Tuesday, February 09, 2016

19 January 2016 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Ricpelus Magazine

·        Today Rice News Headlines...
·         Missing GI link in exportsRice
·         Featured at North Louisiana Ag Expo
·         Thai Commerce Min estimates rice demand for 2016 at 25 million tons
·         Thailand cuts rice production
·         Researchers: No doubt cleanup at Fukushima nuclear plant contaminated rice crops in 2013
·         Scientists in North Korea create 'hangover-free liquor'
·         Basmati exporters eye better realisations as Iran opens up
·         Optimistic signal in rice export of Vietnam in early 2016
·         Bulog Aims to Procure 3.9mn Tons of Farmers Rice
·         Thailand's private sector urging G-to-G sales of rice stocks
·         Rice basmati, wheat edge up on fresh buying
·         Govt move to slash rice production hailed
·         Apeda Rice Commodity News
·         Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open-Jan 19
·         Rice Prices
·         Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report
News Detail...

Missing GI link in exports


MUBARAK ZEB KHANISLAMABAD has failed to enact a Geographical Indications law for protecting ownership rights of commodities that have a Pakistan-specific geographical origin and are distinguishable by their quality, reputation, or other distinct characteristics.The GIs’ use promotes commerce by informing the customer of a product’s origin. Often this may imply a certain quality, which the customer may be looking for. GIs can be used for industrial and agricultural products. The law can help improve visibility of several Pakistani export items on the world markets.A GI draft law is lying with the government for the last 15 years awaiting finalisation. The draft is still to be vetted by the Ministry of Law. It is said that the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) has been sitting on itA farmer drives a tractor trolly loaded with turnips on the way to the vegetable market in Lahore on January 13.—AFP

Various ministries are just exchanging files while other countries are using Pakistani GIs for their commercial gains


The State Bank of Pakistan in its annual report 2014-15 has stressed early enactment of the law to promote exports.Various ministries are just exchanging files while other countries are using Pakistani GIs for their commercial benefits.The TRIPs Agreement (Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rights) of the World Trade Organisation came into force in 1995. Pakistan was supposed to comply with the TRIPs standards with respect to GIs by January 1, 2000.The GI law would enable Pakistan to avail the zero duty regime on basmati rice exports to the European Union market. In 2001, an ordinance on Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) was drafted, but it was not implemented.Legal experts then termed the draft ‘vague and ambiguous’. Since then the proposed move was put on back burner.

Rice exporters also did not pursue the matter aggressively.Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan some months ago ordered his ministry to take up the issue with the IPO, but no progress has so far been reported.Like several other organisations, the IPO also falls administratively under the Cabinet Division. Analysts suggest that the IPO should be put under the ambit of a technical ministry to improve its capability and performance.IPO officials say Pakistan registers GIs under certification marks within the ambit of the trademark law. Moreover, they believe that Pakistan is incapable of implementing registration of products under GIs law and should stay on the certification mark route.But legal experts differ: a GI is not the same as a certification mark. A GI is always attached to specific land and thus bestows significant premiums, for instance, Champagne wine from Champagne in France.

There are so many products in Pakistan with geographical indications. They include basmati rice, Sindhri mango, Shikarpuri pickles, Qasuri methi, Bannu spices, Chinniot furniture, Sialkot’s footballs, Multani halva, Hala ki ajrak, Sargodha’s kinno, Chaunsa mango; wild mushrooms of Swat, Neeli Ravi buffalo and Chaman grapes etc.Pakistan has challenged New Delhi’s move to secure exclusive right to ‘Basmati’ brand name, but has done nothing to establish its claim on it as producer of ‘Super Basmati’.The issue is not confined to basmati rice. India has also accorded IP protection to at least two varieties of mangoes which are homonymous to indigenous Pakistani varieties -- ‘Fazli Mango’ of West Bengal and ‘Dussehri Mango’ of Uttar Pardesh.

Similarly, a citrus fruit -- ‘kinno’ -- exclusively produced in Pakistan is now being grown and exported by other countries as Pakistan has no GI law for the protection of its exclusive right.The GI law would enable Pakistan to file applications to protect its various GIs in such countries.To avoid monopolies and conflict of interests in registration of GIs, the government needs to look at practices in other countries.For example, in India, multi-interest boards for each product are established. To protect the interests of Darjeeling tea growers, an India tea board was established.

The board is tasked to develop markets for other varieties of tea, and protection of rights of tea growers that fall under its geographical indication.Such boards can be set up in Pakistan representing all stakeholders and can help to resolve conflicting interest.With consumers in export markets getting more conscious of identity and quality of products, Pakistan needs to move on with IP legislation and create niche markets for its GI products, particularly for fruits and vegetables.
Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, January 18th, 2016

Rice Featured at North Louisiana Ag Expo 

WEST MONROE, LA -- An estimated 11,000 people attended the 34th annual North Louisiana Ag Expo on January 15-16.  Visitors to the Louisiana Rice Council (LARC) booth received sample bags of Louisiana-grown rice, provided by the Louisiana Rice Growers Association, for correctly answering questions about rice. Attendees also enjoyed a cup of red beans and rice, courtesy of the Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association. 
 
LARC members, including President Eric Unkel, Vice President Charles Precht, Jr., Aaron Unkel, and Jimmy Hoppe, manned the booth and helped USA Rice field staff distribute recipe brochures, nutrition information, and rice facts sheets. "We had a steady stream of folks stopping by our booth both days," said Eric Unkel, a Louisiana rice farmer and a vice chair of the USA Rice Council.  "It's a lot of fun talking to everyone and getting the chance to educate the public on the many ways agriculture touches our daily lives." The Expo was established by the North Louisiana Agribusiness Council to educate citizens about the regional and state impact of agriculture


Thai Commerce Min estimates rice demand for 2016 at 25 million tons

BY EDITORON 2016-01-19THAILAND

Min of Commerce estimates rice demand for 2016 at 25 million tons

BANGKOK, 19 January 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce has revealed that demand for rice in 2016 should reach 25 million tons.Permanent Secretary of Commerce Chutima Boonyaprapas said a meeting was held between farmers, rice exporters and rice millers to find a way to maintain the price of rice.The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will be responsible for controlling the amount of rice being released to the market, while the Agriculturalist Association will try to keep the price of refined rice at 7,500 – 8,000 baht per ton, depending on global market prices. President of the Agriculturalist Association Suthep Kongmak said he is not satisfied with the current market prices. He added that he will cooperate with the government to establish agricultural zoning, instead of making direct demands for better price control

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/thai-commerce-min-estimates-rice-demand-for-2016-at-25-million-tons/128668/

 

Thailand cuts rice production



The Commerce Ministry cuts the annual paddy production of the country from 30 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes to suit demand this year. (Pattarachai Preechapanich)

Rice farmers, millers and exporters have agreed to the government's plan for the country to cut rice production in the 2016-17 crop year to 25 million tonnes of paddy from 30 million on average.After a meeting with their representatives on Monday, commerce permanent secretary Chutima Bunyapraphasara said all parties had agreed to the plan to slash the output to respond to domestic and global demand. That amount of paddy will translate to 16.5 million tonnes of milled rice.Thailand usually produces 30 million tonnes of paddy or 19.8 million tonnes of milled rice, split evenly between domestic consumption and exports.

Ms Chutima said paddy prices were expected to stay unchanged this year at 7,500 to 8,000 baht a tonne, while Thailand would export only 9 million tonnes, 60-70% of which would be newly harvested grain.Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said that the production reduction would not affect rice exports.Suthep Kongmark, president of the Thai Agriculturists Association, said farmers agreed with the plan after the government had provided much assistance in recent years.Thai media also reported drought was a major reason for the cut. Besides, farmers were contented to have their representatives in the discussion. 
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/830464/thailand-cuts-rice-production.

Researchers: No doubt cleanup at Fukushima nuclear plant contaminated rice crops in 2013

January 18, 2016
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
MINAMI-SOMA, Fukushima Prefecture--Radioactive substances that contaminated rice paddies here in 2013 came from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, an international group of researchers said, rejecting a denial issued by Japan’s nuclear safety authority.The researchers, led by Akio Koizumi, a professor at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Medicine, reached the conclusion after analyzing radioactive substances and taking spot readings of radioactivity levels around Minami-Soma.Koizumi presented the final report of the group, consisting of 11 researchers from Japan, Europe and the United States, to local farmers and other parties at a community center in Minami-Soma on Jan. 17.

“The cause of further contamination was the radioactive particles dispersed from contaminated rubble during the cleanup effort at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant,” Koizumi concluded in the report.Earlier, the agriculture ministry and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) gave different views on the source of the contaminated rice.In 2013, rice crops from areas of Minami-Soma were found with unexpectedly high radioactivity levels more than two years after the triple meltdown at the nuclear plant located 20 kilometers south of the city.One theory was that highly radioactive substances were dispersed when workers were lifting and removing contaminated rubble at the Fukushima plant on Aug. 19 that year. Two workers at the plant were exposed to high doses of radiation during the cleanup process.The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the cause of the contaminated rice was “unknown” although it acknowledged “the possibility of the dispersal of contaminated dust.” The farm ministry discontinued its investigation without specifying the source of the contamination.


The NRA, however, said the contaminated rice was not related to the cleanup work at the nuclear plant.The Minami-Soma city assembly expressed outrage over the NRA’s stance. Some in the city suspected the NRA of a cover-up.Koizumi and the other researchers digitally recreated an accidental dispersal of contaminated dust from the plant in August 2013.They used a new analysis system to estimate the amount of radioactive cesium that spread toward Minami-Soma based on radioactivity readings around the city and other factors.The group’s cesium estimate was more than 3.6 times the amount initially estimated by the NRA.

The research group in September 2014 also collected soil samples from 10 locations around the contaminated rice paddies to determine the amount of strontium 90 in the area.They confirmed that the ratio of strontium 90 to radioactive cesium in the soil samples was similar to the ratio that would be found near the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Beta-ray emitting strontium 90 is less airborne and tends to remain within close proximity of nuclear weapon testing sites or nuclear accidents. Radioactive cesium is more volatile and can easily adhere to fine dust spread by the wind.In general, the amount of strontium 90 decreases the farther it gets from a nuclear plant, compared with radioactive cesium. In fact, hardly any strontium 90 has been detected far away from the Fukushima plant.They also confirmed radioactive substances captured on equipment that keeps track of airborne radioactive particles around Minami-Soma. The researchers concluded that a highly irregular plume of radioactive cesium reached Minami-Soma on the third week of August 2013.“Every single piece of data in the paper supports the fact that contamination by radioactive dust came from the debris at the nuclear plant,” Koizumi said.

Asked about the NRA’s conclusion, Koizumi said: “It seems they were blinded by their estimated amount of dispersed particles, and their choice for the analysis system was misguided. This kind of attitude would only increase the anxiety of residents in the affected areas.”The group’s findings were published in the international academic journal Environmental Science & Technology last month after a peer review.
(This article was written by Masakazu Honda and Miki Aoki.)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201601180052

 

Scientists in North Korea create 'hangover-free liquor'

·         JAMIE BULLEN 
·         Monday 18 January 2016





Hangover cure: The liquor has been improved to avoid giving drinkers a nasty headache the next day Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury
A highly popular North Korean liquor can now be drunk without fear of a hangover, according to state media.
An article in the Pyongyang Times, entitled “Liquor wins quality medal for preserving national smack”, claims the drink, made from ginseng, has been improved by the Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory by replacing sugar with scorched, glutinous rice.The change of ingredients has eliminated a bitter taste and hangovers, it is claimed.Ginseng is commonly used in both Koreas on the ground of its medicinal properties and is famous for its use in the city of Kaesong in the North Hwanghae province in North Korea.
The article reads: “Koryo Liquor, which is made of six-year-old Kaesong Koryo insam, known as being highest in medicinal effect, and the scorched rice, is highly appreciated by experts and lovers as it is suave and causes no hangover.”

Last August, the Korean Central News Agency reported how North Korea’s Koryo Songgyungwan University was working on improving the quality of Kaesong Koryo Insam Liquor.Andray Abrahamian, from Chosong Exchange, a group that supports business in North Korea, told NK News: “I haven’t tried that brand I think, though I have had some other Insam liquors. They’re OK – I associate ginseng with its medicinal properties, though, so am not that keen on it as a tasty treat.Downing water 'has no meaningful impact on hangovers'

“There are some high quality liquors made in North Korea, though in my experience there is no such thing as hangover-free booze anywhere in the world.”If the claims about the hangover-free drink prove true it could be a popular choice of tipple in the South where 12.1 litres of alcohol is drunk a year, according to a 2012 World Health Organisation report.The report states the South Koreans drink more alcohol than any other Asian country.Last year, North Korean state media claimed medical products containing extracts from the ginseng plant could cure SARS and AIDS.

Basmati exporters eye better realisations as Iran opens up

Export volumes surged 23% during April-November 2015 over the year-ago period, indicating demand was good at lower price

Komal Amit Gera  |  Chandigarh January 19, 2016 Last Updated at 00:05 IST
Exporters expect Iran to issue fresh Basmati rice permits by DecRice exporting companies rally as Iran opens up market for IndiaBasmati rice exports to Iran via Dubai soarAll you need to know about lifting of sanctions against Iran

With global commodity prices declining in the first half of FY16, realisations from basmati rice exports from India have plunged. The average export price of basmati slipped from $1,352 per tonne in April-November 2014 to $897 in the same period in 2015. Now that sanctions against Iranhave been lifted, direct exports to Iran will resume, helping improve realisations. Till now, exports were routed through Dubai, at lower rates.Export volumes surged 23 per cent during April-November 2015 over the year-ago period, indicating demand was good at lower price.

According to sources in Agri and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority, the turmoil in West Asian countries and a sharp decline in crude oilprices have put the exporters in a tight spot as the purchasing power of the traders in the importing countries has been hit. The government cannot do much to bail out the exporters as commodity prices have plummeted globally.

Iran's resumption of imports on 15 December 2015 may provide some cushion to exporters. Due to sanctions imposed on Iran, basmati exports to that country remained suspended from October 2014 to December 2015.Iran has been a major importer of Indian basmati and contributes 25 per cent to the exports kitty. The revival of exports to Iran after lifting of sanctions has brought a sentimental shift among exporters. "We expect an annual demand of 1 million to 1.2 million from Iran, as the traders over there have been running low stocks. This may also trigger a revival in price but it is too premature to quantify the price revision", said Salil Bhatia, of D D International, a top basmati exporter from India. Iran is an important market for Pusa 1121 variety and reopening basmati trade with it has already catalysed the demand. The basmati prices have touched a low and our prices in international market are close to those of South American rice."

Despite higher volumes, low realisations have forced most exporters to look at the domestic market. Amritsar based Amar Singh Chawal Wala, a leading rice exporter having an average annual basmati exports of 80,000 metric ton is projecting a fall in exports this year. Arvinder Pal Singh, the Director of the company said that they registered a 10 per cent growth in volume last year but falling crude prices and eventual fall in commodity prices may make export unviable. The companies sells under 'Lal Quila' brand rice and gearing up to consolidate its presence in domestic market.

The experts say that higher sowing under basmati paddy in the last two kharif seasons created a glut in the market and falling export price may discourage basmati sowing in kharif 2016 equating demand and supply and bring price correction. Basmati acreage was 2.1 million hectare in kharif 2014, up 35 per cent over kharif 2013. It went up to 2.2 million hectare in kharif 2015. Higher acreage also contributed to dwindling prices.Although, the prices crashed at the farm gate level this year, plunging from an average Rs 4,000 a quintal in kharif 2014 to Rs 2,200-2,500 in kharif 2015, this could not provide any safeguard to exporters.

Farmers have evidently been the most effected and in some cases have not even been able to recover cost. Exporters, who incur 20-30 per cent of the carrying cost and about 14-15 per cent of finance costs, are in a catch-22 situation, added Singh.Big brands such as L T Overseas have a legroom to supply at prevailing prices and Ashwani Arora, the Director of the company is sanguine over the revival of prices.

A Karnal-based exporter, and promoter of Maharani Brand of rice, Ankit Setia conceded that there have been challenges on export front but it's a part of business cycle. Setia is also aggressively expanding its domestic footprint and targets a national presence in a few months.
Business standard India
Optimistic signal in rice export of Vietnam in early 2016

According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), export of rice in early 2016 has seen more advantages than it did in the same period last year with contracts of 1.3 million tons of rice passed from last year and import demand from large and regular markets coming earlier.Export of Vietnamese farm produces, except cashew nuts and black pepper, faced several difficulties, including low export prices and cutthroat competition in 2015, especially rice. The total number of 6.58 million tons of rice exports by the end of 2015 caught us by surprise as the market was subtle earlier with rice export dropping in both volume and value from the beginning of 2015 to mid-October.
Huynh The Nang, chairman of VFA, said that global rice market was tough in 2015 with export prices falling extremely low. Export of rice in 2015 divided into two periods. From the beginning of 2015 to September, rice export market was gloomy while inventory was fairly high. The volume of rice for temporary stockpile piled up in exporters’ warehouses. In comparison with global rice price at that time, domestic rice price was higher; therefore, rice export target had to be lowered.

Packing line of rice exporter. (Photo: SGGP)
Food trading and export companies, including Vietnam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2), had been meeting with serious difficulties because of excessive rice supply in global market. Rice inventory of Thailand, Vietnam’s main rival, was extremely high that Thai Government sought to sell rice in every way, causing severer competition. As most food exporters are small and medium businesses, excluding Vietnam Northern Food Corporation (Vinafood 1) and Vinafood 2, when the market changes, they merely receive razor-thin margins.

If there were not two export contracts to Philippines and Indonesia in the last months of 2015, many businesses would have fallen into losses. The two government-to-government rice export contracts showed up just in time like a rescue buoy. However, domestic rice market was still muted after the country won the 750,000-ton contract of Philippines, of which Vietnam supplies 450,000 tons and the rest is from Thailand, because the buyer only needed 250,000 tons of rice to be delivered by the end of 2015. Until Vinafood 2 signed a contract to export 1 million tons of rice to Indonesia, the market became vibrant then rice prices increased swiftly. Among 1.4 million tons of rice inventory at that time, Vinafood 2 accounted 400,000 tons. Big contract from Indonesia has helped businesses to solve earlier long-lasting difficulties and revive rice exporters.

According to VFA, export of rice in early 2016 meets more favorable conditions than that in the same period last year. Rice inventory in 2015 was at 300,000 tons, much lower than an average inventory of 700,000 tons of rice in previous years. Rice export contracts passed from 2015 was at about 1.3 million tons while import demand from large market was also earlier. Thus, in the 2015-2016 winter-spring crop, businesses probably will not have to buy rice for temporary stockpile as they did in the 2014-2015 winter-spring crop. VFA also forecast that, rice export market will be good until the end of second quarter of this year as large importers, such as: Philippines, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia will sign import contracts soon in order to stabilize domestic food supply and cope with drought caused by El Nino. These countries will still be potential markets for Vietnamese rice in the next several years, especially China.

Rice harvesting in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. (Photo: SGGP)
According to Reuters, the Philippines’ National Food Association recently announced that the country is set to buy 400,000 tons of rice for delivery in the second quarter, and may need an additional 800,000 tons to cover this year’s requirements. Although Philippines and Indonesia always seek to supply food on their own, natural disasters, including storms, floods, and especially long-lasting El Nino phenomenon, has caused the most serious impacts in the past 60 years.
However, it raised concern as local rice price is higher than global rice price. As for 5-percent-broken rice, sometime Vietnamese rice was US$10-20 per ton higher than Thai and Indian ones and $60 per ton higher than Pakistani one. This makes rice exporters flinch when signing commercial contracts. Although domestic rice price has declined by $5-10 per ton, it is still at high level. Therefore, if this situation prolongs, it will be difficult for businesses to sign export contracts.
Nguyen Van Tien, CEO of Angimex, said that the fact that fragrant and white rice continued to post growth in 2015 is positive signal and favorable condition to build brand name for Vietnamese rice. There are many factors that help global rice price to recover, such as: negative effects of El Nino on food production, declining global food inventory as it was in the years prior 2007-2008, the period of food crisis. The matter of controlling pesticide residues should be resolved so as to when the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) becomes effective, Vietnam will not lose its advantages when entering demanding markets in the TTP and even on its home ground.
At present, rice export contracts passed from last year are more than 1.3 million tons while winter-spring rice crop production is about 4.3 million tons, which means that around 3 million tons of rice is waiting for export contracts.
http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/Economy/2016/1/117268/

Bulog Aims to Procure 3.9mn Tons of Farmers Rice
 TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY, 2016 | 13:38 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State logistics company Perum Bulog is aiming to procure up to 3.9 million tons of rice from farmers, comprising of 3.2 million tons medium rice procurement for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and 700,000 thousand tons of premium rice for commercial purposes."To maintain the stability of domestic rice prices, Bulog seeks to strengthen its rice stocks," Bulog's procurement director, Wahyum said on Tuesday, January 19, 2016.The company is prepared to disburse some Rp30 trillion to absorb that volume of rice."For the PSO rice, the cost is Rp 7,500 per kilogram. The premium rice is a bit pricier, so the budget is almost Rp30 trillion," Wahyu said. Wahyu said that to achieve the target Bulog will optimize the work of its field officers and cooperate with partners, and the National Outstanding Farmers and Fishermen Association (KTNA).However, Wahyu said that Bulog's rice procurement target also depends on farmers' production. If the volume of rice production is below expectations, Bulog will have difficulties to meet its uptake target. There is also weather and climate factor at play, which will have major influence on rice harvests.
PINGIT ARIA
http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/01/19/056737439/Bulog-Aims-to-Procure-39mn-Tons-of-Farmers-Rice

Thailand's private sector urging G-to-G sales of rice stocks


BY EDITORON 2016-01-19THAILAND
 [google-translator]
Thailand’s Private Sector Urging Government-to-Government Sales of Rice Stocks
BY JACOB MASLOW
BANGKOK: — Thailand’s private sector is urging an increase in sales of the country’s rice stock through government-to-government (G-to-G) purchases.
According to the Deputy Commerce Minister, growth in rice shipments can be as high as 3% in 2016 in the best case scenario. The government would need to increase G-to-G deals and increase exports of processed farm products. The government announced earlier in the month that the goal is to sell 2 million tons of rice through G-to-G sales, with an additional 1 million tons being sold to China to honor a memorandum of understanding.
Drought in Indonesia and the Philippines have caused both countries to have interest in buying Thailand’s rice. Both nations expect to have a lower supply due to the drought, and the Commerce Ministry is hoping to sell 9 million tons of rice this year. In 2015, the ministry projected 10 million tons of rice to be sold.

 

Rice basmati, wheat edge up on fresh buying

Press Trust of India | New Delhi Jan 19, 2016 02:13 PM IST

Prices of rice basmati and wheat rose up to Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale grains market today on increased buying by stockists and flour mills. 
Traders said increased buying by stockists against restricted supplies from producing regions mainly attributed the rise in rice basmati prices.They said increased offtake by flour mills helped wheat prices rising. In the national capital, rice basmati Pusa-1121 variety edged up to Rs 4,250-5,000 from previous level of Rs 4,250-4,900 per quintal. 

Wheat dara (for mills) also inched up by Rs 10 to Rs 1,705-1,710 per quintal. Atta chakki delivery followed suit and traded higher by Rs 10 to Rs 1,710-1,720 per 90 kg. 

Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal): 

Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,000-2,600, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,705-1,710, Chakki atta (delivery) Rs 1,710-1,720, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 230, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 230, Roller flour mill Rs 880-890 (50 kg), Maida Rs 940-945 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 975-980 (50 kg). 

Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati Rice Rs 9,700, Basmati common new Rs 5,300-5,400, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 4,250-5,000, Permal raw Rs 1,900-1.950, Permal wand Rs 2,125-2,175, Sela Rs 2,400-2,500 and Rice IR-8 Rs 1,700-1,720, Bajra Rs 1,415-1,420, Jowar yellow Rs 1,650-1,750, white Rs 3,150-3,250, Maize Rs 1,675-1,680, Barley Rs 1,455-1,465.
http://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rice-basmati-wheat-edge-up-on-fresh-buying-116011900419_1.html

Govt move to slash rice production hailed


PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION January 19, 2016 1:00 am

RICE Farmers and traders have supported the government’s plan to reduce rice production to 25 million tonnes of paddy this year in the hope it will lead to the industry’s sustainable development and long-lasting stable prices.Thai Agriculturalists Association president Suthep Kongmark said rice farmers had agreed to cut rice production by about 5 million tonnes this year.The move followed a meeting of the Commerce Ministry's working committee to formulate a national rice strategy.Despite the decision to cut production, rice farmers still expect the government to provide clear-cut measures to support farmers in the cultivation of other economic crops in a bid to reduce the hit from the drought. They also want the interest rate for loans reduced and production costs slashed.

Normally, Thailand grows between 30 million and 33 million tonnes of paddy rice each year. But that has led to an oversupply, with about 10 million tonnes used for domestic supply and about 10 million tonnes exported."Despite the low rice price currently, rice farmers understand the market situation and are ready to adjust their plans to ensure sustainable development," Suthep said, emphasising that farmers will not call for a government subsidy. Chutima Bunyapraphasara, permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry, said the rice working committee gathered the opinions of all concerned enterprises, including rice farmers, millers, traders, exporters, and government officials.Chutima said the findings of the meeting would soon be proposed to the Agriculture Ministry for the devising of an action plan.She said rice production was set to be reduced to 25 million tonnes for the current harvest season (2016-17) in an effort to keep the rice price from dropping further.

She said the price of white paddy rice domestically was expected to remain between Bt7,500 and Bt8,000 a tonne in the current harvest season.The government plans to come up with additional measures to help rice farmers reduce production costs and support them in the growing of other economic crops.
It also said that it would set up zoning areas for rice cultivation and draw up a marketing plan to help sell rice and other economic crops rice farmers took up.Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said exporters agreed with the government's plan to reduce rice supply so that the price would be stable.He said that with high remaining stockpiles, reducing output to 25 million tonnes would balance support for domestic consumption and overseas exports.Charoen added that this year the government should be able to release about 5 million tonnes of milled rice from its stocks, which now had about 13 million tonnes

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Govt-move-to-slash-rice-production-hailed-30277171.html

Apeda Rice Commodity News

International Benchmark Price
Price on: 11-01-2016
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Garlic
1
Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2100
2
Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2000
3
Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1800
Ginger
1
Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
2150
2
Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
2300
3
Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
2850
Guar Gum Powder
1
Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
3850
2
Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
1250
3
Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
2370
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 18-01-2016
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Rice
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2900
3100
2
Dhing (Assam)
Common
1600
2000
3
Memari (West Bengal)
Fine 
2040
2080
Wheat
1
Hoskote (Karnataka)
Other
1827
1827
2
Cherthala (Kerala)
Other
2350
2500
3
Sangli (Maharashtra)
Other
1700
3000
Papaya
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2400
2600
2
Una (Himachal Pradesh)
Other
2000
2500
3
Sirhind (Punjab)
Other
1600
1600
Carrot
1
Bolangir (Orissa)
Other
1800
2000
2
Pune (Maharashtra)
Other
700
1200
3
Surat (Gujarat)
Other
700
900
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 18-01-2016
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Ahmedabad
430
2
Hyderabad
385
3
Namakkal
402
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 15-01-2016
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Onions Dry
Package: 40 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Peru
Yellow
24
26
2
Chicago
Nevada
Yellow
34.50
34.50
3
Detroit
Peru
Yellow
23
25
Cauliflower
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
California
White
22.25
27
2
Chicago
Mexico
White
16
16
3
Detroit
California
White
20
25
Grapefruit
Package: 4/5 bushel cartons
1
Atlanta
Florida
Red
21
23.50
2
Chicago
Florida
Red
24
24
3
New York
Florida
Red
25
25
Source:USDA

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open-Jan 19

Nagpur, Jan 19 Gram and tuar prices zoomed up again in Nagpur Agriculture Produce
and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on increased buying support from local millers amid tightsupply from producing regions. Notable rise on NCDEX, weak overseas arrival and fresh hike inMadhya Pradesh pulses also boosted sentiment, according to sources.

    FOODGRAINS & PULSES
    GRAM
   * Gram varieties reported nearly steady here on subdued demand from local traders amid
     ample stock in ready position.

     TUAR
   * Tuar black reported down in open market here on poor demand from local traders amid
     increased arrival from producing regions.

   * Udid varieties recovered strongly in open market here on renewed demand from local
     traders amid tight supply from producing regions.
     
   * In Akola, Tuar New - 8,400-8,700, Tuar dal New - 13,700-14,300, Udid -
     12,800-13,400, Udid Mogar (clean) - 15,200-17,100, Moong -
     8,600-8,800, Moong Mogar (clean) 9,800-10,100, Gram - 4,300-4,500,
     Gram Super best bold - 5,800-6,200 for 100 kg.

   * Wheat, rice and other commodities moved in a narrow range in
     scattered deals, settled at last levels.
      
 Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

     FOODGRAINS                 Available prices     Previous close  
     Gram Auction                3,800-4,600         3,700-4,600
     Gram Pink Auction            n.a.           2,100-2,600
     Tuar Auction                7,500-9,050         7,300-9,000
     Moong Auction                n.a.                6,400-6,600
     Udid Auction                n.a.           4,300-4,500
     Masoor Auction                n.a.              2,600-2,800
     Gram Super Best Bold            6,100-6,500        6,100-6,500
     Gram Super Best            n.a.            n.a.
     Gram Medium Best            5,800-6,000        5,800-6,000
     Gram Dal Medium            n.a.            n.a
     Gram Mill Quality            4,850-5,100        4,850-5,100
     Desi gram Raw                4,900-5,100         4,900-5,100
     Gram Filter new            5,200-5,400        5,200-5,400
     Gram Kabuli                5,800-7,800        5,800-7,800
     Gram Pink                        6,300-7,200        6,300-7,300
     Tuar Fataka Best-New             14,500-14,700        14,500-14,700
     Tuar Fataka Medium-New        13,700-14,000        13,700-14,000
     Tuar Dal Best Phod-New        11,500-12,000        11,500-12,000
     Tuar Dal Medium phod-New        10,000-10,500        10,000-10,500
     Tuar Gavarani New             8,850-9,250        8,850-9,250
     Tuar Karnataka             9,000-9,100        9,000-9,100
     Tuar Black                 14,100-14,900        14,200-15,000
     Masoor dal best            6,500-6,800        6,500-6,800
     Masoor dal medium            6,100-6,300        6,100-6,300
     Masoor                    n.a.            n.a.
     Moong Mogar bold            9,600-10,500        9,600-10,500
     Moong Mogar Med            9,000-9,700        9,000-9,700
     Moong dal Chilka            8,500-9,500        8,500-9,500
     Moong Mill quality            n.a.            n.a.
     Moong Chamki best            8,500-8,700        8,500-8,700
     Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG)    15,500-17,500       15,200-17,500
     Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)    13,500-15,000        13,300-14,800   
     Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG)        9,700-10,900        9,400-10,700    
     Batri dal (100 INR/KG)        5,700-6,100        5,700-6,100
     Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)          4,400-4,750         4,400-4,750
     Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)            3,250-3,400        3,250-3,400
     Watana White (100 INR/KG)           3,200-3,400           3,200-3,400
     Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)    3,300-3,800        3,300-3,800  
     Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)        1,700-1,800        1,700-1,800
     Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG)    1,675-1,775        1,675-1,775  
     Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)         1,650-1,850        1,650-1,850
     Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)    2,100-2,450        2,100-2,450   
     Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG)   1,950-2,200        1,950-2,200
     Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)    n.a.            n.a.
     MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)    3,600-3,950        3,600-3,950   
     MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)    3,000-3,200        3,000-3,200          
     Rice BPT best New(100 INR/KG)    2,600-2,850        2,600-2,850   
     Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG)        2,100-2,300        2,100-2,300   
     Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG)         1,800-2,000        1,800-2,000
     Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG)      2,200-2,450        2,200-2,450  
     Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG)      1,850-2,250        1,850-2,250  
     Rice HMT best New (100 INR/KG)    3,100-3,400        3,100-3,400   
     Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG)        2,600-2,900        2,600-2,900   
     Rice Shriram best New(100 INR/KG)    4,400-4,500        4,400-4,500   
     Rice HMT medium New(100 INR/KG)    3,700-4,000        3,700-4,000   
     Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)    9,800-11,700        9,800-11,700    
     Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)    7,800-8,000        7,800-8,000   
     Rice Chinnor best New(100 INR/KG)    4,600-4,850        4,600-4,850   
     Rice Chinnor med. New (100 INR/KG)    4,000-4,400        4,000-4,400   
     Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)        1,800-2,200        1,800-2,200   
     Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)         1,700-1,800        1,700-1,800

WEATHER (NAGPUR) 
Maximum temp. 29.4 degree Celsius (84.9 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
17.2 degree Celsius (62.9 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - 82 per cent, lowest - 42 per cent.
Rainfall : n.a.
FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 30 and 17degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)

Rice Prices

as on : 19-01-2016 08:10:16 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals
Price
Current
%
change
Season 
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Gadarpur(Utr)
380.00
-80.94
49077.00
1974
2065
-10.92
Kalahandi(Dharamagarh)(Ori)
41.82
-19.13
332.06
2100
2100
-4.55
Golaghat(ASM)
40.00
-
65.00
2450
-
-
Dharampur(veg)(Guj)
28.00
-44
128.00
3250
3250
145.28
Balugaon(Ori)
20.00
NC
140.00
3200
3200
6.67
Chengannur(Ker)
7.00
16.67
239.00
2500
2500
-13.79
Karanjia(Ori)
6.00
NC
117.80
2900
3200
16.00
Silapathar(ASM)
5.20
-90.55
321.60
3000
3000
NC
Jeypore(Ori)
3.80
192.31
91.00
325
325
-
Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori)
3.50
2.94
88.70
4100
3250
26.15
Aroor(Ker)
3.00
-25
76.00
6900
6900
-25.81
Pundibari(WB)
1.50
-
21.50
2000
-
-5.88
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)
1.00
NC
9.10
2000
2000
-16.67
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8123518.ece


Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report


Rice
High
Low
Long Grain Cash Bids
Long Grain New Crop


Futures:
High
Low
Last
Change
Mar '16
1091.0
1069.0
1087.5
+21.0
May '16
1116.5
1101.0
1116.0
+20.5
Jul '16
1143.5
+20.5
Sep '16
1153.0
+26.5
Nov '16
1177.0
+25.0
Jan '17
1177.5
+25.0
Mar '17
1177.5
+25.0

Rice Comment

Rice futures ended higher but traded within Friday's range. The market is currently trading at seven month lows. March is now in position to retest support at the May 2015 low of $10.27 1/2. Disappointing export sales of 43,000 metric tons, down 15% from the previous week, added to the negative undertone. Tightening world stocks have provided support in recent months


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


Thank you for your interest in Daily Rice News! Our Researchers & Editorial Team  work hard to share their best News for analysis, please give them credit. Any reproduction of www.Ricepluss.com/ www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com  content requires written permission from us and clear reference to ww.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com. Copyright © 2016
For Advertisement in daily two newsletters & On blog & Website contact for detail... mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

15 January 2016 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Ricpelus Magazine

News Detail...

Reap seeks zero-rated status for rice

January 15, 2016
RECORDER REPORT
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) Thursday demanded zero rating status for rice - the 2nd largest export commodity. "We are receiving complaints from our members that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn the zero rating facility on utility bills from many rice exporters who are previously allowed zero rating facility on bills since 2007," said Noman Ahmed Sheikh senior vice chairman REAP. 

He said that rice export sector is the 2nd largest export commodity, but despite earning of about $2 billion valuable foreign exchange annually, rice exporters are not given the benefits and other commodities' exporters are being facilitated. "Now, rice exporters have to pay sales tax and income tax on utility bills and then they will make efforts for refund of these paid taxes, which will be a very hectic and lengthy process," Noman said. 

He requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to include rice export sector in zero rated export sectors and exempt rice exporters from sales tax and income tax on utilities for rice export. Rice exporters will face financial difficulties after withdrawal of zero rating facility and their millions of rupees will stuck in GST, the vice chairman REAP maintainedhttp://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/6342/

Rice exports likely unchanged

Last year Viet Nam's rice exports fetched US$2.68 billion, a decrease of 3.94 per cent in value despite a marginal increase in volumes as prices dropped. — Photo baocongthuongHCM CITY (VNS) — Viet Nam's rice exports this year excluding border trade are expected to remain at last year's 6.5 million tonnes, according to the Viet Nam Food Association.Speaking at a review meeting in HCM City yesterday, Huynh Minh Hue, the association's general secretary, said last year exports fetched US$2.68 billion, a decrease of 3.94 per cent in value despite a marginal increase in volumes as prices dropped
Asian countries were the main buyers, accounting for 74.5 per cent of the exports, followed by Africa (13.77 per cent), and the US (6.72 per cent), he said.Last year exports of 5 per cent broken white rice increased sharply due to high demand from Cuba, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China, he said, adding that exports of fragrant rice also went up significantly thanks to competitive prices and meeting quality demands."In general, countries that previously mainly imported low- and medium-grade rice have shifted to high-quality rice."He quoted the US Department of Agriculture as saying that the global rice output in 2015/16 declined by 1.9 per cent to 469.3 million tonnes, a second straight year of decline.
El Nino was a major factor, causing smaller crops in many rice production countries.Global consumption will meanwhile rise by 0.5 per cent to 484.6 million tonnes, making it the third consecutive year when consumption will exceed production, leading to a depletion of stockpiles.Huynh The Nang, the association chairman, said stockpiles at Vietnamese rice enterprises at the end of last year were around 400,000 tonnes, much lower than the average of 700,000 tonnes in the same period in previous years."In general, rice consumption this year will be better."Hue said this year the association would focus on boosting exports to near and traditional markets in Asia, including China and Southeast Asia, and increasing exports of fragrant rice to Hong Kong and Singapore.It would strive to expand its fragrant rice market share in Africa and gradually recover the market for white rice, he said.It would work to enable Vietnamese rice to penetrate new markets, especially countries that have free trade agreements with Viet Nam, he said.

Nang said the association would this year focus on building a rice value chain and brands.Nguyen Van Tien, director of the An Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, said the Asian market has demand for rice but Viet Nam would face intense competition from Thailand and Pakistan.Thai inventory levels would affect rice prices in the world market, he said. Export of fragrant and high grade rice are expected to increase strongly this year due to high demand from China and Africa, he said.He called on the Government to step up quality checks of exports to safeguard the country's prestige and to sell to demanding markets.The association should also provide enterprises with up-to-date market forecasts and trends, he said.Several delegates at the meeting suggested the Government should crack down on the use of chemicals in rice production. — VNS
http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/281217/rice-exports-likely-unchanged.html


Rice revolution continues as Mackay's second commercial crop is harvested

Updated Fri at 6:19am

This rice crop on a sugar cane farm near Mackay is about to be harvested. (ABC Rural: David Sparkes
Harvesting has begun on the Mackay region's second ever commercial rice crop.
Media player: "Space" to play, "M" to mute, "left" and "right" to seek.
   00:00           
 00:00        
Covering 60ha spread out over several farms, this crop dwarfs the first crop of 11ha harvested in May.Agronomy business Farmacist is behind the rise of rice in the region, and managing director John Markley said the latest crop had come up well.Standing alongside one plot of 4ha, which he described as one of the best, he said the concept was gathering momentum."This crop is pretty exceptional actually," he said."We are looking at a crop that is going to average probably around 10 tonnes per hectare, which is really good going for this region."That yield will be above most other plots in the total 60ha Farmacist is harvesting around the region.

Mr Markley expects the average to be around 6-7 tonnes per hectares, still a reasonable result.Farmacist is also harvesting more crops in the Proserpine area.The business does not expect rice production to take over from sugar in the traditional cane growing region, but it said rice was an ideal cash crop to be grown on cane farms in between cane crops.It is part of a growing trend in Queensland as other locations also look to rice, including the Burdekin district, which is ahead of Mackay in its development as a rice producing area.While this harvest is currently underway, Farmacist is also busy planting the next crops during a window that will last until the first week of February.It hopes to plant more than 100ha of crops, which would be another big increase.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-15/mackay-region-second-ever-rice-harvest-much-bigger-than-first/7090338


.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-15/mackay-region-second-ever-rice-harvest-much-bigger-than-first/7090338

Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report


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


Futures:
ROUGH RICE
High
Low
Last
Change
Mar '16
1098.5
1065.0
1066.5
-21.5
May '16
1120.0
1101.0
1095.5
-21.5
Jul '16
1123.0
-21.5
Sep '16
1135.0
1135.0
1126.5
-17.0
Nov '16
1152.0
-13.0
Jan '17
1152.5
-13.0
Mar '17
1152.5
-13.0
   

Rice Comment

Rice prices continued to fall and ended the week by setting new seven-month lows. March is now in position to retest support at the May 2015 low of $10.27 1/2. Disappointing export sales of 43,000 metric tons, down 15% from the previous week, added to the negative undertone. Tightening world stocks have provided support in recent months

W/African researchers reach consensus on boosting rice production


Posted by: APA Posted date : January 15, 2016 at 2:46 pm UTC 52 views In : Africa
West African researchers have drafted a framework that could boost research on rice production in member countries of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), report said on Friday.The scheme was unveiled on Thursday at the end of a three-day regional conference on food self-sufficiency and rice policies held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.Participants unanimously agreed, in terms of research, to study and evaluate States’ subsidies on rice. They pointed to the fact that decision makers sometimes have good will but may, in the implementation, make mistakes.In addition, rice producers funding system which targets small farmers in Senegal without collateral requirement was considered as good research path.

In the same movement, researchers believe that it is necessary to address the issue of financial innovation in the agricultural sector. They think in this regard that extensive research should go further to explore the issues of insurance in the agricultural system.The Common External Tariff (CET) of ECOWAS is also part of West Africa think tank research as they would like to see how this tax code can help regional agricultural production policy.Presiding over the closing ceremony of the Regional Conference on self-sufficiency for rice policies, Kalilou Traore, ECOWAS Commissioner for industry and the private sector, welcomed the gathering which has kept all its promises.â€Å“The meeting generated some interesting path for research. This work will be useful to ECOWAS which looks forward to rice self-sufficiency by 2025â€, he said.

http://en.starafrica.com/news/wafrican-researchers-reach-consensus-on-boosting-rice-production.html


DPM Gaspar Vega in Guyana Discussing Rice


Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega returns to Belize this Friday from Guyana where substantive discussions took place about rice and its importation into Belize. Belize is looking at a structured arrangement in respect of a bilateral agreement which would allow Guyanese rice into the local market but only when there is a shortage. The proposed agreement, as we understand it, does not contemplate the issue of cheaper prices for the staple, but rather it would give protection to the local producers. But for businessman Jack Charles who has been prevented from unloading three containers because he did not have the required permits; it appears that a major hurdle is now in his way for the three containers as well as for other planned shipments. News Five’s Isani Cayetano looks at the latest development in the rice conundrum.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Is businessman Jack Charles shut out from importing Guyanese rice to Belize?  Earlier this week, Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega, accompanied by C.E.O. Jose Alpuche, was on a working visit to Guyana.  During the brief stay, the Deputy Prime Minister called on Agriculture Minister of Guyana, Noel Holder, who tabled the idea of a bilateral agreement with Belize to provide rice in the event of a shortfall in local production.  That move comes a week after the Supreme Court rejected an application by the proprietor of Xtra House to seek judicial review of BAHA’s decision to quarantine a consignment of three containers.  In her decision, Justice Sonya Young upheld government’s position that Jack Charles had not obtained an import permit prior to bringing in a shipment of seventy-five tons of prepackaged, Grade A rice.

While Belize has imported rice from Guyana in the past, most recently in 2014 when there was a shortage of grain produced, there has been no formal trade agreement between both countries.  So, how does a rice accord impact the efforts of the embattled wholesaler?  For one, government has outmaneuvered Jack Charles, tacitly prohibiting the private sector, as a matter of policy, from importing rice, unless there is a deficit.  It’s a serious blow to the entrepreneur who, as News Five understands, has formally requested the importation of ten containers.  This, notwithstanding an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, that the cargo presently sitting at the port in Big Creek must be re-exported by January twenty-seventh.

This afternoon, Jack Charles expressed his disappointment, stating, quote, unfortunately, Belizean consumers will continue to pay higher prices for local rice, as consumers’ fate was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister in Guyana, unquote.  He goes on to say, quote, that it’s a sad day in Belize’s history where four producers with approximately seventy direct employees are favored over the three hundred and fifty thousand Belizean populace, unquote.

While Guyana’s rice production has increased significantly in recent years, Venezuela has discontinued trade in paddy and rice with its South American neighbor, forcing producers to look elsewhere for an available market.  In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega is expected to hold additional discussions with Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge in an effort to secure an import market should there be a shortage.
http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/123792

Thank you for your interest in Daily Rice News! Our Researchers & Editorial Team  work hard to share their best News for analysis, please give them credit. Any reproduction of www.Ricepluss.com/ www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com  content requires written permission from us and clear reference to ww.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com. Copyright © 2016
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