Monday, June 08, 2015

8th June (Monday) ,2015 Daily Global RiceE-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Unsold Paddy in Market Yards Faces Rain Threat
By Express News Service
Published: 08th June 2015 07:55 AM
Last Updated: 08th June 2015 07:55 AM
Description: http://media.newindianexpress.com/Unsold-Paddy.jpg/2015/06/08/article2855108.ece/alternates/w620/Unsold%20Paddy.jpgBARGARH: Farmers of the district are spending sleepless nights with their unsold paddy bags lying in the open at procurement centres even as the monsoon is fast approaching.Even as paddy procurement was started on May 8, it has been moving at a snail’s pace. Thousands of bags of paddy have been lying unsold in different market yards.The district had set a target to procure 2,35,626 tonnes of rice from custom milling of paddy. Against 100 kg of paddy, the rice millers have to supply 68 kg of rice under the custom milling norms. While the State Civil Supplies Corporation was supposed to procure 2,01,209 tonnes of rice, Markfed was to procure 19,417 tonnes, Nafed 10,000 tonnes and NACOPE 5000 tonnes.
However, official report reveals that 1,54,582 bags of paddy are yet to be sold through 77 market yards and procurement centres. While 1,22,000 bags have not been procured under Attabira Regulated Market Committee (RMC), the figure stood at 18,582 bags under Bargarh RMC and 14,000 bags under Padampur RMC in the district. Sources said till June 4, a total of 30,90,848 quintals of paddy had been procured.With the weatherman predicting arrival of monsoon in the State by second week of this month, farmers are worried that rains may damage their produce lying in market yards. They have asked the District Supplies Officer to lift paddy from market yards before onset of monsoon.On Friday, farmers of village Salepali in Bheden block sat on fast unto death outside the office of Collector Anjan Kumar Manik demanding procurement of their paddy.
The agitation was withdrawn after Additional District Magistrate Pradeep Gardia and Food and Civil Supplies Officer Ramakanta Ransingh held discussion with the farmers and assured them of starting paddy procurement from Monday.While 45,000 bags of paddy in the village are yet to be procured, Radha Mohan Pradhan of the village said he is waiting for his 300 bags of paddy to be procured.Ransingh said the paddy stock will be sold within a week.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Unsold-Paddy-in-Market-Yards-Faces-Rain-Threat/2015/06/08/article2855109.ece
Audit report uncovers fraud on rice import duty by firms
By Emeka Anuforo, Abuja on June 8, 2015
Description: Biz-Rice-Market-KKA crowded marketA National Assembly(NASS) committee saddled with the task of investigating the alleged evasion of payment of import duty on imported rice by some companies and other investors has turned in its reports.The committee, uncovered massive fraud and the evasion of payment on rice import duty by firms. The report, which is said to have been forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari, detailed how the majority of importers of rice allegedly imported in excess of the quota allocated to them in 2014 and thus ‘flooded’ the markets with polished rice that was capable of pulling down local industries.

The report entitled Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rice Import Quota and Duty Payments recalled how the Federal Government originally introduced the new rice policy to encourage investments in local production by the 2016.The House noted that under the policy, investors that had milling capacity with verified domestic rice production, plans (DRPD) enjoyed an import duty of 10% and 20% levy, while pure rice traders pay an import duty of 10% and 60%. To ensure full and proper implementation of the policy and enforce compliance, an Inter-Ministerial Committee of government issued guidelines and approved quotas for investors.

It noted that the new rice policy did not in any way encourage the importation of brown rice, because the process of getting it to the finished stage was costly, to the extent that before that stage, the importer of brown rice would have lost 10-12% and could therefore not compete with those companies importing finished products.The report obtained by The Guardian at the weekend, stressed that contrary to the provisions of the Customs Act, imported goods left the ports without the payment of duties and levies. Ideally, no import left the ports without the payment of duties and levies.It therefore called on the Federal Government to review the New Rice Policy, noting how the policy in its present form places emphasis on the importation of polished rice than growing rice locally.

This, the report noted, has negative effects on the local industry.The committee directed the Nigeria Customs Service to recover outstanding monies and seal up the warehouses and other businesses of defaulting firms until the last kobo is paid to the government in line with the Customs Act. It urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist in prompt recovery of all outstanding monies owed the Federal Government by these companies.The Report signed by Chairman/Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor and Clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Funso Babalola, called for the immediate cancellation of the entire quota allocation system and the suspension of the new 2015 quota allocation issued in the winding down days of the last administration.

It added: “The Nigeria Custom Service should henceforth implement the pure rice traders’ policy alone. Tara Agro Industries and Ebony Agro Industries are sister companies run by the same management. Their liabilities should be consolidated in line with their quota allocations.“A lot of companies could not be investigated due to time lapse. The 8th Assembly should make further investigation on these companies with a view to recovering every kobo owed the Federal Government.“Henceforth the Nigerian Customs Service should insist only on verifiable bank guarantees from reputable banks and stop forthwith acceptance of any corporate guarantee from companies.”Immediate past Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina had early this year alerted the nation that some companies given quota to import rice had exceeded their quota and owed the government money and had not paid. He had computed the amount owed the country at that time as thirty six billion NairaAdesina clarified that the allocation was meant to protect both investors and rice paddy millers. Adesina urged Customs to enforce the tariff system, noting that companies that imported in excess of their allocation should be made to pay any excess on their allocated quota.

The report noted: “A thorough perusal of memoranda and other documents submitted to the Committee as well as presentations made at the Public Hearing on the alleged abuses, fraud and evasion of import duty by some companies and other investors reveal that the policy was not adhered to. Many rice importers took advantage of the policy and dumped so much rice in the Nigerian market. This excess has a direct effect on the local rice production.“It has become almost impossible for the local rice millers to sell their products. There is the urgent need to review the rice quota or its outright ban due to its negative effect on local rice production, job loss, loss of foreign exchange and the abuse of the policy by unscrupulous importers due to the low levy that has been reduced from 100% to 20%.

“Qualifications for allocation were not subjected to the spot verifications of claims, particularly demonstration of verifiable production/supplies of local paddy refined.”The committee also noted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, as well as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment did not synergize with regard to information on the quota allocation and its implementation.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/06/audit-report-uncovers-fraud-on-rice-import-duty-by-firms/

Newsbrief

June 08, 2015
Swedish investors invited to invest in energy sector: Minister 
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has invited Swedish investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure projects. He was addressing a ceremony at the residence of Swedish Ambassador in Islamabad on National Day celebrations of Sweden. Pervaiz Rashid said both the countries have cooperated and extended support to each other at various international fora on issues of mutual interest. He said we look forward to continue this cooperation in future as well. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting has rejected the rumours of abolishing subsidy on wheat for Gilgit-Baltistan. In a statement on Sunday, he said these rumours are totally baseless.The Minister said these rumours are being spread to get votes in GB elections.He said Rs6.5 billion have been fixed as subsidy on wheat for Gilgit Baltistan in the budget.

Int’l companies keen to set up oil refinery in KP

ISLAMABAD (Online): A number of international companies have expressed their willingness to set up oil refinery in Southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the official sources, the government is also planning to utilise the available deposits of gas for power generation. The electricity generated through gas will be given to the industries on low rates to boost industrialisation. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already decided to establish an autonomous body to executive oil and gas projects. The autonomous body will achieve oil and gas exploration targets under 2034 plan.

