Saturday, February 28, 2015

27th February (Friday),2015 Daily Global Rice Digital Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Reps probe Stallion Group, Popular Foods, Olam over N43b import duty evasion
By Luke Ajulo
February 27, 2015 00:26:08am GMT |
National Assembly
Description: http://worldstagegroup.com/media/527679504247.jpegWorldStage Newsonline-- The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a motion to  investigate all investor companies involved in rice importation under the new policy. Specifically, three major companies-Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nig Lt were said to have exceeded their approved quota and evaded payment of import duties to the Federal Government to the tune of about N43 billion.
The investigation was expected to ascertain the exact amount owed government by the affected companies.In addition, the investigation would ascertain the approved quota for each importer against their excess imports in metric tons.Appropriate measures for recovering the debt would also be recommended by the investigation panel. The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of the prayers of a motion by Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) who accused major importers of conniving with foreign investors to undermine the nation's economy.He said: "Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nig Ltd in collusion with their foreign investors have imported rice exceeding their approved quota and thus owe the Federal government about N28.399 billion.
"Stallion Group and Popular Foods with an unpaid outstanding import duty of over N15 billion have imported another 85,000mts of rice into the country."The actions of the companies are capable of scuttling the country's self-sufficiency drive in rice production and act and also deny the Federal government the needed revenue on import duties".The motion was unanimously adopted when it was out to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.The report on the investigation was expected to be turned in three weeks.

House to Probe Rice Importers

27 Feb 2015

Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal
Muhammad Bello in Abuja
The House of Representatives Thursday resolved to investigate companies involved in rice importation under the federal government policy aimed at encouraging investment in local rice production.

Description: Aminu-Tambuwal-0509.jpg - Aminu-Tambuwal-0509.jpgThe crux of the matter that precipitated the motion that led to the resolution was the allegation that some companies in concert with some foreign investors have imported the commodity in a manner that exceeded “their approved quota and thus owe the federal government about N28,399 billion.

”The companies fingered are: Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nigeria Limited. The House regretted that Stallion Group/ Popular Foods, with an unpaid outstanding import duty of over N15 billion, has imported another 85,000 metric tonnes of rice into the country.Hon. Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) expressed concern “that the actions of these companies are capable of scuttling the nation’s self-sufficiency drive in rice production and an act which deny the federal government the needed revenue on import duties.”


PhilRice Agusan is best branch station anew
February 26, 2015
REMEDIOS T. ROMULADEZ, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- PhilRice Agusan received the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest – an annual internal competition organized by the Institute to elevate and improve the modalities in promoting new technologies in rice production. It also aims to highlight the best-fit practices of the stations in rice Research and Development (R&D).PhilRice Agusan was also recognized for successfully and creatively executing the Intensified Rice-Based Agri-bio Systems (IRBAS) program in support of PhilRice’s major advocacy, the Rural Transformation Movement (RTM).RTM aims to help reduce poverty by promoting diversified farming and agri-business ventures.
Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support services including training, inputs, custom services, technologies, product development and packaging, and marketing.“I thank the PhilRice management for organizing this contest and all my colleagues for keeping our station beautiful,” said Abner T. Montecalvo, station manager.PhilRice Midsayap and Batac placed second and third, respectively, and were cited for creating a strategic research direction and for continually improving their internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated Management Systems standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.The following awards were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baños; Most Interactive Field Day to Negros; and Most Innovative External Linkage to Bicol.

The judges traveled across the country to evaluate each station based on the following: IRBAS (Rural Transformation Campaign Execution); level of mechanization; organization of field day; varietal demo; client satisfaction; innovations; internal processes and financial reports; housekeeping and safety; state of infrastructure; income generation; and station management.The judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former director for communications of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Dr. Genaro San Valentin and Thelma Padolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan, founder of Good Food Community; and Donald Mateo, from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).

