Saturday, May 21, 2016

21st may 2016 daily global regional and local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine



APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1477

International Benchmark Price
Price on: 18-05-2016
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Rice
1
India 5% broken
385
2
India parboiled 5% broken stxd
375
3
India 100% broken stxd
305
Wheat
1
CZCE Wheat Futures (USD/t)
385
2
GFO, HRW, DAT Ontario (USD/t)
157
3
NYSE Liffe Milling Wheat Futures (USD/t)
186
White Sugar
1
CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t)
833
2
Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t)
691
3
Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t)
583
Source: oryza, agra-net
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 17-05-2016
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Rice
1
Manjeri (Kerala)
Other
2700
3700
2
Kheda (Gujarat)
Other
1800
3350
3
Sainthia (West Bengal)
Common
1840
1865
Wheat
1
Bangalore (Karnataka)
Local
2500
3100
2
Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Other
1500
1716
3
Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh)
Other
1526
1900
Pine Apple
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2500
2700
2
Ropar (Punjab)
Other
1500
2000
3
Sohra (Meghalaya)
Other
2000
3000
Cauliflower
1
Kondotty (Kerala)
Other
3000
3200
2
Sahaspur (Orissa)
Other
900
1000
3
Jalore (Rajasthan)
Other
700
900
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 19-05-2016
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Chittoor
463
2
Hyderabad
430
3
Namakkal
420
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 16-05-2016
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Potatoes
Package: 50 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Colorado
Russet
17
18.50
2
Chicago
Idaho
Russet
15
17
2
Detroit
Wisconsin
Russet
18
18.50
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
Canada
Long Seedless
13.50
15
2
Detroit
Mexico
Long Seedless
19
20
3
Miami
Mexico
Long Seedless
10
11
Apples
Package: cartons tray pack
1
Atlanta
Virginia
Red Delicious
25.50
26
2
Chicago
Michigan
Red Delicious
18.50
18.50
3
Detroit
Michigan
Red Delicious
20
21
Source:USDA











Millers ready to supply quality rice

TNN | May 21, 2016, 03.24 AM IST
Hyderabad: Rice millers on Friday informed the civil supplies minister P Sunita that they are ready to supply good quality rice at a rate of Rs 35 per kg.


The association met the minister in view of high value added service on rice supply. Minister assured them that she will take up the price issues with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.


They informed that minister if the state government can curb the export of rice to other states, the prices can come down further. Red gram millers told the ministers that they are supplying the pulses at a rate of Rs 120 per kg. If needed, they can increase their supply as well.








05/20/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report



Soybeans

High
Low
Cash Bids
1071
1006
New Crop
1067
1024


Riceland Foods


Cash Bids
Stuttgart: - - -
Pendleton: - - -
New Crop
Stuttgart: - - -
Pendleton: - - -


Futures:

SOYBEANS


High
Low
Last
Change





Jul '16
1087.50
1063.25
1074.25
+2.75
Aug '16
1088.00
1064.50
1073.50
+0.50
Sep '16
1074.75
1052.25
1060.25
-1.75
Nov '16
1064.25
1041.75
1049.50
-4.00
Jan '17
1060.25
1040.00
1047.50
-3.75
Mar '17
1038.00
1021.75
1027.50
-4.50
May '17
1030.25
1017.50
1022.75
-4.25
Jul '17
1028.75
1016.50
1021.50
-4.25
Aug '17


1008.75
-4.00

Soybean Comment

Soybeans closed lower today as the market continues to have difficulty maintaining gains. After starting the week out strong and retesting recent highs on Wednesday, soybeans closed down 5-cents from last week today. Soybeans have surprised everyone over the couple of months rallying off of lows near $8.70 on the first of March to highs last week following the USDA report of $10.79. Farmer have been given the opportunity to book soybeans at $11 or more in some cases, however, this rally is based on smaller crop forecast and record U.S. soybean use. Demand has a long ways to go to reach the levels in next years forecast, and there remains a large supply of soybeans in the world. This market remains ripe for a correction and potential remains for prices to move sharply lower.


Wheat

High
Low
Cash Bids
478
434
New Crop
479
454


Futures:

WHEAT


High
Low
Last
Change





Jul '16
474.50
464.25
467.75
-1.00
Sep '16
485.00
475.25
478.75
-0.75
Dec '16
503.00
493.00
496.50
-1.00
Mar '17
519.75
510.00
513.50
-0.75
May '17
527.75
520.25
522.50
-0.25
Jul '17
531.25
525.00
527.25
+0.75
Sep '17


534.00
+2.00
Dec '17
545.00
543.00
544.25
+1.50
Mar '18


553.00
+1.50

Wheat Comment

Wheat prices closed mixed today after a volatile week. Last week wheat rallied off of contract lows and tried to continue the rally early in the week; however prices lost momentum late and closed down 7-cents from last week. Wheat remains pressured by bearish fundamentals and stronger dollar.


Grain Sorghum

High
Low
Cash Bids
355
350
New Crop
327
272



Corn

High
Low
Cash Bids
435
368
New Crop
442
389


Futures:

CORN


High
Low
Last
Change





Jul '16
396.75
389.00
394.50
+4.50
Sep '16
398.75
391.50
396.75
+4.25
Dec '16
403.00
395.75
399.75
+2.50
Mar '17
411.00
404.00
406.50
+1.50
May '17
415.00
407.75
410.25
+1.00
Jul '17
418.00
411.00
413.75
+0.50
Sep '17
410.75
404.75
406.75
-0.25
Dec '17
412.25
405.25
408.00
-0.25
Mar '18


416.00
0.00

Corn Comment

Corn prices closed mostly higher today after a volatile week. For the week new crop corn ended up a penny; however prices traded in a 15-cent range this week from a high of $4.06 down to a low of $3.91. Corn continues to have difficulty maintaining gains above resistance at $4. While demand remains solid, especially the export demand, corn supplies are forecast to be ample in 2016/17, which remains the major limiting factor for this market.


Cotton
Futures:

COTTON


High
Low
Last
Change





Jul '16
62.07
61.07
61.67
+0.6
Oct '16
62.23
62.13
62.11
+0.36
Dec '16
61.59
60.83
61.33
+0.47

Cotton Comment

Cotton futures were higher across the board. This week's export report showed improvement. USDA says export sales were 201,100 running bales for 15-16 shipment. That brought export commitments to a total of 8.492 million bales for the marketing year, which is still 21% below the year ago total. China continues to auction 30,000 tons a day to local mills. So far, they are liquidating higher-quality cotton, but the market is looking for indications they are running out of their best reserves and will begin to auction lower quality cotton, some of which is years old. Planting progress is well ahead of last year's pace, and bit ahead of the 5 year average as well. December will have resistance at the recent high of 63.69 cents, while support is at 60.10 cents.


Rice

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


Futures:

ROUGH RICE


High
Low
Last
Change





Jul '16
1182.0
1171.0
1177.0
-7.5
Sep '16
1199.0
1190.0
1195.0
-7.5
Nov '16
1216.5
1211.0
1213.0
-5.5
Jan '17
1230.0
1230.0
1230.5
-5.5
Mar '17


1248.0
-5.5
May '17


1267.5
-5.5
Jul '17


1267.5
-5.5

Rice Comment

Rice futures gapped lower as the downturn continued.. Arkansas farmers have now planted 96% of intended acres. The question remains, though, will they stop there? The five year average for this date is 80%, so if conditions remain favorable, the crop might get bigger. This large crop could limit the upside potential of the market, however, dry conditions in other rice growing regions of the world could provide support. July continues to trend higher, but Wednesday's high of $12.14 1/2 will be the first level of resistance. Above that, the upside objective is the 62% retracement level of $12.46.


