1.   

Indian Rice Growers Fear Glut, Want Government To Lift Export Ban

Fearing rising rice stockpiles in the country, Indian rice growers worry it would create a glut and urged the government to lift a two-year old ban on exports to protect cash-strapped farmers. Existing stockpiles plus the prediction of good monsoon rain this season could spur better yields and may only dampen the domestic rice market, with excess stocks pushing down prices, say experts.

2.   

Saudi Arabia temporarily bans imports of vegetables from EU

Saudi Minister of Agriculture Fahad Balghunaim issued instructions on Monday to temporarily stop the importation of vegetables from the countries of the European Union as a result of the EU's vegetable crisis and the possibility that some of the contaminated vegetables would have negative health impacts in the Kingdom.

3.   

Himachal to tap maize growth potential and meet food processing demand

With a view to boost maize production in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to spend Rs 11.17 million during FY 2011-12 and the ensuing Kharif season. Addressing newsmen on Sunday, J S Rana, director, agriculture, Himachal Pradesh, said that his department had decided to jack up the production of maize crop as the state had high potential to produce this crop and meet the demand in the food processing sector.

4.   

Russia bans import of Egyptian potatoes

Russia has suspended imports of potatoes from Egypt on health and sanitation grounds, the country's food safety authority said on Friday. Rosselkhoznadzor said the Egyptian-produced potatoes could "destabilize the sanitary situation in the country.