8th September , 2014
Chinese COLOR SORTER as low as Pak Rs 22 Lakh Only A Time Limited Offer Contact: Cell: 0300 414 3493
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU Latest News Headlines…
Importance of developing strong Pakistani rice brands for international markets Expand rice exports with new market development USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show, Dec. 7-9, Little Rock, Ark. Rice sufficiency seen possible via increased demand for other staples PH sees high domestic rice prices easing in Q4 Russia's grain exports hit record high in August Thailand exports more rice than India, Vietnam Govt rice auction for general traders Amid ban, ministry seeks nod to export rice to Sri Lanka STC floats rare rice import tender Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Sep 06 Russia's grain exports hit record high in August India to import 1 LT rice from Myanmar to avoid supply crisis in Manipur and Mizoram India set to import 100,000 tonnes of rice from Burma States say no to extra rice over lack of storage Guyana eyes Ghana rice market Leadership Alumni Chosen for International Travel, Next Stop: China Annual School Foodservice Contest Launches National Rice Month Arkansas House: Rice production important to Arkansas Thailand exports more rice than India, Vietnam
NEWS DETAILS: Importance of developing strong Pakistani rice brands for international markets September 08, 2014,JAWED ALI GHORI Countless books, articles, studies and theories and real life success stories have promulgated the importance of branding today. From higher profit margins for producers, to consistent quality for consumers the benefits of
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
branding are far and many. One place where the success of branding can be seen in Pakistan today is in FMCGs. From beauty soaps, to shampoo to toothpaste, to cooking oils and beverages there is healthy competition from various brands. However this importance of branding is yet to be fully realised within the rice industry in Pakistan, especially in the export sector. With a handful of brands and a lack of local consumer awareness on branded rice, the local industry is overwhelmingly underdeveloped. As a predominantly wheat eating nation, more than half of the annual rice crop is exported with the majority in the form of unbranded bulk. Within the last two years, export figures havedeclined despite an increase production, as competition from especially India and Thailand intensifies. The fact that Pakistani rice is unable to distinguish itself without branding worsens the situation. From India there are several brands that currently operate globally, of which some famous brands like Tilda &Dawatare easily available in international markets. However there is no significant contribution from the Pakistani marketdespite our rice having a superior reputation due to its aroma and taste. Pakistani rice exporters have to focus on brand building and it here is where the Government of Pakistan should be assisting exporters with funds from the Export Development Fund (EDF). Exporters pay the EDF duty every single time at the time of export and these funds must be used to develop this small but significant industry in Pakistan. A greater emphasis on branding will benefit the entire value chain right down to the farmer. Exporters will have to maintain brand quality and ensure that the quality of rice is of a high standard. They will be willing to pay a higher price for the best quality of rice encouraging local farmers to improve their crops and increase their inputs. The positive effects of branding will benefit the entire rice industry. Most countries import Pakistani rice in bulk, and then local companies develop their own brands and simply package the rice reaping all the benefits of branding further down the value chain which Pakistani exporters miss out on. This year the Eurozone imported 150,000 tons of brown rice from Pakistan; carried out final processing and packed it under their own brands. This is a huge missed opportunity for rice exporters from Pakistan who should be more involved in thevalue addition process right upto branding and packaging where high margins exist. Another barrier for Pakistani rice brands competing in international market is the high retail expense: distributor networks and commission, shelving charges, registration brand listing in hypermarkets abroad. The fickle Pakistan Rupee with bouts of extreme appreciation and depreciation especially this year have also hurt rice exporters. The EDF fund would be able to help Pakistani rice exporters in this situation via subsidies and holding workshops and trainings for brand development. There is so much to be gained from better branding and marketing within the rice industry in Pakistan and a co-ordinated effort from both the public and private spheres is the way forward.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Expand rice exports with new market development September 08, 2014 WAQAS PERACHA Rice holds an important position in agriculture and national economy of Pakistan; it constitutes about10% of Pakistan's total exports. It is not a staple food in Pakistan and has a very low consumption. There istherefore no government intervention for this cereal, no matter what trade values are; the surplus has to be exported. Despite being the 12th largest producer of rice, Pakistan ranks in the top 5 exporters. There is a need for new market development where our surplus rice can be exported. As time has progressed and the rice industry has grown; traditional markets like Africa have been saturated due to stiff international competition. In order for the Pakistan rice industry to sustain and be profitably viable it is crucial for exporters to find new markets and that means a move towards non-traditional markets where quality matters more than price. South American region is one of the non-traditional market that exporters should eye towards developing. In this region to name a few Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Peru are some of the countries that should be explored. Cuba is one of the markets which was partially explored/worked on in 2012-13. It has the highest per capita rice rate consumption in the western hemisphere. It is a market of 500,000 tons of rice per year where government procures from private sector on credit basis. Of the potential countries found in the South American region; Mexico is the most important market which has serious potential where it has 0% duty and our non-basmati rice can be fed in return a good sizeable foreign exchange can be earned. USDA estimated that in 2013-14 Mexico imported 730,000 tons of rice Pakistan had been able to penetrate this market and significant levels of Pakistan white rice were exported during the period 2009-2013 before the ban was imposed due tothe quarantined pest Khapra Beetle found in a few containers at destination port. Mexico and Pakistan rice trade resumed in 2009 after a period of 5 years on the basis of partial quarantine courtesy of strong efforts done from the Pakistan embassy. During the course of negotiations for lifting of the ban; Pakistan quarantineprovided a lot of information to the Mexicans about the crop, processing, fumigation and packaging of rice, which satisfied the Mexicans to lift the ban. Pakistan rice exports to Mexico increased significantly from 1,500 ton in 2012 to more than 22,000 ton in the first ten months of 2013. This caused the US market share of milled rice to drop from 65% in 2012 to less than 50% by the summer of 2013 Mexico shifted to Pakistan rice not only because of preferred quality but also because of being highly price competitive where Pakistan white rice wasUSD 100 PMT cheaper than rice being imported from U.S. In June 2013 after finding traces of khapra beetle in a few rice containers from Pakistan, Mexican port authorities quarantined 3,000 tons of Pakistan rice and later returned them to Pakistan which was unfair with the exporters and caused them heavy losses of up to 50%. Khapra beetle issue was managed poorly from both the sides. Further it is understood behind this ban on Pakistan rice is lobbying of U.S paddy exporters and Mexican millers.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
This market should be explored further and while the Pakistan commercial counsellor should work towards reviving business to this market; DPP should strengthen their checks to verify whether all the routines are being carried out to assure that pest free cargoes are being exported. Similarly they should also strengthen their concerned personnel to act promptly on matters that come through to them. Strong and proactive commercial counsellor should be nominated to take the office in the Pakistan embassy in Mexico. In order to conclude the South American region is a move towards the non-traditional markets where quality is more valued than price thereby potential to yield handsome profits; contrary to the traditional markets like Africa where price war is the base at which exporters win contracts. For Pakistan rice to penetrate this region DPP, exporters, TDAP and the commercial sections of Pakistan embassy need to work collaboratively.
USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show, Dec. 7-9, Little Rock, Ark. December 7th - 9th, 2014 • Little Rock, AR The USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show will be held Dec. 7-9 in Little Rock, Ark.The largest annual gathering of rice farmers from all rice-producing states features a trade show for rice-related equipment, technology, products, and services.The educational program will cover outlooks on farm bill implementation, the economy, trade, production, research, and more.The event will be held at the Marriott Little Rock and Statehouse Convention Center. For more information, contact Jeanette Davis at jdavis@usarice.com or (703) 236-1447. Marriott Little Rockand Statehouse Convention Center
3 Statehouse Plaza Little Rock, Arkansas United States
Rice sufficiency seen possible via increased demand for other staples By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 8, 2014 - 12:00am Cassava, corn grits and sweet potato MANILA, Philippines - Increased demand for alternative staples may enable the Philippines to become sufficient in rice sooner than expected, an Agriculture official said over the weekend.Edilberto de Luna, Agriculture assistant secretary and program coordinator for rice and corn, said more Filipinos now consume
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
other food staples like corn grits and cassava, putting less pressure on palay production.“I think maybe 15 million Filipinos are now eating corn grits, especially in the Visayas,” he said.He added that athletes like boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao consume corn grits.The department, through its flagship Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), aims to attain selfsufficiency in rice and other food staples such as corn, cassava, cassava and sweet potato by 2016.The country has already attained a 96-percent self-sufficiency in rice for consumption, planting and buffer stocking needs after producing 18.44 million metric tons (MT) of palay last year.Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 This year, farmers are expected to produce 19.07 million MT.De Luna noted that in Mindanao, particularly in Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, people are more fond of eating cassava. “If we can minimize the consumption of rice in Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, every metric ton of cassava that they will consume is equivalent to a metric ton of rice that we will have to take out of the remaining four percent deficiency in rice,” he said.The Agriculture department has already initialized a cassava production expansion program, which involves the provision of support for farm inputs and equipment.The department, through the national corn program, has also been introducing reintroduced improved varieties of corn to farmers to increase yield and tolerance to extreme weather event
PH sees high domestic rice prices easing in Q4 by Reuters September 6, 2014
Manila – High rice prices in the Philippines, one of the world’s biggest buyers of the grain, should start easing in the last quarter of the year as local harvests and additional imports boost domestic supply, the country’s food security chief said on Friday.Rice prices play a vital role in shaping the monetary policy of the Southeast Asian nation. On Friday, government data showed that the Philippines’ annual food inflation was steady at 8.7 percent in August, but still at the highest in more than five years, as rice prices remained elevated.Philippine monetary officials are keeping an eye on food prices, wary that its inflation target for next year is at risk. The central bank raised the key interest rate in July for the first time in three years and, after Friday’s inflation data, may continue the tightening policy when it meets next week, some economists say.“The bulk of local rice production usually comes in the last quarter of the year,” Food Security Secretary Francis Pangilinan told reporters. “Barring strong typhoons, we’re looking at rice prices becoming stable and going down towards the last quarter.”Pangilinan did not say by how much rice prices will fall. A kilogram of well-milled rice in the Philippines now retails at an average $1, up more than 13 percent from a year ago, government data showed. Local prices hit a record high in July. Local rice output this year is forecast to be 2 percent lower than the government target of 19.07 million tonnes, based on the latest forecast by the Philippine Statistics Authority.To ensure adequate domestic supply, the government wants to import more rice but it has yet to finalise the terms of the additional purchases.“Until the
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
documentation has been completed, I would rather not make the announcement,� Pangilinan said when asked on the timing of the purchase. The Philippines usually buys most of its rice requirements from Vietnam but also seeks offers from Thailand.The state grains procurement agency, National Food Authority (NFA), rejected all bids in a tender that closed on Aug. 27 for a 500,000-tonne rice deal because the prices offered by four suppliers were higher than the budget.The NFA was considering re-issuing a buy tender or doing a government-togovernment deal for its additional rice imports after the failed bidding, Pangilinan said last month.The NFA is rushing to boost its thin stockpiles after releasing more stocks in recent months to flood the local markets with cheap imported rice.A new supply deal would bring the Philippines’ total duty-free shipments this year to around 1.7 million tonnes, the most in four years. Additionally, the private sector can import 350,000 tonnes this year subject to a 40 percent tariff
Russia's grain exports hit record high in August 08.09.2014
Russian wheat prices rose for a second straight week thanks to a record pace of August exports, high domestic demand and weak rouble that offset continuing harvesting, analysts said on Monday.Russia, one of the world's largest wheat exporters, has supplied 4.7 million tonnes of all grains including pulses to its customers abroad in August. Its top customers are in North Africa and the Middle East."It is the highest ever monthly export level," Russia's IKAR agriculture consultancy said in a note. Wheat exports also hit an all-time record of 4.2 million tonnes. Russia is set to harvest the largest wheat crop in six years thanks to favourable weather this year and has already harvested 50 million tonnes from 62 percent of the planned area, according to Agriculture Ministry data.IKAR expects the country to harvest 60.0 million tonnes of wheat, 20.2 million tonnes of barley and 12.7 million tonnes of maize.Russian prices for milling wheat with 12.5 percent protein content were up $2 last week at $246 per tonne, IKAR said. The quote was on a free-on-board (FOB) basis in the Black Sea compared with a week earlier.Barley prices were flat at $212 per tonne, while maize (corn) prices fell $3 to $180 per tonne, it added.SovEcon, another Russian agriculture consultancy, quoted FOB prices for wheat with 12.5 percent protein content up $0.5 at $248 per tonne in deep-water ports.
The rouble was 0.44 percent weaker against the dollar at 37.08 on Monday as investors awaited details of new European sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine's crisis. It hit an all-time low of 37.50 against the dollar early last week.As for other crops, SovEcon said FOB Black Sea crude sunflower oil prices were at $750 per tonne.IKAR's white sugar prices index fell to $647 per tonne from $659 per tonne, the firm said.
Thailand exports more rice than India, Vietnam The Association of Thai Rice Exporters has reported Thailand now exports more rice than India and Vietnam
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
with the high possibility to reclaim the position of the world’s number one rice exporter.President of the Association of Thai Rice Exporters Pol.Lt.Charoen Laothammathat said the Thai rice export situation substantially improved with a 25% increase in value.Thai rice exports rose mainly due to cooperation between the government and private sectors in promoting Thai rice in foreign markets and managing rice stock effectively, the president said.Thailand exported 5.3 million tons of rice over the past six months, increasing by 70%. The association’s president also suggested the government discontinue the rice pledging program which had made domestic rice price higher than the global market by as high as 50%.Pol.Lt.Charoen predicted that Thailand would export 9-10 million tons of rice by the end of 2014 and become the world’s number one rice exporter again. Source: National News Bureau & Public Relations
Govt rice auction for general traders The Commerce Ministry will hold an auction for 139,675 tonnes of rice from its stockpiles to general traders on September 12. Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the auction would be for jasmine rice and husked rice, but no white rice because an inspection process has not been completed yet. The department is expected to sell rice from the stockpiles in small lots from time to time because of a low supply of rice in the market. New Siam Piwat chief Siam Piwat yesterday announced the appointment of Chanisa Chutipat as president, with immediate effect.Siam Piwat owns and operates the Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery malls in central Bangkok and is a partner in IconSiam, a Bt50-billion mega-development."Mrs Chanisa's appointment as president serves to reinforce Siam Piwat's top management team comprising 17 executives who are each respected experts in the retail and property sectors," Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said. "Her experience as executive vice president in charge of operations at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and her sterling reputation in the financial and banking industry are important assets as we prepare to take our organisation to a new level." Chanisa will work on the integration of systems in all support units to streamline the executions of the multiple new projects in Siam Piwat's pipeline as well as the operations of the 15 existing companies in the group, Chadatip said. Trade mission to VN The Foreign Trade Department is leading a delegation of Thai automotive firms to Vietnam, during September 8-10, said Tikhumporn Natvaratat, deputy director-general of the department. The three-day mission started yesterday.Early this year, Vietnam lowered its import tariffs on automobiles, to 10-50 per cent, so Thai producers can explore opportunities to sell automobile and motorcycle parts there, he said.
Amid ban, ministry seeks nod to export rice to Sri Lanka Rejaul Karim Byron
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
The food ministry has sought a special permission from the government to export 50,000 tonnes of coarse rice to Sri Lanka as there is a ban on non-fragrant rice export until June 2015.The proposal to export the rice at the government levels will be placed at a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs this week. The warehouse price of the rice has been estimated at $455 a tonne, but the final export price will be $493 that includes insurance and freight charges, according to the proposal.Rice was selling at $430-$455 a tonne on August 16 in the international markets, including India, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a report of the food ministry.Bangladesh exported aromatic rice in the past, but this would be the first-ever shipment of non-fragrant rice as Colombo has expressed interest to import rice from Dhaka on an emergency basis.The food ministry said the government had a stock of 11 lakh tonnes of rice in August -- 2.5 lakh tonnes higher than the stock in the same month last year.Bangladesh can emerge as a rice exporter if the current stock is taken into account, the proposal said.
STC floats rare rice import tender NEW DELHI Mon Sep 8, 2014 7:55pm IST A labourer unloads sacks filled with rice at a wholesale grain market in Chandigarh July 29, 2014. State Trading Corporation of India Ltd 09:20:00 IDT
(Reuters) - State Trading Corp. (STCI.NS) on Monday floated a tender to import 10,000 tonnes of rice for delivery in the state of Manipur.India, the world's second biggest rice producer, has huge surplus stocks. Imports are sometimes required because of poor transportation links to ship grain to interior areas in northeast India, said a trade source.The state trader said in a statement that it is seeking 25 percent broken white rice supply from overseas sellers for delivery between Oct. 15 to Nov. 15. Bids close on Sept. 23.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
The supplier should specify country of origin for the quantity to be supplied. The minimum quantity to be offered is 5,000 tonnes.On Sept. 1, India's rice stocks stood 17.32 million tonnes, much higher than the target of 9.8 million tonnes. (Reporting by Ratnajyoti Dutta; Editing by Douglas Busvine)
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Sep 06 Sat Sep 6, 2014 4:32pm IST Nagpur, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Gram and tuar prices in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) firmed up again on increased demand from local millers amid thin supply from producing regions. Fresh rise in Madhya Pradesh pulses, weak overseas supply and weak monsoon in this season also helped to push up prices, according to sources. *
*
*
*
FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market on subdued demand from local traders amid ample stock in ready position. TUAR * Tuar black reported strong in open market on renewed festival season demand from local traders amid tight supply from millers. * Watana green best quality showed upward trend in open market on increased buying support from local traders. Low production in this season because of poor monsoon also activated stockists. * In Akola, Tuar - 5,000-5,200, Tuar dal - 6,900-7,100, Udid at 7,200-7,300, Udid Mogar (clean) - 8,000-8,500, Moong - 7,200-7,600, Moong Mogar (clean) 8,700-9,400, Gram - 2,700-2,900, Gram Super best bold - 3,800-4,000 for 100 kg. * Wheat, rice and other commodities remained steady in open market in thin trading activity, according to sources. Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS
Available prices
Previous close
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Gram Auction 2,350-2,900 2,300-2,830 Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 4,500-5,230 4,480-5,190 Moong Auction n.a. 5,200-5,500 Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800 Gram Super Best Bold 4,000-4,250 4,000-4,250 Gram Super Best n.a. Gram Medium Best 3,700-3,900 3,700-3,900 Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a. Gram Mill Quality 3,650-3,725 3,650-3,725 Desi gram Raw 3,150-3,250 3,150-3,250 Gram Filter new 3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800 Gram Kabuli 8,000-9,500 8,000-9,500 Gram Pink 7,200-7,400 7,200-7,400 Tuar Fataka Best 7,500-7,700 7,500-7,700 Tuar Fataka Medium 7,200-7,350 7,200-7,350 Tuar Dal Best Phod 6,800-7,000 6,800-7,000 Tuar Dal Medium phod 6,500-6,700 6,500-6,700 Tuar Gavarani 5,400-5,550 5,400-5,550 Tuar Karnataka 5,600-5,800 5,600-5,800 Tuar Black 8,300-8,600 8,200-8,500 Masoor dal best 6,400-6,500 6,400-6,500 Masoor dal medium 6,100-6,250 6,100-6,250 Masoor n.a. n.a. Moong Mogar bold 9,500-10,000 9,500-10,000 Moong Mogar Medium best 8,800-9,200 8,800-9,200 Moong dal super best 7,800-8,000 7,800-8,000 Moong dal Chilka 7,700-7,900 7,700-7,900 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a. Moong Chamki best 8,000-9,000 8,000-9,000 Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 8,200-8,700 8,200-8,700 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 7,400-7,800 7,400-7,800 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 6,800-7,200 6,800-7,200 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,200-5,000 4,200-5,000 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,800-3,100 2,800-3,100 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,250-3,450 3,250-3,450 Watana White (100 INR/KG) 3,250-3,350 3,250-3,350 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,400-4,900 4,300-4,800 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,200-1,500 1,200-1,500 Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,800 1,700-1,800 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,300-1,500 1,300-1,500
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,450 2,100-2,450 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,850-2,000 1,850-2,000 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a. MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 2,800-3,200 2,800-3,200 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 1,950-2,350 1,950-2,350 Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,200-1,300 1,200-1,300 Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 1,500-1,800 1,500-1,800 Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,500 3,000-3,500 Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,800-2,000 Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700 Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,200 4,000-4,200 Rice HMT Shriram (100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,500 4,900-5,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 10,500-13,500 10,500-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 7,300-10,000 7,300-10,000 Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,400-5,700 5,400-5,700 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,800 1,700-1,800 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 31.9 degree Celsius (88.9 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp. 23.6 degree Celsius (74.5 degree Fahrenheit) Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a. Rainfall : nil FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky. Maximum and Minimum temperature likely to be around 32 and 23 degree Celsius respectively. Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)
Russia's grain exports hit record high in August 08.09.2014 Russian wheat prices rose for a second straight week thanks to a record pace of August exports, high domestic demand and weak rouble that offset continuing harvesting, analysts said on Monday.Russia, one of the world's largest wheat exporters, has supplied 4.7 million tonnes of all grains including pulses to its customers abroad in August. Its top customers are in North Africa and the Middle East.It is the highest ever monthly export level," Russia's IKAR agriculture consultancy said in a note. Wheat exports also hit an all-time record of 4.2 million tonnes.Russia is set to harvest the largest wheat crop in six years thanks to favourable weather this year and has already harvested 50 million tonnes from 62 percent of the planned area, according to Agriculture Ministry data.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
IKAR expects the country to harvest 60.0 million tonnes of wheat, 20.2 million tonnes of barley and 12.7 million tonnes of maize.Russian prices for milling wheat with 12.5 percent protein content were up $2 last week at $246 per tonne, IKAR said. The quote was on a free-on-board (FOB) basis in the Black Sea compared with a week earlier. Barley prices were flat at $212 per tonne, while maize (corn) prices fell $3 to $180 per tonne, it added.SovEcon, another Russian agriculture consultancy, quoted FOB prices for wheat with 12.5 percent protein content up $0.5 at $248 per tonne in deep-water ports.The rouble was 0.44 percent weaker against the dollar at 37.08 on Monday as investors awaited details of new European sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine's crisis. It hit an all-time low of 37.50 against the dollar early last week.As for other crops, SovEcon said FOB Black Sea crude sunflower oil prices were at $750 per tonne.IKAR's white sugar prices index fell to $647 per tonne from $659 per tonne, the firm said.
India to import 1 LT rice from Myanmar to avoid supply crisis in Manipur and Mizoram PTI Sep 5, 2014, 04.49PM IST Tags:State Trading Enterprises|rice|Myanmar|Mizoram|Manipur|India|Food Corporation|FCI NEW DELHI: India is going to import one lakh tonnes of ricefrom Myanmar to avoid supply crisis in Manipur andMizoram as the construction work is going on the railway line connecting these two north-eastern states to other parts of the country.In this regard, the government will float a exploratory tender on September 8 to evaluate market prices.This will be the first time in almost three decades the country will import rice and that via road.
According to sources, 20,000 tonnes of rice will be imported per month starting October and tenders are likely to be floated by the State Trading Enterprises (STEs) on behalf of Food Corporation of India (FCI).Despite having sufficient stocks, the government has to import rice as the work is going on to broadgauge the railway line between Lumding and Silchar in Assam, sources said adding this route connects Manipur and Mizoram to the rest of the country.To meet the requirements of these states, which have deficient paddy production, the FCI will have to move the grains via road ranging 400-600 kms."There is only one national highway 44 from Guwahati, which connects with these states, and moving grains via road is challenging because of hilly terrains and land-slide prone areas," a source said.Considering all these aspects, there is a need to have supplementary stock to avoid any supply crisis in these areas, therefore it has been decided to import rice from Myanmar, which is well connected via road to Manipur and Mizoaram, sources said.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Moreover, the neighbouring country also has surplus stocks, they added.These North-Eastern states have deficient paddy production and in order to meet the requirement, FCI moves rice mainly from Punjab and Chattisgarh to Guwahati in Assam and from there to other parts in the region. This will be the first time in almost three decades the country will import rice and that via road.According to sources, 20,000 tonnes of rice will be imported per month starting October and tenders are likely to be floated by the State Trading Enterprises (STEs) on behalf of Food Corporation of India (FCI). Despite having sufficient stocks, the government has to import rice as the work is going on to broadgauge the railway line between Lumding and Silchar in Assam, sources said adding this route connects Manipur and Mizoram to the rest of the country.To meet the requirements of these states, which have deficient paddy production, the FCI will have to move the grains via road ranging 400-600 kms. "There is only one national highway 44 from Guwahati, which connects with these states, and moving grains via road is challenging because of hilly terrains and land-slide prone areas," a source said.Considering all these aspects, there is a need to have supplementary stock to avoid any supply crisis in these areas, therefore it has been decided to import rice from Myanmar, which is well connected via road to Manipur and Mizoaram, sources said. Moreover, the neighbouring country also has surplus stocks, they added. These North-Eastern states have deficient paddy production and in order to meet the requirement, FCI moves rice mainly from Punjab and Chattisgarh to Guwahati in Assam and from there to other parts in the region.As on August 16, the country had 184.62 lakh tonnes of rice against the buffer stock of 72 lakh tonnes on October 1 this year. In addition to this, 74 lakh tonnes of unmilled paddy is also available in the country.
India set to import 100,000 tonnes of rice from Burma Burma will supply 100,000 tonnes of rice to India, to meet the need for the commodity in the states of Mizoram and Manipur (PHOTO:wikicommons). By BINNY MARY PAUL 8 September 2014 India, the largest rice exporter in the world, is set to import around 100,000 tonnes of rice from Burma, which was once the largest exporter of the commodity.The move is a result of logistical bottlenecks that will hinder the transportation of rice to the northeastern states of India. The rice import is a preventive measure to avoid a supply crisis in the states of Manipur and Mizoram, where a railway construction project is underway.In the absence of feasible transport routes to connect Mizoram and Manipur with the rest of India during this phase, the Food Corporation of India will import rice from Burma, which is well connected by road to these northeastern Indian states, according to a report in the Indian daily, The Economic Times.Though what seems like a temporary arrangement, the move seems to further calibrate India’s “Look East� policy, in which bilateral relations with Burma have always been prioritized to
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
combat Chinese monopoly in the region.All efforts to increase India’s bilateral trade with Burma are viewed as an essential and natural strategy to increase Indian influence within a country that it shares much with, including a colonial history and a 1,009-mile border. The decision to import rice from Burma, even despite surplus production at home, fosters a mutually inclusive economic understanding between the two countries, which are both competitors in South Asia for rice export.The rice import also provides an opportunity for India to explore and identify the potential capacity of the northeastern states, volatile with secessionist and insurgent groups, but also shares an extensively vast percentage of its borderlines with regional neighbours. According to a reportpublished by Gateway House, an Indian think tank, the exchange of commodities between India and Burma via its northeastern terrain will aid India in tapping into the hitherto neglected role that northeast can play in further strengthening the trade possibilities between the two countries.At present, it is unclear whether the trade route will be via the Chittagong port or via land routes, although The Economic Times suggests the latter. Interestingly if the trade is to be via road, it will be carried out across the commonly disputed borderlines of Burma and India. The landscape of northeast India, which merges relatively seamlessly into Burmese territory, has been a belt of narcotic activity and arms trading, and is also infested with insurgent rebel groups on either side of the border.Former Indian military commander, Rahul Bhonsle, who spearheads Security-Risks.com/South Asia, explained to DVB about the need to buckle up security at either ends of the trade routes. “In the case of the land route being used, adequate checks [must be implemented] to ensure that the [rice] transportation is not used by the criminal and militant nexus operating across the borders to their advantage,” said Bhonsle.The increasing importance of transport routes via India and Burma as a priority was emphasised at the fifth annual Indo-US strategic dialogue. The strategic importance of building transport trade routes via Burma serves a twofold purpose for India: increasing trade connectivity; and serving as a strategic entry portal into Southeast Asia.For Burma, the export deal with India comes at a time when the rice industry faces stiff competition from its neighbours; the Myanmar Rice Federation demanded tangible rice policies earlier this year to match the level of surplus production of other rice-exporting countries. The latest five-year national export strategy, unveiled by the Burmese government on 5 September, has accredited rice exports to be of “highest importance” in 2014-15, reported Oryza, a leading rice industry publication..“The [Burmese] government is planning to explore newer markets for its rice exports,” it said, part of a strategy to revive Burma’s once famed rice export legacy.With this deal underway, India will be importing rice after almost three decades.As on August 16, the country had 184.62 lakh tonnes of rice against the buffer stock of 72 lakh tonnes on October 1 this year. In addition to this, 74 lakh tonnes of unmilled paddy is also available in the country.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
States say no to extra rice over lack of storage About 8 crore families are deemed APL, while 6 crore families that are BPL get subsidised foodgrain under TPDS. New Delhi | September 7, 2014 11:56 am The Modi government’s efforts to fight inflation by releasing additional amounts of grain to states under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) is threatening to unravel, as states are ill-equipped to handle extra allocations. While there are few takers among the states for the extra rice allocated under TPDS, the offloading of wheat stocks with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to bulk buyers has taken off.Analysts say this indicates that open-market sales are a better way to reduce price pressures than releasing extra stocks through TPDS.Finance minister Arun Jaitley had in June announced a series of measures, including allocation of additional rice of 5 million tonne to the above poverty line (APL) and below poverty line (BPL) families, to combat food inflation. Sources told FE that so far only 2.3 lakh tonne of the allocated rice has been lifted, with many states where the number of poor are high, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telengana and Odisha, drawing a blank.States are illequipped to handle even TPDS grain allocated to them and so, there was no appetite among states to lift the extra rice allocated, they pointed out.A few states have lifted some quantities of the additional allocated rice so far. These include Assam (56,000 tonne), Andhra Pradesh (41,375 tonne), West Bengal (39,372 tonne), Tamil Nadu (33,860 tonne) and Kerala (34,665 tonne). Given that these states have a relatively more efficient PDS system, it is clear that releasing more rice to states with poor storage and delivery infrastructure wouldn’t serve the purposes of fighting inflation or addressing hunger.“States usually take possession of grain from the FCI on a monthly basis for the TPDS, as they lack long-term storage facilities. So they find it difficult to lift the extra grain,” a food ministry official told FE.As reported last month, many state governments had failed to take delivery of foodgrain allocated under TPDS even last fiscal. In FY14, for instance, the offtake of rice by states for APL people was 93% of the allotment, while in case of Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), only 77% of the grain allocated was lifted by the states.About 8 crore families are deemed APL, while 6 crore families that are BPL get subsidised foodgrain under TPDS. The AAY scheme is meant for 2.5 crore families.Signalling that bolstered open market sales, indeed, work, more than 2.4 lakh tonnes of wheat has already been sold to private bulk buyers from FCI’s stocks under openmarket sale scheme (OMSS) in the three weekly auctions held so far. Sources said bids received for wheat sale exceed the reserved price of R1,500 per quintal, plus freight cost to consuming locations. “The demand for wheat under OMSS is expected to rise to around 2-3 lakh tonnes monthly by continued…
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Guyana eyes Ghana rice market Guyana is currently awaiting a response from the Ghanaian government on the rice samples that were sent to Accra pending the formalisation of a 120,000-tonne rice deal with the West African country.Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy made the disclosure of the anticipated rice market at a press conference on Saturday but did not name the country.Stabroek News understands that Georgetown has been in talks with Accra since the beginning of the year trying to work out a large-scale market at competitive prices. According to the preliminary terms of the agreement, 10,000 tonnes of rice will be shipped on a monthly basis.The African market is very interested in the type of rice grown locally, the extra-long grain. Stabroek News was told that a variety of rice samples were sent to Ghana, but the market will most likely be at the higher end with rice breakage of 5%.However, not wanting to lose out on any potential markets in that region, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) also sent samples of 5-25% breakage which will help to regulate what the price brackets are for the finalized market.Stabroek News spoke with Deputy General Manager of the GRDB Ricky Ramraj, but he could not confirm at what price Guyana would likely be selling rice to the African market. He said that the deal is still being worked out as well as what countries would be involved.According to Ramraj, other countries in West Africa have expressed interest in buying Guyana rice.
Leadership Alumni Chosen for International Travel, Next Stop: China The next frontier? STUTTGART, AR --- The Rice Leadership Development Program recently selected the 2014 International Rice Leadership class. To be eligible for the international class, applicants must have completed the traditional two year Rice Leadership Program. "One very important factor in the selection process is how the Leadership Development alumni have put their leadership training to use in serving the rice industry since graduating," said Rice Foundation Chairman Todd Burich. "The number and quality of applicants this year was overwhelming which is an indication of the graduates' engagement and commitment to the industry." "This year's international session will be held in China, a country that has great potential for the U.S. rice industry," said Burich. Class members are: Tom Butler from Woodland, CA; Blake Gerard from Cape Girardeau, MO; Dr. Bert Greenwalt from Jonesboro, AR; Jim Whitaker from McGehee, AR; and Brian Wild from Welsh, LA.The Rice Leadership Development Program is sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc, and American Commodity Company through The Rice Foundation and is managed by the USA Rice Federation.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Contact: Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541
Annual School Foodservice Contest Launches National Rice Month ARLINGTON, VA - September marks National Rice Month and students' Starting the school year right return to school. To celebrate U.S.-grown rice in school cafeterias, USA Rice Federation is conducting its annual Healthy Brown Rice on the Menu with brown rice for lunch Contest for kindergarten through 12th grade school foodservice operators. The contest focuses on using whole grain rice in breakfast, lunch, and rice bowl categories to encourage menu planners to create meals that appeal to students while also meeting the school nutrition requirements. "This contest is an excellent way to applaud schools for serving and thinking of creative ways to use brown rice on their menus," said John Hasbrook, chairman of the USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee. "It's also an opportunity to share new and different K-12 brown rice recipes with schools across the country and encourage more rice usage in all healthy meal presentations." Contest prizes include paid registration for the annual School Nutrition Association conference, a generous supply of whole grain rice for winning schools donated by InHarvest, Producers Rice Mill, Riceland Foods, Mahatma Rice, SunWest Foods, and Uncle Ben's, and Aroma rice cookers donated by Aroma Housewares. The winning schools and rice dishes will be featured on MenuRice.com. Last week, the contest was announced in a press release distributed to the top media outlets that are consistently read by more than 130,000 K-12 operations and in an electronic newsletter sent to more than 2,500 school menu planners. Members are encouraged to promote the contest to schools they work with and in their community. Contact: Katie Maher (703) 236-1453
Arkansas House: Rice production important to Arkansas Posted: Sunday, September 7, 2014 6:00 am Weekly column written for members of the Arkansas House of Representatives: Rice is the most popular grain worldwide, feeding over half of the population. And over half of all the rice produced in the United States is harvested right here in Arkansas.Out of Arkansas's 75 counties, 50 of them contain rice fields. Since September is National Rice Month, we would like to take this opportunity to tell you about how this tiny grain contributes a giant portion to our economy.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
This is also a good time to remind Arkansans about the health benefits that nutritionists have continued to discover in recent years and the positive environmental impacts we see from rice production.Arkansas rice farmers and millers contribute more than $6 billion to the state's economy annually and account for more than 25,000 jobs, which are crucial to rural communities.Arkansas grows rice on approximately 1.3 million acres each year. With 44 percent of the nation's rice farmers living in Arkansas, rice is the state's second highest value commodity and the top agricultural export. One half cup of rice costs approximately 10 cents per serving, so it is no wonder we are seeing an increase in demand. In fact, Americans have doubled their consumption over the last 30 years.That increase in consumption has lead to several studies on the dietary patterns of rice eaters. Research shows rice eaters tend to make healthier choices than non-rice eaters.Those who consume at least a quarter-cup of rice per day tend to have a higher intakes of vegetables, fiber, iron and potassium, with lower intakes of total fat and saturated fat.Our state benefits from rice production in a multitude of ways. In Arkansas, managed rice fields and natural wetlands provide an important wintering area for North America's waterbirds. The unique habitat is why Arkansas is known as the "duck-hunting" capitol of the world. The cost of replacing existing rice habitat with managed natural wetlands would be more than $3.5 billion. Rice farmers have also made significant efforts toward protecting our natural resources. An industry study shows that over a 20-year period rice farmers have reduced water usage by 32% and they have cut their energy usage in half.We encourage you to purchase locally grown rice. Just look for the Grown-in-the-USA label when shopping at your local grocery store.
Thailand exports more rice than India, Vietnam BANGKOK, 7 September 2014 (NNT) - The Association of Thai Rice Exporters has reported Thailand now exports more rice than India and Vietnam with the high possibility to reclaim the position of the world’s number one rice exporter. President of the Association of Thai Rice Exporters Pol.Lt.Charoen Laothammathat said the Thai rice export situation substantially improved with a 25% increase in value. Thai rice exports rose mainly due to cooperation between the government and private sectors in promoting Thai rice in foreign markets and managing rice stock effectively, the president said. Thailand exported 5.3 million tons of rice over the past six months, increasing by 70%. The association’s president also suggested the government discontinue the rice pledging program which had made domestic rice price higher than the global market by as high as 50%. Pol.Lt.Charoen predicted that Thailand would export 9-10 million tons of rice by the end of 2014 and become the world’s number one rice exporter again.
For Advertising SPECS & RATES Contact: Advertising Department Mujahid Ali
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
+92 321 369 2874
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874