Govt asked to bail out crumbling rice sector

ISLAMABAD (INP): President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Sunday said government needs to bail out sinking rice sector otherwise country may lose export market to neighbouring country. Pakistan exports over $2 billion of rice, the second largest exports after textiles, but it is losing export markets since last two years landing over one thousand rice mills into serious problems, he said. This he said while talking to President Pakistan Rice Mills Association Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch.

He said that Pakistan is fourth largest exporter of rice and millions of jobs are linked to that critical sector which merits full attention of the policy makers.At the occasion, Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch said that situation is turning against Pakistan and in favour of India which has introduced its own brand lacking aroma but increased in length. Indian rice is cheaper due to hidden subsidies which has resulting in lost Iranian and Middle Eastern markets, he informed.  He said that some 3000 rice mills are facing problems while those 1000 are on the brink that have failed to sell rice in last two years. He said that mills facing closure are located in Jhang, Chiniot and Layyah while 3.5 lakh bags are lying in only one district since two years. These mills are unable to pay loans resulting in increased interest. 

 Baloch said that price of super colonel banaspati was Rs 3600 per bag in 2013-14 while dropped to Rs 1300 in 2014-15 and it is projected to touch Rs 700 per bag soon. Many farmers have refused to sow rice in the next season due to the crisis which has put future of industry and agriculture at stake, he added.  At the occasion, Mian Zahid Hussain lauded the steps taken for rice sector in the budget but termed them insufficient. He said that government agencies should buy rice from millers to export them, their mark-up should be waived and it should be declared sick industry otherwise this important sector would crumble.

FPCCI team to leave for China to attend business conference 

karachi (Online): FPCCI President Mian Adrees, Vice President Fehmida Jamali, other senior officials of FPCCI and exhibitors will leave for China in coming week to attend the 10th China SA Business Conference, a press statement said here on Sunday. The 10th China - South Asia Business Forum, jointly sponsored by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, SCCI and People’s Govt of Yunnan Province, will be held during Jun 10-13, 2015 in Kunming ,China. Fehmida Jamali shared the details that this year the Forum will focus on the theme of “Promote the construction of Silk Road Economic Belt; accelerate the pace of business cooperation” and the topics include tourism and service, new energy industry, as well as cooperation among women entrepreneurs.

However FPCCI has completed preparation for Pakistan’s participation to attend the said event including Kunming fair and its first time allocation of stalls through open balloting to the exhibitors; she added. As China-South Asia Business Forum (the Forum) is the first forum mechanism established for regional economic cooperation between Chinese and SAARC industrial and commercial circles in the context of ever-increasing mutual trust in politic affairs and continuous economic cooperation between China and South Asian countries.
Cement export registers 26.13pc fall
Lahore (Staff Reporter): Cement exports have registered a sharp fall of 26.13 percent to 0.56 million tons in May as Iranian cheap cement is eating Pakistan’s market share in Afghanistan. APCMA data showed that exports dropped 10.82 percent to 6.64 million tons in July-May period of the outgoing 2014/15 fiscal year. Cement makers exported 7.44 million tons in July-May 2013/14. Industry expressed concern over the continuous decline in exports to Afghanistan. Pakistan exported 0.75 million tons of cement in the same month a year ago.

“Iranian cement is fast making inroads into our neighbouring country,” said a spokesperson of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).APCMA appealed the government to support local manufacturers in winning back the Afghanistan market by withdrawing duties, which will enable them to compete with highly subsidised Iranian cement.Exports from South registered an increase of 4.5 percent in July-May. These exports go through the sea. However, exports from North decreased 18.30 percent due to Iranian cement factor as exports from the North usually go to Afghanistan.
http://nation.com.pk/business/08-Jun-2015/newsbrief
DNAnexus Powers Research and Analysis of Rice Genomes to Help Feed World’s Population

DNAnexus Inc.
Posted on: 05 Jun 15
DNAnexus Inc. announced today that its groundbreaking cloud-based genome informatics and data management platform is powering the 3000 Rice Genomes Project (3K RGP). The project is a partnership between the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and BGI in China and their numerous collaborators globally who are attempting to solve one critical question: how can we continue to feed the growing human population?
Rice is a diet staple for half the world’s population. It is estimated that production of this grain must increase by at least 25% by 2030 to keep pace with population growth. Researchers are using genomics to identify critical genetic differences between strains of rice for nutrition climate tolerance and disease resistance – differences that can be utilized in the paddy field in upcoming years to breed rice varieties that can support global demands.The 3K RGP has analyzed 3000 rice genomes generating more than 100 TB of data that was processed on 37000 CPU cores concurrently.
 Using DNAnexus the team completed the mapping and variant calling more than 200 times faster and without incurring additional costs in purchasing and maintaining compute infrastructure. 3K RGP investigators are located across the globe in 10 countries and they are able to access results and collaborate in real time without the costs of shipping these datasets on physical storage. The result has been hundreds of new genetic markers each a potential pathway to improving outcomes for rice production. The genes linked to valuable traits can help breed new rice varieties that have improved yield higher nutritional value or greater tolerance to pests diseases and drought.
According to Robert S. Zeigler Director General of IRRI “Humans have been improving rice over thousands of years. Using this new knowledge of the rice genome public interest research organizations can further improve rice yields the nutritional content of rice as well as the rice plant’s resistance to the negative effects of climate change pests and disease.”“The 3K Rice Genomes Project is a powerful example of how DNAnexus is being used to accelerate scientific discovery in a project whose sheer volume and scope is unprecedented in the agricultural community” said Richard Daly CEO of DNAnexus. “We are thrilled to support this work on our platform particularly given the wider social benefits of success.”
About DNAnexus
DNAnexus combines expertise in cloud computing and bioinformatics to create a global network for genomic medicine. DNAnexus provides security scalability and collaboration for enterprises and organizations that are pursuing genomic-based approaches to health in order to accelerate medical discovery. DNAnexus is supporting customers around the world that are tackling some of the most challenging and exciting opportunities in human health. For more information please visit: https://dnanexus.com and follow us at @DNAnexus.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150605005073/en/
Last updated on: 05/06/2015

UNISAME TERMS IT A MEDIOCRE BUDGET COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER HAD FM EXAMINED ALL OUR DEMANDS

 Jun 7, 2015 |  Thaver
The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME ) thanked the federal finance minister (FM) Ishaq Dar for accepting the demands of the Union partially for reducing import duties, relief for rice industry, encouraging alternate energy, modernization of farms, reduction of tax on low income and enhancing savings limit on Bahbood savings for senior citizens. The increase in minimum wages and pensions is also welcomed.The decision to set up Exim bank is also a very positive step. The support to the constuction/housing sector was also proposed by us.President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver whilst appreciating the acceptance of demands of the sector urged him to reconsider the imposition of further sales tax on mobile phones as it will lead to smuggling.
Secondly the levies on branded dairy products will make them expensive for the common man. This will discourage branding and quality products development.Thirdly the union is perturbed to learn of the increase in withholding tax on profit on deposits as it will discourage savings.UNISAME expected the FM to announce a package for the MSME sector to facilitate them and support the promotion and development by concrete measures for the MSMEs.UNISAME had demanded the strengthening of SMEDA to enable it to reach the micro and small entrepreneurs and modernize them.Thaver said we are hopeful the FM will look into the possibilities and consider our genuine demands of setting up an institute, chamber and an export house for SMES. The sector also deserves an SME specific bank and the union is confident that the FM would re vitalize the existing SME Bank.
Unisame

