Three Controls Technology" Can Enhance Rice Yields
with Less Fertilizers, Says GDRRI Researcher
May 18, 2015
Dr.Xuhua Zhong, crop physiologist at the
Rice Research Institute of the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences
(GDRRI) says the "three controls technology (3CT)" can enhance rice
yields by about 10%, according to a news release in the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) website.He says 3Cs means controlling the amount of
fertilizer, unproductive tillers, and diseases and insects. He noted that by using
3CT, farmers can decrease their nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide use by about
20%. He recommends the "4-2-3-1" principle, under which 40% of
nitrogen should be applied at the basal stage, 20% at mid-tillering stage, 30%
at panicle initiation and 10% at heading stage He says by applying fertilizer
at different stages, rice plants are less prone to diseases such as sheath
blight and use of fertilizer can be reduced in every subsequent stage. It helps
farmers to save on the costs of fertilizer, pesticide and labor.
The 3CT is also important in China in the
light of low and unstable yields, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, environment pollution, and low profits, says the President of the
GDRRI.The 3CT method was initially recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture
of China (MOA) in 2012 and since then the GDRRI has been working closely with
the MOA to reduce the use of fertilizers significantly. The President of the
GDRRI noted that the institute has been working closely with the IRRI to
develop a low-carbon and high-yielding technology, which will also reduce water
use and greenhouse gas emissions.
El Nino May Reduce Global Crop Harvest by 0.8 - 4%, Finds
Study
A new study published in the Nature Communications Journal last week finds that there is a link
between the El Nino Southern Oscillation and global food harvests of cereals
such as rice, wheat, corn and soybeans, according to Breitbart News.The study
finds that El Nino years have had a tendency for negative impacts on crop
yields in 22 to 24% of crop growing regions in Asia. It also finds that El
Ninos have had a positive impact on crop yields in 30 to 36% of harvested
regions in North America. The study estimates the global average negative
impact on total crop harvests is between 0.8% to 4% for rice, wheat, corn and
soybeans.Last week, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Australia and Japan Weather Bureaus declared the onset of an El Nino this year.
El Nino pattern increases temperatures of Pacific Ocean leading to extreme
weather conditions such as droughts in Asia and Australia, and floods in Latin
America affecting agricultural output.Meanwhile, analysts are predicting that
global food shortages may lead to substantial increase in global food
prices.
Global Rice Quotes
May 19th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 380-390 ↔
Vietnam 5% broken 350-360 ↔
India 5% broken 370-380 ↔
Pakistan 5% broken 395-405 ↔
Myanmar 5% broken 415-425 ↔
Cambodia 5% broken 430-440 ↔
U.S. 4% broken 470-480
↔
Uruguay 5% broken 565-575 ↔
Argentina 5% broken 555-565 ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 350-360 ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 330-340 ↔
Pakistan 25% broken 355-365 ↔
Cambodia 25% broken 410-420 ↔
India 25% broken 345-355 ↔
U.S. 15% broken 460-470 ↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 370-380 ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 405-415 ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 360-370 ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken 555-565 ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 570-580 ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ ↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92% 865-875 ↔
Vietnam Jasmine 480-490 ↔
India basmati 2% broken NQ ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails 815-825 ↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 315-325 ↔
Vietnam 100% broken 305-315 ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 300-310 ↔
Cambodia A1 Super 350-360 ↔
India 100% broken stxd 270-280 ↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ ↔
U.S. pet food 365-375
↔
Brazil half grain NQ ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com
EU Imports from Asian LDCs Increase in First Eight Months
of 2014-15
May 18, 2015
The European Union's (EU) rice imports,
including milled and semi-milled, from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) of
Asia such as Cambodia and Myanmar under the Everything But Arms (EBA) Agreement
have reached around 204,512 tons in the first eight months of the crop year
2014-15 (September 2014 - August 2015), up about 12% from around 182,600 tons
imported during the same period last year, according to data from the European
Commission (EC).The EC data shows that imports from Cambodia (which account for
about 76% of total imports from Asian LDCs in September 2014 – April 2015)
declined about 2% to around 155,501 tons from around 158,674 tons during the
same period last year. On the other hand, rice imports from Myanmar (which
account for about 22% of total imports from Asian LDCs in September 2014 –
April 2015) have more than doubled to around 45,240 tons from around 20,848
tons during the same period last year.
