Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter 1 | www.ricepluss.com, www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com April 04,2016 Vol 7 Issue III www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com [email protected] 92 321 3692874
Jul 27, 2016
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April 04,2016 Vol 7 Issue III
www.ricepluss.com www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com [email protected] 92 321 3692874
Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter
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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...
Pak-Iran pact to remove non-tariff barriers in trade
RICE SYNDICATE URGES UNISAME, MINCOM, TDAP To
Promote Basmati Rice In Global Markets
Aromatic Pusa basmati rice brings new hope
Monsoon likely to be ‗above normal, well-distributed‘
VN's rice supply may decrease due to drought and saline intrusion
Indonesia Targets To Export Rice To Ten Countries
Gov`t Sets Rice Export Target for 10 Countries
Rice growers need help with earning carbon credits to sell
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost
exports
Rice price strongly hikes due to speculation
Vietnam plans to replace rice with more profitable crops
Drought forces Thailand to turn away from rice
Arkansas Rice Update 4-1-16
04/04/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Shifting Sands in Iraq
Basmati rice industry may see revival from H2 of 2016-17: Icra
From Thai to Indian: 9 Easy Ethnic Recipes Your Family Will Love
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to boost
exports
Variety is Key When Serving Grains
Pressure on basmati exporters to stay for 6 months: ICRA
Mississippi farmers watch rains, markets as planting moves ahead
Rice Prices
News Detail...
Pak-Iran pact to remove non-tariff barriers in
trade
LAHORE – Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman
Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said that the pact between Pakistan and Iran would remove non-
tariff barriers in bilateral trade and prepare ground for a free trade agreement
(FTA).
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APP
April 04, 2016, 2:49 pm
Talking to journalists
here, he said that it was
remarkable that both the
countries agreed to work
on issuing long-term
multiple-entry visas to
businessmen and
increasing direct air
flights to boost the
prospects of trade. ―Trade
in agriculture and mineral
sectors offered
tremendous scope, and
Pakistan and Iran were
ideally placed and capable enough to complement each other,‖ he added.
―The prospects of export of services are far greater in transportation, financial, communication, insurance
and IT fields. We can get cheaper oil from Iran and by exporting rice to Iran, we can get millions of
foreign exchange,‖ the PIAF chairman mentioned.―By formulating a better strategy we can get our share
back from Iranian market as India has overcome nowadays. The trade is extended to up to USD 7
million,‖ he added. He termed the signing of five-year Strategic Trade Cooperation Plan (2016-2021) as
the beginning of a new era, which provides a great opportunity to the two nations to enhance economic
cooperation to new heights.
Irfan urged the Ministry of Commerce to explore various avenues to enhance bilateral trade to USD five
billion in five years, in accordance with the vision of the top political leadership of the two countries
during recent visit of the Iranian president. He also termed it a good omen that Iran would hold a trade
and investment exhibition in Pakistan in September this year. He also said that the private sector of two
countries should take lead in strengthening bilateral relations in all sectors.
On this occasion, the PIAF Vice chairman Tanveer Sufi also welcomed the recent trade ties with
Iran and hoped that with the re-continuation banking system, the import-export would start and
LCs would open from both the sides which would be beneficial for Pakistan as exports needed
some support for going in upward direction. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/business/04-Apr-2016/pak-iran-pact-to-remove-non-tariff-barriers-in-trade
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RICE SYNDICATE URGES UNISAME, MINCOM, TDAP
To Promote Basmati Rice In Global Markets
The Rice Syndicate of Pakistan lamented that the basmati rice of Pakistan has lost ground to Indian
competition due to lethargy and lack of proactive action and urged the ministry of commerce to make
serious efforts to revive the basmati rice industry to its past glory.Convener RSOP Haji Mohammad
Saeed held a meeting with the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) president Zulfikar
Thaver and invited his immediate attention to the prospects available and urged him to seek the
opportunity to promote basmati rice in Arab, African, European and America and also Latin American
countries.
He told the participants that it is now or never and if serious promotion is not done, Pakistan will lose the
markets forever as India is taking advantage of our shortcomings and laziness. Effective marketing and
promotional activities like gifts, festivals, deals and superior packing is required to do handsome
promotion of the king of rice, our super basmati rice he emphasized.Haji Saeed said our super basmati
rice is really superior to our competitors grains and is aromatic, tasty, good looking in length and look.
elongates when cooking. It is liked by basmati lovers all over the globe. It is indeed the best rice in the
world and rated as banquet rice by the middle class and well to do.UNISAME chief assured the
participants that every effort will be made to promote basmati rice in the social media by experts and
offered all help to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to aggressively promote the
basmati variety of Pakistan.
Aromatic Pusa basmati rice brings new hope High yield of 1,600 quintals last year has encouraged farmers to cultivate this new variety
Farmers busy thrashing Pusa basmati rice that has been grown for the first time in Tehri Garhwal district.
Tribune photo
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service
Mussoorie, April 3 Gutta Devi, a farmer from Dadoor village in the Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district, was amused
when Chief Agriculture Officer Suresh Singh in May 2015 asked her to grow basmati rice instead of
traditional crops.Gutta Devi was not keen to grow basmati rice in her fields as she had never seen anyone
grow it in her village. However, Suresh bought around 30,000 seeds of new variety called Pusa basmati
1509 rice through the district plan budget and assured the then District Magistrate of a successful yield for
the first time in the district.
Suresh, who had procured 10 quintals of Pusa basmati seeds, was able to persuade skeptical Gutta Devi to
buy 3 kg of seeds and sow these in her fields. Although fearful of the yield, she obliged Suresh Singh and
sowed basmati seeds on June 10, 2015. To her pleasant surprise, she was able to grow around 45 quintals
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of basmati rice per hectare in her more than 10 naali agriculture land in her village.The aroma of new
basmati rice variety attracted farmers in the nearby villages to have a look at the yield, says Gutta Devi.
The experiment was replicated in 75 nyay panchayats across the district and the results were heart-
warming, as around 1,600 quintals of production was recorded last year, says Suresh.―My colleague had
argued that what would happen if you failed and I had responded that I would bear the cost of the seeds in
that case. I was absolutely sure about the success of the new variety,‖ says Suresh.The fragrance of the
Pusa basmati variety has not only attracted farmers but also cattle, which find husk and straw to their
liking, says Vimal Kothari from Hadmatallah village in Dikhol Gaon nayy panchayat of the Chamba
Block. Kothari was able to produce around 48 quintals of basmati rice per hectare in his fields last
year.―We have heard of Dun basmati rice that it is sold at an exorbitant price around the world. But we
have never tasted it.
The Pusa basmati rice, if grown in the district, will give Doon basmati rice a good competition, as it has
more fragrance and is easy to cook,‖ says Suraj Mani, a farmer from Jaspur village in Idian nyay
panchayat in the Thauldhar block.Laxmi Devi from Kumar Dhar village is buoyed at the 40 quintal per
hectare yield of Pusa basmati rice. She believes that if cultivated on a regular basis, Pusa basmati rice
could bring in prosperity in the whole village in near future as one kilogram of average basmati rice is
sold for around Rs 100 per kg.
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Farmers were so excited with the 1,600 quintals of basmati rice produced last year that they instead of
selling it distributed it in the village due to its popular demand in exchange for other produce. The farmers
are now keen to take up basmati rice farming on a mass scale in the district provided they are given
adequate irrigation facilities, says Suresh.The farmers are ready to start basmati rice cultivation this year
and the Agriculture Department has decided to provide 40 quintals of Pusa basmati rice seeds at 50 per
cent concession to them, says Suresh.
Mukesh Raturi, a journalist based in Tehri, says shortage of agriculture land around Dehradun following
rapid urbanisation has reduced the production of Doon basmati rice that the Afghans had brought to the
town during the British period. In such a case, the basmati rice grown in the district can take its place
easily if the government brands and markets it as Tehri basmati and provides adequate support to farmers
during droughts and other natural calamities, he adds.Once high yield is achieved, Tehri basmati rice can
be promoted as a unique brand. Rice food festivals can be organised in the district to popularise the brand.
Rice can be marketed in hill stations such as Mussoorie and Nainital, says Sandeep Sahni, president of the
Uttarakhand Hotel and Restaurant Association. If it happens, the day is not far when we could witness
reverse migration and that will augur well for the state, adds Sahni.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/aromatic-pusa-basmati-rice-brings-new-
hope/217240.html
Monsoon likely to be ‘above normal, well-distributed’ Our Bureau
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A long-range forecast is not authoritative, but sets the mood for farmers, industry New Delhi, April 1:
After two consecutive years of drought, the monsoon this year promises to be above normal,
going by an early forecast.A long-range weather forecast by climate management company
Weather Risk Management Services indicates that the monsoon this year may end up 5 to 10 per
cent above normal — with well-distributed rainfall over the country.
However, some areas such as the North-East may receive lower-than-normal rainfall, the forecast
released on Friday — based on the dynamic climate model CFSV2 used by the US national
weather agency NOAA — pointed out.
―We will be coming up with our monsoon forecast every 15 days. While it is possible that the
forecast based on data collected in April will be different from that in March, I do not expect
much variation,‖ said K Prasad, climate scientist and consultant for Weather Risk Management
Services, at a press conference. March data
Prasad said his optimism stems from the absence of significant variation in the data collected
through March, which was averaged out, to arrive at the forecast.
While a long-range forecast may not be as reliable or detailed as medium- or short-range
forecasts (which are much closer to the start of monsoon), it helps in setting the mood for
farmers and industry, and also the government to do contingency planning if required, say
experts.
―Long-range forecasts can‘t be used by farmers to take sowing decisions or by the industry to
take business decisions. But it is certainly a guiding factor and can help certain sectors, such as
juice manufacturers, take inventory decisions,‖ said Vanit Kathuria, an agriculture professional. Long-range forecast
KK Singh from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that while a long-range forecast
made in the beginning of April may not be of much use at the district level, the data would be of
use at the State and national levels, especially for decisions related to the input industry such as
seed and fertilisers.
Elaborating on its forecast, Weather Risk said that during mid-March 2016, the tropical Pacific
Sea Surface Temperature was weakening, but still at a strong El Nino level. Most prediction
models indicate continued weakening of El Nino conditions over the coming months, returning
to neutral by late spring or early summer 2016, and a chance for La Nina development by
autumn. These signals are favourable for the above normal monsoon rainfall. Most prediction
models indicate continued weakening of El Nino conditions over the coming months, returning
to neutral by late spring or early summer 2016, and a chance for La Nina development by
autumn. These signals are favourable for the above normal monsoon rainfall. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/monsoon-likely-to-be-above-normal-
welldistributed/article8423574.ece
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VN's rice supply may decrease due to drought and saline
intrusion
VietNamNet Bridge - Opinions vary about the rice supply in the context of the serious drought and saline
intrusion in the Mekong River Delta, the rice granary of Vietnam.
The Plantation Agency reported that 140,000 hectares of the 2015-2016 winter-spring crop have been
affected by the drought. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) predicted that the
sowing on 500,000 hectares of rice fields, or 30 percent total area of the summer-autumn crop, would be
delayed due to the drought and saline intrusion.Meanwhile, the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) has
predicted high rice output available for export in 2016, about 8.6 million tons.
Huynh The Nang, VFA‘s chair and general director of Vinafood 2, one of the two major rice export
corporations, confirming the figure, said that 3.87 million tons would be from the winter-spring crop, 2.89
million tons from the summer-autumn crop and 1.08 million tons from the autumn-winter crop. Besides,
750,000 tons of rice left from 2015 could also be used for export.In 2015, Vietnam exported 8.1 million
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tons of rice, both through official and across-border channels. If Vinafood‘s prediction is true, Vietnam
would export 500,000 tons more in 2016 if compared with last year.
Regarding exports in the first half of this year, VFA plans to
sell 3.1 million tons, not including the export volume across
the border line. Of this, 1.3 million tons would be exported in
the first quarter, or 100,000 tons higher than initially planned,
an increase of 56 percent compared with the last year‘s same
period. Meanwhile, 1.8 million tons would be sold in the second quarter, the same as the same period last
year.
Le Thanh Tung, a senior official from MARD, declined to comment about the high export volume
predicted by MARD in the context of serious drought in Mekong Delta. However, he said the rice output
in 2016 may be at the same level as 2015.Also, according to Tung, it is impossible to declare the volume
of rice for export now. The figure would only be officially made public at the conference reviewing the
production of the winter-spring to be held in some days.
―It is quite a delicate matter to speak about the volume of rice for export, because this may affect millions
of people,‖ he explained.A local agriculture official in Mekong Delta said he is not sure about the output,
but affirmed that the supply will not be as high as in previous years.Local newspapers quoted some rice
merchants in An Giang and Tien Giang provinces as reporting that the rice price has been increasing
because of concerns about the short supply to be caused by the drought
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/154155/vn-s-rice-supply-may-decrease-due-to-drought-and-
saline-intrusion.html
Indonesia Targets To Export Rice To Ten Countries
JAKARTA, April 4 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has set the target of exporting 100,000 tonnes of rice to 10
Asian and European countries as part of efforts to increase farm commodity exports this year, Vietnam
News Agency (VNA) reported, citing the country's Antara News reported on Sunday.The target
destinations also include Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei as well as Germany, said Director General of
Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities of the Agriculture Ministry Sumarjo Gatot Irianto.
The Indonesian government will exert effort to procure rice to meet the demand for rice as well as for
exports.The director general noted that the national logistics board (Bulog) should control rice prices at a
level that encourages farmers to sell rice to the government.
www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/wn/newsworld.php?id
The Vietnam Food Association (VFA)
has predicted high rice output
available for export in 2016, about 8.6
million tons.
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Gov`t Sets Rice Export Target for 10 Countries
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has set itself the target of exporting 100
thousand tons of rice to 10 Asian and European countries as part of efforts to increase farm
commodity exports this year, an official said.The Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure
and Facilities of the Agriculture Ministry, Sumarjo Gatot Irianto, said that the 10 destinations to
which Indonesian rice would be exported include Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
"We plan to export organic rice to Germany," he said.Therefore, the government will make every
effort to procure as much rice as possible this year to meet the demand for rice, he said."We have
not set any target for procuring rice. What is important is that we must be able to procure as
much rice as possible so that we can export the surplus," he said.Above all, the national logistics
board (Bulog) must be able to control rice prices at the farmer level by procuring the staple food.
This will enable the government-set purchase prices to kick in, he said.
"If the price of unhusked rice at the farmer level falls, the government will be obliged to buy the
rice soon to maintain the rice prices," he said. http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/04/03/056759336/Govt-Sets-Rice-Export-Target-for-10-Countries
Rice growers need help with earning carbon credits to sell
By Rich Keller, Editor, Ag Professional April 04, 2016 | 8:27 am EDT
Rice growers who grow their crop using specific
practices that do not release greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere are now able to earn income from
companies that need to offset their greenhouse gas
emissions.The Cap-and-Trade Program has been in
effect for other agricultural crop producers, but the
California Air Resources board recently approved
the rice growers being included with specific
approved production practices The California
approval results in the program being potentially available for use by rice growers across the
nation.
Specific approved methods of rice production that pertain to dry seeding, drainage practices and
handling of rice straw have been established for participating in the carbon credit market, as it is
normally referred to. Josh Hankins with USA Rice explained that growers in the Mid-South
have to ―practice alternate wetting and drying (also referred to as intermittent flooding) or
anticipate implementing alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in 2016.‖The California
Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board notes, ―In California, growers can
receive credit through practices such as dry seeding and early drainage of fields in preparation
for harvest. These growing practices allow for continued use of flooded fields as winter bird
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habitat, but reduce the amount of rice straw left to decompose in the water (decomposition
produces gases).‖Helping farmers implement the necessary practices for the carbon credit
program appears to be a fit for crop consultants and ag retailers to assist farmers.
Growers receive a credit for each metric ton of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere,
and the verified credits can be sold to companies regulated by the cap-and-trade program, which
keeps the companies from being subjected to regulatory punishment for excessive greenhouse
gas pollution. What a farmer receives per credit fluctuates and can be based on demand.As noted
by, Hankins, ―Before that credit is sold, it must be verified by a third party, and that verification
process comes with a cost.‖ He suggested Mid-South growers might contact Dennis Carmon
with White River Irrigation District in Hazen, Ark., about verification—at e-
mail [email protected].―Carbon credit markets are largely untested in the United
States,‖ Hankins said, ―but the theory is growing in popularity as more companies seek ways of
reducing their ‗carbon footprint‘ to appease consumers. Given the strong environmental record
of the agriculture industry, especially rice, they are a likely candidate to provide viable credits.‖ http://www.agprofessional.com/news/rice-growers-need-help-earning-carbon-credits-sell
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid to
boost exports 04.04.2016
The nation‘s farmers are set to produce less expensive rice than existing brands to boost exports,
following the signing of a Pacific free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign
competition, farming sources said Sunday.While Japanese rice is recognized for its quality, high
prices have hampered any significant growth in exports, according to industry experts.With the
domestic market showing signs of leveling off, partly due to the country‘s aging and declining
population, an industry body is aiming to secure growth by competing with foreign rice in
overseas markets, the sources said.The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative
Associations is planning to direct some areas of the country to focus on growing cheaper rice by
cutting costs and specializing in varieties with higher yields, the sources said.
The federation is aiming to increase Japan‘s annual rice exports by more than six times to 10,000
tons over the next three years.Japan and 11 other countries, including the United States, signed
the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement in February.The agreement will enter into
force 60 days after all 12 countries ratify it. But if all 12 nations have not ratified it after two
years, it will take effect 60 days after at least six countries, accounting for 85 percent of the
combined gross domestic product of the 12 signatories, do so.Under the TPP, Japan‘s
agricultural sector will face an influx of cheaper foreign products and the government of Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe says it will take steps to help enhance the international competitiveness of
domestic farmers.
http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/tpp-will-push-japanese-farmers-to-grow-cheaper-rice-in-bid-to-
boost-exports
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Rice price strongly hikes due to speculation
Prolonged drought and salt water intrusion have prompted speculation on rice, causing rice price to
escalate dramatically in provinces in the Mekong Delta.
Workers load rice onto a vessel for exporting. (Photo:SGGP)
Figures by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that rice exports were at around 1.59
million tons worth US$692 million in the first three months of this year, up 41.6 percent in volume and
40.8 percent in value, compared to the same period last year with Indonesia is the biggest rice buyer of
Vietnam.In March, prices of several farm produce were in rising trend. Particularly, the price of paddy in
provinces in the Mekong Delta has risen robustly because China is promoting buying rice from Vietnam.
Meanwhile, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), at warehouses in Mekong Delta
provinces, dried paddy was at VND5,100-5,200 per kilogram and long-grain paddy was at VND5,400-
5,500 per kilogram. First-grade raw rice
used to make 5-percent-broken rice was
currently at VND6,650-6,750 per kilogram
and raw rice used to make 25 percent-
broken rice was at VND6,500-6,600 per
kilogram. 5-percent-broken rice was around
VND7,550-7,650 per kilogram; 15-percent-
broken rice was at VND7,400-7,500 per
kilogram; and 25-percent-broken rice was at
VND7,300-7,400 per kilogram, depending
on quality and provinces. Thus, paddy price
was VND1,000 per kilogram more
expensive than that in late February and
about VND2,000 higher than that in late
January.
Increasing rice price has helped farmers to make up to some extend the loss caused by drought and saline
encroachment. However, many rice exporters, especially ones who signed rice export contracts when rice
price was still low, are on a knife-edge.Mr. Nguyen Van Tien of Angimex Joint Stock Company in An
Giang Province said that rice price escalated due to speculation and psychological impact created by
drought and salt water intrusion. Fortunately, the Philippines and Indonesia have not signed any new rice
import contract or it is unexpected how rice price will climb.