PhilRice Agusan had earlier received the Best Field Day (2011) and Best Station awards (2013).
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on November 5, 1985 (as amended) to help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. (PhilRice Web Team/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Philippines to import 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand and Vietnam

Friday, 27 February 2015 08:40

The Philippines will sign deals with Thailand and Vietnam to import 500,000 tonnes of rice as the country looks to boost buffer stock ahead of the lean harvest season

According to the USDA, the Philippines may import 1.6mn tonnes of rice in 2015. (Image source: Paul Suesskind/Flickr)
Description: rice-thailandAccording to the country’s National Food Authority (NFA), the country is expected to sign the contracts for the rice deal on or before 10 March 2015.NFA is an agricultural agency, which is responsible for ensuring the food security of the country and the stability of supply and price of rice.“Thailand had offered to sell 100,000 tonnes of rice worth US$780 per tonne. The prices were lower than Vietnam’s offers, but Vietnam agreed to match Thailand’s bid and the country will ship the remaining 150,000 tonnes of rice.

All shipments will arrive in the Philippines by 30 April 2015,” added NFA.In 2015, NFA may import rice between 500,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes. The NFA currently imports most of the rice requirement for buffer stocking.Despite record high domestic harvests in recent years, including last year’s output, the Philippines remains one of the world’s biggest rice buyers. In 2014, the Philippines imported around 1.7mn tonnes of rice.



Rice stockpiles to be cleared in 2 years

The Nation/Asia News NetworkFriday, Feb 27, 2015
Description: Rice stockpiles to be cleared in 2 yearsDespite delaying a plan to release rice under an auction, the Commerce Ministry is confident it will be able to clear huge stocks within two years, said Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya.He said that the ministry planned to release up to 18 million tonnes of rice via auctions and negotiate with rice-import countries to receive huge amounts under government-to-government (G-to-G) contracts.The general said that Thailand had between 17-18 million tonnes stockpiled, and it recently negotiated to sell 2 million tonnes to China.Although the ministry wanted to clear the warehouses, Chatchai said, the government would carefully consider all proposed contracts through the G-to-G and bidding processes to ensure transparency and prevent contracts defaulting.

If any bidder were found have a suspect background, the ministry would not sell rice to that dealer.Under the plan to clear rice stocks, the ministry previously announced it aimed to sell about 10 million tonnes under many methods this year, including selling about one million tonnes via general auction each month.However, the ministry could sell only about 500,000 tonnes through an auction in January, and will on March 6 open the second auction for one million tonnes after missing the February auction date.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said that the ministry had already sold more than two million tonnes of rice in the first two months of the year.Of those, she said about 1.5 million tonnes was sold under G-to-G contracts.
She said that the government was confident of releasing rice amounts as planned because many traders were interested in joining the government's auctions due to the main harvest season ending.Moreover, she said that in August the ministry would release low-grade rice grain to the market to supply the manufacturing sector.


Thailand offers lowest rice bid price

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales | Feb. 27, 2015 at 11:05pm
Thailand on Friday offered the lowest bid to supply 500,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines this year to boost Manila’s buffer stocks for the lean season.The National Food Authority invited Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to supply rice under a government-to-government procurement deal. Cambodia did not join the auction.The NFA Council earlier agreed to import 250,000 metric tons with 25 percent brokens and 250,000 MT with 15 percent brokens of well-milled long grain white rice to augment the country’s stock, especially during the lean season that starts in July.
The NFA said 50 percent of the volume awarded would be delivered not later than March 31 this year, while the balance would be shipped not later than April 30, 2015Thailand offered to supply 100,000 metric tons with 15 percent brokens at $441 per metric ton, while Vietnam tendered 250,000 metric tons at $442.50 a ton.Both offers were below the reference price of $442.94 per metric ton.NFA special assistant to the administrator Patricia Galang-De Jesus said Vietnam agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $441 per metric ton.
For the 25 percent brokens, Thailand offered to supply 100,000 metric tons at $421 per metric ton while Vietnam tendered 250,000 tons at $424.50 a ton.The NFA said both offers were also lower than the $425.85 per metric ton reference price.“For the 25 percent brokens, Vietnam also agreed to match the offer of Thailand for the remaining 150,000 metric tons at $ 421 per metric ton,” De Jesus said.NFA procurement committee chairman Piolito Santos said the agency would recommend the results of the government-to-government offers for final approval of the NFA Council.“We expect to complete the issuance of notice of award not later than March 3. The signing of contract will not be on March 4 to 10,” Santos said.

Pricey rice may mar auction

27 Feb 2015 at 07:45 3,885 viewed0 comments
NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS
The government's ambitious attempt to sell its rice stocks could hit a snag as demand ebbs for costly Thai grains.Thailand is likely to face difficulty selling rice now that global market demand is slowing amid greater supply and price competition, said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.World rice trade is estimated at 41 million tonnes this year, down from an earlier forecast of 42 million tonnes, he said.
Worse still, Vietnamese rice prices have dropped significantly, with 5% white rice quoted at US$350 a tonne. The price of Thai 5% white rice, meanwhile, is as high as $400-405 a tonne."We expect most buying nations are now delaying their purchases to wait and see about the rice price situation," Mr Chookiat said.As a result, he predicts tepid participation from bidders in the state's second rice auction of an additional 1 million tonnes to take place next week, with the government selling 400,000 tonnes at best.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the government was set to call the second auction for an additional 1,008,837 tonnes next Thursday.
The total includes 762,700 tonnes of 5% white rice, with the rest comprising 10% white rice, 15% white rice, 25% white rice, 10% white glutinous rice and broken rice.The rice up for sale will be available at 124 state warehouses in 33 provinces, with the names of qualified bidders announced next Friday.The government sold about half the nearly 1 million tonnes of rice put up during the year's first auction last month.The plan is to dispose of 17 million tonnes of rice in state stockpiles within two years, with 10 million tonnes to be sold this year.Sales this year will consist of both premium-grade rice (60%) and substandard grains (40%).Keep up-to-date with the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call *4513910
Courtesy: Bangkok Post

B10bn budget to aid farmers' co-ops
27 Feb 2015 WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS
The government plans to spend about 10 billion baht to promote the business roles of rice and palm growers' cooperatives nationwide. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Related search
Agricultural cooperatives, rice farmers, palm oil
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to spend 9.9 billion baht on improving the business capabilities of rice and oil palm farmers' cooperatives over the next five years.Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Pitipong Phuengboon Na Ayudhaya said on Thursday the government intended to strengthen the organisations of rice farmers and palm growers, who made up a substantial proportion of the farming community.
About 6.5 billion baht would fund projects to enable rice growers' cooperatives in 19 provinces to gather and process more paddy. Their paddy collection capabilities should increase from 450,000 tonnes in 2014 to 948,000 tonnes by 2019, and their rice processing capability should rise from 53,000 tonnes in 2014 to 134,000 tonnes in 2019, Mr Pitipong said.Members of rice farmers' cooperatives grew rice in 26 million rai of land, which accounted for 48% of all paddy fields in the country, and they produced 11.3 million tonnes of grain, about 39% of the national crop, the minister said.

About 3.4 billion baht would be spent to promote the integration of palm plantations, increase palm oil production, and support growers' capabilities for gathering and processing palm nut yields. Keep up-to-date with the latest on coup d'etat with Bangkok Post SMS News. Call *451391000 to subscribe – 39 baht/month (7 days free, available in Thailand only) Bangkok Post SMS News: Deliver only trustworthy news on SMS
Courtesy: The Bangkok Post
In Victory for Farmers, USDA Extends Base Acre and Yield Update Deadline 
Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhBxflb04eDtT64t_nFjUFXECkFJk_9o9zvigNOEm1DaGaTcwaeomHfSxHjPUJXjkyYbHVGGOCVDhu9v4ApF6KFEn_oGWdYpOTKnF00F7tE8j4jOxx1t8GvSXAZwlIt2dxpV-PgaTqU8LoHF_xl3ReHD2h8nD7HSrk1GlJ3vIy2Fu6Zf5Gmw7nkDG7kd6xLAdabxKI=s0-d-e1-ft       
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a one month extension for producers to update yield history and reallocate base acres for the new commodity programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill.  The previous cutoff date had been today, but the new deadline is now March 31, 2015."This flexibility provided by the department is greatly appreciated by farmers in every state and region, but is especially important to those of us in rice producing regions as we are already in the field preparing ground for this year's crop,"  said John Owen, a Louisiana grower and Chairman of the USA Rice Federation Producers' Group.
 "Without this extension, thousands of farmers would not have the opportunity to align the new programs with their most recent plantings and yields and would be substantially disadvantaged in what looks to be a rough few years in farm country due to depressed commodity prices."If no changes are made to yield history or base acres by March 31, 2015, the farm's current yield and base will be used.  Additionally, a program election of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made by March 31, 2015, or there will be no 2014 payments for the farm and the farm will default to PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year.
"I hope everyone takes these deadlines seriously," Owen said, "if all the owners and producers involved in an operation aren't on the same page and haven't signed the proper documentation, no financial assistance will be available for losses from last year's crop."  Owen encouraged all growers to visit or call their local FSA office today.
Contact:  Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471
World Market Price Meeting Covers Reporting Mechanisms, Thailand, South Korea and More       
  Keith Glover
WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday morning, the World Market Price Subcommittee convened to discuss planting prospects for the coming year, rice price reporting to National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and trade issues facing the rice industry.Representatives from NASS answered questions and clarified reporting guidelines.  ccurate reporting of prices received by farmers is especially important this year for the successful execution of programs under the 2014 farm bill. "It is critically important the prices reported reflect what farmers are actually receiving for their rice," said Subcommittee Chairman Keith Glover.
 "This will ensure U.S. farmers enrolled in the new ARC/PLC programs will be covered for losses due to uncontrollable price declines, which is the intent of the program." The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) updated the group on the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.  At the subcommittee's request, FAS also shared information on Thai rice stocks and their Rice Paddy Pledging program as well as South Korea's progress implementing new tariff rates.The 2013-15 USA Rice Foundation Leadership Class also attended the meeting, having graduated from their two-year program earlier in the week.

They saw first-hand the variety of topics covered by the World Market Price subcommittee, and how members work with government officials to tackle tough issues facing the U.S. rice industry.Chairman Glover was pleased with the depth of topics discussed on Thursday, saying, "We expressed our most sincere appreciation to USDA and NASS for working with the U.S. rice industry."
 Contact:  Kristen Dayton (703) 236-1464
USA Rice Launches Flickr Account:  Get Up Close and Personal with USA Rice         
Calling all shutterbugs!
ARLINGTON, VA -- Ready for your close up?  The USA Rice Federation is launching its Flickr account, a popular website designed to optimize the process of sharing photos publicly."Flickr is an effective way to organize pictures into photo albums based on location and event," explained Michael Klein, USA Rice's vice president for marketing, communications, and domestic promotion."We're going to provide a structured platform for USA Rice members, the media, and nutrition professionals to access and download high resolution images that depict the many dimensions of the rice industry.
"USA Rice's Flickr account debuts with an extensive array of pictures from the recent Government Affairs Conference and will be frequently updated with pictures of USA Rice conferences and events.  Flickr will also serve as an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the rice industry that will keep our members informed about everything that is happening at USA Rice. Klein added he's looking forward to including images of rice production to help tell the industry's story, and members are encouraged to submit pictures from their rice operations for inclusion.To submit images for consideration, email Colleen Klemczewski at cklem@usarice.com.  A link to the Flickr account will be added to the USA Rice website in an effort to make it easily accessible to USA Rice members and the public.
 Contact:  Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446
Japan Announces Results of 13th Ordinary Import Tender in FY 2014         



Country of Origin
Variety
Number of Importer
Quantity (MT)
Participated Bidders
Amount of Bids (MT)






USA
Non-glutinous milled rice (medium grain)
3
36,000
20
240,000
Thailand
Non-glutinous milled rice
(long grain)
3
14,856
17
92,568






Grand Total

6
50,856
37
332,568






Avg Price for Successful Bids

JPY 94,736/mt

JPY 102,315/mt
(tax excluded)

(tax included)

Millers take brunt of blockade


700 rice mills in Pabna shut as transport cost goes up
Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, Pabna
Description: Three of the four mills in Joynagar village in Pabna were closed after the non-stop blockade began early last month. Photo: StarThings may not seem that bad in the capital, but elsewhere the almost two-month-long blockade coupled with frequent hartal has hit every aspect of people's lives very hard. With inter-district communications snapped, businesses have come to a near-halt, education is in tatters, farmers are counting heavy losses and people venture out of their homes in constant panic. In this series, we look at how the blockade and shutdown are affecting public life outside Dhaka.  
Three of the four mills in Joynagar village in Pabna were closed after the non-stop blockade began early last month. Photo: Star
Like most businesses of the country, commercial rice milling in Pabna district has been hit hard by the ongoing blockade and hartals by the anti-government alliance.Millers are counting hefty losses due to a sharp rise in transportation cost and drop in sales.As a result, around 700 out of 800 rice mills in one of the largest rice producing districts of the country have been closed after the BNP-led alliance began the countrywide transport blockade on January 6, said Idris Ali Bishwas, president of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.
Description: The mill, is now open but operating with 10 people, half its usual workforce. The photos were taken a few days ago. Photo: StarOver 10,000 people have lost their jobs in the process, he told The Daily Star recently."Due to the shortage of transports, processed rice could not be sent to markets across the country. On the other hand, millers could not bring paddy from the wholesale markets to their mills," said Main Uddin, district food controller of Pabna.The district's Ishwardi upazila alone has 650 rice mills, over 500 mills of which have been shut down since the blockade began, said Fazlur Rahman Malitha, president of Ishwardi Rice Producers' Association.
The mill, is now open but operating with 10 people, half its usual workforce. The photos were taken a few days ago. Photo: Star
He said rice millers are incurring huge losses due to the fall in prices of rice. The rising volume of import of rice from India also dealt another blow.Miller Touhidul Islam of Joynagar village said he had lost Tk 2 lakh as his mill was closed from January 10 to February 20."Over 200 sacks of rice, processed early January, have remained stacked in my warehouse. I cannot sell them due to a shortage of transports. As I could not sell rice, I can't buy paddy. So, I had to keep my mill closed."
However, Touhid last week bought some paddy in Jessore, but he had to count the transport cost twice the usual rate as most truck owners are not operating their vehicles, fearing attacks by blockaders. Opposition blockaders have firebombed and damaged over a thousand vehicles in their bid to cripple the country's communications and supply networks.And those, who are operating vehicles defying the odds, are charging double the normal fare.
"Due to the rise in transport cost, the production cost of each sack of rice has increased by Tk 200-300," Touhid said. "On the other hand, local retailers are reluctant to pay the additional price. Rather, they are going for the cheaper rice imported from India."At retail level, imported coarse rice is being sold at Tk 28-29 per kg while the local variety is being sold at Tk 35-36 per kg.
What's worse for Touhid is that he could not pay the installments of bank loans."In a normal situation, I would earn Tk 2 lakh a month. But now I earn nothing," he said, urging the political parties to resolve the current crisis as quickly as possible for the sake of businesses.Mizanur Rahman Babu, also from Joynagar, has kept his mill shut for two weeks now."If I run the mill, I would face a loss of Tk 1.5-2 lakh every month. But if the mill is closed, then the loss will be Tk 30,000-40,000 … So, it is better to keep the mill shut,” said Mizan.
The rice millers fear they would face an even direr situation if the political stalemate continues."If the [political] situation does not become normal soon, most rice millers would face huge financial losses, as they have to repay bank loans even if there is no production at all," said Idris of Pabna Rice Mill Owners' Association.