Under the EBA Agreement, the EU imports
rice from the LDCs at zero-percent duty. It was basically aimed to raise
incomes and living standards of farmers in the LDCs. Rice imports (milled
equivalent) from the Asian LDCs mostly Cambodia and Myanmar) increased about forty
times to around 402,000 tons in MY 2013-14 from just 10,000 tons in MY 2008-09,
according to the new Chairman of Copa-Cogeca (The united voice of farmers and
their co-operatives in the European Union) Rice Working Party.Italy, the EU’s
main rice producer, has been expressing concern that the competitiveness of
Italian rice has been declining significantly due to an increase in imports
from EBA countries. The Italian government and the Ente Nazionale Risi
(National Agency for Rice) have been urging the EU to adopt a safeguard clause
to curtail imports from EBA countries.Recently, analysts are expressing concern
that the basic purpose of the EBA clause is not being served as the farmers in
the LDCs such as Cambodia are not benefitting from it.
Government of Thailand Decides to Sell 2 Million Tons of
Rice in Two Months
The government of Thailand has decided to
sell 2 million tons of rice from the government stockpiles over the next two
months after the National Rice Policy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister
had approved for the release of the stocks into the market, according to local
sources.The government had delayed this year's third auction to avert downward
pressure on rice prices. It was reportedly evaluating markets to decide over
the timing for reopening bidding for its government stocks.The Commerce
Ministry Secretary noted that the downward pressure on prices would ease in the
coming weeks as the second crop would reach the market shortly. She added that
the paddy prices are expected to stabilize at 8,200-8,500 baht (around $246 -
$255) per ton.
She expressed confidence that Thailand
would export the targeted 10 million tons of rice in 2015. Thailand exported
3.3 million tons of rice between January and April 2015, down about 1.3%
from around 3.8 million tons exported during the same period last year,
according to the TREA.The Thai military government currently holds about 16
million tons of rice and had sold about 1.88 million tons of rice from six
auctions raising around 25.58 billion baht (around $785.2 million) since it
seized power in May 2014. It also reportedly sold one million tons of rice
under government-to-government contracts.Export prices of Thai 5% rice
currently stands at around $370 per ton, down about 10% from around $410 per
ton in the beginning of this year.Separately, the former Prime Minister is
likely to enter a non-guilty plea at the Supreme Court on May 19, 2015. The
Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will hear
the case against the former PM for alleged dereliction of duty and with abuse
of authority under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 123/1 of the
1999 Counter Corruption Act.
Mekong Delta Rice Farmers Urged to Speed Up Summer-Autumn
Crop Harvest to Avoid Losses from Drought and Salinity Intrusion
May 18, 2015
Nearly 400,000 hectares of agricultural
land is understood to be affected by the ongoing drought and salinity intrusion
in Vietnam's Mekong River Delta, according to local sources.The salinity in the
early dry season in most of the Mekong Delta's provinces was about 1 - 10 g
(0.1-1%) higher than the same period last year. On the other hand acute drought
is also severely impacting the yields of the summer-autumn crop.Authorities are
taking measures to protect rivers from salt water intrusion by building
culverts along the rivers and canals. They are also urging rice growes to speed
up harvesting process before the drought casts impact on the yields.
Authorities are also encouraging concerned departments to identify potential
areas to be affected by drought and salinity and prepare action plans to
respond to crisis.According to USDA Post, 2015 summer autumn crop is estimated
to be planted in about 7.7 million tons and is expected to produce around 15.95
million tons, basis paddy (around 9.98 million tons, basis milled).USDA
estimates Vietnam to produce around 28 million tons of rice, basis milled
(around 44.88 million tons, basis paddy) and export around 6.7 million tons in
2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015).
Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Shoot
Higher Led by Strength in Wheat and Corn
May 18, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Jul delivery
settled 22 cents per cwt (about $5 per ton) higher at $9.795 per cwt (about
$216 per ton). The other grains finished the day higher, led by continued
strength in the wheat market as traders continue to weigh weather issues in the
US and abroad; Soybeans closed about 0.1% higher at $9.5750 per bushel; wheat
finished about 2.1% higher at $5.2175 per bushel, and corn finished the day
about 0.7% higher at $3.6800 per bushel.U.S. stocks traded higher on Monday
after closing near highs last week, as investors awaited the bulk of the week's
housing data and mostly shook off earlier concerns about Greece's ability to
pay back its creditors. The major indices held higher in afternoon trade after
earlier fluctuating around the flat-line. The Dow Jones industrial average
mostly traded above its previous closing and intraday high of 18,288.63, while
the S&P 500 topped its intraday high of 2,125.92. Speaking early Monday at
the Swedish capital, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said the U.S. Federal Reserve
could look at a rate hike in June if the economy is strong enough, Reuters
said. His speech argued for rates to start rising in early 2016. Evans told
reporters if the Federal Open Market Committee had confidence that inflation
was going to move up and that first quarter economic softness was temporary,
"you could imagine a case being made for a rate increase in June."
