of my intent to improve d living conditions of rural poor & in view of assured commitment that rural areas will be Open defecation free by June 2018, 
I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings.Tom shall b my 156, weekend round.
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) <a href="https://twitter.com/thekiranbedi/status/990265773900869632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bedi had earlier announced that the distribution of free rice to villagers in the Union Territory&nbsp;will be stopped if villages are not free from open defecation and garbage.

Bedi said that the villages have to prove they are indeed open defecation free and free of garbage to avail the benefit of free rice from the government. Bedi took to Twitter to announce that the local administration will now have to provide her with a certificate proving that villages are free from open defecation and garbage before the free supply of rice is provided.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Linked Free Rice distribution to respective constituency MLAs & Commune Commisioners Certifying villages open defecation free and of strewn garbage and plastic. 
Free Rice reaches out to more than half d population primarily in rural areas 
This is d learning of morning round today <a href="https://t.co/CCIaVAGdDT">pic.twitter.com/CCIaVAGdDT</a>
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) <a href="https://twitter.com/thekiranbedi/status/990108640441982976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has withdrawn the order that restricted rice subsidy to villages which were not free from open defecation and garbage

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has withdrawn the order that restricted rice subsidy to villages which were not free from open defecation and garbage. The governor withdrew her order saying that her intention was not to deny subsidy to the poor. In her clarification, Bedi said that her intention of linking rural open defecation and cleanliness with free rice distribution is not to deny any poor persons of their entitlement. She added that she had already sanctioned and directed to provide quality food grains to needy families. She took to Twitter to clarify " In view of misreading of my intent to improve d living conditions of rural poor & in view of assured commitment that rural areas will be Open defecation free by June 2018, I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings.Tom shall b my 156, weekend round" In view of misreading of my intent to improve d living conditions of rural poor & in view of assured commitment that rural areas will be Open defecation free by June 2018, I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings.Tom shall b my 156, weekend round. — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) April 28, 2018 × Bedi had earlier announced that the distribution of free rice to villagers in the Union Territory will be stopped if villages are not free from open defecation and garbage. Bedi said that the villages have to prove they are indeed open defecation free and free of garbage to avail the benefit of free rice from the government. Bedi took to Twitter to announce that the local administration will now have to provide her with a certificate proving that villages are free from open defecation and garbage before the free supply of rice is provided. Linked Free Rice distribution to respective constituency MLAs & Commune Commisioners Certifying villages open defecation free and of strewn garbage and plastic. Free Rice reaches out to more than half d population primarily in rural areas This is d learning of morning round today pic.twitter.com/CCIaVAGdDT — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) April 28, 2018 ×

Kiran Bedi withdraws order restricting rice subsidy to 'clean' villages

A report released by Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre said that over 500,000 people are still affected by the drought in 10 districts of Sri Lanka.

Affected districts are located in the northern, northwestern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.

The worst affected area with 216,670 people suffering from drought is in Puttalam district, news agency Xinhua reported.

Affected people are facing issues like drinking water and crop damage.

The drought has affected food production as well as affected area is a major rice cultivating area.

However, the government has claimed that it had taken all necessary steps to avoid any food shortage during the current circumstance.&nbsp

Affected districts are located in the northern, northwestern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka

A report released by Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre said that over 500,000 people are still affected by the drought in 10 districts of Sri Lanka. Affected districts are located in the northern, northwestern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The worst affected area with 216,670 people suffering from drought is in Puttalam district, news agency Xinhua reported. Affected people are facing issues like drinking water and crop damage. The drought has affected food production as well as affected area is a major rice cultivating area. However, the government has claimed that it had taken all necessary steps to avoid any food shortage during the current circumstance.

Sri Lanka: Over 500,000 people are affected from drought

By Prasad Bhosekar

Jammikunta town in the Karimnagar district of Telangana made it to the national headlines last year for the collective singing of the national anthem every morning. Started on August 15, 2017, even today the entire village comes to a standstill every day at 8am while the national anthem plays over loudspeakers.

