Thursday, May 28, 2015

27th May(Wednesday),2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Mechanization to help preserve rice terraces’

Description: Description:  By Ferdie G. Domingo | May. 27, 2015 at 12:01am
MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—Mechanization can help conserve and preserve the famous Ifugao rice terraces in the Cordilleras, according to a Japanese agricultural engineer who said that farm machineries can be used to preserve the terraces.Professor Makoto Hoki, former research fellow at the International Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), stressed that mechanization can perform the work of agriculture workers who used to work on the terraces.Hoki spoke in a seminar on how to restore the Ifugao rice terraces at the institute’s central experiment station here last week.  
 In the same seminar, professor Hiroshi Tsujii of Kyoto University and senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) based in Thailand observed that conserving the Ifugao rice terraces has been made difficult because these have been abandoned by farm workers due to external pressure that led them to seek non-agricultural jobs.Other factors include the advancing age of farmers and out-migration of young people. Both reduce the needed workforce to cultivate and maintain the rice terraces.

The rice terraces of the Cordilleras were inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 1995, the first-ever property to be included in its cultural landscape category.This inscription has five sites: the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces (both in Banaue), Mayoyao Rice Terraces (in Mayoyao), Hungduan Rice Terraces (in Hungduan) and Nagacadan Rice Terraces (in Kiangan), all in Ifugao.

Why shifting to brown rice matters


'In a country vulnerable to climate change and its impact, brown rice will help us face the threat of food insecurity'
Renee Juliene Karunungan
Published 2:21 PM, May 27, 2015
Updated 2:23 PM, May 27, 2015

It's a fact that Filipinos love rice. We eat it 3 times a day and for many of us, one cup simply isn’t enough.According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the average Filipino consumes 3 cups of rice per meal, which means 9 cups of rice a day;However, for an agricultural country, the Philippines has had to import rice to feed its people. In fact, in 2010, the Philippines was the biggest importer of rice in the world.

The production of rice simply cannot keep up with the demand.Data from PhilRice also show that in 2010, Filipino farmers had to produce 286.2 million cavans of rice to feed 92.34 million Filipinos. This rice shortage poses a problem for a country where 25.3% of its population is living below income of $2 a day and relying on rice to fill their empty stomachs. This rice shortage is all the more aggravated by climate change. According to Ricepedia, climate change remains to be one of the constraints to rice production in the country. “Climate change and the vulnerability of crop production to drought and heavy rainfall, especially during the typhoon season, severely affect production.”

Game changer
However, organic brown rice might be a game changer and could contribute to solving the rice shortage in the country. While brown rice is known for its health benefits, given its high fiber content, brown rice also reduces rice wastage and therefore helps boost rice self-sufficiency and food security in the Philippines.According to Professor Ted Mendoza, a crop scientist from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, milling white rice removes 38% of the husk compared to milling brown rice which only removes 28%. Brown rice has a 10% higher milling recovery.

Oxfam International said that this 10% higher milling rate translates to almost 1 million tons of milled rice, which is almost the same amount of rice imported by the Philippines.But not only is brown rice going to help the country become more rice self-sufficient, brown rice also helps small-scale farmers adapt to climate change. By saving on production and labor, farmers will have the chance to diversify their crops, helping them adapt to the changing climate.The government has, in fact, seen the importance of brown rice. 2013 was declared the National Year of the Rice. 2012 and 2013 also saw the launch of The Good Food Project led by Oxfam International and Dakila. Both campaigns promoted brown rice and encouraged more Filipinos to bring brown rice back to their tables.Today, the government continues the promotion of food security through the “Be Riceponsible” campaign.

One success of the campaigns was a resolution by the government of Quezon City “enjoining the observance of organic unpolished brown rice consumption" every Tuesday. The resolution encouraged the consumption of unpolished brown rice at the Quezon City Hall Complex, Novaliches District Center, and all city public schools and hospitals and barangays.The resolution also urged all concessionaires and food establishments and stalls in the places mentioned above to “always make organic unpolished brown rice available in their menu and food offering daily.”

Historically, pre-colonial Filipinos ate brown rice, locally called “pinawa.” It was only when milling machines from the West were introduced in Asia that Filipinos shifted to white rice. But seeing the problems we are now facing in food security aggravated by the impact of climate change, this might be the right time to rethink the way we produce and consume rice and instead revert to brown rice.

Higher demand

The difficulty, however, remains to be that organic brown rice, at around P50-P60 (around $1.25)* per kilo is a lot more expensive than white rice, the cheapest being NFA rice at around P32 ($.75) per kilo. The high cost of organic brown rice makes it difficult for the average Filipino to consume brown rice.However, the fact is, with lower labor and production cost, brown rice should cost less than white rice but because demand is also low, the price has become high. A bigger demand, then, is needed to lower the cost of brown rice and make it accessible to more people.This is where local government resolutions and ordinances such as that of Quezon City becomes important.
By giving Filipinos more access to brown rice in the market and by allowing it to become an option in restaurants, brown rice might just get the attention it needs. While it may be difficult for the average Filipino earning a minimum wage to eat brown rice 3 times a day, eating brown rice at least once a month can already make a big impact.According to the Department of Agriculture, if all Filipinos ate brown rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at least once a month, the country’s importation of rice will shrink at an average of 500,000 metric tons/year.Shifting to brown rice is also a challenge for a country with a sweet tooth. Brown rice tastes different and may be quite difficult to pair with our favorite sinigang, kare-kare, oradobo. But it only takes creativity in the kitchen and some getting used to. In a country vulnerable to climate change and its impact, brown rice will help us face the threat of food insecurity.People are starting to shift to the better rice, although gradually. Let us all be a part of this shift. Let's give brown rice a chance to be a part of our meals and help our country better adapt to the impact of climate change. 

Rappler.com
Renee Juliene M. Karunungan is the program manager for advocacy of Dakila, a collective of artists working together for social transformation. Dakila has been campaigning for climate justice with Oxfam since 2009 and currently has a climate revolution program.
Brown rice photo from Shutterstock.
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/94421-shifting-brown-rice-matters

 

Thai rice stockpiles could trump El Nino wild card

27 May 2015 at 14:44 
WRITER: BLOOMBERG NEWS
Description: Description: http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20150527/c1_574511_150527144435_620x413.jpg
A rice farm in Suphan Buri province. Thai rice stocks could come in handy in keeping the market in check and ensuring that importers not resort to panic buying during the El Nino, industry executives say. (Bangkok Post photo)

The severity of El Nino this year may decide whether rice prices recover from the lowest since 2008.Plentiful global inventories will probably cushion against any disruption to this year's crop, suppressing prices in the second half of the year, according to The Rice Trader. Further out, it may be a different story."I'm short-term bearish and, on the longer term, I'm quite bullish," Jeremy Zwinger, chief executive officer of The Rice Trader, a Durham, California-based researcher, said in Bangkok. "If it's a severe El Nino, obviously that's bullish.

"El Ninos bring drier-than-usual conditions including drought to parts of Asia, hurting crops in the top exporters and boosting demand among buyers. Australia this month joined forecasters in the US and Japan in declaring an event had begun, and weathermen are seeking to determine how long it will last and how strong it may be. The last El Nino was in 2009-2010 when global rough-rice output fell 1.8%."At this stage, we can only speak about potential impacts, given how influential factors such timing, strength and duration can be," said Shirley Mustafa, an analyst at the Rome-based Food & Agriculture Organization, which doesn't give specific price forecasts. "A smaller crop would indeed tend to be supportive. However, this potential has to be put in the context of the still ample level of rice inventories."

More imports

The price of Thai 5% broken white rice, a regional benchmark, dropped 9% to US$381 a tonne this year, the lowest level since January 2008, as the world's largest exporter sought to sell record reserves built up during a now-ended state-support program. Rough-rice futures sank 20% to $9.38 per 100 pounds in Chicago since January after declining to $9.25 on May 13, the lowest level since 2006.Thailand, India and the Philippines risk having smaller crops as El Ninos often suppress rainfall, according to the FAO.

While global reserves may drop 4.6% to 168.2 million tonnes in 2015-2016, that's still 17% higher than the average over the past decade, data from the agency showed.The Philippines, Asia's second-largest buyer, approved 250,000 tonnes of additional imports from July and may double purchases should El Nino cut output significantly, the National Food Authority said May 22. Remote sensing indicated below-average rain in the main rice-growing areas since April, which may hurt sowing, the FAO said in a report on May 21.Downside risks to rice crops are high in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group, said on May 15. Palm oil and sugar production are also threatened, it said in a report.
Reserves 'handy'
"The impact of El Nino could be even more significant because international agriculture prices have been weak for several years," BMI said. "Sentiment could quickly turn around should the weather actually prove unfavourable."While there's no consensus yet on how severe this El Nino will be, there are signs it may intensify. Moderate conditions are likely to persist through the June-to-September monsoon and then strengthen, the India Meteorological Department said on May 21. A significant El Nino is likely, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said on May 12, and added in its fortnightly update on Tuesday that the event continues to strengthen.
"Thai rice stocks could come in very handy in keeping the market in check and ensuring that importers not resort to panic buying," Samarendu Mohanty, head of the social sciences division at the Los Banos, Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute, said in a May 21 commentary.Global reserves rose from 106.4 million tonnes in 2005-2006 as harvests expanded. State reserves in Thailand stand at about 16 million tonnes from about 2 million tonnes before the support program started in October 2011, government data show.The "price is weak short term, in three to six months, because of Thai stocks and competition among major exporters," The Rice Trader's Mr Zwinger said in an interview on May 21. "The market today is more concerned on Thai stocks than El Nino."