Looking for clearance: TDAP agrees to take up rice export issue

Published: June 7, 2015
A REAP delegation suggested to TDAP that it should send its proposal to the commerce ministry asking the TCP to issue a certificate that would allow the export. PHOTO: FILE
Description: A REAP delegation suggested  to TDAP that it should send its proposal to the commerce ministry asking the TCP to issue a certificate that would allow the export. PHOTO: FILEKARACHI: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Director General Lahore Sher Afgun Khan has agreed to take up the matter of exporting 6,000 tons of rice to Sri Lanka with the Ministry of Commerce.
A Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) delegation suggested  to TDAP that it should send its proposal to the commerce ministry, asking the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to issue a certificate that would grant the export, a REAP release said on Saturday.The director general agreed with this proposal and assured that he would take up the matter on an urgent basis, it added. REAP Chairman Rafique Suleman, Senior Vice Chairman Mian Mohsin Aziz, along with members of managing committee of REAP, met TDAP DG Lahore on Friday to discuss the disbandment of Quality Review Committee (QRC) of rice.
On disbandment of QRC, the DG Lahore highlighted the procedure and said a golden handshake will be offered by the TDAP office for the disbandment of QRC.He further added that all employees will be granted the golden handshake as per agreed formula of one salary per annum multiplied by years of service and three salaries in addition.It was decided in the meeting that controller, deputy controller and chief accountant of QRC will remain till the finalisation of audit by Mushtaq and Company. It was further resolved the three QRC employees will be granted golden handshake as per procedure.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/899162/looking-for-clearance-tdap-agrees-to-take-up-rice-export-issue/

GOVT ASKED TO BAIL OUT CRUMBLING RICE SECTOR

Monday, June 08, 2015 - Islamabad—President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincialminister Mian Zahid Hussain on Sunday said the government needs to bail out sinking rice sector otherwise country may lose export market to neighbouring country. Pakistan exports over two billion dollars of rice, the second largest exports after textiles, but it is losing export markets since last two years landing over one thousand rice mills into serious problems, he said. This he said while talking to President Pakistan Rice Mills Association Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch. He said that Pakistan is fourth largest exporter of rice and millions of jobs are linked to that critical sector which merits full attention of the policy makers. 
At the occasion, Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch said that situation is turning against Pakistan and in favour of India which has introduced its own brand lacking aroma but increased in length. Indian rice is cheaper due to hidden subsidies which has resulting in lost Iranian and Middle Eastern markets, he informed. He said that some 3000 rice mills are facing problems while those 1000 are on the brink that have failed to sell rice in last two years. He said that mills facing closure are located in Jhang, Chiniot and layya while 3.5 lakh bags are lying in only one districtsince two years.
These mills are unable to pay loans resulting in increased interest. Baloch said that price of super colonel banaspati was Rs 3600 per bag in 2013-14 while dropped to Rs 1300 in 2014-15 and it is projected to touch Rs 700 per bag soon. Many farmers have refused to sow rice in the next season due to the crisis which has put future of industry and agriculture at stake, he added. At the occasion, Mian Zahid Hussain lauded the steps taken for rice sector in the budget but termed them insufficient. Hesaid that government agencies should buy rice from millers to export them, their mark-up should be waived and it should be declared sick industry otherwise this important sector would crumble.—NNI
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=265880

FPCCI hails budget

June 06, 2015
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has appreciated budget proposals 2015-16 presented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Friday. Talking to Business Recorder, Mian Idress President FPCCI said most of our proposals have been considered and accordingly incorporated in the next fiscal year budget. "Although the government has enhanced sales tax from 3 to 5 percent for five leading exporting sector, we appreciate the initiatives taken for the economy particularly exports. We believe that the textile package amounting to Rs 64 billion will support the textile industry and exports," he said. President FPCCI said that for the last one year, business community and exporters were urging for payment of refund claims and the finance minister in his budget speech has committed to releasing the entire pending refund amount in August and September this year.
This will provide financial support to exporters, he added. The steps taken for the revival of economy are also encouraging. Energy crisis persisting in the country for the last five years, has largely been addressed in the budget and as per FPCCI demand, the government has announced some relaxations for import of power plants. This will help overcome the ongoing energy crisis, he said. "Regarding import of power plants, we have suggested to the government not to link import of power plants with the dollar or price and accordingly, the government has announced linking its import with megawatt. Definitely, this will support the domestic industry to generate their own power for a better productivity," he added. For the first time, construction sector has been recognised in the federal budget.
Some 42 industries are associated with this sector and relief for construction sector will create new job opportunities, besides supporting other industries and providing new housing facilities in the country, Idress said. President FPCCI said that the government has also considered the Federation's proposal regarding special package for KP, as its economy is affected by terrorism. The government announced a special relief package for KP. Replying to a question, he said that the federal government has not considered any proposal on zero rating of five leading sector, however we are hopeful that the government will resolve this issues soon. Rafique Suleman, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Abdul Rahim Janoo, Senior Vice President, FPCCI & Chief Patron of REAP welcomed the Federal Budget for the year 2015-16 and appreciated the steps taken by the federal government to grant tax-free status to rice mills for one year. In addition, reduction in the import duty and sales tax on agricultural machinery is also a very good step and we are hopeful to see long lasting results next year, they added.
"This will also increase sowing of rice besides boosting the export of rice," they said. Dr Shahzad Arshad Chairman Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparel Manufacturers and Exporters Association criticised the budget measurers saying that budget is not industry friendly and it is believed that the industry will face new challenges in next fiscal year. "Our major demand was zero rating of the textile sector and payment of pending refund claims. Both issues have been addressed but not resolved. The government has raised sales tax from 2 to 5 percent for textile sector, instead of zero rating demanded by exporters," he said. In addition, for the last one year, the finance minister is promising release of pending refund amount; however the promise has still not been fulfilled.
While in the budget, the minister has again committed paying the entire amount in next three months, ie, August and it is likely to remain a promise, he added. Talking about the tax measures, he said that no steps have been taken to broaden the tax net and it will ultimately enhance the tax burden on already overburdened taxpayers. President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectual Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain said that overall impact of the federal budget is positive, well thought out and set to take off the national economy but at the same time has no focus on SME sector, women empowerment and cottage industry. 

http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1193563/

REAP team visits PARC

June 06, 2015
RECORDER REPORT
A delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) led by Rafique Suleman, Chairman REAP visited Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Islamabad and had meetings with Senior Officials of PARC, Dr Shahid Masood, Member PSD, PARC, Mian Abdul Majid, National Co-ordinator (Rice), PARC. This meeting was also attended by Dr Muhammad Arif, Principal Scientist NIBGE, Faisalabad and Dr Muhammad Aslam, Food Security Commissioner, Ministry of National Food Security & Research, whereas from REAP, Shahzad Ali Malik, Ex-Chairman REAP, Chaudhry Samiullah, Ex-Vice Chairman REAP, Muzammil Chappal, Treasurer REAP and Ali Hussam Asghar, MC Member REAP were also present in the meeting. 
Rafique Suleman, Chairman REAP apprised them about the prevailing crisis in rice export particularly in Basmati rice, as this year Pakistani Basmati rice is showing serious decline and it is the need of hour to take urgent steps for the survival of Pakistani Basmati rice. He referred to the recent visit of REAP's high profile trade delegation to Philippines, where it was informed by the Officials of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that they have given the seeds of new variety of rice to Pakistani authorities, which will be helpful to fulfil the demand of Pakistani rice industry. 
REAP Chairman offered to sponsor two Seminars on awareness of Basmati rice at Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku in Punjab and Rice Research Institute in Dhokri Sindh. All the expense will be borne by REAP. He also offered at PARC meeting to sponsor two scientist for study at IRRI Philippines on development of seed by REAP. GSR-8 an Inbred variety approved by WEC, field trial have passed and per Acre yield is 80 mound having potential 11 ton per hector which is equal to 110 mound per Acre. Farmers can retain seed for next year as it is inbred variety.
This variety will reduce the production cost due to 40% Fertilizer and 40% Water save during cultivation. 'Bacterial Plight Super Basmati seed' launched by NIBGE as a new seed which is acceptable to farmers and exporters. It would help to safeguard the interest of rice trade. The Chairman REAP Rafique Suleman thanks to Safdar Hayat, the Ambassador of Philippines who arranged a meeting with scientist of IRRI Philippines where it was informed by the Officials of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that they have given the seeds of new variety of rice to Pakistani authorities, which will be helpful to fulfil the demand of Pakistani rice industry. After 18th (eighteenth) amendment Agriculture is Provincial subject while Food Security remains Federal subject so it is proposed to make Board of Basmati with Public Private Partnership under the umbrella of PARC.-PR 