Most of the second-quarter data reports have showed a slower-than-expected
rebound from a weak first quarter. The only data out Monday was the National
Association of Home Builders' survey, which showed builder confidence slipped
two points in May, missing expectations of a slight gain. Housing starts and
existing home sales come out later in the week, along with the Federal Open Market
Committee's meeting minutes. In Europe, stocks closed higher amid abating fears
that Greece is on the verge of bankruptcy. Earlier, U.S. stocks opened mildly
lower as European equities dipped on news a Greece government spokesman said on
Monday that authorities will pay public-sector wages and pensions in May, but
needs a deal with creditors by the end of the month. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average traded up 14 points, or 0.07%, at 18,286. The S&P 500 traded up 5
points, or 0.22%, at 2,127, with telecommunications leading seven sectors
higher and materials the greatest laggard. The Nasdaq traded up 23 points, or
0.46%, at 5,071. Gold is trading about 0.1% higher, crude oil is seen trading
about 0.5% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.9% higher at
about 1:00pm Chicago time.Friday, there were 491 contracts traded, up
from 458 contracts traded on Thursday. Open interest – the number of contracts
outstanding – on Friday decreased by 3 contracts to 11,206.
Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures
Slightly Lower Overnight as Market Weighs Meaning of Yesterday’s Rally
May 18, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Jul delivery
are currently seen trading 15.5 cents per cwt (about $3 per ton) higher at
$9.730 per cwt (about $211 per ton) during early floor trading in
Chicago. The other grains are seen trading higher; soybeans are currently
seen about 0.6% higher, wheat is listed about 1.3% higher and corn is currently
noted about 0.6% higher.U.S. stocks traded in a narrow range on Monday after closing near
highs last week, as investors digested housing data and weighed renewed
concerns about Greece's ability to pay back its creditors. The major indices
fluctuated around the flat-line, attempting to hold slight gains. The Dow Jones
industrial average briefly traded above its previous closing and intraday high
of 18,288.63. The S&P traded above its closing high hit on Friday but held below its intraday high of 2,125.92.
In Europe, stocks turned to trade mostly lower on growing fears that Greece is
on the verge of bankruptcy. A government spokesman said on Monday that authorities will pay public-sector
wageNational officials in Athens also sent a letter to the International
Monetary Fund that showed Greece came close to defaulting on a 750 million euro
($860 million) repayment last week, local newspaper Kathimerini and the
Financial Times reported. However, analysts noted that U.S. losses remained
muted despite the renewed concerns about Greece’s and pensions in May, but
needs a deal with creditors by the end of the month. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average traded down 7 points, or 0.04%, at 18,265. The S&P 500 traded down
2 points, or 0.10%, at 2,120, with energy the greatest of six laggards and
financials leading gainers. The Nasdaq traded down 9 points, or 0.19%, at
5,038. Gold is currently trading about 0.2% lower, crude oil is seen trading
about 0.1% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.9%
higher at 8:15am Chicago
time.
Vietnam Exports About 1.686 Million Tons of Rice During
January 1 – May 14, 2015
May 18, 2015
Vietnam
exported about 1.686 million tons of rice in January 1 - May 14, 2015, down
about 28% from about 2.34 million tons of rice exported in first five months of
2014, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Average rice
export price so far in this year stands at around $419 per ton (FOB), down
about 3% per ton from around $433 per ton recorded during same last year.During
May 1-14, 2015, Vietnam exported around 130,782 tons of rice, down about 78%
from around 585,536 tons of rice exported in full month of May 2014, and down
about 80% from around 650,507 tons rice exported in full month of April
2015. Average export prices so far in May stands at around $422 per ton, up
about 1% per ton from a year ago, and up about 2% per ton from a month ago.
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Seen Steady as
Buyers Stay on Sideline; 66% of Crop in Good-to-Excellent Condition
May 18, 2015
The U.S. cash market was unchanged today
despite a firmer futures market as buy interest remains limited and stocks
remain ample.With persistent wet weather in the U.S. Mid-South over the last
week some analysts expect farmers to plant less acreage than the USDA had
estimated in last week’s WASDE report.In the meantime, the USDA estimates that
as of May 17th, 89% of the US rice crop had been planted which is 4%
ahead of this time last year and 7% ahead of the previous 5-year average. As of
now, the USDA estimates that farmers have planted at 89% of their rice crop in
Arkansas, 90% in California, 98% in Louisiana, 93% in Mississippi, 75% in
Missouri, and 79% in Texas.
