Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter April 04,2016 Vol 7 Issue III
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Pak-Iran pact to remove non-tariff barriers in trade RICE SYNDICATE URGES UNISAME, MINCOM, TDAP To Promote Basmati Rice In Global Markets Aromatic Pusa basmati rice brings new hope Monsoon likely to be ‗above normal, well-distributed‘ VN's rice supply may decrease due to drought and saline intrusion Indonesia Targets To Export Rice To Ten Countries Gov`t Sets Rice Export Target for 10 Countries Rice growers need help with earning carbon credits to sell TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost exports Rice price strongly hikes due to speculation Vietnam plans to replace rice with more profitable crops Drought forces Thailand to turn away from rice Arkansas Rice Update 4-1-16 04/04/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report Shifting Sands in Iraq Basmati rice industry may see revival from H2 of 2016-17: Icra From Thai to Indian: 9 Easy Ethnic Recipes Your Family Will Love TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost exports Variety is Key When Serving Grains Pressure on basmati exporters to stay for 6 months: ICRA Mississippi farmers watch rains, markets as planting moves ahead Rice Prices
News Detail... Pak-Iran pact to remove non-tariff barriers in trade
Hamlik
Managing Editor
Abdul Sattar Shah Rahmat Ullah Rozeen Shaukat
English Editor
Maryam Editor Legal Advisor Advocate Zaheer Minhas
Editorial Associates
Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid Javed Islam Agha Ch.Hamid Malhi Dr.Akhtar Hussain Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF) Islam Akhtar Khan
Editorial Advisory Board
Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim
Assistant Professor, Gomal University DIK
Dr.Hasina Gul
Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK
Dr.Hidayat Ullah
Assistant Professor, University of Swabi
Dr.Abdul Basir
Assistant Professor, University of Swabi
Zahid Mehmood PSO,NIFA Peshawar
LAHORE – Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said that the pact between Pakistan and Iran would remove nontariff barriers in bilateral trade and prepare ground for a free trade agreement (FTA).
Falak Naz Shah
Head Food Science & Technology ART, Peshawar
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APP April 04, 2016, 2:49 pm
Talking to journalists here, he said that it was remarkable that both the countries agreed to work on issuing long-term multiple-entry visas to businessmen and increasing direct air flights to boost the prospects of trade. ―Trade in agriculture and mineral sectors offered tremendous scope, and Pakistan and Iran were ideally placed and capable enough to complement each other,‖ he added. ―The prospects of export of services are far greater in transportation, financial, communication, insurance and IT fields. We can get cheaper oil from Iran and by exporting rice to Iran, we can get millions of foreign exchange,‖ the PIAF chairman mentioned.―By formulating a better strategy we can get our share back from Iranian market as India has overcome nowadays. The trade is extended to up to USD 7 million,‖ he added. He termed the signing of five-year Strategic Trade Cooperation Plan (2016-2021) as the beginning of a new era, which provides a great opportunity to the two nations to enhance economic cooperation to new heights. Irfan urged the Ministry of Commerce to explore various avenues to enhance bilateral trade to USD five billion in five years, in accordance with the vision of the top political leadership of the two countries during recent visit of the Iranian president. He also termed it a good omen that Iran would hold a trade and investment exhibition in Pakistan in September this year. He also said that the private sector of two countries should take lead in strengthening bilateral relations in all sectors.
On this occasion, the PIAF Vice chairman Tanveer Sufi also welcomed the recent trade ties with Iran and hoped that with the re-continuation banking system, the import-export would start and LCs would open from both the sides which would be beneficial for Pakistan as exports needed some support for going in upward direction. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/business/04-Apr-2016/pak-iran-pact-to-remove-non-tariff-barriers-in-trade
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RICE SYNDICATE URGES UNISAME, MINCOM, TDAP To Promote Basmati Rice In Global Markets The Rice Syndicate of Pakistan lamented that the basmati rice of Pakistan has lost ground to Indian competition due to lethargy and lack of proactive action and urged the ministry of commerce to make serious efforts to revive the basmati rice industry to its past glory.Convener RSOP Haji Mohammad Saeed held a meeting with the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) president Zulfikar Thaver and invited his immediate attention to the prospects available and urged him to seek the opportunity to promote basmati rice in Arab, African, European and America and also Latin American countries. He told the participants that it is now or never and if serious promotion is not done, Pakistan will lose the markets forever as India is taking advantage of our shortcomings and laziness. Effective marketing and promotional activities like gifts, festivals, deals and superior packing is required to do handsome promotion of the king of rice, our super basmati rice he emphasized.Haji Saeed said our super basmati rice is really superior to our competitors grains and is aromatic, tasty, good looking in length and look. elongates when cooking. It is liked by basmati lovers all over the globe. It is indeed the best rice in the world and rated as banquet rice by the middle class and well to do.UNISAME chief assured the participants that every effort will be made to promote basmati rice in the social media by experts and offered all help to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to aggressively promote the basmati variety of Pakistan.
Aromatic Pusa basmati rice brings new hope High yield of 1,600 quintals last year has encouraged farmers to cultivate this new variety Farmers busy thrashing Pusa basmati rice that has been grown for the first time in Tehri Garhwal district. Tribune photo
Ajay Ramola Tribune News Service Mussoorie, April 3 Gutta Devi, a farmer from Dadoor village in the Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district, was amused when Chief Agriculture Officer Suresh Singh in May 2015 asked her to grow basmati rice instead of traditional crops.Gutta Devi was not keen to grow basmati rice in her fields as she had never seen anyone grow it in her village. However, Suresh bought around 30,000 seeds of new variety called Pusa basmati 1509 rice through the district plan budget and assured the then District Magistrate of a successful yield for the first time in the district.