http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1193592/

Incentives offered: Agriculture, construction and textile emerge victorious

Published: June 6, 2015
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman, in a statement, welcomed the budget. PHOTO: APP
KARACHI: 
The construction and agriculture sectors – touted as the two most labour-intensive ones by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in his budget speech – have welcomed the government’s initiatives on Friday.
Description: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman, in a statement, welcomed the budget. PHOTO: APP “The suspension of minimum tax on builders for three years and reduction in customs duty on import of construction machinery are very good decisions for the construction industry,” Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Convener Budget Sub-Committee Saleem Kassim Patel said.Patel, however, said that the availability of housing finance at 6% and cheaper steel products by abolishing regulatory duty on the import of steel billets are steps that the government should take if it wants to see new investments in the sector.
The federal minister, in his speech, also pointed out that the government wants to give incentives to the construction and agriculture sectors in the hope that it can create new jobs on a larger scale.The construction sector has demanded that the government recognise it as a major source of employment.  It was like music to the ears for the industry when Dar said that the construction can be an engine of economic growth.The announcement, which attracted admiration from almost all sectors, was the scheme under which the government will provide interest-free loans for 30,000 solar tube wells in the next three years.
Looking at agriculture
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Rafique Suleman, in a statement, welcomed the budget and appreciated the steps taken by the federal government especially to ensure rice mills remain tax free for a year.“The reduction in import duty and sales tax on agricultural machinery is a significant step and we are hopeful to see the long lasting results in the next year. This will also result in the increase of sowing as well as rice exports,” he added.
Description: http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/graph-022.jpg
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Research and Development Chairman Waheed Ahmed commented that the budget is an encouraging one for the agriculture sector.However, some had divergent views. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Chairman Standing Committee on Horticulture and Agriculture Produce Ahmad Jawad said no concrete measures were taken in the budget for the transformation of the agriculture, horticulture sector and its exports, except tax incentives and addition in agriculture credit.“We cannot achieve the GDP target without heavily investing in the agriculture sector,” Jawad added.
Textiles
Budget revelations also showed that the textile sector emerged as a key gainer. or textiles, the EXIM Bank of Pakistan will start operations in fiscal year 2016 to facilitate exporters, export refinance rate has been cut to 4.5% from 6%, long-term refinance rate has been cut to 6% from 7.5%, benefit of duty drawback of local taxes and levies scheme will remain available for fiscal year 2016, stated JS Research on Friday. 
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th,  2015.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/898751/incentives-offered-agriculture-construction-and-textile-emerge-victorious/

IPR fact-sheet: State of the economy in 2014-15

June 07, 2015
The Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) for 2014-15 was released on the 4th of June 2015. The state of the economy as revealed by the PES and other sources is described below. 
Mixed performance in achieving targets Out of the 15 targets in the Annual Plan for 2014-15, four are likely to be achieved. These include the rate of inflation, current account in the balance of payments, growth of imports and net foreign assistance. The precipitous fall in global oil and other commodity prices is the primary explanation for achievement of these targets. The eleven targets which will be missed include the GDP and sectoral growth rates, private and public investment, export growth and the level of foreign direct investment. 

The GDP growth rate is overstated The growth rate of GDP in 2013-14 has been brought down marginally from 4.1% to 4%, primarily due to a lower growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector. This has been compensated for by a big upward revision in the growth rate of the important crops sector from 3.7% to 8%. Analysis by IPR reveals that the growth rate of this sector is 5.9%, not 8%. Consequently, the growth rate of the GDP in 2013-14 is 3.9%, not 4%. 

The pattern of growth in 2014-15 appears to be fundamentally different from that observed in 2013-14. The growth rate of the important crops sector has plummeted to 0.3% only and the growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector has fallen to 2.4%. Despite this, PBS estimates a higher GDP growth rate in 2014-15 of 4.2% An in-depth analysis by IPR indicates that the growth rate has been significantly overstated in a number of sectors including important crops, livestock, forestry, fishing, construction and general government services. This brings down the GDP growth rate from 4.2% to 3.6%. 

Over the last five decades, the economy has grown by less than 4% in a year when the industrial sector achieves a growth rate of less than 4%, as in 2014-15. The low growth rate of the important crops sector is attributable to a 1.1% drop in wheat, fall of 5% in maize and 7.1% decline in sugarcane output. Due to adverse weather conditions, the reduction in wheat output may be even larger. Fortunately, the big jump in cotton output of 9.5% has compensated for the fall in other crops. Despite the floods in Punjab, it is reassuring to note that the output of rice has still shown a growth rate of 3%. However, the exports of basmati rice, in particular, have fallen by as much 22.5%. 

The large-scale manufacturing sector remains sluggish. It has grown on average in the last six years by less than 1% annually. This year the growth rate is estimated at 2.5%, compared to 4% last year. The textile sector has shown little growth in the first nine months of 2014-15. Food, beverages and tobacco industries are showing a decline. The growth rate of the cement and fertilizer industry is below 3%. The only industries which have shown high rates of growth are automobiles and iron and steel products. Overall, out of the 98 items covered by the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) of PBS, 41 items show a negative growth rate, while 11 items have a growth of less than 2%. 

The services sector has performed well in 2014-15, with a growth rate approaching 5%, as compared to 4.4% last year. The dynamic sectors have been finance and insurance (6.2%), general government services (9.4%) and private services (5.9%). However, as highlighted above, we believe that the growth rate in some services is overstated. 

Private investment continues to fall Private investment has continued to fall to one of its lowest levels ever of 9.7% of the GDP. Factors contributing to the fall are acts of terror, law and order situation in Karachi, high levels of power load shedding, shortage of gas and 'crowding out' of the private sector from bank credit. 
Private investment in large-scale manufacturing is down to only 1.2% of the GDP. Also, at less than 0.1% of the GDP, the private sector has virtually stopped investing in the power sector, due primarily to the high level of receivables with IPPs. Public investment is also overstated. It is likely to be 3.4% and not 3.9% of the GDP. Consequently, the total investment-to-GDP ratio will fall from 15% of the GDP in 2013-14 to 14.7%. One of the weakest spots of the economy continues to be the lack of revival of investment. This is yet another indicator that the economy has not been able to get out of the 'low growth trap'. 


