Rice

PM signs rice production deal

This move is aimed at reducing the cost of rice in PNG.

Speaking at the end of an Official State Visit to the Republic of the Philippines, O’Neill said that a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation has been signed that will lead to extensive rice cultivation.

PM O’Neill said understanding has been reached with the Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, and his Government to cooperate in the production of rice for the benefit of both countries.

Alternatives to reduce rice imports

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel said the Government is looking for alternative ways to reduce such bigger imports within the 100 Days Economic Stimulus Plan.

The 100-day plan has the primary goals of demonstrating government pro-activity in ensuring sound macroeconomic and fiscal management, restoring confidence, generating investment and moving towards greater economic self-reliance.

Abel said there are other alternatives apart from rice that people could consider and grow in the country.

Is rice healthy?

It depends on the kind of rice you choose.

White rice is considered a nutritionally inferior "refined grain" because its bran and germ are removed during the milling process, which strips away B vitamins, iron and fiber. Though white rice is typically enriched with iron and B vitamins, fiber is not added back.

Brown rice is the same thing as white rice but is a "whole grain," because only its inedible outer husk is removed. Since brown rice retains its bran and germ, it's a better source of antioxidants, vitamin E and fiber.

Trukai expanding investment in local rice production

With the cooperation of the Chingwam Rice Growers Cooperative, Trukai will be establishing a 500-hectare rice plantation near Rangiampum initially for a rain fed crop to be established in 2017.

This is in addition to the existing 80-hectare site already producing rice for the cooperative, under the management of Trukai’s rice development team.

This site will be progressively expanded possibly up to 1,500-2,000 hectares over a number of seasons, although this will be subject to relevant agreements and climatic and soil evaluations.

Long queues for crazy Christmas specials

Goods like rice, bread, lamb flaps, cartons of soft drinks and ham are selling fast at the shops, with just two days left before Christmas.

Loop PNG visited RH Hypermart, Stop N Shop, Brian Bell and TST Supermarket and witnessed a flood of shoppers in long queues at counters.

Almost all food stuff are on specials as well as white goods, toys and Christmas decorations.

Loop PNG witnessed 100 bags of 10kg rice get sold out within a minute!

The customers had to wait in line to collect the rice bags straight from the container at the back of the shop.

World Food Day reflects Trukai’s future planning in PNG agriculture

In Trukai Industries, it was clear that one company above all others in PNG represented what the FOA is asking of institutions related to the farming and agriculture sector in developing nations.

Trukai’s progressive programs aimed at developing local capacity to grow rice in PNG parallels with one of the central messages from the FOA to global companies: “Local institutions need to develop capacities and motivate men and women farmers.”

Rice import quota will affect the bigger players, says foods company

Fry, however, said Goodman Fielders who is new player in the industry will not be affected.

“Off course we are concern but been a small player in the rice game (industry) at the moment so we have little to lose.        

“Bigger rice distributors will be affected if the quota system goes through.”

Goodman Fielders will start selling its new rice product in Port Moresby starting on Monday.

The new product is called, ‘Skel Rice’ and will come in 200 and 500 grams packets, and 1 and 10 kilograms.   

Propose government rice quota system unfair: Report

The report stated that a competitive market is good for an efficient outcome and allocation of economic resources but the proposed import quota allocation system will frustrate competition and create an inefficient rice market in the country.

“By promoting anti-competitive trade practices through the proposed unfair import quota policy/system, the Government will be violating the World Trade Organization trading rules,” the report highlighted.

PM O’Neill dispels talk of increase in price of rice

O’Neill said becoming self-sufficient in rice production is a matter of high national importance.

“We have a desire to grow more rice in our country and we need to work hard at this,” he said after the issue was raised in Parliament today.

“As a country we rely too much on rice imports from Australia and from Asia that is sold in Papua New Guinea.

“We want to have a large scale and commercially viable rice production sector in our country that will meet the demands of our people.

PM O’Neill clarifies rice pricing

Directing his questions during Questions Without Notice this morning in Parliament to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Juffa raised concerns on the monopoly of the market and the benefits farmers will be missing out from the deal.

He said Oro and other provinces have already ventured into planting rice and such decisions might spoil the interest of the farmers.

“Can the Prime Minister confirm if the purported agreement of rice monopoly which will grant 80% of the domestic rice market had been signed or not?