Suresh, who had procured 10 quintals of Pusa basmati seeds, was able to persuade skeptical Gutta Devi to buy 3 kg of seeds and sow these in her fields. Although fearful of the yield, she obliged Suresh Singh and sowed basmati seeds on June 10, 2015. To her pleasant surprise, she was able to grow around 45 quintals 4|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com
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of basmati rice per hectare in her more than 10 naali agriculture land in her village.The aroma of new basmati rice variety attracted farmers in the nearby villages to have a look at the yield, says Gutta Devi. The experiment was replicated in 75 nyay panchayats across the district and the results were heartwarming, as around 1,600 quintals of production was recorded last year, says Suresh.―My colleague had argued that what would happen if you failed and I had responded that I would bear the cost of the seeds in that case. I was absolutely sure about the success of the new variety,‖ says Suresh.The fragrance of the Pusa basmati variety has not only attracted farmers but also cattle, which find husk and straw to their liking, says Vimal Kothari from Hadmatallah village in Dikhol Gaon nayy panchayat of the Chamba Block. Kothari was able to produce around 48 quintals of basmati rice per hectare in his fields last year.―We have heard of Dun basmati rice that it is sold at an exorbitant price around the world. But we have never tasted it. The Pusa basmati rice, if grown in the district, will give Doon basmati rice a good competition, as it has more fragrance and is easy to cook,‖ says Suraj Mani, a farmer from Jaspur village in Idian nyay panchayat in the Thauldhar block.Laxmi Devi from Kumar Dhar village is buoyed at the 40 quintal per hectare yield of Pusa basmati rice. She believes that if cultivated on a regular basis, Pusa basmati rice could bring in prosperity in the whole village in near future as one kilogram of average basmati rice is sold for around Rs 100 per kg. 5|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com
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Farmers were so excited with the 1,600 quintals of basmati rice produced last year that they instead of selling it distributed it in the village due to its popular demand in exchange for other produce. The farmers are now keen to take up basmati rice farming on a mass scale in the district provided they are given adequate irrigation facilities, says Suresh.The farmers are ready to start basmati rice cultivation this year and the Agriculture Department has decided to provide 40 quintals of Pusa basmati rice seeds at 50 per cent concession to them, says Suresh. Mukesh Raturi, a journalist based in Tehri, says shortage of agriculture land around Dehradun following rapid urbanisation has reduced the production of Doon basmati rice that the Afghans had brought to the town during the British period. In such a case, the basmati rice grown in the district can take its place easily if the government brands and markets it as Tehri basmati and provides adequate support to farmers during droughts and other natural calamities, he adds.Once high yield is achieved, Tehri basmati rice can be promoted as a unique brand. Rice food festivals can be organised in the district to popularise the brand. Rice can be marketed in hill stations such as Mussoorie and Nainital, says Sandeep Sahni, president of the Uttarakhand Hotel and Restaurant Association. If it happens, the day is not far when we could witness reverse migration and that will augur well for the state, adds Sahni. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/aromatic-pusa-basmati-rice-brings-newhope/217240.html
Monsoon likely to be ‘above normal, well-distributed’ Our Bureau
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter A long-range forecast is not authoritative, but sets the mood for farmers, industry New Delhi, April 1:
After two consecutive years of drought, the monsoon this year promises to be above normal, going by an early forecast.A long-range weather forecast by climate management company Weather Risk Management Services indicates that the monsoon this year may end up 5 to 10 per cent above normal — with well-distributed rainfall over the country. However, some areas such as the North-East may receive lower-than-normal rainfall, the forecast released on Friday — based on the dynamic climate model CFSV2 used by the US national weather agency NOAA — pointed out. ―We will be coming up with our monsoon forecast every 15 days. While it is possible that the forecast based on data collected in April will be different from that in March, I do not expect much variation,‖ said K Prasad, climate scientist and consultant for Weather Risk Management Services, at a press conference. March data
Prasad said his optimism stems from the absence of significant variation in the data collected through March, which was averaged out, to arrive at the forecast. While a long-range forecast may not be as reliable or detailed as medium- or short-range forecasts (which are much closer to the start of monsoon), it helps in setting the mood for farmers and industry, and also the government to do contingency planning if required, say experts. ―Long-range forecasts can‘t be used by farmers to take sowing decisions or by the industry to take business decisions. But it is certainly a guiding factor and can help certain sectors, such as juice manufacturers, take inventory decisions,‖ said Vanit Kathuria, an agriculture professional. Long-range forecast
KK Singh from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that while a long-range forecast made in the beginning of April may not be of much use at the district level, the data would be of use at the State and national levels, especially for decisions related to the input industry such as seed and fertilisers. Elaborating on its forecast, Weather Risk said that during mid-March 2016, the tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature was weakening, but still at a strong El Nino level. Most prediction models indicate continued weakening of El Nino conditions over the coming months, returning to neutral by late spring or early summer 2016, and a chance for La Nina development by autumn. These signals are favourable for the above normal monsoon rainfall. Most prediction models indicate continued weakening of El Nino conditions over the coming months, returning to neutral by late spring or early summer 2016, and a chance for La Nina development by autumn. These signals are favourable for the above normal monsoon rainfall. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/monsoon-likely-to-be-above-normalwelldistributed/article8423574.ece
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VN's rice supply may decrease due to drought and saline intrusion VietNamNet Bridge - Opinions vary about the rice supply in the context of the serious drought and saline intrusion in the Mekong River Delta, the rice granary of Vietnam.
The Plantation Agency reported that 140,000 hectares of the 2015-2016 winter-spring crop have been affected by the drought. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) predicted that the sowing on 500,000 hectares of rice fields, or 30 percent total area of the summer-autumn crop, would be delayed due to the drought and saline intrusion.Meanwhile, the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) has predicted high rice output available for export in 2016, about 8.6 million tons. Huynh The Nang, VFA‘s chair and general director of Vinafood 2, one of the two major rice export corporations, confirming the figure, said that 3.87 million tons would be from the winter-spring crop, 2.89 million tons from the summer-autumn crop and 1.08 million tons from the autumn-winter crop. Besides, 750,000 tons of rice left from 2015 could also be used for export.In 2015, Vietnam exported 8.1 million 8|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter tons of rice, both through official and across-border channels. If Vinafood‘s prediction is true, Vietnam would export 500,000 tons more in 2016 if compared with last year.
Regarding exports in the first half of this year, VFA plans to sell 3.1 million tons, not including the export volume across the border line. Of this, 1.3 million tons would be exported in the first quarter, or 100,000 tons higher than initially planned, an increase of 56 percent compared with the last year‘s same period. Meanwhile, 1.8 million tons would be sold in the second quarter, the same as the same period last year. The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) has predicted high rice output available for export in 2016, about 8.6 million tons.