Labour market conditions have deteriorated The Labour Force Survey (LFS) of 2013-14 has just been released by PBS. The numbers in the LFS are not consistent with the findings of the PES. Worrying developments in 2013-14 include a fall in the labor force participation rate, probably due to a ' discouraged worker' effect, especially among youth. Consequently, the total labor force in 2013-14 has increased by only 360,000, as compared to an annual average increase of 1,690,000 in the previous six years. The economy has created only 510,000 new jobs in 2013-14. This is one third of the job creation rate in the previous six years. Bulk of the jobs have been created in the informal sector, which is characterised by a large number of working poor. Inclusion of discouraged workers raises the unemployment rate to 6.4%. The unemployment rate is very high among youth of almost 11%. Also, real wages of unskilled workers have fallen by almost 5% in 2013-14. The poor labor market conditions are likely to have persisted in 2014-15. 
The rate of inflation has fallen sharply One of the major positive developments in 2014-15 is the unprecedented fall in the rate of inflation from 7.7% in July 2014 to 2.1% only in April 2015. It has risen somewhat last month to 3.2%. The fall in the rate of inflation is due primarily to the fall in international commodity prices, especially of oil, by over 40%. Consequently, domestic food and fuel prices have registered significant declines, although the Government has limited the transmission effect by imposition of large regulatory duties on basic food items like wheat and sugar. The `core` rate of inflation stands currently at 4.9%, therefore, some demand pressures continue to persist in the economy. The international price of oil has started to rise once again. Also, prices of food items like livestock products, pulses, onion and tomato have experienced big increases in 2014-15. 
The balance of payments position improved The main factor contributing to the improvement is the virtual halving of the current account deficit. In fact, it has turned positive in recent months as imports have fallen due to the containment of the oil import bill, and continued buoyancy in home remittances. The soft spots are smaller capital and financial account surpluses. However, net credit inflow from IMF is larger at almost $2 billion. Foreign exchange reserves have risen by $2.8 billion as of 29th May in 2014-15. However, this increase is due entirely to external borrowings and privatization receipts. The fall in exports of over 3% is due more to fall in quantities.
Export prices have actually gone up by 0.5%, according to PES. This indicates more the presence of supply-side constraints, like the power shortage. import quantities have shown big increases in items like tea, pulses, synthetic fiber and yarn, iron and paper and paper board. The fall in prices has constituted a threat to domestic import substituting industry. The big increase in remittances of over 16% is due primarily to larger inflows from Saudi Arabia and UAE. The latter accounts for 20% of remittances but for 42% for the increase. This raises the possibility of reverse capital inflow into Pakistan (for whitening of black money) .
The nominal value of the rupee has remained, more or less, stable in recent months. According to SBP, the real effective exchange rate has appreciated by over 18 per cent. Overvaluation of the rupee has adversely impacted on competitiveness of exports and artificially raised import demand. In a tight and competitive environment of world trade, many countries have significantly depreciated their currencies, by 6% in the case of India, Turkey by 22%, Indonesia by 12%, Thailand by 4%, Egypt by 7%, Argentina by 11% and Brazil by 43%. Pakistan may also have to do so, sooner or later. 

Focus of Fiscal Policy is on Stabilization, not on Growth FBR tax revenues have increased by 12.7% only in the first ten months as compared to the budgeted growth rate of 24% in 2014-15. Even the lowered target of Rs 2691 billion is unlikely to be met. The initially negative impact of the fall in oil prices has been countered by increases in the GST (for example, from 17% to 32% in the case of HSD oil) and by imposition of regulatory duties on POL products (like 7% on furnace oil). urrent expenditure has shown moderate growth at the Federal level of 10% in the first nine months. Costs of debt servicing have risen by 7%, less than anticipated due to the fall in interest rates. Despite the costs of Zarb-e-Azb, defence expenditure has gone up by 7.5%, again below the projected growth rate.
 The short fall in revenues has already led to a cut back in PSDP releases. As of 22nd May an amount of Rs 385 billion has been allocated, equivalent to 73% of the annual targeted PSDP. The federal fiscal deficit is estimated in the first nine months at Rs 1227 billion, equivalent to 4.5% as compared to 4.2% of the GDP last year. The annual target is 5.9% of the GDP. Therefore, there is the likelihood that the deficit will exceed the target. Provincial own tax revenues have grown by only 6.6%, while expenditures have risen at a much faster rate, current expenditure at 14.6% and development spending by 45.5%. The Provinces appear to be establishing higher expenditure benchmarks for the 9th NFC Award. It is unlikely that the combined Provincial cash surplus will reach the targeted level of Rs 289 billion. The federal fiscal deficit is being financed disproportionately by the scheduled banks in 2014-15. Borrowings from these banks are financing almost 75% of the deficit. This has enabled the Government to bring down its borrowings from SBP by over 360 billion as of 22nd of May. 
The power sector continues to underperform According to the PES, there is an increase of only 792MW in electricity generation capacity in the first nine months of 2014-15. The actual generation has fallen by 2.3%. This explains the continued high levels of power load shedding. Further, the fall in generation raises serious questions about how the economy can grow at over 4% with less power. The use of thermal power in electricity generation has also fallen by 2.8%, despite the over 17% increase in the consumption of furnace oil. Fortunately, there has been a modest increase of 1.3% in the consumption of electricity, despite the fall in generation. This implies some reduction in transmission and distribution losses. Industrial consumption of electricity has increased by about 2%. This is consistent with the growth rate of the large-scale manufacturing sector of just above 2%. Agricultural and government consumption of electricity have declined. Nepra has reflected the reduction in fuel costs in the form of negative Fuel Charges Adjustment monthly. This has implied an effective reduction in the price of electricity of up to Rs 3/kwh. The ad hoc surcharges imposed by the government have been struck down recently by the Lahore High Court. This will provide more relief to consumers. 

Social Development Indicators have started falling The unthinkable has happened. The findings of the latest Pakistan Living Standards and Social Measurement Survey 2013-14 by the PBS has revealed, perhaps for the first time, that some of the key social development indicators have started falling. In 2013-14, the literacy rate fell by two percentage points(from 60% to 58%); full immunization coverage declined by six percentage points (from 82% to 76%); the percentage of households with improved water source decreased by four percentage points (from 30% to 26%) while the net primary enrolment rate remained unchanged. The 7th NFC Award led to a big increase in transfers of over Rs 200 billion annually to the Provincial Governments.
The fall in the indicators highlights both that not enough priority has been given to the provision of basic social services to the people and that there has virtually been a breakdown of governance in the delivery of services. Overall, the year 2014-15 has been a mixed year. On the positive side, the rate of inflation has fallen sharply; the balance of payments position has improved, with a significant increase in foreign exchange reserves. The fiscal deficit will be contained to an acceptable level and some of the services sectors have performed well. On the negative side, the important crops and large-scale manufacturing sectors have shown low growth and have contributed to keeping Pakistan in the `low growth trap`.
Labor market conditions have deteriorated and tax revenues have shown only moderate growth, despite a heavy dose of taxation proposals. The PSDP has been cut back. The power sector continues to underperform and, perhaps for the first time, social development indicators have started falling. We hope that these soft spots will be largely removed in 2015-16. 