Cattle
Futures:

Live Cattle:

LIVE CATTLE


High
Low
Last
Change





Jun '16
121.475
120.400
121.050
-0.500
Aug '16
118.175
116.725
117.450
-0.875
Oct '16
117.850
116.500
117.100
-0.725
Dec '16
117.950
116.700
117.375
-0.400
Feb '17
116.900
115.900
116.600
-0.075
Apr '17
115.625
114.750
115.400
+0.050
Jun '17
108.800
108.100
108.525
+0.175
Aug '17
106.500
106.000
106.450
+0.550

Feeders:

FEEDER CATTLE


High
Low
Last
Change





May '16
148.950
147.750
148.625
+0.350
Aug '16
148.800
146.825
147.925
-0.175
Sep '16
146.800
144.900
146.025
-0.125
Oct '16
144.725
142.925
144.075
-0.100
Nov '16
141.000
139.550
140.700
+0.100
Jan '17
136.125
134.850
135.950
+0.075
Mar '17
133.375
132.900
132.975
-0.150
Apr '17


133.050
-0.150

Cattle Comment

Cattle prices closed lower today ahead of the Cattle on Feed report which was released after the market closed. The report was bearish for prices, as placements jumped 7% from a year ago levels, which compares to an average pre report estimate of a 0.8% decline. Additionally, marketings were less than expected up just 1%, which was below expectations of 2.4%.


Hogs
Futures:

LEAN HOGS


High
Low
Last
Change





Jun '16
80.350
79.700
79.850
-0.575
Jul '16
80.950
80.125
80.250
-0.825
Aug '16
80.300
79.575
79.750
-0.675
Oct '16
68.900
68.200
68.425
-0.525
Dec '16
64.100
63.300
63.825
-0.375
Feb '17
67.125
66.525
66.975
-0.200
Apr '17
70.075
69.650
69.900
-0.375
May '17


74.125
-0.375
Jun '17
78.000
77.275
78.000
+0.350

Hog Comment




State exempts market fee on rice

Government on Friday issued orders exempting market fee on rice being sold by rice millers to dealers with the State and also on cotton seed.However, it has increased the market fee on paddy and cotton from the existing 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent to compensate the loss to marketing department, at least to some extent.
The decisions were taken based on the report submitted by a committee appointed by the Agricultural Marketing Department to examine the issue of exempting market fee on rice. The report stated that market fee estimated on rice during 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 was Rs.37.43 crore, Rs.56.4 crore and Rs.37.57 crore based on production and the collection was around 25 per cent to 30 per cent of the target.


Scientists from IIRR-ICAR & CSIR-CCMB wins prestigious award in product development in bio-technology



Hyderabad | Friday, May 20 2016 IST


Biotech Product and Process Development and Commercialisation Award for 2016 has been awarded to a joint team from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) for the development and commercialisation of Improved Samba Masuri, a bacterial blight resistant rice variety.
The award has been instituted by the Union Department of Biotechnology to recognise outstanding contributions of scientists and innovators in the field of product development in biotechnology.
Samba Masuri (also called BPT5204) is a popular rice variety that was originally developed by Hyderbad-based the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (in erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh) and is cultivated in several million hectares of farmers' fields in India.
However, Samba Masuri is susceptible to the serious Bacterial Blight disease which can cause yield losses ranging from 10-50 per cent.
Effective bactericides are not available for controlling bacterial blight.
The joint team of scientists from CSIR-city-based CCMB and ICAR-IIRR addressed this problem using a tool of biotechnology called marker assisted selection.
The newly developed variety, called Improved Samba Mahuri is resistant to bacterial blight and retains the fine quality and yield characteristics of Samba Masuri.
Since its release, Improved Samba Masuri has been cultivated in 90,000 hectares of farmers' fields in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka.
Improved Samba Masuri is becoming increasingly popular with farmers in bacterial blight affected areas of India in which Samba Masuri is cultivated. Improved Samba Masuri is not a transgenic plant.The award was conferred to the team by the President Pranab Mukherjee at New Delhi on the occasion of National Technology Day recently, said Indian Institute of Rice Research ) IIRR said in a release here today UNI KNR CNR ADB1348
-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-742802.Xml



USA Rice Team Receives Innovation Award for Online Member Service
By Linda Sieh

WASHINGTON, DC -- A USA Rice staff team that recently completed improvements to usarice.com has received the "Fast Track Excellence WOW! Award" from Protech Associates, one of the first and largest providers of association management software.  The award recognizes customers who achieve significant results within the first year of a Protech Business Solutions implementation.  USA Rice recently launched Protech's MX Online, named for its purpose of enhancing Member eXperiences on an association's website.

USA Rice members are now able to log in to usarice.com to see and update their individual contact information, view their assignments to USA Rice boards, committees, and task forces, and see who else serves with them.  They can upload photos for use in member directories and register for meetings using the new online system.  Primary contacts for member companies can also update their company's profile, including information about people associated with their company, and products the company offers.

The WOW! Award was announced during Protech's annual FUSION conference here last week, during which USA Rice's new searchable online Supplier Directory was featured at a session highlighting innovative uses of MX.  The new directory contains information on member rice types, rice co-products, and associated services.  Website visitors can enter search criteria and then contact USA Rice member companies for more information.

"The supplier directory is actually one of the most accessed pieces of information on our website, and is a key member benefit," said Katie Maher, USA Rice director of domestic promotion.  "This upgrade greatly enhances this valuable member benefit and in the end will make it easier for customers searching for suppliers of U.S.-grown rice and rice products."



Check out the new member supplier directory here.
USA Rice Daily
Combating Unfair Trade Practices:  Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions


WASHINGTON, DC -- California rice farmer and chairman of USA Rice's Asian Trade Policy subcommittee Michael Rue once famously told regulators he feels like he's not just competing with rice farmers in other countries, but rather with rice farmers and their entire governments.  Unfair trade practices litter the global trade landscape.  So what is a U.S. rice farmer to do?

One option available to the U.S. rice industry is to file a petition for an antidumping (AD) and/or countervailing duty (CVD) investigation conducted by the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in an effort to ameliorate unfair trade practices by foreign countries.

Dumping occurs when a foreign producer or exporter sells a product in the United States at a price that is less than "normal value," which is the price it is sold for in its own domestic market, or the cost of production.  A countervailable subsidy involves government assistance to an industry to benefit the production or exportation of goods.

During this week's World Market Price meeting, representatives from the Department of Commerce presented a procedural overview on how to initiate antidumping and counterveiling duty investigations if the industry decides to pursue this course of action.  An industry can choose to file joint AD and CVD petitions, or can file one or the other based on the circumstances affecting the industry.

There are a few crucial elements that comprise AD and CVD petitions: a detailed definition of the foreign product in question, a definition of the product manufactured in the U.S. that is most similar to the foreign product, a dumping and/or subsidy allegation, and proof of material injury.

After examining the evidence presented in the petition, ITC and Commerce independently determine the degree to which an industry has suffered injury in the form of declining domestic prices, declining net sales and market share, declining profitability, etc. and will then issue an order based on their findings.

If injury is found, an additional U.S. import duty is applied to the product which represents the value of the foreign subsidy or dumping level.

"We've been saying for a long time that we don't believe all of our trading partners are living up to their WTO commitments, so as we look at possible remedies, it was good to hear about these options available to our industry," said Keith Glover, CEO of Producers Rice Mill and chairman of the World Market Price Subcommittee.  "It's worth noting, however, that AD/CVD cases are not a sure thing, they are costly, and they could force a retaliation from a government that you name.  It's a lot to think about."

As evidenced by last year's ITC study, "Rice: Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Industry," foreign government intervention in rice imports and exports has significantly impacted trade and price trends in the world rice market.  With a larger than normal projected crop harvest for 2016, it is imperative that the global playing field is leveled and all trading partners are playing by the same set of rules to ensure U.S. rice farmers are allowed fair market access.










THE REAL CO HONORS CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH

GLUTEN-FREE REAL FOOD FROM THE EARTH
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, UNITED STATES, May 20, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- May is Celiac Awareness Month, when we honor the struggle of the over 3 million Americans who carry around this diagnosis with them by trying as a nation to o, and The Real Co offers gluten-free White Basmati Rice, Himalayan Pink Rock Salt and Organic Raw Cane Sugar. The Real Co
Is committed to keeping the natural, organic and fresh pure taste in their 100% Single Origin
gluten free foods, and as always, every farm is listed on every bag. Especially vital for all sufferers of Celiac Disease, a genetic autoimmune disease which damages the small intestine and impacts over 30 million Americans, and all people with gluten sensitivity, The Real Co honors the millions of gluten-free enthusiasts with all of their foods, providing full transparency in every bite and offering the foundation for thousands of recipes that help create a gluten-free lifestyle.


The Real Co is celebrating their natural gluten-free roots, with the only 100% Single Origin foods in the U.S. All through May, The Real Co is encouraging individuals to ramp up their support of the environment, by purchasing and eating natural, sustainable foods every day. The Real Co is offering some earth-friendly Gluten-free recipes, highlighting their 100% Single Origin products, including: Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, Organic Raw Cane Sugar, and organically grown White Basmati Rice.

From the very beginning The Real Co has been honoring the trust put into them by their customers with a fully transparent agenda—to provide the best tasting product directly from the original sources with the highest integrity. The Real Co promises its customers a clear understanding of the source of their food, the methods used for farming, and how it’s packaged and delivered. Honesty and trust are values they take very seriously and are extremely proud to achieve!

Just in time to welcome May, which is Celiac Awareness Month, The Real Co is offering a fun, easy-to-prepare, veggie-themed recipe that serves up a healthy kick. Every grain of salt, sugar and rice can be traced to its source, which is shared on every package of food that bears The Real Co name. Every food item has the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and is sourced from one single farm, mine or rice paddy. The Real Co products are also Vegan, Gluten Free, Organic and Kosher!


The Real Co Inc foods include:

§ Debuting Now - Stevia: the first 100% natural non-processed, no additives, zero calorie sweetener from Paraguay; Long grain white and brown rice from Argentina; Tri-color & sprouted Quinoa from Peru and Sea Salt from India.

§ The Real Co Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, handcrafted, at the Himalayan Mountains. This salt is 100% pure; 100% Single Origin; non-GMO; has 84 active minerals in every grain; is unrefined and mountain washed in Himalayan mountain water. The salt is available in a 20-ounce tub container for a suggested retail price of $6.99 or in a saltshaker container for a suggested retail price of $9.49.


§ The Real Co Organic Raw Cane Sugar, directly from Assukar Farms in the Tayutic Valley in Costa Rica is 100% natural and organic; 100% Single Origin; raw and alive with natural vitamins and minerals; instantly dissolves in hot or cold liquids and is non-GMO. The sugar is available in 2 sizes: 8-ounce at a suggested retail price of $3.69 and 16-ounce at a suggested retail price of $4.49


§ The Real Co White Basmati Rice, directly from Gujrat Punjab from Farid Co-op Farm, is 100% natural and 100% Single Origin; low-GI and pre biotic; non-GMO and is gluten free. The rice is available in 2 sizes: 16-ounce at a suggested retail price of $3.99 and 32-ounce at a suggested retail price of $6.49.


UNFI, one of the largest distributors of natural foods in the U.S., is distributing the foods across the nation to supermarkets, specialty retailers and independent operators such as Kings, ShopRite Westerly, and Balducci Fairway Market. Consumers may also purchase products online on
www.amazon.com or www.healthygoodness.com. Visit The Real Co website at http://TheReal.co

The Real Co Gluten Free Spring Rice Bowl with Guacamole

Ingredients:
2 cups of The Real Co White Basmati Rice

1 cup of fresh cauliflower
1 cup of fresh broccoli

1 bunch of fresh asparagus

1 ripe avocado

1 small tomato, diced

2 cloves of Garlic

Juice of one half lemon

Handful of fresh Cilantro

½ cup of fresh spinach or arugula, chopped

The Real Co Pink Himalayan Salt to taste

Optional Add Ins: chopped chicken; beans; any vegetable!

