Tuesday, November 25, 2014

25th November, 2014 Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Vietnam Exports 5.55 Million Tons of Rice During January 1 – November 20, 2014

Nov 24, 2014
Vietnam exported around 5.549 million tons of rice in January 1 - November 20, 2014, down about 10% from around 6.17 million tons of rice exported during January - November, 2013, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Average rice export price so far in this year stands at around $436 per ton (FOB), up about $5 per ton from same time last year.
During November 1-20, 2014, Vietnam exported around 190,194 tons of rice, down about 54% from around 410,423 tons rice exported in full month of November 2013, and down about 67% from about 570,769 tons rice exported in full month of October 2014. Average export prices in so far in November stands at around $439 per ton, down about 1% from a year ago, and down about 6% per ton from a month ago.

Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Trade Lower as Bearish Grains Weigh on the Market

Nov 24, 2014
Chicago rough rice futures for Jan delivery settled 15 cents per cwt (about $3 per ton) lower at $12.445 per cwt (about $274 per ton). The other grains also closed lower today; Soybeans closed about 0.5% lower at $10.3375 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.9% lower at $5.4225 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1.4% lower at $3.6750 per bushel.U.S. stocks mostly rose on Monday as investors drew cheer from central-bank action to boost the global economy and from deal activity. Monday's economic data had the U.S. services sector expanding in November at a slower rate than the prior month as growth in new business slowed. Wavering on either side of neutral, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lately down 12.98 points, or 0.1%, at 17,797.08. After coming less than 2 points from its intraday record hit Friday, the S&P 500 was lately up 3.03 points, or 0.2%, at 2,066.53, with consumer discretionary and technology leading gains and telecommunications and energy pacing losses among its 10 major industry groups. The Nasdaq gained 28.20 points, or 0.6%, to 4,741.17. Gold is trading about 0.1% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 0.7% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.2% lower at about  1:00pm Chicago time.Friday, there were 283 contracts traded, down from 745 contracts traded on Thursday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Friday deceased by 100 contracts to 9,683.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Hold Steady on First Day of Short Week

Nov 24, 2014
The U.S. cash market was unchanged today as both buyers and sellers were unwilling to compromise on price.
Analysts report that the bids and offers were roughly $0.25-$0.50 per cwt apart (about $6-$11 per ton).
Going forward, the markets’ focus will be on the latest Iraqi tender which will be awarded on Friday, November 28, when the markets in the U.S. will be closed due to the Thanksgiving holiday.


Rice Price Volatility in Myanmar Can be Reduced by Addressing Structural Causes, Says World Bank Report

Nov 24, 2014

Rice prices in Myanmar have increased by about 40% between 2009-2013 leading to food insecurity in the country as well as export un-competitiveness, according to the recent World Bank report titled "Rice Price Volatility and Poverty Reduction.” This enormous increase in rice prices has impacted rice farmers' incomes and most of them are close to poverty income levels.

The authors of the report noted that rice price volatility in Myanmar is due to certain structural changes and addressing these would reduce these volatilities. They say rice is grown in Myanmar only in November and December and concentration of paddy production in just two months of the marketing year is prone to several climatic vagaries impacting production. Added to this, existing conditions such as fragmented seed market, poor roads, inadequate communication, unreliable market information, low export diversification, high storage costs and lack of post-harvest facilities are also contributing to price volatilities.
They say spreading production evenly throughout the year could reduce impact of weather vagaries and investment in modern rice mills and post-harvest facilities, communication facilities as well as enhancing rice market value chain could stabilize prices in the long run. 'The World Bank’s country director for Myanmar says, "There is a significant trade-off between lowering price volatility with short-term measures and maintaining price competitiveness. Long-term structural issues can be solved only through investments in agriculture and infrastructure, improved business environment, and social safety nets. Open trade policy should be the one and foremost policy goal for Myanmar.”The report is the part of a series of reports produced by the world Bank on Myanmar’s rice cultivation and industry.

Asia Rice Quotes Mixed Today

Nov 24, 2014
Thailand rice sellers increased their quotes for Hommali rice by about  $15 per ton to around $865 - $875 per ton today. India and Pakistan rice sellers lowered most of their quotes by about $5 - $15 per ton today. Vietnam rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, about $10 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $395 - $405 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $395 - $405 per ton, down about $15 per ton from Friday and about $15 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $380 - $390 per ton, down about $10 per ton from Friday.
25% Broken Rice                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Thailand 25% rice was last quoted at around $350 - $360 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $355 - $365 per ton.
India 25% rice is quoted at around $360 - $370, down about $10 per ton from Friday and about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $335 - $345 per ton, down about $15 per ton from Friday.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $380 - $390 per ton, about $40 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at around $420 - $430 per ton, down about $5 per ton from Friday.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super,  is quoted at around $330 - $340 per ton, about $10 per ton premium on  Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $320 - $330 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $305 - $315 per ton, down about $5 per ton from Friday and about $10 per ton discount to Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $315 - $325 per ton, down about $5 per ton from Friday.


UNISAME Calls for Efficient Planning and Diligent Policies to Enhance Pakistan Rice Exports

Nov 24, 2014

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has stressed the need for efficient and advance planning as well diligent policies to increase Pakistan rice exports as well as farmers' incomes, according to a statement released by the organization. The UNISAME appreciated the efforts of the Prime Minister in providing subsidies to the basmati rice farmers but said the Agriculture and Commerce Ministries could have provided him with advance information about the likely decline in demand and prices of basmati rice in the global market and provide necessary and timely support to farmers. The President of the UNISAME slammed both the ministries for lack of foresight, coordination and integrated efforts to overcome situations.He noted that Pakistan's basmati rice exports face stiff competition from India and unless the government takes some proactive measures, Pakistan may have eventually lose its markets to India. He says Pakistan has failed to set up a payment policy with Iran, which is a very important destination for Pakistan rice. Whereas India has a swap arrangement with Iran to buy oil and sell rice. Currently, Iran has suspended basmati rice imports citing adequate stocks as the reason. The UNISAME President says in the current situation, India will be in a better situation once Iran revives basmati rice imports.
The UNISAME President also noted that increased cost of production is another factor affecting the country's rice sector. Recently, export prices have plunged below production costs and the famers are losing incomes.He also noted that several restrictions in Pakistan are depriving Pakistan rice exporters in striking quick deals. For instance, Pakistan rice exporters have to get their consignment approved by the Quality Review Committee (QRC) before shipping. UNISAME had been for long seeking the closure of QPC, but it has not been closed so far. India does not have such pre-shipping restrictions, he adds. Due to these reasons, India is in a position to offer relatively lower prices for overseas customers.
The UNISAME President had advised the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to conduct trade fairs in the Europe to promote Pakistan's basmati rice but the government has not so far made successful attempts in this regard. On the other hand, Indian basmati brands have been dominating several super markets.He noted that the government should take proactive and long-term measures to increase exports and incomes of rice farmers instead of reacting to an event.

TREA Seeks Government Intervention as Thai Hom Mali Rice Prices Decline to One Year Low

Nov 24, 2014

Domestic prices of Thai premium Hom Mali rice prices have declined to around 28,900 baht (around $907.15) per ton in November this year, down about 15% from around 33,235 baht (around $1,043) per ton during the same time last year, report local sources quoting data from the Thai Commerce Ministry.
The export prices of Thai Grade B Hom Mali rice also declined about 18% year-on-year to one year-low of around $863 per ton from around $1,053 per ton.The President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) noted that paddy prices for 2014-15 crop are almost 50% lower than the prices offered by the previous government under the controversial rice pledging scheme. Currently, Hom Mali paddy is offered around 9,000 - 12,000 baht (around $274 - $365) per ton from around 16,000 baht (around $487) per ton offered last year. Similarly, stick paddy is offered around 7,000 - 8,000 baht (around $213 - $244) per ton compared to around 13,000 baht (around $396) per ton last year.
He urged the government to intervene and push up paddy prices. He noted that the government could encourage top rice exporters to buy at least 100,000 tons of rice from the current crop and expand their stocks.Last month, the government asked exporters to delay sales of about 2 million tons of rice to ensure that increased supplies from the upcoming harvest season do not put downward pressure on prices. The government is expecting around 6 million tons of Hom Mali rice from the current harvest.
The Commerce Minister told told local sources that the government will take certain measures to stabilize the price of Thai Hom Mali rice at around 15,000 - 16,000 baht (around $457-$487) per ton. The prescribed rate called the 'median rate' will be announced after approval from the National Rice Policy Committee, he said. The Minister noted that millers and exporters should buy Hom Mali rice from farmers at the 'median rate' and farmers are also educated about the 'median rate' so that they don't end up selling at a loss. He added that the duration of the 'median price' will depend on global prices. However, such a median price had not been announced so far.

Pakistan Rice Exporters Oppose Government Rice Procurement Policy

Nov 24, 2014


Pakistan rice exporters are opposing the rice procurement policy by the government saying it would affect exports by the country as well as destabilize the private sector, which plays a vital role in enhancing rice exports and earning foreign exchange to the country, according to local sources.The Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) was quoted as saying in a statement that the government's interference in the rice procurement activity to guarantee high prices to farmers may lead to eventually losing traditional rice export markets. He noted that when the government procures rice at high prices, it will not be ready to sell at lesser prices and may end up with huge stocks. He added that the government may have to compromise later to get rid of the stocks.
The REAP Chairman reminded that the Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASSCO) procured around 200,000 tons of rice at above-market prices and could not sell those stocks even after six years. Ultimately, the government had to incur losses to the extent of Rs.24 billion (around $236 million). He also cited the example of Thailand, which is currently facing losses due to the rice pledging scheme implemented by the previous government.He also noted that increased government intervention in the rice sector may lead to loss of huge foreign exchange as well as the credibility that the Pakistan exporters have earned all these years. He therefore urged the government to allow private sector to play a significant role in creating value to Pakistan's rice sector.
The REAP Chairman made these comments in the light of Pakistan’s rice sector facing several problems due to increasing input prices, excessive load shedding and declining local prices. The farmers have been demanding subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, land and electricity. Normally governments intervene in such situations by offering to buy paddy from farmers at above-market prices. Foreseeing such a move, the REAP Chairman cautioned the government not to procure rice from farmers , rather he said the government may support the rice farmers and other stakeholders through offering  free seeds, free pesticides, free water, free fertiliser and free electricity as well as through setting up adequate infrastructure and technology.

