Top Rice News: Bengal's Aromatic Rice Varieties, Global Rice Prices & Exports
Top Rice News 1 : FCI Signs MoU With WFP To Supply 2 Lakh Mt Of Rice For Global Hunger Relief
According to reports, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the rice supply in support of global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger. The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has informed that FCI will supply two lakh metric tonnes of rice to WFP under the MoU. The Department of Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra stated that this agreement displays the country’s determination to ensure no one goes hungry. Furthermore, he added that the country will continue to stand with the international community in combating malnutrition and food insecurity. Interestingly, the partnership resets and repairs India's commitment to global food security, boosting cooperation with the World Food Programme in addressing humanitarian needs worldwide and reinforcing the country's role as a trusted and responsible contributor to global food systems.
Top Rice News 2: UN’s FAO Recognises Matir Srishti And Bengal’s Aromatic Rice Varieties
On Wednesday, Feb 18, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee announced that the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has awarded an international certificate, recognising the state government’s community-based Matir Srishti programme for preserving natural heritage and biodiversity. FAO also recognised three aromatic rice varieties of the state, such as Gobindbhog, Tulaipianji and Kanakchur Aromatic rice as food & culture heritage. While sharing the images of Certificates on X, she wrote: "Proud to share that the United Nations has recognised our initiative yet again. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN has awarded an internationally valued certificate to us for
our community initiatives in our innovative 'Matir Srishti' programme, which we had launched in 2020 in our dry western (Paschimanchal) districts. In addition, she added: I am further happy to inform that the United Nations (FAO) has also recognised West Bengal’s famed Gobindbhog, Tulaipianji and Kanakchur Aromatic rice as food & culture heritage"
Top Rice News 3: Philippines: Retail Rice Prices Dip in Early February, says PSA
The average retail rice price reduced in early February; however, farm-gate prices for unmilled rice steadily increased. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the retail price of regular milled rice averaged P45.54 per kilogram in the Feb. 1-5 period. This was down 4.7 per cent from P47.77 per kg in the same period a year ago. But, the average retail price was 4.1 per cent higher than the P43.76 per kg recorded in the Jan. 15-17 period. Among the regions, the highest retail price of P50.67 per kg was recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The lowest at P40.29 per kg was observed in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). Moreover, the statistics agency reported lower prices despite a steady rise in the prices of unmilled rice, followed by the temporary rice import ban from September to December last year. Furthermore, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the import suspension lifted unmilled rice prices. These have been decreasing due to excessive rice importation in previous years. "Excess importation undermines the profitability of rice farming by depressing palay prices at harvest time and discouraging production,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement last week.
Top Rice News 4: Bangladesh: Export Approval Ahead of Ramadan Pushes Up Aromatic Rice Prices
As per recent updates, enabling aromatic rice exports ahead of the holy month of Ramadanhas pushed up local rice prices in Bangladesh. The interim government’s decision to allow shipments of popular aromatic rice varieties such as Kalijeera and Chinigura led to price increases in markets, with branded rice rising from about Tk 155-160/kg to Tk 170-180/kg in the past fortnight. Moreover, sellers said rising demand ahead of Ramadan and Eid, together with the export approvals, tightened supplies and encouraged higher retail prices.