7th December,2015 Daily Global Regional,Local Rice E_Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice News Headlines...

·         Inefficiencies in basmati trade

·         Basmati unites India, Pak in ‘joint heritage’ claim

·         PRICES OF PERISHABLE KITCHEN ITEMS WITNESS DECLINE

·         Billion-dollar donations for a happy and healthy world for children

·         Soil health essential to achieve food security, fight climate change’

·         IIRR Exhibition Showcases Hybrid Rice to Cosmetics

·         SAARC delegates evince interest in Indian rice, pharmaceuticals

·         ICAR-Industry Meet today

·         Northern rice farmers benefit from rice seed project   

·         Rice farmers see better-than-usual second crop

·         Binay says he won’t leave rice farmers high and dry

·         For a better world

·         Paddy scam: Physical verification of crop begins

News Detail...

Inefficiencies in basmati trade

NADIR CHEEMA 

A SLUMP in basmati rice exports is having a damaging effect on Pakistan’s economy. It has exacerbated rural poverty, with catastrophic consequences for small farmers.The causes of the slump are complex, and both national and provincial governments are facing criticism for their failure to act.Pakistan’s basmati rice exports have declined by 40pc in the past four years, from 1.1m tonnes in 2011 to 676,630 tonnes in 2015, according to the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap). Consequently, the domestic market has been overwhelmed by an unmanageable glut, with an accumulated surplus of 1m tonnes.

This has driven down domestic prices by 50pc, from Rs4,500/maund (40kg) in 2012 to Rs2,200/maund in 2015. If the surplus is not reduced, there are fears of a further collapse in domestic prices.Basmati has traditionally been an export crop. Until recently, 60pc of the 2m tonnes produced each year has been sold abroad, generating around $2bn for the national economy. The trade has played such an important role in the alleviation of rural poverty that it has been considered too important to be left to the mercy of market forces.In previous years, the government gave the task of removing the glut from the domestic market to the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Supplies Corporation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. But neither organisation now seems to be fulfilling this role, and the federal government has been accused of neglecting its duty to regulate the market.

There is a strong case for the crop to be protected and its exports to be developed. But a continuing crash in domestic prices will discourage farmers from growing basmati, leading to adverse consequences for rural livelihoods and the economy as a whole

The responsible departments of the federal government — the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the commerce ministry — have failed to act, as has Punjab’s provincial agriculture department.In the same period that Pakistan’s basmati exports declined 40pc, India’s exports rose by 50pc, according to Airea statistics. India’s gains include an estimated 400,000 tonnes of exports won over from Pakistan through competitive advantage.

One of the reasons for Pakistan’s loss of competitiveness is its low yield rates, which have been stagnant at 25-30 maunds/acre. The variety of seed used in the country was developed in the mid-1990s and is now susceptible to pests and diseases.Meanwhile, electricity shortages have increased the cost of production, and some rice mills are operating at only half their capacity. Problems with law and order in Karachi have raised the cost of shipping.The inefficiencies in the rice trade make it crucial for the government to regulate the market. In 2008, the government tried to impose a minimum export price (MEP), but it had bowed to pressure from exporters and abolished the price within four months.

India, by contrast, has kept its MEP and has seen its exports rise continuously.While the Reap is seen as focusing on maximising the industry’s short-term profits, the Indian private sector has made long-term investments in developing new seeds and engaged in aggressive marketing to boost its exports.The world is prepared to pay a premium for Pakistan’s basmati rice because of its natural taste and aroma. There is a strong case for the crop to be protected and its exports to be developed. But a continuing crash in domestic prices will discourage farmers from growing basmati, leading to adverse consequences for rural livelihoods and the economy as a whole.

Instead of taking responsibility, the exporters and traders blame the government and the farmers for using archaic seeds and production methods. They have opposed official intervention in the trade cycle, claiming that setting a MEP subsidises inefficiencies. For their part, the farmers blame the traders for pressurising the government to abolish the MEP and to procure rice to clear the glut.All of this is in sad contrast to what has been happening in India. One might conclude that Pakistan could learn useful lessons from India’s success in creating a win-win situation for farmers, exporters and the economy.The first step would be to expand the share of rice going to the export market, which demands a multi-pronged strategy, ranging from reforms in the domestic market to much more efficient marketing of exports abroad.

The writer is an academic at SOAS, University of London, and a senior fellow at Bloomsbury Pakistan

http://www.dawn.com/news/1224586/inefficiencies-in-basmati-trade

Basmati unites India, Pak in ‘joint heritage’ claim

 

Rice variety grown in Indo-Gangetic plain expected to get GI tag soon; New Delhi and Islamabad to share commercial benefits

By: Sandip Das | New Delhi | December 6, 2015 1:01 AM

Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plain, which includes the Punjab province of Pakistan, has a special aroma attributable to it. (Reuters)

India’s basmati rice exporters could soon get the coveted geographical indication (GI) tag and resultant premium for the long-grained aromatic rice in global markets, with New Delhi and Islamabad resolving to share commercial gains from the grain’s exclusive traits. Official sources said Pakistan has agreed not to contest India’s move to include basmati rice grown in its part of the Indo-Gangetic plain in its GI Registry, with the condition that when that country puts in place a similar IPR (intellectual property rights) platform, it would also get the rice grown in its Punjab province registered under a GI system.A GI tag for a product distinguishes itself for its geographic origin and, under a multilateral framework, prevents traders from attributing its name and traits for products from other geographies. GI ascribes ‘exclusivity’ to the community in a defined geography, rather than to an individual, as in the case of trademarks and patents.The Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), sources said, recently concluded hearing all the stakeholders — farmers, breeders, exporters and representatives from Pakistan — on the basmati rice GI and could issue a final notification in this regard in a week or so. Earlier, there were conflicting claims over basmati even among Indian states, leading to legal wrangles.

GI protection in India would lead to similar recognition in other countries, including the European Union and the US, which implies that India’s competitors would be barred from using the ‘basmati’ tag.

 In the absence of GI for basmati rice, many private companies have been trying to register their products under the title, which commands a premium in the global market.

Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plain, which includes the Punjab province of Pakistan, has a special aroma attributable to it. India commands 85% share in global basmati trade at present.Following the GI notification, farmers in 77 districts of seven states — Punjab, Haryana, (western) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir — would benefit.The GI Registry, in a directive issued on December 31, 2013, had asked the Centre if Madhya Pradesh could be included in the definition of traditionally basmati-growing geography, inviting strong reactions from the commerce and agriculture ministries, which argued the state’s claim was unjustified. Even as the issue was pending with the GI Registry, the Madhya Pradesh government had moved the IPAB. The Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (Apeda), which operates under the commerce ministry, subsequently told IPAB that MP’s claim was invalid.

Under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, Apeda is designated to be the custodian of GI rights for farm produce.“Claiming rice grown in Madhya Pradesh as basmati is not correct, as we have developed seed varieties keeping in mind agro-climatic zones of the Indo-Gangetic plain,” K V Prabhu, deputy director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and a well-known rice breeder, had recently told FE.In 2009, Apeda had applied to the GI Registry asking for exclusive (commercial) use of the basmati tag for grain varieties grown within the boundaries of the Indo-Gagentic plain.

Subsequently, India and Pakistan had initiated steps to register basmati under GI as ‘joint heritage’ for protecting its premium market abroad. But that bid did not fructify due to opposition to it within Pakistan.India’s basmati rice exports, which had touched a record R29,000 crore in 2013-14, fell to R27,600 crore in 2014-15, due to a decline in shipments to Iran.According to official data, more than 237 products — Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Alleppey coir, Kashmir Pashmina, among others, have got GI certification for preserving their uniqueness.

Tag this
* India’s competitors would be barred from using ‘basmati’ tag
* Intellectual Property Appellate Board notification expected in a week or so
* Farmers in 77 districts of Punjab, Haryana, western UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi and J&K to benefit

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets/commodities/basmati-unites-india-pakistan-in-joint-heritage-claim/175055/

PRICES OF PERISHABLE KITCHEN ITEMS WITNESS DECLINE

December 06, 2015

ABDUL RASHEED AZAD

The prices of perishable kitchen items witnessed a decline, while prices of non-perishable items especially pulses, wheat flour and tea registered an increase in past week as compared to preceding week, revealed a survey conducted byBusiness Recorder here Saturday. The survey observed that the prices of entire range of pulses went up by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per kg as price of mash pulse increased from Rs 220 per kg to Rs 240 per kg, black masoor from Rs 130 per kg to Rs 140 per kg, Red Masoor from Rs 140 per kg to Rs 150 per kg, moong from Rs 150 per kg to Rs 170 per kg, Gram pulse from Rs 120 per kg to Rs 140 per kg and lobia from Rs 110 per kg to Rs 140 per kg. Traders at wholesales and retail market told this correspondent that Unilever has increased small pack of Yellow Label price by Rs 27 per small pack from Rs 65 per pack to Rs 92 per pack. Wheat flour price went up by Rs 30 per 20 kg bag from Rs 750 per bag to Rs 780 per bag. Prices of all the cigarette brands have increased in the range of Rs 5 to Rs 15 per pack as Gold Leaf is being sold at Rs 130 per pack against Rs 115 per pack in the preceding week, Capstan at Rs 70 per pack against Rs 65 per pack and Morven Gold at Rs 65 per pack against Rs 60 per pack. 

The survey noted that the price of entire range of vegetables witnessed a decline during the week under review as capsicums price in wholesales market further reduced by Rs 250 per 5 kgs from Rs 600 per 5 kg to Rs 350 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 120 per kg during preceding week. According to the survey, onion price reduced by Rs 200 per 85 kgs bag from Rs 5,700 per bag to Rs 5,500 per 85 kg bag, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 65 per kg, tomatoes price remained stable at Rs 280 per 5 kgs in wholesales market, which in retail market are available at Rs 60 per kg. The price of peas witnessed a decline of Rs 20 per 5 kgs in wholesales market from Rs 350 to Rs 330 per 5 kgs, which in retail market is available at Rs 80 per kg and no change was noted in the price of spinach which is being sold at Rs 25 per kg. Green chilli price witnessed a reduction of Rs 50 per 5 kg in wholesales market from Rs 500 per 5 kg to Rs 450 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 100 per kg against Rs 120 per kg, carrot price reduced by Rs 50 per 5 kg from Rs 200 per 5 kg to Rs 150 per 5 kg, which in retail market is being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 50 per kg. 

Bringal price witnessed a reduction of Rs 20 per kg from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 30 per kg while cabbage and cauliflower also witnessed a reduction of Rs 20-30 per kg from Rs 50-60 per kg to Rs 30 per kg. Kareela price reduced by Rs 100 per 5 kg in wholesales from Rs 430 per kg to 330 per 5 kg which in retail market is being sold at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 100 per kg, however, okra price did not register any change and stands at Rs 80 per kg. Tori price went down by Rs 5 per kg from Rs 75 per kg to Rs 70 per kg, arvi by Rs 20 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 60 per kg, kaddu by Rs 10 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 70 per kg and maro kaddu by Rs 25 per kg from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 55 per kg. However there is no change in the prices of chicken as live chicken in wholesales market is being sold at Rs 5,000 per 40 kg, while in retail market live chicken is being sold at Rs 130 per kg and the chicken meat is being sold at Rs 250 per kg, same as that of preceding week. Potatoes price reduced by Rs 30-50 per 5 kg in wholesales market as good quality potatoes are available at Rs 170 per 5 kg, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 60 per kg and normal quality potatoes from Rs 170 per 5 kg to Rs 120 per 5 kg in wholesales market, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 30 per kg against Rs 50 per kg during the preceding week. Ginger and garlic price did not witness any change as in wholesales market both the commodities are available at Rs 600 per 5 kg, which in retail market are being sold at Rs 180 per kg. No change was observed in the prices of ghee/cooking oil, basmati rice, course rice, entire range of branded spices, wheat flour, packed milk, tea packs and other non perishable items. 

The survey observed no change in the fruits prices as good quality guava is being sold at Rs 50 per kg, new fruit reached in the market orange at Rs 50 per dozen, apples in the range of Rs 50-150 per kg, grapes are being sold at Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg, good quality pomegranates are available at Rs 140 per kg, while normal quality pomegranates at Rs 100 per kg and bananas are available in the range of Rs 40-80 per dozen depending on quality. LPG marketing companies increased LPG price by Rs 10 per kg, Rs 120 for domestic and Rs 480 for commercial cylinde

Billion-dollar donations for a happy and healthy world for children

 

Posted by Online on Dec 7th, 2015

Mark Zuckerberg was a Harvard dropout who co-founded Facebook and became a billionaire in 2007, amassing a fortune that is now estimated at $45.4 billion. Last week, on the birth of their daughter Maxima, he and his wife Priscilla Chan posted on their Facebook page a pledge that they were going to give away 99 percent of their wealth to help make a happy and healthy world for their child.Before Zuckerberg, there was billionaire investor Warren Buffet, said to be the world’s fourth-richest person with a fortune of R64.5 billion, who has pledged to give away 99 percent of his wealth to charity. In the last ten years, he has given away $25.5 billion Last year alone, Buffet donated $2.8 billion to various charities, following headline-making news by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal who said he would give his entire P32-billion fortune to philanthropic causes over the next few years.And then there is Bill Gates who co-founded Microsoft, said to be the world’s largest software business. Since 1987, Gates has been at the top or near the top of Forbes’ annual list of the wealthiest people in America, with his wealth estimated at over $101 billion in 1999.

With his wife, he set up the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. As of 2013, Gates had given $28 billion to the foundation which today undertakes aid projects for the poor around the world in the fields of agricultural development; water, sanitation, and hygiene; aid for earthquake victims; research in AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; education and libraries.The International Rice Research Institute in Laguna has received aid from the Gates Foundation amounting to $19.9 million for rice research, in pursuit of a goal to increase the world’s rice production by 70 percent in the next two decades to support the increasing world demand for this staple food of millions of people in Asia.In 2010, Zuckerberg, Gates, and Buffett signed what they called “The Giving Pledge,” in which they promised to donate to charity at least half of their wealth over the years and invited others among the wealthy to also donate a least 50 percent of their wealth to charity. In 2014, Zuckerberg and his wife gave $25 million for ebola research following the outbreak of the epidemic in West Africa.

Last December 1, they made their pledge to donate 99 percent of their wealth to a new charitable foundation for health and education.It is inspiring to read about such huge donations to charity and other humanitarian work. We hope that their examples will inspire other rich people in the world, including our own, to share their blessings with the world’s neediest and poorest people and, as the Zuckerbergs said on the birth of their daughter Maxima, help bring about a happy and healthy world for her and other children of the world.

Read more at http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/12/07/billion-dollar-donations-for-a-happy-and-healthy-world-for-children/#IbGbVPFcIWgQtjvC.99

Soil health essential to achieve food security, fight climate change’

SKUAST-K celebrates Soil Health Day

Srinagar, Publish Date: Dec 7 2015 12:11AM | Updated Date: Dec 7 2015 12:11AM

SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir celebrated Soil Health Day across all KrishiVigyanKendras in Kashmir and Ladakh division.About 1300 Soil Health Cards were distributed among the farming community by the KrishiVigyanKendras of the University.

The soil samples got from farmers fields were tested for analyzing the soil health conditions and based on the reports of the samples, recommendations were given for improving the soil health aimed for better production and productivity, a statement here said.Prof Nazeer Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, attended a programme at KVK Dooru, Anantnag where he distributed Soil Health Cards to the farmers.Speaking on the occasion, the VC highlighted the importance of soil for better production and productivity.

He said: “We need healthy soils to achieve our food security and nutrition goals, to fight climate change and to ensure overall sustainable development.”He said that such delivery from soils in terms of productivity of crops is only possible “if we give due consideration to the improvement and maintenance of the health of the soils.”He advised the farmers to have regular monitoring of soils through different KVKs of the University.Prof Nazeer advised the farmers to adhere to the scientific interventions in their fields and take advantage of the Farm Science Centers established in every district of the State.He said these centers are created with an aim to cater to the requirements of the farmers in terms of income generations and skill development for unemployed youth and vocational training to girls.He advised the farmers to seek proper guidance from the scientists of all disciplines of agricultural sciences in these KVKs.

Earlier on the day, the Vice-Chancellor visited Mountain Field Crop Research Station at Khudwani, Kulgam, a premier rice research station of the university. He took stock of the research activities of land races including local Kashmiri traditional varieties. Associate Director Research Dr. G.A. Parray gave first hand information about the different varieties of rice, rapeseed-Mustard and wheat being grown in the station.The Vice-Chancellor also took round of the laboratories and interacted with the scientists. He also met the non-teaching staff of the Station and heard their concerns which were highlighted by them.Pertinently, this year was declared as International year of soils by the Food & Agriculture Organization.

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/story/203531.html

IIRR Exhibition Showcases Hybrid Rice to Cosmetics

NYOOOZ

 Hyderabad

 Sun,06 Dec 2015

Summary: HYDERABAD: Indian Council of AgriculturaI Research (ICAR) - Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has come up with innovative products including moisturising lotion, face scrub, pain relieving gel, among others using rice bran oil, brown rice extract as ingredients. Besides explaining problems faced in converting a product technology into end product, most of the industry representatives stressed on need for publicity of IIRR product technologies. The products, ranging from hybrid rice varieties to cosmetic and cosmeceuticals, were exhibited at IIRR to introduce them to entrepreneurs and representatives from industry on Saturday. “We regularly come up with various new products and the moisturiser, face scrub, among others made form rice ingredients are an addition to our list. Also, there is lot of difference in product technology developed by conducting research at institutes farm or lab and on field of the farmers.

HYDERABAD: Indian Council of AgriculturaI Research (ICAR) - Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has come up with innovative products including moisturising lotion, face scrub, pain relieving gel, among others using rice bran oil, brown rice extract as ingredients. The products, ranging from hybrid rice varieties to cosmetic and cosmeceuticals, were exhibited at IIRR to introduce them to entrepreneurs and representatives from industry on Saturday. “We regularly come up with various new products and the moisturiser, face scrub, among others made form rice ingredients are an addition to our list.

When compared to the products available in market at present, these cosmetics are made with healthy ingredients eschewing harmful chemicals and ingredients. Therefore, they are healthy,” said V Ravindra Babu, director of IIRR. The technologies for these products have been developed by IIRR and by paying a prescribed fee, any industry or entrepreneur can take up their production at a commercial scale, said Ravindra Babu. To introduce these products and ensure that the product technologies successfully reach the end users through commercial production, the IIRR also held a ‘Industry-Institution’ interface on the occasion. “Research institutions should interact more and work in coordination with industries as we deal with the problems and products at the ground level.

Also, there is lot of difference in product technology developed by conducting research at institutes farm or lab and on field of the farmers. A new variety, successful at the research station, may fail at field level. Therefore, IIRR should focus on coming up with technologies which are commercially scalable,” Sai Murali Raj Menon, crop research head at Ganga Kaveri Seeds, who was present as an industry representative at the meet said. Besides explaining problems faced in converting a product technology into end product, most of the industry representatives stressed on need for publicity of IIRR product technologies. Scientists present on the occasion assured improvement in the present system to ensure that more coordination and cooperation is achieved between industry and research institution. Technologies of other ICAR institutions were also displayed on the occasion..

http://www.nyoooz.com/hyderabad/282717/iirr-exhibition-showcases-hybrid-rice-to-cosmetics

SAARC delegates evince interest in Indian rice, pharmaceuticals

Visitors throng stalls on the fourth day of PITEX in Amritsar on Sunday. Photos: Vishal Kumar

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 6

Visiting delegates from SAARC nations evinced interest in rice and pharmaceuticals, besides other articles being grown and manufactured in the state at the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here today.A buyer from Bhutan, Ngawang Jamtsho, said he met a few basmati rice exporters at the exhibition and was likely to place order.“The quality of rice is good but the price is little higher. We are at a negotiation stage. Our demand is quite big.

If the understanding develops, we can develop long-term partnerships with traders in Amritsar,” he said.A young entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, Samudrika De Silva, said she met representatives from Indian companies dealing in stationery.“We are looking for business partners in book publishing, book importers and educational material,” she said.Samudrika, who is a national winner of ‘Women entrepreneur of 2014 of Sri Lanka’, said: “I visited the city along with my husband, a businessman, for the first time.“Last time, we visited an exhibition in Noida. However, we got a good opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs here,” she added.“Nishantha Perera, who is also from Sri Lanka, said he was keen to enter pacts with finance and auto companies.

 “I met tractor and car manufacturers but I was keen for auto companies,” he added.Bangladeshi buyer Musray Alam Iraj said he met a manufacturer of agricultural machinery and implements at PITEX and was keen to enter agreements in this regard.“We had good negotiations. We even visited a company’s plant last evening and are quite satisfied with their capacity to meet our demand,” he added.Secretary general of the PHD Chamber Saurabh Sanyal said a majority of the business-related queries generated in the past two days during the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet of SAARC nations were regarding industrial machinery, farm implements, pharmaceuticals, rice, auto components and fruit processing machinery and dairy products.

He said the buyer-seller meet really helped the industry, mainly Punjab, to expand wings. Anil Khaitan, vice-president of the PHD Chamber, said the objective of the buyer-seller meet that concluded on Sunday was to showcase India’s capability as the reliable supplier of sustainable quality of automobile, bicycle, agricultural machinery and implements at competitive rates.“The buyer-seller meet would also facilitate commercial and technical cooperation and to explore long-term joint ventures,” he said.As per an estimate, over 50 per cent of the total trade for SAARC countries takes place with India. Within SAARC, a majority of India’s trade takes place with Bangladesh (33 per cent), Sri Lanka (26 per cent) and Nepal (21 per cent).

ICAR-Industry Meet today

December 05,2015, 04.07 AM  IST | | THE HANS INDIA

Hyderabad: The Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, is organising an ICAR-Industry meet at its premises on Saturday to display technologies and services and to commercialise the viable technologies related to crop husbandry. The ICAR institutes IIRR, IIMR, IIOR, IISR, IARI IIRM, and NRRI are participating in this event to commercialise their technologies, informed V Ravindra Babu, director, IIRR.

“As part of the ICAR initiative for the commercialisation of innovations, inventions and research findings of research institutes under ICAR, it is our endeavour to forge public-private partnership in the field of Indian agriculture in general and rice production in particular,” he added. Dr Jeet Singh Sandhu, deputy director general (Crop Sciences) from ICAR headquarters, New Delhi, will be the chief guest. Directors of different crop sciences institute will take active part in this event. Captains from agro-input industries, rice processing industries value added products market executives and selected agripreneurs will take part in this event.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-12-05/ICAR-Industry-Meet-today-191050

Northern rice farmers benefit from rice seed project

      

Category: General News DECEMBER 5, 2015 

The AfricaRice and the Savanna Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) have trained some rice farmers under the Golinga Irrigation Scheme in the Northern Region, to produce certified seeds for improved cultivation of rice in the upcoming major season.The move, under the Rice Seed Scaling Project (RSSP) funded by USAID, seeks to improve seed planning and connect actors along the rice seed value chain, strengthen capacity of rice seed value chain actors, and facilitate access to adapted equipment from seed production to conditioning and storage.

The measure is also to encourage the use of certified and quality declared seeds by rice farmers to increase rice production and improve their living standards.Dr Boubakary Cisse, Rice Seed Expert & project Coordinator who toured the rice fields with some media practitioners, expressed satisfaction about the way the farmers had embraced and adopted the use of certified seeds in the area.He said the objective of the Rice Seed Scaling Project (RSSP) being implemented with the Technical Assistance of AfricaRice, was meant to stimulate the development of a sustainable rice seed system in Northern Ghana, in particular, the Feed the Future (FtF) Zones of Interest in the Northern and Upper East Regions.

Dr Cisse mentioned the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MoFA), Private Seed Companies and Seed Producers’ groups, Input dealers, Private Extension Company and the Rice Innovation Platforms in the two regions as major partners in the project.He said there were other four private Seed Companies involved in the project, which are: Rural Innovation Consults, Ariku Seeds Ltd., Lexbok Seed Enterprise Ltd. and Heritage Seeds Company Limited among other partners.The project was launched in April 2015 and among other activities, 75 demonstrations to expose rice seed producers to production techniques and use of good quality seeds were established throughout the two regions including Golinga village

The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is an association of 25 member-states, one of the 15 international Centres supported by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) with the mission to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.

Source: GNAhttps://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/12/05/northern-rice-farmers-be/

Rice farmers see better-than-usual second crop

Bruce Schultz, bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu2:37 p.m. CST December 4, 2015

(Photo: Bruce Schultz, LSU AgCenter)

CROWLEY — South Louisiana rice farmers wrapped up their rice-growing season with an excellent second crop harvest.“Most everybody I’ve talked to is very pleased with the second-crop yields,” said Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. “Numerous producers say this is by far their best second crop from the standpoint of yield, and the quality is good, too.”Linscombe said quality of the second crop is typically lower.He said the percentage of fields used to grow a second crop appeared to be higher, and the stubble left from the first crop in most fields appeared to have been manipulated by mowing or rolling to boost yields.Research by Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter rice specialist and agronomist, has shown that manipulation results in a 5-barrel increase in second-crop yield.

Linscombe also said farmers growing a second crop were more likely to fertilize and flood their fields as soon as the first crop was cut. In the past, many farmers have delayed flooding and applying fertilizer until they see regrowth, he said.Linscombe said the per acre average would probably fall in the low-to-mid-20-barrel range on a green weight basis, although he heard of many who cut more than 30 barrels an acre. “I even heard of a few 40-plus in the second crop.”Linscombe said the good ratoon crop yields will take some of the sting out of the low prices and the lower first-crop yield.Farmer Darrell Hoffpauir, of Acadia Parish, said his second-crop yield averaged 27 barrels an acre, and he had some fields with 34 barrels, which made up for a lower first-crop yield.“My first crop was off by 6 or 7 barrels an acre,” he said.He grew a second crop on 90 percent of his first-crop.

He grew a second crop on 90 percent of his first-crop acreage and rolled all of the stubble, resulting in 21,000 barrels for the second crop, half as much as the first-crop yield.

agcenter.lsu.edu

Binay says he won’t leave rice farmers high and dry

by Ellson Quismorio

December 4, 2015

Vice President Jejomar Binay said rice farmers can expect to get more assistance from his administration should he end up in Malacañang next year.The Opposition standard bearer took a dig at the Aquino government for extending “very little support to our rice farmers” despite the fact that Filipinos consider the grain a staple.“It is crucial that we give our farmers the assistance they need to improve their harvest and make farming profitable,” Binay said during a visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna.He cited a PhilRice study that said Filipino rice farmers are getting relatively low government support compared to their peers in Asia.“While China offers free inbred seeds to farmers and free hybrid seeds to cooperative members, our government gives zero subsidies for seeds or fertilizers,” he noted.Fertilizer costs around P1,188 per 50-kilogram bag.

Rice farmers use around four bags per hectare, so that means they have to spend almost R5,000 on fertilizer alone.“Because of such steep price, our farmers are forced to scrimp on fertilizers and this, in turn, affects their yield,” he explained.Under his leadership, Binay pledged to push for community seed banking, seed buffer stocking, and linking of seed producers with credit conduits–all of which could help lessen the cost of seeds.The Vice President also vowed to give subsidies for fertilizers and encourage local government units (LGUs) to teach their farmers how to produce their own fertilizers.“I have learned that in Bayawan, Negros Oriental, the city government gives four bags of fertilizers for every 70 bags of organic fertilizer a farmer produced. This initiative helps our farmers save around P5,000 and should be replicated by other LGUs,” he said.

IRRIGATION WOES

Binay lamented the fact that local farmers had to pay an irrigation fee of P2,000 per hectare during the wet season and around P3,000 during the dry season.“Irrigation is free in China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Filipino farmers, on the other hand, may waive payment for irrigation only if their crops have been damaged due to calamities.”“To help our farmers save up on this, our administration will intensify irrigation schemes initiated by the National Irrigation Administration through infrastructure and technology,” he added.“We will also improve water resource management and planning through research, and train local farmers as an operational intervention to increase manpower and double the area of irrigated lands,” he further said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/binay-says-he-wont-leave-rice-farmers-high-and-dry/#XeDKM5us3SD4LpBM.99

For a better world

Philippine Daily Inquirer

12:09 AM December 6th, 2015

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan with their first baby. FACEBOOK PHOTO

How comforting to read about the efforts of the younger generation of philanthropists to change the planet for the better. The announcement of Americans Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan that they would give away 99 percent of their shares in Facebook to make the world a better place for their newborn daughter and other children stirs hope that there is light in an otherwise bleak future.Zuckerberg posted a letter on Facebook dedicated to his baby: “Max, we love you and feel a great responsibility to leave the world a better place for you and all children. We wish you a life filled with the same love, hope and joy you give us.

We can’t wait to see what you bring to this world.“As you begin the next generation of the Chan Zuckerberg family, we also begin the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to join people across the world to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation.”The couple’s donation—estimated at $45 billion—is considered the biggest single act of charity in the history of humankind. They have specified where the money is going: “Our initial areas of focus will be personalized learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities.”This is not the first time Chan and Zuckerberg gave away portions of their fortune. Earlier this year, they donated $120 million to schools in the Bay Area in California. They had also donated $100 million to improve the conditions of schools in Newark, New Jersey.They are not alone among the megarich in their philanthropy.

At the heart of all this is “Giving Pledge,” a promise by those with much to give to donate the bulk of their money to charity. Among the others committed to this project are mogul Barry Diller and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The list also includes another significant name: Bill Gates, popularly known as the richest person on Earth. He and his wife Melinda have been donors long before Giving Pledge. It was Gates, after all, who came up with the project.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has itself opened a new frontier in philanthropy—a study in the various ways billion-dollar tech enterprises can help the planet and its inhabitants. The Gates couple have donated $29.5 billion through their foundation to helping the development of education in America and health conditions worldwide.Their foundation is one of the major financiers of the International Rice Research Institute (Irri) based in Los Baños, Laguna. Irri’s mission to develop “stress-tolerant” rice varities—thus ensuring a dependable food supply for developing countries—is squarely within the Gates couple’s goals. Bill Gates quietly visited Irri last April.Thankfully, certain Filipinos are not loath to part with their wealth.

Last August, Forbes Asia magazine included three Filipinos—Silicon Valley venture capitalist Diosdado Banatao, pawnshop chain owner Philippe J. Lhuillier and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao—in its list of Asia’s 40 “Heroes of Philanthropy.” They, according to Forbes Asia, “made news with their donations in the past year” and “have compiled a long record of supporting worthy causes.” (Last year, four other Filipinos made the list: Jose Mari Albert, Angelo King, Enrique Razon Jr. and Ricardo Po Sr.)

Tallwood Venture Capital’s Banatao, a farmer’s son, donated over $1.5 million to fight poverty. He runs the Salvador and Rosita Banatao Foundation, based in the province of Cagayan, which works to improve educational opportunities in his hometown of Iguig.Lhuillier put up the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, which provides scholarships to poor students all over the Philippines and enables adult school dropouts to continue studying through Alternative Learning Centers.Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee started the Heart Foundation, which has funded over 200 scholarships and dispensed over $400,000 in medical expenses to the most desperate patients.

These are but a few examples of giving, and giving back, for the purpose of extending help to those in dire need of it, of providing a leg up to the next generations, of doing one’s part in bringing about a better world. They provide a singular lesson in this season of hope that struggles to find a place in this era of large-scale and bare-faced thievery.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/90923/for-a-better-world#ixzz3tXzcz6Vj 

Paddy scam: Physical verification of crop begins

Tribune News Service

Sirsa, December 5

Following allegations of a multi-crore scam in paddy procurement by the Opposition, authorities across Haryana today began physical verification of paddy stacked with rice millers to segregate the quantities of PB 1509 and PR Grade 1 varieties lying with them.Jaipal Singh, Deputy Director, Food and Supplies Department, said teams constituted by DCs were already on the job. The Administrative Secretaries, who will supervise the exercise will visit their respective districts from Monday, said sources in the department.“Eight teams headed by officers of Tehsildar or BDPO rank comprising inter-departmental officials have been constituted in the district. We have 120 rice millers out of which only 15 - 16 milled basmati,” said KK Malhan, DFSC at Fatehabad.DFSO Rajesh Kumar, who is officiating as DFSC at Sirsa, said five teams had been set up in the district to verify the stocks of 16 rice mills.“As per board records, 20,012 MT of PR 1509 paddy had been supplied to millers in Sirsa. However, the actual quantity will be known only after physical verification,” he said.

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China Signs Contract to Import One Million Tons of Rice from Thailand

Dec 04, 2015

China's state-owned grains trader COFCO has signed a contract to import one million tons of Thai rice on December 3, 2015, according to Reuters.

COFCO will reportedly begin negotiations on batch contracts as early as possible. The company told in a statement on its website that the deal would help strengthen the sine-Thai friendship the economic cooperation.

China also signed deal to buy 200,000 tons of rubber from Thailand.

Both China and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a 900-kilometre railway line from the Thai-Lao border to Bangkok. The two countries have reportedly not agreed on a price for the rail project but China is understood to have agreed to finance the project with a 2.5% loan. Thailand is reportedly negotiating for a 2% loan.

The agreements signed with China are expected to help boost the sluggish growth rate of Thailand.

First Batch of Thai Rotten Rice Auctions Fetches $5.5 Million

Dec 04, 2015

The first batch of Thai rotten rice auctions for about 37,412 tons has fetched about 198 million baht (around $5.5 million), according to Reuters.

The low-quality rice intended for industrial use was reportedly sold at an average price of 5,020 to 5,420 (around $140 - $150) baht per ton.

The Director-General of the Foreign Trade Department told reporters that "the department would propose the outcome of the auction to the committee handling the rice sales today and later to the National Rice Policy Committee for final approval."

The Permanent Secretary of the Commerce Ministry added that the rotten rice is no longer fit for human consumption and it is essential to dispose off the rotten rice stocks in order to cut down the storage costs. The government reportedly spends about 30 million baht ($837,614) per ton for storing and maintaining the rice stocks.

The government is planning to sell about 2 million tons of rotten rice from stockpiles, for industrial use, in quantities between 1,000 and 6,000 tons.

The military government sold around 4.6 million tons of stockpiled rice raising around 49 billion baht (around $1.4 billion) in the ten auctions conducted since it took over in May 2014. It still holds about 13 million tons of rice stocks accumulated from the previous government's rice pledging scheme, of which about 6 million tons are "below-standard or rotten" and are judged unfit for human consumption, according to a Commerce Ministry statement.

Guinea-Bissau Paddy Rice Production to Increase Sharply in 2015, Says Government Report

Dec 04, 2015

Guinea-Bissau paddy rice production is likely to reach around 170,000 tons in 2015, up about 28.1% from around 132,700 tons, produced in 2014, CPAFRICA quoted a joint report by the government of Guinea-Bissau, the World Food Program (WFP) and the Permanent Inter-State Commission for the Fight Against Drought in the Sahel (CILSS).

However, the production is about 8.9% below the last five-year average, according to the report, which is based on surveys of 74 farms across the country and field visits between September 28 and October 2, 2015.

The report also states that the official sale price of rice in the country increased to 350-600 CFA francs per kilogram (around $564 - $968 per ton) compared to 250-350 CFA francs (around $403 - $600 per ton) in 2014.

USDA estimates Guinea-Bissau to produce 167,000 tons of paddy rice (around 100,000 tons, basis milled) and import around 160,000 tons in in 2015-16 (October - September) to meet a consumption demand of around 260,000 tons.  

Italian Researchers Develop Thermal Insulating Material from Rice Husk

Dec 04, 2015

Researchers from the University of Pavia in Italy have developed an insulating material called ecoAerogel, which is similar to airgel that is used to by NASA for space exploration and missions, according to local sources.

The material is still in the testing phase and its production has been too expensive and is associated with high pollution. However, since it is produced in accordance to the principles of environmental sustainability, it seems to be the best thermal insulator in the market.

Stefania Grande, the team leader of the research team involved in the project, is keen on patenting the product. He told local sources that the rice ash contains very high rates of silicon but contains no traces of toxic substances. It looks like a soft white spray and can be used in the building and clothing industries as well in civil applications.

The research team is planning to use the laboratories of the University of Pavia to test the ecoAerogel. They are keen on building the first plant within a few months.

Global Rice Quotes

December 4th, 2015

Long grain white rice - high quality

Thailand 100% B grade          360-370           ↔

Vietnam 5% broken    370-380           ↔

India 5% broken         345-355           ↔

Pakistan 5% broken    320-330           ↔

Myanmar 5% broken   405-415           ↔

Cambodia 5% broken             415-425           ↔

U.S. 4% broken           485-495           ↔

Uruguay 5% broken    515-525           ↔

Argentina 5% broken 530-540           ↔

Long grain white rice - low quality

Thailand 25% broken 335-345           ↔

Vietnam 25% broken 355-365           ↔

Pakistan 25% broken 295-305           ↔

Cambodia 25% broken           400-410           ↔

India 25% broken       320-330           ↔

U.S. 15% broken         515-525           ↔

Long grain parboiled rice

Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            345-355           ↔

Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    405-415           ↔

India parboiled 5% broken stxd         340-350           ↔

U.S. parboiled 4% broken       590-610           ↔

Brazil parboiled 5% broken    545-555           ↔

Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔

Long grain fragrant rice

Thailand Hommali 92%          700-710           ↔

Vietnam Jasmine         435-445           ↔

India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔

Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔

Cambodia Phka Mails             830-840           ↔

Brokens

Thailand A1 Super      325-335           ↔

Vietnam 100% broken            330-340           ↔

Pakistan 100% broken stxd    280-290           ↔

Cambodia A1 Super   355-365           ↔

India 100% broken stxd         280-290           ↔

Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔

U.S. pet food 330-340           ↔

Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔

All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

Oryza Weekly: Rice Prices Flatten on Thin Demand; Forecasters See Lower Production in 2016

Dec 05, 2015

The Oryza White Rice Index (WRI), a weighted average of global white rice export quotes, ended the week at about $391 per ton, down about $2 per ton from a week ago, down about $3 per ton from a month ago, and down about $47 per ton from a year ago.

In its November 2015 Grain Market Report, the International Grains Council forecasts 2015-16 global rice production to be around 474 tons, down about 1% from 2014-15 due to anticipated decline in some of the top-producing countries, such as India and Thailand, which is only partially offset by the improved harvest in other Asian countries.

The FAO All Rice Price Index declined to around 196 points in November 2015, down about 1.5% from October.

Thailand

Thailand 5% broken rice is today shown at about $355 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $5 per ton from a month ago, and down about $55 per ton from a year ago.

In the first ten months of 2015, Thailand exported around 7.814 million tons of rice, a decrease of about 11% from the same period last year.  In terms of value, exports earned around $3.643 billion, down about 15% from the same period last year.

The Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association expects Thai rice export prices, which are currently slightly below Vietnam prices, to increase by about 10-15% in the first quarter of 2016 and another 10-15% in the second quarter if the dry spell continues. Thai Hom Mali rice prices have reached a low of about $720 - $730 per ton from a previous peak of $1,200 per ton and are lowest in six years, according to Thai rice exporters.

In the first auction of stockpiled rotten rice by the government, two private Thai firms won the bid to buy around 37,413 tons worth 198 million baht (about $5.53 million).

China's state-owned grains trader COFCO has signed a contract to import one million tons of Thai rice on December 3, 2015.

Vietnam

Vietnam 5% broken rice is today shown at about $375 per ton, unchanged from a week and month ago, and down about $15 per ton from a year ago.

Vietnam’s rice exports may reach about 6.8 million tons in 2015, according to the Centre for Informatics and Statistics under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

During the period January 1 – November 23, Vietnam exported about 5.372 million tons of rice, down about 8% from the first eleven months of 2014.  The average rice export price so far in this year stands at about $409.72 per ton (FOB), about 6.5% less than the same period last year.

Cambodia & Myanmar

Cambodia 5% broken rice is today shown at about $420 per ton, unchanged from a week and a month ago, and down about $40 per ton from a year ago.

Myanmar 5% broken rice is today shown at about $410 per ton, unchanged from a week and a month ago.

India

India 5% broken rice is today shown at about $350 per ton, unchanged from a week and a month ago, and down about $50 per ton from a year ago.

Wholesale basmati rice prices in India’s capital, which have been increasing since the beginning of November, have declined this week on adequate stocks from higher supplies and sluggish demand.

India average wholesale rice prices, which declined in October 2015 with the beginning of the kharif (June-December) rice harvest, have increased in November on concerns of lower output due to El Nino-induced below-average monsoon rains in many rice-growing areas.

Rice procurement by the Food Corporation of India and state government agencies for the kharif marketing season 2015-16 (October-September) has increased significantly in the first two months compared to last year.

Pakistan

Pakistan 5% broken rice is today shown at about $325 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, up about $10 per ton from a month ago, and down about $60 per ton from a year ago.

Basmati rice export prices have declined for the third consecutive month in November after increasing in August.

Central & South America

Brazil 5% broken rice is today shown at about $500 per ton, unchanged from a week ago and a month ago, and down about $50 per ton from a year ago. The Brazilian paddy rice index maintained by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA) reached around 41.35 real per 50 kilograms as of December 02, 2015, slightly up from around 41.28 real per 50 kilograms recorded on November 23, 2015.  During the first ten months of 2015, Brazil has exported around 979,215 tons of rice.  In October, Brazil exported around 126,973 tons of rice, about 5% less than in September.

Five per cent broken rice from Uruguay and Argentina is today shown at about $520 per ton, down about $15 per ton from a week and a month ago, and down about $80 per ton from a year ago. The newly elected government of Argentina, which will take office on December 10, is proposing a series of agricultural policy changes that could have a significant impact on domestic and international markets.  The changes may lead to significant increases in the sales of Argentine agricultural commodities, including rice. Argentina has exported around 899,299 tons of rice in the first eight months of 2015, more than double the amount from the same period in 2014.

In the first eleven months of 2015, Guyana has exported around 497,176 tons of rice, up about 10% from the same period last year.

U.S.

U.S. 4% broken rice is today shown at about $490 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $5 per ton from a month ago and down about $55 per ton from a year ago.

Chicago rough rice futures for January delivery fell steadily this week, hitting the weekly high Monday at $12.060 per cwt (about $266 per ton) and then dropping throughout the week before closing at the weekly low of $11.090 per cwt (about $244 per ton) on Friday afternoon.

The U.S. cash market fell in sympathy with the futures market this week with decreased export demand further contributing to the decline.

After being gone for nearly a decade, U.S. parboiled long-grain rice is again available in U.K. retail outlets.

Other Markets

The USDA Post forecasts South Korea’s 2015 rice production to reach about 4.33 million tons, up about 2% from 2014 despite a decline in acreage due to favorable weather conditions and an expected increase in yields. South Korea’s state-run Agro Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation seeks to buy about 55,555 tons of U.S. brown rice in tenders for delivery between March 31 and April 30.

Taiwan has completed tenders for the 2015 U.S. rice country specific quota of 64,634 tons on November 17, according to the USDA Post.

The Deputy Agriculture Minister of Iran says the country needs to import around 600,000 tons of rice before the end of the financial year 2015-16 (April-March) to meet the domestic demand.

The Philippines, which was planning to import an additional 1.3 million tons of rice before the first half of 2016, may not need to import as much due to better-than-expected domestic rice output next year, according to the Economic Planning Chief.

Japan’s Agriculture Ministry has lowered the country’s rice production target in 2016 to around 7.43 million tons from last year’s 7.51 million tons, in line with the falling consumption demand.  Japan has bought and sold a total of around 2,578 tons of whole grain/brown rice of the U.S., Australia, Pakistan, Thailand, and China origins and 1,258 tons of broken rice of U.S., Thailand, China, and Myanmar origins in the third SBS tender of FY 2015-16 (April-March), conducted on November 18.  Japan purchased about 39,839 tons of non-glutinous rice from Thailand and the U.S. in a tender.

According to the latest data issued by the European Union, rice imports, milled equivalent, by the EU increased sharply since the beginning of the crop year 2015-16 (September-August).  The EU imported about 260,547 tons of rice during the period September 1- November 24, an increase of about 19% from the same period last year.

Italian paddy rice prices remained unchanged w/w as of November 24. Separately, researchers from the University of Pavia in Italy have developed an insulating material called ecoAerogel, which is similar to airgel that is used to by NASA for space exploration and missions.

Guinea-Bissau paddy rice production is likely to reach around 170,000 tons in 2015, up about 28.1% from around 132,700 tons, produced in 2014

Vietnam Rice Exports Increase Sharply in October 2015, Reports USDA Post

Dec 04, 2015

Vietnam has exported around 849,383 tons of rice in October 2015, up about 68% from around 505,917 tons exported in September 2015, and up about 41.5% from around 599,948 tons exported in October 2014, reports USDA Post based on data from the General Customs Office and the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) .

The increase in exports can be attributed to an increase in demand from Indonesia and the Philippines, which are keen on maintaining adequate stocks amid concerns of lower production due to extending El Nino-induced dry weather conditions.

Asia accounted for around 768,403 tons (about 90% of total rice exports by Vietnam in October 2015) during the month. Month-on-month, Vietnam's rice exports to Asian destinations increased about 70% from around 452,183 tons exported in September 2015. Year-on-year, they increased about 54% from around 497,721 tons exported in October 2014.

Vietnam exported around 50,935 tons of rice to Africa (about 6% of total October 2015 exports) in October 2015, up about 43% from around 35,664 tons exported in September 2015, and down about 7% from around 54,985 tons exported in October 2014.

Vietnam exported around 22,337 tons of rice to American destinations (about 3% of October 2015 exports), about four times more from around 5,800 tons exported in September 2015, and down about 29% from around 31,669 tons exported in October 2014.

Vietnam's exports to Australia (about 0.3% of October 2015 exports) declined about 48% to around 2,417 tons in October 2015 from around 4,630 tons exported in September 2015 and declined about 72% from around 8,688 tons exported in October 2014.

Vietnam's exports to Europe and CIS countries (about 0.6% of total October 2015 exports) accounted for around 5,291 tons in October 2015, down about 31% from around 7,640 tons exported in September 2015 and down about 23% from around 6,885 tons exported in October 2014.

In terms of grade, 5% broken rice exports accounted for around 251,658 tons (or, about 30% of total October 2015 exports); Jasmine rice exports accounted for around 105,284 tons (or, about 12% of total October 2015 exports); 15% broken rice exports accounted for around 258,224 tons (or, about 30% of total exports in October 2015); 25% broken rice exports accounted for around 129,398 tons (or, about 15% of total exports in October 2015); glutinous rice exports accounted for around 45,732 tons (or, about 5% of total October 2015 exports); and 10%, 100% and other varieties accounted for around 59,087 tons (or, about 7% of total exports in October 2015).

Vietnam exported around 5.35 million tons of rice in the first ten months of 2015, down about 2% from around 5.46 million tons exported during the same period last year

Oryza CBOT Rough Rice Futures Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Lost 76.5 Cents per cwt this Week to Touch Levels Not Seen Since Early July

Dec 05, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for Jan delivery settled 5.5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) lower at $11.180 per cwt (about $246 per ton). The other grains finished the day higher on follow-through strength after a steep rally yesterday; Soybeans closed about 1% higher at $9.0600 per bushel; wheat finished about 1.2% higher at $4.8450 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1.2% higher at $3.8150 per bushel.

U.S. stocks traded nearly 2% higher Friday, mostly shaking off pressure from low oil prices, as investors cheered a solid jobs report. Traders also attributed some of Friday's gains to recovery after Thursday's sharp sell-off. In other economic news, the U.S. trade deficit widened unexpectedly by 3.4 percent to $43.9 billion in October as exports fell to a three-year low, suggesting that strong dollar pressure on trade could again weigh on economic growth in the fourth quarter. The major U.S. averages are on track for slight weekly losses. In early afternoon trade, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 347 points, or 1.9 percent, to 17,822. The S&P 500 traded up 37 points, or 1.8%, to 2,087, with financials leading nine sectors higher and energy the only decliner. The Nasdaq composite traded up 93 points, or 1.87%, to 5,131. Gold is seen trading about 2.1% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 2.4% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.8% higher at about  1:00pm Chicago time.

Thursday, there were 2,129 contracts traded, up from 1,763 contracts traded on Wednesday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Thursday increased by 534 contracts to 13,961.

Prices of Thai Hom Mali Rice Reach Six-Year Low, Says TREA Official

Dec 04, 2015

The prices of Thai Hom Mali rice have reached a low of about $720 - $730 per ton from a previous peak of $1,200 per ton and are lowest in six years, local sources quoted the Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA). The prices are currently below the Cambodian fragrant rice, which is currently trading at $810 - $820 per ton, according to him.

The official told local sources that prices have gone down mainly because farmers are preferring to sell their output directly to millers/exporters even at low prices instead of participating in the government's pledging scheme. The government has been encouraging farmers to pledge their rice from the current harvest with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to prevent price falls and ensure better income for farmers. The government has offered 13,500 baht (around $377) per ton of pledged Hom Mali rice.

However, farmers are not keen on joining the scheme due to apprehension that the BAAC would deduct money from their pledged rice as repayment charges for their debts, according to local sources. So, they are preferring to sell to millers/exporters despite receiving prices as low as 9,500 baht (around $265) per ton.

The TREA official noted that higher yield coupled with currently low demand also pushed down the global prices. He, however, noted that the demand would pick up in mid-December ahead of Christmas and the Chinese New Year. 

According to local sources, falling Hom Mali rice prices is affecting the purchasing power of farmers in North and North-east, where most of the Hom Mali rice is grown.

Vietnam Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asian Rice Quotes Remain Unchanged

Dec 04, 2015

Vietnam rice sellers lowered their quotes for glutinous rice variety by about $15 per ton to around $480 - $490 per ton today. Other Asian rice sellers have kept their quotes unchanged from yesterday.

5% Broken Rice

Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $350 - $360 per ton about $20 per ton discount on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $370 - $380 per ton. India 5% rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $320 - $330 per ton.

25% Broken Rice

Thailand 25% rice is indicated at around $335 - $345 per ton, about $20 per ton discount on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $355- $365 per ton. India 25% rice is indicated at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $295 - $305 per ton.

Parboiled Rice            

Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton. India parboiled rice is indicated at around $340 - $350 per ton, about $65 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.              

100% Broken Rice

Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is indicated at around $325 - $335 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $330 - $340 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $280 - $290 per ton, on par with Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $280 - $290 per ton.

 Exclusive News have been shared with written permission of ORYZA.com with thanks