APEDA India (News)

Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-05-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Jowar(Sorgham)
1
Amreli (Gujarat)
Other
1025
2505
2
Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
Other
1568
1568
3
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Other
1235
1245
Maize
1
Dehgam (Gujarat)
Other
1100
1250
2
Bellary (Karnataka)
Local
1233
1281
3
Beawar(Rajasthan)
Other
1400
1600
Mango
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
3200
3400
2
Bonai(Orissa)
Other
1000
3000
3
Mechua(West Bengal)
Other
1000
1300
Cucumbar
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2000
2200
2
Bolangir (Orissa)
Other
2800
3000
3
Talalagir(Gujarat)
Other
1500
1520
Source:agra-net
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 26-05-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Pune
323
2
Chittoor
343
3
Hyderabad
287
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 26-05-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Onions Dry
Package: 50 lb sacks
1
Atlanta
Mexico
Yellow
23
23
2
Baltimore
California
Yellow
21
22
3
Dallas
Texas
Yellow
15.75
17
Carrots
Package: 20 1-lb film bags
1
Atlanta
California
Baby Peeled
20
20.50
2
Dallas
Arizona
Baby Peeled
20
20
3
Detroit
California
Baby Peeled
17
17.50
Grapefruit
Package: 7/10 bushel cartons
1
Atlanta
California
Red
27
27
2
Baltimore
California 
Red
22
22
3
Dallas
California
Red
24
24
Source:USDA



Basmati rice to get IPR protection as exporters support Centre’s view

 

Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board is slated to hear the claims of all the parties for three consecutive days from July 8 for granting GI certification to Basmati rice


By: Sandip Das | Chennai | May 26, 2015 11:08 pm
India’s famous Basmati rice is set to get intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the home country. With its exporters supporting the Centre’s view that Madhya Pradesh can’t be deemed part of the Indo-Gangetic plain, decks have been cleared for Basmati’s entry into the coveted Geographical Indications (GI) Registry. GI protection in India would lead to similar recognitions in other countries, which means India’s competitors would be barred from using the Basmati tag.
India’s basmati rice exports, which had touched a record Rs 29,000 crore in 2013-14, fell to Rs 27,600 crore in 2014-15, due to a decline in shipments to Iran.Official sources told FE that Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) is slated to hear the claims of all the parties for three consecutive days during July 8-10 for granting GI certification to basmati rice.

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 thinks the state’s claim is 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) has now told the IPAB that MP’s claim is 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.“Considering the Madhya Pradesh case for inclusion in basmati growing region would amount to playing with rights of those farmers who have been traditionally growing basmati in Indo-Gangetic plain,” a commerce ministry official said.

Leading agricultural scientists have also opposed Madhya Pradesh’s attempt to be included in basmati-growing regions, by stating that it would adversely impact the ‘quality’ of basmati rice and sully its global repute. “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,” KV Prabhu, deputy director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and a well-known rice breeder, had recently said.

In 2009, Apeda under the commerce ministry had applied to the GI Registry asking for exclusive (commercial) use of the basmati tag for the grain varieties grown within the boundaries of the Indo-Gagentic plain in Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and 26 districts of western Uttar Pradesh and two districts of Jammu and Kashmir.GI ascribes ‘exclusivity’ to the community in a defined geography rather than to an individual as in the case of trademarks and patents.Madhya Kshetra Basmati Growers Association Samiti and a leading basmati rice exporter, LT Foods, along with Madhya Pradesh’s department of farmer welfare and agriculture development, had approached the GI Registry jointly in 2013.

During 2008-10, 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.In the absence of GI, many private companies have been unsuccessfully trying to register their products as ‘basmati’, which commands a premium in the global market. The IARI has developed Pusa 1121 basmati rice variety, which is grown in more than 60% of basmati rice areas.
For Updates Check Commodity News; follow us on Facebook and Twitter
First Published on May 27, 2015 12:09 am
http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets/commodities/basmati-rice-to-get-ipr-protection-as-exporters-support-centres-view/76579/

Livestock sector to show off in bid to lure investment

Published: May 27, 2015

Description: Description: PHOTO: INP
PHOTO: INP

KARACHI: 
The Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) is looking forward to the upcoming livestock, dairy, fishery agriculture (LDFA) 2015 exhibition, hoping that the trade fair could prove to be a stepping stone towards attracting new businesses and investments.

“We expect better business opportunities for the exhibitors and others in the fifth edition of LDFA,” SBI Director General Muhammad Riazuddin said while talking to media.Without specifying how much business the last four exhibitions have generated, Riazuddin said that the event is fulfilling its purpose as it is providing a platform to local and international companies to share their expertise and knowledge about new technologies.LDFA 2015 will be organised at the Expo Centre Karachi from May 30 to 31, 2015.
Description: Description: http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Muhammad-Riazuddin.jpg

According to the SBI’s website, all four versions of LDFA witnessed collective business deals of more than Rs2.5 billion.SBI official present in the briefing informed that the Sindh government has started a scheme in which the farmers can get cheap financing from private banks. The provincial government will provide a loan of Rs32,000 per acre at a subsidised rate.
According to the SBI, a large proportion of Pakistan and Sindh’s economy is directly and indirectly linked to the agriculture sector. “It provides 45% of employment to our labour force and contributes 21% to the country’s GDP.”

“I want to reiterate the Sindh government’s resolve to promote and boost investment in agriculture and livestock sectors,” Riazuddin said.This year, 24 exhibitors will be promoting exotic birds in LDFA 2015. Other than this, there are other participants including 21 agriculture companies, 14 international companies and banks, 14 companies of dairy and livestock, and 9 companies from poultry and fisheries. Moreover, the diplomatic missions of Sri Lanka and Indonesia are also participating as exhibitors to create linkages with Pakistani companies.Sindh produces a variety of field and horticultural crops, including major ones such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton; approximately 68% of the total cropped area is used for their production.

Sindh produces 35% of the total rice produced in Pakistan, 28% of sugarcane, 12% of wheat, and 20% of cotton. Similarly of the major horticulture crops, Sindh produces 88% chillies, 73% bananas, and 34% mangoes.LDFA 2015 is aimed to position Sindh as an economically viable province by identifying areas for investment in various sectors.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th,  2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/892812/livestock-sector-to-show-off-in-bid-to-lure-investment/


Prices of commercial rice continue downward trend – NFA


 
InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
Description: Description: http://www.interaksyon.com/assets/images/articles/interphoto_1432264594.jpgMANILA, Philippines -- Prices of commercial rice were monitored to be decreasing even in drought-hit areas contrary to reports that rice prices have gone up in the said areas, the National Food Authority (NFA) said Tuesday.NFA administrator Renan Dalisay said that during an actual inspection of public markets in General Santos City early Tuesday morning, he observed that rice prices in the area ranged between ₱32 per kilogram and ₱44 per kilogram depending on variety.

He said the rice came from Surala, South Cotabato which is among the areas in the country where the El Niño phenomenon is prevalent. “Contrary to reports, commercial rice prices have also gone down in other areas as well,” Dalisay said.Data obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that as of May 23, retail prices of regular commercial rice (RMR) averaged at ₱37.28 per kilogram, while the well-milled variety (WMR) was recorded at ₱41.29 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, NFA rice remains at ₱27 and ₱32 per kilogram for RMR and WMR, respectively.
In the meantime, Dalisay stressed that the NFA is ready for the onset of the lean months - which starts in July - with its active procurement operations.“As of May 21, the NFA was able to procure a total of 1.2 million metric tons of palay. We are also getting ready with the importation of an additional 250,000 MT in preparation for the lean months as well as to stabilize rice prices during the period,” Dalisay said.The 250,000 MT will be imported through government-to-government procurement and will be opened to the governments of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/111223/prices-of-commercial-rice-continue-downward-trend--nfa

High Quality Malaysian Palm Oil Call for Best Prices trusted source

DJ China Dalian Grain Futures Closing Prices, Volume
Soybean No. 1
Turnover: 142,052 lots, or 6.26 billion yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jul-15 – - – 4,357 4,357 4,357 0 0 10
Sep-15 4,406 4,424 4,371 4,388 4,424 4,395 -29 121,044 147,186
Nov-15 – - – 4,443 4,472 4,443 -29 0 120
Jan-16 4,488 4,510 4,462 4,480 4,510 4,485 -25 20,308 71,414
Mar-16 4,561 4,561 4,561 4,561 4,563 4,561 -2 12 106
May-16 4,611 4,625 4,580 4,583 4,621 4,594 -27 634 9,778
Jul-16 – - – 4,628 4,655 4,628 -27 0 14
Sep-16 4,634 4,652 4,630 4,632 4,655 4,640 -15 54 320
Nov-16 – - – 4,628 4,628 4,628 0 0 0
Soybean No. 2
Turnover: 136 lots, or 4.01 million yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jul-15 2,874 2,900 2,874 2,880 2,899 2,884 -15 6 30
Sep-15 2,974 2,974 2,926 2,950 2,954 2,949 -5 130 864
Nov-15 – - – 3,167 3,172 3,167 -5 0 8
Jan-16 – - – 3,182 3,182 3,182 0 0 34
Mar-16 – - – 3,172 3,177 3,172 -5 0 12
May-16 – - – 3,136 3,141 3,136 -5 0 0
Corn
Turnover: 104,550 lots, or 2.51 billion yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jul-15 2,409 2,428 2,392 2,392 2,403 2,415 12 92 242
Sep-15 2,468 2,475 2,439 2,445 2,473 2,456 -17 78,990 236,730
Nov-15 2,325 2,333 2,310 2,310 2,316 2,320 4 50 242
Jan-16 2,229 2,229 2,194 2,201 2,228 2,212 -16 23,104 94,242
Mar-16 2,241 2,257 2,233 2,233 2,246 2,242 -4 10 50
May-16 2,290 2,290 2,255 2,269 2,294 2,272 -22 2,304 5,834
Soymeal
Turnover: 2,250,580 lots, or 57.23 billion yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jul-15 2,420 2,538 2,420 2,446 2,452 2,452 0 450 1,946
Aug-15 2,518 2,537 2,511 2,518 2,530 2,518 -12 118 534
Sep-15 2,520 2,551 2,514 2,533 2,541 2,536 -5 1,979,394 4,464,104
Nov-15 2,570 2,610 2,570 2,573 2,584 2,580 -4 34 400
Dec-15 2,609 2,628 2,606 2,606 2,619 2,611 -8 34 320
Jan-16 2,585 2,610 2,576 2,586 2,602 2,592 -10 208,024 995,114
Mar-16 2,628 2,649 2,621 2,625 2,639 2,637 -2 628 2,456
May-16 2,585 2,598 2,571 2,574 2,596 2,583 -13 61,898 176,704
Palm Oil
Turnover: 1,243,944 lots, or 63.48 billion yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jun-15 – - – 5,032 5,032 5,032 0 0 10
Jul-15 – - – 4,904 4,904 4,904 0 0 6
Aug-15 – - – 4,894 4,894 4,894 0 0 12
Sep-15 5,054 5,120 5,040 5,084 5,022 5,086 64 972,186 735,998
Oct-15 5,102 5,136 5,086 5,100 5,018 5,102 84 38 54
Nov-15 – - – 5,122 5,038 5,122 84 0 6
Dec-15 5,250 5,250 5,198 5,198 5,136 5,226 90 32 32
Jan-16 5,118 5,202 5,118 5,162 5,112 5,164 52 269,732 285,872
Feb-16 – - – 5,244 5,192 5,244 52 0 18
Mar-16 – - – 5,276 5,224 5,276 52 0 6
Apr-16 – - – 5,176 5,124 5,176 52 0 6
May-16 5,266 5,326 5,250 5,294 5,276 5,290 14 1,956 5,176
Soybean oil
Turnover: 923,910 lots, or 53.62 billion yuan
Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open
Settle Interest
Jul-15 – - – 5,722 5,722 5,722 0 0 2
Aug-15 – - – 5,760 5,760 5,760 0 0 4
Sep-15 5,750 5,806 5,744 5,756 5,750 5,772 22 714,074 795,406
Nov-15 – - – 5,918 5,896 5,918 22 0 28
Dec-15 – - – 5,954 5,932 5,954 22 0 14
Jan-16 5,880 5,936 5,864 5,904 5,876 5,904 28 205,308 337,608
Mar-16 – - – 5,964 5,942 5,964 22 0 40
May-16 5,914 5,978 5,912 5,930 5,914 5,944 30 4,528 9,482
Notes:
1) Unit is Chinese yuan a metric ton;
2) Ch. is day’s settlement minus previous settlement;
3) Volume and open interest are in lots;
4) One lot is equivalent to 10 metric tons.
Crop Progress
Date 24-May 17-May 2014 Avg
Cotton Planted 47 35 60 61
Corn Plamted 92 85 86 88
Corn Emerged 74 56 56 62
Soybeans Planted 61 45 55 55
Soybeans Emerged 32 13 23 25
Rice Planted 93 89 94 92
Rice Emerged 82 70 78 77
Sorghum Planted 41 38 45 46
Peanuts Planted 68 47 64 67
Sunflowers Planted 26 10 15
Oats Emerged 91 83 70 79
Oats Headed 26 30 30
Winter Wheat Headed 77 68 68 67
Spring Wheat Planted 96 94 70 79
Spring Wheat Emerged 80 67 40 54
Barley Emerged 86 72 54 55
Crop Condition
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
Corn This Week 0 3 23 62 12
Corn Last Week
Corn Last Year
Winter Wht This Week 6 13 36 37 8
Winter Wht Last Week 6 13 36 37 8
Winter Wht Last Year 22 22 26 24 6
Spring Wheat This Week 1 3 27 61 8
Spring Wheat Last Week 1 3 31 58 7
Spring Wheat Last Year
Rice This Week 1 5 28 49 17
Rice Last Week 1 5 28 50 16
Rice Last Year 0 5 28 54 13
Oats This Week 2 6 22 59 11
Oats Last Week 1 5 21 62 11
Oats Last Year 4 8 28 53 7
Barley This Week 0 2 24 61 13
Barley Last Week 0 3 33 53 11
Barley Last Year
Pastures and Ranges This Week 2 8 30 48 12
Pastures and Ranges Last Week 3 9 31 47 10
Pastures and Ranges Last Year 7 14 33 39 7
DJ USDA Grain Inspections For Export in Metric Tons -May 26
Source: USDA
For the week ending May 21, in thousand metric tons. Includes
waterway shipments to Canada.
Grain ——–Week Ending——– Current Previous
5/21/2015 5/14/2015 5/22/2014 Market Yr Market Yr
to Date to Date
BARLEY 0 0 1,592 162,538 200,223
CORN 1,006,720 1,108,998 1,168,964 30,920,512 32,696,890
FLAXSEED 24 0 342 8,086 8,470
MIXED 0 0 0 0 0
OATS 0 0 0 600 2,055
RYE 0 0 0 0 0
SORGHUM 111,405 139,802 59,402 7,203,329 3,304,481
SOYBEANS 291,192 341,097 90,543 46,870,988 41,960,880
SUNFLOWER 0 0 0 0 0
WHEAT 418,376 327,033 509,077 22,194,653 30,734,890
Total 1,827,717 1,916,930 1,829,920 107,360,706 108,907,889
========================================================================
CROP MARKETING YEARS BEGIN JUNE 1 FOR WHEAT, RYE, OATS, BARLEY AND
FLAXSEED; SEPTEMBER 1 FOR CORN, SORGHUM, SOYBEANS AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS.
INCLUDES WATERWAY SHIPMENTS TO CANADA

DJ Asia Commodity Prices Get Boost From El Nino Warning Signs
By Huileng Tan

SINGAPORE–A growing chorus of major weather forecasters is confirming the return of the El Nino weather pattern, giving lackluster agricultural commodity prices a jolt.Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday said “oceanic and atmospheric indicators show a clear El Nino signal,” adding that sea-surface temperatures were likely to remain well above El Nino thresholds at least until springtime in the southern hemisphere, from September to November. The Australian agency had, along with Japan’s national weather agency, earlier this month warned of an abnormal warming of the Pacific Ocean, while the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared El Nino’s arrival in March.

El Nino is typified by a warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean and a cooling of its western region. That leads to a shift in weather patterns including a higher chance of drought in key agricultural-producing regions like Australia and Southeast Asia. El Nino was last observed from 2009 to 2010.Prices of various agricultural commodities have jumped this month with palm oil up as much as 6.2% thanks to the El Nino warnings, while cocoa and natural rubber have both hit multi-month highs.

Share prices of palm-oil producers like Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. (E5H.SG) and Wilmar International Ltd. (F34.SG) have also risen. Palm oil, used in a variety of products from fuel to lipsticks and biscuits, is the world’s most widely-used edible oil.Aurelia Britsch, a commodities analyst at Business Monitor International, said the impact of El Nino might be significant as international agriculture prices have been weak for several years and can easily rally on weather concerns.During the last El Nino event, sugar prices soared to 30-year highs, while crude-palm-oil prices rose close to 4,000 ringgit ($1,098.40) a metric ton–almost double what they are now. The 2007 El Nino event hit food production, sparking riots in Egypt, Cameroon and Haiti.

Despite false alarms last year and the uncertainty over the severity of this year’s El Nino event, some countries are already bracing themselves for an impact.
The Philippines said last week it will import as much as 500,000 tons of rice–half to be delivered by July and the balance depending on the severity of the damage to farm output. The Philippine Statistics Authority said it expects its rice harvest this year to fall short of the 20.1 million tons target for self-sufficiency.India meanwhile is seen to be vulnerable to El Nino as it affects the country’s monsoon season, which will start in June, raising the risk of sharply higher food prices in the second half of the year, HSBC said in a recent note.The monsoon is crucial for India’s summer crop, and weak monsoons exacerbate inflationary pressure given the country’s relatively poor agricultural infrastructure and supply bottlenecks. This could derail plans for further interest-rate easing by India’s central bank, HSBC said.

WHEAT
General Comments: Futures were lower as the market anticipated good progress and better conditions in the USDA reports last night. USDA instead left crop condition ratings unchanged, and prices could turn a little higher today. This market remains a weather market, with fears of production and quality losses in the central and southern Great Plains and Midwest providing price support.

The reports of the rains in Texas and Oklahoma have been incredible, and the trade reaction has been mixed as others suggest that the rains have broken the drought and that yields can be better with the better soil moisture. Current forecasts call for a lot of rain to the south again by this weekend. It has been a very wet year now that the drought has been broken in the central and southern Great Plains and there are worries that too much protein will get lost. Quality could be a real problem in the wet areas as the protein slips. However, it is unlikely that much, if any, yield potential has been harvested except in northern areas. US Wheat remains relatively high priced in world markets, so weaker prices are possible once the conditions show more stability and the market turns back to demand and the harvest starts to come close.
.
Overnight News: The southern Great Plains should see daily chances for scattered showers and storms. Temperatures should average near to below normal. Northern areas should get mostly dry conditions today, but showers over the weekend Temperatures should average near to below normal. The Canadian Prairies should see dry conditions. Temperatures will average near to above normal.
Chart Analysis: Trends in Chicago are down with objectives of 484, 461, and 457 July. Support is at 491, 486, and 471 July, with resistance at 503, 511, and 529 July. Trends in Kansas City are down with objectives of 514, 484, and 460 July. Support is at 519, 512, and 498 July, with resistance at 533, 540, and 545 July. Trends in Minneapolis are down with objectives of 548, 540, and 515 July. Support is at 546, 541, and 530 July, and resistance is at 558, 568, and 584 July.

RICE
General Comments: Futures moved lower at the close after trading higher for the overnight market and the first part of the day session. The big rains seen around Houston and into Delta production areas could create some area and yield losses and helped Support the early market action. However, the US Dollar was very strong and took all of the price strength out of the market. This week is expected to be warmer and drier, and there are hopes that fields can start to dry out. More big rains could be seen by the end of the week. The end of the month is coming, too, and prevent plant dates for insurance are right around the corner. Reports indicate that at least some producers are now hoping that the fields do not dry out enough to allow for fieldwork before the end of the month so that they can claim against insurance policies.
Overnight News: Some showers appear are expected through the weekend. Temperatures will average near normal.Chart Analysis: Trends are mixed to down with objectives of 922 July. Support is at 925, 912, and 900 July, with resistance at 974, 986, and 991 July.

CORN AND OATS
General Comments: Corn was lower in sympathy with Wheat and on ideas that growing conditions in the Midwest are very good. Corn is almost planted now, but the areas where it is not in the ground will continue to see rains off and o through the weekend. It is becoming increasingly likely that some Corn area will be planted to Soybeans, although the insurance dates have not been hit yet. These areas have seen too much rain and are trying to wait for drier weather. However, more rains are in the forecast by this weekend in the southern Midwest, Delta, and Southeast. Those areas that are planted are starting to emerge and so far the crop looks very good. Corn is trying to form a seasonal bottom for a short term rally attempt that often happens one the crop is planted. The current good crop conditions imply that any rally will likely be limited in scope. The USDA reports last night provided no real reason to buy as planting progress and condition were at the lower end of trade projections.

Overnight News:

Chart Analysis: Trends in Corn are down with objectives of 350, 345, and 327 July. Support is at 352, 347, and 344 July, and resistance is at 359, 364, and 368 July. Trends in Oats are mixed. Support is at 236, 231, and 225 July, and resistance is at 249, 256, and 258 July.

SOYBEANS AND PRODUCTS
General Comments: Prices were mixed to lower as the US Dollar went sharply higher. Some early strength was noted in Soybeans and Soybean Meal as the strikes continue in Argentina, but ideas that solutions are being found there took some buying interest away later in the session. Soybean rallied on the back of Palm Oil, where production could be lost due to the El Nino that is starting to affect production areas. A drive through Indiana and parts of Ohio over the holiday weekend showed that Corn was emerged, but not Soybeans. Little fieldwork was being seen over the weekend. It is likely that many produce4rs already have Soybeans planted. There is an increasing possibility of more area planted to Soybeans in southern areas as it is getting late to plant Corn. It should be drier this week, but more showers are possible again this weekend. Ideas are that the US Soybeans crop is about half planted. Futures will probably make a near term low very soon as the crop planting progress expands and gets completed, but up side potential for prices should be very limited given the strong world data unless the US in fact develops a weather related problem.

Overnight News:
Chart Analysis: Trends in Soybeans are down with objectives of 913 July. Support is at 912, 900, and 876 July, and resistance is at 937, 950, and 961 July. Trends in Soybean Meal are mixed. Support is at 301.00, 300.00, and 295.00 July, and resistance is at 308.00, 309.00, and 310.00 July. Trends in Soybean Oil are mixed to down with objectives of 3100, 3090, and 3085 July. Support is at 3150, 3120, and 3100 July, with resistance at 3240, 3260, and 3275 July.
CANOLA AND PALM OIL
General Comments: Canola was higher. Farmers are very active and conditions are good for planting efforts. The crops should be getting off to a good start now and should be emerging in a few places while producers work to get the crop planted in the next couple of weeks. Some parts of the Prairies have been dry and the dry weather potential should support prices. Palm Oil was a little lower on some profit taking. Traders are watching El Nino as it could create dry weather in both Indonesia and Malaysia, but so far the weather has been good. Even so, the forecasts for El Nino over the last few days have added weather Premium to prices in the last few sessions. Now traders will wait for the dry weather to develop. Export demand in Malaysia is strong so far this month, but strong production will keep ending stocks for the month high and that is negative to prices overall. Longer term trends remain down.
Overnight News:
Chart Analysis: Trends in Canola are up with objectives of 475.00 and 487.00 July. Support is at 462.00, 457.00, and 455.00 July, with resistance at 469.00, 472.00, and 475.00 July. Trends in Palm Oil are mixed to up with objectives of 2190 and 2230 August. Support is at 2150, 2120, and 2100 August, with resistance at 2200, 2230, and 2310 August.
DAIRY AND MEATS
General Comments: Milk and products were slightly lower. Demand in the US remains solid, but export demand ideas are getting hurt by the stronger US Dollar. Production for all three markets remains very strong. Demand for Milk has been fading in the East and Midwest for fluid Milk, but Milk demand from processors remains very strong. Cheese and Butter processors are still operating at high levels to keep up with the demand. The best demand is in Cheese right now, where some producers are having trouble filling all the orders. Butter demand has been good as well, but producers are able to keep up with the order flow and even build stocks in some cases. Demand for Butter is steady right now. Prices for dried products seem generally weak.
Cattle closed mixed and feeder cattle was higher. The US Dollar hurt Live Cattle on ideas that export demand will drop. Both markets remain in a trading range, with Feeder Cattle now probing resistance areas in the range. Short term prices can stay strong as it is a time of stronger demand, but that might be the last big rally for this market for a while as the supplies should then start to increase. Wholesale beef markets were higher yesterday. US hogs prices were lower as the US Dollar went higher and hurt demand ideas. There is a lot of talk the market is overbought, but the cash market is still strong and lending support to futures. Overall, the market is still signaling stronger cash markets in the weeks ahead. Charts show some very strong resistance at about $88.00 to $90.00 and so far the market is having trouble getting there. Cash hogs markets were weaker and wholesale pork markets were higher.
Overnight News:
Chart Analysis: Trends in Milk are mixed. Support is at 1650, 1625, and 1610 July, and resistance is at 1650, 1700, and 1710 July. Trends in Cheese are mixed to down with objectives of 167.50 July. Support is at 168.00, 166.50, and 165.00 July, with resistance at 170.00, 174.00, and 175.00 July. Trends in Butter are down with objectives of 191.00 and 186.00 July. Support is at 190.00, 188.00, and 186.00 July, and resistance is at 196.00, 197.00, and 200.00 July. Trends in Live Cattle are mixed to up with objectives of 153.00 and 161.00 June. Support is at 150.00, 148.00, and 147.00 June, with resistance at 153.00, 155.00, and 156.00 June. Trends in Feeder Cattle are mixed. Support is at 215.00, 212.00, and 210.00 August, with resistance at 220.00, 221.00, and 225.00 August. Trends in Lean Hogs are mixed to down with objectives of 81.00 and 79.00 June. Support is at 80.00, 78.00, and 76.00 June, with resistance at 84.00, 85.50, and 87.00 June.
Daily Cash Nonfat Dry Milk Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015
(Carload Unit = 42,000-45,000 lbs)
——————————————————————
NONFAT DRY MILK : CLOSE : CHANGE
——————————————————————
GRADE A : $0.9000 : -.0150
——————————————————————
SALES: NONE
LAST BID UNFILLED: 1 CAR GRADE A @ $0.8500
LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: 1 CAR GRADE A @ $0.9000
Close represents US $ per pound. Change is price change from previous
close.
Information disseminated by USDA, Dairy Market News – Madison, WI
1147C (608) 557-7002
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-
home
Daily Cash Cheese Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015
(Carload Unit = 40,000-44,000 lbs.)
——————————————————————
CHEESE : CLOSE : CHANGE
——————————————————————
BARRELS : $1.6200 : .0025
40# BLOCKS : $1.6500 : .0050
——————————————————————
SALES: 6 CARS BARRELS:
1 @ $1.6300, 1 @ $1.6275, 1 @ $1.6350, 1 @ $1.6250,
1 @ $1.6225, 1 @ $1.6200
4 CARS 40# BLOCKS:
1 @ $1.6550, 1 @ $1.6600, 1 @ $1.6550, 1 @ $1.6500
LAST BID UNFILLED: NONE
LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: 1 CAR BARRELS @ $1.6300
Close represents US $ per pound. Change is price change from previous
close.
Information disseminated by USDA, Dairy Market News – Madison, WI
1147C (608) 557-7002
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-
home
Daily Cash Butter Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015
(Carload Unit = 40,000-42,000 lbs)
——————————————————————
BUTTER : CLOSE : CHANGE
——————————————————————
GRADE AA : $1.8900 : -.0400
——————————————————————
SALES: 8 CARS GRADE AA:
1 @ $1.8900, 1 @ $1.9200, 1 @ $1.9175, 1 @ $1.9200,
1 @ $1.9175, 1 @ $1.9200, 1 @ $1.9150, 1 @ $1.8900
LAST BID UNFILLED: NONE
LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: NONE
Close represents US $ per pound. Change is price change from previous
close.
Information disseminated by USDA, Dairy Market News – Madison, WI
1145C (608) 557-7002
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-
home
Midwest Weather Forecast: Mostly dry and cool this week, showers and warmer by this weekend.
FOB Gulf Basis Levels-Cents per Bushel
Corn HRW SRW Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil
May 59 July 110 July 50 July 80 July 38 July 200 July
June 57 July 56 July 80 July
July 56 July 56 July 73 July
All basis levels are positive unless noted as negative
Brazil Premiums Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil Corn
June minus 7 July plus 29 Sep August
July plus 65 July minus 2 July plus 27 Sep September
August plus 89 Aug plus 5 Aug plus 23 Sep October
DJ ICE Canada Cash Grain Close – May 26
Winnipeg–The following are the closing cash grain
prices from ICE Futures Canada.
Values are based on the commodity being delivered at
Thunder Bay, Ontario, unless otherwise noted. Source: ICE
Futures Canada
Price Change
CANOLA
*Par Region 453.80 up 0.60
Basis: Thunder Bay
1 Can 483.70 up 4.90
2 Can 470.70 up 4.90
Basis: Vancouver
1 Can 498.70 up 4.90
2 Can 485.70 up 4.90
FEED WHEAT
Lethbridge 200.00 unchanged
Can Feed 224.00 unchanged
WESTERN BARLEY
Lethbridge 202.00 unchanged
All prices in Canadian dollars per metric ton.
*Quote for previous day
Source: Commodity News Service Canada (cnscanada@shaw.ca, or 204-414-9084)
DJ Malaysian PM Cash Market Prices for Palm Oil – May 27
The following are prices for Malaysian palm oil in the cash market at 1000 GMT Wednesday, supplied by commodity broker Matthes & Porton Bhd.
Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars a metric ton, except for crude palm oil and palm kernel oil, which are in ringgit a ton. Palm kernel oil prices are in ringgit a pikul, a Malaysian measurement equivalent to 60 kilograms.
Refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil, FOB, Malaysian ports
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Jul/Aug/Sep 622.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Oct/Nov/Dec 622.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -
RBD palm olein, FOB, Malaysian ports
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 627.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Jul/Aug/Sep 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Oct/Nov/Dec 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -
RBD palm stearin, FOB, Malaysian ports
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 600.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Palm Fatty Acid Distillate, FOB Malaysian ports
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 580.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -
Crude palm oil, Delivered Basis, South Malaysia
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 2180 -10.00 Unquoted – -
Palm kernel oil, Delivered Basis, South Malaysia
Offer Change Bid Change Traded
June 193.00 -04.00 Unquoted – -
($1=MYR3.6360)

Questions? Ask Jack Scoville today at 312-264-4322
http://www.insidefutures.com/article/1443817/Morning%20Grains%205/27/15.html


Overlay residual herbicides in rice to suppress weeds

Some residuals breaking early
May 27, 2015Ford Baldwin | Delta Farm Press
RELATED MEDIA


Description: Description: http://deltafarmpress.com/site-files/deltafarmpress.com/files/imagecache/thumb_img/gallery_promo_image/26AerialDeltaRDoyle.jpgWe just received our every-other-day flood at Practical Weed Consultants. A lot of farmers and consultants have reached their frustration limit. Most of my calls right now are from people just wanting somebody to listen while they vent their frustration.That is fine. I understand. A lot of farmers I talk to are farming scared this year anyway due to the poor price outlook, and now we have to put up with this. This too shall pass, and all we can do is ride it out.

My hat is off to anybody willing to be a farmer!Those who have been able to overlay residuals in rice are generally in pretty good shape from a weed control standpoint. Some residuals are breaking early, and that is a reason it is important to overlay them. In a lot of areas there is a lot of “sick rice.” Where weeds are emerging, it has been difficult to find treatments that would control the weeds and not further injure the sick rice and that could be sprayed due to emerged crops.I knew the calls would be coming along the lines of, “I need to spray my rice and I have milo to the north, milo to the south, soybeans to the east and corn to the west. What can I use?” I think I am pretty good at pulling rabbits out of the hat but not that good.I have been recommending a lot of Bolero or RiceBeax in mixtures to shore up sprangletop control.
Sprangletop is a saturated-soil germinator. More and more calls are Ricestar HT questions due to emerged soybeans around a lot of fields along with a lot of emerged sprangletop.When I get calls about larger barnyardgrass, I switch the recommendations to Regiment or Regiment plus Facet where I can. I consider it the best postemergence barnyardgrass herbicide, but it can be frustrating to get applied due to the crop mix in some cases.There are a lot of choices for herbicides that might work on the weeds, but it often boils down to what can be applied. The main thing is to do something while the grass is still small and make sure there is a residual herbicide in the tank.It seems like I get more questions on crabgrass in rice each year.

 The best postemergence crabgrass herbicide is Ricestar HT, but it will not be 100 percent on larger crabgrass. It will usually rot the growing points, and if you can cover it up with water it will go away. Unfortunately crabgrass usually is a problem only on soils that won’t hold water or where water is short.Where fall panicum is a problem, Clincher is the postemergence herbicide of choice.In soybeans it seems to be a mixed bag as to how well residual herbicides have held up with all the rain. I have been in several fields where farmers have not been able to apply second residual, and there is a carpet of tiny pigweeds emerging. Those have to be sprayed soon in spite of the weather.Flexstar or Prefix might be the treatment of choice in Roundup Ready soybeand or Liberty the treatment of choice in LibertyLink soybeans. However, if the ground won’t dry, UltraBlazer applied by air is a good choice. Blazer is labeled in rice and peanuts and both corn and grain sorghum have reasonable tolerance if you don’t get carried away.
Hopefully we will not have a bunch of big pigweeds to deal with, but if it keeps raining we will. Whether you are using Liberty in LibertyLink soybeans or the Flexstar-UltraBlazer treatments in Roundup Ready or conventional soybeans, a repeat treatment in about seven days after the first is the key on larger weeds.

http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/overlay-residual-herbicides-rice-suppress-weeds


Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- May 27

Nagpur, May 27 Gram and tuar prices reported down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and
Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor buying support from local millers amid profit-taking
selling by stockists at higher level. High moisture content arrival and easy condition in Madhya
Pradesh pulses also pushed down prices, according to sources.

               *            *              *              *

    FOODGRAINS & PULSES
    GRAM
   * Desi gram recovered in open market here on good demand from local traders amid tight
     supply from producing regions.

     TUAR
   * Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here matching the demand and supply
     position.  
  
   * Batri dal suffered heavily in open market in absence of buyers amid increased
     arrival from producing regions.
                                                                                           
   * In Akola, Tuar - 7,300-7,700, Tuar dal - 10,100-10,500, Udid at 9,100-9,600,
     Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,700-11,100, Moong - 9,000-9,200, Moong Mogar
    (clean) 10,700-11,100, Gram - 4,200-4,500, Gram Super best bold - 6,100-6,300
     for 100 kg.

   * Wheat, rice and other commodities remained steady in open market in poor trading
     activity, according to sources.
      
 Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

     FOODGRAINS                 Available prices     Previous close  
     Gram Auction                   3,500-4,330         3,580-4,410
     Gram Pink Auction            n.a.           2,100-2,600
     Tuar Auction                5,800-7,280         5,800-7,360
     Moong Auction                n.a.                6,000-6,300
     Udid Auction                n.a.           4,300-4,500
     Masoor Auction                n.a.              2,600-2,800
     Gram Super Best Bold            6,200-6,500        6,200-6,500
     Gram Super Best            n.a.               
     Gram Medium Best            5,900-6,200        5,900-6,200
     Gram Dal Medium            n.a.            n.a.
     Gram Mill Quality            5,300-5,500        5,300-5,500
     Desi gram Raw                4,600-4,650         4,550-4,600
     Gram Filter new            6,100-6,200        6,100-6,200
     Gram Kabuli                5,200-6,900        5,200-6,900
     Gram Pink                6,400-6,600        6,400-6,600
     Tuar Fataka Best             10,500-10,800        10,500-10,800
     Tuar Fataka Medium             9,900-10,300        9,900-10,300
     Tuar Dal Best Phod            9,600-9,800        9,600-9,800
     Tuar Dal Medium phod            8,800-9,300        8,800-9,300
     Tuar Gavarani New             7,800-7,900        7,800-7,900
     Tuar Karnataka             7,900-8,000        7,900-8,000
     Tuar Black                 10,700-11,000           10,700-11,000
     Masoor dal best            8,100-8,300        8,100-8,300
     Masoor dal medium            7,500-7,800        7,500-7,800
     Masoor                    n.a.            n.a.
     Moong Mogar bold               11,000-11,500       11,000-11,500
     Moong Mogar Medium best        10,200-10,600        10,200-10,600
     Moong dal Chilka            9,000-9,750        9,000-9,750
     Moong Mill quality            n.a.            n.a.
     Moong Chamki best            9,600-9,900        9,600-9,900
     Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG)    11,200-11,600       11,200-11,600
     Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)    9,900-10,600        9,900-10,600
     Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG)        8,500-8,900        8,500-8,900
     Batri dal (100 INR/KG)        4,200-4,400        4,300-4,500
     Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)           3,200-3,350         3,200-3,350
     Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)        3,200-3,450        3,200-3,450
     Watana White (100 INR/KG)        2,450-2,625         2,450-2,625
     Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)    3,700-4,900        3,700-4,900
     Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,600        1,400-1,600
     Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG)    1,500-1,700        1,500-1,700
     Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,600           1,400-1,600
     Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)    2,200-2,450        2,200-2,450
     Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG)    1,800-1,950        1,800-1,950
     Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)    n.a.            n.a.
     MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG)    3,100-3,700        3,100-3,700
     MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG)    2,800-3,000        2,800-3,000
     Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG)        1,400-1,500        1,400-1,500
     Wheat Best (100 INR/KG)        2,000-2,200        2,000-2,200    
     Rice BPT New(100 INR/KG)        2,600-2,850        2,600-2,850
     Rice BPT (100 INR/KG)               3,200-3,400        3,200-3,400
     Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG)        1,600-1,800        1,600-1,800
     Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG)      2,100-2,450        2,100-2,450
     Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG)      2,500-2,750        2,500-2,750
     Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG)        3,200-3,650        3,200-3,650
     Rice HMT (100 INR/KG)               3,900-4,300        3,900-4,300
     Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG)    4,000-4,500        4,000-4,500
     Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG)    4,500-5,000        4,500-5,000    
     Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG)    8,200-10,200        8,200-10,200
     Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)    6,000-7,200        6,000-7,200
     Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG)    4,650-5,000        4,650-5,000
     Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG)        5,500-6,000        5,500-6,000
     Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG)        2,200-2,300        2,100-2,200
     Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)        2,400-2,550        2,300-2,450

WEATHER (NAGPUR) 
Maximum temp. 46.2 degree Celsius (115.1 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
27.2 degree Celsius (83.8 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.
Rainfall : 0.3 mm
FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 46 and 30
degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available

(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but
included in market prices.)
http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N0YI39A20150527


Weed scientists offer new definition for ‘superweed’



A University of Minnesota graduate student, Jared Goplen, focuses his research on giant ragweed, a “superweed” resistant to common herbicides.
The Weed Science Society of America joined with six sister organizations to recommend a new definition for superweed – a catchall term used by many to describe weeds that are perceived to be more invasive and to grow more aggressively after developing resistance to herbicides.Use of superweed has snowballed in recent years, along with considerable misinformation that isn’t supported by scientific facts. Most online dictionaries, for example, associate superweeds with herbicide resistance caused by the suspected transfer of resistance genes from crops to weeds.To date, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that crop to weed gene transfer is contributing to the herbicide resistance issues faced by farmers.“Since superweed is now clearly part of the public vernacular, we decided to offer a definition that more clearly reflects the true source of herbicide resistance,” said Lee Van Wychen, Weed Science Society of America science policy director.The science- Description: Description: Jared Goplenbased definition developed by Weed Science Society of America focuses on the ability of weeds to develop resistance to virtually any treatment method that is used repeatedly – and exclusively.Superweed: Slang used to describe a weed that has evolved characteristics that make it more difficult to manage due to repeated use of the same management tactic. Over-dependence on a single tactic as opposed to using diverse approaches can lead to such adaptations.

The most common use of the slang refers to a weed that has become resistant to one or more herbicide mechanisms of action due to their repeated use in the absence of more diverse control measures. Dependence on a single mechanical, biological or cultural management tactic has led to similar adaptations, such as hand-weeded barnyardgrass mimicking rice morphology, dandelion seed production in a regularly mowed lawn and knapweed resiliency to gall fly biocontrol.Two common misconceptions about a superweed are that they are the result of gene transfer from genetically altered crops and that they have superior competitive characteristics. Both of these myths have been addressed by the Weed Science Society of America. Visitwww.wssa.net/weed/resistance for more information.
Weed Science Society of America has also created a variety of free educational materials and recommendations concerning herbicide resistance and how to avoid it.Though the term superweed is most often associated with weeds resistant to one or more herbicides, scientists point out that resistance can result from overdependence on mechanical, biological or cultural management tactics as well.Repeated hand-weeding of barnyardgrass growing in rice fields, for example, has led to weeds that escape control by mimicking the appearance of rice plants.

Similarly, spotted knapweed has become increasingly resilient to the gall flies used repeatedly as a biological control. Even dandelions growing in a regularly mowed lawn can evolve to avoid the mower, produce seeds and spread.Weed Science Society of America’s new definition has been endorsed by the Aquatic Plant Management Society, Canadian Weed Science Society, North Central Weed Science Society, Northeastern Weed Science Society, Southern Weed Science Society and the Western Society of Weed Science.
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Tags Weed Control, Weed, Agriculture, Herbicide, Superweed


http://www.agriview.com/briefs/crop/weed-scientists-offer-new-definition-for-superweed/article_556b72dd-fca8-50b4-911d-cb186ba45e87.html
Now silica gel in rice pack scare

Published on: Thursday, May 28, 2015             
Kota Kinabalu: A new rice scare has surfaced barely eight days after reports of fake rice tainting the local market went viral online.This time, a consumer alleged a burst silica gel pack with its content found mixed with the rice was found inside a Beras Nasional rice pack on Tuesday.Coincidentally, both incidents involved the same rice wholesaler, Tan Khien Chong, or also known as TKC. TKC Chief Operating Officer Chien Hung who had already lodged a report over the fake rice incident earlier said, the company is aware of the incident and had recalled the products from the market, Wednesday."More than a hundred packets have been recalled and we have told our sellers in areas like Ranau and Kudat not to sell the rice until we can get them off their hands by Thursday," he said.

Sole rice importer, Padi and Beras Nasional (Bernas) had been alerted over the matter.Chien admitted it would be hard to separate foreign objects from the rice in the processing due to the bulk purchase, normally in gunny sacks, made by the company.Meanwhile, a Bernas source said investigation has begun to find out how the incident happened, saying that silica gel packs are always kept in rice container shipments to keep the raw food dry and off fungi attack.Silica gel is poisonous if consumed."There is a possibility the silica gel packs could have burst from the transporting side as our transportation is by a third party."The silica gel could have been stuck on one of the rice gunny sacks.""It could also be that the items may have gone into the rice packs when the wholesaler was repacking the rice. But I dare not confirm all these," he said.According to him Bernas has no control over the quality of products once the gunny sacks are sold to the wholesalers, as the company does not have authority to regulate them."Besides, Bernas does not import a small amount. It's massive. Against all odds any possibilities can happen," he said.This is not the first time silica gel was found in rice packs, a similar incident happened early 2013.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=100187


Indonesia’s Rice Consumption
4:04 AM EST MAY 27, 2015 By Anita Rachman

 Reports that merchants in a traditional market outside Jakarta had sold synthetic rice caused a panic among Indonesian consumers this week in a country where rice is a staple. The government has since tested samples of the allegedly tampered grain and found that it contained no synthetic material, Indonesian Police Chief Badrodin Haiti said Tuesday in a televised press conference. But the fact that rumors of the so-called “plastic rice” spread so fast and so widely, revel just how important the commodity is to Indonesians – who often say a meal without rice means one hasn’t eaten.

114 kilograms
The average amount of rice each Indonesian will consume this year, as projected by Indonesia’s National Statistics Agency. The figure is smaller than last year’s by 10 kilograms, partly because, like much of Asia, as Indonesians become more upwardly mobile, their dietary preferences are changing to include more bread and noodles. Still, Indonesia continues to consume more rice than neighboring countries such as Malaysia, where rice consumption per capita is less than 100 kilograms, said Lely Pelitasari Soebekty, director of public services at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

70.83 million tons
The amount of rice Indonesia is believed to have produced last year, according to the statistics agency, which plans to release the final figure in the middle of the year. That figure would mark a 0.63% decline in production from 2013 due to a loss of farm land for building or factory development, according to the statistics agency.
$246 million
The value of rice Indonesia imported from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam in 2013, the latest year for which data is available. That’s roughly equivalent to 472,600 tons. Indonesia has been a net importer of rice for years, despite efforts by the government to ensure self-sufficiency in major food staples, such as rice, corn and soybeans. To help achieve that objective, the government has also been leading campaigns telling people to eat less rice to ease demand on local production and imports. Ms. Soebekty said the campaigns have struggled to have much of an impact because rice is still considered the most affordable and filling carbohydrate available. While imports were down in 2013 compared to the 2012 figure – Indonesia had seen increases in rice imports in the year’s prior.
27%
The percentage low-income families spend from their salaries each month to buy rice subsidized by the government. The government sells the rice – which is of a lower quality than that sold at market prices – at around 12 cents per kilogram, allowing each family to purchase up to 15 kilograms a month, said Ms. Soebekty. She said Bulog distributes about 230,000 tons of rice monthly to 15.5 million households across the archipelago.

MoC to crack down on 'unethical' rice exporters

Thu, 28 May 2015
Description: Description: A man harvests his rice crop in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district last monthThe Ministry of Commerce is ramping up its efforts to stamp out “unethical” rice exporters mixing their produce with rice from neighbouring countries, as the European Union becomes increasingly concerned about rice tampering. In an open letter issued on May 11 the ministry said it will stop issuing Certificates of Origin to exporters found to be using non-Cambodian rice, as this could lead to the European Union withdrawing its duty-free trade preferences that Cambodia enjoys under the Everything But Arms agreement.“Recently, the EU has increased monitoring of rice imports to investigate the origins of rice imported, with the aim to pause or ban the import of rice without clear origins,” the letter reads.

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) urged the president of Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), rice exporters and millers to strictly comply with the code of conduct on rice exports to the EU agreed upon last year.“MOC will have a group of inspectors who will launch surprise inspections in rice exporting companies and rice millers to investigate the issue,” the letter added.The code of conduct was created to ensure that rice exported from Cambodia was actually grown in Cambodia and not mixed with Vietnamese rice, after Oryza, an industry publication, reported the EU raising concerns last year.The EU Ambassador to Cambodia Jean-Francois Cautain said yesterday that the EU had become increasingly concerned recently and that ensuring the Kingdom’s rice exports were 100 per cent homegrown was the responsibility of the Cambodianauthorities.
“Indeed, as for any other product exported to the EU under EBA, were the rule of origin not respected, it may lead to an investigation by the EU,” he said in an email.“We are welcoming the constructive approach of both the Royal Government of Cambodia and the rice exporters in putting in place proper mechanisms to ensure that the rule of origin is fully respected for rice exports to the EU.”Kan Kunthy, CEO of Battambang Rice Investment Company, said yesterday that the problem came down to “only a few unethical exporters” that the MoC and CRF were currently investigating. “It will cause a huge impact on rice industry if the EU no longer granted Cambodia with EBA, as 50 per cent of the country’s total exports go to the EU.”Kunthy said that the EBA was a crucial stepping stone to maintaining growth in the sector but that they need to prepare for withdrawal of the scheme once Cambodia moves to a middle-income status.“All we can do without EBA is to increase our competitiveness and compete with other exporters from the region,” he added.
Image:A man harvests his rice crop in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district last month. Vireak Mai

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ANANTH BALIGA
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/ministry-targets-mixed-rice-exports

WOTUS Revisited

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Late yesterday, USA Rice staff were invited to a meeting with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and others to discuss the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule (now titled the Clean Water Rule).  EPA disclosed that they intended to release a pre-Federal Register notice of the rule today.   Implementation of the rule will begin 60 days after it is officially published in the Federal Register, which is expected within the next month. The agency staff stated that significant changes were made to the final version based on the more than one million public comments the agency received. EPA indicated that among the changes are the issues of upland ditches, the definition of tributaries, the extent of floodplains, and the confusion over how farms would be treated in "adjacent waters," among other things.  Agency staff specifically cited USA Rice comments in helping to better define an exemption for rice fields that was in the proposal but had some problematic language.

USA Rice is encouraged by the agency's efforts to substantively change the document, but will be carefully reviewing and analyzing the final rule to provide guidance to the rice industry.  The pre-Federal Register version of the  final Clean Water Rule and various supporting documentation can be found here.

Contact: Steve Hensley (703) 236-1445

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices 

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop, which will become effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Prices are unchanged from the previous announcement.

World Price
MLG/LDP Rate

Milled Value ($/cwt)
Rough ($/cwt)
Rough ($/cwt)
Long-Grain
14.93
9.67 
0.00
Medium-/Short-Grain
14.55
9.80 
0.00
Brokens
  9.01
----
----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and the corresponding loan rates:

U.S. Milling Yields
Whole/Broken
(lbs/cwt)
Loan Rate
($/cwt)
Long-Grain
57.21/12.55
6.64
Medium-/Short-Grain
61.89/8.83
6.51

The next program announcement is scheduled for
 June 3, 2015.    



CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 27
Month
Price
Net Change

July 2015
$9.430
 + $0.010
September 2015
$9.710
+ $0.015
November 2015
$9.970
+ $0.020
January 2016
$10.225
+ $0.015
March 2016
$10.390
+ $0.115
May 2016
$10.390
+ $0.115
July 2016
$10.390
+ $0.115


Satellite imagery to soon enable large-scale monitoring of Asia’s rice areas


Description: Description: This Sentinel-1A mosaic stretches from Pakistan to the Philippines. (SAR imagery from ESA: Sentinel-1A. Background from Google Earth © Google Inc.)This Sentinel-1A mosaic stretches from Pakistan to the Philippines. (SAR imagery from ESA: Sentinel-1A. Background from Google Earth © Google Inc.)

Information derived from satellite images can soon be made available to governments to help guide policy related to food security and sustainable development, particularly in rice-growing areas.The European Space Agency (ESA) satellite, Sentinel-1A, launched in 2014 can provide regular ‛snapshots’ of Asia as often as every 12 days. The imagery is derived from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems that can monitor the earth’s surface day and night, even through rain or cloud cover—hence, images even during the monsoon season—making the tool perfect for rice crop monitoring.As a demonstration of the potential of the Sentinel program, sarmap and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have generated mosaics, composed from several Sentinel-1A images that cover 7 million square kilometers of South and Southeast Asia. These cloud-free mosaics show detailed SAR imagery for accurate monitoring of agricultural activity and of the state of natural resources across Asia.

SAR-based monitoring has never before been possible at such large scale, mainly due to the cost and challenge of processing so much imagery automatically. Fortunately, Sentinel-1A imagery is available for free and sarmap has developed automated processing chains, hosted on cloud computing facilities provided by Amazon Web Services to handle this vast amount of data. The rice crop can then be monitored on a regular basis through the season.This kind of monitoring can support a data revolution, leading to better and more timely information on crop production.Rice is one of the most important crops for global food security, and 90%—or about 140 million hectares—of the world’s rice-growing area is in Asia. The crop is regularly exposed to the risk of damage from drought, flooding, and tropical storms. Timely and accurate information on rice, i.e., crop area, crop growth, and losses due to calamities) is thus very important to rice-growing and -consuming nations.
Description: Description:  The lower Mekong River Delta, viewed with as a SAR imagery. (SAR imagery from ESA: Sentinel-  1A. Background from Google Earth © Google Inc.)
The lower Mekong River Delta, viewed with as a SAR imagery. (SAR imagery from ESA: Sentinel-
1A. Background from Google Earth © Google Inc.)

IRRI and sarmap are working, with many other partners, on two major projects that use SAR imagery: One is the Remote Sensing-based Information and Insurance for Crops in Emerging economies (RIICE) project, which has already used SAR images to monitor rice-growing areas in 13 test sites in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The second phase of the RIICE project starts in May 2015 and aims to develop in-country capacity to help partner governments fully benefit from the technology.The other is the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) project, the development of which was funded by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The PRiSM project has identified SAR-based rice monitoring as one of the technologies to be used for delivering better rice crop information."Our aim is to work with partners in Asia to ensure that this technology is incorporated into national systems," said Andrew Nelson, project lead at IRRI and head of IRRI’s Geographic Information Systems laboratory. "Such information can better support decision-making, targeting of resources, crop insurance, and disaster mitigation and response systems in both public and private sectors.

"What do the images show? SAR imagery must be interpreted differently from imagery commonly available through Google Maps and other mapping services. In the SAR mosaics, we have processed images taken between 21 February and 10 March 2015 such that dark blue represents water or other flat surfaces such as airport runways, orange and white represent built up areas and human settlements, light blue represents bare soil, while brown and green show vegetation at different stages of growth. SAR imagery from Sentinel-1A enables tracking of changes in vegetation and water through the seasons, which changes the way crops are monitored from space in monsoon conditions.
The following image, for example, of the lower Mekong Delta—one of the most important rice-growing regions in the world—clearly shows how SAR imagery can capture differences in vegetation and water. The irrigation network and the various stages of the rice crop across the delta are visible as well as other features such as cities (e.g., Ho Chi Minh at top right of the image) and aquaculture in coastal areas. The image is a snapshot of the earth’s surface, but Sentinel-1A will continue to capture images as often as every 12 days over the region, and these images will become increasingly useful as they reveal the progress of the rice crop over time, season after season.This work has been conducted for the RIICE project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and for the PRiSM project funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA-BAR). It is also supported by the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRISP).


RIICE partners

Global: sarmap, IRRI, Allianze Re, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and SDC. 
Cambodia: Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). 
India: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India (TNAU), and Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. (AICI).
Indonesia: Indonesian Center for Agricultural Land Resources Research and Development (ICALRD)
Philippines: Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
Thailand: Rice Department of Thailand (RD), Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE), and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC). 
Vietnam: Can Tho University (CTU), Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment (IMHEN), National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection (NIAPP), and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

PRISM partners

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), IRRI, sarmap, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Statistics Authority - Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (PSA-BAS) and Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA), Regional Field Offices (RFOs) in the following regions: Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://irri.org/news/media-releases/satellite-imagery-to-soon-enable-large-scale-monitoring-of-asia-s-rice-areas

 

Myanmar poised to regain major role in global rice trade


IRRI Director General Robert Ziegler (2nd from left) presents the Myanmar Rice Sector Development Strategy with  former IRRI representative for Myanmar Madonna Casimero (left most), Myanmar President U Thein Sein (3rd from left), and MoAI Minister U Myint Hlaing.
Description: Description: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-484hNwX9oww/VWbNeKAeMbI/AAAAAAAAAB4/AitEXAjZ0mY/s400/IMG_1753c.jpg
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar - The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is poised to not only transform its rice sector but to also recapture its prominence in the international rice market.The Myanmar government made this commitment via the launch of the Myanmar Rice Sector Development Strategy (MRSDS) on 20 May 2015 at the Department of Agricultural Research in Nay Pyi Taw.The MRSDS was drafted by the Myanmar government, led by its Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), with technical input from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and international partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank.

Myanmar President U Thein Sein said the MRSDS symbolizes the collaboration between his country and IRRI toward a food-secure future for Myanmar and the rest of the world. He cited the work of IRRI scientists in the development of pest- and disease-resistant and stress-tolerant rice varieties; improved cropping systems; postharvest technologies; and better soil, pest, and water management practices that have raised productivity of rice systems in Myanmar, greatly benefiting smallholder farmers.IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler said that “the wonderful scientific achievements of IRRI need to be combined with development strategies and coherent programs that governments are willing to implement over a long period of time” to ensure that farmers have access to and are able to use these.

Zeigler added that having a government demonstrably willing to transform and develop its rice sector, an environment conducive to rice production, and growing global demand for rice make Myanmar a good opportunity for investment.U Myint Hlaing, Myanmar’s minister for agriculture and irrigation, said it is possible to break the cycle of poverty and hunger by “strengthening rural resilience, achieving social protection, and sustaining agricultural development,” all of which can be achieved through a clear road map for sustainable rice sector development such as that detailed in the MRSDS.
Also during the launch, Zeigler awarded a special rice memento to honor the Myanmar president for his visionary leadership of the rice sector and to commemorate the visit the president and his cabinet members made to the IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, in December 2013.A donors’ forum was held alongside the launch of the MRSDS, to provide international agencies the opportunity to discuss their respective efforts for the Myanmar rice sector. The forum, facilitated by Corinta Guerta, IRRI director for external relations, was attended by representatives from the FAO, Japan International Cooperation Agency, The World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund, Welthungerhilfe, Mercy Corps, Food Security Working Group, Action Aid, International Fertilizer Development Center, Proximity, Korean International Cooperation Agency, and the Rural Development Administration.

IRRI has been working with the government of Myanmar since the early 1960s.
http://irri-news.blogspot.com/2015/05/myanmar-poised-to-regain-major-role-in.html

Basmati rice acreage to go up despite lower realisation last year


Farmers overlook deterrents due to higher returns from basmati crop
Vijay C Roy  |  Chandigarh  
May 25, 2015 Last Updated at 22:20 IST

Description: Description: http://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2015-05/26/full/1432579829-8725.jpgArea under Basmati rice cultivation might see a five per cent increase this financial year. A bumper crop and decline in exports had led to lower realisation by farmers from the sale of Basmati rice in 2014-15, as compared to the previous year. This, however, would not lead to a fall in area under cultivation this kharif season. Basmati fetches higher returns than other rice varieties.In 2014-15, the total area under Basmati cultivation was 2.1 million hectares, compared to 1.6 million hectares in 2013-14 — an increase of 31 per cent. Further, exports from India registered a nominal drop in 2014-15 compared to last year. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (Apeda), in 2014-15, total exports were 3.70 million tonnes, while during the previous year they were 3.75 million tonnes.
In value terms, it has fallen from $4.40 billion in April-February, 2013-14, to $4.11 billion in the same period in 2014-15.The decline in export was mainly due to a fall in export to Iran, the largest importer of Indian Basmati. India had exported 1.44 million tonnes of Basmati to Iran in 2013-14, while in 2014-15, it was 9.35 lakh tonnes.R Sundaresan, executive director, All India Rice Exporters Association, said, “The aromatic rice variety offers high returns to farmers. Even during last year, when there was significant increase in area and production, it gave higher returns to farmers. Moreover, it consumes less water than the non-Basmati varieties. With uncertainty over monsoon looming large, we think more farmers would sow Basmati. There could be at least a five per cent increase in acreage.”Punjab and Haryana account for about 70 per cent of total Basmati grown in India.

 In 2013-14, Basmati prices were at Rs 1,850-3,700 a quintal, while in 2014-15, due to bumper harvest in these two states, the price of the crop was at Rs 1,700-2,900 a quintal.Kohinoor Foods Joint Managing Director Gurnam Arora said, “Last year, there was a shortfall in exports to Iran. However, exports to the US, Saudi Arabia and other West Asian countries were on the higher side. Despite bumper production, the average realisation for the farmers was better. So, we are anticipating there will be a five per cent increase in acreage.”“Basmati fetches better returns than other rice varieties. We request the Centre to fix the minimum support price for the crop so the farmers should not depend at the mercy of exporters,” said Manjeet Singh, a farmer from Amritsar.In Punjab, the government is encouraging farmers to grow Basmati as it consumes less water.





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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

27th May(Wednesday),2015 Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E_Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Philippines NFA Calls Tenders for 250,000 Ton Rice Import on June 5, 2015

May 26, 2015

The Philippines National Food Authority (NFA) has called for tenders from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia for the 250,000 tons import, according to Reuters. The bidding is set for June 5, 2015, according to a NFA spokesman.The NFA is seeking to import 25% broken well-milled long-grain rice, with delivery expected between July and August, to replenish stocks during the lean season (July - September) as well as prevent commercial rice price hikes.The NFA is authorized to import another 250,000 tons of rice if the drought-inducing El Nino weather condition intensifies. 
Analysts say this year, the Philippines' total rice imports could cross about 2.1 million tons if the government approves the terms of a new trade concession with the World Trade Organization (WTO). As per the new concession, which was supposed to come into effect last year, the Philippines can import 805,200 tons of rice under the WTO minimum access volume (MAV), including 755,000 tons in the country-specific- quota (CSQ) and 50,000 tons in the omnibus quota. Imports under MAV attract 35% duty and imports over and above MAV attract 50% duty.Imports under the WTO MAV would be in addition to the likely imports 1.3 million tons of rice under the government-to-government (G2G) contracts to maintain buffer stocks.
The Philippines already imported 500,000 tons of rice from Vietnam and Thailand this year to curb price increases and boost buffer stocks. Last year, the South-east Asian nation imported more than 1.8 million tons of rice (including 1.5 million tons of 2014 imports and 300,000 tons of 2013 residual imports) to replenish rice stocks and control price hikes.Meanwhile, the Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Field Operations has expressed concern that increased imports could push down the farm gate paddy prices in next harvest season affecting the farmers' incomes. Therefore he suggested the NFA to buy more rice from farmers to stabilize prices.USDA estimates the Philippines to produce around 12.2 million tons of rice, basis milled, in MY 2014-15 (July - June) and import around 1.6 million tons of rice in 2015. The UN Food and Agricutlure Organization (FAO) estimates Philippines to import 1.8 million tons of rice in 2015.

Cambodia Lacks Adequate Capacity to Supply Rice to Philippines, Say Exporters

May 26, 2015
The Philippines National Food Authority (NFA) has invited Cambodia along with Thailand and Vietnam to participate in bidding for 250,000 tons rice tender that is scheduled for June 5 this year. However, it is doubtful if Cambodia will take part in the tender, according to local sources.The Philippines is seeking 25% broken well-milled long-grain rice for delivery between July and August.
The Chairman of a well noted rice exporting company in Cambodia told local sources that the government is presently not ready to participate in the bidding process. He stated that the country lacks adequate capacity to mill and supply to the Philippines as its demand is huge in a short period.He added that several issues such as lack of sufficient storage and milling facilities as well as high production costs and transportation costs should be addressed before attempting to make competitive bids in such tenders. In the present situation, the country would need at least two more years to scale up its capacity.
Cambodia did not bid in the previous import tender by the Philippines earlier this year. The Advisor to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) noted that Cambodia could supply to the Philippines if the tenders were segregated into smaller orders tonnage wise. He however noted that shipping directly to the to the Philippines ports was still a challenge. Else they need to ship through the Vietnam ports.Cambodia exported around 201,183 tons of rice in the first four months of 2015, up about 67% from around 120,291 tons exported during the same period in 2014, according to data from CRF. USDA estimates Cambodia to produce around 4.7 million tons of milled rice and export around 1.1 million tons (including official exports and unofficial exports to Vietnam and Thailand) in MY 2014-15 (January - December 2015).
Global Rice Quotes
May 26th, 2015

Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade          380-390           ↔
Vietnam 5% broken    350-360           ↔
India 5% broken         370-380           ↔
Pakistan 5% broken    405-415           ↔
Myanmar 5% broken   420-430           ↔
Cambodia 5% broken             430-440           ↔
U.S. 4% broken           465-475           ↔
Uruguay 5% broken    565-575           ↔
Argentina 5% broken 555-565           ↔

Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 350-360           ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 325-335           ↓
Pakistan 25% broken 360-370           ↔
Cambodia 25% broken           410-420           ↔
India 25% broken       345-355           ↔
U.S. 15% broken         455-465           ↔

Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            370-380           ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    405-415           ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd         360-370           ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken       555-565           ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken    570-580           ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔

Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%          860-870           ↓
Vietnam Jasmine         470-480           ↓
India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails             815-825           ↔

Brokens
Thailand A1 Super      315-325           ↔
Vietnam 100% broken            310-320           ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd    300-310           ↔
Cambodia A1 Super   350-360           ↔
India 100% broken stxd         275-285           ↑
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔
U.S. pet food 365-375           ↔
Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

Thailand, Vietnam Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes; India Rice Sellers Increase Some of Their Quotes Today

May 26, 2015
Thailand rice sellers lowered their quotes for Hommali rice by about a $5 per ton to about $860 - $870 per ton today. Vietnam rice sellers lowered their quotes for 25% broken rice and Jasmine rice by about $5 per ton and $10 per ton to about $325 - $335 per ton and $470 – $480 per ton, respectively, today. India rice sellers increased their quotes for 100% broken rice by about a $5 per ton to about $275 - $285 per ton. Pakistan rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about a $20 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice  shown at around $350 - $360 per ton.
India 5% rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton, about a $35 per ton discount to Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is shown at around $350 - $360 per ton, about a $25 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $325- $335 per ton, down about a $5 per ton from yesterday.
India 25% rice is indicated at around $345 - $355, about a $15 per ton discount to Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $360 - $370 per ton.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton.
India parboiled rice is indicated at around $360 - $370 per ton, about a $45 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is indicated at around $315 - $325 per ton, about a $5 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $310 - $320 per ton.
India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $275 - $285 per ton,  up about a $5 per ton from yesterday and about a $30 per ton discount to  Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Unchanged as Wet Weather Halts Planting; 66% of the Crop in Good-to-Excellent Condition

May 26, 2015
The U.S. cash market was unchanged today as demand remains tepid while sellers stay on the sidelines waiting until prices improve or until they are forced to sell.Analysts contend that the torrential wet weather that pounded the U.S. Mid-South this weekend coupled with forecasts for more rain this week will likely prevent any additional rice acreage to be planted, leading some to believe that the USDA’s projected acreage figure is too high.In the meantime, the USDA estimates that as of May 24, 93% of the US rice crop had been planted which is 1% behind this time last year and 1% ahead of the previous 5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that farmers have planted 92% of their rice crop in Arkansas, 98% in California, 99% in Louisiana, 94% in Mississippi, 78% in Missouri, and 84% in Texas.
The USDA estimates that 82% of the crop has emerged which was 4% ahead of this time last year and 5% ahead of the previous 5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that 83% of the rice crop in Arkansas has emerged compared to 75% in California, 96% in Louisiana, 82% in Mississippi, 70% in Missouri, and 81% in Texas.The USDA estimates that 66% percent of the crop in good to excellent condition, which was unchanged from last week and 1% behind this time last year. As of now, the USDA estimates that 62% of the crop in Arkansas is in good to excellent condition compared to 80% in California, 66% in Louisiana, 80% in Mississippi, 45% in Missouri, and 52% in Texas.

Vietnam Approves National Rice Development Plan

May 26, 2015
The Prime Minister of Vietnam has approved a national rice development plan under which the government aims to increase competitiveness of Vietnamese rice globally and promote it as a high-quality trademark by 2030, according to local sources.Initially, the government will frame a strategy to develop a national brand for Vietnamese rice especially focussing on high-quality exports to the U.S., European Union and Japan. By 2020, the government aims to promote Vietnamese rice under the national brand to at least 20 potential export markets across the world. It also aims to export rice labelled with the national trademark to 50 potential markets by 2030.The government is planning to get the national brand copyrighted and certified in Vietnam and the 50 potential markets to increase the reach of its national brand globally. It is also planning to build and protect regional rice brand names with in the country.
In order to achieve its plans, the government will first focus on developing brand name for major rice products of the Mekong River Delta region and encourage firms to register for brand building and protection. It will also take steps to guide quality production systems using quality control systems and applying advanced technology.Vietnam exported about 1.555 million tons of rice in first four months of calendar year 2015, down about 11% from about 1.758 million tons of rice exported during same time last year, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). It exported 6.32 million tons of rice in 2014.USDA estimates Vietnam to produce around 28 million tons of rice, basis milled (around 44.88 million tons, basis paddy) and export around 6.7 million tons in 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015).

Indonesia Trade Minister Rules Out Rice Imports Until July 2015

May 26, 2015
The Indonesian Trade Minister has ruled out rice imports until July this year as the rice supply with the state logistics agency Bulog is sufficient to meet demand until then with an additional 7.1 million tons of rice expected from the ongoing harvest, according to local sources.He however noted that the government would import rice if the supply is not sufficient to meet the demand during the fasting month and the Idul Fitri festivities. He added that the  Ministry is calculating the quota and would issue import permits if needed.The Director General of Domestic Trade at the Ministry told local sources that the domestic demand within the next two months is expected to be only 5 million tons while farmers are expected to produce a total of 7.1 million tons of rice until July. She however noted that the government may decide to import if the harvest fails for any reason.
Earlier in May, the Chief Economics Minister told reporters that a decision on imports will be taken at the end of May or early June.The government of Indonesia is keen on increasing 2015 paddy rice production by about 4% to around 73.4 million tons (around 48.44 million tons, basis milled) from an estimated 70.61 million tons (around 46.65 million tons, basis milled) in 2014; and avoid imports. Indonesia imported 425,000 tons of rice from Thailand and Vietnam in 2014.
However, some analysts have cautioned the government to consider rice imports in the light of country's rice stocks. A professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) noted that the country's rice stocks have been declining over the past three years. They declined from 7.4 million tons in 2013 to 5.5 million tons early this year.USDA estimates Indonesia to produce around 36.3 million tons of rice, basis milled (around 57.165 million tons, basis paddy) and import around 1.25 million tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015).

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