How To Prepare:
 
Cook The Real Co White Basmati Rice according to directions.While the rice is cooking, cook the cauliflower, broccoli, and asparagus in your oven at 375 degrees, from 15 minutes or until caramelized.

Meanwhile, mix your avocado and tomato, with The Real Co Pink Himalayan Salt, to taste. Add in chopped garlic and juice of one-half lemon to this fresh guacamole.
When cooked, combine all ingredients in a big bowl minus the guacamole. Then, toss in your fresh chopped greens and finally place your guacamole in one scoop centered on the entire dish.


About The Real Co:
The Real Food Co was founded in 2013 in Valley Cottage, New York with a direct farm-to-market approach for the organic food industry. The new 100% Single Origin Foods concept supports farms at their source, cuts out the middleman, and delivers directly to the U.S. market, cutting costs of products compared to other manufacturers.

The Real Co offers transparency to the consumer, and is developing the first
Certification of 100% Single Origin Foods in the U.S. The Real Co pays fair wages and reinvests in both the land and the community that grows our products. The Real Co is available nationwide in numerous stores in every state, also at The Market in California, Natural Grocers (national), ShopRite, Fairway Market, Westerly Natural Market, Kings, Balducci, and Healthy Goodness. Also online at
www.vitacost.com<http://www.vitacost.com. For more information and for a full list state by state is available at www.TheReal.co
Diane Lilli
Bender Group
973 744 0707
email us here
http://agriculture.einnews.com/pr_news/327114442/the-real-co-honors-celiac-awareness-month?n=2&code=VuZLay2YinrVF2-0


As Zuma, VIPs sing struggle songs, Fort Hare students swipe their food

Thanduxolo Jika | 20 May, 2016 16:31
President Jacob Zuma. File photo.
Image by: KEVIN SUTHERLAND / SUNDAY TIMES

As President Jacob Zuma and other dignitaries were singing struggle songs inside in celebration of Fort Hare University's 100th anniversary‚ students stole their food and vandalised the marquees outside.



On the menu was grilled kingklip‚ lamb curry served with sambals‚ roast chicken‚ samp‚ beans‚ basmati rice‚ bean curry and other delicious treats.
             Fort Hare students thwarted from storming celebration venue
“I am stressed‚” said a Fort Hare staff member who didn’t want to be named. “I don't know what these people are going to eat.
             Police seal off Fort Hare campus ahead of centenary celebrations
“The students looted the food and took all the pots. So it wasn't just the marquees that were being vandalised. The police came too late.”
The students also destroyed a services provider's property worth R6-million. “I have lost so much money on this thing‚” the person said.
Public order police had to stop angry students from entering the university’s main hall.
But a police spokesperson said they had not been informed of any. He did not disclose how many public order police officers had been dispatched to the university.
– TMG Digital/The Sunday Times
YOU ARE AT:Home»Thailand»Third round rice auction successful


Third round rice auction successful

BY EDITORON 2016-05-20THAILAND
Third round rice auction successful
BANGKOK: — The Commerce Ministry’s 1.1 million tons rice auction ended with success as were bought up by private buyers, generating almost 10 billion baht into national coffers.
Duangporn Rodphayathi, the director-general of the ministry’s Department of Foreign Trade said the rice auction, the third round for this year, saw 48 bidders forwarding bids for the entire quota of 1,190,000 tons of rice estimated to be almost 10 billion baht in value. She stated that following this, the Rice Policy and Management Committee will handle the actual processing and approvals to distribute the rice stocks.
With regards to the signing of sales agreements for rice stocks under the G-2-G agreements with the Chinese government, the contract will be divided into two parts.The first agreed amount of 1 million ton is at present in the process of being delivered while the remaining 1 million tons, it is expected that negotiations will be concluded and the contract will be signed by June of this year when a delegation of Chinese officials arrives in Thailand, she said.
Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/164051



Drought continues to batter many Thai provinces


By editor on 2016-05-20 Thailand
Drought continues to batter many provinces
BANGKOK, 20 May 2016 (NNT) – The drought situation still seriously affects many provinces. An academic institution in Nakhon Si Thammarat has announced a temporary closure due to a lack of water.
Bueng Boraphet, a 130,000-Rai pond, in Nakhon Sawan has been severely damaged by drought. Less than 3,000 Rai of the pond have water left and the deepest part of the pond has less than 10 million cubic meters of water. The water level of the pond will likely decrease continuously.
Nakhon Sawan has estimated that If there is no more water in June, the pond’s ecological system will be damaged. In Angthong, farmers in Pho Thong district is preparing to cultivate rice since the rain fell over the past two days. Chief of the provincial irrigation department Preecha Panwa said water in the province could be used for consumption and environmental preservation only during this period. The department’s chief therefore urged farmers to postpone their rice cultivation.In Surin, drought-affected 136 villagers in Chom Phra district are in dire need of help.In Nakhon Si Thammarat, water trucks from many organizations have transported water from the province’s regional waterworks department for the local people. The Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College announced that it will be closed from 23-27 May 2016
http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/drought-continues-to-batter-many-thai-provinces/142595/


2016 rice planting surges in May

“Last year, we were really struggling,” said Ginn, Lawrence County staff chair. The northeastern Arkansas county is one of the top three rice-producing counties in the state. Halfway through May, growers in his county — and throughout much of Arkansas — were waiting out one rain spell after another, hoping for enough dry weather in between to get rice in the ground.

By Ryan McGeeney
UofA Division of Ag

Posted May. 19, 2016 at 12:43 PM 

ARKANSAS —
Along with most of the state’s Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agents working in the rice-heavy counties of Arkansas, Herb Ginn won’t forget the 2015 planting season any time soon.
“Last year, we were really struggling,” said Ginn, Lawrence County staff chair. The northeastern Arkansas county is one of the top three rice-producing counties in the state. Halfway through May, growers in his county — and throughout much of Arkansas — were waiting out one rain spell after another, hoping for enough dry weather in between to get rice in the ground.
But in 2016, the weather has been so favorable for so many rice growers that planting progress has leapt ahead of the five-year average established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for mid-May, and several counties are now expecting more acreage to be dedicated to rice than growers originally declared in the early spring.
“Last year, we had around 89,000 acres of rice, and I think this year we’ll be over 100,000,” Ginn said. “We’ll be up more than 10 percent is my guesstimate. I am seeing a lot of rice.”
Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that in years when rice planting is significantly delayed, many rice growers begin turning planned rice acreage over to soybeans as May gives way to June. But because so much of the state’s planned rice acreage was planted so early (the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated 96 percent complete as of May 15), some growers have actually purchased more rice and planted additional acres, he said.
Hardke said that based on activity he had witnessed throughout the state over the past four weeks, he was recalculating the state’s rice acreage from about 1.6 million acres to as many as 1.7 million acres.
“If we hit 1.7 million acres, it would be the second-largest highest rice acreage we’ve ever had in the state, the first being in 2010 with 1.785 million,” Hardke said. “The mid-season weather has to cooperate of course, but in the grand scheme of things, the majority of acreage being planted this early would suggest that the table is set for a very positive yield year. Our production could be very high this year.”
The planting season has been favorable for other Arkansas commodity staples as well, including corn, cotton and soybeans, the progress of which are all far ahead of the USDA-recorded five-year averages.To learn more about Arkansas commodities, contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent or visit www.uaex.edu.