 

Exemption for rice mills: BGA asks government to extend facility to all stakeholders

June 06, 2015
Basmati Growers Association (BGA) Chairman and Farmers Associates Pakistan Director Chaudhry Hamid Malhi has said that the exemption proposed for rice mills should be applied to all rice stakeholders. "Growers, traders, millers and exporters have suffered because of the low rice demand in the international market, so all should be facilitated equally," he said while speaking to Business Recorder on Friday. "Cotton growers and ginners also suffered in the recent past owing to low rice prices, therefore, such an exemption should also be given to them. The government should have announced a subsidy for wheat growers since the procurement agencies could not meet their purchasing targets this year because of the presence of wheat stocks of the previous year.
 If these stocks are cleared by export only then the procurement agencies would be able to buy fresh stocks in coming seasons, which will ultimately facilitate the wheat growers," he observed. On the proposed reduction in sales tax on agricultural machinery and equipment to promote farm mechanisation in the country, he said that if the government was sincere then it should completely withdraw sales tax on import of and local supply of agricultural machinery and equipment. There should be zero percent duties on import of agricultural equipment, as agriculture was considered an engine of growth, he added. Malhi welcomed the decision to provide interest-free loans for setting up new solar tube wells or replacing the existing tube wells with solar tube wells. Agri Forum Pakistan Chairman Muhammad Ibrahim Mughal criticised 3.9 percent growth rate target fixed for agricultural sector. He said it was less than the growth rate of the country's population, which was about 4 percent per annum. 

http://agriculture.einnews.com/article/269358041/gZdJKWuUw_GhJC_q

 

Description: Rice, a staple for many across the world, has been considered one of the safest and easily digestible nutritious foods.Diet diary: Is your daily plate of rice putting you at major health risk?

In a consumer report in the US, analysis of US federal health data found that people who ate rice had arsenic levels that were 44 per cent greater than those who did not.Description: AdTech AdRice, a staple for many across the world, has been considered one of the safest and easily digestible nutritious foods.

Written by Ishi Khosla | Updated: June 6, 2015 11:09 am
Rice, a staple for many across the world, has been considered one of the safest and easily digestible nutritious foods. It is also an important alternate grain for those who are gluten or wheat intolerant and those suffering from celiac disease. However, some recent reports on its toxicity, specifically related to arsenic have been a cause for concern.
In a consumer report in the US, analysis of US federal health data found that people who ate rice had arsenic levels that were 44 per cent greater than those who did not. Certain ethnic groups like Asians and Mexicans were more affected.A study by the European Food Safety Authority found cereal products could account for more than half of dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly because of rice. Rice absorbs arsenic from soil or water much more effectively than most plants. That’s in part because it is one of the only major crops grown in water-flooded conditions, which allows arsenic to be more easily taken up by its roots and stored in the grains.

Arsenic is found in water, air, food and soil in organic and inorganic form. These together are referred to as “total arsenic”. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has found arsenic content in over 30 samples of Indian basmati rice in its preliminary analysis. USFDA is in the process of collecting and analysing a total of approximately 1,200 samples of rice from different countries including India to examine the issue thoroughly. This data collection will be completed by the end of 2012. Once the data collection is completed, FDA will analyse these results and determine whether or not to issue further recommendations.Arsenic not only is a potent human carcinogen but also can cause other health problems in children later life. Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic is associated with higher rates of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as heart disease.

Author is a clinical nutritionist and founder of http://www.theweightmonitor.com and Whole Foods India.

http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diet-diary-rice-arsenic/#sthash.V81Iictb.dpuf
NFA and IRRI partner on improving rice quality
 June 08, 2015
LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, June 8 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) on Friday (June 5) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on improving rice quality in the Philippines.Under the MOU, the NFA and IRRI commit to promote and accelerate research on rice and rice-based farming systems toward establishing international-level standards for rice quality.  Joint work will also be done toward consistent application of such standards for the benefit of all players in the Philippine rice industry, from farmers to consumers."Through this agreement, the NFA hopes to maximize IRRI's research in achieving our food security mission of providing the country’s rice requirements in terms of volume and quality.
 This will also guide us in our decision-making, not only in our operational activities but also in our policy-formulation, in anticipation of future developments such as infrastructure build-up," said NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay.Rice quality encompasses rice farming technologies and practices that help ensure sustainable agriculture, improved farmer welfare, grain quality, and dietary practices that support improved nutrition and health among consumers.
"We are happy to share technologies, some partly developed through work funded by the Department of Agriculture on grain quality and forecasting, with NFA," said IRRI Deputy Director General Bruce Tolentino.Tolentino assured Dalisay of IRRI's support to NFA's efforts to make good quality rice available to consumers, as well as to adapt better to the effects of climate change, citing damage to rice storage infrastructure when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013.NFA and IRRI will collaborate in these specific areas: grain quality improvement, including assessment of consumer preferences and research to enhance quality; rice breeding, production, and processing (postharvest)technologies; and the establishment of quality standards in relation to the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), a key mechanism through which rice quality standards are promoted internationally.
NFA and IRRI will also be sharing scientific data and research results as well as strategic analysis of developments and trends in international rice trade.The NFA is mandated to ensure the country’s food security and stability of the supply and price of rice, the country’s major staple. This collaboration is part of the NFA’s efforts to widen its partnership with both public and private sectors toward finding long-term and sustainable ways to achieve national food self-sufficiency and security.
IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger, improving the livelihood of rice farmers and health of rice consumers, and ensuring environmental sustainability through rice science. Earlier, the NFA also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Kaya Natin! Movement, a civil society organization advocating good governance and ethical leadership, for a “Bantay Bigas” project to ensure that the NFA’s inexpensive quality rice will be continuously available, accessible, and affordable to poor consumers who are its intended beneficiaries. (International Rice Research Institute)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433727215/nfa-and-irri-partner-on-improving-rice-quality#sthash.9GexjQqD.dpuf

APEDA AgriExchange Newsletter - Volume 1241
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 05-06-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Garlic
1
Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2100
2
Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
2000
3
Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)
1800
Ginger
1
Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
4600
2
Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
5100
3
Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)
3000
Guar Gum Powder
1
Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
4780
2
Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
2200
3
Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)
3300
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 06-06-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Barley (Jau)
1
Dahod (Gujarat)
Other
1200
1300
2
Tosham (Haryana)
Other
1080
1150
3
Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh)
Other
1150
1269
Maize
1
Dhing (Assam)
Other
1340
1500
2
Amreli (Gujarat)
Other
1500
1975
3
Athani(Karnataka)
Local
1200
1340
Mango
1
Bonai (Orissa)
Other
2000
3000
2
Ateli(Haryana)
Other
1350
1350
3
Harippad(Kerala)
Other
2000
2500
Cabbage
1
Pattambi (Kerala)
Other
2000
3000
2
Bonai (Orissa)
Other
3000
4000
3
Gumla(Jharkhand)
Other
1400
1600
Source:agra-net
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 06-06-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Pune
380
2
Chittoor
378
3
Hyderabad
342
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 05-06-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Onions Dry
Package: 50 lb sacks
1
Atlanta
New York
Yellow
20
20
2
Chicago
Colorado
Yellow
21
21
3
Detroit
California
Yellow
26
27
Carrots
Package: 20 1-lb film bags
1
Atlanta
California
Baby Peeled
18.50
20.50
2
Chicago
California
Baby Peeled
30
30
3
Detroit
Arizona
Baby Peeled
20
20
Apples
Package: cartons tray pack
1
Atlanta
Washington
Red Delicious 
24
24
2
Detroit
Washington
Red Delicious 
19
20.50
3
New York
Pennsylvania
Red Delicious 
14
14
Source:USDA


 Download/View On-Line the above News in pdf format,just click the following link

Saturday, June 06, 2015

5th June (Friday),2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

5th June (Friday),2015 Daily Exclusive Oryza Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

FAO Forecasts Global Milled Rice Production to Increase in 2015-16

Jun 04, 2015
Description: http://oryza.com/sites/default/files/field/image/150604faoproj.jpg
In its June Cereal Supply and Demand brief, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization forecasts 2015-16 global milled rice production at around 500.5 million tons, up about 1.3% from an estimated 494.2 million tons in 2014-15; and slightly up from its last month's forecast of around 500.1 million tons.
The FAO attributes the increase in global rice production to more buoyant prospects for China and West African nations. It expects large increases in production in India, China, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 
The FAO estimates 2015-16 global rice utilization at around 508.6 million tons, up about 1.8% from an estimated 499.7 million tons in 2014-15, and slightly up from last month's estimates of around 508.3 million tons. The FAO anticipates the average per capita rice consumption in 2015-16 at around 57 kilograms. 
The FAO estimates 2015-16 global rice stocks at around 168.8 million tons, down about 4.5% from an estimated 181 million tons last year and slightly down from last month's forecast of around 168.2 million tons. The UN agency expects most of the declines in India, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesia.
The FAO estimates 2016 global rice trade at around 42.5 million tons, up about 2.4% from an estimated 41.5 million tons in 2015 and slightly up from last month's forecast of around 42.4 million tons. The 2016 trade recovery would be fueled by a renewed demand by the traditional large importers, including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, the Philippines but also Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria and sustained by continuing large availabilities in exporting countries, says the FAO. The FAO says its forecasts are subject to uncertainty and would largely depend on the unfolding of the 2015 rice seasons.
Global Rice Quotes
June 5th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade   370-380                ↔
Vietnam 5% broken        350-360                ↔
India 5% broken               375-385                ↔
Pakistan 5% broken        395-405                ↑
Myanmar 5% broken      415-425                ↔
Cambodia 5% broken     430-440                ↔
U.S. 4% broken                 465-475                ↔
Uruguay 5% broken        565-575                ↔
Argentina 5% broken     555-565                ↔

Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken      340-350                ↔
Vietnam 25% broken      330-340                ↔
Pakistan 25% broken      350-360                ↔
Cambodia 25% broken   410-420                ↔
India 25% broken             360-370                ↔
U.S. 15% broken               455-465                ↔

Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd     365-375                ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd          410-420                ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd                 355-365                ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken             555-565                ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken          570-580                ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken    NQ         ↔

Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%   840-850                ↔
Vietnam Jasmine             470-480                ↔
India basmati 2% broken              NQ         ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken       NQ         ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails     820-830                ↔

Brokens
Thailand A1 Super            315-325                ↔
Vietnam 100% broken   310-320                ↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd          295-305                ↔
Cambodia A1 Super        350-360                ↔
India 100% broken stxd                 280-290                ↔
Egypt medium grain brokens      NQ         ↔
U.S. pet food     365-375                ↔
Brazil half grain NQ         ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures to Show Strength despite Weak Export Demand

Jun 04, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Jul delivery settled 6 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $9.925 per cwt (about $219 per ton). The other grains finished the day with gains as well; Soybeans closed about 1.2% higher at $9.4650 per bushel; wheat finished about 2.6% higher at $5.2375 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1.3% higher at $3.6350 per bushel.U.S. stocks traded lower on Thursday as the recent bond selloff and lack of resolution on Greece kept investors on edge in a quiet day of economic releases leading up to Friday's employment report. In choppy trade, the Dow Jones industrial average traded more than 180 points lower to below its 50-day moving avereage.
The blue chip index briefly swung into positive territory after falling more than 100 points in the open. The Nasdaq traded about 50 points lower after also attempting slight gains. The S&P 500 fell below its 50-day moving average. U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday despite the bond selloff. European equity markets closed lower as the yield surge raised fears that higher borrowing costs could hurt corporate profits and the economic recovery. Asian shares ended the session mixed, with Shanghai recovering from a 5% plunge to end modestly higher and Japan's blue-chip Nikkei stock index only just closing in positive territory. Greece will bundle its four debt payments to the International Monetary Fund due this month into a single payment now due on June 30, the IMF said on Thursday. U.S. non-farm productivity fell at a 3.1% annual rate in the first quarter, down sharply from the previously reported 1.9% rate.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded down 175 points, or 0.97%, at 17,899. The S&P 500 traded down 19 points, or 0.89%, at 2,095, with materials leading all 10 sectors lower. The Nasdaq traded down 44 points, or 0.87%, at 5,054. Gold is trading about 0.8% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 2.9% lower, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about flat at about  1:00pm Chicago time.
Wednesday, there were 707 contracts traded, unchanged from 707 contracts traded on Tuesday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Wednesday decreased by 277 contracts to 11,955.

FAO Global Rice Price Index Declines for Ninth Consecutive Month

Jun 04, 2015
The FAO All Rice Price Index declined to around 215 points in May 2015, down about 1.4% from around 218 points in April 2015 due to a decline in the Higher Quality Indica, Japonica and Aromatic sub-indices. However, the Lower Quality sub-index increased slightly over last month. 
The FAO index has been declining continuously since September 2014. It declined about 10% during the 9-month period. The Higher Quality sub-index declined about 2 points or about 1% to around 186 points, while the Lower Quality Indica sub-index increased by about 1 point, or about 0.5% to around 190 points in May 2015. Japonica sub-index declined by about 5 points, or about 1.8% to around 266 points this month from around 271 points last month. The Aromatic sub-index declined by about 8 points or about 4% to around 185 points in May 2015. The decline in Aromatic sub-index is mainly due to a decline in basmati rice prices, according to the FAO.  
In January - May 2015, the FAO All Rice Price Index averaged 219 points, down about 6.7% from around 235 points during the same period last year. Sub-index for higher quality Indica rice prices declined about 9.1% y/y and sub-index for lower quality Indica rice prices declined about 5.1% y/y. Aromatic rice price sub-index declined about 27.4% y/y. However, sub-index for Japonica rice prices increased about 4.6% y/y.  According to the FAO, rice export prices in the Asian origins such as Vietnam, India and Thailand declined but increased in Pakistan due to a tightening of supplies along with a strong demand from East African nations. Export prices in the U.S., Argentina and Uruguay also declined due to slow export sales. 
During May 2015, average rice export prices of all Thai varieties, including Thai 100% broken rice, Thai parboiled rice, Thai A1 Super, Thai fragrant rice, Thai 5% rice and Thai 25% rice declined to around $394 per ton, $388 per ton, $326 per ton, $1,057 per ton, $385 per ton and $372 per ton respectively. Export prices of Vietnam and India 25% broken rice declined to around $333 per ton and $347 per ton  respectively. Export prices of Pakistan 25% broken rice increased to around $353 per ton. Export prices of the U.S. and Uruguay rice declined to around $492 per ton and around $550 per ton respectively. 

Government of Pakistan May Increase Import Duty on Rice in FY 2015-16

Jun 04, 2015
Based on the proposition by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), the government of Pakistan may increase import duty on basmati rice as well as broken rice to encourage domestic production and protect local farmers, according to local sources.The Ministry has proposed to increase the import duty on basmati rice from the existing 10% to around 30% in FY 2015-16 (July - June) since import of basmati is expected to impact local production.
It also proposed to increase the import duty on non-basmati broken rice from the existing 10% to about 30% during the next fiscal year to protect the interests of rice farmers.Since rice is second largest export product that earns considerable foreign exchange for Pakistanm the government is keen on increasing production and exports of the commodity by placing import restrictions.Pakistan has exported around 3.45 million tons of rice (around 428,051 tons of basmati and around 3.02 million tons of non-basmati) in the first ten months of FY 2014-15 (July 2014 - June 2015) earning about $1,750 million (around $449 million from basmati and around $1,301 million from non-basmati), according to data from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.The Ministry also proposed increase in import duty for wheat, wheat flour, crystalline cane and dairy products. 
USDA estimates Pakistan's MY 2014-15 (November - October) milled rice production at around 6.9 million tons (around 10.35 million tons, basis paddy) in MY 2013-14. It estimates Pakistan to export 3.8 million tons of rice and import 20,000 tons of rice during the year. 

Oryza Global Weather Outlook

Jun 04, 2015
Rain is expected across the Yangtze Valley, Central and Eastern area of South China, and Northern area of North China Plain this week.
Rain is expected across Southern, East and Central India this week, which will maintain favourable moisture for kharif rice planting.
Rain is expected Central Pakistan, and also expected to continue in Northern Bangladesh this week.
In Indonesia, rain is expected across much of the region this week, which will slow main season rice harvesting.
Light rain showers are expected across Northern Thailand, and Central and Northern Vietnam this week. However, dryness and stress on main season rice will increase elsewhere.
In the Philippines, rain showers are expected across much of the region this week.
A few showers are expected in Eastern and North-western portions of the Northeast Brazil this week.
Rains is expected across Uruguay and Eastern Argentina this week, which will slow rice harvesting there.
In the U.S., light rain showers are expected in North-eastern portions of the Delta this week.

Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Hold Gains despite Weak Export Sales Report

Jun 04, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Jul delivery are currently seen trading 5.5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $9.920 per cwt (about $219 per ton) during early floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are seen trading higher; soybeans are currently seen trading about 0.6% higher, wheat is listed about 1.2% higher and corn is currently noted about 0.5% higher.U.S. stocks traded lower on Thursday as the recent bond selloff kept investors on edge in a quiet day of economic releases leading up toFriday's employment report.
 The Dow Jones industrial average briefly swung into positive territory after falling more than 100 points in the open. The Nasdaq also attempted slight gains. The U.S. Federal Reserve should delay a rate hike until the first half of 2016 until there are signs of a pickup in wages and inflation, the International Monetary Fund said in its annual assessment of the economy on Thursday. Analysts said investors mostly disregarded the news. Before the bell, weekly jobless claims came in at 276,000, below expectations and last week's 282,000 figure.
The report comes ahead of the May U.S. non-farm payrolls report on Friday. U.S. non-farm productivity fell at a 3.1% annual rate in the first quarter, down sharply from the previously reported 1.9% rate. European equity markets declined as the yield surge raised fears that higher borrowing costs could hurt corporate profits and the economic recovery. Asian shares ended the session mixed, with Shanghai recovering from a 5 percent plunge to end modestly higher and Japan's blue-chip Nikkei stock index only just closing in positive territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded down 62 points, or 0.35%, at 18,008. The S&P 500 traded down 7 points, or 0.33%, at 2,104, with telecommunications leading all 10 sectors lower. The Nasdaq traded down 11 points, or 0.21%, at 5,088. Gold is currently trading about 0.8% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 1.6% lower,  and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.3% lower at 9:15am Chicago time.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Prices Hold Despite Tepid Export Sales

Jun 04, 2015
The U.S. cash market was unchanged today despite tepid export sales numbers as bids and offers remained unchanged with both sides standing firm.The USDA reported that cumulative net export sales for the week ending on May 28th, totaled 34,200 tons, which was 51% lower than last week and 16% lower than the prior 4-week average.
Increases were reported for the following destinations including: 10,500 tons to Haiti, 5,900 tons to Canada, 5,000 tons to unknown destinations, 3,500 tons to Guatemala, and 2,600 tons to tons Saudi Arabia, while decreases of 200 tons were reported for Taiwan.Nets sales of 23,000 tons for 2015/2016 were reported for the following destinations including: 13,000 tons to Colombia, and 10,000 tons to South Korea.U.S. rice exporters shipped 58,500 tons, which was 5% lower than last week and 18% lower than the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations included: 13,800 tons to Libya, 12,000 tons to Japan, 8,800 tons to Taiwan, 8,300 tons to Mexico, and 4,500 tons to El Salvador.

Philippines Will Reach 20.08 Million Tons Paddy Target in 2015 Despite El Nino Threat, Says DA Official

Jun 04, 2015
The Philippines is expected to reach the 20.08 million tons paddy (around 12.65 million tons, basis milled) target by the end of 2015 despite fears of an impending El Nino as the Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning for necessary interventions, local sources quoted the DA Assistant Secretary for Field Operations as saying.The DA official told local sources that the DA has decided to adhere to the set target for this year despite recommendations by the Food Security Committee (FSC) to revise their 2015 paddy production target to 19.5 million tons (around 12.28 million tons, basis milled) taking into account the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is expected to cause below-normal rainfall or prolonged dry spell. The FSC also suggested that their recommendation is in line with the projected output of 19.02 million tons by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (PSA-BAS).
However, the DA Assistant Secretary noted that the 2015 target of 20.08 million tons has been set with proper ground work and it is not a guess work. "We may miss this target, but at least we aimed for it,”  he said.Recently, the DA official also requested the government to increase the budget for the rice sector development next year to around P11 billion (around $246 million) from next year from the current P6.6 billion (around $148 million).Meanwhile the National Food Authority (NFA) is preparing for the onset of lean months from July to September. It is continuing with paddy procurement from farmers and has procured around 1.593 million tons of paddy as on May 26, over and above its procurement target of around 1.202 million tons. It noted that the selling prices of NFA rice will not be increased in the near term. Rice stocks with the NFA are at around 2.78 million tons, sufficient to last for about 90 days, according to a news release on the government website.

The NFA has called for tenders from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for importing 250,000 tons of 25% broken well-milled long-grain rice on June 5. NFA is authorized to import another 250,000 tons of rice if the drought-inducing El Nino weather condition intensifies.
The Philippines already imported 500,000 tons of rice from Vietnam and Thailand this year to curb price increases and boost buffer stocks. Last year, the South-east Asian nation imported more than 1.8 million tons of rice (including 1.5 million tons of 2014 imports and 300,000 tons of 2013 residual imports) to replenish rice stocks and control price hikes. USDA estimates the South-East Asian nation to produce around 19.683 million tons of paddy (around 12.4 million tons, basis milled) in MY 2014-15 (July - June) and import 1.3 million tons of rice in 2015.

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

Jun 04, 2015
Thailand rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken rice, 25% broken rice and Hommali rice by about a $5 per ton each today.  Vietnam rice sellers increased their quotes for 25% broken rice by about a $5 per ton. India rice sellers increased their quotes for 25% broken rice by about a $10 per ton. Pakistan rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today.

5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $360 - $370 per ton, down about a $5 per ton from yesterday and about a $10 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice  shown at around $350 - $360 per ton.
India 5% rice is indicated at around $375 - $385 per ton, about a $15 per ton discount to Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $390 - $400per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is shown at around $340 - $350 per ton, down about a $5 per ton from yesterday and about a $10 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $330- $340 per ton, up about a $5 per ton from yesterday.
India 25% rice is indicated at around $360 - $370, up about a $10 per ton from yesterday and about $10 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $350 - $360 per ton.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $365 - $375 per ton.
India parboiled rice is indicated at around $355 - $365 per ton, about a $55 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice shown at around $410 - $420 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is indicated at around $315 - $325 per ton, about a $5 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $310 - $320 per ton.
India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $280 - $290 per ton, about a $15 per ton discount to  Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $295 - $305 per ton.

Download/View On-Line the latest Rice News by clicking the following link:

5th June (Friday),2015 Daily Exclusive Oryza Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

4th June (Wednesday),2015 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine