3rd may ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter 2016

www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For information : Mujahid Ali [email protected] 0321 369 2874

1

www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com

Vol 7,Issue IV May 03 ,2016



2

Editorial Board Chief Editor

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

Falak Naz Shah Head Food Science & Technology ART, Peshawar

Today Rice News Headlines...

Trade policy implementation poses daunting challenges

As Asia's rice crop shrivels, food security fears resurface

SKUAST revives Mushkbudgi, Kamad rice varieties

Mekong Delta loses half of silt to upstream dams: scientists

As Asia's rice crop shrivels, food security fears resurface

Drought in world's top 3 rice producers may boost prices for 50% of

world's population

Food supply fears revived as Asia’s rice crop shrivels

Farm Bureau Market Report

USA Rice Makes Case at T-TIP Negotiations

H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station

Vietnam's Mekong Delta rice output drops

Rice Prices

Lack of certified seeds hampering rice production – Director

Mekong Delta farmers switch to drought-resistant crops

News Detail...

Trade policy implementation poses daunting

challenges

By Peer Muhammad

Published: May 2, 2016

ISLAMABAD: After spending one long year, the government managed to

frame the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2015-18, but its

implementation poses significant challenges, particularly the achievement of

over-ambitious $35 billion export target by 2018.The policy framework,

announced on March 22 this year, had faced bureaucratic hurdles and lack

of political will that wasted precious time that should otherwise have been

used to focus efforts on propelling the country’s falling exports



3

PHOTO: REUTERS

.During the 2015-16 budget, the government had allocated Rs6 billion for implementing the

policy framework in the first year, out of the total budget of Rs20 billion. However, it seems

that the amount will remain unutilised as only two months are left before the close of current

fiscal year.

This suggests that the government wasted an entire year in preparing the policy document as its

draft remained unattended to at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat for six months. An official of

the Ministry of Commerce told The Express Tribune that it was meaningless to keep the policy

draft at the PM Secretariat for such a long time as nothing was changed and the same

document was returned.

Poor governance can also be gauged from the fact that the Ministry of Commerce and the

Ministry of Law took a month to issue import and export orders after the unveiling of trade

policy and they have not yet notified the subsidies.

The two shift the blame on each other as the commerce ministry insists it had immediately sent

draft notifications to the law ministry for vetting, but the latter argues that the drafts were

poorly prepared and were full of mistakes that required time to rectify.

Whatever the reasons are, the ultimate loser is the country as its exports are continuously

falling.

Drawbacks



4

The policy itself has many loopholes and shortcomings. Foremost among them is its apparent

excessive focus on the manufacturing industry, particularly on producers of fans, cutlery,

sports goods and leather.

This ignores the fact that a major chunk of Pakistan’s exports comprises agro-products. Even a

journalist pointed out at a press conference held by the commerce minister that the entire

policy looked to be revolving around the Gujranwala division of Punjab.

Before the policy announcement, it was expected that a comprehensive strategy would be

adopted for high-value agricultural products including perishable goods, which were more or

less ignored with no effective mechanism except for wheat, cotton, rice and sugar.

Horticulture has a significant export potential, particularly off-season fruits and vegetables that

have a high demand in certain regional markets. There is a need to adopt latest technology for

enhancing exports of these high-value products.

Pakistan has certain geographical advantages and it is considered a backyard farm of the

Central Asian States and the Middle East with remarkable potential for export of agriculture

products.

Moreover, Pakistan’s organic and Halal food could also make inroads into global markets, but

here again no concrete measures have been taken.

However, it is a positive sign that as a short-term strategy the policy has identified certain

goods including horticulture products, meat and basmati rice, but these should meet

international packaging and safety standards.

The policy also does not address poor coordination between government departments and

between the centre and provinces over certain policy issues pertaining to agriculture.

Funds are delayed Irrespective of what is missing in the policy, historically the release of funds for

implementation has always been a challenge and it seems that this policy will be no different.

In addition to this, questions are being raised about the institutional capacity to execute the

policy as the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) doesn’t have the capacity to

promote exports beyond traditional products.

An example of the lethargic approach is the import of a vapour heat treatment plant worth over

$2 million some three years ago, but it has been lying at the Karachi Expo Centre since then.

Owing to lack of hygiene standards, Japan has suspended import of vegetables and fruits from

Pakistan, but no step has been taken to utilise the plant nor is it being handed over to the

private sector.

The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company has also not been able to

perform satisfactorily because of the absence of its permanent head and scarcity of technical

staff and financial resources.

The targets set in the trade policy framework could be achieved if the government takes

prompt administrative and financial measures in addition to adopting new technology for value

addition to traditional exports.



5

the writer is a staff correspondent

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd

, 2016.

As Asia's rice crop shrivels, food security fears resurface SINGAPORE | BY NAVEEN THUKRAL

Labourers transplant rice seedlings in a paddy field in the Nile Delta town of Kafr Al-Sheikh, north of

Cairo, Egypt, May 28, 2008.

REUTERS/NASSER NURI/FILE PHOTO

Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shockwaves around the world, Asia's top

rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought that threatens to cut output and boost prices

of a staple for half the world's population.World rice production is expected to decline for the

first time this year since 2010, as failing rains linked to an El Nino weather pattern cut crop

yields in Asia's rice bowl.

A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter India, while the No.2 supplier Thailand is facing a

second year of drought. Swathes of farmland in Vietnam, the third-biggest supplier, are also

parched as irrigation fed by the Mekong river runs dry.

The three account for more than 60 percent of the global rice trade of about 43 million tonnes.

"As of now we haven't seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had

such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can't last forever," said James Fell,

an economist at the International Grains Council (IGC).

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19

million tonnes, the biggest year-on-year drop since 2003, according to Reuters calculations based

on U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive. In 2008, lower Asian rice output due to an

El Nino prompted India to ban exports, sending global prices sky-rocketing and causing food

riots in Haiti and panic measures in big importers such as the Philippines.

Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to supervise subsidized

rice sales and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging Vietnam and others

to sell the country more rice.

The world has suffered a series of food crises over the past decade involving a range of grains

due to adverse weather.

In the case of rice, benchmark Thai prices hit a record around $1,000 a tonne in 2008. Price

spikes like this typically also boost demand for other grains such as wheat, widely used for

noodles in Asia, and soybeans and corn used for food or feed.

While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier this month hit $389.50, the strongest since July

and up 13 percent from an eight-year low of $344 in September.

FIRST FALL IN WORLD CROP SEEN FOR 6 YEARS

Bruce Tolentino of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned

about Asia's vulnerability.

"In general prices are still stable right now. They're inching up though, and what will drive things

over the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major producing countries."

http://www.reuters.com/journalists/naveen-thukral



6

Although India's rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot temperatures are

threatening a second crop in eastern regions.

Traders see further price gains by June as India's next big crop is not due until September and

Thailand's main crop by year end.

The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tonnes, down from 479 million tonnes in 2015

and the first decline in six years.

MEKONG DELTA

Thailand's last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the

USDA has forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tonnes this year.

"The government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs

after two years of drought," said one Bangkok-based trader.

In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5 percent this year to 44.5 million tonnes, while exports would be

8.7 million tonnes, steady on a previous projection, the government said.

As much as 240,000 hectares (593,000 acres) of paddy have been destroyed by drought and

salination in the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.

A Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam's latest

harvest "is 5 to 6 percent lower than last year."

Thailand and Vietnam harvest three crops a year.

IMPORTERS ALSO SUFFER

Some Asian countries are already looking to raise imports.

Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60 percent to two million tonnes

from a few years ago.

China, the world's top importer, taking about 5 million tonnes annually, is expected to continue

this buying pace. IGC has forecast China's 2016 production will fall short of consumption for a

third consecutive year.

The Philippines had the lowest stocks since October in March despite importing 750,000 tonnes

and its procurement agency has standby authority to ship an additional 500,000 tonnes.

"Although El Nino has entered its weakening stage, the risk of higher food prices remains given

the onset of the summer season," said Philippine Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel

Esguerra

(Additional reporting by Enrico dela Cruz in MANILA, Fergus Jensen in JAKARTA, Ho Binh

Minh in HANOI and Mayank Bhardwaj in NEW DELHI; Editing by Ed Davies)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-rice-idUSKCN0XS1NG05/02/2016

SKUAST revives Mushkbudgi, Kamad rice varieties Published at 03/05/2016 00:40:19 0 Comment(s)

Rising Kashmir News

Srinagar:

SK University of Science and Technology has revived Mushkbudgi and Kamad scented heritage rice varieties

which were almost at stage of extinction.

The varieties were multiplied in Sagam area of District Anantnag which is ideal location for

growing these varieties.

http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/skuast-revives-mushkbudgi-kamad-rice-varieties/#Newscomments



7

A proposal was sent to Plant Protection Varieties & Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) by

this University for Plant Genome Savior Award for the farming community who are preserving

this crop from decades.

For verification of credentials, the Chairman PPV&FRA constituted a committee headed by Prof.

Nazeer Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K with other members viz. Dr. R.C Agrawal,

Registrar General, PPV&FRA, Bihari Lal Sharma, Executive Director, Youth for Sustainable

Development, Shimla (HP) and Dr. M.A. Zargar, Programme Coordinator KVK, Anantnag as

facilitator for onspot verification of these two varieties of rice for award under Plant Genome

Savior Community of the PPV&FRA, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI for

further protection of these varieties.

On this occasion scientists-farmers’ interface was held wherein large number of farmers growing

Mushkibudji and Kamad varieties of rice participated. Dr. R.C Agrawal, Registrar General,

PPV&FRA and Bihari Lal Sharma, Executive Director, Youth for Sustainable Development held

interactions with the farmers to ascertain its genuineness and held question-answer session to

assess the variety for the said Plant Genome Savior Community Award.

Prof. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor speaking on the occasion advised for horizontal expansion

of the area under these scented varieties and assured all technical held and quality seed to the

farmers.

For marketing of these varieties, he advised for forming cooperatives to have their own brand

name, storage, milling and processing facilities. While assuring of all technical support and

guidance in this endeavor, Vice-Chancellor also requested State Government for appropriate

support. Shri Abdul Rahim Rather, MLA, Kokernag Chief Guest of the occasion appreciated the

efforts of the university scientists in revival of these prestigious rice varieties and advised for

guidance, technical, support from the University. He assured of all support to the University in

promoting these varieties at large scale. Vice-Chancellor and Hon’ble MLA on the occasion

distributed 1500 Kgs pure seed of Mushkibudgi & Kamad to the farmers.

Earlier Dr. G.A.Parray, Associate Director Research, MFCRC, Khudwani welcomed the guests

and gave brief information about the varieties and the initiatives taken by the University under

revival programme of these two indigenous prized scented rice varieties and its marketing by

Sarveshwar Rice Exporters, Jammu

http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/skuast-revives-mushkbudgi-kamad-rice-varieties/

Mekong Delta loses half of silt to upstream dams: scientists

Thanh Nien News

Monday, May 02, 2016 16:04

A sinking section along the Mekong River in Vietnam. Photo credit: Huynh Xay/Dan Viet

Le Van Nam has difficulty sleeping at night thinking of the fall in yields year after year on his rice

field allegedly due to less silt being washed down the Mekong River because of upstream dams.

“In the last winter-spring crop, my 5,000 square meters only produced 3.5 tons of rice while it was

four tons the previous year,” the farmer from An Giang Province said.



8

Declining flows down the Mekong River due to the building of dams upstream have been partly

blamed – as have severe droughts -- for reduced yields and worsening erosion in the delta.

According to the An Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, floods in the 4,900-

km river used to bring silt and fish.

However, declining flows in recent years have made the land less fertile.

“Silt has significantly reduced in the past several years in An Giang,” Lu Cam Khuong, deputy

director of the provincial agricultural department, said.

Most An Giang farmers said rice yields are falling, Dan Viet newspaper reported.

Mainstream dams

According to the NGO International Rivers, China has built seven hydropower dams on the upper

Mekong River (known as the Lancang in China), and plans to build 21 more.

Since mid-2006, the Governments of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand have granted approval to many

companies to study the feasibility of 11 mainstream hydropower dams.

In Laos construction of dams in Xayaburi and Don Sahong are already under way.



9

By changing the river's hydrology, blocking fish migration and affecting the river's ecology, the

construction of dams on the Lower Mekong mainstream would have repercussions throughout the

entire basin, International Rivers said in a statement.

Sinking delta

Scientists said the Mekong Delta is suffering from the cumulative impacts of saltwater intrusion,

erosion and declining groundwater levels as a result of El Nino and the upstream dams.

Tran Cong Lap is among many farmers who are well aware of the impacts.

“Saltwater has been intruding deeper inland. I have more than 5,000 square meters of land but lost

4,000 square meters to erosion,” he said.

Le Anh Tuan, deputy director of the Research Institute for Climate Change, said he has not seen silt

being washed down at a monitoring center in An Giang.

“Lack of freshwater can be recovered by rainwater. But the lack of silt is very dangerous because the

Mekong Delta will sink without any chance of recovery.”

According to scientists, the Mekong Delta was formed by silt over the past 6,000 years which has

also to a great extent kept seawater out.

Without sufficient silt, seawater will encroach deeper inland and cause serious erosion.

Nguyen Huu Thien, an independent researcher on the Mekong Delta ecosystem, said the delta’s

coastline used to be protected by a “soft shield” of silt that no longer exists.

Hydropower dams upstream release water after gathering up silt and the Mekong Delta downstream

would suffer the most, he said.

“China’s dams have reduced the volume of silt being washed down to the delta to half of the

previous 160 tons a year, causing erosion.

“After another 11 planned dams being built upstream, there will be only a quarter of the amount. The

formation of the delta will be disrupted and it will gradually disappear.”

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/mekong-delta-loses-half-of-silt-to-upstream-

dams-scientists-61739.html

As Asia's rice crop shrivels, food security fears

resurface

Drougt in world's top 3 rice producers may boost prices for 50% of world's population Mon, 2 May 2016-09:05am , Singapore , Reuters

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/mekong-delta-loses-half-of-silt-to-upstream-dams-scientists-61739.html

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/mekong-delta-loses-half-of-silt-to-upstream-dams-scientists-61739.html



10

India's heat wave, drought for second year in Thailand and parched lands in Vietnam

may cut rice output, boost prices in the world; the three countries account for nearly

60% of global rice trade.

Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shockwaves around the world, Asia's top

rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought that threatens to cut output and boost prices

of a staple for half the world's population.

World rice production is expected to decline for the first time this year since 2010, as failing

rains linked to an El Nino weather pattern cut crop yields in Asia's rice bowl.

A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter India, while the No.2 supplier Thailand is facing a

second year of drought. Swathes of farmland in Vietnam, the third-biggest supplier, are also

parched as irrigation fed by the Mekong river runs dry.

The three account for more than 60% of the global rice trade of about 43 million tonnes.

"As of now we haven't seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had

such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can't last forever," said James Fell,

an economist at the International Grains Council (IGC).

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19

million tonnes, the biggest year-on-year drop since 2003, according to Reuters calculations based

on U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive. In 2008, lower Asian rice output due to an

El Nino prompted India to ban exports, sending global prices sky-rocketing and causing food

riots in Haiti and panic measures in big importers such as the Philippines.

Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to supervise subsidised

rice sales and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging Vietnam and others

to sell the country more rice.

The world has suffered a series of food crises over the past decade involving a range of grains

due to adverse weather.



11

In the case of rice, benchmark Thai prices hit a record around $1,000 a tonne in 2008.

Price spikes like this typically also boost demand for other grains such as wheat, widely

used for noodles in Asia, and soybeans and corn used for food or feed.

While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier this month hit $389.50, the strongest

since July and up 13% from an eight-year low of $344 in September. FIRST FALL IN WORLD CROP SEEN FOR 6 YEARS Bruce Tolentino of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned

about Asia's vulnerability.

"In general, prices are still stable right now. They're inching up though, and what will drive

things over the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major producing countries."

Although India's rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot temperatures are

threatening a second crop in eastern regions.

Traders see further price gains by June as India's next big crop is not due until September and

Thailand's main crop by year end.

The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tonnes, down from 479 million tonnes in 2015

and the first decline in six years.

MEKONG DELTA Thailand's last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the

USDA has forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tonnes this year.

"The government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs

after two years of drought," said one Bangkok-based trader.

In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5% this year to 44.5 million tonnes, while exports would be 8.7

million tonnes, steady on a previous projection, the government said.

As much as 240,000 hectares (593,000 acres) of paddy have been destroyed by drought and

salination in the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.

A Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam's latest

harvest "is 5 to 6% lower than last year."


IMPORTERS ALSO SUFFER Some Asian countries are already looking to raise imports.

Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60% to two million tonnes from

a few years ago.

China, the world's top importer, taking about 5 million tonnes annually, is expected to continue

this buying pace. IGC has forecast China's 2016 production will fall short of consumption for a

third consecutive year.

The Philippines had the lowest stocks since October in March despite importing 750,000 tonnes

and its procurement agency has standby authority to ship an additional 500,000 tonnes.

"Although El Nino has entered its weakening stage, the risk of higher food prices remains given

the onset of the summer season," said Philippine Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel

Esguerra.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-drought-in-world-s-top-3-rice-producers-may-

boost-prices-for-50-of-world-s-population-2208184



12

Food supply fears revived as Asia’s rice crop shrivels

SINGAPORE -- Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shockwaves around the world, Asia’s top

rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought that threatens to cut output and boost prices of a staple for

half the world’s population.

Los Baños-based International Rice Research Institute is at the forefront of research and development of

varieties that can thrive in adverse weather conditions. -- AFP

World rice production is expected to decline for the first time this year since 2010, as failing rains linked

to an El Niño weather pattern cut crop yields in Asia’s rice bowl.

A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter India, while the No.2 supplier Thailand is facing a second year

of drought. Swathes of farmland in Vietnam, the third-biggest supplier, are also parched as irrigation fed

by the Mekong river runs dry.

The three account for more than 60% of the global rice trade of about 43 million tons.

“As of now we haven’t seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had such

significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can’t last forever,” said James Fell, an economist

at the International Grains Council (IGC).

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19 million

tons, the biggest year-on-year drop since 2003, according to Reuters calculations based on US

Department of Agriculture (USDA) data.

Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive. In 2008, lower Asian rice output due to an El Niño

prompted India to ban exports, sending global prices sky-rocketing and causing food riots in Haiti and



13

panic measures in big importers such as the Philippines.

Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to supervise subsidized rice sales

and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging Vietnam and others to sell the country

more rice.

The world has suffered a series of food crises over the past decade involving a range of grains due to

adverse weather.

In the case of rice, benchmark Thai prices hit a record around $1,000 a ton in 2008.

Price spikes like this typically also boost demand for other grains such as wheat, widely used for noodles

in Asia, and soybeans and corn used for food or feed.

While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier this month hit $389.50, the strongest since July and up

13% from an eight-year low of $344 in September.

FIRST FALL IN SIX YEARS

V. Bruce J. Tolentino of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned about

Asia’s vulnerability.

“In general prices are still stable right now. They’re inching up though, and what will drive things over

the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major producing countries,” Mr. Tolentino said.

Although India’s rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot temperatures are threatening a

second crop in eastern regions.

Traders see further price gains by June as India’s next big crop is not due until September and Thailand’s

main crop by year end.

The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tons, down from 479 million tons in 2015 and the first

decline in six years.

Thailand’s last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the USDA has

forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tons this year.

“The government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs after

two years of drought,” said one Bangkok-based trader.

In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5% this year to 44.5 million tons, while exports would be 8.7 million tons,

steady on a previous projection, the government said.

As much as 240,000 hectares (593,000 acres) of paddy have been destroyed by drought and salination in



14

the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.

A Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam’s latest harvest “is

5 to 6% lower than last year.”


IMPORTERS ALSO SUFFER

Some Asian countries are already looking to raise imports.

Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60% to two million tons from a few years

ago.

China, the world’s top importer, taking about 5 million tons annually, is expected to continue this buying

pace. IGC has forecast China’s 2016 production will fall short of consumption for a third consecutive

year.

The Philippines had the lowest stocks since October in March despite importing 750,000 tons and its

procurement agency has standby authority to ship an additional 500,000 tons.

“Although El Niño has entered its weakening stage, the risk of higher food prices remains given the onset

of the summer season,” said Philippine Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra. -- Reuters

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=food-supply-fears-

revived-as-asia&8217s-rice-crop-shrivels&id=126912

Farm Bureau Market Report

Soybeans

High Low

Cash Bids -- --

New Crop 1020 947

Riceland Foods



15

Cash Bids Stuttgart: - - - Pendleton: - - -

New Crop Stuttgart: - - - Pendleton: - - -

Futures: SOYBEANS

High Low Last Change

May '16 1036.25 1012.25 1035.50 +14.50

Jul '16 1045.00 1020.50 1043.75 +14.00

Aug '16 1045.25 1021.00 1044.00 +13.50

Sep '16 1030.25 1007.50 1029.00 +11.75

Nov '16 1018.75 997.75 1017.75 +10.00

Jan '17 1020.00 998.75 1019.25 +10.25

Mar '17 1011.50 991.75 1010.75 +9.25

May '17 1008.00 989.25 1007.75 +10.00

Jul '17 1010.00 993.75 1009.75 +10.50

Arkansas Daily Grain Report

FOB Memphis Elevator Crops

Soybean Comment Soybeans continue their rally as prices remain at on of their highest levels in more than a year. Soybeans continue to be

supported by strong fund buying and improving product demand. Unfortunately prices remain severely overbought and

due a correction. The market continues to offer producers the opportunity to sell $10+ soybeans, but with fundamentals

shaky at best prices could loose steam in the coming days or weeks.

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dIFQwd

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dIFQxZ

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4A6cMUQhd

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG4Q6cIUUgd

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dIFQwZ



16

Wheat

High Low

Cash Bids -- --

New Crop 501 476

Futures: WHEAT


May '16 479.00 471.75 477.00 -1.00

Jul '16 490.00 481.25 487.75 -0.75

Sep '16 499.50 491.50 498.50 +0.25

Dec '16 517.00 509.50 516.75 +0.75

Mar '17 534.00 527.25 534.00 +1.00

May '17 544.25 537.00 544.00 +0.75

Jul '17 543.50 539.75 547.25 +1.00

Sep '17

555.00 +1.25

Dec '17 563.25 561.75 567.75 +2.00



Wheat Comment Wheat prices closed lower today as a failure of follow through in the corn market was bearish for wheat despite higher

soybean prices. The market is now just days away from the next USDA report which could show stocks move close to or








17

exceed 1 billion bu. This scenario would be bearish and likely push prices back near contact lows.

Grain Sorghum

High Low

Cash Bids -- --

New Crop 365 295



Corn

High Low

Cash Bids -- --

New Crop 400 383

Futures: CORN


May '16 391.00 383.50 390.25 0.00

Jul '16 392.25 385.25 391.75 0.00

Sep '16 392.75 384.75 392.25 +0.50

Dec '16 396.75 388.50 396.50 +1.25





18

Mar '17 404.50 396.25 404.50 +1.75

May '17 409.25 401.25 409.25 +1.75

Jul '17 415.00 406.00 413.50 +2.00

Sep '17 407.50 402.50 408.50 +1.50

Dec '17 410.00 403.00 409.75 +1.25



Corn Comment Corn prices closed slightly higher today as the market came under pressure from an improved planting forecast for the

coming week. This week's export inspection report was less than the last few weeks and if Thursday's export sales report

weakens, then the market could get concerned about demand once again. Today's prices show how volatile the markets

are, while strong soybean prices have supported corn in the past, today neutral to bearish exports and better planting

prospects led to minimal activity today.

Cotton

Futures: COTTON


Jul '16 64.50 63.36 64.37 +0.60

Oct '16 65.04 64.03 64.71 +1.25

Dec '16 63.56 62.3 63.42 +0.70

Memphis, TN Cotton and Tobacco Programs

Cotton Comment Cotton futures continued higher. Weekly exports were a disappointing 74,600 running bales, down from 117,900 bales the

previous week. This was due mainly to recent price increases, but the decrease was greater than expected. Export bookings

are now down 23% from last year. The first level of resistance for May is the recent high of 65.95 cents. The market could



http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dIFUgZ






19

be forming a bull flag formation on the chart, and a break out to the upside would signal further gains are possible. July

again has found resistance at the recent high of 64.75. The crop is now 16% planted.

Rice

High Low

Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -

Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -

Futures: ROUGH RICE


May '16 1093.0 1087.0 1106.0 +22.0

Jul '16 1136.5 1111.5 1133.5 +22.0

Sep '16 1144.5 1135.0 1147.0 +21.5

Nov '16 1156.0 1144.5 1155.0 +22.5

Jan '17

1167.5 +21.0

Mar '17

1184.5 +21.0

May '17

1203.5 +21.0

Rice Comment Rice futures ended higher again today. May failed at the 62% retracement objective of $11.16 last week, and that remains

the next upside objective. Weekly exports were only 31,700 metric tons this week, down from 121,300 metric tons last

week. The market will be watching crop progress closely. If farmers plant what they reported to USDA in the survey, the

large crop will limit the upside potential. Currently, USDA says 72% of the crop in the ground and 55% emerged. In

Arkansas, the totals are 87% planted and 66% emerged, so Arkansas farmers made lots of progress in a week’s time.

However, world production is in question as dry conditions persist in Asia due to El Nino, and that is providing support for

the time being.






20

Cattle

Futures:

Live Cattle: LIVE CATTLE


Jun '16 116.925 114.900 115.800 +0.875

Aug '16 114.500 112.500 113.725 +1.300

Oct '16 114.375 112.475 113.575 +1.250

Dec '16 114.575 112.625 113.700 +1.075

Feb '17 113.425 111.825 112.850 +1.025

Apr '17 113.050 111.625 112.450 +1.125

Jun '17 107.200 106.300 107.000 +1.350

Aug '17 105.625 105.000 105.000 +0.575

Feeders: FEEDER CATTLE


May '16 143.100 140.375 141.425 +1.000

Aug '16 143.550 140.200 141.500 +1.125

Sep '16 143.625 140.375 141.425 +0.925

Oct '16 143.125 139.500 140.925 +1.025

Nov '16 138.875 135.925 137.050 +1.400






21

Jan '17 134.775 132.200 133.425 +2.275

Mar '17 134.025 132.675 132.850 +2.550

Apr '17

131.975 +2.550

Arkansas Prices

Ash Flat Livestock Auction

Ola Livestock Auction

Springdale Livestock Auction

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City - Feeder Cattle Auction Weighted Average Report

Cattle Comment Cattle prices closed higher as the market continues to try and consolidate near recent lows. The market has seen a sharp

sell off as of late as beef prices continue to decline and higher feed prices are squeezing margins. The market continues to

look for bullish news to help support prices as the recent downturn has both the feeder and live cattle markets oversold.

Hogs

Futures: LEAN HOGS


May '16 78.525 77.575 78.425 +0.525

Jun '16 82.850 81.775 82.700 +1.000

Jul '16 83.150 81.800 83.125 +1.350

Aug '16 81.900 80.925 81.850 +0.975

Oct '16 70.450 69.800 70.375 +0.650

Dec '16 65.200 64.500 65.175 +0.725

Feb '17 67.800 67.400 67.800 +0.625

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dMEUgZ

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dMEUgd

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dMEUhZ

http://click.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=CG0B2dMEUhd






22

Apr '17 70.550 70.200 70.550 +0.475

May '17 74.800 74.800 74.800 -0.100

Hog Comment

USA Rice Makes Case at T-TIP Negotiations

By Deborah Willenborg

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Last week, U.S. and

E.U. negotiators met in New York City for the latest

round of negotiations over the Transatlantic Trade

and Investment Partnership (T-TIP). Stakeholders

were invited to give presentations attended by

negotiators on both sides, and USA Rice was there to

make the case for eliminating tariffs on U.S. rice

going into the EU. USA Rice International Policy

Manager Kristen Dayton gave a presentation

highlighting the U.S. rice industry's need for more

access to EU markets. "The EU imports many types

of rice grown in the U.S., but employs a complex

tariff regime that hurts our export interests," Dayton

said. "Tariff eliminations on all U.S. exports to the

EU are a key objective for U.S. negotiators." The EU

negotiators have other objectives, such as preserving

geographical indicators (GIs) for their member states'

agricultural products. GIs restrict what names can be used to refer to goods based on where they

are produced.

USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley and Dayton also met with U.S. negotiators to discuss the

state of talks between the two sides prior to the stakeholder presentations.






23

At the same time U.S. and EU negotiators were meeting in New York, Senate Majority Leader

Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and 25 other members of the Senate Agriculture and Finance

committees sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman calling for an end to all

agriculture tariffs, a rejection of GI restrictions, and support for biotechnology products. The

letter pointed out U.S. agricultural exports face a $12 billion trade deficit with the EU.The next

round of T-TIP negotiations is tentatively scheduled for July at a European location.

H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Since 1908, the Rice Research Station has been conducting research and developing new rice

varieties that benefit the rice industry in Louisiana and help put rice on the table for families

around the world. Rice farmers themselves help support the station’s efforts through a check-off

fee, which creates a fund distributed by the Louisiana Rice Research Board. The station covers

about 1,000 acres near Crowley, La., and includes more than 30 acres devoted to research on

crawfish. Some rice varieties are developed for crawfish forage for those farmers who double-

crop

Vietnam's Mekong Delta rice output drops

Source: Xinhua 2016-05-02 11:40:38

HO CHI MINH CITY, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The total yield of winter-spring rice crop in Vietnam's

Mekong Delta, which has just ended, was 10.4 million tons, down 6.3 percent against the

previous winter-spring crop, due to the ongoing drought and saltwater intrusion, the Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development said Monday.



24

The severe drought and saltwater encroachment have damaged over 200,000 hectares of winter-

spring rice in the delta. Therefore, the rice output in Kien Giang Province dropped by 312,000

tons, and that in Tra Vinh Province declined by 169,000 tons.

To cope with the severe drought and saltwater encroachment, agriculture agencies have advised

Mekong Delta provinces to choose between only one, two or three key rice varieties to cultivate

and then harvest summer-autumn in September.

Due to the drought and food scarcity, Vietnam's southeastern region and Central Highlands

region have so far this year faced difficulties in raising cattle. Meanwhile, cultivation of maize,

soya beans, and sweet potatoes nationwide have been sluggish

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-05/02/c_135328323.htm

Rice Prices as on : 02-05-2016 08:10:27 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.

Arrivals Price

Current

%

change

Season

cumulative Modal

Prev.

Modal

Prev.Yr

%change

Rice

Mathabhanga(WB) 130.00 18.18 3900.00 1950 1950 -4.88

Bareilly(UP) 116.00 9.43 6930.60 2325 2260 13.41

Karimganj(ASM) 40.00 -33.33 1560.00 2250 2250 2.27

Jaunpur(UP) 35.00 -30 1255.00 1980 1985 NC

Lanka(ASM) 30.00 NC 2205.00 1750 1750 -1.41

Diamond Harbour(South 24-pgs)(WB) 25.00 13.64 741.50 1900 1900 -9.52

Lohardaga(Jha) 24.00 33.33 871.50 1670 1650 -12.11

Firozabad(UP) 12.00 -7.69 600.00 2120 2110 5.47

Bampada(Ori) 10.00 NC 180.00 2500 2500 NC



25

Barikpur(Ori) 10.00 NC 130.00 2400 2400 NC

Tanakpur(Utr) 10.00 -16.67 233.10 2000 1900 5.26

Deogarh(Ori) 9.00 -5.26 408.00 2500 2500 NC

Bolangir(Ori) 7.50 NC 230.20 2200 2200 -8.33

Tusura(Ori) 7.50 7.14 252.50 2200 2200 -8.33

Chengannur(Ker) 7.00 7.69 497.50 2400 2400 -4.00

Nilagiri(Ori) 7.00 -12.5 422.00 2400 2300 4.35

North Lakhimpur(ASM) 6.70 -42.24 1353.70 1900 1900 -

Mirzapur(UP) 4.60 -8 1256.10 1965 1970 -0.76

Rahama(Ori) 3.80 28.81 38.51 2450 2450 22.5

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8546893.ece

Lack of certified seeds hampering rice production –

Director

The lack of certified seeds is hampering rice

production in the country, Torgbui Azadagli III,

the Ho Municipal Director of Agriculture, has

said.He suggested that the Government and

stakeholders such as the Centre for Scientific and

Industrial Research collaborated in addressing

the issue of making certified rice seeds available

to all rice farmers across the country.Torgbui

Azadagli, who was speaking to the Ghana News

Agency in an interview, in Ho on the sideline of

the close-up workshop of the Agribusiness

Systems International (ASI) Ghana

Commercialisation of Rice Project (G-CORP),

said the use of uncertified seeds also led to low crop yields.He explained that some farmers in the

Volta Region who had access to certified rice seeds were recording very impressive yields;

however, a majority who had no access to it had no option than to grow uncertified varieties of

the crops.

He said when farmers grew uncertified varieties, the grains matured at different periods, would

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Lack-of-certified-seeds-hampering-rice-production-Director-435351?gallery=1



26

had different lengths, shapes and sizes; hence making their harvesting, processing and packaging

by rice millers very cumbersome.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) provided funding and technical support

for the three-and-a- half- year G-CORP project.

The project, which was aimed at increasing the productivity and incomes of 4,000 smallholder

farmers in the Volta Region, ended successfully with expected results.

The close-up workshop was attended by beneficiary farmer groups, aggregators, rice millers, and

other stakeholders from the private and public sectors, as well as representatives from AGRA.

The close-out workshop reflected on the projects’ achievements, which includedbuilding the

business and management capacity of 20 aggregators to extend improved services to over 4,700

smallholder farmers.

He said the country’s rice production generated a milling output of 204,030 tonnes (62 per cent),

leaving a demand gap of 29,000 tonnes, which was being filled with imports, hence the need to

intensify its production.

On the opportunity for rice production in the Volta Region, Torgbui Azadagli said that the

Region could boast of over 20,000 hectares of available land for upland rice production and more

than 40,000 ha (281 valleys) for low land rice production, which according to him, could all be

harnessed for the nation’s socio-economic development.

He said the Region was blessed with abundant water resources favourable for rice production.

The Municipal Agriculture Director said poor and timely land preparation as a result of

inadequate machinery and difficulty in weed control were also hampering rice production in the

Region.

He said the Region had 43,396 rice farmers, stating that some of them used broadcasting

methods in the propagation of rice; which often resulted in incorrect spacing and low plant

population leading to low yield.

Torgbui Azadagli said some of the big commercial firms that were into rice production in the

Region included Brazilian Agro, Wienco, Weta Irrigation and Aveyime Irrigation.

He said rice production in the Region had taken an increased dimension in relation to the shift in

taste of the urban population and consumer habits.

He said some of the varieties of rice being grown in the Region were brown rice, Togo Marshal,

Sikamo and CSIR AGRA.

He said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture provided regular extension services to all the

farmers.



27

A lady rice farmer from Worawora and a beneficiary of the G-CORP, who spoke to the GNA on

the condition of anonymity, lauded ASI for increasing their efficiency, productivity and revenues

through the project.

She said as the G-CORP project was due for close-up, their major challenge was how to obtain

certified seeds for cropping.

She, therefore, appealed to the Government to go to their aid with certified seeds.

Torgbui Azadagli III, Ho Municipal Dir. of Agric.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Lack-of-certified-seeds-hampering-rice-

production-Director-435351

Mekong Delta farmers switch to drought-resistant crops

Many farmers in the Mekong Delta

provinces have switched from

growing rice to drought-resistant

crops to cope with the region’s worst

drought in 100 years.Many farmers

in the Mekong Delta provinces have

switched from growing rice to

drought-resistant crops to cope with

the region’s worst drought in 100

years.— Photo dantocmiennui.vn

In Ca Mau Province, instead of three rice crops, farmers grow two and one crop of green beans,

which require less water.In Khanh Binh Tay and Khanh Hung communes in Tran Van Thoi

District, farmers grew more than 1,100 hectares of green beans. Many of them planted the beans

in dry paddy fields, with productivity at 2.5 to three tonnes per hectare. Traders buy green beans

for price of VNĐ30,000 (US$1.3) per kg.Nguyen Van Tranh, deputy director of Ca Mau

Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that farmers were warned of

droughts early so they have already shifted to green beans.Raising shrimps in paddy fields is

another way to use cultivation areas.According to Vo Thanh Ngoan, head of the Agriculture and

Rural Development Department of Thap Muoi District in Dong Thap Province, more than 60 per

cent of rice cultivation land is used for both rice planting and shrimp raising.

Ho Van Muoi, a farmer in the region, earned VNĐ60 million ($2,670) per year when he applied

the model on his six-hectares of rice land. Despite having less water than previous years, shrimp

can be fed with small fish and shrimp from the up-stream river, so he does not have to buy food,

he said.Pham Van Quynh, director of Can Tho City’s Agriculture and Rural Development

Department, said that the Cửu Long Delta is a strategic area to provide domestically and export

farm produce, however, farmers’ incomes remain low.The application of shrimp raising in paddy

fields helps farmers to increase their incomes and deal with climate change, rising sea water and

saline intrusion in the region.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Lack-of-certified-seeds-hampering-rice-production-Director-435351

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Lack-of-certified-seeds-hampering-rice-production-Director-435351

3rd may ,2016 daily global,regional & local rice enewsletter by riceplus magazine

Documents