First Global Pesticide Runoff Map Shows Streams At Risk

 


Description: West BankLEIPZIG, Germany, February 27, 2015 (ENS) – The application of insecticides poisons streams in roughly 40 percent of the global land surface, new research reveals. Streams in the United States, the Mediterranean, Central America and Southeast Asia are most at risk.These findings are drawn from the first global map to be modeled on insecticide runoff to surface waters, which has just been published in the journal “Environmental Pollution” by an international team of scientists.

Application of pesticide on the West Bank (Photo courtesy Helmholtz Center)

Description: pesticideUntil now the global extent of the potential water pollution from the application of insecticides has remained largely unknown, according to the authors, who are researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the University of Koblenz-Landau together with scientists from the University of Milan, Aarhus University and Aachen University. “Our analysis provides a global map of hotspots for insecticide contamination that are a major risk for biodiversity in water bodies.


 To our knowledge this is the first study that assesses insecticide contamination of water bodies on a global scale,” says Professor Dr. Matthias Liess from the Helmholtz Center, who serves on the scientific advisory board for Germany’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products.The authors estimate that about four million tons of agricultural pesticides are applied annually around the world, equating to an average of 0.27 kilograms per hectare of the global land surface.Pesticide contamination of streams kills their invertebrate inhabitants such as insects, crustaceans, snails and worms. These small creatures are often used as indicators of the health of streams.“We know from earlier investigations that pesticides can reduce the biodiversity of invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems by up to 42 percent and that we can expect an increased application of pesticides as a result of climate change,” explains Dr. Liess.


Pesticide is applied to an Egyptian tomato field. (Photo by Mohamad Khedr)


He warns also of an increase in the application of pesticides in many developing countries as farmers switch from traditional agricultural practices to more intensive ones.The researchers produced several world maps. The vulnerability map only takes into account the geographic and climatic background.The risk map shows the risks from this natural vulnerability through human land use.“The risks of insecticide exposure to water bodies increased significantly the further South one travelled on a North-South gradient in Europe, North America and Asia, mainly driven by a higher insecticide application rate as a result of higher average temperatures,” said Dr. Mira Kattwinkel, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology.

Because the economy and the population are growing rapidly in many countries of the southern hemisphere, scientists expect a higher insecticide application rate in those countries in the future to cover an increase in agricultural production.Daily rainfall intensity, terrain slope, and insecticide application rate play an equally important role as well as the crops cultivated,” explains junior professor Dr. Ralf Schäfer from the University of Koblenz-Landau.“In order to test such complex models, we therefore carried out control measurements of insecticide contamination in freshwater ecosystems from four different regions,” he said.In Southeast Asia, countries such as the Philippines or Vietnam are greatly affected.

Helmholtz Center researchers are looking into solutions for such regions together with the International Rice Research Institute, in an attempt to reduce pesticide application rates.One approach could be to revitalize the functioning of ecosystems so that the natural competitors of rice pests can help to avoid their mass reproduction and subsequent harvest yield losses.In another approach, buffer zones along the edges of water bodies where chemicals are not applied can reduce the negative impacts of pesticides.The researchers intend to use the global map to sensitize citizens and authorities about this issue in vulnerable regions and to stimulate local investigations.
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures  

CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 27
Month
Price
Net Change

March 2015
$10.470
+ $0.085
May 2015
$10.745
+ $0.090
July 2015
$11.985
+ $0.085
September 2015
$11.060
+ $0.085
November 2015
$11.255
+ $0.115
January 2016
$11.345
+ $0.115
March 2016
$11.345
+ $0.115


APEDA  Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-02-2015

APEDA Statistics


Today's Leads


Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-02-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs/Qtl
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Maize
1
Amreli (Gujarat)
Other
1450
1450
2
Bellary (Karnataka)
Local
1201
1286
3
Saharsa (Bihar)
Other
1310
1400
Paddy(Dhan)
1
Borsad (Gujarat)
Other
1200
1400
2
Kota (Rajasthan)
Other
1381
2214
3
Saharsa(Bihar)
Other
1360
1400
Pine Apple
1
Chala (Kerala)
Other
1800
1850
2
Sirhind(Punjab)
Other
2000
2800
3
Kangra(Himachal Pradesh)
Other
2800
3000
Brinjal
1
Attingal (Kerala)
Other
1500
2000
2
Angul (Orissa)
Other
1000
1500
3
Gumla(Jharkhand)
Other
1000
1600
Source: agmarknet
Egg
Rs per 100 No.
Price on 26-02-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Mysore
283
2
Nagapur
246
3
Namakkal
255
Source: e2necc.com
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 26-02-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Garlic
1
Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1800
2
Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2000
3
Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1300
Ginger
1
Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
4600
2
Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
5100
3
Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3000
Guar Gum Powder
1
Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
4230
2
Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
1550
3
Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
2950
Source:agra-net
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ / package
Price on 26-02-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Potatoes
Package: 50 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Colorado
Russet
21
21.50
2
Baltimore
Idaho
Russet 
22.50
24
3
Chicago
Idaho
Russet
18
20
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
Mexico
Long  Seedless
12
13.50
2
Chicago
Canada
Long  Seedless
13.50
13.50
3
Dallas
California
Long  Seedless
21
21
Grapes
Package: 4/5 bushel cartons
1
Atlanta
Peru
Red Globe
20.50
21.50
2

 

More from this Week's Government Affairs Conference         

USA Rice Producers' Chairman John Owen presents
Rice Industry Champion Award
to Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and
USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley at USA Rice-DU luncheon
Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA)
meets with Louisiana delegation
Carl Brothers briefing
House Ways & Means staff
Keith Glover and Nolan Canon
Chuck Wilson (third from left)
enjoys lunch with the
Rice Leadership Class
Rice Leadership Class at
GAC General Session
From left:  Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR)
 with AR producers Steve Orlicek and
Joe Mencer

Chris Crutchfield and Todd Burich take a load off at the end of GAC

Devant: 500 acres in Felicity for rice farming

By Joel Julien joel.julien@trinidadexpress.com

Story Created: Feb 26, 2015 at 9:51 PM ECT
FIVE hundred acres of land in Central Trinidad previous­ly earmarked to house a milita­ry hospital and support batta­li­on for the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment have now been approved for rice produc-tion, Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj has said.The land has the potential of producing some $6 million worth of rice, Maharaj said.Maharaj made the announcement at the weekly post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair yesterday.The land in question, which is located in Felicity, Chaguanas, was previously owned by Caroni 1975 Ltd.
“Cabinet approved 500 acres of agricultural lands at Felicity, Chaguanas, to be utilised by the Ministry (of Food Production) for rice cultivation. Under the Ministry’s Food Production Action Plan 2012-2015, rice has been identified as a key staple to betargeted for increased local production,” Maharaj said.“One of the main approaches taken to ramp up this production is to increase the land area under rice production by utilising all available potential rice-growing areas,” he said.Maharaj said the area in question was previously allocated to the Ministry of National Security but because nothing has been done with it, Cabinet instead opted to hand the land over to the Food Production Ministry.“The parcel of land formerly owned by Caroni 1975 Limited was previously allocated to the Ministry of National Security in 2006 for the establishment of the support and service battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and military hospital,” Maharaj said.
“However since then to now, no action has been taken with respect to further devel­opment and the land remainedunderutilised,” he said. Maharaj said the soil in the area is “ideally suited” for rice cultivation.“The Ministry of Food Production has identified that the soil type in this area consists of Frederick and Bejucal clays, which have been identified by soil sci­entists as ideally suited for rice culti­vation,” Maharaj said.“When brought into commercial rice cultivation, this 500-acre parcel of land can produce some 2,800 tonnes of paddy or an equivalent of 1,700 tonnes of rice, valued at approximately $6 milli­on,” he said.

Maharaj said this will have a “significant impact” on the local rice industry.“This will indeed have a significant impact on the local rice industry and directly and indirectly through the various activities associated with bringing these lands into full commercial rice production,” he said.Maharaj said the Food Production Ministry was currently working with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to rectify the water woes currently being experienced by local rice farmers.
www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Devant-500-acres-in-Felicity-for-rice-farming-294305261.html

Armed militias in Karachi not acceptable: Nawaz

 

* PM says ongoing operation in Karachi will not be abandoned half way; peace will be restored in city by 2018 * Power of gun rests with government, not militants
February 27, 2015
KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that armed militias in Karachi are not acceptable.Description: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/print_images/456/2015-02-27/armed-militias-in-karachi-not-acceptable-nawaz-1424991717-9656.jpgHe said the ongoing operation in the port city would not be left half way and would continue till its logical end. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Ninth Expo Pakistan here, the prime minister said the government was firm in eradicating militancy and had decided to take solid steps to ensure peace in the country.

The prime minister said the decisive moment had come to bring Karachi’s peace back and make the city free from the hold of militants. “We are determined that the power of gun would rest with the government, not with the militants,” he said. He vowed that Karachi would soon be rid of major crimes including kidnapping for ransom.The prime minister mentioned Zarb-e-Azb operation being successfully carried out in North Waziristan, and said the decision for this operation should have been taken much earlier. He said peace in the country would guarantee economic revival and prosperity. To the foreign investors attending the Expo Pakistan, Sharif said Pakistan was successfully encountering the spillover security challenges. “Pakistan is swiftly been brought back to normalcy,” Sharif said and urged the businessmen to set up industrial units in Pakistan and benefit from the investment-friendly environment. The Prime Minister said Pakistan would overcome its energy crisis by the end of 2017.

Nawaz Sharif Thursday said his government was committed to make Pakistan the preferred destination for business and hoped in next three years the country’s exports would rise to US 50 billion. Addressing the launch of Expo Pakistan, country’s biggest trade fair, showcasing largest collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services, he said that Pakistan was a land of business opportunities. “We offer our foreign buyers a very competitive sourcing option. The captains of our industry have carved out their niche in the world market due to their production efficiencies and business ethics.”The Prime Minister said his government was dedicated and committed to economic development of Pakistan.
 “I and my team are actively engaged to bring in long term reforms in socio-economic sectors of Pakistan. We are well aware of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and will do our utmost to vindicate the trust reposed in us,” the Prime Minister said. He said owing to consistent efforts, his government has succeeded in enhancing Pakistan’s exports to its highest ever turnover of over US $ 25 billion during the fiscal year 2013-14.

“I am sure our entrepreneurs will maintain and further accelerate this growth momentum to achieve export level of US$ 50 billion within three years,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister said that the government recently approved its Textile Policy, aimed at doubling exports of textiles and clothing sector from existing US$ 13 billion to US$ 26 billion by the year 2019. He said that Asia was gradually emerging as the new global economic hub and Pakistan was fortunate to be located in the high economic growth neighbourhood. He said that Pakistan was currently not part of this highly competitive economic growth activity but was fully resolved to achieve a similar target. The prime minister particularly highlighted the performance of Pakistani textile and apparel industry and said it was considered amongst the world’s leaders.

The bed sheets, quilt covers, T-shirts and jeans produced in Pakistan were sold at international leading chain stores from discounters to upscale outlets and under leading brand names. Prime Minister said that Pakistan has modern rice milling and processing industry and its exotic Basmati rice has made its mark in the world market. All these production advantages offer “unlimited business opportunities” that has been aptly chosen as the slogan of EXPO Pakistan.

He said as an incentive to adding profitability to business ventures, Pakistan has effectively negotiated the bilateral, multilateral and pluri-lateral trading arrangements with many regions and countries in the world enabling its products to enter the foreign markets at lower tariffs. In this regard he mentioned the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) that was in operation and aimed at liberalizing trade with its South Asian neighbors. 



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