The man behind the idea — Jammikunta Inspector P Prashant Reddy — has now issued a new call. He asked the town's students to donate fistfuls of rice.&nbsp;

The rice was to be deposited in drums installed at the town's schools, then turned into 10 and 25-kgs bags, and finally distributed to orphanages, and the needy.&nbsp;

Named "Pidikedu beeyyam, pattedu annam" (fistful of rice, full plate meal ), some 4,000 school students donated fistfuls, or more, of rice, finally collecting 70 quintals or 7,000 kilograms of rice.&nbsp;

"I wanted to inculcate the importance of food and how every morsel counts among the students of our town. I got this idea when we see lot of food being wasted when there are many who go without one proper meal a day. It was heartening to see the way students and their parents, all of whom come from humble background supporting this cause," said Reddy.&nbsp;

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<img alt="Untitled design (1).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/Untitled%20design%20(1).jpg" width="770" />

In photos: A schoolgirl donates rice (top) and (above) a schoolgirl gives away a 10-kg bag of rice to a needy woman. Inspector P Prashant Reddy, the man whose idea it was, is seen behind the schoolgirl.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The students and their parents participated voluntarily.&nbsp;

"When I came to know about this programme I asked my parents whether I could take fistful of rice but my parents told me to take half kg instead,'' said Harini, a student, adding that she was very happy to give away to the needy. &nbsp;

"It's a good way to make our children children realise importance of food and specially not to waste food," said Veeresham, a parent.

After the rice had been collected, a programme was held in town, at which the students gave away the rice they had collected.

The programme's success has got the Jammikunta Police embarking a new scheme.&nbsp;

They are now asking students for old textbooks, notebooks, and other stationetery which can then be passed on to needy students.&nbsp;

The students of Jammikunta town in Karimnagar district have collected 7,000 kgs of rice to give to the poor

By Prasad Bhosekar Jammikunta town in the Karimnagar district of Telangana made it to the national headlines last year for the collective singing of the national anthem every morning. Started on August 15, 2017, even today the entire village comes to a standstill every day at 8am while the national anthem plays over loudspeakers. The man behind the idea — Jammikunta Inspector P Prashant Reddy — has now issued a new call. He asked the town's students to donate fistfuls of rice. The rice was to be deposited in drums installed at the town's schools, then turned into 10 and 25-kgs bags, and finally distributed to orphanages, and the needy. Named "Pidikedu beeyyam, pattedu annam" (fistful of rice, full plate meal ), some 4,000 school students donated fistfuls, or more, of rice, finally collecting 70 quintals or 7,000 kilograms of rice. "I wanted to inculcate the importance of food and how every morsel counts among the students of our town. I got this idea when we see lot of food being wasted when there are many who go without one proper meal a day. It was heartening to see the way students and their parents, all of whom come from humble background supporting this cause," said Reddy. In photos: A schoolgirl donates rice (top) and (above) a schoolgirl gives away a 10-kg bag of rice to a needy woman. Inspector P Prashant Reddy, the man whose idea it was, is seen behind the schoolgirl. The students and their parents participated voluntarily. "When I came to know about this programme I asked my parents whether I could take fistful of rice but my parents told me to take half kg instead,'' said Harini, a student, adding that she was very happy to give away to the needy. "It's a good way to make our children children realise importance of food and specially not to waste food," said Veeresham, a parent. After the rice had been collected, a programme was held in town, at which the students gave away the rice they had collected. The programme's success has got the Jammikunta Police embarking a new scheme. They are now asking students for old textbooks, notebooks, and other stationetery which can then be passed on to needy students.

Telanagana: A town's students answer call by police to give to the needy

Scientists have claimed to have detected anti-cancer properties in three traditional varieties of rice found in Chhattisgarh.

A research has concluded that three medicinal varieties of rice - Gathwan, Maharaji and Laicha - have the ability to fight cancer, said scientist Deepak Sharma.

The research was conducted by the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai.

These varieties were taken from the rice germplasm bank preserved in IGKV, said Sharma, principal scientist at the genetics and plant breeding department of the agriculture university.

The three varieties of rice have properties to cure lung&nbsp;and breast cancers without affecting normal cells, Sharma told PTI.

Of them, Laicha has been found to be the most effective in preventing proliferation of cancer cells and destroying them, he said.

Last year, IGKV, affiliated to the University Grants Commission, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BARC for carrying out a range of research on various crops.

As a part of the agreement, a study is being carried out on these three varieties of rice under the guidance of V P Venugopalan, Associate Director, Bio Science Group, BARC and other scientists, he said.

Sharma, who is also coordinator for researches being carried as a part of the MoU, said Gathwan, Maharaji and Laicha have been used for medicinal purpose in many pockets of the state, particularly in the tribal region of Bastar.

Gathwan also has the property to cure arthritis. Similarly, Laicha has been used in treating skin-related problems by villagers in some areas, the scientist said.

These varieties of rice also showed properties to prevent multiplication of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells, he said.

Certain elements in these rice varieties not only prevented the multiplication of cancer cells but also destroyed them to a significant extent, he said.

The research concluded that the necessary active ingredient can be achieved by consuming 200 gm of these varieties of rice daily by?a person, he said.

In the next stage of research, BARC scientists are trying to extract the anti-cancer ingredients or elements from these varieties and conduct trials on the mouse.

Subsequently, they plan to develop it as dietary supplement which will be easy for consumption for people, he said.

Describing the findings as a significant achievement, IGKV Vice-Chancellor S K Patil said very soon these three varieties of rice will be used in treatment of cancer.

He said several research projects are underway to identify medicinal properties of Chhattisgarh&#39;s traditional varieties of rice preserved by late R H Richharia, a renowned researcher.&nbsp;

The study was conducted by the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Scientists have claimed to have detected anti-cancer properties in three traditional varieties of rice found in Chhattisgarh. A research has concluded that three medicinal varieties of rice - Gathwan, Maharaji and Laicha - have the ability to fight cancer, said scientist Deepak Sharma. The research was conducted by the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai. These varieties were taken from the rice germplasm bank preserved in IGKV, said Sharma, principal scientist at the genetics and plant breeding department of the agriculture university. The three varieties of rice have properties to cure lung and breast cancers without affecting normal cells, Sharma told PTI. Of them, Laicha has been found to be the most effective in preventing proliferation of cancer cells and destroying them, he said. Last year, IGKV, affiliated to the University Grants Commission, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BARC for carrying out a range of research on various crops. As a part of the agreement, a study is being carried out on these three varieties of rice under the guidance of V P Venugopalan, Associate Director, Bio Science Group, BARC and other scientists, he said. Sharma, who is also coordinator for researches being carried as a part of the MoU, said Gathwan, Maharaji and Laicha have been used for medicinal purpose in many pockets of the state, particularly in the tribal region of Bastar. Gathwan also has the property to cure arthritis. Similarly, Laicha has been used in treating skin-related problems by villagers in some areas, the scientist said. These varieties of rice also showed properties to prevent multiplication of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells, he said. Certain elements in these rice varieties not only prevented the multiplication of cancer cells but also destroyed them to a significant extent, he said. The research concluded that the necessary active ingredient can be achieved by consuming 200 gm of these varieties of rice daily by?a person, he said. In the next stage of research, BARC scientists are trying to extract the anti-cancer ingredients or elements from these varieties and conduct trials on the mouse. Subsequently, they plan to develop it as dietary supplement which will be easy for consumption for people, he said. Describing the findings as a significant achievement, IGKV Vice-Chancellor S K Patil said very soon these three varieties of rice will be used in treatment of cancer. He said several research projects are underway to identify medicinal properties of Chhattisgarh's traditional varieties of rice preserved by late R H Richharia, a renowned researcher.

Indian scientists say three varieties of rice can cure breast, lung cancer

A rice genetically modified (GMO) by Chinese researchers to resist pests has passed safety inspections by authorities in the United States, allowing for its sale there even though Beijing continues to prohibit the planting of any GMO food grain.

The rice, known as Huahui 1, was developed by a team at Huazhong University in central Hubei province to resist pests like the rice stem borer. While Chinese authorities granted the strain a safety certificate in 2009, it has never been approved for commercial production.

Beijing has spent billions of dollars researching GMO crops but has held back from commercial production of any food grains because of consumer concerns about their safety. Validation of the country`s GMO safety testing and products by US authorities could help persuade the government and consumers in China to accept the products at home.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the research team at Huazhong last week that it agreed with university`s safety and nutritional assessments on the product, Huazhong said in a statement on Sunday on its website.

&quot;Genetically engineered Huahui No.1 rice grain does not raise issues that would require premarket review or approval by FDA,&quot; according to a letter posted on the FDA website that Huazhong highlighted in its statement.

The product had earlier passed a review by the Environmental Protection Agency on pesticide residue levels, Huazhong said, clearing the way for the export of Huahui 1 rice and rice products to the US market.

However, the university would need further approval from the US Department of Agriculture for planting the rice. The statement did not say if researchers would seek such approval.

But Huazhong said the approvals from the FDA and EPA further validated the test methods and evaluation carried out by Chinese institutes to assess safety and nutrient levels in the new rice.

China has said it aims to push forward the commercialization of GMO corn and soybeans by 2020 but has not made public any plans to approve the planting of GMO rice, the country`s most important staple food.

The rice, known as Huahui 1, was developed by a team at Huazhong University in central Hubei province to resist pests like the rice stem borer

A rice genetically modified (GMO) by Chinese researchers to resist pests has passed safety inspections by authorities in the United States, allowing for its sale there even though Beijing continues to prohibit the planting of any GMO food grain. The rice, known as Huahui 1, was developed by a team at Huazhong University in central Hubei province to resist pests like the rice stem borer. While Chinese authorities granted the strain a safety certificate in 2009, it has never been approved for commercial production. Beijing has spent billions of dollars researching GMO crops but has held back from commercial production of any food grains because of consumer concerns about their safety. Validation of the country`s GMO safety testing and products by US authorities could help persuade the government and consumers in China to accept the products at home. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the research team at Huazhong last week that it agreed with university`s safety and nutritional assessments on the product, Huazhong said in a statement on Sunday on its website. "Genetically engineered Huahui No.1 rice grain does not raise issues that would require premarket review or approval by FDA," according to a letter posted on the FDA website that Huazhong highlighted in its statement. The product had earlier passed a review by the Environmental Protection Agency on pesticide residue levels, Huazhong said, clearing the way for the export of Huahui 1 rice and rice products to the US market. However, the university would need further approval from the US Department of Agriculture for planting the rice. The statement did not say if researchers would seek such approval. But Huazhong said the approvals from the FDA and EPA further validated the test methods and evaluation carried out by Chinese institutes to assess safety and nutrient levels in the new rice. China has said it aims to push forward the commercialization of GMO corn and soybeans by 2020 but has not made public any plans to approve the planting of GMO rice, the country`s most important staple food.

US gives safety approval to Chinese genetically modified rice strain

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the rise in onion and tomato prices as &#39;seasonal factor&#39;, saying the situation will normalise in a week or so on improved supplies of the fresh crop.

In the national capital, retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80. At Mother Dairy outlets, onion is being sold at Rs 47 per kg and tomato Rs 70, according to the trade data.

However, all India average retail price of onion is Rs 33 and tomato Rs 45, showed the official data.

&#39;The price rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal issue. The rates will come down in a week or so as arrival of the new crop improves&#39;&nbsp;Paswan told the media after taking unity pledge to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Barring these veggies, prices of other essential commodities like rice and wheat are ruling stable, he added.

Stating that the new crop of kharif onion has started arriving in mandis, Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastav said the fresh crop is being harvested in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Onion prices are under pressure because of 25 per cent reduction in area covered under the early kharif crop of onion. But the kharif and late kharif crop acreage is better and production is expected to be good, he said.

Now, both early kharif and kharif crop of onion is arriving in the mandis while the late kharif crop will begin from January. The quantity of arrival will gradually improve in coming days, he added.

With regard to tomato, a senior consumer affairs ministry official said the prices of tomato have firmed up in the national capital and other parts because of supply disruption owing to rains in Karnataka, one of the leading producers.

Farmers in Karnataka have not been able to harvest and transport the vegetable because of rains. However, the supply and price situation is likely to improve in the next 10-15 days, he added. 
&nbsp;

Retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80.

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the rise in onion and tomato prices as 'seasonal factor', saying the situation will normalise in a week or so on improved supplies of the fresh crop. In the national capital, retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80. At Mother Dairy outlets, onion is being sold at Rs 47 per kg and tomato Rs 70, according to the trade data. However, all India average retail price of onion is Rs 33 and tomato Rs 45, showed the official data. 'The price rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal issue. The rates will come down in a week or so as arrival of the new crop improves' Paswan told the media after taking unity pledge to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Barring these veggies, prices of other essential commodities like rice and wheat are ruling stable, he added. Stating that the new crop of kharif onion has started arriving in mandis, Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastav said the fresh crop is being harvested in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Onion prices are under pressure because of 25 per cent reduction in area covered under the early kharif crop of onion. But the kharif and late kharif crop acreage is better and production is expected to be good, he said. Now, both early kharif and kharif crop of onion is arriving in the mandis while the late kharif crop will begin from January. The quantity of arrival will gradually improve in coming days, he added. With regard to tomato, a senior consumer affairs ministry official said the prices of tomato have firmed up in the national capital and other parts because of supply disruption owing to rains in Karnataka, one of the leading producers. Farmers in Karnataka have not been able to harvest and transport the vegetable because of rains. However, the supply and price situation is likely to improve in the next 10-15 days, he added.

Rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal factor: Paswan

Nepal is selling thousands of tonnes of rice donated by China and Bangladesh to help earthquake victims, an official said, despite aid agencies warning that survivors remain at risk of food shortages. 
 
Nearly 9,000 lost their lives when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake ripped through the Himalayan nation in April 2015, destroying more than half a million homes and leaving thousands without food or shelter. 
 
Initial estimates by the World Food Programme (WFP) said that about 1.4 million were in urgent need of emergency food supplies, prompting governments to spring into action to help the desperately poor country. 
 
According to the state-run Nepal Food Corporation (NFC), Dhaka and Beijing donated about 11,200 metric tonnes of rice, only 20 per cent of which was distributed by the government to quake victims. 
 
&quot;The remaining rice has been sitting in our godown (warehouse) for 10 months and now that Bangladesh has donated even more rice to us, we don&#39;t have enough space to store it all,&quot; said Pawan Kumar Karki, NFC spokesman. 
 
&quot;So we started selling the rice last month and will deposit the proceeds in a fund operated by the government,&quot; Karki said. 
 
No further details about the fund were available. 
 
Kathmandu stopped distributing rice across quake-hit districts last June, just weeks after the disaster, according to Karki. 
 
Yet more than a year later, disaster victims continue to be at risk of food shortages, aid officials said. 
 
&quot;We were distributing rice, lentils and other supplies right until February. While there have been improvements, there are still pockets of food insecurity among households headed by single mothers or belonging to marginalised communities,&quot; said a WFP spokeswoman. 
 
The NFC&#39;s Karki said that authorities also plan to dispatch 3,400 metric tonnes of donated rice to the remote Karnali region following last year&#39;s poor monsoons and a prolonged winter drought, but no supplies had been sent yet. 
 
With an estimated four million people still living in temporary shelters, Nepal has asked for $8.4 billion in aid to help rebuild the country. 
 
But delays in formulating a reconstruction plan mean Kathmandu has received just $1.6 billion so far, about 40 per cent of the $4.1 billion pledged by international donors. 
 
Stung by criticism, the government has vowed to kickstart the rebuilding of schools and hospitals and speed up the distribution of a $2,000 payout to homeless households. 
 
So far, some 24,000 families have received the first $500 instalment of the promised payout, fewer than five per cent of those left homeless by the disaster. 
 
(AFP)

A year after earthquake, victims continue to be at risk of food shortages as governement runs out of space to store donated grains

Nepal is selling thousands of tonnes of rice donated by China and Bangladesh to help earthquake victims, an official said, despite aid agencies warning that survivors remain at risk of food shortages. Nearly 9,000 lost their lives when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake ripped through the Himalayan nation in April 2015, destroying more than half a million homes and leaving thousands without food or shelter. Initial estimates by the World Food Programme (WFP) said that about 1.4 million were in urgent need of emergency food supplies, prompting governments to spring into action to help the desperately poor country. According to the state-run Nepal Food Corporation (NFC), Dhaka and Beijing donated about 11,200 metric tonnes of rice, only 20 per cent of which was distributed by the government to quake victims. "The remaining rice has been sitting in our godown (warehouse) for 10 months and now that Bangladesh has donated even more rice to us, we don't have enough space to store it all," said Pawan Kumar Karki, NFC spokesman. "So we started selling the rice last month and will deposit the proceeds in a fund operated by the government," Karki said. No further details about the fund were available. Kathmandu stopped distributing rice across quake-hit districts last June, just weeks after the disaster, according to Karki. Yet more than a year later, disaster victims continue to be at risk of food shortages, aid officials said. "We were distributing rice, lentils and other supplies right until February. While there have been improvements, there are still pockets of food insecurity among households headed by single mothers or belonging to marginalised communities," said a WFP spokeswoman. The NFC's Karki said that authorities also plan to dispatch 3,400 metric tonnes of donated rice to the remote Karnali region following last year's poor monsoons and a prolonged winter drought, but no supplies had been sent yet. With an estimated four million people still living in temporary shelters, Nepal has asked for $8.4 billion in aid to help rebuild the country. But delays in formulating a reconstruction plan mean Kathmandu has received just $1.6 billion so far, about 40 per cent of the $4.1 billion pledged by international donors. Stung by criticism, the government has vowed to kickstart the rebuilding of schools and hospitals and speed up the distribution of a $2,000 payout to homeless households. So far, some 24,000 families have received the first $500 instalment of the promised payout, fewer than five per cent of those left homeless by the disaster. (AFP)

Nepal selling rice donated by Beijing, Dhaka for quake victims

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