Le Thanh Tung, a senior official from MARD, declined to comment about the high export volume predicted by MARD in the context of serious drought in Mekong Delta. However, he said the rice output in 2016 may be at the same level as 2015.Also, according to Tung, it is impossible to declare the volume of rice for export now. The figure would only be officially made public at the conference reviewing the production of the winter-spring to be held in some days. ―It is quite a delicate matter to speak about the volume of rice for export, because this may affect millions of people,‖ he explained.A local agriculture official in Mekong Delta said he is not sure about the output, but affirmed that the supply will not be as high as in previous years.Local newspapers quoted some rice merchants in An Giang and Tien Giang provinces as reporting that the rice price has been increasing because of concerns about the short supply to be caused by the drought http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/154155/vn-s-rice-supply-may-decrease-due-to-drought-andsaline-intrusion.html
Indonesia Targets To Export Rice To Ten Countries JAKARTA, April 4 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has set the target of exporting 100,000 tonnes of rice to 10 Asian and European countries as part of efforts to increase farm commodity exports this year, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported, citing the country's Antara News reported on Sunday.The target destinations also include Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei as well as Germany, said Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities of the Agriculture Ministry Sumarjo Gatot Irianto. The Indonesian government will exert effort to procure rice to meet the demand for rice as well as for exports.The director general noted that the national logistics board (Bulog) should control rice prices at a level that encourages farmers to sell rice to the government. www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/wn/newsworld.php?id
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Gov`t Sets Rice Export Target for 10 Countries TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has set itself the target of exporting 100 thousand tons of rice to 10 Asian and European countries as part of efforts to increase farm commodity exports this year, an official said.The Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities of the Agriculture Ministry, Sumarjo Gatot Irianto, said that the 10 destinations to which Indonesian rice would be exported include Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. "We plan to export organic rice to Germany," he said.Therefore, the government will make every effort to procure as much rice as possible this year to meet the demand for rice, he said."We have not set any target for procuring rice. What is important is that we must be able to procure as much rice as possible so that we can export the surplus," he said.Above all, the national logistics board (Bulog) must be able to control rice prices at the farmer level by procuring the staple food. This will enable the government-set purchase prices to kick in, he said. "If the price of unhusked rice at the farmer level falls, the government will be obliged to buy the rice soon to maintain the rice prices," he said. http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/04/03/056759336/Govt-Sets-Rice-Export-Target-for-10-Countries
Rice growers need help with earning carbon credits to sell By Rich Keller, Editor, Ag Professional April 04, 2016 | 8:27 am EDT
Rice growers who grow their crop using specific practices that do not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are now able to earn income from companies that need to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.The Cap-and-Trade Program has been in effect for other agricultural crop producers, but the California Air Resources board recently approved the rice growers being included with specific approved production practices The California approval results in the program being potentially available for use by rice growers across the nation. Specific approved methods of rice production that pertain to dry seeding, drainage practices and handling of rice straw have been established for participating in the carbon credit market, as it is normally referred to. Josh Hankins with USA Rice explained that growers in the Mid-South have to ―practice alternate wetting and drying (also referred to as intermittent flooding) or anticipate implementing alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in 2016.‖The California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board notes, ―In California, growers can receive credit through practices such as dry seeding and early drainage of fields in preparation for harvest. These growing practices allow for continued use of flooded fields as winter bird 10 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter habitat, but reduce the amount of rice straw left to decompose in the water (decomposition produces gases).‖Helping farmers implement the necessary practices for the carbon credit program appears to be a fit for crop consultants and ag retailers to assist farmers. Growers receive a credit for each metric ton of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere, and the verified credits can be sold to companies regulated by the cap-and-trade program, which keeps the companies from being subjected to regulatory punishment for excessive greenhouse gas pollution. What a farmer receives per credit fluctuates and can be based on demand.As noted by, Hankins, ―Before that credit is sold, it must be verified by a third party, and that verification process comes with a cost.‖ He suggested Mid-South growers might contact Dennis Carmon with White River Irrigation District in Hazen, Ark., about verification—at email dcarmanpllc@comcast.net.―Carbon credit markets are largely untested in the United States,‖ Hankins said, ―but the theory is growing in popularity as more companies seek ways of reducing their ‗carbon footprint‘ to appease consumers. Given the strong environmental record of the agriculture industry, especially rice, they are a likely candidate to provide viable credits.‖ http://www.agprofessional.com/news/rice-growers-need-help-earning-carbon-credits-sell
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost exports 04.04.2016
The nation‘s farmers are set to produce less expensive rice than existing brands to boost exports, following the signing of a Pacific free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign competition, farming sources said Sunday.While Japanese rice is recognized for its quality, high prices have hampered any significant growth in exports, according to industry experts.With the domestic market showing signs of leveling off, partly due to the country‘s aging and declining population, an industry body is aiming to secure growth by competing with foreign rice in overseas markets, the sources said.The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations is planning to direct some areas of the country to focus on growing cheaper rice by cutting costs and specializing in varieties with higher yields, the sources said. The federation is aiming to increase Japan‘s annual rice exports by more than six times to 10,000 tons over the next three years.Japan and 11 other countries, including the United States, signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement in February.The agreement will enter into force 60 days after all 12 countries ratify it. But if all 12 nations have not ratified it after two years, it will take effect 60 days after at least six countries, accounting for 85 percent of the combined gross domestic product of the 12 signatories, do so.Under the TPP, Japan‘s agricultural sector will face an influx of cheaper foreign products and the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says it will take steps to help enhance the international competitiveness of domestic farmers. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/tpp-will-push-japanese-farmers-to-grow-cheaper-rice-in-bid-toboost-exports 11 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
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Rice price strongly hikes due to speculation Prolonged drought and salt water intrusion have prompted speculation on rice, causing rice price to escalate dramatically in provinces in the Mekong Delta. Workers load rice onto a vessel for exporting. (Photo:SGGP) Figures by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that rice exports were at around 1.59 million tons worth US$692 million in the first three months of this year, up 41.6 percent in volume and 40.8 percent in value, compared to the same period last year with Indonesia is the biggest rice buyer of Vietnam.In March, prices of several farm produce were in rising trend. Particularly, the price of paddy in provinces in the Mekong Delta has risen robustly because China is promoting buying rice from Vietnam. Meanwhile, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), at warehouses in Mekong Delta provinces, dried paddy was at VND5,100-5,200 per kilogram and long-grain paddy was at VND5,4005,500 per kilogram. First-grade raw rice used to make 5-percent-broken rice was currently at VND6,650-6,750 per kilogram and raw rice used to make 25 percentbroken rice was at VND6,500-6,600 per kilogram. 5-percent-broken rice was around VND7,550-7,650 per kilogram; 15-percentbroken rice was at VND7,400-7,500 per kilogram; and 25-percent-broken rice was at VND7,300-7,400 per kilogram, depending on quality and provinces. Thus, paddy price was VND1,000 per kilogram more expensive than that in late February and about VND2,000 higher than that in late January. Increasing rice price has helped farmers to make up to some extend the loss caused by drought and saline encroachment. However, many rice exporters, especially ones who signed rice export contracts when rice price was still low, are on a knife-edge.Mr. Nguyen Van Tien of Angimex Joint Stock Company in An Giang Province said that rice price escalated due to speculation and psychological impact created by drought and salt water intrusion. Fortunately, the Philippines and Indonesia have not signed any new rice import contract or it is unexpected how rice price will climb. With the current situation, Vietnamese rice exporters have to raise rice price by $5-10 per ton of rice. In comparison with Thai rice, Vietnamese one is about $10-15 per ton higher. According to VFA, although export of rice showed positive signs in the first quarter of this year, Vietnam has lost competitive advantage in cost leadership against the other countries. By Dang Lam – Translated by Thuy Doanhttp://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/2016/4/118297/ 12 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
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Vietnam plans to replace rice with more profitable crops By Ngan Anh, Thanh Nien News HANOI - Sunday, April 03, 2016 06:42
Workers load rice sacks at a seaport in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Diep Duc Minh
Vietnam plans to gradually reduce rice production and switch to other more profitable crops, a plan that experts say makes sense since the country grows so much paddy and is a massive exporter of the unprofitable crop.The National Assembly‘s Economic Committee recently agreed with the government‘s proposal to reduce the area under paddy by 270,000 hectares to 3.76 million hectares by 2020.Another 400,000 ha of land in places where seawater is salinizes rivers during the dry season will be used for other crops, but could revert to growing paddy if required.―Reducing land for paddy cultivation is reasonable as Vietnam has ample rice supply for local consumption while export is unprofitable,‖ rice expert Vo Tong Xuan said.More land could instead be used for other crops, animal husbandry, and aquaculture, which offer farmers bigger profits, he said. He also suggested not limiting it to 400,000 ha as proposed by the government.