The USDA estimates that 70% of the crop has
emerged which was 3% ahead of this time last year and 4% ahead of the previous
5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that 73% of the rice crop in
Arkansas has emerged compared to , 50% in California, 92% in Louisiana, 72% in
Mississippi, 53% in Missouri, and 75% in Texas.The USDA estimates that 66%
percent of the crop in good to excellent condition compared to 63% in Arkansas,
80% in California, 65% in Louisiana, 79% in Mississippi, 45% in Missouri, and
52% in Texas.
Italian Rice Growers Urged to Shift to Dry Seeding
Technique Amid Fears of Water Scarcity
May 18, 2015
Italian rice growers are urged to shift to
dry seeding technique of rice transplantation in this crop season due to fears
of lower irrigation water this year due to dry weather conditions.Dry seeding
involves the sowing of rice seeds (without pre-germination) directly into a dry
or moist field and has several advantages associated with it. It is relatively
cheaper though it needs more seeds more tractor ploughing compared to
traditional transplantation method. It mainly requires lesser fertilizer as
well as lesser water.Authorities are planning to convince rice growers in major
rice growing provinces to adopt dry seeding technique as they fear that at the
end of May there may not be enough water for all the irrigation purposes. They
are especially worried that planting of other crops such as corn may also
require increased quantities of water and consequently volume of water for rice
may be impacted significantly. They are of the view that an expanding dry
seeded area may bring a different balance in the use of water in the country in
this rice growing season.Rice growers in Pavia province and Novara province
have already started adopting this technique extensively.
Vietnam Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes; Pakistan
Rice Quotes Mixed Today
May 18, 2015
Vietnam rice
sellers lowered their quotes for Jasmine rice by about $10 per ton to around
$480 - $490 per ton today. Pakistan rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5%
broken rice and parboiled rice by about $20 per ton and $5 per ton respectively
and increased their quotes for 25% broken rice and 100% broken rice by about
$5 each today. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged
today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5%
rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about a $20 per ton premium on
Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $350 - $360 per ton. India 5% rice is
indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about a $25 per ton discount to
Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $395 - $405 per ton, down about a $20 per ton
from Friday.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25%
rice is shown at around $350 - $360 per ton, about a $20 per ton premium on
Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $330- $340 per ton.
India 25% rice is indicated at around $345 - $355, about a $10 per ton discount to Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $355 - $365 per ton, up about a $5 per ton from Friday.
India 25% rice is indicated at around $345 - $355, about a $10 per ton discount to Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $355 - $365 per ton, up about a $5 per ton from Friday.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand
parboiled rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton. India parboiled rice
is indicated at around $360 - $370 per ton, about a $45 per ton discount to
Pakistan parboiled rice shown at around $405 - $415 per ton, down about a $5
per ton from Friday.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand
100% broken rice, A1 Super, is indicated at around $315 - $325 per ton, about a
$10 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $305 - $315 per
ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $270 - $280 per ton,
about a $30 per ton discount to Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown
at around $300 - $310 per ton, up about a $5 per ton from Friday.
Want to Have a Glimpse of Eighteenth Century Rice Milling
Equipment Still in Working Condition?
May 18, 2015
Antica Riseria San Giovanni (Ancient Saint
John rice mill) in Italy's Fontanetto Po showcases the eighteenth century rice
milling equipment including an ancient rice and husk separator, a wooden
mortar, an ancient grindstone, an ancient rice sifter, and ancient rice sewing
machine, ancient rice weighingstones and a turbine that was used to
generate electricity to run the mill.This mill was built in 1878 by rebuilding
a mill that dated back to 1465. A visit to the mill shows how water-force was
used to run all the machines before the electricity was used for the purpose.
Even today the turbine "Francis", which derived power to run the rice
machinery from the waters of the Dora Baltea river, is in the working
condition. Other machinery such as the 18th century grindstone, which was used
until 1970 to crumble and recycle rice husk, is also still working.The mill is
currently under the possession of an association called "Macchine da
riso" (Rice machinery), which collects, restores and exhibits the ancient
agricultural machinery. It also has a restoration workshop with a blacksmith
and a carpenter.The mill is in heart of Italy's rice growing region.
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