Follow August 15 Deadline to Tackle Gall Midge Infection in Rice Plants

Nov 24, 2014

In the concluding part of the two-part series on insects and pests that affect the rice plant,  Dr. N. Mallikharjuna Rao, Program Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wyra, Khammam District, talks about more deadly pests that infect the rice plant and the latest management techniques available to tackle it.
Oryza: Gall Midge is an equally notorious pest that affects the rice plant. What are the symptoms the farmer should watch out for?
Dr Mallikharjuna:
The Gall midge (Orseolia oryza) adult is about the size of a mosquito, its abdomen is bright red, while the males are darker in colour. It is a key pest of irrigated and rainfed shallow lowland rice. It is endemic to many parts of India.
Damage symptoms:
- The maggots of this pest cause damage by feeding on the growing tips resulting in elongation of the leaf sheath into a gall.
-  The gall resembling an onion leaf, glistens in the field and hence called a "Silver shoot".
-  The gall forming tiller does not bear a panicle.
-  Early infestation results in profuse tillering of the plants, but most of these new tillers often also become infested.
Oryza: What do you suggest towards management of the pest?
Dr Mallikharjuna:
Early planting wherever possible is the best method of control. The crop must complete tillering before August 15.
-  If late planting is inevitable, gallmidge resistant varieties like Surekha, Phalguna, Kavya, Polasa prabha, Siddi may be grown.
- If susceptible varieties are grown insecticidal treatment should be given.
- Seven to ten days after sowing, apply Carbofuran 3G @ 16 Kg/ac or Phorate 10 G @ 5 Kg/ac in a thin film of water or spray monocrotophos @ 1.6 ml or chlorpyriphos  2ml/lt. of water twice at 10 and 20 days after germination of seed.
-  Apply carbofuran 3G @ 10Kg/acre or phorate 10 G @ 5 kg/acre, at 15-20 days after planting if silver shoots are 5%.
Oryza: Rice thrips is an equally annoying problem. What solutions do we have currently?
Dr Dr Mallikharjuna:
This pest, Stenchaetothrips biformis (Bagnall) occurs in rainfed rice and most abundant during spells of dry weather.  Both nymphs and adults  suck the cell sap from leaves.
Damage symptoms:
- Feeding of thrips causes yellowish streaks initially and the leaves curl longitudinally from the margins inwards leading to sharply pointed leaf tips resembling that of needles, which finally wither.
-In severely infested areas, the plants become lanky and present a sickly appearance.
- Infestation at panicle stage causes sterility.
Control measures:
-Spray monocrotophos 1.6 ml or chlorpyriphos 2.5 ml/litre of water.
Rice hispa: The hispa, Dicladispa armigera (Oliver) is bluish balck in colour and has many spines on its body. It is a minor pest earlier, presently it has attained key pest status in india.
Damage symptoms:
- Grubs mine into the leaves and feed from within whereas adults feed by scraping the chlorophyll content of leaves resulting in longitudinal white stripes.
-  In severe epidemics, the leaves dry up gives burnt appearance.
Control measures:
-Clipping of leaf tips of rice seedlings at the time of transplantation.
- Spray profenophos @2ml or monocrotophos @1.6 ml or chlorpyriphos @ 2.5 ml/litre of water.
Oryza: Swarming caterpillar is another pest that can cause severe damage especially in the aftermath of a flood. How should it be tackled?
Dr Dr Mallikharjuna: The swarming caterpillar, Spodoptera mauritia is an occasional pest. The outbreaks occur immediately after floods, when the water recedes from the field.
Damage symptoms:
-Caterpillar feed voraciously on leaves by cutting off the leaf tips, leaf margins, leaf blade and even the plants at base.
-The attacked paddy field gives a grazed appearance.
Control:
- Remove the weeds both in the field and on bunds
-Fill the paddy nursery with irrigation water to expose the larvae to predators like birds.
- Spray chlorpyriphos 2.5 ml or monocrotophos 1.6 ml/litre of water along with dichlorvos @1 ml during evening hours.


Global Rice Quotes
November 24th, 2014
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade          420-430           ↔
Vietnam 5% broken    395-405           ↔
India 5% broken         395-405           ↓
Pakistan 5% broken    380-390           ↓
Cambodia 5% broken             455-465           ↔
U.S. 4% broken           540-550           ↔
Uruguay 5% broken    595-605           ↔
Argentina 5% broken 595-605           ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken NQ      ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 355-365           ↔
Pakistan 25% broken 335-345           ↓
Cambodia 25% broken           NQ      ↔
India 25% broken       360-370           ↓
U.S. 15% broken         510-520           ↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            405-415           ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    420-430           ↓
India parboiled 5% broken stxd         380-390           ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken       580-590           ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken    570-580           ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%          865-875           ↑
Vietnam Jasmine         530-540           ↔
India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔
Cambodia Phka Malis             835-845           ↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super      330-340           ↔
Vietnam 100% broken            320-330           ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd    315-325           ↓
Cambodia A1 Super   NQ      ↔
India 100% Broken stxd         305-315           ↓
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔
U.S. pet food 445-455           ↔
Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔

All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com
News have been shared with due permission of ORYZA

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