12th June ,2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice Millers Boycott Paddy Procurement

By Express News Service

Published: 13th June 2015 06:01 AM

Last Updated: 13th June 2015 06:01 AM

 

JEYPORE:  At a time when farmers of the district are agitating over the ceiling on paddy procurement, the millers on Friday boycotted the procurement process in protest against the administration’s direction to them to supply only good quality of rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS).A few days back, the Millers’ Association of Koraput had cited before the administration that the Rabi paddy being procured by cooperative agencies is of poor quality compared to Kharif crop due to difference in climatic and genetic conditions. Appealing to the administration to consider ground realities, they said they should be allowed to supply the rice at par with the quality of paddy available in Koraput market.

However, the administration did not consider their plea and directed the Civil Supply officials to procure only rice of good quality for PDS, leading to resentment among the millers. Protesting the administration’s stand over quality of rice, the millers went on a strike, boycotting paddy procurement in Kundra, Kotpad, Borrigumma and Jeypore. Till last reports came in, the administration had not intervened in the matter.Secretary of Koraput Millers’ Association Gopal Panda said the millers would not participate in procurement process till their grievance is looked into and hoped that the administration would not pressurise them for procuring poor quality paddy from the mandis.Remarkably, the administration has asked only 17 millers out of 80 millers in the district to participate in the ongoing paddy procurement process.

 

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Rice-Millers-Boycott-Paddy-Procurement/2015/06/13/article2864018.ece

 

Government to resolve agriculture sector issues: Bosan

June 12, 2015

FAZAL SHER

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured him to resolve all issues related to agriculture sector including export of surplus commodities. Speaking at a news conference, the minister said he would hold a meeting with the Prime Minister next week to find a way out to resolve the issues pertaining to Pakistan Rice Mills Association (PRMA). "I will also take all representatives of PRMA with me so that they can inform the premier about the issues being faced by them," he added. 

It is pertinent to mention here that few days ago PRAM had urged the government to direct Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Pakistan Agriculture Storage Service Corporation (PASSCO) to purchase rice from market to enable the vendors to repay their bank loans. About the import of substandard spare parts of tractors, the minister said he had raised the issue at top level and also informed Engineering Development Board about his reservations in this regard. 

To a question about inquiry ordered by the Prime Minister into import of substandard wheat from Ukraine and other countries, he said an investigation into the matter was under way. He said that the senate standing committee had approved Seed Amendment Act, 2015, which would be presented in Senate for approval. The minister said that the main objective of the bill was to end the public sector monopoly over the agriculture seed business and allow the private sector to produce basic seeds. Bosan said that the new Seed Act carried heavy fines for violation of the law. He said that during his visit to Italy he held separate meetings with the representatives of three main agencies that were FAO, IFAD and WFP.

"The vice-president of IFAD assured me to launch a project for improvement of agriculture and infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan," he said. The minister said that opposition leader Khursheed Shah had levelled baseless allegations against the federal government regarding agriculture sector. "The agriculture ministry has been devolved to the provinces after 18th Amendment and now agriculture is a provincial subject," he added. He said that the seriousness of Sindh government could be judged from the fact that before the devolution of agriculture ministry, it spent Rs 8 billion but after the devolution only Rs 2 billion had been spent. Bosan said that the incumbent government had decreased the import duty on agriculture machinery from 40 to 9 percent and given subsidy on the installation of solar tube-wells. 

http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1195173/

Penoxsulam Market for Rice, Aquatics and Other Applications - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020

NEW YORK, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Penoxsulam is a post-emergence herbicide based on the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor. It is primarily used on rice crops to control broadleaf weeds. Penoxsulam is also used on grasses and certain aquatic plants. This herbicide is also useful for the removal of unwanted plants on golf courses, sports fields, and lawns. Penoxsulam is available in two grades: technical grade and liquid product grade. 

The study segments the global penoxsulam market based on key regions and crop types. The major types of crops included in the report are rice, aquatics and other applications such as turf. Crop type analysis is further provided under each region, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Europe includes Western (including the EU and non-EU members), Central and Eastern Europe, while RoW includes South and Central America, Africa and the Middle East. The study comprises market analysis in terms of volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). It includes penoxsulam market estimates for 2014 and forecast for the period from 2015 to 2020.

