Wednesday, July 22, 2015

21st July (Tuesday),2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Boosting trade ties with Pakistan is important to our growth


BY JULIUS BITOK Updated Tuesday, July 21st 2015 at 05:57 GMT +3 Share this story: Kenya and Pakistan have long enjoyed strong diplomatic ties, underpinned by robust commercial activities. Currently, trade between the two countries is worth about Sh81.8 billion ($800 million) annually, with Pakistan being a leading importer of Kenya’s tea, and more than 80 per cent of the rice imported into Kenya coming from Pakistan. Data from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2014, tea accounted for more than 95 per cent of total exports from Kenya to the South Asian nation. Pakistan is the fourth-leading destination for Kenya’s goods after Uganda, Tanzania and Britain. In 2013, we exported goods worth Sh37.8 billion to Pakistan. And in 2014, the country was the leading importer of our products in Asia, buying goods worth Sh47.7 billion, an increase of Sh9.9 billion over 2013.

Strategic deals Aside from tea, other high-potential export commodities from Kenya to Pakistan include coconuts, dry nuts, mangoes, fresh flowers and powdered milk. Pakistan can, through strategic deals, sell to Kenya pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, textiles, farm machinery and sports goods at favourable terms. Several factors underpin trade between the two countries, including a strong commitment from the two nations to grow their ties. This is driven mainly by the fact that bilateral relations have become a key cog in transforming the two economies. These bilateral relations have been sustained by a raft of agreements. For instance, rice from Pakistan attracts 35 per cent duty, while commodities from other markets face higher levies. On its part, Pakistan imposes 5 per cent import duty on Kenyan tea.

See Also: The paradox of foreign investment in Kenya A second reason our relations are bound to improve is the ongoing integration of East African economies, which is shaping the region into a huge market for goods and services. With a population of more than 100 million, the five-nation East African Community is attracting investors from all corners of the globe. Pakistani traders and investors have the opportunity to expand their engagement with Kenya to gain a foothold in the region and cash in on its potential. Kenya is East Africa’s financial and technology hub, and a gateway to the region, with most imports and exports going through the busy Mombasa port. The country’s position in East Africa, and its stature in Africa, was further boosted by last year’s rebasing, which saw Kenya leap into middle-income status and become the continent’s ninth largest economy, up from 12th.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000169890/boosting-trade-ties-with-pakistan-is-important-to-our-growth
9th SME FORUM TO BE HELD ON 25th AUGUST 2015 IN LAHORE
Jul 18, 2015 |  Thaver
Dear ALL,
We are pleased to inform you that the 9th Pakistan SME Forum 2015 (www.shamrockconferences.net) will be held on August 25, 2015 in Lahore. Organized in consultation with UNISAME and the support of the State Bank of Pakistan, the SME Forum has evolved into an effective and strong platform to promote the cause of SMEs in Pakistan.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND: Please register at conferences@shamrockcom.net – Thank you
Menin Rodrigues
Chairman
9th Pakistan SME Forum 2015
http://www.unisame.org/9th-sme-forum-to-be-held-on-25th-august-2015-in-lahore/

UCCE Rice Production Workshop, July 24, Yuba City

Friday, July 24, 2015 • Yuba City, CA
The UCCE Rice Production Workshop covering the principles and practices of rice production will be held July 24 in Yuba City, Calif.
The workshop location is The Refuge Restaurant, 1501 Butte House Rd.
Agenda:
8:30 - Sign in, pick-up class material
9:00 - Introduction, workshop overview
9:10 - Rice growth and development
9:30 - Land formation, water management
9:50 - Tillage, planting, stand establishment
10:10 – Break
10:30 - Variety selection
11:00 – Invertebrates
11:30 – Diseases
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Fertility
2:00 - Weeds
3:00 – Adjourn
A $100 prepaid enrollment is required, and is limited to 75 people.
Enroll by July 21. Seats will be filled on a first-come basis.
DPR and CCA continuing education credits requested.
For more information, contact UCCE Farm Advisor Cass Mutters at (530) 538-7201 and rgmutters@ucdavis.edu.
http://westernfarmpress.com/ucce-rice-production-workshop-july-24-yuba-city?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+July+21%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

All private companies allowed for C-Grade Thai rice auctions


BY EDITORON 2015-07-22THAILAND
All private companies allowed for C-Grade rice auctions
BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT) – The Minister of Commerce announced that all companies are allowed to bid in the C-Grade in-stock rice auction, and has appointed the Permanent-Secretary to inspect the government’s rice warehouses on Wednesday.

The Minister of Commerce Gen Chatchai Sarikulya has revealed that the government’s auction on C-Grade in-stock rice will be open to all private companies, including traders and millers. He added that the regulation and agreements for private participation have already been clarified.

He mentioned that the in stock rice must be inspected for fungi, and added that contaminated rice will also be supplied to the industrial sector for energy production of ethanol or biomass, due to the fact that contaminated rice cannot be consumed or used to feed animals. Meanwhile, the Permanent-Secretary of Commerce Ministry is set to lead the media to inspect the C-Grade rice warehouses on Wednesday.C-Grade is a category that the rice grain quality has deteriorated.The Minister of Commerce has added that the price of unmilled rice is poised to rise from the current 10,000 baht, while the Department of Foreign Trade has been ordered to discuss with rice exporters and millers to help push the price of rice and to expanding rice exports during the later half of this year.Rice exporters of Thailand are set to visit Africa during 25-30 July 2015, to discuss more trade negotiations and cooperations with African rice importers.

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/all-private-companies-allowed-for-c-grade-thai-rice-auctions/108154/

 

PDS Scam: SC Asks Ex-MLA to Move Chhattisgarh HC or Lodge FIR

Published: 20th July 2015 08:26 PM
Last Updated: 20th July 2015 08:28 PM
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today asked a former legislator and others, who have sought a court- monitored CBI probe in alleged scam to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore in the public distribution system in Chhattisgarh, to either move the High Court or lodge an FIR in the case.A bench headed by Justice T S Thakur, however, kept the petitions for hearing on July 27 and asked the petitioners to provide more information in support of their claims.Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state of Chhattisgarh, vehemently opposed the pleas by terming them as the part of "political vendetta".The bench, during brief hearing, also asked senior lawyer and former Minister Kapil Sibal as to whether he was appearing in the case to settle political score, saying "are you fighting political battle through this?"

"I will leave the case if that is the impression. In fact, two Congress people are also involved," Sibal responded.The bench, also comprising Justices V Gopala Gowda and R Banumathi, asked about the petitioners and directed them to go to the Chhattisgarh High Court or lodge an FIR and then come to it, if nothing happens there.Referring to the Vyapam scam, Sibal said that influential persons in the states were involved and the state police cannot do justice to the investigation.He also referred to the alleged recovery of a diary during the probe and said the names of various recipients of illegal monies are mentioned.The bench then said "You (Sibal) know the fate of the Jain Hawala diary.""This is a serious scam," Sibal said adding that several persons have been made accused in it.The Attorney General alleged that Sibal was not stating the complete facts of the case.One of the petitions was filed by former MLA Virendra Pandey from Chhattisgarh seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged PDS scam.The Chhattisgarh anti-corruption bureau (ACB) is probing the alleged irregularities in supply of rice through the PDS in the state.
Pandey, in his plea, has sought transfer of the probe in Chhattisgarh's PDS scam to the CBI, claiming that the PDS scam has "engulfed Chhattisgarh casting a long and dark shadow over credibility and integrity" of the government itself.The plea also claimed the recent developments have shown that the investigation agency ACB has been carrying out the probe "just in order to safeguard the main perpetrators of the crime who happen to be high dignitaries of Chhattisgarh.""In the present case, all the officials of Civil Supplies Corporation Raipur, Chhattisgarh from field level to senior officers are involved in the illegal act of procuring, transporting and storing of rice."These officers are misusing their authority to illegally recover money from the rice millers during procurement and transportation of rice and other food grains as well," it said.Under PDS, essential commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene and salt and other commodities notified by the State Government are sold to ration cardholders through the Fair Price Shops at concessional rates.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/PDS-Scam-SC-Asks-Ex-MLA-to-Move-Chhattisgarh-HC-or-Lodge-FIR/2015/07/20/article2930781.ece

Rice prices to rise' amid lower supply, high demand

Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation July 22, 2015 1:00 am

The price of Thai rice is expected to climb steadily into next year, mainly because of the impact of drought on the world market as well as production in Thailand.However, there are still some factors that could suppress the price including the world economy, the financial problems in some countries, and the oil price, as it affects the purchasing power of some rice-importing nations.The Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) announced yesterday that Thailand should be able to export between 9.5 million and 10 million tonnes of rice this year, as drought has increased demand in many countries, while Thailand has plenty of rice stocks.
TREA president Charoen Laothamatas said Thailand should be able to export at least 9.5 million tonnes of rice worth not less than US$4.77 billion (Bt165 billion)."The drought will encourage higher rice prices in the world market and domestically amid higher demand amid lower production in Thailand and many countries. In Thailand alone, rice output is expected drop by 15-20 per cent or about 2 million to 3 million tonnes from the drought," he said.He said the price of rice had bottomed out and should increase in the future after lower production, while higher demand by many importers such as the Philippines and Indonesia. Thailand shipped 4.5 million tonnes of rice in the first half, down by 1.1 per cent year on year. During the same period, India shipped 4.24 million tonnes, while Vietnam exported 2.42 million tonnes.

The association expects the domestic rice price to be above Bt9,000 per tonne of white paddy in the second half, up from the current level of about Bt8,500, while the export price for white rice should be above $400 a tonne, up from $390 now. According to an updated "World Markets and Trade" report released this month by the US Department of Agriculture, global rice trading is expected to decrease slightly from 43.42 million tonnes last year to 43.72 million tonnes this year. World production will drop from 478.18 million tonnes to 476.28 million tonnes, consumption will rise from 481.47 million tonnes to 484.69 million tonnes, and global ending stocks will be lowered from 107.36 million tonnes in 2014 to 98.95 million tonnes this year.

Charoen said that with more demand but less supply of rice, it was a good opportunity for Thailand to release rice from its stocks. The country holds huge stockpiles of up to 15 million tonnes of rice, and releasing it now should not drive down the price too much.However, there are still some worrying factors that could hit the rice price. The European Union is still recovering slowly from the last financial crisis, while declining oil prices in the world market have lowered purchasing power in some rice-importing countries, mainly Nigeria but also elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the association, said the baht's depreciation had stabilised the export price of rice. However, the domestic price of paddy should increase soon as it has already bottomed out and the drought should help drive it back up.To promote sustainable development of the rice industry, the association urged the government to manage rice stocks with high efficiency to ensure minimum impact on the market price of the grain.

The government should accelerate negotiations with its counterparts in rice-importing countries for rice-sale contracts. It should promote Thai rice overseas, especially Hom Mali rice (jasmine rice), and stabilise the baht, as well as reduce obstacles or trade regulations and conditions on rice trading to many markets.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Rice-prices-to-rise-amid-lower-supply-high-demand-30264932.html

 

Jute department seeks DoE’s help to stop polythene bag production 

Abu Bakar Siddique


The Department of Jute has sought the Department of Environment’s help in stopping the production of polyethene or poly bags and sacks in the country as it prepares to implement the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010.“We have sent a letter at the Department of Environment authorities asking for their cooperation in stopping poly bag production, and we are going to sit in a meeting in this regard soon,” said Mohammad Kefaetulla, director at the Department of Jute.The environment authorities can help by not permitting poly bag producers to produce the plastic bags and sacks which are used to package rice, sugar, fertiliser and many other products, sources said.The government enacted the jute packaging act in January last year aiming to revive the jute industry, making it mandatory for the country’s agriculture sector to make all kinds of packaging with jute material.The law says that paddy, rice, wheat, maize, fertiliser and sugar must be packaged in jute bags. Violation of the law will result in a maximum sentence of one year in jail or a fine of Tk50,000 or both for using non-degradable synthetics to package commodities.

However, the government’s move to implement the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 has stumbled due to lack of cooperation from rice mill owners, the major instruments in implementing the act.Most of the rice mills in the country are still using contraband plastic sacks that are also detrimental to the environment.“Implementation of the act has been slow just because rice mill owners, who are not interested in packing their products in jute sacks, have been blocking the initiative,” Kefaetulla said last month.Asked about the Department of Jute’s letter, Department of Environment Director General Raisul Islam Mondal told the Dhaka Tribune that his department would lend all its support to the jute sector.

The Department of Environment is the authority responsible to issue environmental clearance to any kind of industry which produces industrial goods, including poly bags.According to the Department of Jute, around 750 million jute bags are to be used annually and 50% of the jute production will be consumed locally once the packaging act is implemented.Sources from Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) claimed that the sector would regain strengths overnight if only 20% of the businesses started using bags made of “the Golden Fibre of Bengal.”Kefaetulla said rice millers use around 1.4 million synthetic sacks annually for packaging their products; if these sacks could be replaced with jute sacks, it could make a significant difference.

http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2015/jul/21/jute-department-seeks-does-help-stop-polythene-bag-production


AP rice mills to stop supplies to Consumer fed, Supply

 

Decision follows dues of over Rs.100 crore


With dues from the State government crossing Rs.100 crore, rice mills based in Andhra Pradesh have decided to stop supplies to the Kerala State Cooperative Consumer Federation (Consumerfed) and the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) with immediate effect.At a press conference here on Monday, general secretary of the Quilon Rice Brokers Association G. Satheesh said the decision was taken by the East Godavari District Rice Millers Association (EGDRMA).

No payment in 3 years

Payments had not been made for the past three years and the arrears came to more than Rs.100 crore.Mr. Satheesh said that Kollam-based rice brokers were the prime stockists of the AP-based rice mills in south Kerala and that the press conference was called under directions from the EGDRMA. Supplies for south Kerala reach Kollam by rail freight.Mr. Satheesh said the EGDRMA representatives had met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and other Ministers in the past six months with requests for clearing of dues. But no payments were made.The decision was not to supply rice to any State government organisation.However, the EGDRMA had said that the situation would not lead to shortage or price rise of rice in the open market.Rice would be supplied at the existing rate to the open market. The AP rice millers had said that they had ample buffer stock of rice and that if there was demand more rakes would be despatched for the open market next month to meet the Onam-related demands.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:WO3Gu2AoLbAJ:www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ap-rice-mills-to-stop-supplies-to-consumerfed-supplyco/article7446089.ece+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pk



PH rice sufficiency is desirable, attainable


By Rudy Romero | Jul. 21, 2015 at 12:01am

In articles written in another newspaper, a friend of mine who has worked for both the government and the private sector has written about the issue of whether a policy of self-sufficiency in rice makes economic sense for this country.My friend’s position is that such a policy, which has been a fixture in successive Philippine development plans, does not make economic sense. By all means government plans should make generous provision for the agricultural sector’s needs, he argued, but Filipino farmers should just do the best thing they can and accept the idea of other countries supplying this country’s annual rice supply shortfall. This country should not be despondent over the fact that Filipino farmers are unable to supply all of the nation’s rice needs and should simply strive to support the most efficient farmers. Rice self-sufficiency, he concluded, should not be regarded as an inviolable goal.

With all due respect I disagree with my friend and colleague. My inability to agree with him stems not from any obsession with the idea of rice self-sufficiency but from a firm belief that this country has the capability to produce all the rice it needs. It has approximately 3,000,000 hectares devoted to rice and corn cultivation, around 50 significant rivers capable of providing irrigation water, abundant technology—the world’s leading rice research facility, the International Rice Research Institute, is located in this country—a government agricultural extension structure and adequate supplies of basic farm inputs. With all of these availabilities, it is extremely difficult to comprehend the Philippine rice industry’s inability to produce grain sufficient to meet this country’s requirement.

My economist colleague was correct in pointing out that the rice-growing areas of the Philippines are not of equal productive capability and that the same amount of investment will yield a higher output in some rice-growing areas than in others. An agricultural policy that invests resources in--and expects high outputs from--both premier and marginal rice-growing areas is thus bound, in his view, to result in failure.Self-sufficiency is attainable, but the rational path to that result is not the unselective expenditure of resources but the concentration of spending on rice-growing areas with the highest yields per unit of investment. These areas have already been identified by government agricultural experts.They include the Cagayan River valley (especially Isabela), the Bicol River basin, Quezon, Mindoro, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Central Mindanao. These areas still have fertile soil and are well drained by rivers. They are the best rice-growing areas in the nation.

The concept of the government agricultural planners was that these high-productivity areas would supply the rice needs of the surrounding provinces, viz., Iloilo would take care not only of that province’s needs but also of the needs of all the Panay Island provinces and the Bicol River basin would answer for the needs of the Bicol provinces.The administration of Ferdinand Marcos has the right approach to maximizing the benefits from foreign assistance to Philippine agriculture. It agreed with the foreign donors that each of them would answer for the investment requirement of a specific rice-growing area.

Thus, it was agreed that USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) would answer for the investment requirement of the Bicol River basin, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) would take care of the financial needs of Central Mindanao, and so on. The Department of Agriculture, with the full support of Neda (National Economic and Development Authority) made certain that the concept would be successfully implemented.Rice-sufficiency in this country is not pie in the sky. It is achievable. But the way to get there is not by constantly deriding the notion--citing other nations’ thriving rice industries--but by more judicious use of national resources available for Filipino rice farmers.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/21/ph-rice-sufficiency-is-desirable-attainable/


PH says private traders apply to import 300,000 T rice

Reuters
Posted at 07/21/2015 11:35 AM

MANILA - Private rice traders in the Philippines are seeking to import around 300,000 tonnes of the staple food, mostly from Vietnam and Thailand, an official of the state grains procurement agency told Reuters on Tuesday.The volume is a little more than a third of the maximum 805,200 tonnes that traders can import with 35 percent tariff before the Nov. 30 deadline, but will nonetheless help boost domestic supply at a time local harvest is seasonally weak.The Philippines, a major rice importer, has been boosting buffer stocks to keep retail prices stable especially during the traditional lean harvest season starting this month."Maybe the entire volume will not be taken considering that importers are not interested to buy from other countries like China, Australia, India, Pakistan (and) El Salvador," said Piolito Santos, manager at NFA's Grains Marketing Operations department.

Traders have until July 30 to apply to import rice with quality not lower than 25 percent broken.Rice export prices in Thailand, the world's second-biggest supplier after India, extended gains last week on concerns that a drought may cut domestic output, while demand from private Philippine firms has also pushed up prices in No. 3 exporter Vietnam.Under the guidelines, traders can import up to 293,100 tonnes each from Thailand and Vietnam, up to 50,000 tonnes each from China, India and Pakistan, 15,000 tonnes from El Salvador and the rest from any other countries.The NFA has so far bought a total of 550,000 tonnes from Vietnam and 200,000 tonnes from Thailand in government-to-government deals this year.The agency also has permission from President Benigno Aquino to import an additional 250,000 tonnes if a drought brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon intensifies and hurts local rice production.Latest government data show local rice prices have fallen around 5 percent from a year earlier, when the retail costs shot up dramatically due to damage to supply chains from Super Typhoon Haiyan in late 2014 and the government's failure to import additional volumes on time.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/07/21/15/ph-says-private-traders-apply-import-300000-t-rice

SunRice tests farmer shareholder support for listing

·         ELI GREENBLAT
·         THE AUSTRALIAN
·         JULY 21, 2015 8:30AM

SunRice has had ‘very positive response’ to the potential capital structure. Picture: Andy Rogers
Description: SunRice has had ‘very positive response’ to the potential capital structure. Picture: AndSUNRICE, one of Australia’s last remaining export monopolies, has begun a poll of its farmer shareholder base as it gauges support for plans to list its shares on the stock exchange and invite new investors to its register.
If the SunRice board gains ­approval from A-class and B-class shareholders for a capital ­restructure, the company could list on the ASX by the end of the year.The business handles about 700,000-800,000 tonnes of rice a year on behalf of farmers, as well as selling other snack foods under the Always Fresh label.The move follows a string of agricultural businesses floating on the market including Murray Goulburn, Australia’s largest dairy company, which raised $500 million in fresh equity in a partial ASX float. The Australian recently reported that cooking legend Maggie Beer planned to list her food business.A shift from the illiquid National Stock Exchange to the ASX would create a sizeable new company for the main board.
Description: http://tcog.news.com.au/track/component/article/agribusiness/sunrice-tests-farmer-shareholder-support-for-listing/story-fnkeqfxg-1227450359711?t_product=WeeklyTimesNow&t_template=s3/chronicle-component/relatedstories/templates/index
Last financial year, SunRice posted sales of $1.25 billion and an after-tax profit of $43.42m, up 46 per cent. As part of its journey to the ASX, SunRice has conducted rounds of briefings with its farmer and investor shareholders and will now conduct a phone poll to test the level of support for a capital restructure and listing.SunRice chairman Laurie ­Arthur said the group had received a “very positive response” to the potential capital structure, which would preserve grower shareholder control.

“This new structure represents a significant opportunity to change the way we fund Sun­Rice’s growth and build an Australian-controlled food company of scale that can compete in global markets to benefit all growers and shareholders,” Mr Arthur said. “As we approach the final stages of the capital structure ­review, feedback from our shareholders will be crucial in informing whether or not we move forward with the new structure and bring it back to shareholders to vote on.”
Under a proposal before investors, existing B-class shares would become B preference shares held by a new SunRice fund, which would be listed on the ASX.The fund would then issue B securities that could be traded on the ASX and give holders economic rights including dividends. Shareholder growers with A-class shares would preserve their control of the company.

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/sunrice-tests-farmer-shareholder-support-for-listing/story-fnkeqfxg-1227450359711


Prolonged Thailand drought threatens global rice shortage


SciDev Net Monday 20 July 2015
Prolonged drought in Thailand may lead to a shortage in world rice supply if adaptation methods to raise rice production are not taken, scientists warn. The drought is putting pressure on Thailand’s economy, the word’s largest rice exporter. Although the nation’s Royal Irrigation Department has estimated rainfall in late July, farmers have been advised to delay planting until August to meet water demands for public consumption. 

Shaobing Peng of Huazhong Agriculture University in China believesclimate change is now affecting the seasonal weather in Thailand. “Global mean surface air temperature has increased by 0.5 degree Celsius in the twentieth century and will continue to increase by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees Celsius this century. We need to think of more holistic and adaptive measures aside from drought management such as heat-resistant seeds,” adds Peng, a former senior crop physiologist at the International Rice Research Institute. 
He says, as an added pressure, world rice production will have to increase by one per cent annually to meet the increasing demand for the commodity. To adapt to climate change, the Thai government has initiated plans to introduce drought-resistant seeds. But these seeds are not reusable and can be costly to poor farmers who are not receiving direct financial aid. Government-supplied seeds are also limited, forcing farmers to obtain their seeds from private suppliers. 

With 60 million rai (960,000 hectares) of land reserved for paddy still barren, many farmers are resorting to secondary crops to make sufficient income. “Farmers are aware of climate change and they have been complementing their crop production with sugarcane, cucumber, long beans and tilapia. Their main source of income still comes from rice yields, and with only 10 per cent of farmers receiving government-funded seeds, it still leaves the majority saving their seeds from the previous year,” says Jintana Kawasaki from the United Nations University. Thailand’s rice production problems also have economic and political ramifications. Although agriculture production only accounts for nine per cent of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product), majority of the population rely on agriculture for food and income. In 2014, rice exports accounted for 1.3 per cent of GDP. Rice exports declined drastically in 2011 when then prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration introduced a price support programme. 

The policy managed to boost rural income in the short term as the government bought grains from farmers, boosting domestic prices. This resulted in a decline in the value of rice exports, from 200 billion Thai baht in 2011 (US$6 billion) to less than US$4.4 billion in 2012. “The situation for Thailand’s rice export industry is improving but they are facing competitors from neighbouring countries which offer cheaper prices,” says Luxmon Attapich, senior country economist at the Asian Development Bank’s Thailand resident mission. 
The Economic Intelligence Center, the research centre for Siam Commercial Bank, predicts that Thailand’s economic growth forecast might be 0.4 per cent lower this year due to the drought. 

http://www.eco-business.com/news/prolonged-thailand-drought-threatens-global-rice-shortage/


Jigawa communities welcome Dangote's proposed rice project

By Innocent Senyo
July 20, 2015 18:27:35pm GMT |

WorldStage Newsonline-- Jigawa State Government and host communities have expressed support for the  Dangote Rice project expected to be the largest in Africa. They gave their backing for the take off of the project during a series of town hall sensitization meetings with management of the Dangote Rice Farming Limited.According to the farming plan released during a sensitization town hall meetings with some host communities by the Dangote Rice farming Limited, the rice project at Kaffin Hausa has a five year plan to achieve between 175,000 and 200, 000, hectares of rice grown twice a year.The communities specially expressed satisfaction and delight at the choice of their area for the project just preparations commenced  in the state which is one of the states, where the company, for a start, is cultivating 600 hectares of land for commercial rice farming by November.

Jigawa state government was particularly excited at the Out-Grower part of the plan that would see Dangote Rice helping farmers with implements to cultivate and grow rice which would also be bought from them by Dangote rice, a project, the state government would compliments its agenda of job creation and poverty reduction at the grassroots in the state.Already, multi million dollars worth state of the arts equipment for the commencement of the rice project is expected in a location in Kaffin Hausa local government area of Jigawa state for the project with potentials of thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.The rice project has a plan to follow a due process for the development of the 20,000 hectares of land for rice farming in order to produce and sell high quality parboiled rice in the Nigerian market

Management of the Company, led by Alhaji Mohammed Bello said the Dangote Rice project has the objective of becoming the leaders in rice farming in the world and also boost the Nigerian economy, encourage self sustainability and import substitution in rice.He said the that company was set to reduce importation of rice into Nigeria by investing to become the largest farming operations in the world by 2020 with excess of 150,000 hectares of land spread around three to five states.According to him, Dangote Rice Company will produce and sell one million tons of high quality parboiled rice within the next five years and at the same time supporting and developing Nigerian rice farmers through the out-grower plan that will generate employments.
The management of the Company expressed appreciation to the government of the state for its willingness to come to the aid of the company to ensure a smooth the off of the project.While meeting with the communities and some of those whose settlements fall within the government reserved area earmarked for the project, Bello pleaded for maximum co operation of the people to realize the project, describing the decision by Alhaji Dangote to delve into the project as laudable.He promised that the people would experience a new dawn in all areas of their life as a people as the Company would be ready to give them a new lease of life better than they are currently experiencing.

 The sensitisation meeting has taken the Company and state government officials to some 15 communities including, Ciyayi, Gafaya, Wiwi and Auno villages in Kaffin Hausa local government area of the state. Community leaders, described the rice project as a transformation project that they could not but support.They urged Dangote Rice company to put machinery in motion and commence cultivation as the project would provide thousands of jobs for their youths who usually abandon the communities for big cities like Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Kano in search of better living.

They assured that the Project would be safe and that Dangote could go and sleep because they would do all within their power to protect and make it flourish.In his remark, Alhaji Hamisu Sabo, the Director of Jigawa Investment, an investment agency of the state government, said the state government “has been encouraging and supporting Dangote Rice project because it is a project that will make a difference in the lives of the people of the state.”He stated that the decision to establish the rice project in Jigawa was a boost to the development agenda of the new government in the state, pointing out that job creation and poverty reduction are a cardinal objectives of the state government agenda.

http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=news&newscid=23475&catid=30

 

AP EDA INDIA (News)


International Benchmark Price
Price on: 20-07-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Rice
1
CZCE Early Rice Futures (USD/t)
411
2
Pakistani 100%, FOB Karachi (USD/t)
318
3
Pakistani 15% Broken (USD/t)
365
Peanuts
1
South Africa, HPS 70/80 peanuts CFR main European ports (USD/t)
1200
2
South African, HPS 40/50 peanuts CFR main European ports (USD/t)
1592
3
US 38/42 Runners, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1300
Honey
1
Argentine 34mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3740
2
Argentine 50mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3630
3
Argentine 85mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3520
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 20-07-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Maize
1
Amreli (Gujarat)
Other
1170
1285
2
Dhing (Assam)
Other
1340
1500
3
Barshi (Maharashtra)
Other
1400
1400
Barley (Jau)
1
Dahod (Gujarat)
Other
1200
1250
2
Deoli (Rajasthan)
Other
1100
1115
3
Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh)
Other
1120
1220
Pine Apple
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2800
3000
2
Sirhind (Punjab)
Other
1500
2200
3
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Other
2000
2400
Carrot
1
Bonai (Orissa)
Other
2000
3000
2
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Other
3000
3500
3
Thodupuzha (Kerala)
Other
2000
2500
Source:agra-net
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 20-07-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Pune
320
2
Hyderabad
300
3
Nagapur
297
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 17-07-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Potatoes
Package: 50 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Colorado
Russet
20
23
2
Baltimore
Idaho
Russet
16
19
3
Detroit
Wisconsin
Russet
21
21.50
Cabbage
Package: 50 lb sacks
1
Atlanta
Virginia
Round Green Type
15.50
15.50
2
Miami
New York
Round Green Type
12.75
13
3
New York
Canada
Round Green Type
11
12
Grapefruit
Package:  7/10 bushel cartons
1
Atlanta
California
Red
26
27
2
Baltimore
California
Red
22
23
3
Philadelphia
California
Red
18
20
Source:USDA



PH says private traders apply to import 300,000 T rice


Reuters
Posted at 07/21/2015 11:35 AM

MANILA - Private rice traders in the Philippines are seeking to import around 300,000 tonnes of the staple food, mostly from Vietnam and Thailand, an official of the state grains procurement agency told Reuters on Tuesday.The volume is a little more than a third of the maximum 805,200 tonnes that traders can import with 35 percent tariff before the Nov. 30 deadline, but will nonetheless help boost domestic supply at a time local harvest is seasonally weak.The Philippines, a major rice importer, has been boosting buffer stocks to keep retail prices stable especially during the traditional lean harvest season starting this month."Maybe the entire volume will not be taken considering that importers are not interested to buy from other countries like China, Australia, India, Pakistan (and) El Salvador," said Piolito Santos, manager at NFA's Grains Marketing Operations department.Traders have until July 30 to apply to import rice with quality not lower than 25 percent broken.
Rice export prices in Thailand, the world's second-biggest supplier after India, extended gains last week on concerns that a drought may cut domestic output, while demand from private Philippine firms has also pushed up prices in No. 3 exporter Vietnam.

Under the guidelines, traders can import up to 293,100 tonnes each from Thailand and Vietnam, up to 50,000 tonnes each from China, India and Pakistan, 15,000 tonnes from El Salvador and the rest from any other countries.The NFA has so far bought a total of 550,000 tonnes from Vietnam and 200,000 tonnes from Thailand in government-to-government deals this year.
The agency also has permission from President Benigno Aquino to import an additional 250,000 tonnes if a drought brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon intensifies and hurts local rice production.Latest government data show local rice prices have fallen around 5 percent from a year earlier, when the retail costs shot up dramatically due to damage to supply chains from Super Typhoon Haiyan in late 2014 and the government's failure to import additional volumes on time

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/07/21/15/ph-says-private-traders-apply-import-300000-t-rice


Rice Wednesday is Back in Mexico      

If it's Wednesday,
it's U.S.-grown rice!
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO -- The popular USA Rice "Rice Wednesday" promotion is underway here at La Chilanguita, a chain with 11 restaurants in high traffic areas in Mexico City and Mexico State, including its most popular location, Masaryk, the most exclusive area in Mexico City.  The promotion began last month and runs through December. Patrons of La Chilanguita can choose between four rice entrees: Arroz a La Tumbada (a dish from Veracruz combining rice and seafood), Arroz Frito (fried rice), Morisqueta (a spicy rice dish from Michoacán) and paella.  The restaurant reports the most popular rice dish, generating many repeat visits, is the USA Rice paella.  So popular, in fact, the managers of several locations have chosen to serve the paellas with U.S.-grown rice on Sundays as well.
Angel Donovan, Executive Chef of La Chilanguita, enjoys working with U.S.-grown rice. He included a popular rice ceviche from his restaurant in the USA Rice "Great Chefs" cookbook in 2014 and has appeared on the Arroz Gourmet TV Shows.
"Since the promotion started, it has inspired me to create new rice dishes to include in the daily suggestions, and the most popular options will become a staple on the menu," Donovan said.

La Chilanguita purchases nearly 1,500 pounds a month of U.S. long grain and parboiled rice from Schettino, one of the largest millers/packers in Mexico.

Contact:  Sarah Moran (703) 236-1457






CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for July 21
Month
Price
Net Change

September 2015
$11.005
+ $0.115
November 2015
$11.275
+ $0.110
January 2016
$11.545
+ $0.110
March 2016
$11.700
+ $0.110
May 2016
$11.885
+ $0.110
July 2016
$11.885
+ $0.110
September 2016
$11.895
+ $0.110



Riceland Class Visits USA Rice Headquarters 


Riceland Getting In-Depth at USA Rice ARLINGTON, VA-- Rice farmers from Arkansas taking part in the Riceland In-Depth program visited USA Rice headquarters yesterday for a briefing on the structure and work of the U.S. rice industry's national association. The class met with USA Rice staff for a briefing on government affairs, trade, promotion and communications activities.

In welcoming the group, USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward stressed the importance of education and engagement for young rice farmers through programs like Riceland In-Depth.  "I commend you for taking part in this program and being proactively informed on the issues that affect you as rice farmers," Ward said. "Those are the issues USA Rice is here to work on every day, and we appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person."   

The group's study session in Washington, D.C. also included meetings with administration officials and congressional offices.

Contact: Trish Alderson (703) 236-1472

 

 

Government allows bulk exports of rice bran oil, removes quantitative restrictions

By PTI | 21 Jul, 2015, 11.30PM IST
The government allowed bulk exports of rice bran oil and removed quantitative restrictions on out-bound shipments of organic edible oils.NEW DELHI: The government today allowed bulk exports of rice bran oil and removed quantitative restrictions on out-bound shipments of organic edible oils. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Commerce Ministry's proposal to "allow unrestricted exports of rice bran oil in bulk", sources said. It removed the "quantitative restrictions of 10,000 tonnes per annum on exports of organic edible oils", they added. Although India is a major importer of edible oils, the Centre has allowed bulk exports of rice bran oil to help small rice millers realise better price as demand of this cooking oil remains limited in the domestic market. India imports over 10 million tonnes of vegetable oil -- largely edible -- annually, which is some 60 per cent of the country's total demand. Edible oil exports have been prohibited since March 17, 2008. Certain exemptions have been allowed from time to time.

The government has now decided to allow bulk exports of rice bran oil, considered as premium edible oil with limited consumption in India, without any restrictions of minimum
export price or consumer packs, sources said, adding that this would not increase the cost of rice. Industry body Solvent Extractors Association Executive Director B V Mehta welcomed the move. He said, "This would help rice farmers as well as the country in realising full potential in this segment. India produces one million tonne (mt) of rice barn oil, but we have capacity to reach 1.6 mt." On organic edible oils, the quantitative restrictions have been lifted to send a clear message to investors and the growers to invest in organic exports. The exports will be subject to export contracts being registered and certified as 'organic' by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/government-allows-bulk-exports-of-rice-bran-oil-removes-quantitative-restrictions/articleshow/48165144.cms

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Wednesday, July 15, 2015

10th July(Friday),2015 Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Indian Court to Hear Plea on Chinese Plastic Rice
Jul 09, 2015

Oryza.com -
The Delhi High Court has accepted a public interest litigation (PIL) that has alleged that the rice made out of plastic, which is imported from China, is being sold in the country along with real rice and has sought testing of samples, according to the Economic Times.
The PIL stated that plastic rice when mixed with real rice cannot be identified and when consumed, it may lead to serious gastric ailments. The petitioner urged the court to allow for raiding rice traders and testing the samples in order to protect the consumers.
The Court will reportedly hear the case on August 20, 2015.
Global Rice Quotes
July 10th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 390-400
Vietnam 5% broken 345-355
India 5% broken 380-390
Pakistan 5% broken 375-385
Myanmar 5% broken 415-425
Cambodia 5% broken 425-435
U.S. 4% broken 470-480
Uruguay 5% broken 535-545
Argentina 5% broken 530-540
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 355-365
Vietnam 25% broken 325-335
Pakistan 25% broken 335-345
Cambodia 25% broken 410-420
India 25% broken 350-360
U.S. 15% broken 445-455
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 390-400
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 415-425
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 375-385
U.S. parboiled 4% broken 555-565
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 545-555
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92% 865-875
Vietnam Jasmine 490-500
India basmati 2% broken NQ
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ
Cambodia Phka Mails 835-845
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 315-325
Vietnam 100% broken 310-320
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 285-295 ↔Cambodia A1 Super 350-360
India 100% broken stxd 295-305
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ
U.S. pet food 350-360
Brazil half grain NQ
 All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com
Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Continue to Trend Higher; Grains Higher on Improvement in Chinese Economy
Jul 09, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Sep delivery are currently seen paused 5.5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $11.065 per cwt (about $244 per ton) ahead of floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are seen trading higher this morning; soybeans are currently seen trading about 1.7% higher, wheat is listed about 0.8% higher and corn is currently noted about 0.8% higher.
U.S. stocks were tipped to open higher on Thursday, as a recovery in battered Chinese stocks lifted sentiment, while focus remained on efforts to avert the collapse of Greece. China's benchmark Shanghai Composite stock index jumped almost 6% after Beijing delivered its latest salvo of measures to prop up a market that has crashed nearly 30% in the past month. The Chinese Securities regulator on Thursday banned shareholders from selling large stakes in listed firms in a bid to stem a slide in Chinese stocks that has sparked fears across the globe about a protracted slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy. In fact, the sharp selloff has put China risks firmly back in the spotlight, helping send Wall Street shares down almost 1.5% on Wednesday. On the domestic front, weekly jobless claims data showed a slight increase to 297,000. There are several Federal Reserve speakers on the calendar, while Fed Chair Janet Yellen speaks on Friday. Gold is currently trading about 0.1% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 2.4% higher,  and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.2% higher at 8:30am Chicago time.

Will Deteriorating Thai Rice Stocks Divert Export Demand to India?
Jul 09, 2015


A combination of external factors are likely to be favourable to India's non-basmati rice exports in FY 2015-16 (April - March), according to the HinduBusinessLine.
After selling around 1.14 tons of rice in the latest tender on July 7, the Thai government is holding about 14.3 million tons of rice in its stockpiles. Of this around 4.6 million tons are declared as rotten and the government is planning to sell them to the industrial sector by the end of this month. About 8 million tons of rice have reportedly passed standard testing and could be sold for domestic consumption and export.
However, quality concerns still persist among buyers and they are expected to turn to India to meet their buying needs. Since India is said to have good quality white rice, parboiled rice and 100% broken rice, demand for these could be expected to increase in this year.
An India-based grains analyst told local sources that since prices of Indian rice are also competitive, exports are expected to be stable in FY 2015-16 unless the rupee strengthens against the dollar or the government intervenes. The monsoons, which are feared to be impacted by the El Nino weather pattern, should not play a spoil sport on Indian rice production else the government may decide to place restrictions on rice exports.
India 5% rice, parboiled rice and 100% broken rice currently stand at $385 per ton, $375 per ton and $300 per ton respectively compared to Thailand's $385 per ton, $320 per ton and $390 per ton.
India exported around 1.05 million tons of non-basmati rice in the first two months of FY 2015-16 (April - March), up about 13% from around 929,552 tons during the same period in FY 2014-15, according to data from the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). India's total rice exports in April - May 2015 stood at around 1.83 million tons compared to around 1.55 million tons last year.  

Venezuela to Cancel 'Rice for Oil' Deal with Guyana, Says Finance Minister
Jul 09, 2015

The PetroCaribe Deal between Venezuela and Guyana is coming to an end as Venezuela has not agreed to renew it after it expires in November this year, according to local sources. Venezuela sells oil to Guyana and buys rice from Guyana under the deal.
Guyana's Finance Minister told local sources that Venezuela has decided to cancel the deal with Guyana as it has secured shipments from Suriname and has enough local production to meet the domestic demand. Local media is also reporting that Venezuela has signed a new rice deal with Uruguay, and the deal would help Uruguay to clear off its $400 million debt it accumulated from taking Venezuela's oil at concessionary rates.
The Minister also noted that Venezuela has hinted that it may buy rice from Guyana next year to support its buffer stocks. He said that Venezuela has shown interest in working with Guyana to pursue rice markets together. For instance, the Venezuelan authorities have proposed that they would help Guyana in shipping its rice to other countries. Guyana will be allowed to bring rice to an office set in Venezuela's borders and from there, it could ship rice to its destination markets. However, the destination markets should have a good relation with Venezuela.
He noted that though the two options proposed by Venezuela are difficult to get into action, a team from Guyana has been invited to discuss the options.
However, with the expiration of the PetroCaribe deal, Guyana is under pressure to find new markets for its rice. Under the existing oil for rice agreement, Guyana is expected sells about 210,000 tons of paddy and polished rice annually to Venezuela.
Thailand Rice Exports Increase Sharply in May 2015
Jul 09, 2015
Thai rice exports increased sharply in May 2015 after declining about 11% m/m in April 2015, according to data from Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA). Thailand has exported around 945,597 tons of rice in May 2015, up about 35% from around 700,011 tons exported in April 2015, and up about 7% from around 881,212 tons exported in May 2014, according to TREA. The increase is attributed to an expected decline in supply in Thailand as well as globally owing to drought-inducing El Nino weather pattern.
In value terms, Thailand’s rice exports earned about $416.22 million from total rice exports in May 2015, up about 22% from around $340.10 million earned in April 2015, and down about 2.5% from around $427.12 million earned in May 2014.
In May 2015, white rice exports accounted for around 416,991 tons (about 44% of total May 2015 exports), Hom Mali rice exports accounted for about 106,731 tons (about 11% of total May exports), brokens accounted for 182,796 tons (about 19% of total May 2015 exports), glutinous  variety accounted for 20,688 tons (about 2% of total May 2015 exports), parboiled rice accounted for about 211,696 tons (about 22% of total May 2015 exports) and husked/brown rice accounted for about 6,695 tons (about 0.7% of total May 2015 exports).
Average export prices of all varieties of rice except husked rice have declined during the month. Average export prices of broken rice witnessed the highest decline of about 10% month-on-month in May 2015, while average export prices of husked rice increased by about 6% month-on-month during the month.
Thailand exported around 3.77 million tons of rice in the first five months of 2015, down about 1.3% from around 3.82 million tons exported during the same period last year. Thai government is keen on exporting over 10 million tons of rice this year.




India Basmati Rice Exports May Increase by 10% in FY 2015-16 Due to Steady Demand, Says APEDA Official
Jul 09, 2015

India, which exported around 3.7 million tons of basmati rice in FY 2014-15 (April - May), is expected to export around 4 million tons of basmati in FY 2015-16 due to a steady demand, local sources quoted the Director of the Basmati Export Development Foundation, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
He noted that India's basmati rice exports were affected in FY 2014-15 due to Iran imposing a temporary ban on imports citing surplus domestic availability. Iran imported around 900,000 tons of basmati rice from India in FY 2014-15 compared to 1.44 million tons in FY 2013-14.
However, he noted that this year, the situation has stabilized and export demand from other countries like Saudi Arabia is expected to compensate for the Iran shortfall. Saudi Arabia remained the top importer of Indian basmati rice in FY 2014-15 with around 966,931 tons, according to the APEDA data.
India exported around 780,090 tons of basmati rice in the first two months of FY 2015-16, up about 25% from around 622,135 tons during the same period in FY 2014-15, according to APEDA, though it started on a low note in April.
However, farmers are expected not to increase basmati rice acreage in this kharif season based on last year's experience of low demand and low prices, according to the Executive Director of the All India Rice Exporters' Association (AIREA). Basmati rice acreage increased about 31% to around 2.1 million hectares in 2014-15 from around 1.6 million hectares in 2013-14.
In 2014-15, domestic basmati paddy prices fell to around Rs.2,300-2,500 per quintal (around $362-$394 per ton) from around Rs.3,500-4,000 (around $551-$630 per ton) in 2013-14 mainly due to low shipments to Iran.
Separately, following an impleading petition by the Patiala Basmati Growers Association, Punjab in the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in the ongoing litigation between the APEDA and the GI Registry in the issue of including more areas to be recognized under GI for basmati, the IPAB has posted the case for final hearing on November 3 and ordered all the parties to file their written arguments by October. Already, the IPAB has accepted impleading cases by a farmers' group in Madhya Pradesh and Pakistan Basmati Growers Association (BGA).
Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Supported by Rising Grains as Chinese Markets Stabilize and as Traders Prepare for Tomorrow's USDA Reports
Jul 09, 2015
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Chicago rough rice futures for Sep delivery settled 4 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $11.050 per cwt (about $244 per ton). The other grains closed higher as well today; Soybeans closed about 2.8% higher at $10.1575 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.1% higher at $5.7800 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1% higher at $4.2875 per bushel.
U.S. stocks more than halved gains on Thursday as optimism faded after an opening rebound on the jump in Chinese stocks overnight. The Dow Jones industrial average traded about 70 points higher after surging as much as 249 points in the open as the major averages briefly jumped nearly 1% or more. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble conceded on Thursday that Greece would need some debt restructuring as part of any new loan program to make its economy viable, Reuters reported. The cash-strapped government is expected to submit proposals by midnight Thursday. The Shanghai Composite shot 5.8% higher on Thursday for its best day in six years after China instituted new supportive measures, including restrictions on short selling and loosening of margin lending regulations. European stocks also surged, with the DAX up more than 2.5%, as investors remained hopeful of a Greece proposal before the Friday deadline. Political talks over Greece must produce a strong outcome on Sunday for the European Central Bank to provide continued support, while there's only "very low" leeway to reprofile Greece's debt, euro zone leaders said, according to Reuters. On the domestic front, weekly jobless claims gained slightly to 297,000, the highest level since February. There are several Federal Reserve speakers on the calendar ahead of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's speech Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded up 125 points, or 0.72%, at 17,641. The S&P 500 traded up 15 points, or 0.71%, at 2,061, with financials leading eight sectors higher and utilities and telecommunications the only decliners. The Nasdaq traded up 45 points, or 0.92%, at 4,955. Gold is trading about 0.3% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 2.5% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading at about 0.4% higher at about  1:15pm Chicago time.
Wednesday, there were 1,173 contracts traded, up from 1,033 contracts traded on Tuesday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Wednesday increased by 49 contracts to 9,351.
FAO Global Rice Price Index Declines for Tenth Consecutive Month
Jul 09, 2015

The FAO All Rice Price Index declined to around 213 points in June 2015, down about 0.9% from around 215 points in May 2015 due to a decline in all sub-indices. The market weakness was pervasive, dominating all market segments and virtually all origins, says the FAO.
The FAO index has been declining continuously since September 2014. It declined about 11% during the 10-month period.
The Higher Quality sub-index declined about 2 points or about 1% to around 184 points, while the Lower Quality Indica sub-index declined about 2 point, or about 1% to around 188 points in June 2015. Japonica sub-index declined by about 1 points, or about 0.3% to around 265 points this month from around 266 points last month. The Aromatic sub-index declined by about 3 points or about 1.6% to around 182 points in June 2015. The decline in Aromatic sub-index is mainly due to large production surpluses and a continued subdued import demand, according to the FAO.
In January - June 2015, the FAO All Rice Price Index averaged 218 points, down about 7.3% from around 235 points during the same period last year. Sub-index for higher quality Indica rice prices declined about 9.6% y/y and sub-index for lower quality Indica rice prices declined about 5.4% y/y. Aromatic rice price sub-index declined about 28% y/y. However, sub-index for Japonica rice prices increased about 4% y/y.
According to the FAO, rice export prices in the Asian origins such as Vietnam, India, Pakistan and Thailand declined due to continued strong competition for markets. Export prices in the U.S., Argentina and Uruguay also declined due to slow export sales.
During June 2015, average rice export prices of Thai 100% broken rice, Thai parboiled rice, Thai fragrant rice, Thai 5% rice and Thai 25% rice declined to around $385 per ton, $382 per ton, $1,048 per ton, $376 per ton and $365 per ton respectively. Average export prices of Thai A1 Super increased slightly to $327 per ton. Export prices of Vietnam 25% broken rice remained firm this month while those of Pakistan and India declined to around $346 per ton and $344 per ton  respectively. Export prices of the U.S. and Uruguay rice declined to around $485 per ton and around $538 per ton respectively.
Iraq Seeks to Purchase 30,000 Tons of Rice in International Tenders
Jul 09, 2015
Iraq has invited international tenders to purchase about 30,000 tons of rice from U.S., Uruguay, Argentina and India, Bloomberg quoted a statement from the Iraq's Trade Ministry.
Last date for submitting bids is July 15, 2015 and offers remain valid till July 21, 2015.
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Continue to Firm as Futures Rally; Iraq Issues New Tender
Jul 09, 2015
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Oryza.com -
The U.S. cash market was firmer today despite disappointing export sales as the futures market remains on fire and sellers are holding out in expectation of higher prices before the end of the marketing year.
Today the USDA reported that cumulative net export sales for the week ending on July 2nd, totaled 9,400 tons, which was 86% lower than last week and the prior 4-week average.
Increases were reported for the following destinations including: 10,600 tons to Guatemala including 6,000 tons unknown destinations, 1,700 tons to Canada, 900 tons to Mexico, 600 tons to Libya, and 300 tons to the United Arab Emirates. Net sales of 1,200 tons were reported for 2015/2016 including 700 tons to the United Arab Emirates and 500 tons to Jordan.
U.S. rice exporters shipped 104,400 tons, which was considerably higher than last week and  52% higher than the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations included:  24,700 tons to South Korea, 24,100 tons to Japan, 23,500 tons to Turkey, 7,300 tons to Mexico, and 7,100 tons to Libya.
 In the meantime, The IGB is seeking to buy either U.S., Uruguayan, Argentine, or Indian origin and offers need to be submitted no later than July 15th and must remain valid through July 21st.

EU 2015-16 Rice Imports to Increase 3.5% y/y to 1.18 Million Tons
Jul 09, 2015
The European Union's 2015-16 (September - August) rice imports are forecasted to increase about 3.5% to around 1.18 million tons from an estimated 1.14 million tons, , according to the report "Rice Market", issued by EU Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets on June 25 2015.
While Japonica rice imports are forecasted to decline about 11% y/y to around 80,000 tons, Indica rice imports are forecasted to increase about 5% y/y to around 1.1 million tons.
The EU's 2015-16 rice exports (to third countries) are forecasted to increase about 2% to around 270,000 tons from an estimated 265,000 tons. Exports of Japonica rice varieties are forecasted to increase to 245,000 tons from an estimated 240,000 tons and exports of Indica rice varieties are forecasted to remain stable at 25,000 tons.
The EU's 2015-16 rice production is forecasted to increase to around 1.715 million tons, up about 5% from an estimated 1.637 million tons in 2014-15. Production of Japonica rice varieties is forecasted to increase about 9% to around 1.19 million tons from an estimated 1.089 million tons last year; and production of Indica rice varieties is forecasted to decline about 4% to around 525,000 tons from an estimated 548,000 tons last year.
Total area under rice is forecasted at around 423,000 hectares, up about 2% from an estimated 414,000 hectares last year. While area under Japonica varieties is forecasted to increase about 8% y/y to around 313,000 hectares, area under Indica varieties is forecasted to decline about 10% y/y to around 111,000 hectares.
More than half of European area is located in Italy, with 220,000 hectares (190,000 has sowed with Japonica, the rest with Indica varieties), followed by Spain, (110,220 hectares, half Japonica and half Indica),  Greece (28,690 hectares, of which 20,060 has Japonica and 8,600 Indica), Portugal (27,940 hectares, of which 17,000 hectares are Japonica and 10,940 hectares are Indica), France (12,000 hectares), Romania (11,500 hectares), Bulgaria (9,870 hectares) and Hungary (3,000 hectares). The data about areas and production are estimates by EU member states, apart from Bulgaria (same data as a year prior) and Hungary (estimates by Copa-Cogeca).
Brazil Rice Stocks Decline Slightly to 127,970 Tons in June 2015
Jul 09, 2015
Brazil rice stocks stood at around 127,970 tons in June 2015, slightly down from around 128,120 tons in May 2015 and down about 76% from around 540,961 tons in June 2014, according to the country's national grain supplying agency Conab.
According to Conab, rice stocks with the Selling Option Contract of Agricultural Products (OPCAO) as well as Federal Government Acquisition (AGF) have remained unchanged at last month's level of around 75,732 tons and 52,213 tons respectively. They were down about 77% and 75% respectively from their year ago levels. Rice stocks with farmers (Agricultural Familiar) stood at around 25 tons in June  2015, down 86% from around 175 tons in May 2015 and down about 96% from around 595 tons in June 2014. In June 2015, Brazil’s National Grains Supply Company (Conab) has forecasted the country's 2014-15 paddy rice production at around 12.544 million tons (around 8.53 million tons, basis milled), up about 3.5% from around 12.121 million tons (around 8.24 million tons, basis milled) in 2013-14, and slightly up from its May forecast of around 12.399 million tons

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mat,just click the following link