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Vietnam exports 7-8 million tons of rice a year, or a third of its total output.Nguyen Cong Tan, the late deputy prime minister, had once said, "If land under paddy is reduced by two million hectares, rice prices could go up 1.5-2 times and farmers could make profits."Xuan said Vietnam is the world's second largest exporter of the grain, but intensive rice cultivation, particularly with a shift to growing three crops a year, is taking a toll on farmers and the ecosystem. Due to the huge supply, rice prices are too low, and so many farmers are poor, he said.A major famine in 1945 and food shortages in the post-war years led to the government adopting a "rice first" policy.This now generates far more of the crop than needed to feed Vietnam's 90 million population and has spawned a thriving export industry. Rice yields have nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, official figures show, thanks to high-yield strains and the construction of a network of dykes that today allow farmers to grow up to three crops per year.Tan had argued that the delta would be better off if farmers cultivated a more diverse range of crops, from coconut to even prawn, with just the most suitable land used to grow rice.Experts said another reason for the planned shift from rice to other crops and aquaculture is that the weather no longer suits paddy cultivation in the Mekong Delta.The water level in the Mekong River has fallen to its lowest levels since 1926, leading to the worst drought and salinity in the low-lying farming region, which is home to more than 20 million people.Nearly half of the 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of arable land in the Mekong Delta has been affected by saltwater and hundreds of thousands of people there are suffering from a water scarcity. Le Anh Tuan of Can Tho University‘s Institute of Climate Change Research said cutting rice production would be an effective measure to mitigate the groundwater depletion in the Mekong Delta.―Up to 70 percent of groundwater in the region is used for agriculture, mainly rice production. Only 7-8 percent is used for people‘s daily life.‖Switching to other crops that require water less than rice or to aquaculture could be more profitable, he said.Drought-stricken Thailand is headed down the same road. The Thai government recently instructed farmers to cultivate less rice to help the country manage its intensifying water crisis caused by a drought that experts have called the worst in decades.―Farmers, for example, can grow corn-for-animal feed and pods instead," Thailand‘s Nation newspaper quoted government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd as saying. No measures Vietnam started planning to replace rice with other crops in some areas with low yields some years ago. But it has remained on paper due to a lack of specific directions to farmers about what crops to grow, where to sell them, and technical and financial support for switching to other crops.Bui Chi Buu, former head of the Southern Institute for Agricultural Technology, said the agriculture ministry two years ago encouraged farmers in some areas to switch from rice to maize and soy, which Vietnam now has imports in large quantities to serve husbandry.It said profits from maize and soy are higher than from rice, and conditions in the Mekong Delta are ideal for growing them.But some agricultural experts said it would not be easy to sell the items because of their less competitive prices since Vietnamese production costs are much higher than import prices. Thus, companies continue to buy imported rather than locally produced maize.
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter The country imported nearly 7.6 million tons of maize in 2015, up 71.2 percent from the previous year, the agriculture ministry said.Agriculture officials in the Mekong Delta provinces of An Giang and Dong Thap said many farmers continue to grow rice because they do not know what other crops to grow.Xuan suggested that farmers in some salinity-prone areas should raise prawn, which would fetch them higher profits.Farmers earn around VND11 million ($500) from a hectare of paddy, while the profits could be five times higher if they breed prawns. But prawn farming requires a lot of experience since the creatures are highly susceptible to diseases, experts said.Nguyen Bao Ve of Can Tho University said farmers, despite being encouraged to switch to other crops, continue to grow paddy because it can be sold easily. Many other crops are not easily marketable. Vietnam's rice production is expected to edge down this year to 28.38 million tons from around 28.43 million tons last year. http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/vietnam-plans-to-replace-rice-with-more-profitable-crops60775.html
Drought forces Thailand to turn away from rice April 4, 2016Written by AFPPublished in World NONTHABURI, Thailand -- Thailand has long served as one of the globe‘s main rice bowls, but chronic water shortages are pushing the country to move away from a grain that dominates its fields and has defined a way of life for generations.Laddawan Kamsong has spent the past forty years coaxing rice from her plot in central Thailand, but she is tired of watching her farmland squeezed dry by increasingly severe droughts.―I plan to replace some rice paddies with limes,‖ she told AFP after attending a government-run workshop urging farmers to diversify their crops. Thailand is one of the world‘s top rice exporters.But four consecutive years of below-average rainfall have drained water reserves and strangled production, pushing many farmers into debt.The current drought, the worst the country has seen in decades, has hit nearly a third of Thailand‘s 76 provinces, particularly in the rice-heavy central and northeast.Reservoirs are also dropping to historically low levels.The kingdom‘s military government is now organizing training sessions to encourage millions of rice farmers to diversify into crops that require less irrigation. Unlike nearly all other crops, rice grows best in a flooded field, with the stalk‘s base completely submerged for most of the growing season. At an army-run workshop held in patch of shade in a field in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, Laddawan was sold the merits of cultivating fruit trees.In other regions, they are suggesting sugarcane or peas.These alternatives will drastically reduce water consumption but also break the monoculture that has deteriorated Thai soil for decades.―We have no choice, we need to adapt,‖ Laddawan said, explaining that she used to plant three rice crops annually, but next year will only have enough water for one. As the drought bites, some 2,000 Thai villages are 15 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter surviving off water delivered by the government, while ‗rainmaking‘ airplanes are flying over parched plains, sending an iodine solution into the air in an effort to seed clouds. After last year‘s especially weak rainy season — which falls between June and October — the ruling military junta asked farmers to abandon their winter rice crop, which is normally cultivated through irrigation and not rainfall. ―The amount of water in storage is low and now we expect that this year‘s rainy season will be delayed because of El Nino,‖ said Suphot Tovichakchaikul, who leads the country‘s water management department. The El Nino weather phenomenon tends to weaken the annual monsoon, which is a lifeline to farmers across the region http://www.journal.com.ph/news/world/drought-forces-thailand-to-turn-away-from-rice APR
Arkansas Rice Update 4-1-16 Author: Jarrod Hardke, Rice Extension Agronomist
Unfortunately, heavy rains made a mess of some of the good work already completed – areas of the state received 4-7 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
Arkansas Rice Update Dr. Jarrod Hardke April 1, 2016 No. 2016-04
www.uaex.edu/rice
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Crop Outlook / Progress
The state now has over 10% of the rice acreage in the ground – a lot of which is under water after the week‘s rainfall events. Percent of rice planted by March 31 from 2011-2015 was 7, 18, 0, 0, and 0% for an average of 5% planted. It‘s tough to guesstimate what the official percent planted mark will be on Monday due to the wide range of variability throughout the state. While many haven‘t started planting, some are already finished. If any rice is up, I haven‘t seen it, including rice I planted at RREC 10 days ago on 3/22. In the words of Judge Smails from Caddyshack: ―well, we‘re waiting!‖ The big issue right now will be the slow progress of the crop that‘s already in the ground. On top of that, add the rain and potential levee erosion or destruction associated with it. It could be interesting as the currently planted rice begins to emerge. That emergence could take anywhere from 7-21 days when planted during the last 2 weeks of March. If already seeded levees need to be re-pulled we could be in for differences in maturity between the paddy and levee. However, if the rice in the paddies is slowed by current mild temperatures it all may come out in the wash. The last two weeks of March saw plenty of rice ground being prepared and finished. Prospective Plantings Report The survey results are in and they point to a 21% increase in rice acreage compared to 2015 (Table 1). That is the equivalent of putting last year‘s prevent planted rice acreage back on the pile. If realized, this would be the 5th highest rice acreage ever for the state. The early planting progress may suggest that an even higher number is now possible, but the weather looks like it will its usual say in that. Medium grain acres fell off considerably with the lack of price support or contracts. This too has the 17 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter potential to move considerably if some planting delays occur as medium grains perform well when planted late. Table 1. USDA-NASS Prospective Plantings for 2016 (with 2014-2015 acres).