The report on the penoxsulam market also covers the profile of the inventor company, Dow AgroSciences LLC, and a few otherChina-based manufacturers such as Shijiazhuang Xingbai Bioengineering Co., Ltd., and Hangzhou Tianlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Dow AgroSciences LLC launched penoxsulam in the U.S. in 2005.

Different types of crops in each region have been considered for the global average price while breaking down this market. The prices considered in the report are for technical grade. The volume of the market is for the active ingredient (Penoxsulam) and not for the carrier. The penoxsulam market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Market estimates for this study have been based on volumes, with revenues being derived through regional pricing trends. Prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors and direct selling regional producers, based on manufacturer feedback and application requirement. We have used the bottom-up approach to arrive at the global market, considering individual crop type segments and integrating these to arrive at the global market. Crop type segments have been further bifurcated using the top-down approach to derive the regional product market.

In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represents the bulk of our research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. 

We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators in order to validate data and analysis. A typical research interview fulfills the following functions: It provides first-hand information on market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, outlook, etc.; helps in validating and strengthening the secondary research findings; and further develops the analysis team's expertise and market understanding. Primary research involves e-mail interactions, telephonic interviews as well as face-to-face interviews for each market, category, segment and sub-segment across geographies.

We reviewed key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding as part of secondary research. Secondary research also includes a search of recent trade; technical writing; internet sources; and statistical data from government websites, trade associations and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants' insights and recognizing business opportunities.

Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations and SEC filings, internal and external proprietary databases relevant patent and regulatory databases, national government documents, statistical databases and market reports. Also referred are news articles, press releases and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market. Secondary sources referred for penoxsulam study include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) and Friends of the Earth Europe (FoE Europe).

The report segments the global penoxsulam market as:
Penoxsulam Market - Crop Type Segment Analysis
Rice
Aquatics
Other Applications (Including turf, etc.)
Penoxsulam Market - Regional Analysis
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Rest of the World (RoW)

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p02678624-summary/view-report.html

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Soybean Scientist

Soybean Scientist (Ref No: DDG-R4D/SBS/SARD-SC/06/15) 

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Soybean Scientist. IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (the Executing Agency) and its partners Africa Rice Centre and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (the Implementing Agencies) has received a grant from the African Development Fund (ADF) to finance the Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC). The strategic crops within the context of the project are Cassava, Maize, Wheat and Rice.The overall objective of SARD-SC is to enhance food and nutrition security and contribute to poverty reduction in Bank’s low income Regional Member Countries (RMCs).

Its specific objective is to enhance the productivity and income of four CAADP’s priority value chains (cassava, maize, rice, and wheat) on a sustainable basis. IITA, the Executing Agency for the SARD-SC, wishes to use a portion of the grant to engage the services of a Soybean Scientist to work within the maize value chain of the project.

The successful candidate will report to: The SARD-SC Project Coordinator.

Position Responsibilities:

The Soybean Scientist will undertake the following activities:
• Strengthen soybean production technology testing and delivery platforms in Nigeria for effective capacity building and soybean technology delivery.
• Develop a sustainable soybean seed system. Intensify community based seed systems through development of input supply chain and delivery systems
• Create awareness amongst farmers on the advantages of planting larger areas of soybean in mono and strip cropping within the maize Innovation platforms.
• Enhance the usage of good agronomic practices for soybean production including mechanization and the use of Rhizobium inoculum. Facilitate partnership for dissemination campaign and sustainable supply of inoculants (NoduMax) and P-fertilizer.
• Facilitate the linkage of actors in the soybean value chain and develop capacity of partners working on soybean value chain.
• Expand the utilization of soybean in Nigerian households. Facilitate the use of pre- and post-harvest labour saving tools for higher net profit from soybean production and processing.
• Media events and publicity for popularization of improved soybean varieties and use of inoculant (NoduMax)
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a Post graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Soybean breeding, Agronomy or a closely related field from a recognized University and more than 7 years’ experience in soybean research.

Core Competencies:

• Applied knowledge in production of seeds of maize, cowpeas, and soybean varieties.
• Experience in field experimentation, trial management and quality control of improved seeds as well as familiarity in variety release procedures and seed regulations are highly preferred.
• Experience in working with the informal and formal seed sector in dissemination of improved cultivars.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with good working knowledge of French preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and to interact with scientists and staff working in multi-disciplinary research areas.
• Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals. • Strong innovation, communication and organizational skills as well as ability to teach.

Duty station: Kano, Nigeria

General information: 
The contract will be for an initial period of two years with possibility of renewal based on performance and continued availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: 

Closing Date: The position will remain open to June 26, 2015 IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted - See more at: http://www.scidev.net/global/content/jobs_notice.1580598A-6A4F-4AB6-AAAD9E2BC57ACA6A.html#sthash.HdIwCjh4.dpuf

http://www.scidev.net/global/content/jobs_notice.1580598A-6A4F-4AB6-AAAD9E2BC57ACA6A.html

30 more highland rice types found

“TINAWON,” a variety of Ifugao indigenous rice is planted only once a year at paddies in Nagacadan rice terraces of Barangay Nagacadan in Ifugao’s Kiangan town. EV ESPIRITU/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

BAGUIO CITY—Researchers developing a rice gene bank for the country have found 30 more varieties of highland grains, three of which are nearly extinct and would need to be preserved immediately.Over 300 indigenous rice varieties have been genetically examined, documented and preserved by a team deployed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute, said Cameron Odsey, DA Cordillera assistant director for research, during a June 11 news conference.Of the 30 highland varieties that have not been previously documented and collected, 16 are common to Mt. Province, Odsey said.

 ‘Nearly extinct’

He said three of these varieties are extremely rare and classified as “nearly extinct.” This meant that researchers would need to preserve as much genetic material of the “near extinct” rice so it could be reproduced in the future, he said.He did not identify these upland rice varieties pending the completion of the gene bank project. But he said the sustenance and preservation of these varieties have become a government priority.Rice consumers abroad have put a high premium on organic grains grown only in upland farms. Heirloom rice varieties like the Kalinga “unoy” and Ifugao “tinawon” grown on rice terraces are considered too exotic and expensive, Odsey said.Vincent Cabreza,

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/698096/30-more-highland-rice-types-found

Rice mills owners announce nationwide protest

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Rice Mills Association on Friday announced nationwide protest to draw attention of the authorities to the plight of collapsing sector linked to thousands of jobs and two billion dollar of annual exports.  Rice millers have decided to stop purchasing paddy from growers and lock the mills putting thousands of jobs and billions of bank loans in jeopardy. President Pakistan Rice Mills Association Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch said this while talking to Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President Pakistan Economy Watch. 

He said that an emergency meeting of three thousand owners of rice mills has been summoned at Kamonki where plan for sit-in in front of the Parliament and other details would be finalised.   Baloch said that authorities have turned a deaf ear to the plight of this sector as they are focused on welfare of exporters only putting interests of planters and growers on the back burner. Government needs to bail out sinking rice sector responsible for over two billion dollars of exports, largest outside textiles, otherwise country may lose export market to neighbouring country. He said that Pakistan is fourth largest exporter of rice and millions of jobs are linked to that critical sector which merits full attention of the policy makers. Baloch said that situation is turning against Pakistan and in favour of India which has introduced its own brand lacking aroma but increased in length.

Indian rice is cheaper due to hidden subsidies which has resulting in lost Iranian and Middle Eastern markets. He said that some 3000 rice mills are facing problems while those 1000 are on the brink that have failed to sell rice in last two years while lacks of bags are piled up in different districts of Punjab. At the occasion, Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that exporters are not cooperating with millers to cope with the problem while government is ignoring the critical issue. He said that the steps taken for rice sector in the budget are insufficient, adding that TCP should buy rice from millers for export, their mark-up should be waived and rice mills should be declared sick industry. 

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/index.php?page=newsdetail&news_id=691#sthash.hr27GorE.dpuf

Rice exporters urge SBP to extend EFS performance period

June 12, 2015

RECORDER REPORT

Rice exporters have urged the State Bank of Pakistan for extension in Export Finance Scheme (EFS) performance period as Pakistani basmati rice exports have experienced a sharp decline of 20 percent in fiscal year 2014-2015 in term of value compared to last year. Jawed Ali Ghori, former chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) said that cheaper varieties from India have flooded the traditional Middle Eastern export markets of Pakistan creating a crisis like situation in the Basmati rice industry of Pakistan. As a result Pakistani exporters who are already in trouble are going to face severe penalties from SBP for not meeting the export performance criteria of EFS Part II by the deadline of June 30, 2015.

Previously, during the crisis, the SBP has relaxed the export performance criteria for textile exporters in certain years in order to facilitate the exporters. Rice exporters are also asking similar relief measure from the SBP for their industry, he added. He said the SBP has been very proactive in supporting exporters by reducing the rate on the EFS borrowing throughout the year, and added that however, "any relief that we got from these measures will surely be removed by the penalty of the SBP for not exporting double value of the amount of borrowing". Rice exporters have urged the SBP to extend the shipment performance period by 90 days till September 30, 2015, Ghori said. 

http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1195154/

 

Government to resolve agriculture sector issues: Bosan

June 12, 2015

FAZAL SHER

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured him to resolve all issues related to agriculture sector including export of surplus commodities. Speaking at a news conference, the minister said he would hold a meeting with the Prime Minister next week to find a way out to resolve the issues pertaining to Pakistan Rice Mills Association (PRMA). "I will also take all representatives of PRMA with me so that they can inform the premier about the issues being faced by them," he added. 

It is pertinent to mention here that few days ago PRAM had urged the government to direct Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Pakistan Agriculture Storage Service Corporation (PASSCO) to purchase rice from market to enable the vendors to repay their bank loans. About the import of substandard spare parts of tractors, the minister said he had raised the issue at top level and also informed Engineering Development Board about his reservations in this regard. To a question about inquiry ordered by the Prime Minister into import of substandard wheat from Ukraine and other countries, he said an investigation into the matter was under way. He said that the senate standing committee had approved Seed Amendment Act, 2015, which would be presented in Senate for approval. 

The minister said that the main objective of the bill was to end the public sector monopoly over the agriculture seed business and allow the private sector to produce basic seeds. Bosan said that the new Seed Act carried heavy fines for violation of the law. He said that during his visit to Italy he held separate meetings with the representatives of three main agencies that were FAO, IFAD and WFP. "The vice-president of IFAD assured me to launch a project for improvement of agriculture and infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan," he said. The minister said that opposition leader Khursheed Shah had levelled baseless allegations against the federal government regarding agriculture sector. "The agriculture ministry has been devolved to the provinces after 18th Amendment and now agriculture is a provincial subject," he added. He said that the seriousness of Sindh government could be judged from the fact that before the devolution of agriculture ministry, it spent Rs 8 billion but after the devolution only Rs 2 billion had been spent. Bosan said that the incumbent government had decreased the import duty on agriculture machinery from 40 to 9 percent and given subsidy on the installation of solar tube-wells. 

 

Pakistan wheat surplus to cool imports this year – trader

 Freight News 11/06/2015

A wheat surplus in Pakistan is likely to mean little appetite for imports this year, although it will purchase more oilseeds due lower crop prospects, a leading local trader said.In November last year, Pakistan imposed a 20 percent import duty on wheat to help protect local farmers from imports, leading to the cancellation of some of the import deals.Anis Majeed, chairman of Karachi-based food commodities firm Bombi’s Group, said Pakistan was estimated to produce 25 million tonnes of wheat this year versus around 24 million tonnes last year. Domestic wheat consumption was pegged around 22-23 million tonnes, he said.“This year, Pakistan will not make big imports because we have the crop and there is a surplus,” Majeed said on a visit to London this week.The International Grains Council estimated Pakistan’s wheat production in the 2015-16 year at 25.0 million tonnes, versus 25.5 million tonnes in 2014-15.

In contrast, Pakistan was expected to import higher quantities of oilseeds including canola, said Majeed, who is also chairman of the wholesale grocers’ association of Karachi, which is Pakistan’s mercantile capital.“If you calculate (oilseeds) … altogether this year, we are expecting to import about 1.5 to 1.6 million tonnes,” he said. “Last year was a little less – about 1.2 million tonnes and our crop was better than this year.”Majeed said Pakistan expected a good rice crop although exports were likely to be tempered by slower demand.“Pakistan’s production is around 6.5 million tonnes annually – out of which 3.5 million tonnes we export,” he said.“Prices have come down as the international market has come down,” he added. “Therefore, there could be a little less (exports) this year.

”Majeed said rice exporters were looking to boost sales to Iran, a major consumer of Basmati grade rice.Iran and six world powers are seeking to overcome remaining differences with a looming self-imposed June 30 deadline to reach a deal over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme. The timing of sanctions relief for Iran are among the disputes holding up a nuclear accord.Majeed said there was already a border trade between Pakistan and Iran for rice – with the business handled by local merchants along the border. A nuclear deal could enable other exporters in Pakistani cities such as Karachi and Lahore expanding business.“Iran can be good partner of Pakistani rice and trade can be increased.

But there are few difficulties of the embargoes,” he said.Majeed said a proposed wheat barter deal between Pakistan and Iran was still being discussed.The deal, initially agreed in 2012, was to involve Tehran exporting fertiliser and iron ore to Pakistan in exchange for wheat.“The swapping … has not been decided as yet,” he said. “They are working on it.”
Source: Reuters (Editing by William Hardy)

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/pakistan-wheat-surplus-to-cool-imports-this-year-trader/

NFA to rebid 100,000 MT rice supply contract

June 12, 2015 8:52 pm

by JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ

THE National Food Authority (NFA) is going to rebid a government-to-government (G2G) supply contract for remaining volume of rice the Philippines needs to cover the lean season.In a text message to reporters, NFA Spokesperson Angel Imperial said the G2G tender for 100,000 metric tons of rice will be on June 16.Manila failed to secure its entire buffer stock after the initial rounds of a G2G tender failed.The NFA seeks to import 250,000 MT of buffer stock, but was able to purchase only 150,000 MT from Vietnam.Manila wants to fill its requirement before the lean season starts in July.The NFA is required by law to have at least a 15­day buffer stock at any given time and a 30­day buffer during the lean months. The lean runs until September.Suppliers must belong to a country with an existing agreement with the Philippines to participate in the bidding process.

Only Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia have such an agreement with Manila.Earlier, NFA Deputy Administrator Joseph dela Cruz said they may have to tap the private sector to importation up to 805,200 MT of rice under the minimum access volume (MAV).The MAV sets minimum volume of farm produce allowed to enter the Philippines at a preferred tariff rate of 35 percent. Outside the MAV, a 50 percent tariff rate is imposed on shipments and must be approved by the NFA.The NFA is expected to open the applications for MAV anytime this month. The traders must be able to deliver the grains from September to October.Of the rice imports under MAV, some 755,000MT will be country­specific­ quota (with Vietnam and Thailand getting the bulk), and the remaining 50,000 MT will transacted under an omnibus trade deal.Once the MAV is in play, the total rice imports may reach 1.8 million MT this year, a record high under the Aquino administration.

http://www.manilatimes.net/nfa-to-rebid-100000-mt-rice-supply-contract/191393/

Rice exports hit 2 million tonnes

The VFA recorded year-on-year declines of 10.7 per cent in volume and 13.6 per cent in value for rice exports. — Photo vtv HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam earned some US$875 million from shipping nearly 2.1 million tonnes of rice abroad in the first five months of 2015, according to the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA).The VFA recorded year-on-year declines of 10.7 per cent in volume and 13.6 per cent in value for rice exports.In May alone, the volume of rice exports posted a monthly decrease of 19 per cent, mainly as a result of pressure to sell inventory and low-quality rice stemming from Thailand and India, the Nhan Dan (People) newspaper quoted the source as saying.

According to the VFA, the reasons for the decline are China's adjustments to its import quota policies and limited transactions, even across the border, and the selling of rice in stock from Thailand and India. Asia remains the largest continent to import rice from Viet Nam, having purchased some 1.45 million tonnes of the product and accounting for more than 69 per cent of the country's rice export value, followed by Africa and the Americas.Last month, Viet Nam secured a number of important contracts with key markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Cuba, while increasing its market share in the Pacific countries and Africa. — VNS

http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/271623/rice-exports-hit-2-million-tonnes.html

Commerce Ministry poised to hold 3rd rice auction

Friday, 12 June 2015From Issue Vol. XXIII No. 24

The Ministry of Commerce is gearing up for the third auction of rice from the government’s stock later this month while seeking ways to deal with another 14 million tons of substandard grains that remain unsold.Department of Foreign Trade Director-General Duangporn Rodphaya indicated that the third round of rice bidding for 2015 is being planned as instructed by the rice management committee. The new lot is comprised of over 1 million tons of 12 different strains, coming from 101 silos at the Government Warehouse Organization and 52 silos at the Marketing Organization for Farmers. It is intended to compensate for the off-season supply which is on the decline.

For the bidding process, the director-general said rules and conditions will remain the same as in previous rounds and the floor value will be specified for bidders to use as reference when making their decision. The grains will be available for preview and quality inspection ending today, June 12. Interested bidders will be able to submit applications on June 15 before qualified candidates are announced and bids are accepted the following day.Duangporn also revealed that there are currently another 16 million tons of rice left in stock. Of that amount, about 2.6 million tons are of good quality and will be gradually auctioned off, whereas the other portion of almost 14 million tons is considered substandard and not consumable. Discussions are being held with related ministries and agencies on alternative means of handling the latter batch, including supplying it to the industrial sector.

http://www.pattayamail.com/business/commerce-ministry-poised-to-hold-3rd-rice-auction-47883#sthash.5SXgDBgU.dpuf

Weekly update on India's summer crop planting

Fri Jun 12, 2015 6:16pm IST

NEW DELHI, June 12 The onset of the monsoon rains has triggered planting of main crops such as rice and cotton, government data showed on Friday, though at a slower pace after a delayed start to the rainy season.    The annual summer rains arrived on the southern Kerala coast

on June 5, missing its usual June 1 entry.     A cyclone that developed on the Arabian Sea halted the progress of the monsoon rains towards mainland India soon after its onset.    Weather officials forecast monsoon rains would cover the entire south of the country, and some parts of rice growing regions in the east, by next week.     The monsoon is unlikely to keep its usual date of June 15 to cover half of India due to the delayed progress, they added.     The following table gives the area under sowing of main summer crops for the week ended June 12 against the year-ago period, in million hectares.    All figures are provisional and are subject to revision as

updates arrive with the progress of the monsoon rains.

 -------------------------------------    

 CROP           2015           2014

 -------------------------------------

 Rice           0.471         0.452

 Oilseeds       0.121         0.094

 Cane           4.158         4.352

 Cotton         1.430         1.734

 -------------------------------------

Source: Farm Ministry

 (Reporting by Ratnajyoti Dutta; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)

http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/06/12/india-crops-update-idINL3N0YY3YT20150612

Fri Jun 12, 2015 2:25pm IST

 

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Jun 12

Nagpur, June 12 Gram and tuar prices reported down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and

Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor buying support from local millers. Fresh fall on NCDEX in gram, downward trend in Madhya Pradesh pulses and reports about government to import pulses also pulled down prices. Heavy pre-monsoon rains yesterday evening in parts of Vidarbha affected arrival, according to sources. 

               *            *              *              *

    FOODGRAINS & PULSES

    GRAM

   * Desi gram showed weak tendency in open market in absence of buyers amid increased 

     supply from producing regions. 

     TUAR

   * Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here matching the demand and supply 

     position.      

   * Rice varieties moved down in open market here on poor demand from local traders amid 

     good supply from producing regions like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

   * In Akola, Tuar - 7,300-7,700, Tuar dal - 10,100-10,500, Udid at 9,100-9,600, 

     Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,700-11,100, Moong - 9,000-9,200, Moong Mogar 

    (clean) 10,700-11,100, Gram - 4,200-4,500, Gram Super best bold - 6,100-6,300 

     for 100 kg.

   * Wheat and other commodities remained steady in open market in poor trading 

     activity, according to sources.

 Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

     FOODGRAINS                 Available prices     Previous close   

     Gram Auction                   3,500-4,490         3,600-4,525

     Gram Pink Auction            n.a.           2,100-2,600

     Tuar Auction                6,500-7,170         6,500-7,210

     Moong Auction                n.a.                6,000-6,300

     Udid Auction                n.a.           4,300-4,500

     Masoor Auction                n.a.              2,600-2,800

     Gram Super Best Bold            6,200-6,500        6,200-6,500

     Gram Super Best            n.a.                

     Gram Medium Best            5,800-6,000        5,800-6,000

     Gram Dal Medium            n.a.            n.a.

     Gram Mill Quality            5,500-5,650        5,500-5,650

     Desi gram Raw                4,500-4,600         4,550-4,650

     Gram Filter new            6,000-6,100        6,000-6,100

     Gram Kabuli                5,400-6,900        5,400-6,900

     Gram Pink                6,400-6,600        6,400-6,600

     Tuar Fataka Best             10,500-10,800        10,500-10,800

     Tuar Fataka Medium             9,900-10,300        9,900-10,300

     Tuar Dal Best Phod            9,500-9,700        9,500-9,700

     Tuar Dal Medium phod            8,800-9,300        8,800-9,300

     Tuar Gavarani New             7,350-7,450        7,400-7,500

     Tuar Karnataka             8,000-8,100        8,000-8,100

     Tuar Black                 11,000-11,300           11,000-11,300 

     Masoor dal best            8,000-8,200        8,000-8,200

     Masoor dal medium            7,500-7,900        7,500-7,900

     Masoor                    n.a.            n.a.

     Moong Mogar bold               10,800-11,000       10,800-11,000

     Moong Mogar Medium best        10,000-10,500        10,000-10,500

     Moong dal Chilka            9,500-9,800        9,500-9,800

     Moong Mill quality            n.a.            n.a.

     Moong Chamki best            9,600-9,900        9,600-9,900

     Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG)    11,500-11,750       11,500-11,750

     Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)    10,600-10,800        10,600-10,800

     Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG)        8,900-9,200        8,900-9,200

     Batri dal (100 INR/KG)        4,200-4,400        4,200-4,400

     Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)           3,300-3,350         3,300-3,350

     Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)        3,400-3,500        3,400-3,500

     Watana White (100 INR/KG)        3,100-3,150         3,100-3,150

     Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)    3,600-4,500        3,600-4,500

     Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,600        1,400-1,600

     Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG)    1,550-1,650        1,550-1,650

     Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,600           1,400-1,600

     Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)    2,200-2,400        2,200-2,400

     Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG)    1,900-2,100        1,900-2,100

     Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)    n.a.            n.a.

     MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)    3,100-3,600        3,100-3,600

     MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)    2,700-2,900        2,700-2,900

     Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,500        1,400-1,500

     Wheat Best (100 INR/KG)        1,900-2,100        1,900-2,100     

     Rice BPT New(100 INR/KG)        2,600-2,800        2,700-2,850

     Rice BPT (100 INR/KG)               2,900-3,100        3,000-3,200

     Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG)        1,500-1,750        1,600-1,850

     Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG)      2,100-2,300        2,100-2,450

     Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG)      2,400-2,700        2,500-2,800

     Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG)        3,000-3,600        3,100-3,600

     Rice HMT (100 INR/KG)               3,700-4,100        3,800-4,200

     Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG)    4,200-4,500        4,200-4,600

     Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG)    4,400-4,900        4,500-5,000     

     Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)    8,200-10,200        8,200-10,200

     Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)    6,000-7,200        6,000-7,200

     Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG)    4,600-4,800        4,700-4,900

     Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG)        5,400-5,900        5,500-6,000

     Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)        2,200-2,450        2,200-2,450

     Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)        2,500-2,600        2,500-2,600

WEATHER (NAGPUR)  

Maximum temp. 42.2 degree Celsius (107.9 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.

25.2 degree Celsius (77.4 degree Fahrenheit)

Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.

Rainfall : 8.8 mm

FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers likely towards evening or night. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 36 and 26 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available

(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but

included in market prices

http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/06/12/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N0YY2XL20150612

Basmati exports to Iran will pick up after October

TOMOJIT BASU

A view of Basmati rice field.

Teheran policy requiring Indian mills, exporters to register causing delay in shipments

NEW DELHI, JUNE 12:  

First quarter numbers for basmati rice exports to Iran – the biggest buyer, accounting for a fourth of sales overseas – are yet to be released, but industry sources say that volumes are likely to pick up only after October even if issuance of import permits may be undertaken from July.

Policy hassles

The current delays are due to the Iranian government’s policy of Indian units and exporters being required to be registered with the Teheran’s Health and Medical Education Ministry. The process can only be initiated by an Iranian importer, who has to furnish a list of intended exporters.“The main factor is the initiation of a new process which requires Indian mills to be assessed for good manufacturing practices. They will be eligible to export to Iran and it’s a slow process, since few units have got themselves registered so far,” said R Sundaresan, Executive Director, All India Rice Exporters’ Association (AIREA).“Exports to Iran are on, but not at the same quantity or speed as the same time last year.

We expect sales to pick up after October, since their own produce is available currently,” he added.While there is no guarantee of basmati sales gathering pace, the issuing of import licenses should begin next month.“A resumption of issuing import permits will take place after Ramadan, which is in July,” said AK Gupta, Director, Basmati Export Development Foundation, APEDA.Iran stopped issuing authorisations last October which saw India’s basmati rice exports slide from $1.4 billion in 2013-14 to $600 million last fiscal.By volume, exports fell from 1.44 million tonnes (mt) to 0.94 mt over the same period.

Importer cartel

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh met with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Hojjati on the sidelines of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation conference in Rome earlier this week to enhance agri-cooperation and increase farm trade.Some domestic millers alleged that political intervention in granting these import permits is partly responsible for dragging basmati prices down to around $1,000/tonne from $1,400-1,500/tonne during the same period a year ago.“A syndicate has been created in Iran on the pretext that it’s easier to monitor quality of Indian basmati.

There are 5-10 importers who work with a few exporters from here. It’s skewing the market in favour of the buyer and driving prices down,” said Vijay Setia, Executive Director, Maharani Rice, toldBusinessLine.The process of selling basmati on a loan-basis under a clean direct-advance (DA) system needed to be corrected as well, he said. “It’s a matter of judgment, once you have a system of import permits, how many people will get them and the number issued is up to the Iran government since it’s their system,” said Gupta.

Prices dip

With the acreage under Basmati expected to rise 5 per cent this year in the counrty against 2.1 million hectares coverage last year, prices could come under further pressure.“The association has no confirmed reports of a cartel operating in Iran. Prices are lower mainly due to huge production of 8.1 mt last year, up from 6 mt the year before and there’s a lot available at the moment,” said Sundaresan.(This article was published on June 12, 2015)

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/basmati-exports-to-iran-will-pick-up-after-october/article7310092.ece

Monsoon enters Mumbai; heavy rain likely for West Coast next week

VINSON KURIAN

The onset of monsoonover Mumbai is delayed by two days but most weather models indicated sustained rainfall for the west coast, including the metropolis, next week.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUNE 12:  

The weakening of cyclone ‘Ashobaa’ off Oman on Friday saw the monsoon make fresh surge along the West Coast to enter Mumbai and parts of Madhya Maharashtra.The onset over Mumbai is delayed by two days but most weather models indicated sustained rainfall for the west coast, including the metropolis, next week.A helpful offshore trough will likely come into place by then.An elongated area of low pressure, the trough will receive the flows before directing them into the Western Ghats.

Scaling up

Here they are lifted up, get cooled, and are precipitated as heavy rain.The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted formation of a low-pressure area off the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast by Thursday.In tandem with the offshore trough along the west coast, this will help drive the monsoon to peak form across peninsular India and parts of adjoining central India.A ‘low’ forming in the Bay of Bengal is the best bit of news since it holds up the Bay of Bengal arm of the monsoon ensuring rain for the farming heartland of the country.

Less over coast

Statistics until June 10 suggested that in areas covered already by the monsoon, rain was deficient along the west coast, excess over Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh, and normal in rest of peninsula.The European centre said that entire Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and north interior Karnataka and parts of northern Tamil Nadu may get moderate to heavy rainfall next week.According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the monsoon is likely to enter central India by June 25.It will cover almost the entire country except the north-west India by June-end.The US Climate Prediction Centre too agrees with this outlook.It has forecast heavy rain for the west coast two weeks starting Friday and going until June 25.

Rain for east

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/monsoon-enters-mumbai-heavy-rain-likely-for-west-coast-next-week/article7310093.ece

Mumbai, western parts of Maharashtra, west Madhya Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, south interior Karnataka and Kerala are expected to come under a wet spell during the first week (June 12-18).The week that follows will see rain sustaining at many of these areas and also extending over central and adjoining east India.India Met Department has said that Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha would witness rain/thundershowers by end of next week.Thundershowers are also forecast for isolated places in plains of northwest India and adjoining hills.

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12th June (Friday),2015 Daily Global RiceE-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine