Eat Rice, Save Birds!
Jan 05, 2015
Bird enthusiasts in the region of
Devaswom Padam in Varapuzha, India, are asking supporters to eat more rice –
but not just any rice, specifically pokkali rice purchased from farmers in the
Varapuzha area.The campaign, led by the Cochin Natural History Society (CNHS),
an NGO dedicated to bird conservation, is in response to the drastic reductions
in farmland in the area as farming no longer brings the economic revenue it
once did. As rice paddies decreased, so did the presence of about 50 bird
species that normally frequent the area.
Some of those bird species
include Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, several types of Herons, Little
Egret, and the Asian Openbill, among others. Devaswom Padam in Varapuzha
is one of the favorite wetland birding locations in the region for these
species.
Birders and like-minded
supporters are asked to buy pokkali rice that is farmed by local farmers and,
after processing through a threshing unit, is sold for Rs. 60 per kilogram
(about 95 cents USD). The profit is returned to the farmers to encourage
them to continue engaging in pokkali farming.Last year, there was good demand
for the rice and the biggest obstacle was its transportation to buyers.
One quintal of this rice was sold last year.
Source with thanks:ORYZA.com
Vietnam, Pakistan Rice Quotes Down; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today
Jan 05, 2015
Vietnam rice sellers
lowered their quotes for 100% broken rice and Jasmine rice by about $5 per ton
and $20 per ton to around $325 - $335 per ton and around $490 - $500 per ton,
respectively, today. Pakistan rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken
rice , 100% broken rice and 25% broken rice by about $5 per ton each. Other
Asia rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is quoted
at around $405 - $415 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice
shown at around $380 - $390 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $385 -
$395 per ton, about $10 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around
$375 - $385 per ton, down about $5 per ton from Friday.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice
was last quoted at around $350 - $360 per ton, on par with Vietnam 25% rice
shown at around $350 - $360 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around
$350 - $360, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around
$330 - $340 per ton, down about $5 per ton from Friday.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand parboiled
rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at
around $375 - $385 per ton, about $30 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled
rice quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken
rice, A1 Super, is quoted at around $325 - $335 per ton, down about $5 per ton
from Friday and about $5 per ton discount to Vietnam 100% broken rice
shown at around $330 - $340 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at
around $295 - $305 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Pakistan broken
sortexed rice quoted at around $300 - $310 per ton, down about $5 per ton from
Friday.
Cambodia Exports 387,100 Tons of Rice in 2014; Up 2% from Previous Year
Jan 05, 2015
Cambodia has
exported about 387,100 tons of rice in 2014, up about 2% from around 378,856
tons exported in 2013, according to local sources. About 62% of rice exports
were destined to Europe, according to sources at the Ministry of
Agriculture.The Deputy Director of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) was
quoted as saying that year-on-year increase of rice exports in 2014 were very
meagre compared to about 84% y/y increase in 2013 due to Thailand offloading
its stockpiles accumulated from the controversial rice pledging scheme
introduced by the previous government in October 2011. They also noted that
increasing competition from Myanmar also contributed to a decline in Cambodia's
rice exports. Both Cambodia and Myanmar are included under the European Union's
(EU) Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement under which EU imports rice from Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) at zero duty.
He also noted that
their profit margin in 2014 has reduced significantly compared to that in 2013.
They added that Cambodian exporters need to lower their offer prices to attract
more buyers and consequently increase revenues and profits.The CRF Deputy
Director expressed confidence that 2015 would be a good year in terms of
exports. He said an agreement was struck with China in August 2014 to export
around 100,000 tons of rice in 2015. “While the EU is still our main market, we
see large potential in China,” he was quoted as saying.USDA estimates Cambodia
to export 1.2 million tons of rice (including official and unofficial exports
to Vietnam and Thailand through borders) in 2015, up about 20% from around 1
million tons in 2013.
China Renews Safety Certificates for Two GM Rice Varieties
Jan 05, 2015
China's
Ministry of Agriculture has renewed bio-safety certificates to two varieties of
pest-resistant genetically modified (GM) rice for another five years, according
to Reuters. The Ministry renewed the certificates contrary to its earlier
decision not to renew them.The bio-safety certificates, which were first
granted in 2009, for the two GM rice varieties expired in August last year but
the government decided not to renew the certificates raising doubts about the
commercialization of GM rice in the near future as well as continuation of such
research in the country. The decision was taken in view of public concerns over
the health hazards associated with the growing of GM crops.
However, there are
still concerns over the large-scale production of GM rice and its
commercialization in the China as the Asian nation has almost reached
self-sufficiency in producing conventional varieties of rice.Advocates of GM
rice say it consists of betacarotene, which is useful in treating Vitamin A
Deficiency (VAD) in children.
Fukushima Rice Cleared of Radiation Effects First Time Since Nuclear
Disaster
Jan 05, 2015
Rice grown in
the Fukushima Prefecture of Japan has been cleared of radiation effects by the
government for the first time since the nuclear disaster in 2011, according to
Reuters. Sources at Fukushima Prefecture told media sources that about 360,000
tons of rice from the 2014 harvest have passed government's radiation checks
for the first time since last three years. They noted that none of the rice
samples contained higher than 100 becquerels of radioactive material per
kilogram, the limit set by the government.
They
said very little amounts of rice produced in 2012 and 2013 failed to pass the
government checks but the amount of rice not passing government checks had been
reducing significantly year by year since 2012. The fact that all the 2014 rice
passing the government checks indicates that they had been taking right steps
to reduce the radiation effects, the official who heads the department that
oversees Fukushima rice farming, was quoted as saying.
Rice
farmers and fishermen were hit hardest by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that
led to meltdowns from Tokyo Electric Power Co's nuclear plant. Japan had
suspended rice exports since then.Japan exports around 200,000 tons of rice
annually. USDA estimates Japan to produce around 7.7 million tons of rice in MY
2014-15 (November - October). It estimates Japan to import around 700,000 tons
and export 200,000 tons of rice during the year.
Guyana Exports 501,208 Tons of Rice in 2014; Up 27% from Previous Year
Jan 05, 2015
Guyana has
exported around 501,208 tons of rice in 2014, up about 27% from around 394,000
tons exported in 2013, local sources quoted Agriculture Minister as saying.The
South American country exported around 187,995 tons of rice to Venezuela,
around 59,279 tons to Panama, around 99,000 tons to the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) and around 102,000 tons to Europe, according to the Minister.
He
noted that Guyana is exploring export agreements with several West African
countries.Guyana produced around 633,000 tons, up about 18% from around 535,212
tons from last year, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The Agriculture
Minister noted that the government immensely supported the rice sector
especially in providing fertilizers at subsidized prices and ensuring timely
payments ti farmers. He added that the same support would be extended in 2015
as well.
Guyana's
both rice production and export figures surpassed estimations by USDA and the
UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). USDA estimated the country to
produce 620,000 tons of milled rice in the MY 2014-15 (January 2014 - December
2014) and export about 450,000 tons. The country's consumption needs during the
year are estimated at 145,000 tons. The FAO estimated Guyana to produce 570,000
tons of milled rice and export around 460,000 tons in 2014.
India Government Procures 14.918 Million Tons of Rice as of January 1, 2015
in KMS 2014-15
Jan 05, 2015
The Food
Corporation of India (FCI), the nodal agency for food grain procurement and
distribution has procured around 14.918 million tons of rice as of January 1,
2015 in KMS 2014-15 (October 2014 - September 2015), according to data by the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Punjab (7.78 million
tons) and Haryana (1.995 million tons) are the top contributors to the central
pool so far in KMS 2014-15.The Indian government is targeting to procure 30.05
million tons of rice during the KMS 2014-15. Last year, the Indian government
procured 31.86 million tons of rice against the targeted 34.29 million tons due
to sluggish arrivals from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where paddy production was
badly affected by cyclones and excess rainfall.
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Market Participants Return from Vacation to
Weaker Prices; Export Sales Hit Marketing Year Low
Jan 05, 2015
The
U.S. cash market was dead today as market participants returned from vacation
to find a market with little to no sell or buy interest at the current
levels.Many sellers who were hoping for prices to improve after the first of
the year were disappointed by the bids they were seeing today as buyers
continue to drop their bids in tandem with the future markets.In the meantime,
the USDA reported that cumulative net export sales for the week ending on
December 25 totaled 9,200 tons, a marketing year low, which was 86% lower
than last week and 90% lower than the prior 4-week average.
Increases
were reported for the following destinations: 3,500 tons to Guatemala which was
switched from unknown destinations, 2,800 tons to Mexico, 2,000 tons to El
Salvador including 1,000 tons switched from unknown destinations, 1,400 tons to
South Korea, and 1,400 tons to Jordan . Decreases of 4,500 tons were
reported for unknown destinations.U.S. rice exporters shipped 91,500 tons,
which was 43% higher than last week and 32% higher than the prior 4-week
average. The primary destinations included 60,600 tons to Iraq, 12,100 tons
to Japan, 10,000 tons to Mexico, 3,500 tons to Guatemala, and 2,000 tons
to El Salvador.
Indonesia Hopes for Zero Rice Imports in 2015
Jan 05, 2015
Indonesia
is hoping to import no rice in 2015 given good prospects for paddy production
during the year, according to local sources. Acting President of the State
Logistics Agency Bulog has noted that the government aims to increase 2015
paddy rice production by about 4% to around 73.4 million tons (around 48.44
million tons, basis milled) from an estimated 70.61 million tons (around 46.65
million tons, basis milled) in 2014. If the target is reached successfully,
there would be no need to import rice because of sufficient stockpiles and
price stability in the country, he added.
Speaking at a
seminar in South Jakarta today, he noted that increased production would help
Bulog to procure about 3.2 million tons of rice for stockpiling and ensure
about 2 million tons of rice in reserves even after meeting local demand and
government's 'rice for the poor' (Raskin) program. He said currently Bulog has
1.7 to 1.8 million tons of rice in stockpiles. In 2014, Bulog could procure
only 2.77 million tons of rice against the targeted 3.2 million tons and had to
import around 425,000 tons of rice from Vietnam and Thailand to compensate for
the shortfall.
Deputy Trade
Minister noted that local farmers are well equipped to deal with extreme
weather conditions to ensure minimum losses in production.The new President,
who took charge on October 20, 2014, is keen on achieving self-sufficiency in
rice production and ending rice imports within the next two years. In line with
the set targets, the government is planning to rehabilitate around one million
hectares of tertiary irrigation channels for paddy production and distribute
25,000 tons of subsidized seeds and subsidized fertilizer for around one
million hectares of paddy fields. The government has allocated around Rp 2
trillion ($163.8 million) for the purpose.
USDA estimates
Indonesia to produce around 36.5 million tons of rice, basis milled (around
57.48 million tons, basis paddy) and import around 1.3 million tons of rice in
MY 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015).
Global
Rice Quotes
January 6th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 420-430 ↔
Vietnam 5% broken 375-385 ↓
India 5% broken 385-395 ↔
Pakistan 5% broken 375-385 ↔
Cambodia 5% broken 455-465 ↔
U.S. 4% broken 510-520 ↔
Uruguay 5% broken 595-605 ↔
Argentina 5% broken 595-605 ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken NQ ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 345-355 ↓
Pakistan 25% broken 330-340 ↔
Cambodia 25% broken 435-445 ↔
India 25% broken 350-360 ↔
U.S. 15% broken 495-505 ↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 405-415 ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 405-415 ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 375-385 ↔
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% 895-905 ↔
Vietnam Jasmine 510-520 ↔
India basmati 2% broken NQ ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails 805-815 ↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 330-340 ↔
Vietnam 100% broken 325-335 ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 300-310 ↔
Cambodia A1 Super 365-375 ↔
India 100% broken stxd 295-305 ↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ ↔
U.S. pet food 390-400 ↔
Brazil half grain NQ ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel,
oryza.com
Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Trade Higher Supported
by Rallying Grains
Jan 05, 2015
Chicago
rough rice futures for Mar delivery settled 4 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton)
higher at $11.585 per cwt (about $255 per ton). Rough rice futures traded
slightly higher today, finding support from broad based buying across the grain
complex. The other grains also closed higher today; Soybeans closed about
3.7% higher at $10.4525 per bushel; wheat finished about 1.3% higher at $5.8900
per bushel, and corn finished the day about 2.6% higher at $4.0600 per
bushel.U.S. stocks fell sharply on Monday, with the S&P 500 extending
losses into a fourth session, as energy companies took it on the chin as the
price of oil fell to its lowest since April 2009. On the New York Mercantile
Exchange, U.S. light crude, also known as West Texas Intermediate, fell 4.7%,
with futures for February delivery briefly falling as low as $49.95, and lately
down $2.25 at $50.44 a barrel.
In Greece, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said
the current election campaign could result in a departure from the European
Union should the Syriza party win, with the comments helping push the euro to a
near nine-year low. After a 335-point fall, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
shed 294.64 points, or 1.7%, to 17,538.35. The S&P 500 declined 36.77
points, or 1.8%, to 2,021.43, with energy hardest hit and all 10 of its major
sectors losing ground. The Nasdaq dropped 70.57 points, or 1.5%, to 4,656.24.
Gold is trading about 1.4% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 4.3% lower,
and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.4% higher at about 1:00pm
Chicago time.Friday, there were 543 contracts traded, down from 845 contracts
traded on Wednesday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on
Friday decreased by 3 contracts to 8,927.
Ghana Small Scale Traders Urge Government to Reconsider Ban on Inland Rice
Importation
Jan 05, 2015
The
Small Scale Rice Dealers Association of Ghana (SSRIDA-GH) has sought the
Ministry of Trade and Industry to reconsider the ban on inland rice importation
or consider a total and immediate ban on rice imports to protect the interests
of small scale rice traders from large foreign traders, according to local
sources.Ghana imposed ban on inland rice importation in November 2013 and said
it would allow rice imports only through the Kotoka International Airport
(KIA), and Tema and Takoradi ports to restrict rice smuggling and ensure that
imported rice is levied with the proper import duties and taxes.
The
National Coordinator of SSRIDA-GH noted that the current ban on inland rice
importation alone is severely impacting small scale rice traders and is
favoring major players in the industry. It is particularly encouraging foreign
traders to dominate the local rice industry as small traders do not have
sufficient capital base to carry out their businesses through air or sea. He
reiterated that all the small traders never evaded taxes at borders.The members
of Greater Accra Market Association (GAMA) have also been urging the government
to reconsider the ban on inland rice importation as it was leading to increase
in rice prices and was favoring foreign businessmen at the expense of local
entrepreneurs.
Ghana
produces only 35% of the required demand of around 975,000 tons and imports the
rest. Ghana's annual rice import bill stood at $306 million in 2013 and the
government is planning to increase rice production by about 20% per annum over
the next four years to make Ghana self-sufficient in rice.According to the
USDA, Ghana’s rice production is estimated at about 352,000 tons (milled basis)
in MY 2013-14 (October - September). The U.S. agency expects Ghana to import 600,000
tons of rice during the year to meet consumption needs of around 975,000 tons
of rice. It estimates Ghana to produce about 330,000 tons and import about
620,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15.
Vietnam Targets to Export About 7.5 Million Tons of Rice in 2015
Jan 05, 2015
The Vietnam
Food Association (VFA) is targeting to export between 7 million tons and 7.5
million tons of rice (including about 6.7 million tons of official and about
300,000 - 800,000 tons of non-official exports to China) in 2015, according
to Reuters. According to the information on the Vietnam Customs Department
website, Vietnam is expected to export around 2.4 million tons of rice to China
(both official and unofficial), about 1 million tons to Indonesia, about
500,000 tons - 1.1 million tons to Malaysia and about 1.5 million tons of rice
to the Philippines this year.
Vietnam
exported around 7.5 million tons of rice, including about 6.4 million tons of
official rice exports and around 1.1 million tons of unofficial rice exports to
China through borders) in 2014, according to the VFA.Vietnam stood as the
world's second largest rice exporter in 2012 and 2013 after India. However,
with Thailand rebounding with increased rice sales in 2014, India and Vietnam
slipped to the second and third positions respectively. The three countries
account for over two-thirds of global rice trade, according to the UN's Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO).USDA estimates Vietnam to produce around
28.25 million tons of rice, basis milled (around 45.2 million tons, basis
paddy) and (officially) export around 6.7 million tons in MY 2014-15 (January
2015 - December 2015).
Contents are published with permission of ORYZA.com
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