Fig. 1. 2000-2015 Harvested Acreage for Soybean, Rice, Cotton, and Corn/Sorghum.
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter With flooding going on as a result of heavy rains, some growers are moving to water seeding to keep the planting progress going. When doing so – remember that seed treated with CruiserMaxx Rice, NipsIt INSIDE, or NipsIt Rice Suite CANNOT BE WATER-SEEDED. PERIOD. Seed treated with a fungicide (e.g. Apron, Maxim, Dynasty) is not prohibited from being water-seeded based on those products labels, but likely won‘t provide much benefit. Dermacor is the only insecticide seed treatment labeled for water-seeding in rice. Dermacor does a great job against rice water weevil – which is typically worse in water-seeded systems. Any seed that has any seed treatment cannot be pre-soaked and must be flown on dry.
Causes of Seed Rots and Seedling Diseases of Rice http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/03/23/causes-seedling-diseases/
Strike the Right Balance to Reduce Rice Diseases in 2016 http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/03/24/balance-reduce-diseases/.
Additional Information Arkansas Rice Updates are published periodically to provide timely information and recommendations for rice production in Arkansas. If you would like to be added to this email list, please send your request to rice@uaex.edu. This information will also be posted to the Arkansas Row Crops blog (http://www.arkansas-crops.com/) where additional information from Extension specialists can be found. More information on rice production, including access to all publications and reports, can be found at http://www.uaex.edu/rice.
Acknowledgements We sincerely appreciate the support for this publication provided by the rice farmers of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. The authors greatly appreciate the feedback and contributions of all growers, county agents, consultants, and rice industry stakeholders. : http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/04/01/arkansas-rice-update-4-16/#sthash.M39wJF4G.dpuf
04/04/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report Rice High Low Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -
Futures:
ROUGH RICE
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter High Low
Last Change
May '16 985.5 971.5 980.0 +4.5 Jul '16 1011.5 1000.0 1006.5 +4.0 Sep '16 1028.5 1018.5 1023.5 +4.5 Nov '16 1041.0 1030.5 1040.0 +3.5 Jan '17
1058.5 +3.0
Mar '17
1076.5 +3.5
May '17
1076.5 +3.5
Rice Comment Rice futures were higher across the board today, but futures still look technically weak. The market charted a huge bearish reversal on Thursday in reaction to USDA's planting intentions report. Rice acres are expected to be up 17% from 2015 at 3.064 million acres. All of that gain and then some will be in long grain rice, while medium grain acreage will actually be down 17% across the country. Arkansas is expected to plant 1.581 million acres of rice consisting of 1.43 million acres of long grain and 150,000 acres of medium grain. Flooding this week could delay planting, but it's still early and traders know there is plenty of time to get this huge crop in the ground. Technically, the first level of support for May isThursday's low of $9.42 1/2. A close below that level could send the market headed for a retest of support at $9.22 on the continuation chart.
Shifting Sands in Iraq By Michael Klein
ARLINGTON, VA - Against a backdrop of an erratic tendering process in Iraq that has seen price competitive bids and even country specific tenders failing in recent months, the news now coming out of Baghdad is that a planned tender has been canceled.It seems that the entire tendering process is being 20 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter abandoned in place of a closed, direct negotiation between the Ministry of Trade and companies interested in selling rice to Iraq."We have found over time the open and transparent tender system to be neither open nor transparent, and it hadn't worked well for U.S. origin rice anyway," said Jim Guinn, vice president of international promotion for USA Rice. "Reverting to a non-public system makes it that much more difficult."
Guinn said USA Rice had been working with the Grain Board of Iraq and the Ministry of Trade directly on many occasions, hosting technical workshops in the Middle East and sponsoring tours of U.S. rice country. "We hired a consultant on the ground in Baghdad and were pleased to see the U.S. embassy staff remaining engaged at very high and direct levels," Guinn said. "We thought we were making progress and would soon be able to count on this large market for the ample stocks currently on hand and the expected large crop in the U.S. this year."Guinn said the next steps will be to understand the implications of this new bidding process for U.S. rice exporters. "We are not giving up on this market, no matter how difficult they appear to be making it," he said
Basmati rice industry may see revival from H2 of 2016-17: Icra By PTI | 3 Apr, 2016, 01.47PM IST
The supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation as farmers are likely to shift away from basmati, given the non-remunerative prices in the last two crop cycles.MUMBAI: The domestic basmati rice industry, which is witnessing excess supply and weak demand, may revive in the next harvest season in the second half of 2016-17, a report said here. "The basmati rice industry faced headwinds weak demand and oversupply in "Any improvement in the situation is likely only from the next basmati paddy harvest season in the second half of 2016-17 due to improvement in demand," rating agency Icra said in its report here. The supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation as farmers are likely to shift away from basmati, given the non-remunerative prices in the last two crop cycles. Moreover, since Iran has removed the ban on import of rice, demand is also expected to witness some improvement, it said. Rice is one of the most crucial food crops in the world and a staple diet for nearly half the global population. Over 90 per cent of the global rice output and consumption is centred in Asia, 21 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter wherein the world's largest rice producers, China and India, are also the world's largest rice consumers. India accounts for over 70 per cent of the world's basmati rice production. Basmati rice constitutes a small portion of the total rice produced in India. By volume, the share of basmati rice is around 6 per cent in 2014-15, even as by value, basmati rice exports account for 57 per cent in 2014-15, of India's total rice exports. Basmati rice exports have increased at a compounded annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 27 per cent from Rs 28.24 billion in 2004-05 to Rs 275.98 billion in 2014-15. The proportion of basmati rice exports in India's total exports has increased from around 0.6 per cent to around 1.3 per cent during the last one decade. While basmati rice is consumed across the globe, West Asian countries account for 75 per cent of Indian basmati rice exports in 2014-15. Within West Asia, Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two largest buyers, together accounting for over 50 per cent of basmati rice exports from India. However, even as Iran emerged as one of the largest importers of basmati rice in recent years, the country imposed a ban on basmati rice imports from India in 2014-15, citing its own healthy rice crop and large basmati inventory. Commenting on pricing scenario, Icra said basmati paddy is also vulnerable to cyclical price fluctuations. Higher prices in the market encourage higher basmati paddy cultivation, which increases supply in the next season. This depresses the price, thereby erasing gains and shifting farmers away from basmati paddy cultivation. During the procurement season of 2012-13 and 2013-14, there was a steep rise in paddy prices from around Rs 18,000 per tonne (MT) in 2011-12 to around Rs 37,000 MT in 2013-14, due to strong demand in the international market. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/919609/parched-fields-force-thailand-to-look-beyond-rice
From Thai to Indian: 9 Easy Ethnic Recipes Your Family Will Love 04/03/2016 09:13 am ET |
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Jennifer SegalChef, Recipe Developer and Busy Mom
From Shrimp Pad Thai to Chicken Curry, all of these recipes are deliciously familyfriendly, with flavors mild enough for the kids but authentic enough for more adventurous eaters. 1. Shrimp Pad Thai
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
Everything you need for this delicious Shrimp Pad Thai, you can find at your local grocery store — and it can go head-to-head with any restaurant version. GET THE RECIPE 2. Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce
My whole family loves these chicken enchiladas. I‘ll be honest, they take a bit of time to make — but the good news is that you can make the sauce and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake the enchiladas another time for a quick and easy weeknight meal. GET THE RECIPE 23 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter 3. Asian BBQ Chicken
Think of this dish as Chicken Teriyaki with a South Asian flair, or India meets the other flavors of Asia. It sounds exotic but is actually kid-friendly and easy to make.GET THE RECIPE 4. Thai Ginger and Sweet Red Chili Shrimp
This is an authentic-tasting Thai dish, yet it‘s easy to make and you can find all the ingredients at most supermarkets. The flavor comes from lots of fresh ginger and 24 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter garlic, and of course, one of the best bottled sauces you can have in your kitchen — Thai Sweet Red Chili Sauce. GET THE RECIPE 5. Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs
In this recipe, chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, lemon and spices, then grilled on skewers until golden brown. Everyone seems to love it — in fact, the first time I made it for a crowd, I actually ran out of food. Serve over a bed of golden Basmati Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds. GET THE RECIPE 6. Indian Spiced Red Lentil & Chicken Soup
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
Made with a rotisserie chicken and canned coconut milk, this easy version of Mulligatawny soup is a one-pot supper that you can have on the table in 45 minutes. I like to serve it with a scoop of basmati rice but, really, store-bought orhomemade naan is all you need to complete the meal. GET THE RECIPE 7. Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter This recipe, sent to me by one of my readers, is a slam dunk winner. Large shrimp are quickly sautĂŠed with garlic and onions and then simmered in a traditional Vietnamese caramel sauce made from fish sauce, brown sugar, scallions and cilantro. Every time I make it, my family literally scrapes the pan clean. GET THE RECIPE 8. Mirin Glazed Salmon
This recipe is adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson. Most of the ingredients are right out of the pantry, and you can have it on the table in 20 minutes. The flavor of the sauce is similar to teriyaki, which most kids seem to like. GET THE RECIPE 9. Chicken Curry
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
In this family-friendly Indian dish, thinly sliced chicken breasts are sautéed with curry powder and simmered in an aromatic, slightly sweet curry sauce thickened with Greek yogurt. You can have it on the table in 30 minutes — or in the time it takes to make some basmati rice — and the cooking method ensures that the chicken comes out reliably tender every time GET THE RECIPE TheHuffingtonPost.com
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost exports KYODO APR 3, 2016
Japanese farmers will start to grow cheaper rice than existing brands following the signing of the TransPacific Partnership, a free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign competition. | ISTOCK 28 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter The nation‘s farmers are set to produce less expensive rice than existing brands to boost exports, following the signing of a Pacific free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign competition, farming sources said Sunday.While Japanese rice is recognized for its quality, high prices have hampered any significant growth in exports, according to industry experts.With the domestic market showing signs of leveling off, partly due to the country‘s aging and declining population, an industry body is aiming to secure growth by competing with foreign rice in overseas markets, the sources said.The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations is planning to direct some areas of the country to focus on growing cheaper rice by cutting costs and specializing in varieties with higher yields, the sources said.The federation is aiming to increase Japan‘s annual rice exports by more than six times to 10,000 tons over the next three years. Japan and 11 other countries, including the United States, signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement in February.The agreement will enter into force 60 days after all 12 countries ratify it. But if all 12 nations have not ratified it after two years, it will take effect 60 days after at least six countries, accounting for 85 percent of the combined gross domestic product of the 12 signatories, do so.Under the TPP, Japan‘s agricultural sector will face an influx of cheaper foreign products and the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says it will take steps to help enhance the international competitiveness of domestic farmers. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/04/03/business/economy-business/tpp-will-pushjapanese-farmers-grow-cheaper-rice-bid-boost-exports/#.VwOT5_l94dX
Variety is Key When Serving Grains Posted by Katie Wilson, Deputy Undersecretary for the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services and Angie Tagtow, Executive Director, Center for Nutrition and Policy Promotion, on April 1, 2016 at 2:00 PM
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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Oats, barley, and other grains. USDA photo by Peggy Greb.
The programs within USDA‘s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) strive to provide Americans with the assistance and information they need to maintain healthy lifestyles.In achieving that mission, FNCS relies heavily on the advice of experts, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recently, the level of arsenic in rice has received increased attention, and FDA has proposed a maximum allowable level of arsenic in infant rice cereal products. Because of the new proposed guidance issued by FDA, which is open to public comment now, USDA is working to assist growers and processors wishing to utilize their products for infant rice cereal to ensure that their rice does not contain amounts of arsenic that surpass the new limit of 100 parts per billion (ppb).So what does this mean for FNCS nutrition assistance programs? We encourage our program participants to eat a variety of grains as part of a healthy diet, including whole grains. This advice is consistent with the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Whole grains contain a great amount of benefits: They are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that help keep you healthy and strong. Along with giving you an extra boost of energy and making you feel full for longer periods of time, the minerals in whole grains help maintain normal muscles and nerves and a healthy immune system. Rice and rice products remain suitable options for grain consumption and will continue to be included in WIC Food packages, and served in schools, daycare centers and homes, and other institutions that operate a USDA nutrition assistance program. However, keep in mind that while rice and rice products remain an option, they are not the only grain options provided by these programs. For example, WIC state agencies allow a wide selection of other infant cereals including oatmeal, barley, and whole wheat. This is also the case for daycare centers and homes that operate the CACFP.You can embrace a variety of grain at home, too. There are a number of ways to include it in your diet including pastas, breads, tortillas, crackers, pancakes, cornbread, muffins, and oatmeal.While rice and rice products are safe to consume as part of balanced diet, here are some tips on how to incorporate several different grains into your family‘s diet:
Try out different grains in mixed dishes, such as barley in vegetable soup or stew and wheat pasta in a casserole or stir-fry. Have popcorn, a whole grain, as a snack; use dried herbs in place of salt or butter to keep it healthiest. Use rolled oats or crushed, unsweetened whole grain cereal as breading for baked chicken, fish, veal cutlets, or eggplant parmesan. Use whole-grain bread or cracker crumbs in meatloaf. Try an unsweetened whole grain cereal as croutons in salad or in place of crackers with soup. Add whole-grain flour or oatmeal into cookies or other baked treats.
For other examples of whole grains in home cooking, please visit:http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgallery-grains As part of our continued commitment to ensuring children and families have access to a healthy diet, USDA has made historic improvements in many of its nutrition assistance programs. In the past six years, USDA has updated nutrition standards for school nutrition, updated the WIC package to include whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables, expanded the scope of the SNAP nutrition education program, and supported an unprecedented growth in the number of farmers markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits 30 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter http://blogs.usda.gov/2016/04/01/variety-is-key-when-serving-grains/#more-64039
Pressure on basmati exporters to stay for 6 months: ICRA
Weak sales growth and a decline in profitability, along with inventory losses, are expected to be key trends BS Reporter | Mumbai April 4, 2016 Last Updated at 22:34 IST Exports fall for 15th straight month, down 5.7% in FebJeera price may gain by 10% on quality issue, export demandExport volumes up in some sectors despite slow down in demandICRA expects bank stress to continue for three yearsNBFCs may see an uptick in NPAs: IcraIndia‘s basmati rice export is likely to remain under pressure till the first half of this financial year, on excess supply in destination markets, says a recent report from ratings agency ICRA.Importing countries led by Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE (nearly half of India‘s export) had stepped up inventory building on a sharp fall in basmati prices. Its export surged 20 per cent to 3.07 million tonnes in April–December 2015, from 2.57 mt in the corresponding period of 2014. The coming months would see a slowing. Falling prices meant per-unit realisation declining to $885 a tonne in April–December, from $1,312 a tonne in the comparable period of 2014.Weak sales growth and a decline in profitability, along with inventory losses, are expected to be key trends in the financials (to be reported) of basmati rice entities, it said. Any improvement is likely only from the next paddy harvest season, the second half of 2016-17.The sector had steady growth in revenues till 201314, with rising demand, high sales and realisation. However, 2014-15, saw a fall after a ban imposed by Iran. Any weakness in demand leads to a correction in prices, impacting the 31 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter inventory positions of comanies and their profitability, said ICRA. The decline in profitability and inability to liquidate sizable stocks resulted in increased working capital borrowing in FY15. As reflected in the first three quarters of 2015-16, pressure on revenue and profit is expected to continue in the near term.These things could see some change. "Supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation, as farmers are likely to shift away, given the nonremunerative prices in the past two crop cycles. More, since Iran has removed the ban on import, demand is also expected to witness some improvement,‖ said the report.
Mississippi farmers watch rains, markets as planting moves ahead Apr 2, 2016Linda Breazeale, MSU Extension Service | Delta Farm Press
Like jets lining up on a runway, Mississippi growers are ready to take off and resume their planting as soon as the weather allows. Shaifer Bell of Huddleston Planting Co. is at the controls of this tractor as he plants corn near Metcalfe, Miss., on March 30. Photo: MSU Delta Research and Extension Center Communication Department
Crop decisions made in January based on markets and profit potential may be cloudy memories for growers waiting on fields to dry out enough to allow spring plantings. Brian Williams, an agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said growers have purchased seed and locked in their planting intentions, unless rains prevent timely plantings. Few changes will be based on the market‘s response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Prospective Plantings Report released March 31. Based on the USDA report, Williams said Mississippi‘s total acreage will be 74,000 more acres than last year. Mississippi growers planted 4.301 million acres last year. This year, growers are forecast to plant 4.375 million acres. 32 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Cotton ―In December, cotton prices were favorable compared to some of the other crops, which encouraged growers to expand their cotton intentions,‖ Williams said. ―Today, cotton prices are not quite as good, comparatively, as they were back when decisions were being made.‖ USDA forecasts 450,000 cotton acres in Mississippi, up 41 percent from 320,000 acres last year. The U.S. cotton crop is up 11 percent. Corn Williams said corn was the biggest surprise in the report, and the market flinched. ―Acreage was higher than expected, both for the nation and for Mississippi,‖ Williams said. ―Corn finished down 15 cents per bushel in just a few hours after the report was released. It was running $3.62 per bushel before the report, dropped to $3.54 per bushel and slowly trended down the next couple hours. Sometimes the market will overreact and recovery will occur in following days.‖ USDA is predicting Mississippi‘s corn acreage at 800,000, a 57 percent increase from last year‘s 510,000 acres. Nationally, corn is up 6 percent. DELTA FARM PRESS DAILY
Stay current on what‘s happening in Mid-South agriculture: Subscribe to Delta Farm Press Daily. Erick Larson, Extension grain crops specialist, said growers need some dry weather during April to make that acreage increase a reality. Currently, corn planting is behind schedule. ―Our typical planting window for corn is from the first of March to mid-May, depending on the field‘s location in the state. If rain delays corn too much, growers may switch to another crop,‖ Larson said. ―MSU research shows that fields with access to irrigation can be planted through April or later, especially in our most northern counties,‖ he said. ―We are irrigating more crops in the hill region of the state than we once did. Growers are relying on surface water and seeing a good return on their investments. With irrigation, growers planting late can maintain higher yields.‖ Larson said rotation plans are an important strategy growers use to significantly enhance yield potentials and reduce risks with pests and diseases that build up from repeated plantings. Rotations also reduce costs and inputs needed to control those problems. Sorghum Williams said sorghum prices in recent years were strong compared with corn, largely because of good export opportunities. That situation has changed, causing a large drop in sorghum acreage. Mississippi growers are set to plant 50,000 acres of sorghum, down 58 percent from 120,000 acres last year. Soybeans Mississippi soybean acreage appears to have the greatest total decline, according to the report. ―Soybean growers are predicted to plant 2 million acres, down 13 percent from 2.3 million acres in 2015,‖ Williams said. ―Corn and soybean prices have been moving together in recent months. Corn is down about 7 percent, and soybeans are down about 6 percent from a year ago.‖ Trent Irby, Extension soybean specialist, said the reduction is likely a result of market prices. ―Profit margins are tight this season, so growers need favorable conditions during April to get the crop established,‖ Irby said. ―Mid-April is the optimum planting period in terms of setting the yield potential for soybean. Getting the crop established during this window will help growers maintain higher yields, which will be important this season, given the lower commodity prices.‖ Rice Rice acreage is expected to be sharply higher with 17 percent more acres expected nationally. Mississippi producers plan to plant 47 percent more rice this year — an expected 220,000 acres. 33 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Bobby Golden, Extension rice specialist based at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, said rice tends to provide reliable yields for experienced growers but can be a challenge for newer growers. ―We want rice to flower outside (before or after) the hottest days. That‘s one of the reasons we push for earlier plantings, but some years, even that doesn‘t work,‖ Golden said. ―We are just entering the optimal planting window from the last week of March until the first week of May, or later for hybrid varieties. Practically no rice is planted yet, and it could be near the middle of April before fields are dry enough to plant. Once they dry out, growers will be pushing it fast.‖ Peanuts Mississippi producers are expected to plant 40,000 acres of peanuts this summer, which is 9 percent less than last year‘s 44,000 acres. Sweet potato Sweet potato acreage in Mississippi is expected to be down slightly at 25,000 acres, compared with 27,000 acres a year ago. Hay Forage growers may harvest 700,000 acres of hay, up slightly from 680,000 acres last year http://deltafarmpress.com/equipment/mississippi-farmers-watch-rains-markets-plantingmoves-ahead
Rice Prices as on : 04-04-2016 08:10:33 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market. Arrivals
Current
Price
% Season Prev. Prev.Yr Modal change cumulative Modal %change Rice
Manjeri(Ker)
290.00
NC
7830.00
2900
2900
-12.12
Kanpur(Grain)(UP)
280.00
12
8510.00
2140
2150
-0.93
Gorakhpur(UP)
280.00
47.37
3952.00
2070
2070
5.08
Sainthia(WB)
175.00
4.17
1022.20
1770
1780
-
Birbhum(WB)
150.00
3.45
2029.00
1780
1785
-9.64
Shahjahanpur(UP)
137.40
587
40276.50
2190
2200
7.09
Sitapur(UP)
135.00
3.05
6542.00
2200
2220
7.32
34 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Asansol(WB)
132.00
NC
1846.50
2200
2200
-
Durgapur(WB)
132.00
-0.75
1060.50
2200
2250
-8.33
Bazpur(Utr)
110.00
-98
38223.41
1900
2159
2.70
Etawah(UP)
100.00
-16.67
18715.00
2275
2270
1.56
Pilibhit(UP)
100.00
6.38
17996.00
2185
2195
0.23
Mathabhanga(WB)
100.00
-9.09
3220.00
1950
1950
NC
Nalbari(ASM)
93.00
-7.92
718.50
2000
2000
NC
Kaliaganj(WB)
90.00
800
581.00
2650
2650
8.16
Chandabali(Ori)
85.00
NC
1268.00
1400
1400
NC
Sehjanwa(UP)
81.00
4.52
428.50
2080
2080
4.79
Aligarh(UP)
80.00
NC
2780.00
2130
2140
10.36
Bindki(UP)
76.00
90
2237.00
2240
2300
8.21
Thodupuzha(Ker)
70.00
NC
2170.00
2650
2650
8.16
Achalda(UP)
70.00
40
3142.50
2280
2280
2.70
Saharanpur(UP)
65.00
-28.57
4212.00
2160
2165
1.89
Kalipur(WB)
62.00
-18.42
4407.00
2050
2050
NC
Fatehpur(UP)
60.00 1614.29
195.50
2150
2215
-1.15
Mainpuri(UP)
60.00
20
1093.00
2025
2015
4.92
Goalpara(ASM)
58.20
3.01
504.10
1800
1800
-
Ghaziabad(UP)
55.00
-26.67
2250.00
2150
2140
1.90
Muzzafarnagar(UP)
54.00
100
1127.00
2170
2170
4.58
Pandua(WB)
52.00
4
1475.00
2500
2500
-7.41
35 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Kesinga(Ori)
50.00
NC
410.00
2300
2500
-11.54
Samsi(WB)
50.00
NC
15560.00
3000
3000
-
Jaunpur(UP)
45.00
36.36
1140.00
1950
1930
-0.51
Kasimbazar(WB)
43.50
-1.14
1452.00
2280
2300
-8.80
Beldanga(WB)
39.00
-8.24
1573.00
2280
2280
-8.80
Gauripur(ASM)
36.00
-12.2
2426.00
4500
4500
-
Ramgarh(Jha)
32.00
77.78
354.00
3000
2600
7.14
Jasra(UP)
30.00
100
502.50
1995
1985
-1.48
Dadri(UP)
30.00
20
1685.00
2140
2130
1.42
Partaval(UP)
27.00
-10
1143.00
2000
2100
2.83
Toofanganj(WB)
25.00
-
25.00
3050
-
5.17
Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB)
24.50
5.6
951.30
2300
2300
-11.54
Bohorihat(ASM)
22.00
-
22.00
2200
-
-
Balugaon(Ori)
20.00
-33.33
279.00
3200
3100
10.34
Kolaghat(WB)
18.00
5.88
456.00
2300
2300
-8.00
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB)
16.00
-5.88
509.00
2300
2300
15.00
Jeypore(Ori)
15.00
NC
233.40
325
325
-
Shikohabad(UP)
15.00
-50
460.50
1965
1950
-4.84
Champadanga(WB)
15.00
-6.25
690.00
2350
2350
-9.62
Firozabad(UP)
13.00
-
13.00
2075
-
-
Naugarh(UP)
12.50
-26.47
532.50
2030
2065
6.56
Rampur(UP)
12.50
25
422.00
2250
2240
9.76
36 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Lalbagh(WB)
11.50
6.48
77.30
2250
2250
NC
Raiganj(WB)
11.00
-18.52
720.50
2750
2800
10.00
Kottayam(Ker)
10.00
NC
130.00
3500
3500
16.67
Khair(UP)
10.00
-33.33
124.00
2120
2100
9.84
Tanakpur(Utr)
10.00
-20
181.10
2100
2100
NC
Buland Shahr(UP)
9.00
-25
355.00
2035
2025
0.25
North Lakhimpur(ASM)
8.80
-31.25
1206.10
1900
1900
-
Baruipur(Canning)(WB)
8.60
32.31
21.10
2700
2600
-
Nilagiri(Ori)
8.00
33.33
342.00
2400
2300
4.35
Mirzapur(UP)
7.00
-26.32
1189.00
1945
1960
-1.02
Tusura(Ori)
6.50
NC
174.50
2200
2300
-8.33
Karanjia(Ori)
5.50
10
206.80
2600
2600
4.00
Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)
5.50
5.77
77.50
2600
2600
-
Rura(UP)
4.80
20
79.40
2120
2190
-1.17
Nimapara(Ori)
4.50
12.5
155.50
2200
2200
15.79
Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori)
4.50
-42.31
26.10
3250
3250
-20.73
Baberu(UP)
3.50
NC
116.00
2130
2125
-
Islampur(WB)
3.40
13.33
238.30
2150
2150
-
Imphal(Man)
3.30
NC
168.30
2900
2900
NC
Melaghar(Tri)
3.00
50
98.80
2250
2250
-4.26
Sardhana(UP)
3.00
150
70.20
2160
2170
3.35
Chorichora(UP)
2.50
-16.67
275.15
2100
2080
6.87
37 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Lamlong Bazaar(Man)
1.40
16.67
52.60
2900
2900
NC
Dibiapur(UP)
1.30
8.33
96.70
2250
2250
2.27
Thoubal(Man)
1.10
NC
68.10
2800
2800
180.00
Punalur(Ker)
1.00
NC
13.50
1600
1600
-
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)
1.00
NC
93.10
2000
2000
-9.09
Mawana(UP)
1.00
NC
20.20
2180
2175
5.06
Shillong(Meh)
0.60
-14.29
43.60
3500
3500
NC
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8433095.ece
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