17th September,2015 Daily global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

News Headlines...

Ø Relief package: rice exporters see no relief

Ø Experts for providing better rice seeds to farmers

Ø Falling rice prices land UAE traders in soup  

Ø Rice exports resume though annual target likely to be missed

Ø Rice export licences to be granted

Ø NFA to award 750,000 MT rice deal to Vietnam, Thailand

Ø Kharif foodgrain output likely to decrease 1.8 % due to rain deficit in some states

Ø Vietnam, Thailand to supply extra rice

Ø Plant third crop to beat El Niño, rice farmers told

Ø NFA assures enough rice supply

Ø Auditors: Rice Board Violated Law Not Reporting Millions Out of State

Ø Top Rice Exporter Sees Crop at Two-Decade Low on Water Shortage

Ø U.S. and China to sign rice protocol agreement

Ø Rice exports: It’s time for the “giants” to leave

Ø APHIS Sets the Record Straight on China Phytosanitary Deal       

Ø CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures  

Ø Parboiled and White Rice Manufacturing Plant Project Report: Industry Trends, Manufacturing Process, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue

Ø Global Organic Rice Market 2015 Industry Analysis, Research, Trends, Growth and Overview

Ø Mixed bag Mediterranean at Al Seraj

Ø Qatar firm in Rs 110 crore basmati rice exports scam

Ø Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report

News Detail...

Relief package: rice exporters see no relief

September 17, 2015

RECORDER REPORT

Suleman, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has shown serious concerns over the announcement of relief package by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister as he believed that there is no relief for rice export sector. He said the subsidy of Rs 5,000 per acre announced by the prime minister would not help resolve the rice crisis, as this cash support for farmers is not sufficient for Basmati rice farmers.

 "Support price of Rs 1600 for super basmati paddy is not realistic, as the prevailing market rates for super basmati paddy is Rs 800 and still there is a huge difference of Rs 800 which have to be considered by the government", he added. He said that the government did not consider the suggestions which were submitted by REAP. He urged for rollover of all bank limits without penalties should be allowed under Running Finance as well as Export Refinance where settlement should be extended from current 180 days to 360 days. In addition to this, it demanded that State Bank of Pakistan related cost of funds for all 100 percent mark-up paid/payable on ERF/FE/Running Finance should be refunded/waived without penalty and the borrowers may pay only the bank's spread as per documented realities available with all banks for their respective clients who are rice millers or rice exporters for the period July 2014 to September 2015.

He said that in order to save the rice trade, the government should withdrawal 3.5 percent withholding tax on local purchase of rice and announced a refund of 100 percent withholding tax paid by rice exporters from the period July 2014 to June 2015, besides refund of 10 percent invoice value to all rice exporters for shipments from July 2014 to June 2015. "One of the most important issues is the lack of Research & Development in rice as Rice Research Institutes are failed to provide any new and good quality seed of basmati rice for the last 15 to 20 years. REAP had series of meetings with NIBGE, Faisalabad, Pakistan Agricultural Research Centre (PARC) Islamabad and requested them to work towards introducing new basmati variety for the revival of rice export trade", Rafique said. e further said that rice exporters are facing problems in dealing with shipping companies due to the sudden increase in their charges on arrival of new rice crop.

 He said that TDAP has no sufficient funds to undertake the activities for marketing and promotion of Pakistani rice. Therefore government should allocate additional budget for TDAP to increase the exports from Pakistan. "If rice exporters' concerns are not addressed and their proposals are not considered, then rice export trade will have to see alarming crisis and rice exporters will have to struggle very hard to survive, as the circumstances are not in favour of rice exporters", he warned.

 http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1227951/

 

Experts for providing better rice seeds to farmers

 Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 17, 2015- Climate change is bad for everyone, and small farmers in the developing countries suffer the most from it. It’s no different in Nepal.Increasing effects of extreme climate change have stymied growth in the farm sector that has significantly affected the earnings of paddy farmers, leading experts to stress the need to increase their access to climate stress-tolerant rice varieties.Speakers at a workshop of a USAID-funded project entitled Accelerating the Adoption of Stress-Tolerant Rice Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in Nepal and Cambodia held on Wednesday said that applying varieties that are resistant to drought and can withstand floods could help Nepali farmers earn better incomes and increase the country’s food grain productivity.Farmers are unaware of stress-tolerant varieties due to lack of proper dissemination of information, and this has put their livelihoods in danger.

 “Nepal could attain sufficiency in climate-smart paddy seeds within four-five years if farmers are well educated to apply them,” said Bhaba Prasad Tripathi, senior associate scientist of International Rice Research Institute Nepal (IRRI-Nepal).“Farmers usually produce and exchange their seeds within their own community. Due to this practice, we can increase the supply and production of these varieties if the farmers are properly educated,” he said.Nepal is implementing a $3-million project on stress-tolerant rice varieties in a bid to reduce poverty and hunger, and increase food and income security for resource-poor farm households by providing and distributing high-yield rice varieties that are tolerant to climate stresses. The three-year project was implemented in October 2014.

 The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been providing financial help to IRRI to develop drought-tolerant rice varieties for Nepal, India, Bangladesh and some African countries. The project plans to double rice production in 10 years.“Under the project, we have targeted reaching 100,000 farmers within two-three years,” Tripathi said. The project has been implemented in 20 districts in the Western, Mid-Western and the Far Western regions. In addition, the project has been extended to two Tarai districts, Jhapa and Morang, at the request of the government.
Currently, eight drought-tolerant varieties—Sukhadhan 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Tarahara 1 and Hardinath 2—and two submergence-tolerant rice varieties—Swarna Sub-1 and Sabha Mahasuri Sub-1- have been released by the government with IRRI support.Sukhadhan 1, 2 and 3, Sabha Mahasuri Sub-1 and Swarna Sub-1 were released in 2011. The government had approved Sukhadhan 4, 5 and 6 last year.

These varieties, also known as “climate change-ready rice”, can tolerate drought for up to one and a half months. The plant can also grow under water-deficiency stresses.They have been recommended for the Tarai, inner Tarai and river basin areas. Among these three, Sukhha 6 has the ability to re-grow even two weeks after submergence. These varieties have a yield more than four times higher compared to traditional seeds.

According to Tripathi, 250 tonnes of these seed varieties were supplied this year and 500 tonnes have been planned for the next season.Uttam Kumar Bhattarai, secretary of the Ministry of Agricultural Development, said that major challenges to Nepal’s agriculture are abiotic stress such as drought, submergence and rising temperatures due to climate change.According to him, 30 percent of the paddy areas in Nepal are prone to drought, while 10 percent of the fields are affected by submergence. “As 27 out of the country’s 75 districts are facing a food deficit, these varieties could increase productivity and are key to addressing food insecurity.”

 Published: 17-09-2015 08:05

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-17/experts-for-providing-better-rice-seeds-to-farmers.html

Falling rice prices land UAE traders in soup  

MENAFN - Khaleej Times - 16/09/2015

 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times)In a new episode of the defaulting saga a large number of commodity traders at Dubai's Al Ras wholesale market have gone bust creating a crisis at over a dozen local and foreign banks and financial institutions sources said.Between 40-50 commodity traders dealing in rice sugar edible oil and frozen chicken legs have defaulted in the last three-four months on their banking obligations traders and bankers said.The defaulting traders at least 25 of whom are reportedly missing also owe millions to the market said Mian Sajjad Ahmed managing director of Batala General Trading at the Al Ras wholesale market.

The sources attribute the trouble to a glut in the market caused by a bumper basmati crop in India and Pakistan and an Iranian ban on imports from India. Prices of Indian basmati rice plummeted from 610 per metric tonne to 305-443 in 2014-15.In Pakistan basmati prices plunged 40 per cent to 730-750 in 2014-15 from 1000. India's premium long grain rice 1121 is sold at 750 per metric tonnes Sella basmati traded at 720-730 and Pakistan's IRRI- 386 is sold at 750 all down from 1200-1300 at the start of the year.According to a retailer in Dubai prices of Pakistani rice brands Falak and Mehran sustained a downward trend with Falak available in market at as low as Dh28 on offer for a 5kg bag compared to the Dh45 normal price."Indian brands - Dawat Pride of India and India Gate among others - also fluctuated in rates depending on hypermarket and grocery stores but overall these brands sustained stable trend in the market ranging from Dh9 to Dh14 per kilogram" he said.Sajjad told Khaleej Times that out of 50 traders only four companies were operating out of the Al Ras wholesale market and the rest were having offices elsewhere in the Jabel Ali Free Zone Sharjah and Ajman.

"On the average these small and medium enterprises had borrowed Dh20-25 million" a source at a multinational bank said. However one firm's exposure is as big as Dh150 million while several borrowed between Dh50 and Dh100 million he said.The bankers fear they may have to write off Dh2 billion-Dh2.5 billion this financial year due to the crisis.A banker said in most cases the default was not "wilful" a view also echoed by Sajjad. One company owner fled with not only his bank loan but his own Dh1.5 million and another Dh20 million from the market Sajjad said while another trader paid all his creditors before he left.According to him it all started with the plunge in prices. Sajjad said some genuine traders could not pay on time following which banks suddenly stopped their credit line and demand to pay their dues.This panicked the traders said Sajjad who blamed nervous bankers for creating a crisis out of nothing.

However Sajjad said most of the companies whose names were revealed to him by Khaleej Times were never heard before. They were not at all involved in foodstuff business but may have built their books to con the banks."The whole situation developed in just two months as everything was fine until Eid Al Fitr" he said.One banker said at least 20-25 defaulted traders have already left the country to avoid legal action including immediate arrest and litigation for recovery.He said at least four rice traders sold a total of 40000 metric tonnes of rice in the market at 40-50 per cent discount. At least a dozen of traders have not defaulted but they are in a dire straits and unable to meet their commitments with the banks and market.Traders dealing in Indian rice were largely affected when Iran put a temporary ban on imports from India in November 2014 on the grounds of having adequate stocks and for political reasons.

http://www.menafn.com/1094344058/Falling-rice-prices-land-UAE-traders-in-soup

Rice exports resume though annual target likely to be missed

By Htin Linn Aung   |   Thursday, 17 September 2015

Rice exports resumed yesterday after a month-and-a-half halt due to flooding.

Exports of the staple commodity were suspended on August 1 as water levels rose through much of the country. The floods ultimately damaged 1.45 million acres and destroyed 841,000 acres, according to the September 2 Situation Report published by the National Natural Disaster Management Committee.Much of the damage was in Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing regions as well as Rakhine State, which are some of the country’s main rice growing areas.Local rice prices had climbed starting at the end of July, as reports of the flooding spread. Myaungmya rice sold for K40,000 for a 108-pound bag, up from K36,000 before the floods, while shwebo rice climbed about K8000 to K48,000 per bag.While some experts said the rise was based on market sentiment rather than immediate shortages caused by the flood, authorities moved to suspend exports on August 1 in a bid to lower prices and ensure there was enough stock.Myanmar is a net exporter of rice, though its goal of 2 million tonnes of export this year may now be hard to meet.U Aung Soe, deputy director general at the Department of Trade Promotion and Consumer Affairs, said previously that water levels have dropped and rice prices have returned to a stable level, so exports were allowed to resume yesterday.“We will handle exports with a regard to domestic demand,” he said.“We have already negotiated with the Myanmar Rice Federation to resume exports with small volumes, depending on export and local demand, in order to avoid troubles both for exporters and for local consumption.

”Minister of Commerce U Win Myint said on September 9 at the annual meeting of business chamber UMFCCI that Myanmar’s rice stock is sufficient to last until November, when the harvest begins. He said the stock had been compared to the domestic population by exports before reaching the decision to allow exports to resume.Although exports are flowing again, the year’s total rice exports are likely to fall below last year’s export volumes, which were a recent record.The halt, which lasted 45 days, will bite into this year’s export total, as will the decline in production caused by the floods.Myanmar Rice Federation vice chair U Aung Naing Oo said exports are likely to fall about 200,000 tonnes short of last year’s total of 1.8 million tonnes of exports.

“Production has fallen because paddy fields were destroyed by floods. Export volumes will also drop,” he said.Federation general secretary U Ye Min Aung said the increase in domestic prices had also steered more rice toward the local market, which would have been exported in better times.Rice is second to beans and pulses as the country’s main agricultural export. In 2014-15, 1.8 million tonnes of rice were exported, generating income of more than $700 million, while 1.4 million tonnes of beans and pulses were exported for $850 million, according to official statistics.

---

Translation by Zar Zar Soe

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/16529-rice-exports-resume-though-annual-target-likely-to-be-missed.html

Rice export licences to be granted

 

The Myanmar Rice Federation has announced that it will grant rice export licences for up to 500 tonnes and that 2 per cent of exports must be kept in reserve for six months. Companies can apply to the Ministry of Commerce in Nay Pyi Taw for a licence.The MRF said firms needed an export declaration and to keep 2 per cent of the exports back in reserve for six months. Stores of rice would be checked monthly and companies must be ready to hand over reserves if asked.

Export licences for both land and sea trade would be granted, it said. The term of licences was one month.The MRF is holding discussions with the ministry on sea and land trade and the storage of rice reserves. Rice exports would resume in October even though no official reply had been received,  the MRF announced.Dr Soe Tun, the MRF’s vice-chair, said: “A cargo ship can carry 1,000 tonnes of rice. We might face difficulty loading rice onto a ship if only 500 tonnes of rice is allowed.”The country has kept 34.8 million tonnes of rice in storage, enough to meet domestic demand until the end of November. The ministry is reviewing the resumption of exports as a bumper harvest is expected from September to the end of November.

http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/rice-export-licences-be-granted

NFA to award 750,000 MT rice deal to Vietnam, Thailand

by Mary Grace Padin - September 17, 2015

The National Food Authority (NFA) said on Thursday that Vietnam and Thailand are likely to secure the contract for the supply of 750,000 metric tons (MT) of milled rice, as the Philippines races to stockpile the staple amid the onslaught of El Niño.NFA officials made the pronouncement following an auction held in Quezon City. Bids submitted by Vietnam and Thailand were acceptable to the food agency’s Bids and Awards Committee.Vietnam offered to sell 450,000 MT of 25-percent broken well-milled rice at $426.60 per MT, while Thailand offered to ship the remaining 300,000 MT at the same price via a government-to-government procurement scheme. The price includes cargo handling and freight costs.

“The notice of award may be made in the next three days, after which the [winning bidder] will submit the performance bond to the NFA,” said Patricia Galang de Jesus, vice chairman of the NFA Committee on government-to-government procurement.The total volume auctioned off on Thursday includes the 250,000 MT standby rice stocks that the government had approved for importation to ensure that the country would have enough rice despite the onslaught of El Niño.NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay earlier said the government has decided to secure the entire 750,000 MT, while international rice prices remain affordable due to ample stocks.

Dalisay said the price of imported rice might go up in the next few months as El Niño-affected countries are expected to beef up their rice supplies. The Philippines will pay Vietnam $191.97 million, while Thailand will be paid $127.98 million.Delivery of the rice shipments will be made on a staggered basis. For the 250,000 MT standby stocks, half will be delivered by the end of November, while the other half will arrive in the country by the end of December.The 500,000 MT intended for 2016 will be shipped in the first quarter of next year—175,000 MT by the end of January; 175,000 MT by the end of February; and 150,000 MT by the end of March.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s total unmilled rice production for 2015 may decline slightly to 18.86 million metric tons (MMT) from 18.97 MMT produced last year due to the effects of the drought.The projected output is 1.22 MMT short of the national rice production target of 20.08 MMT for 2015.The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier reported the dry spell caused by El Niño may intensify in the last quarter of the year, and would persist until summer of next year.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/nfa-to-award-750000-mt-rice-deal-to-vietnam-thailand/

 

Kharif foodgrain output likely to decrease 1.8 % due to rain deficit in some states

By ET Bureau | 17 Sep, 2015, 06.24AM IST

Kharif foodgrain production is expected at 124.05 million tonnes this season, 1.79 per cent less than last year, as per the first advance estimate of the agriculture ministry.NEW DELHI: Kharif foodgrain production is expected at 124.05 million tonnes this season, 1.79 per cent less than last year, as per the first advance estimate of the agriculture ministry. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry attributed the likely fall in production to deficit rains in some states. However, with the area under kharif planting seen an increase of over 1.76 per cent year on year at 101.2 million hectare, the production figures could increase as harvest progresses. "These are preliminary estimates and would undergo revision based on further feedback from the states," the ministry release said. The cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has been deficient by 15 per cent, which is higher than rainfall deficit of 12 per cent last year.

The agriculture ministry said that on account of timely onset of monsoon as well as government multiple interventions with contingency plans, timely advisories and regular monitoring of seed and fertiliser availability, estimated production of most of the crops during the current kharif season is higher than the first advance estimate of 2014-15. In 2014-15, as per the fourth advance estimate, the country saw kharif production touched 126.31 million tonnes. In 2013-14, the country saw a record kharif foodgrain production of 129.24 million tonnes. Rice production in kharif 2015-16, is estimated to be 90.61 million tonnes, 0.27 per cent less than the previous year. The crop has been planted on 36.84 million hectares against 36.65 million hectares a year ago. Grain analyst Tejinder Narang said the estimate would not have any impact on grain prices. "Rabi planting of paddy has yet to take place and it is likely to make up.

Rice exports are expected to fall this year, so we should have ample supplies in the country," he said. Production of coarse cereal has been estimated at 27.88 million tonnes with a significant decline in maize. Maize crop production is pegged at 15.5 million tonnes against 16.4 million tonnes last year. Kharif pulses (tur and urad) production in 2015-16 has been pegged at 5.56 million tonnes against 5.60 million tonnes a year ago. ravin Dongre, chairman of India Pulses and Grain Association, said the planting was higher than the previous year and that the farmers are hoping that rains are well distributed in the last phase. Area under pulses till last week had increased by 11 per cent over the previous year at 11 million hectares. Production of oilseeds such as groundnut, soyabean and castorseed has been estimated to increase to 19.89 million tonnes this year against 18.3 million tonnes last year. An official from an edible oil company, however, expressed strong doubts about the estimates. "The ministry says soyabean production will be 11.83 million tonnes compared to 10.53 million tonnes in the previous year. We expect it to be lesser than that," the person said. Cotton production is expected to be 33.5 million bales of 170 kg each, lower by 2 million bales over the previous year, while sugarcane production has been estimated at 341.43million tonne, lower by 7.93million tonnes than the last year.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/48994095.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Vietnam, Thailand to supply extra rice

ETNAM and Thailand are poised to bag contracts to supply a total of 750,000 metric tons (MT) of additional rice to boost the Philippines’ buffer stock amid a brewing “strong” El Niño that could turn out to be the worst since 1998.

BW file photo

The National Food Authority (NFA) yesterday auctioned off the supply of 250,000 MT of 25% broken rice to be imported this year and 500,000 MT of the same standard due early next year.The agency set a $426.83/MT budget for the tender, which involved a government-to-government procurement scheme. Existing bilateral rice agreements allow the Philippines to import from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.Only Vietnam and Thailand participated in the first auction round but their offers were rejected for exceeding the government’s budget. Vietnam submitted a $431.25/MT offer for the entire 750,000 MT, while Thailand offered $430/MT for 300,000 MT.Both were given until yesterday afternoon to revise their bids, as provided by the auction’s terms of reference.

Vietnam submitted a revised offer of $426.60/MT but for the supply of only 450,000 MT, while Thailand revised its offer for 300,000 MT to $426.83/MT -- matching the government’s budget.“We will recommend for award the lowest offer of Vietnam for 450,000 MT,” said Patricia A. Galang-de Jesus, special assistant to the NFA administrator.“Considering that the entire volume was not taken up, Thailand will be given the chance to match the lowest price,” added Ms. Galang-de Jesus, who also serves as vice-chairman of NFA’s Committee on Government-to-Government Procurement.Thailand agreed to match Vietnam’s offer of $426.60/MT for the balance.Ms. Galang-de Jesus said recommendations for award will be submitted to the NFA Council. “The NFA Council will have to confirm the award first,” she said, adding that notices of award are expected to be issued “within three days” from yesterday.

The stocks are scheduled to be delivered on a staggered basis, with the first 125,000 MT tranche due by the end of November and another 125,000 MT by the end of December.Next year’s shipments will involve the delivery 175,000 MT each by the end of January and February, and the 150,000 MT balance by the end of March.The 250,000 MT rice stocks to be shipped in by December will bring the total volume of rice contracted for this year to 1.787 million MT. The total includes the 500,000 MT imported in February and 250,000 MT in June, both via government-to-government procurement. It also covers private sector importation under the minimum access volume (MAV) commitment for this year. The government last July contracted 187,000 MT under the MAV-omnibus origin scheme and 600,000 MT under the MAV-country specific quota.

The Interagency Food Security Committee -- led by the National Economic and Development Authority -- earlier this month authorized the importation of the additional 750,000 MT in preparation for the impact of the El Niño.NFA Administrator Renan B. Dalisay earlier this month said the country has sufficient stocks until yearend, but explained that the government is rushing to bring in the projected volume needed in an effort to beat a possible spike in international rice prices. “To maintain the stability of rice stock and price, the government will start negotiating... now when rice prices in the international market are still low and stable.

”NFA’s head said that rice prices could jack up once demand from other countries shoots up amid El Niño. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration has warned that the currently developing El Niño episode that could last till May next year could be the worst since the 1997-1998 event.Crop damage from heat had already begun to take its toll on farm output, which crawled just 0.73% last semester against the government’s 3.3-4.3% full-year growth target for 2015. Agriculture accounts for about a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product, which is targeted to expand between 7-8% this year.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=vietnam-thailand-to-supply-extra-rice&id=115543

Plant third crop to beat El Niño, rice farmers told

Posted on September 17, 2015 10:16:00 PM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Rice farmers in Northern Mindanao are being encouraged by the National Irrigation

Administration (NIA) to plant a third crop as a response to the dry conditions brought about by El Niño.

Newly installed NIA Region 10 Director Ramon A. Bugacia said the agency has launched a campaign targeting farmers in the region’s five provinces to follow NIA’s suggested crop calendar that takes into consideration the irregular dry spell.Under the normal farming cycle, rice is planted twice a year, between the November to April dry season and the May to October wet season.

NIA’s adjusted scheme involves a third crop to be planted between the two usual periods.Mr. Bugacia said he has proposed that farmers “open a new 120-day window for a third cropping between the two seasons so they can have an additional season’s worth of harvest.”Most of the rice in Region 10 is of the lowland type, covering about 30,000 hectares (ha). Of these, 17,000 ha are located in Bukidnon. Meanwhile, NIA-10 is set to inaugurate on Sept. 23 a P500-million reservoir in Tangub City, which will serve 640 ha of farmland.The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier announced that the current El Niño episode could last up to the first half of 2016.“This 2015-16 El Niño event will potentially be among the four strongest events since 1950,” PAGASA said in its most recent advisory issued on Sept. 3. -- Mark D. Francisco

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=plant-third-crop-to-beat-el-ni&241o-rice-farmers-told&id=115532

NFA assures enough rice supply

 September 17, 2015  By Merlito G. Edale Jr.

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, September 16 (PIA) – The National Food Authority (NFA) here has assured the public that there are enough rice buffer stocks in the region for the coming months.Mario Gonzales, regional director, said they have enough supply of rice amid concerns that prices of the staple food will increase as El Nino phenomenon continue to affect the rice harvest in the region.“We have enough rice stocks in our warehouses to last for the next few months and are enough to stabilize any prize hike in the market,” Gonzales said.

He likewise urged farmers to sell their rice harvest to the agency which is pegged at P17.00 per kilo while P12.30 per kilo for corn.Gonzales said his agency has targeted to buy 158,000 sacks of corn this cropping season.He added that NFA accredited rice outlets regionwide have also enough rice supply, making rice more affordable for consumers at P27 per kilo for regular milled-rice while P32 per kilo for the well-milled rice. (ALM/MGE/PIA-2 Isabela)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/481442368412/nfa-assures-enough-rice-supply#sthash.jrtNkslS.dpuf

Auditors: Rice Board Violated Law Not Reporting Millions Out of State

By MARCI MANLEY | mmanley@kark.com

Published 09/17 2015 08:33PM

Updated 09/17 2015 08:33PM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- State auditors confirm what KARK reported in May -- that millions of dollars under the charge of a state board tasked with promoting research for rice farmers had been sitting in an out-of state account."The agency did not comply with Arkansas laws," Jon Moore with the Division of Legislative Audit told lawmakers Thursday while releasing its report on the funds. You can read the audit here.Legislators were able to question the Rice Research and Promotion Board's administrator about why millions of additional dollars in revenue were not reported to state finance officials, which is a violation of Arkansas law.

Moore informed lawmakers that it did not appear that anything criminal occurred and that all funds appeared to be accounted for. Brandy Carroll, an Arkansas Farm Bureau employee and administrator of the board, told legislators the board is working to follow proper protocol moving forward.KARK reported in May that it appeared money from Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) auctions for rice being shipped to Colombia were being deposited and held by The Rice Foundation in an account in Virginia. On Thursday, the audit confirmed that report and noted the board failed to follow the protocols of reporting revenue, failed to receive appropriations from the General Assembly and failed to comply with investing regulations for state agencies.The board received an initial European TRQ fund that began in 1999, and those funds were set up to be distributed to rice boards through The Rice Foundation.

The money from the Colombian TRQ, however, was slated to go directly to the boards themselves instead of using The Rice Foundation, which is affiliated with the USA Rice Federation, as a pass through."The board elected to have the Rice Foundation invest those on their behalf and hold those," Carroll said.The audit notes that TRQ funds from 1999 onward were "materially understated" for many years. With no mention of those funds as revenues during audits for the past 10 years.Carroll was not asked and did not address why those funds were not reported as revenues. She did note that the money was always kept separate and apart from "check-off funds" that are collected as a tax on rice farmers and purchasers to fund research and marketing projects.

According to Carroll approximately $11 million is currently sitting in the cash fund account with The Rice Foundation, and Carroll said the board had received approval to continue keeping the money in that account, provided proper revenue reports were filed with the state.   When KARK began inquiring about the funds in April 2015, not a single state financial official or state auditing official we spoke with - outside the Rice Research and Promotion Board members and staff - knew of the TRQ funds existence or why they were not being reported.To follow this and other Marci Manley investigations, click here to like her on Facebook and here to follow her on Twitter.

http://www.arkansasmatters.com/news/local-news/auditors-rice-board-violated-law-not-reporting-millions-out-of-state

Top Rice Exporter Sees Crop at Two-Decade Low on Water Shortage

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 10:00 PM

Rice production in Thailand may plunge to the lowest level in 19 years as dry weather may prompt the world’s largest shipper to further restrict plantings to preserve water supply.Output of rough rice may decline to as low as 22.98 million metric tons in 2015-16, the least since 1996-97, assuming there is no planting during the dry season starting in November, Thailand’s Office of Agricultural Economics said in an e-mailed reply to Bloomberg questions on Tuesday. That’s down 30 percent from 32.62 million tons a year earlier.A smaller crop from the Southeast Asian nation, which accounts for about a quarter of the global trade, may tighten supply just as El Nino threatens to parch fields in Asia and disrupt harvests worldwide. Global production will fall for the first time since 2009-10 as flooding and drought in major growers damage crops, while consumption expands for a sixth year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

Futures in Chicago have risen 10 percent this year, reaching a one-year high on Sept. 14.“A potential fall in output could gradually boost prices by up to $20 a ton by the end of this year,” said Kiattisak Kanlayasirivat, a Bangkok-based director at Ascend Commodities SA, referring to export prices of 5-percent broken white rice, an Asian benchmark. Domestic prices may climb to 9,000 to 10,000 baht ($278) a ton from around 8,000 now, he said.Production may total 24.69 million tons if 20 percent of rice is planted in the dry season, according to the Thai office. Annual output averaged 36.39 million tons in the past five years, it said.

Water Supply

Farmers won’t be allowed to plant crop from Nov. 1 to April 30 as lower-than-average rainfall causes insufficient water supply, Farm Minister Chatchai Sarikulya told reporters on Sept. 11. Cabinet is yet to make an official announcement on prohibiting plantings.Growers need to reduce plantings or switch to other crops that consume less water as rainfall this year is about 25 percent below a historical average, resulting in declining water reserves, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a government spokesman, told reporters Wednesday. State agencies are working on measures to support farmers, he added.

World rice production for 2015-16 is forecast at 475.76 million tons, down from 478.65 million projected in August, the USDA said in a report last week. Consumption was estimated at 487.42 million tons for the same year.Futures on the Chicago Board of Trade traded at $12.920 per 100 pounds at 4:52 p.m. in Bangkok. Prices rose to $13.080 this week, the highest since July 2014.

http://www.agweb.com/article/top-rice-exporter-sees-crop-at-two-decade-low-on-water-shortage-blmg/?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+September+17%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

U.S. and China to sign rice protocol agreement

 

In those intervening ten years, China has switched from being a rice exporter to (in recent years) importing two million tons or more of long grain rice. Vietnam has been the origin of most of the Chinese imports, due to a combination of price, proximity, and quality. The U.S. has not been permitted to ship to China because r...

By U.S. Rice Producers Association

Posted Sep. 17, 2015 at 3:12 PM 

HOUSTON —

Officials from the United States and the Peoples’ Republic of China will sign a phytosanitary protocol during the week of September 21st when Chinese President Xi Jinping leads a delegation on an official visit to Washington, DC. Culminating an effort that reaches back more than 15 years, the US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) has been pushing to open the Chinese market to U.S. rice.In those intervening ten years, China has switched from being a rice exporter to (in recent years) importing two million tons or more of long grain rice. Vietnam has been the origin of most of the Chinese imports, due to a combination of price, proximity, and quality. The U.S. has not been permitted to ship to China because rice was not included in the original negotiations that resulted in the sale of millions of tons of soybeans and cotton and other grains. That now changes with the new phytosanitary protocol.

USRPA applied for funding from USDA/FAS under their Emerging Markets Program to travel to China to determine if there would be demand for U.S. long grain milled rice should it ever be permitted. Over the years, consumer preferences were recorded and analyzed, and the conclusion was obvious — rice milled in the United States would be considered a preferred product deserving of a premium price in the opinion of the growing consumer class in China. In recent years, medium grain rice from both the South and California has been included in these consumer surveys, and the result is the same: “When can we buy it?”

A number of importers and distributors in China have been identified, and it is likely that the newly-permitted trade will get off to a fast start. It is not clear how large the trade could become once the logistics and the commercial terms are perfected, but China could represent a significant boost to the U.S. rice market, which recently has been slammed by the loss of markets and low-priced subsidized foreign competition.

“This has been a long and exhaustive process and sometimes that’s the nature of international market development, while I must compliment the USRPA staff and its board members including past Chairmen, B.J. Campbell of Missouri and Ray Stoesser of Texas, who along with officials of the Foreign Agricultural Service and Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA, have not hesitated in pursuing this effort that is so important to our rice farming and milling industry,” says Dwight Roberts, President & CEO of the organization. “Our analysis of the China market goes back to 1998 when at the time no one thought China would ever be a significant importer,” added Roberts.

http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150919704

Rice exports: It’s time for the “giants” to leave

VietNamNet Bridge - Rice exports seem to be the playground of big State-owned corporations, which are able to impose unfavorable conditions on others, especially farmers.

·

Dubious rice export floor prices

The export floor price for rice is stipulated in Decree 109/2011/ND-CP, which is determined under the guidance of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) based on domestic and global market movements.Rice trading firms have to register rice export prices, which must not be lower than the floor price set by the VFA.The calculation of export floor price is extremely difficult, because the nature of market is always volatile. VFA had to adjust the floor price many times, for example, up to eight times in 2011.

The change of the floor price frequently and unexpectedly in a short period of time can cause anxiety for rice trading businesses. This creates a risky business environment and drives rice trading enterprises to short-term business plans.In fact, the implementation of this policy still lacks transparency, leading to unfair competition.During many periods (eg 2-4/2011 - 1-8/2012), 5% and 25% broken rice from Vietnam were exported at the prices that were lower than the floor price set by the VFA, according to FAO statistics.

This makes us suspect that the floor price regulations published by the VFA, in fact, could not regulate transactions, and some businesses could still offer lower export prices than the floor price.The businesses developing high quality rice varieties may not pay much attention to this issue. However, ambiguous information could lead to ambiguities in competition. Transparency of these issues is an important commitment to equal competition among businesses and, above all, to create stability for investments of enterprises.

Exports of high-quality rice are still low

Decree 109/2011/ND-CP 2011 and then Decision 6139/QD-BCT 2013 stipulate the conditions to become a rice exporting firm, including: (i) having at least one warehouse with a minimum capacity of 5,000 tons of rice and (ii) at least a rice husking factory with a minimum capacity of 10 tons of paddy per hour.This means that the businesses that have close relations with farmers and produce branded products but do not meet the above criteria will not be exporting rice.For example, Vien Phu Viet Nam Company, with the Hoa Sua rice brand, cannot actively access the market but have to entrust rice exports to large companies that are eligible to export rice. With a huge effort to build its own brand, this company cannot directly export its products because of the problem of a "license".

Once a business has the certificate of rice export, to maintain rice export activities, it must meet the criteria of exporting at least 10,000 tons of rice per year, according to Decision 6139/ QD-BTC of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This represents a focus on volume rather than quality of export rice.It is more difficult for exporters of high quality rice as they are requested to have large enough material area to satisfy this condition. Exports of low-quality rice are done easily as exporters only need to purchase a sufficient volume of rice from traders.Rice exports appear to have become a playground of giants able to impose unfavorable conditions on others, especially farmers.We do not know whether these giants help improve the efficiency of the rice sector because having connections with farmers is not the most important condition.

Overall, Decree 109/2011/ND-CP was issued with the aim of minimizing the number of incompetent rice exporting companies. However, this would make the export of high-quality rice, with a relatively low volume, extremely difficult. Therefore, we believe that there should be a special mechanism for businesses to export branded rice.Therefore, the regulations on keeping a stable number of rice exporters, with up to 150 enterprises, and the provisions to maintain export volume of 10,000 tons per year in Decision 6139/QD-BCT, should be canceled. The "hard" numbers only make enterprises "shun" the production and export of high-quality rice.Let’s imagine that the rice sector is "untied" and all companies with their own rice brands are allowed to export their products, there will be more Vietnamese companies exporting high-quality rice to the world market. The credibility and effectiveness of Vietnam's rice industry will be significantly improved. A market is only healthy when there are more players with different products allowed to join.

"Tying" the output

Not only the problem of "license," Vietnam’s rice exporting policies also create many other output-related difficulties for private enterprises.Circular 44/2010/TT-BCT, giving detailed guidance to some articles of Decree 109/2010/ND-CP, says that traders are not allowed to sign rice exporting contracts, or let their buyers re-export rice to the markets that already have government-to-government contracts, unless they are approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Thus, private companies are only permitted to export rice to small or new markets.According to an analysis of the World Food Organization (FAO) in 200, rice is usually exported to neighboring countries due to the characteristics of taste and transport costs.

Meanwhile, the government to government contracts are signed with major partners in neighboring countries of Vietnam such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Malaysia ... That means the export markets of commercial contracts are very "narrow", thus investments in rice becomes even more risky.We think that it is time that State-owned enterprises (SOEs) give up the commercial playgrounds for increasingly dynamic private businesses. SOEs should focus on rice stockpiles and ensure food security in the country.Because private enterprises, with their acumen, will "capture" market signals faster than SOEs. They are also an important link in the chain links with farmers to bring Vietnam's rice brands to the international arena.Blowing new vitality into private enterprises, a stable investment environment and policies friendly to the market are the best and most sustainable policy for building Vietnam rice brands.

The uncertainty in the investment climate and institutions has restricted the dynamism of businesses in the process of seeking export markets. Many policy-related issues are hindering Vietnamese businesses in building rice brands and linking farmers and it seems that all problems originate from the obsolete mechanism.Policy change is an arduous process, but it is time for all parties to make a breakthrough. If the rice sector triggered the first renovation 30 years ago, we believe that the changes in policies and mechanisms to help the industry become more commercial are likely to be the sign for a second renovation. And those who will benefit the most, like in the first renovation, will be the farmers.

Nguyen Quang Thai - Nguyen Khac Giang

(Vietnam Institute for Economic Policy Research

Tags:Rice exports: It’s time for the “giants” to leave,vietnam's rice export,

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/special-reports/141552/rice-exports--it-s-time-for-the--giants--to-leave.html

APHIS Sets the Record Straight on China Phytosanitary Deal          

  We will sell no rice before it's time

ARLINGTON, VA -- In a conference call with USA Rice staff yesterday, high ranking officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that the phytosanitary protocol between the United States and China has not been finalized.Over the past week there have been several media reports that the deal had been successfully concluded, including a USRPA press release that the deal would be signed in Washington, DC next week.APHIS officials confirmed that these reports are not accurate, and that the protocol is actually now undergoing an interagency administrative, or regulatory, review in China.

Earlier this week, USRPA, who had representatives on yesterday's conference call, reported to members and the media that the signing would now take place in Beijing at the request of the Chinese.  When asked if this was accurate, APHIS officials said, "it's speculation."The brief call concluded with a commitment from APHIS to continue to stay in close contact with the industry to provide updates, and a commitment from USA Rice to continue its policy of supporting the work of APHIS, and waiting to receive actual confirmation of a finalized agreement.USA Rice also continues to remind interested parties that once the protocol is agreed to, there will still be a great deal of work to be done on both sides of the Pacific before shipments of U.S.-grown rice are eligible to be exported to China.

 Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   

CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for September 10 Month Price Net Change November 2015 $12.895 + $0.030 January 2016 $13.175 + $0.025 March 2016 $13.385 + $0.025 May 2016 $13.560 + $0.015 July 2016 $13.710 + $0.010 September 2016 $12.930 + $0.060 November 2016 $12.930 + $0.060

Parboiled and White Rice Manufacturing Plant Project Report: Industry Trends, Manufacturing Process, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue

LONDON, Sept. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- IMARC's latest study "Parboiled and White Rice Manufacturing Plant Project Report: Industry Trends, Manufacturing Process, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue" provides a techno-commercial roadmap for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant. The study, which has been done by one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, covers all the requisite aspects of the parboiled and white rice industry. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, processing and manufacturing requirements, project cost, project funding, project economics including expected returns on investment, profit margins, etc. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the parboiled rice and white rice industry in any manner.

Key Questions Answered in This Report?

- What are the key success and risk factors in the parboiled and white rice manufacturing industry?
- How has the parboiled and white rice market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
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- What are the various unit operations involved in a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What is the total size of land required for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the machinery requirements for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the raw material requirements for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the utility requirements for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the manpower requirements for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the infrastructure costs for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the capital costs for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What are the operating costs for setting up a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What should be the pricing mechanism of parboiled and white rice?
- What will be the income and expenditures for a parboiled and white rice manufacturing plant?
- What is the time required to break-even?
Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/2861478/

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Global Organic Rice Market 2015 Industry Analysis, Research, Trends, Growth and Overview

The research report, titled Organic Rice Industry 2015 Market Size, Share, Trends, Price, Segmentation, Growth, Outlook, Company Profiles, Demand, Insights, Analysis and Forecast 2015-2020.This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/17/2015 -- The research report, titled Organic Rice Market Research 2015, provides an executive-level blueprint of the global Organic Rice market. It evaluates the market on the basis of factors driving the demand, market size, and ongoing trends. The report also cites the economic factors directly impacting the market. For the purpose of the study, the report obtains information from industrial sources such as financial records of the leading companies, prevalent industrial trends, and insights from industry veterans using primary and secondary research techniques. The impact of government regulations on the performance of the market is studied and the historical statistics of the market are also referred to.

The valuable inputs obtained from industry experts are compiled in the report in a clear and concise manner. With an exhaustive collection of info graphics, graphs, pie charts, and tables, this research report on the global Organic Rice market provides elemental information about the market.For the purpose of the study, the report segments the global Organic Rice market in terms of crucial parameters, and evaluates the market share held by each of these segments. Economic factors and government regulations impacting the growth of the individual segments are discussed in detail in the report. Furthermore, the report highlights the incumbent export and import trends in the global Organic Rice market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @

http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-organic-rice-industry-2015-market-research-report.htm

The report uses industry-leading analytical tools such as Porter's five forces analysis and SWOT analysis to study the opportunities and challenges the market is likely to face. To evaluate the competitive landscape of the global Organic Rice market, the report profiles the companies operating in the market in detail. It studies the strengths and weaknesses of these companies, and weighs out the opportunities and threats they face to calculate their individual market share. The financial records of the companies are also referred to for the purpose of the study. Other factors that the report analyzes include recent developments in the Organic Rice market, the prevailing demand and supply trends, bargaining power of consumers and suppliers, threat of new entrants and substitutes, and the financial performance of the leading companies in the market.

To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=359144&type=E

Table of Contents

Chapter One Organic Rice Industry Overview
1.1 Organic Rice Definition
1.2 Organic Rice Classification and Application
1.3 Organic Rice Industry Chain Structure
1.4 Organic Rice Industry Overview

Chapter Two Organic Rice International and China Market Analysis
2.1 Organic Rice Industry International Market Analysis
2.1.1 Organic Rice International Market Development History
2.1.2 Organic Rice Product and Technology Developments
2.1.3 Organic Rice Competitive Landscape Analysis
2.1.4 Organic Rice International Key Countries Development Status
2.1.5 Organic Rice International Market Development Trend
2.1.6 Global Organic Rice New Project and Project Plan
2.2 Organic Rice Industry China Market Analysis
2.2.1 Organic Rice China Market Development History
2.2.2 Organic Rice Product and Technology Developments
2.2.3 Organic Rice Competitive Landscape Analysis
2.2.4 Organic Rice China Key Regions Development Status
2.2.5 Organic Rice China Market Development Trend
2.2.6 China Organic Rice New Project and Project Plan
2.3 Organic Rice International and China Market Comparison Analysis

Chapter Three Organic Rice Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis
3.1 2015 Global Key Manufacturers Organic Rice Capacity and Manufacturing Plants Distribution
3.2 2015 Global Key Manufacturers Organic Rice R&D Status and Technology Source
3.3 2015 Global Key Manufacturers Organic Rice Raw Materials Sources Analysis

Chapter Four Organic Rice Production by Regions by Technology by Applications
4.1 2009-2015 Organic Rice Production by Regions (such as Russia Ukraine and China)
4.2 2009-2015 Organic Rice Production by Applications
4.3 2009-2015 Organic Rice Price by key Manufacturers
4.4 2009-2015 Russia Organic Rice Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis
4.5 2009-2015 Ukraine Organic Rice Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis
4.6 2009-2015 China Organic Rice Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis

Chapter Five Organic Rice Manufacturing Process and Cost Structure
5.1 Organic Rice Product Specifications
5.2 Organic Rice Manufacturing Process Analysis
5.3 Organic Rice Cost Structure Analysis
5.4 Organic Rice Price Cost Gross Analysis

Chapter Six 2009-2015 Organic Rice Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast
6.1 2009-2015 Organic Rice Capacity Production Overview
6.2 2009-2015 Organic Rice Production Market Share Analysis
6.3 2009-2015 Organic Rice Demand Overview
6.4 2009-2015 Organic Rice Supply Demand and Shortage
6.5 2009-2015 Organic Rice Import Export Consumption
6.6 2009-2015 Organic Rice Cost Price Production Value Gross Margin

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Mixed bag Mediterranean at Al Seraj 

CHICKEN KEBAB: Lunchtime choice was flavorful, moist.Sometimes restaurants we visit are great, and sometimes they aren't very good at all — but until we tried Al Seraj on Rodney Parham, we'd never been to one that was both in the space of a single week. Our initial impression of the place was that Little Rock had gained a valuable addition to our international food scene, but a second meal left us scratching our heads and wondering what went wrong.

The restaurant is in the former Great Wraps location next to Bedford Camera, and on our first trip in, we were impressed by the clean interior, which despite being at the height of lunch looked as though the restaurant had just opened. Walking past the prep bar to the register to place our order, we noticed the wide variety of fresh salads and ingredients available, and our mouth always starts watering the minute we see a spinning column of gyros meat ready for shaving.We decided to start small for lunch with an order of hummus ($4.69), and we were excited when the plate hit the table. The chickpea puree was silky smooth and the splash of olive oil over the top added a delightful pungent note to the dish.

The pita served alongside appeared to be handmade, and while we can't be sure that Al Seraj is making it in house, we can say with some certainty that wherever the pita is coming from, it's being made fresh. Hummus is a simple dish, but those can often be the hardest to pull off, and we were more than pleased by this version.A couple of wrap-style sandwiches followed, and we were equally happy with them. The Kufta Beef Kabob ($5.99) was flavorful and moist, with an ample portion of kabob-style ground beef nestled among vegetables and a tangy sauce.

The Chicken Kabob ($5.99), marinated grilled chicken, was moist and flavorful. The bread for the sandwiches was a flatbread-style wrap, and again it was clear that Al Seraj is using homemade bread. We finished lunch and left already planning our next trip. It was a fantastic meal.A return trip for dinner proved to be about as far from fantastic as could be imagined. If there was one highlight of this disastrous second meal, it was an order of falafel ($2.99). The hushpuppy-sized chickpea patties were tender and well spiced, and while we found the tahini sauce on the side to be a touch thin, the flavor was spot on.

 Falafel is a dish that can easily be served either too dry or falling apart, but these were firm, moist and delicious.Unfortunately, that's basically where the good times ended. A Half-and-Half Platter ($12.99) with gyros meat and chicken shawarma committed sins that were avoided by our previous meal: The meat was dry, spongy and uninspired. Gyros meat should be shaved from the column and lightly crisped in a pan; this was just shaved and dumped onto a plate. The shawarma had a good flavor, but it was so dry that sip after sip of water was required just to get it down. A side of baba ganouj didn't help matters, veering from pleasantly sharp to bitter, despite having a good texture and consistency.Most disappointing, though, was the Lamb Kabob ($12.99).

 Four sad chunks of gristly, tough lamb made us wonder if we were actually at the same restaurant that pleased us so much just a few days prior. A side salad of cucumbers, tomato and tangy tzatziki sauce was tasty and fresh, and our other side of basmati rice was fine (if under-seasoned), but we had really come into the place with a taste for lamb, and thus left disappointed. It was as if an entirely different kitchen had prepared our food the second time around. The attention to spice and flavor that we enjoyed so much during our previous lunch seemed more slapdash and inconsistent the second time around, with some items (like the lamb) having very little flavor while others were prepared well.

Given that Al Seraj performed so well the first time, we are inclined to give it another chance to reach those heights again. Perhaps the place is simply better equipped to do sandwiches and other lunch-style dishes, or perhaps there is a better crew in the kitchen during the day. Whatever it is, we still recommend giving the place a try, because while we found our dinner dishes lacking, that first lunch had enough sparkle and taste that there is obviously potential at Al Seraj.

Al Seraj Mediterranean Restaurant

11400 N. Rodney Parham Road

954-2026

alserajusa.com

QUICK BITE

It can be a little confusing knowing where to order at Al Seraj, and there aren't any signs to guide the way. Go back to the rear of the restaurant along the prep bar to place an order. Meals from the restaurant are also available for delivery through Chef Shuttle.

HOURS

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

OTHER INFO

All major credit cards accepted; no alcohol.

Arkansas Times

Qatar firm in Rs 110 crore basmati rice exports scam

Vishnu Sukumaran New Delhi: Sep 16, 2015, DHNS

Delhi Police have filed a case against a firm, in which Qatar government is said to have a major stake, after allegations of unpaid bills of Rs 110 crore for basmati rice exports for the past 15 months. 

Police have informed the Qatar embassy about the action, which followed a complaint by Saraswati Vihar municipal councillor Jyoti Aggarwal.Aggarwal  has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the company had caused “irreparable loss” to over 1,000 farmers in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. According to police, the farmers had supplied basmati rice to Bush Foods Overseas through commission agents and brokers. The firm exports basmati rice, ready-to-eat products and spices to 70 countries. It has a registered office at south Delhi’s Saket and a factory in Haryana.

The councilor Jyoti said in her complaint that 69.5 per cent shares of Bush Foods Overseas were purchased for Rs 750 crore by Hassad Netherlands BV in March 2013. “Hassad Netherlands BV is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hassad Food Company, which is ultimately owned by the Qatar Investment Authority of Government of Qatar,” Aggarwal’s complaint said.

 “It is alleged that Bush Foods Overseas’ CEO and managing director Vir Karan Awasthy is behind the fraud,” a police officer said. Awasthy holds 30.5 per cent shares of the company.In the letter to Modi, Aggarwal urged the government to stop further investment by Hassad Netherlands BV and Hassad Food in India till all farmers’ and vendors’ dues were paid.  A case under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code was registered with the Economic Offences Wing police station on Monday.The FIR names Bush Foods Overseas, Awasthy, Hassad Netherlands BV, Hassad Food chairman and managing director Nasser Mohamed Al Hajri, and two others.  

Deccan Herald

Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report

A comprehensive daily commodity market report for Arkansas agricultural commodities with cash markets, futures and insightful analysis and commentary from Arkansas Farm Bureau commodity analysts.

Noteworthy benchmark price levels of interest to farmers and ranchers, as well as long-term commodity market trends which are developing. Daily fundamental market influences and technical factors are noted and discussed.

Soybeans

	High	Low
Cash Bids	927	832
New Crop	917	832

Riceland Foods

Cash Bids	Stuttgart: - - -	Pendleton: - - -
New Crop	Stuttgart: - - -	Pendleton: - - -

Futures:

High Low Last Change Nov '15 890.50 880.50 884.50 -2.75 Jan '16 894.00 884.50 888.75 -2.25 Mar '16 895.50 887.50 892.00 -1.25 May '16 898.50 890.00 894.75 -0.25 Jul '16 902.25 894.25 898.75 0.00 Aug '16 901.00 893.50 898.00 +0.50 Sep '16 890.50 885.50 887.50 -0.75 Nov '16 887.00 880.00 883.00 -1.25 Jan '17 888.00 888.00 889.00 -1.00

Arkansas Daily Grain Report

FOB Memphis Elevator Crops

Soybean Comment

Soybeans ended lower today. The market remains under pressure from strengthening supplies. While we have seen some strong export sales in recent weeks and days, they are not enough to provide major support. Total commitments for this 2015/16 remain well below previous years.

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Wheat

	High	Low
Cash Bids	--	--
New Crop	494	469

Futures:

High Low Last Change Dec '15 489.75 480.50 481.50 -6.75 Mar '16 496.25 488.00 488.50 -6.75 May '16 501.00 492.75 493.50 -7.00 Jul '16 505.75 497.00 497.50 -7.25 Sep '16 514.00 507.75 506.00 -8.00 Dec '16 527.75 519.50 520.25 -7.75 Mar '17 533.00 533.00 531.00 -7.00 May '17 530.00 -6.25 Jul '17 521.00 -6.25

Arkansas Daily Grain Report

FOB Memphis Elevator Crops

Wheat Comment

Wheat prices continue to weaken as they found no support from outside markets. Wheat will remain a follower in the commodity markets as we have no support for higher prices.

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Grain Sorghum

	High	Low
Cash Bids	408	368
New Crop	406	380

Arkansas Daily Grain Report

FOB Memphis Elevator Crops

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Corn

	High	Low
Cash Bids	396	343
New Crop	467	348

Futures:

High Low Last Change Dec '15 385.50 379.25 379.75 -6.25 Mar '16 396.75 390.75 391.00 -6.25 May '16 403.50 398.00 398.50 -6.00 Jul '16 408.50 403.50 403.75 -5.50 Sep '16 401.75 397.00 397.00 -5.00 Dec '16 407.75 402.25 402.75 -5.50 Mar '17 418.00 414.25 413.00 -5.25 May '17 419.00 -5.25 Jul '17 422.50 -5.00

Arkansas Daily Grain Report

FOB Memphis Elevator Crops

Corn Comment

December corn closed lower today. December corn is back testing support near $3.75, and if this support is broken the next support level is near $3.60. While corn continues to feel pressure from improving crop conditions, the market continues to find support from stock situation which remains near 1.5 billion bu. The market has little support to see major gains but at the same time it remains unlikely prices will set new lows

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Cotton

Futures:

High Low Last Change Oct '15 62.31 61.31 61.83 -0.55 Dec '15 63.21 62.3 62.4 -0.31 Mar '16 62.82 62.11 62.22 -0.2

Memphis, TN Cotton and Tobacco Programs

Cotton Comment

Cotton futures ended lower across the board. The monthly supply/demand reports didn't provide great news for prices. The estimates pegged U.S. production at 13.428 million bales, up 3% from the August estimate but down 18% from 2014. Average yield is projected at 789 pounds per acre, down from the previous report, but abandonment is expected to only 4.56%, down from the previous estimate of 11.35%. Ending stocks were raised to 3.2 million bales. December continues to be confined in the two-cent trading range between 62 cents and 64 cents.

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Rice

	High	Low
Long Grain Cash Bids	- - -	- - -
Long Grain New Crop	- - -	- - -

Futures:

High Low Last Change Nov '15 1302.0 1257.0 1289.5 +3.0 Jan '16 1329.5 1292.5 1317.5 +2.5 Mar '16 1338.5 +2.5 May '16 1356.0 +1.5 Jul '16 1375.0 1375.0 1371.0 +1.0 Sep '16 1293.0 +6.0 Nov '16 1293.0 +6.0

Rice Comment

Rice futures charted a bullish reversal today as November became the lead contract. November continues to have resistance at $13, while January as resistance at $13.34. The U.S. long-grain crop was pegged at 131.5 million hundredweight, down from 149 million just last month due to reduced harvested acres and yield estimates. The long grain export forecast was cut by 10 million cwt, but the net result was still a carryout estimate that is down 15% from last month.

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Cattle

Futures:
Live Cattle:	High Low Last Change Oct '15 137.925 136.525 137.075 -0.525 Dec '15 140.075 138.875 139.600 +0.125 Feb '16 140.625 139.300 140.225 +0.325 Apr '16 139.500 138.350 139.200 +0.275 Jun '16 131.375 130.200 131.125 +0.375 Aug '16 130.000 128.875 129.750 +0.350 Oct '16 133.000 131.700 132.600 +0.200 Dec '16 134.400 133.000 134.350 +0.850 Feb '17 133.975 +0.425
Feeders:	High Low Last Change Sep '15 194.200 192.600 193.625 -0.500 Oct '15 189.450 187.000 188.175 -0.275 Nov '15 187.425 185.250 186.500 -0.175 Jan '16 182.175 180.050 181.150 -0.325 Mar '16 180.700 178.550 179.675 -0.300 Apr '16 180.550 179.075 180.000 -0.375 May '16 180.100 178.800 179.900 -0.125 Aug '16 181.250 179.800 180.600 -0.050

Hogs

Futures:

High Low Last Change Oct '15 71.250 68.600 70.025 +1.775 Dec '15 64.850 62.150 63.800 +1.725 Feb '16 68.975 66.825 68.250 +1.450 Apr '16 72.525 70.725 71.975 +1.300 May '16 77.000 76.725 77.150 +1.600 Jun '16 80.575 79.125 79.750 +0.675 Jul '16 79.700 78.975 79.325 +0.850 Aug '16 79.300 78.575 78.650 +0.525 Oct '16 67.950 67.100 67.700 +0.900

Hog Comment

http://www.arfb.com/ag-markets-statistics/report/       

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17th September,2015Daily global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine