Wednesday, December 09, 2015

8th December,2015Daily Global,Regional & Local Rice News E-Newsletter-Today Latest Rice News Updates

Rice News Headlines...
ü  PBC cautions against signing FTA with Turkey in haste
ü  KCCI seeks to wipe out obstacles to Pakistani exports  
ü  Paddy procurement: CAG flags irregularities of over Rs 50,000 crore
ü  Firm plans N20bn investment in rice production
ü  SKUAST-K observes ‘Soil Health Day’
ü  Mexico could soon decide on Guyana’s rice
ü  IISc scientist wins The World Academy of Sciences award
ü  Rice, wheat seized in raids
ü  Hassad launches four rice brands
ü  Arcadia Biosciences and BGI to Create Global Non-GM Genetic Resource for Rice
ü  Going from margin to mainstream
ü  Rice genetic library may lead to higher yields worldwide
ü  Ghost rice’ in Vietnam – P2: Harvesting in darkness
ü  Price of rice increases by 10 per cent
ü  Rice Leadership Alum Wins Texas Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest  
ü  CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures  
ü  APEDA Rice Commodity News
ü  Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report

Rice News Detail...

PBC cautions against signing FTA with Turkey in haste

Published: December 8, 2015
It could open Pakistan to Turkish imports without a similar rise in exports. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI: Considering Pakistan’s prior, largely unpleasant, experiences in signing free trade agreements (FTAs), the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has urged the government to carefully negotiate the FTA with Turkey.Findings of a research on the proposed Pakistan-Turkey FTA, published by the PBC, show that Pakistan must not let emotions dictate this agreement.Pakistan and Turkey had recently decided to negotiate the FTA on an urgent basis.
None of the major FTAs or Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with China, Malaysia and Indonesia has led to any significant increase in Pakistan’s exports.
 “On the contrary, given their smart negotiations, these countries have rather managed to significantly increase exports to Pakistan,” the report said. It noted Pakistan’s exports to Turkey have been declining since 2011 and have never been substantial enough to contribute significantly to the overall trade.In Pakistan’s current exports to Turkey, cotton, ethyl alcohol, carpets and rice top the list. The potential for Pakistan’s top exports to Turkey is high at $2.4 billion (excluding petroleum products).

Out of this, the 10 highest potential exports to Turkey have a potential value of $754 million, which includes cotton, rice and polyethylene terephthalate products.Tariff elimination alone may not help to take advantage of this potential, the report noted.“Some of the highest potential export products to Turkey already face low tariffs (0-5%), showing $1.33 billion in potential exports.”“Pakistan’s negotiating team needs to ensure that concerns regarding Turkey’s non-tariff barriers and especially the liberal use of anti-dumping laws by Turkey are clearly addressed in the FTA,” it stressed.

Pakistan’s exports to Turkey were $391 million in 2014 compared to imports worth $193 million. Turkey was the 10th largest instigator of anti-dumping cases in 2014 and had already initiated anti-dumping cases on major Pakistani exports in the past.In addition to this, major Pakistani exports are facing special tariffs in Turkey such as safeguard duties and non-tariff barriers such as the Resource Utilisation Support Fund.The negotiations without keeping in view the interests of the manufacturing sector will lead to nothing but another FTA which opens Pakistan’s domestic markets to Turkish imports without a corresponding increase in exports to Turkey.

PBC is a private sector not-for-profit advocacy platform set up in 2005 by 14 (now 47) of Pakistan’s largest businesses. Its research-based advocacy supports measures which improve Pakistani industry’s regional and global competitiveness.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th,  2015.
KCCI seeks to wipe out obstacles to Pakistani exports
   07/12/2015   |           LOC19:32
16:32 GMT      |           Kuwait News
KUWAIT, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- Member of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Khaled Al-Khaled stressed on Monday the depth of economic and trade relations with Pakistan.Speaking to KUNA following a meeting with Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Muhammad Shafique and his accompanying delegation at the KCCI headquarters, Al-Khaled said the KCCI is willing to exert efforts to remove obstacles impeding Pakistani exports.
On the current drop in Pakistani rice exports to Kuwait, he said the drop is due to visa restrictions, adding that the KCCI had asked the Pakistani delegation to reveal the exact reasons in this regard.Pakistan's rice exports to Kuwait dipped by 50 percent, he added. (end) fnk.ays.amh.mt

Paddy procurement: CAG flags irregularities of over Rs 50,000 crore

By PTI | 8 Dec, 2015, 08.01PM IST

Official auditor CAG has pointed out nine major cases of irregularities, all of which put together add up to Rs 40,564.14 crore.NEW DELHI: Flagging major lapses, CAG today alleged irregularities to the tune of over Rs 50,000 crore in procurement and milling of paddy meant for distribution of rice to poor through ration shops at subsidised rates. Lapses that have been pointed out in the CAG report tabled in Parliament today, include undue benefits to the rice millers and discrepancies in payment of nearly Rs 18,000 crore as support price to paddy farmers without authentication.
"These deficiencies also contributed to avoidable increase in food subsidy expenditure of the government of India," CAG said about its audit conducted for the period between April 2009 and March 2014. CAG listed as many as nine major cases of irregularities, all of which put together add up to Rs 40,564.14 crore. There were also a number of smaller cases amounting to the irregularities of over Rs 10,000 crore -- taking the total amount to well above Rs 50,000 crore. Besides, the official auditor also flagged that it was not clear as to how Chhatishgarh government ensured the minimum quality standards for paddy worth Rs 21,115.13 crore procured during the audit period without necessary checks.
The audit involved scrutiny of records of the central government agency FCI (Food Corporation of India), as also that of state governments and their agencies in Chhattisgarh, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) suggested revisiting the existing procurement and milling plans and suggested the government should transfer minimum support price to accounts of farmers directly. CAG said Rs 3,743 crore worth of benefit was passed on to millers by not including the value of by-products in the price they have to pay for milling paddy, a charge the government refuted saying the rate paid includes value of by-products like rice husks and rice brans.
The government said a Traffic Commission has been asked to study the milling cost and value of by-products and suggest a new rate by December, based on which the government will be deciding on revising the milling charges that have not been revised since 2005. "Delay in revising the milling charges and poor control over custody of paddy/rice resulted in not only undue gains to the rice millers but also widespread and large scale non- delivery of paddy and rice by them," CAG said in the report titled 'Procurement and Milling of Paddy for the Central Pool'. Citing some major audit findings, CAG said: "Despite significant increase in realisation value of by-products, milling charges have not been revised since 2005. "This resulted in excess net realisation of Rs 3,743 crore from sale of by-products by millers in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh during 2009-10 to 2013-14." 
The auditor said the actual figure of excess realisation would be much higher for across the country, it said. In another audit finding, CAG said, "A large number of deficiencies like non-authentication of land holdings of farmers, cases of payments to farmers with doubtful identity, non-obtaining MSP certificates, non-availability of details of farmers (bank account number, name of village etc.) were noticed in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh," CAG said.
"The amount of such MSP payments made was Rs 17,985.49 crore for which there was no assurance that farmers actually did get full MSP for their produce from millers /state government agencies (SGAs)/FCI in these states," it added. Citing instance of large scale non-delivery of rice by millers, CAG said it noticed in the selected districts of Bihar, Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana that 15.89 lakh tonnes paddy and custom milled rice valuing Rs 3,042.87 crore and 23.34 lakh tonnes of levy rice valuing Rs 4,527.91 crore (totalling Rs 7,570.78 crore) was not delivered by millers to FCI/SGAs. In the absence of collateral security from millers, CAG said SGAs/FCI had no recourse to recover the value of non-delivered CMR, it added.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/paddy-procurement-cag-flags-irregularities-of-over-rs-50000-crore/articleshow/50094967.cms

Firm plans N20bn investment in rice production

Posted By: SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKEon: December 08, 2015I
Pearl Universal Impex Limited, PJS, has unveiled plans to invest $100 million (about N19.7 billion) into the nation’s rice production.The company’s Chairman of, Mr Pulkit Jain, who disclosed this in Niger State, said the amount would be committed to the cultivation of 7,500 hectares of rice farm as well as construction of two rice mills in the state in the next three years.He said the project would also create 3,000 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs through its out-grower scheme while also urging the federal and state governments to support rice farmers and millers in order to realise the value chains on the commodity.

According to him, the project was predicated on successful rice yield of 7 metric tonnes per hectare at the trial phase of the project, adding that the company would move to another 2000 hectares of land for cultivation this December. Jain said that with an estimated N356 billion spent on importation of rice annually, Nigeria remained the second largest importer of rice in the world.The rice investor advised the government to sustain the ban on rice importation to enable rice producers and investor add value to the nation’s economy through backward integration into rice milling and farming in the country.While pointing out that the equipment for the next phase of the project had already been shipped and would arrive the country in January, Jain also noted that the company was also training local farmers on the scientific method of cultivating rice
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/firm-plans-n20bn-investment-in-rice-production/

SKUAST-K observes ‘Soil Health Day’

Published at 08/12/2015 00:03:55
 Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar:
 SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir observed ‘Soil Health Day’ on December 5 across all Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Kashmir and Ladakh Divisions.Different functions were held where scientist of the KVKs and farmers of the respective districts participated in full strength.Around 1300 soil health cards were distributed among the farming community by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the University KVKs under the aegis of SKUAST-Kashmir.The soil samples were taken from farmers’ field and tested for analyzing the soil health conditions. Based on those reports of the samples, recommendations were given for improving the soil health aimed for better production and productivity.
Prof. Nazeer Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, participated in one of such functions at KVK Dooru, Anantnag where he distributed Soil Health Cards to the farmers.Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the importance of soil for better production and productivity and emphasized that they need healthy soils to achieve our food security and nutrition goals, to fight climate change and to ensure overall sustainable development.Vice-Chancellor also said that such a delivery from soils in terms of productivity of crops is only possible if they give due consideration on the improvement and maintenance of the health of the soils.He advised the farmers to have a regular monitoring of soils through different KVKs of the University.Prof. Nazeer further advised farmers to adhere to the scientific interventions in their fields and take advantage of the Farm Science Centers established in every district of the State.
He also exhorted upon KVK functionaries to remain alive to the expectation of the farmers and on forefront in ensuring that problems faced by the farmers are ameliorated and advised them to bring scientific attainment of the university to the farmers’ field to enhance their production. He also informed that Soil Testing Laboratories are being set up in every KVK.Similar functions were also held by the Directorate of Extension of the university through KVKs in their respective districts where farmers were distributed Soil Health Card and also sensitized about the importance of the Soil.Earlier on the day, Vice-Chancellor visited Mountain Field Crop Research Station at Khudwani, Kulgam a premier rice research station of the university. He went round of the Campus and experimental plots where he interacted with the scientists concerned and Associate Director Research.He took stock of the research activities of land races including local Kashmiri traditional varieties.
 Associate Director Research Dr. G.A. Parray gave first hand information about the different varieties of rice, rapeseed-Mustard and wheat being grown in the station and the rice varieties which are in pipeline for release together with their characteristics aimed at improving the income generation of the farmers. Prof. Nazeer emphasized for quality seed production of released varieties and its distribution through KVKs to the farmers.Vice-Chancellor was informed that Muskbudgi a traditional rice varieties has been revived from 4 qtls to 5000 qtls which is in the market through private partnership. Vice-Chancellor complimented the scientists for this effort and emphasized them to explore possibilities of expansion of the variety to other areas in the Budgam and Baramullah districts where similar ecology exists. He emphasized the scientists to work for double cropping to meet the requirements and ensure that seeds are distributed through chain of KVKs to the farmers.Vice-Chancellor also took round of the laboratories and individually interacted with the scientists. He also met non-teaching staff of the Station and heard their concerns which were highlighted by them.
http://risingkashmir.com/news/skuastk-observes-soil-health-day/

exico could soon decide on Guyana’s rice -PM

By realadmin / Published on Tuesday, 08 Dec 2015 10:14 AM

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, on Saturday, explained that Mexico could be going this route within the next five weeks.
Updating residents of Region Two, a major rice producing area, Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who initiated the talks with Mexico on buying Guyana’s rice, explained that the recently received a letter from the President of Mexico,reminding him of the conversation, and authorising the Mexican Ambassador to hold conversations with Guyana.

“He told us in five weeks’ time that Mexico would conclude evaluating all the information we gave, about the quality of our rice, and they would decide,” the Prime Minister said. “…and it seems to me that Mexico will be a very great player in purchasing rice, maybe not at the price that Venezuela gave us, but at a price that would keep our farmers going,” he added.Despite the embargo placed by Venezuela on Guyana’s rice, the Prime Minister noted that today, the country is selling rice to 38 countries.

 “So Mr. Maduro, you have not shut the world, you have only shut yourself away from the goodwill of the Guyanese people and farmers,” the PM loudly declared.“We are facing some tough situations, but we are dealing with them,” the PM assured the residents, even as he pointed out that the beginning of the problem in the industry started with a conspiracy against the farmers.“There were people whom we had trusted and felt were our leaders, who knew Venezuela was going to cancel the rice deal, but did not share the information with anyone, not even with you before the elections.  What they went around and told people was that Venezuela would not buy our rice if the coalition was voted in, so they knew about it and they were using it as a threat,” Mr. Nagamootoo pointed out.

The Prime Minister however, assured that despite nay-sayers’ pronouncements, “rice is here to stay. Those who are peddling the notion that farmers are running from the rice crops, you must know that grains are in need all over the world,” he said. The PM reiterated the government’s commitment to further seek out more markets for Guyana’s rice.Despite rice not being the primary responsibility of the government, since the industry is a private one, the government has gone about looking for markets for Guyana’s paddy and rice. The now soon to be replaced Venezuela purchase used to account for 30 percent of Guyana’s rice export market. (GINA)

http://realfmgy.com/2015/12/08/mexico-could-soon-decide-on-guyanas-rice-pm/

IISc scientist wins The World Academy of Sciences award

 

Correspondent, Hindustan Times, Bengaluru

  Updated: Dec 09, 2015 15:08 IST

U Ramamurty, a professor at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has won the $15,000 Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category. (Courtesy/materials.iisc.ernet.in)

U Ramamurty, a professor at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has won the $15,000 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category.“I left the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and came to India because I knew there is potential here. There must be more encouragement and funding. More Indians getting these kinds of awards will make our future generations confident of carrying out research here,” Ramamurty was quoted as saying by the Time of India.
The scientist said there are lots of opportunities for science in India and there needs to be more encouragement for those pursuing excellence. He also stressed on the need to increase research funding in the country.The other Indians who received the award this year are Jagdish Ladha of the International Rice Research Institute, New Delhi, in the agricultural sciences category and Sandip Trivedi of the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Mumbai, in the physics category.
TWAS prizes or the TWAS-Celso Furtado Prize are given out in nine categories of agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering sciences, mathematics, medical sciences, social sciences and physics every year. The prizes are given to those scientists who have been working and living in a developing country for at least 10 years immediately prior to their nomination.The winners will talk about their research at TWAS’s 27th general meeting in 2016 and will also receive a plaque and the prize money of $15,000.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or Unesco looks after the administration and financial operation of TWAS.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/iisc-scientist-wins-third-world-academy-of-sciences-award/story-H9xxgdUm40csEtZRuxyKOK.html

Rice, wheat seized in raids

 Tue,08 Dec 2015
 Summary: A huge quantity of rice and wheat meant to be distributed under Public Distribution System (PDS) was seized following raids at several godowns by city police. The accused persons purchased the rice from ration shops and kirana stores and supplied it to rice mills. The millers then polished the PDS rice and wheat and sold it to wholesalers. Acting on a tip off, the Commissioner’s Task Force (West) raided two godowns at Kishanbagh and Mangalhat area in the old city and seized nearly 120 quintals of rice and wheat. One of the accused, Om Prakash, runs a fair price shop at Mangalhat and directly bought the rice and wheat from the beneficiaries, the official added.
A huge quantity of rice and wheat meant to be distributed under Public Distribution System (PDS) was seized following raids at several godowns by city police. Acting on a tip off, the Commissioner’s Task Force (West) raided two godowns at Kishanbagh and Mangalhat area in the old city and seized nearly 120 quintals of rice and wheat. The accused Syed Feroz (25), Mohd. Imran Khan (22), P. Om Prakash (30), Mohd. Abbu Almas (24) Munawar (40) and Fareed (38) supplied the grains to different towns in Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat at a lower price. The accused persons purchased the rice from ration shops and kirana stores and supplied it to rice mills. The millers then polished the PDS rice and wheat and sold it to wholesalers.

“At every level the middlemen and agents made a profit of Rs.
2 to Rs. 3 per kg and it results in heavy loss to government,” DCP (Task Force) B. Limba Reddy said. One of the accused, Om Prakash, runs a fair price shop at Mangalhat and directly bought the rice and wheat from the beneficiaries, the official added. The police also seized a four-wheeler from the accused persons.. .

Hassad launches four rice brands

December 08, 2015 - 12:00:00 am
Products of Hassad at a shop.

DOHA: Hassad Food, Qatar’s premier investor in the food and agri-business sectors announced yesterday the launch of its four high quality rice brands in the local market and disclosed its latest achievements in the fields of Livestock,  poultry, flowers, dates and olive oil, in addition to the agricultural technology.On the launch of the  rice brands the company noted the Basmati rice variants  meet the diverse requirements of the local consumer, in terms of taste, size and aroma.

Nasser Mohamed Al Hajri, Chairman and Managing Director of Hassad Food said: “In line with our strategy of investing in global markets to secure high quality food resources for the state of Qatar, we are proud to introduce a wide range of the finest Basmati rice variants to the local market, all best suited for the discerning local consumer requirements”.From the fertile plains of India, Hassad Food brings DANAT for its consumers. DANAT is premium quality, extra-long Indian basmati rice, with splendid aroma and subtle texture. Available in different pack sizes ranging from 2, 5, 10 and 20 kg in stores.

NATHRY a high quality long grain basmati rice, rich in aroma and taste. Reaped from the Punjab region of Pakistan, NATHRY is now available in various pack sizes ranging from 3, 5 and 10 Kg in stores.NATHRY MEZZAH another high quality rice brand and is best suited for dishes that require high and sustained cooking. THAMEEN made especially for the hospitality sector, and best suited for a range of cuisines as it extends extra flavor and yield. The company said  the total amount of Australian sheep supplied by Hassad Australia will exceed 330,000 heads of sheep by end of 2015, which represents more than 50 percent of the local market demand from Australian sheep; all supplied according the specifications set by Widam.

Hassad Australia carried out over the past years a ground-breaking program of breeding the Syrian “Awassi” sheep on its Australian farms, to support the ongoing local market demand.
As for the grains production, Hassad Australia planted more than 73,000 hectares of commercial crops in 2015, including Wheat, Barley, Canola and others. The 2015 harvest commenced in October 2015 and will last until January 2016.With a yearly production capacity of 10 thousand tons of rice, Senwan Pakistan has already started exporting high quality rice products to Qatar, in-line with Hassad Food’s strategy of investing in global viable markets to secure food resources for the state of Qatar.

Over the past years, Hassad Qatar achieved great success and managed to become the largest supplier of fodder products in the local market. Currently spanning over 650 hectares, Hassad Qatar’s commercial operations covers four farms; Al Riffa’, Al Sailiya, Irkiyyah and Um Selal, with a production capacity of 8,000 tons. Moreover, there are plans to expand the commercial operations of the four farms in addition to Um Barraka farm in North Qatar, to reach 950 hectares by 2018.
Hassad Qatar products are distributed by Mahaseel through several outlets located in areas close to sheep owners and cattle complexes in Al Shahaniya, Semesma, and Al Wakra, in addition to the sales office at the central market, from which they sell their products with competitive prices to support the development of the local livestock sector.In 2015, Hassad Food acquired a significant minority equity interest in A’Saffa  in Oman and became the major shareholder with 33 percent of the shares. A’Saffa plans to expand its existing poultry yearly production capacity over the next 3 years, from 20,000 tons to 60,000 tons.

The Peninsula
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/business/qatar-business/361347/hassad-launches-four-rice-brands

Arcadia Biosciences and BGI to Create Global Non-GM Genetic Resource for Rice

5,000 Rice Lines With Millions of Unique Genetic Variations Targeted for Public Availability
December 08, 2015 08:25 AM Eastern Standard Time
DAVIS, Calif. & SHENZHEN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:RKDA), an agricultural technology company, and BGI, the world’s largest genomics organization, announced a collaboration to create an extensive rice genetic resource library to advance food crop research and development.“These shared results have the potential to accelerate rice variety development and eventually extend to other key food crops”.


Under the agreement, BGI and Arcadia will combine their resources and capabilities to create, sequence and characterize millions of new gene alleles to advance rice breeding globally. The collaboration will focus on 5,000 proprietary indica-type rice lines, provided by Arcadia, featuring high-density variation within the rice genome. Arcadia has developed non-genetically modified (non-GM) genetic diversity libraries in other major crops such as soybeans, two types of wheat, canola, and vegetable crops.Rice researchers worldwide will be able to tap directly into this new and extensive set of genetic resources to use in the research and development of higher-yielding rice varieties.

All of the varieties are non-GM and can easily be used by rice breeders globally. The project leverages BGI’s world-class genome sequencing capabilities with Arcadia’s proprietary rice genetic assets and high-throughput genetic screening platform.BGI will determine the genomic DNA sequences for all 5,000 lines and make the assembled and analyzed data freely available online. The China National Gene Bank, being established and operated by BGI, will store the seed and distribute the rice lines in exchange for researchers providing public access to findings using these lines.Under the collaboration, Arcadia will have the rights to apply the findings from the collaboration to extend and broaden its ongoing programs that increase the yields and the profitability of rice production globally.

This work will build on Arcadia’s extensive research in rice, including traits that are in late stages of development for nitrogen use efficiency and salinity tolerance.“These shared results have the potential to accelerate rice variety development and eventually extend to other key food crops,” said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia. “We are cost-effectively connecting a major global genetics research base with the breeders who can apply that knowledge practically to support global food security in the face of growing populations, limited land resources and the negative effect of climate change on crop yields.

”“As the staple food for China, as well as for nearly half of the world’s population, rice is one of BGI’s most important research priorities,” said Xin Liu, vice director of BGI-Research. “Large-scale discovery of novel alleles for desirable rice phenotypes is critical to understanding genomic diversity and elucidating gene function for development of elite varieties. We also encourage greater efforts to establish a global, public rice genomic database and advance rice improvement. In the future, we hope to dedicate such efforts to other important crops, like millet, soybean, maize and wheat.”

Rice is the world’s most valuable crop, grown on more than 395 million acres globally with a harvest value of $429.3 billion in 2013. The crop plays a critical role in food security for more than half of the world’s population. Arcadia has partnered with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on multiple projects with rice breeders in Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Uganda to improve local rice yields.

About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
Based in Davis, Calif., with additional facilities in Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Ariz., Arcadia Biosciences (Nasdaq:RKDA) develops agricultural products that create added value for farmers while benefitting the environment and enhancing human health. Arcadia’s agronomic performance traits, including Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Water Use Efficiency, Salinity Tolerance, Heat Tolerance and Herbicide Tolerance, are all aimed at making agricultural production more economically efficient and environmentally sound. Arcadia’s nutrition traits and products are aimed at creating healthier ingredients and whole foods with lower production costs. The company was recently listed in the Global Cleantech 100 and was previously named one of MIT Technology Review's 50 Smartest Companies. For more information, visit www.arcadiabio.com.

About BGI
BGI, founded in 1999 with the vision of using genomics to benefit the human race, is now the world’s largest genomics organization. In 2007, BGI’s headquarters was relocated to Shenzhen as the first citizen-managed, non-profit research institution in China. BGI (which includes both private non-profit research institutes and sequencing application commercial units) and its affiliated offshoots, BGI Americas and BGI Europe, have established partnerships and collaborations with leading academic and government research institutions as well as global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to support a variety of healthcare, agricultural, environmental and related applications. After 15 years of development, BGI has evolved into a very broad scientific and technological organization, giving its academic and business scope global reach. For more information, visit www.genomics.cn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the company's genetic resources in rice. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the company’s and its partners’ and affiliates’ ability to identify and isolate desired traits; the company’s and its partners’ ability to develop commercial products incorporating its traits; the company’s compliance with laws and regulations that impact the company’s business, and changes to such laws and regulations; the company’s future capital requirements and ability to satisfy its capital needs; and the other risks set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and other filings. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Arcadia Biosciences
Jeff Bergau
jeff.bergau@arcadiabio.com
+1-312-217-0419
or
BGI
Bicheng Yang, PhD
yangbicheng@genomics.cn
+86-755-36307212
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151208005591/en/Arcadia-Biosciences-BGI-Create-Global-Non-GM-Genetic

Going from margin to mainstream

12/8/2015 - by David McKee
Editors note: This is the first part of a two-article survey of rice in sub-Saharan Africa. The second article will cover the countries of West and Central Africa.As a cereal crop and staple food, the place of rice has rapidly shifted in many countries of eastern and southern Africa from the margin to the mainstream. Both importation and local production of rice have been on the rise.In rapidly developing Mozambique, high quality rice is now the preferred grain of the burgeoning urban middle class.

 Colorfully packaged Thai varieties occupy entire aisles of shelf space in gleaming new supermarkets of Maputo, Beira and Nampula, while maize meal dominates only in public markets.Foreign firms, sometimes backed by their governments, have acquired vast tracts of farmland for creation of rice plantations. China and Vietnam are reported to each have 100,000-hectare grants in southern Mozambique.Among the geographically and culturally diverse countries from Khartoum to Cape Town, the two top rice producing countries are Madagascar and Tanzania with 2.5 million tonnes and 1.4 million tonnes, respectively.

The top importing country is easily South Africa with 1.1 million tonnes, thanks to its big economy and large numbers of urban consumers. Three other aspiring middle-income countries each buy about 500,000 tonnes per year from outside: Mozambique, Kenya and Angola.In all of sub-Saharan Africa, only economic giant Nigeria tops Madagascar as a producer and South Africa as an importer.A few national and sub-regional snapshots serve to illustrate the enormous variety of the rice industry in this half of sub-Saharan Africa.

Madagascar
Among African countries, rice plays the biggest dietary and economic role in the giant Indian Ocean island where the 23 million people consume about 300 grams daily per capita.
Milled rice production of around 2.6 million tonnes is on a par with Nigeria and accounts for nearly 20% of all rice grown south of the Sahara. Imports of around 300,000 tonnes per year ensure variety and high quality packaged rice to city dwellers while cheaper varieties and grades help keep a lid on prices. Poor farmers grow the crop as much for subsistence as for cash.

Mozambique
In an interview with World Grain, a top manager of a leading Mozambican food importer stated that rice imports have been increasing on a year-to-year basis by 5% to 7%. Maputo accounts for 60% of the country’s total rice imports, he estimated. The rising middle class overwhelmingly prefers rice to maize meal.Large importers bring rice in 25-kg and 50-kg bags in break bulk vessels saving $7 or $8 per tonne over containerized shipments. Vessels sizes are mostly 5,000 to 15,000 tonnes but sometimes 30,000 tonnes.“New players are coming into the trade. Traditional wholesalers have begun their own imports in containers with their own brands,” the industry insider added. “More and more traders are now getting into rice imports.

”He estimates there are more than 50 importers now, but the top five still have a 50% market share.In Maputo, 80% of the imported rice is from Thailand. It is almost all 5% broken, but just 10 to 15 years ago the standard grade was 25% broken, before shifting to 15% broken.In the less prosperous center and north, the standard is still 15% broken. The share of 25% broken is now very small. There is also more Pakistan and Indian origin rice in the Beira and Nacala corridors. Basmati rice is a small but growing share of the market.Local rice is a sweet, long grain. Production is increasing in the rain-fed southern zone where it does well and now accounts for about one third of total consumption that stands at 750,000 tonnes. Some high quality domestic rice is also available in Maputo supermarkets from various rice millers in the south.

Tanzania
“In a good year, Tanzania is self-sufficient in rice production,” said Carter Coleman, CEO of U.K.-based Agrica Ltd, operator of a large commercial rice farm in Tanzania. He maintains that exports to neighboring Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, all members of the EAC as well as to eastern and southern DRC, can exceed volumes of low-cost rice coming in from Asia.Much of the incoming rice is smuggled via Zanzibar.

The Tanzanian island has a special status in the EAC and is allowed to impose only a 12% duty on rice. Four or five companies bring rice legally to the island where it is re-bagged and transported along the coast to small “pirate” or “dhow” ports as the local media calls them. Official data have shown Zanzibar with by far the largest per capita rice consumption in the world.Coleman, who is also vice-chairman of the Rice Council of Tanzania, thinks that the 75% EAC import duty will be needed for some time. The Rice Council has issued a position paper that says East Africa is decades away from competing with Asian exporters of rice on a cost basis.“Farming is rocket science and farming in Africa is like farming on Mars. You must be totally self-sufficient. You need 1.5 times the number of tractors and combines because parts are not readily available.

”Rice production in Tanzania is in four main zones including the Tsonga River Valley in the south and Arusha/Moshi area near Mount Kilimanjaro in the north.Production is a mixture of corporate farms and smallholders. ETG’s Kapunga farm with 3,000 hectares irrigated via a 12-km canal from the Ruaha River near the Malawi border is one of the largest. It was a Japanese government project in the 1970s and was only privatized eight years ago.Coleman remains optimistic about better government control over smuggling thanks in part to the media campaign of the Rice Council supported by its 350,000 smallholder members.

Agrica’s Tanzanian farm has plans to install center pivots to increase irrigated area from 1,445 hectares to 3,037 hectares with cropping during both the rainy and dry seasons.Small farmers have been benefiting from introduction of new varieties and better agronomic practices. In the past, rice was sown by broadcasting. Now more transplanting is being introduced. New varieties include hybrids and aromatic varieties related to basmati.

Other EAC

Elsewhere in the Great Lakes Region, rice has a long history as a cash crop in certain well defined areas with irrigation schemes such as the Ruzizi Plain between Lake Kivu and Lake Tangayika, straddling Burundi and South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as in Uganda on the flood plain below Mount Elgon near the southeastern border with Kenya.Internationally funded projects carried out decades ago built dams and canals and leveled land in these areas and the local population was introduced to rice cultivation.

Indian rice producer Tilde has invested in rice farming and milling in Uganda, focusing on the basmati varieties it is known for.In Rwanda, there has been a recent push to carve rice paddies out of the bottom of narrow river valleys throughout the country, but yields in some rain-fed highland areas can reach six tonnes per hectare.

A multitude of donors have funded projects to introduce improved seed varieties, fertilizers, mechanized farming implements, and better drying and storage facilities. The results are often mixed but progress has been made. In Bukavu, the largest city in South Kivu, the Heineken-owned Bralima brewery sources locally from the Ruzizi Plain nearly all of its rice used as an adjunct. It was still importing rice from Asia several years ago and its need has increased as beer consumption has risen sharply.In remoter parts of DRC, such as the interior of South Kivu province, rice is an important rain-fed, subsistence crop that is hand sown, manually harvested and husked. Yields rarely exceed one tonne per hectare.

Kenya’s rice imports are large because it has negotiated an exemption to the EAC common external tariff that allows Pakistan rice to come in with a 35% duty in reciprocity for special treatment of Kenya’s tea exports to Pakistan.

Southern Africa

In South Africa, imported rice consumption mainly by middle and high-income groups in large cities has more than doubled to 1.1 million tonnes from 523,000 tonnes in 2000. Diversified food majors like Tiger Foods import and package rice under their house brands. Still, the per capita consumption figure is low among the 55-million population as maize meal remains the main staple among most groups.The pattern is similar in other large countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia.Oil rich, highly urbanized and food import dependent Angola has seen foreign rice consumption increase by a factor of seven in a span of 10 years from 65,000 tonnes to 450,000 tonnes.

Horn of Africa
Imported rice and pasta are traditional food staples accompanying a semi-nomadic herding and trading way of life in Somalia as well as ethnically Somali Djibouti and the eastern Somali Region of Ethiopia. Smuggling is rampant so reliable import numbers are hard to come by. In Djibouti, trade data showing 120,000 tonnes of imports indicates consumption of over 120 grams per capita daily.Rice production is a relatively new phenomenon in Ethiopia, where cereals cultivation is an ancient practice, but is starting to take hold. Planted area has increased by several times since 2005 and government is forecasting a 140,000 tonne crop for 2014-15.

Foreign investors have been granted large tracts of untilled land in the water-rich tribal lowlands of the southwest to be converted to major rice plantations through costly investments in land preparation.On the highland plain around Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, in the last decade farmers have increasingly learned to take advantage of annual flooding during the summer monsoon season by sowing rice instead of seeing traditional grain crops drowned.
Gradually, local rice is becoming a part of the urban diet in Addis Ababa and regional centers, just as it is increasing its “share of stomach” in almost all large cities of Africa.

Rice genetic library may lead to higher yields worldwide

12/8/2015 - by Jeff Gelski

The collaboration will focus on 5,000 proprietary indica-type rice lines provided by Arcadia Biosciences.

DAVIS, CALIF., and SHENZHEN, CHINA — Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. and BGI will collaborate to create a rice genetic resource library that rice researchers worldwide will be able to use in developing higher-yielding rice varieties.The collaboration will create, sequence and characterize millions of new gene alleles. It will focus on 5,000 proprietary indica-type rice lines provided by Arcadia Biosciences, an agricultural technology company based in Davis.

All of the varieties are non-bioengineered/non-G.M.O.BGI, a genomics organization based in Shenzhen, will determine the genomic DNA sequences for all 5,000 lines and make the data freely available on-line. The China National Gene Bank, being established and operated by BGI, will store the seed and distribute the rice lines in exchange for researchers providing public access to findings using the lines.“As the staple food for China, as well as for nearly half of the world’s population, rice is one of BGI’s most important research priorities,” said Xin Liu, vice director of BGI — Research. “Large scale discovery of novel alleles for desirable rice phenotypes is critical to understanding genomic diversity and elucidating gene function for development of elite varieties.”Arcadia Biosciences will have the rights to apply the findings from the collaboration to extend and broaden its programs that increase the yields and profitability of rice production globally.

“These shared results have the potential to accelerate rice variety development and eventually extend to other key food crops,” said Eric Rey, president and chief executive officer of Arcadia. “We are cost-effectively connecting a major global genetics research base with the breeders who can apply that knowledge practically to support global food security in the face of growing populations, limited land resources and the negative effect of climate change on crop yields.”
Arcadia Biosciences has developed non-bioengineered genetic diversity libraries in other crops such as soybeans, two types of wheat, canola and vegetable crops.
http://www.bakingbusiness.com/articles/news_home/Business/2015/12/Rice_genetic_library_may_lead.
Ghost rice’ in Vietnam – P2: Harvesting in darkness
TUOI TRE NEWS
UPDATED : 12/08/2015 19:01 GMT + 7

To harvest ‘ghost rice,’ which is a species of wild rice, farmers have to leave for the paddy fields at midnight.
Many farmers often joke that it is the time to go out and catch ‘ghosts.’Harvesting ‘ghost rice’ finishes before sunrise – the moment ripe grains automatically fall from the stems onto the ground.‘Ghost rice’ plants blossom once a year, with grains becoming ripe around ten days after blossom.This often occurs from October to November when floodwaters begin receding.

A night trip to harvest ‘ghost rice’
Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper journalists followed Tran Van Luong, a 57-year-old farmer in Phu Duc Commune in Tam Nong District of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, on a boat to harvest ‘ghost rice’ at 3:00 am.It happened in total darkness.Farmers could not pluck grains directly from the stems of ‘ghost rice’ plants as done with normal rice species because the grains fall from the stems after only a very light impact.The way of harvesting ‘ghost rice’ is special and has remained unchanged in the region for decades.Farmers install a 1m-tall blind at the center and along the length of a boat.

At the prow, they plant two high poles vertically, each holding a rod via a long string.A farmer sitting at the back of the boat controls the other ends of the rods so that the two lie on both sides of the boat and parallel to the water surface.A farmer sitting at the front prow rows the boat between bushes of ‘ghost rice’ and the one behind controls the two rods to pull the ‘ghost rice’ stems into the blind.On touching the blind, the ripe grains fall down into the boat.In the 1970s and 1980s, a period ravaged by high floods, residents in Tam Nong would survive thanks to the wild rice species.A boat could reap up to 30kg of ‘ghost rice’ a day.After being harvested, the grains are soaked under water for three days so that the tail of the grain falls off in preparation for husking.

Research by Japanese experts

Dozens of Japanese researchers have visited Vietnam to collect samples of ‘ghost rice’ since 2006, with two of the researchers awarded doctorates based on their theses on the grain.
The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology have cooperated with the Mekong Delta Rice Institute in Vietnam for research into ‘ghost rice.’Japan has no ‘ghost rice,’ and their scientists have been very enthusiastic about studying the wild rice, said Professor and Doctor Nguyen Thi Lang from the Mekong Delta Rice Institute.

Some research groups have visited Vietnam two or three times a year for their study.“In an email, Japanese researchers showed me that the DNA of the ‘ghost rice’ in Vietnam is quite different from other species of ‘ghost rice’ in the world,” Prof. Lang said.“And they are very happy about this discovery.”The study of the genes of Vietnamese ‘ghost rice’ is to prepare for future climate change since the rice variety can adapt well to the natural environment, the academic explained.

Image:The boat to harvest ‘ghost rice’ has a 1m-tall blind at the center, high poles, and two rods on both sides to pull ‘ghost rice’ stems into the blind.Tuoi Tre
http://tuoitrenews.vn/features/32037/ghost-rice-in-vietnam-p2-harvesting-in-darkness

Price of rice increases by 10 per cent

By: Esoko Ghana Tuesday, 08 December 2015 11:06
Published in Business News
Price of imported rice has increased by 10 per cent. Currently, a 5kg bag of rice is being sold for GH¢28.As at the last week of November, the price of the same quantity of (imported-Uncle Sam) rice was sold at GH¢25.The increase places rice as the highest gainer in commodities in the country at the beginning of December 2015.According to Esoko Ghana, the increase is expected because of the yuletide.The Content Manager of Esoko Ghana, Mr Francis Danso Adjei, noted that “in the case of rice, the price is determined by the volumes that go into the market. The increase means that the quantity going to the market is quite low and that people have started buying rice, so demand outweighs the supply in the market.

”The increase in the prices of rice was followed by maize which made a two per cent gain to close the week at GH¢4.00 per olonka.Yam (Pona) also followed with a percentage gain to close the week at GH¢3.60. Soya bean dropped by seven per cent to close the week at GH¢5.90 per olonka.However, according to Esoko Ghana, the firm monitoring the markets, cassava (fresh tubers) and groundnut dropped by two per cent each to close the week at GH¢4.50 and GH¢12.70 per “3-4 tubers” and “olonka” respectively.Other commodity prices remained the same.On the various markets, the price for an “olonka” of maize gained by 20 per cent in Bawku to close the week at GH¢3.00. It also gained a percentage point in Techiman to close the week at GH¢3.00 and dropped by two per cent in Kumasi to close the week at GH¢5.00.

Tamale
In Tamale, it gained a percentage point to close the week at GH¢4.00, while in the other markets the price remained the same.A “medium size tomato tin” full of fresh tomatoes lost 13 per cent in Accra to close the week at GH¢18.00, with Techiman losing 13 per cent to close at GH¢10.10 and Dambai also dropping 19 per cent to close at GH¢7.20.

Kumasi
The commodity, however, made some gains in Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi.
In Kumasi, it gained five per cent to close at GH¢9.50 and in Tamale by 22 per cent to close the week at GH¢6.60.

Takoradi
Takoradi had 20 per cent to close the week at GH¢21.60. In the other markets, prices remained the same.
Meanwhile, Esoko Ghana wished farmers and fishermen in the country “Ayekoo” for  “feeding the nation.”
NB: Retail Prices are provided in standard measures (Kgs or Litres) as local measures tend to change for each market.                                                     
* Accra market is Agbogbloshie
* Kumasi is the Central market.                                                               
Bawku, Dambai and Tamale use Koko


Source: Business


Rice Leadership Alum Wins Texas Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest  
Timothy Gertson gets hands on in Thailand

ARLIINGTON, TX -- Timothy and Lindy Gertson were named the winners of the 2015 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher competition at TFB's Annual Meeting last weekend.  The Gertsons grow rice, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat in Wharton County.
Timothy is a fifth generation rice farmer and has worked for years to improve the land he leases, repairing dilapidated irrigation wells and canals, and using technology to conserve water wherever possible.  He is a graduate of the 2012-14 Rice Leadership Development Program and last month traveled to Thailand with the 2015 International Rice Leadership Class to get an overview of the Thai rice market.
 Chuck Wilson, executive director of The Rice Foundation and manager of the Rice Leadership Development Program, said, "I am so proud of Timothy for winning this award and getting this recognition but, I have to say, I'm not surprised.  Timothy has always shown great leadership and innovation which is a big reason he was selected for the Rice Leadership Development Program."As winners of the Young Farmer & Rancher contest, the Gertsons will represent Texas at the national competition in January.

Contact:  Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444
                                                                                                                         USA Rice Daily
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for December 8
Month
Price
Net Change

January 2016
$10.970
+ $0.095
March 2016
$11.235
+ $0.095
May 2016
$11.525
+ $0.090
July 2016
$11.785
+ $0.095
September 2016
$11.7100
+ $0.080 
November 2016
$11.725
+ $0.080
January 2017
$11.725
 + $0.080

APEDA Rice Commodity News
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 08-12-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Apricots
1
Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)
4875
2
Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)
4375
3
Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)
3625
Honey
1
Argentine 85mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
2860
2
Argentine 50mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
2970
3
Argentine 34mm, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3080
Peanuts
1
South Africa, HPS 70/80 peanuts CFR main European ports (USD/t)
1875
2
Argentinean 38/42 runners, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1200
3
Argentinean 40/50 runners, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1170
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 08-12-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Jowar(Sorgham)
1
Gulbarga (Karnataka)
Hybrid
1450
1750
2
Pune (Maharashtra)
Other
3200
3800
3
Palanpur (Gujarat)
Other 
3105
3905
Maize
1
Haveri (Karnataka)
Local
1290
1400
2
Dhing (Assam)
Other
1325
1400
3
Dahod (Gujarat)
Yellow
1525
1555
Mousambi
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
4000
4200
2
Batala (Punjab)
Other
2400
2800
3
Mechua (West  Bengal)
Other
2900
3400
Brinjal
1
Palayam (Kerala)
Other
2500
2800
2
Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Other
1200
1500
3
Jatni (Orissa)
Other
1600
1800
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 08-12-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Pune
412
2
Chittoor
383
3
Hyderabad
374
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 07-12-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Onions Dry
Package: 40 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Peru
Yellow
24
26
2
Chicago
Nevada
Yellow
22
25
3
Dallas
California
Yellow
22.50
22.50
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
Honduras
Long Seedless
14
14
2
Dallas
California
Long Seedless
15.50
16.50
3
Miami
Canada
Long Seedless
10.50
11
Apples
Package: cartons tray pack
1
Atlanta
Virginia
Red Delicious  
27
28
2
Dallas
Washington 
Red Delicious  
24
24
3
Philadelphia
Washington
Red Delicious  
18
20
Source:USDA
Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report
Rice
High
Low
Long Grain Cash Bids
- - -
- - -
Long Grain New Crop
- - -
- - -


Futures:
High
Low
Last
Change
Jan '16
1102.5
1076.0
1097.0
+9.5
Mar '16
1129.0
1103.0
1123.5
+9.5
May '16
1152.5
+9.0
Jul '16
1170.0
1170.0
1178.5
+9.5
Sep '16
1171.0
+8.0
Nov '16
1172.5
+8.0
Jan '17
1172.5
+8.0

Rice Comment


Rice futures attempted to stabilize today after the recent downturn. The domestic cash market is quiet and export demand is slow as well, which is typically the case around the holidays. There is little support seen for January above the $10.50 level, while March is testing the $11 level.
http://www.arfb.com/ag-markets-statistics/report/
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Tuesday, December 08, 2015

8th December 2015 Daily ORYZA Rice News shared by Riceplus Magazine

India and Pakistan Resolve Basmati GI Tag Issue; Indian Basmati Rice May Soon Get Legal Protection

Dec 07, 2015

The Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), which is dealing with India's basmati Geographical Indications(GI) tag application, is likely to issue a final notification in a week or so, according to Financial Express.
A GI tag distinguishes a product with its geographic origin and, under a multilateral framework, prevents traders from attributing its name and traits for products from other geographies.
India's GI tag application has been facing several legal issues since it was first initiated in 2009 by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The APEDA applied with the GI Registry seeking exclusive (commercial) use of the basmati tag for rice grown within the boundaries of Indo-Gangetic plain (including the Punjab, Haryana, (western) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir).
Pakistan has been opposing India's application for GI tag as a part of Indo-Gangetic plain (Punjab province) falls within its territory. It is understood that the IPAB had recently concluded hearing the pleas of all the stakeholders — farmers, breeders, exporters and representatives - from Pakistan. Both the countries have reportedly agreed to share the commercial benefits of basmati. According to official sources, Pakistan has agreed to accept India's application on the condition that when it applies for a GI tag, it would be able to claim ownership on the rice grown in its Punjab province.
The process of granting a GI tag to basmati had been delayed due to internal issues as well. India's central state Madhya Pradesh sought for its inclusion in the GI tag application. When the Agriculture and Commerce Ministries as well as the APEDA opposed Madhya Pradesh's plea, the state filed an application with the IPAB.

Brazil Rice Stocks Decline About 3% m/m to 118,250 Tons in November 2015

Dec 07, 2015
Brazil rice stocks stood at around 118,250 tons in November 2015, down about 3% from around 121,038 tons in October 2015 and down about 71% from around 411,947 tons in November 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) stood at around 68,658 tons, down about 1.5% from around 69,683 tons in October 2015 and down about 72% from around 244,253 tons in November 2014.
Rice stocks with the Federal Government Acquisition (AGF) stood at around 49,586 tons, down about 3% from around 51,349 tons in October 2015 and down about 70% from around 166,604 tons in November 2014.
Rice stocks with farmers (Agricultural Familiar) stood at around 6 tons in November 2015, unchanged from October 2015 and down about 99% from around 1,090 tons in November 2014.

Oryza CBOT Rough Rice Futures Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Continue to Fall as Lack of Demand Sends Prices into Tailspin

Dec 08, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for Jan delivery settled 30.5 cents per cwt (about $7 per ton) lower at $10.875 per cwt (about $240 per ton). The other grains finished the day sharply lower; Soybeans closed about 2.6% lower at $8.8225 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.4% lower at $4.8275 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 2.2% lower at $3.7300 per bushel.
U.S. stocks declined Monday as oil fell to trade near lows for the year. U.S. stock index futures turned lower in pre-market trade as the globally traded Brent crude fell more than $1 to below $42 a barrel, a more than six-and-a-half-year low. The decline came after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries failed on Friday to agree on a production curb to stem sliding prices and a stronger dollar made holding crude positions more expensive. U.S. stocks surged Friday to close slightly higher for the week on increased certainty of divergent monetary policy, with a strong jobs report supporting a Fed hike in December and a continued dovish tone from the European Central Bank.
The ECB's decision on monetary policy Thursday fell short of market expectations for greater stimulus and sent the euro above $1.09 for its biggest one-day gain against the dollar since March 2009. European equities pared gains but closed higher Monday after European Central Bank Mario Draghi's dovish remarks and the solid U.S. jobs report. The French CAC ended up nearly 0.9%, while the German DAX closed about 1.25% higher. In early afternoon trade, the Dow Jones industrial average declined 155 points, or 0.87%, to 17,682. The S&P 500 traded down 20 points, or 0.96%, to 2,071, with energy leading seven sectors lower and telecommunications leading advancers. The Nasdaq composite fell 47 points, or 0.93%, to 5,094. Gold is seen trading about 0.9% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 5.3% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.3% higher at about  1:00pm Chicago time.
Friday, there were 807 contracts traded, down from 2,129 contracts traded on Thursday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Friday increased by 143 contracts to 14,104.

Conab Estimates Brazil 2015-16 Paddy Rice Production to Decline About 6% y/y on Low Acreage, Yields

Dec 07, 2015

Brazil’s National Grains Supply Company (Conab) has forecasted the country's 2015-16 paddy rice production at around 11.733 million tons (around 8.1 million tons, basis milled), down about 6% from an estimated 12.449 million tons (around 8.6 million tons, basis milled) in 2014-15 due to a likely reduction in acreage and yields.
Conab has estimated Brazil's 2015-16 paddy rice acreage at around 2.289 million hectares, slightly down from around 2.295 million hectares in 2013-14.
Most of the decline in 2015-16 acreage is expected in the key rice growing Centro-Sul region. Rice acreage in the Centro-Sul region is estimated at around 1.55 million hectares, down from around 1.557 million hectares in 2014-15. On the other hand, paddy rice acreage in the North/North east regions is projected at around 738,700 hectares, slightly up from around 738,200 hectares in 2014-15.
Average rice yield in Brazil in 2015-16 is projected at around 5.35 tons per hectare, down from around 5.42 tons per hectare recorded in the previous year.
USDA estimates Brazil MY 2015-16 (April – March) paddy rice production at around 11.765 million tons (around 8 million tons, basis milled), down about 6% from an estimated 12.5 million tons (around 8.5 million tons, basis milled) in MY 2014-15. It estimates Brazil’s 2015-16 paddy rice acreage to increase slightly to around 2.3 million hectares from last year's 2.295 million hectares. USDA estimates Brazil to export around one million tons of rice and import around 450,000 tons of rice in 2015.

Vietnam, Pakistan Rice Sellers Alter Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asian Rice Quotes Remain Unchanged

Dec 07, 2015

Vietnam rice sellers lowered their quotes for 15% broken rice and increased their quotes for jasmine rice varieties each by about $5 per ton to around $360 - $370 and $440 - $450 per ton respectively today. Pakistan rice sellers increased their quotes for 5% broken and 100% broken rice varieties each by about $5 per ton to around $325 - $335 per ton and $285 - $295 per ton respectively. Thailand rice sellers are out today on account of public holiday. Other Asian rice sellers have kept their quotes unchanged from yesterday.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $350 - $360 per ton about $20 per ton discount on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $370 - $380 per ton. India 5% rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $325 - $335 per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is indicated at around $335 - $345 per ton, about $20 per ton discount on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $355- $365 per ton. India 25% rice is indicated at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $25 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $295 - $305 per ton.
Parboiled Rice            
Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton. India parboiled rice is indicated at around $340 - $350 per ton, about $65 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.               
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is indicated at around $325 - $335 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $330 - $340 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $280 - $290 per ton, about 5% discount to Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $285 - $295 per ton.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Cash Prices Continue to Fall ahead of USA Rice Outlook Conference

Dec 08, 2015

The U.S. cash market saw bids and offers from resellers dip lower today even as farmers with unsold paddy remain on the continuing to wait on the sidelines for prices to improve.
Analysts note that as next year’s planting season approaches many farmers may be forced to sell their crop below their cost of production unless prices recover.
As market participants gather this week in New Orleans for the annual U.S.A. Rice Outlook Conference analysts expect that many attendees will be disillusioned with the direction prices are heading.
Global Rice Quotes
December 8th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade          360-370           ↔
Vietnam 5% broken    370-380           ↔
India 5% broken         345-355           ↔
Pakistan 5% broken    320-330           ↔
Myanmar 5% broken   405-415           ↔
Cambodia 5% broken             415-425           ↔
U.S. 4% broken           485-495           ↔
Uruguay 5% broken    515-525           ↔
Argentina 5% broken 530-540           ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 335-345           ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 355-365           ↔
Pakistan 25% broken 295-305           ↔
Cambodia 25% broken           400-410           ↔
India 25% broken       320-330           ↔
U.S. 15% broken         515-525           ↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            345-355           ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    405-415           ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd         340-350           ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken       590-610           ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken    545-555           ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%          695-705           ↓
Vietnam Jasmine         440-450           ↔
India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails             830-840           ↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super      325-335           ↔
Vietnam 100% broken            330-340           ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd    285-295           ↔
Cambodia A1 Super   355-365           ↔
India 100% broken stxd         280-290           ↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔
U.S. pet food 330-340           ↔
Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔

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

Indonesia Rice Stocks Stand at 1.5 Million Tons, Says Bulog Official

Dec 07, 2015
Indonesia’s rice stocks currently stand at around 1.5 million tons , including supplies from imports, Bloomberg quoted the Bulog’s Procurement Director.
The official also noted that Indonesia received around 330,000 tons of rice from Vietnam.
The country needs to maintain about 2 million tons of rice at the end of the year.
Indonesia aims to import around 1.5 million tons of rice this year to deal with falling production due to El Nino-induced dry weather conditions.

USDA Post Forecasts Sluggish Thai Rice Exports Until First Quarter of 2016

Dec 07, 2015
USDA Post forecasts lesser Thai rice exports until the first quarter of 2015 despite an improvement in exports in October 2015. Thailand exported around 1.2 million tons of rice in October (compared to an average of 730,000 tons in January-September period). The Post expects Thai rice exports to fall to an average of 600,000 - 700,000 tons in November and December.
The increase in October exports is attributed to lower export prices compared to Vietnam. Strong demand from Indonesia and the Philippines drove the Vietnam rice prices high. Vietnam prices are expected to increase further due to tight supplies. However, Post says this won't help Thai rice exports due to the government's suspension of sales of food-grade stocks during the harvest season. The Thai government announced that the new tenders for food-grade rice stocks will resume after the first quarter of 2016.
The Post reports that rotten rice sales would increase in 2016 if the first rotten rice auction on December 1, 2015 proves to be a success. The government will monitor whether the buyers would sell it as food or feed. The government has a total of 2 million tons of rotten rice and about 4 million tons of non-food grade rice.USDA Post expects MY 2015-16 paddy production at around 24.85 million tons, down about 15% from an estimated 29.4 million tons in MY 2014-15. Output from off-season crop is expected to fall by 48% due to heavy water shortages.

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