With the current situation, Vietnamese rice exporters have to raise rice price by $5-10 per ton of rice. In
comparison with Thai rice, Vietnamese one is about $10-15 per ton higher. According to VFA, although
export of rice showed positive signs in the first quarter of this year, Vietnam has lost competitive
advantage in cost leadership against the other countries.
By Dang Lam – Translated by Thuy Doanhttp://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/2016/4/118297/
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Vietnam plans to replace rice with more profitable crops
By Ngan Anh, Thanh Nien News
HANOI - Sunday, April 03, 2016 06:42
Workers load rice sacks at a seaport in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Diep Duc Minh
Vietnam plans to gradually reduce rice production and switch to other more profitable crops, a plan that
experts say makes sense since the country grows so much paddy and is a massive exporter of the
unprofitable crop.The National Assembly‘s Economic Committee recently agreed with the government‘s
proposal to reduce the area under paddy by 270,000 hectares to 3.76 million hectares by 2020.Another
400,000 ha of land in places where seawater is salinizes rivers during the dry season will be used for other
crops, but could revert to growing paddy if required.―Reducing land for paddy cultivation is reasonable as
Vietnam has ample rice supply for local consumption while export is unprofitable,‖ rice expert Vo Tong
Xuan said.More land could instead be used for other crops, animal husbandry, and aquaculture, which
offer farmers bigger profits, he said. He also suggested not limiting it to 400,000 ha as proposed by the
government.
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Vietnam exports 7-8 million tons of rice a year, or a third of its total output.Nguyen Cong Tan, the late
deputy prime minister, had once said, "If land under paddy is reduced by two million hectares, rice prices
could go up 1.5-2 times and farmers could make profits."Xuan said Vietnam is the world's second largest
exporter of the grain, but intensive rice cultivation, particularly with a shift to growing three crops a year,
is taking a toll on farmers and the ecosystem. Due to the huge supply, rice prices are too low, and so many
farmers are poor, he said.A major famine in 1945 and food shortages in the post-war years led to the
government adopting a "rice first" policy.This now generates far more of the crop than needed to feed
Vietnam's 90 million population and has spawned a thriving export industry.
Rice yields have nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, official figures show, thanks to high-yield strains and
the construction of a network of dykes that today allow farmers to grow up to three crops per year.Tan
had argued that the delta would be better off if farmers cultivated a more diverse range of crops, from
coconut to even prawn, with just the most suitable land used to grow rice.Experts said another reason for
the planned shift from rice to other crops and aquaculture is that the weather no longer suits paddy
cultivation in the Mekong Delta.The water level in the Mekong River has fallen to its lowest levels since
1926, leading to the worst drought and salinity in the low-lying farming region, which is home to more
than 20 million people.Nearly half of the 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of arable land in the
Mekong Delta has been affected by saltwater and hundreds of thousands of people there are suffering
from a water scarcity.
Le Anh Tuan of Can Tho University‘s Institute of Climate Change Research said cutting rice production
would be an effective measure to mitigate the groundwater depletion in the Mekong Delta.―Up to 70
percent of groundwater in the region is used for agriculture, mainly rice production. Only 7-8 percent is
used for people‘s daily life.‖Switching to other crops that require water less than rice or to aquaculture
could be more profitable, he said.Drought-stricken Thailand is headed down the same road. The Thai
government recently instructed farmers to cultivate less rice to help the country manage its intensifying
water crisis caused by a drought that experts have called the worst in decades.―Farmers, for example, can
grow corn-for-animal feed and pods instead," Thailand‘s Nation newspaper quoted government
spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd as saying.
No measures
Vietnam started planning to replace rice with other crops in some areas with low yields some years ago.
But it has remained on paper due to a lack of specific directions to farmers about what crops to grow,
where to sell them, and technical and financial support for switching to other crops.Bui Chi Buu, former
head of the Southern Institute for Agricultural Technology, said the agriculture ministry two years ago
encouraged farmers in some areas to switch from rice to maize and soy, which Vietnam now has imports
in large quantities to serve husbandry.It said profits from maize and soy are higher than from rice, and
conditions in the Mekong Delta are ideal for growing them.But some agricultural experts said it would
not be easy to sell the items because of their less competitive prices since Vietnamese production costs
are much higher than import prices. Thus, companies continue to buy imported rather than locally
produced maize.
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The country imported nearly 7.6 million tons of maize in 2015, up 71.2 percent from the previous year,
the agriculture ministry said.Agriculture officials in the Mekong Delta provinces of An Giang and Dong
Thap said many farmers continue to grow rice because they do not know what other crops to grow.Xuan
suggested that farmers in some salinity-prone areas should raise prawn, which would fetch them higher
profits.Farmers earn around VND11 million ($500) from a hectare of paddy, while the profits could be
five times higher if they breed prawns.
But prawn farming requires a lot of experience since the creatures are highly susceptible to diseases,
experts said.Nguyen Bao Ve of Can Tho University said farmers, despite being encouraged to switch to
other crops, continue to grow paddy because it can be sold easily.
Many other crops are not easily marketable.
Vietnam's rice production is expected to edge down this year to 28.38 million tons from around 28.43
million tons last year.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/vietnam-plans-to-replace-rice-with-more-profitable-crops-
60775.html
Drought forces Thailand to turn away from rice
April 4, 2016Written by AFPPublished in World
NONTHABURI, Thailand -- Thailand has long served as one of the globe‘s main rice bowls, but chronic
water shortages are pushing the country to move away from a grain that dominates its fields and has
defined a way of life for generations.Laddawan Kamsong has spent the past forty years coaxing rice from
her plot in central Thailand, but she is tired of watching her farmland squeezed dry by increasingly severe
droughts.―I plan to replace some rice paddies with limes,‖ she told AFP after attending a government-run
workshop urging farmers to diversify their crops.
Thailand is one of the world‘s top rice exporters.But four consecutive years of below-average rainfall
have drained water reserves and strangled production, pushing many farmers into debt.The current
drought, the worst the country has seen in decades, has hit nearly a third of Thailand‘s 76 provinces,
particularly in the rice-heavy central and northeast.Reservoirs are also dropping to historically low
levels.The kingdom‘s military government is now organizing training sessions to encourage millions of
rice farmers to diversify into crops that require less irrigation.
Unlike nearly all other crops, rice grows best in a flooded field, with the stalk‘s base completely
submerged for most of the growing season. At an army-run workshop held in patch of shade in a field in
Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, Laddawan was sold the merits of cultivating fruit trees.In other
regions, they are suggesting sugarcane or peas.These alternatives will drastically reduce water
consumption but also break the monoculture that has deteriorated Thai soil for decades.―We have no
choice, we need to adapt,‖ Laddawan said, explaining that she used to plant three rice crops annually, but
next year will only have enough water for one. As the drought bites, some 2,000 Thai villages are
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surviving off water delivered by the government, while ‗rainmaking‘ airplanes are flying over parched
plains, sending an iodine solution into the air in an effort to seed clouds.
After last year‘s especially weak rainy season — which falls between June and October — the ruling
military junta asked farmers to abandon their winter rice crop, which is normally cultivated through
irrigation and not rainfall. ―The amount of water in storage is low and now we expect that this year‘s
rainy season will be delayed because of El Nino,‖ said Suphot Tovichakchaikul, who leads the country‘s
water management department. The El Nino weather phenomenon tends to weaken the annual monsoon,
which is a lifeline to farmers across the region
http://www.journal.com.ph/news/world/drought-forces-thailand-to-turn-away-from-rice APR
Arkansas Rice Update 4-1-16
Author: Jarrod Hardke, Rice Extension Agronomist
Unfortunately, heavy rains made a mess of some of the good work already completed – areas of the state received 4-7
inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
Arkansas Rice Update Dr. Jarrod Hardke
April 1, 2016 No. 2016-04 www.uaex.edu/rice
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Crop Outlook / Progress
The state now has over 10% of the rice acreage in the ground – a lot of which is under water after the
week‘s rainfall events. Percent of rice planted by March 31 from 2011-2015 was 7, 18, 0, 0, and 0% for
an average of 5% planted. It‘s tough to guesstimate what the official percent planted mark will be on
Monday due to the wide range of variability throughout the state. While many haven‘t started planting,
some are already finished.
If any rice is up, I haven‘t seen it, including rice I planted at RREC 10 days ago on 3/22. In the words
of Judge Smails from Caddyshack: ―well, we‘re waiting!‖
The big issue right now will be the slow progress of the crop that‘s already in the ground. On top of
that, add the rain and potential levee erosion or destruction associated with it. It could be interesting as
the currently planted rice begins to emerge. That emergence could take anywhere from 7-21 days when
planted during the last 2 weeks of March.
If already seeded levees need to be re-pulled we could be in for differences in maturity between the
paddy and levee. However, if the rice in the paddies is slowed by current mild temperatures it all may
come out in the wash.
The last two weeks of March saw plenty of rice ground being prepared and finished.
Prospective Plantings Report
The survey results are in and they point to a 21% increase in rice acreage compared to 2015 (Table
1). That is the equivalent of putting last year‘s prevent planted rice acreage back on the pile. If
realized, this would be the 5th
highest rice acreage ever for the state. The early planting progress may
suggest that an even higher number is now possible, but the weather looks like it will its usual say in
that.
Medium grain acres fell off considerably with the lack of price support or contracts. This too has the
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potential to move considerably if some planting delays occur as medium grains perform well when
planted late.
Table 1. USDA-NASS Prospective Plantings for 2016 (with 2014-2015 acres).
Fig. 1. 2000-2015 Harvested Acreage for Soybean, Rice, Cotton, and Corn/Sorghum.
Seed Treatments in Water-Seeded Rice
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With flooding going on as a result of heavy rains, some growers are moving to water seeding to keep the planting progress
going. When doing so – remember that seed treated with CruiserMaxx Rice, NipsIt INSIDE, or NipsIt Rice Suite
CANNOT BE WATER-SEEDED. PERIOD.
Seed treated with a fungicide (e.g. Apron, Maxim, Dynasty) is not prohibited from being water-seeded based on those
products labels, but likely won‘t provide much benefit.
Dermacor is the only insecticide seed treatment labeled for water-seeding in rice. Dermacor does a great job against rice
water weevil – which is typically worse in water-seeded systems.
Any seed that has any seed treatment cannot be pre-soaked and must be flown on dry.
Causes of Seed Rots and Seedling Diseases of Rice http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/03/23/causes-seedling-diseases/
Strike the Right Balance to Reduce Rice Diseases in 2016 http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/03/24/balance-reduce-diseases/.
Additional Information Arkansas Rice Updates are published periodically to provide timely information and recommendations for rice production in
Arkansas. If you would like to be added to this email list, please send your request to [email protected].
This information will also be posted to the Arkansas Row Crops blog (http://www.arkansas-crops.com/) where additional
information from Extension specialists can be found.
More information on rice production, including access to all publications and reports, can be found
at http://www.uaex.edu/rice.
Acknowledgements We sincerely appreciate the support for this publication provided by the rice farmers of Arkansas and administered by the
Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.
The authors greatly appreciate the feedback and contributions of all growers, county agents, consultants, and rice industry
stakeholders.
: http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2016/04/01/arkansas-rice-update-4-16/#sthash.M39wJF4G.dpuf
04/04/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Rice
High Low
Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -
Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -
Futures: ROUGH RICE
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High Low Last Change
May '16 985.5 971.5 980.0 +4.5
Jul '16 1011.5 1000.0 1006.5 +4.0
Sep '16 1028.5 1018.5 1023.5 +4.5
Nov '16 1041.0 1030.5 1040.0 +3.5
Jan '17
1058.5 +3.0
Mar '17
1076.5 +3.5
May '17
1076.5 +3.5
Rice Comment
Rice futures were higher across the board today, but futures still look technically weak.
The market charted a huge bearish reversal on Thursday in reaction to USDA's planting
intentions report. Rice acres are expected to be up 17% from 2015 at 3.064 million acres. All of
that gain and then some will be in long grain rice, while medium grain acreage will actually be
down 17% across the country. Arkansas is expected to plant 1.581 million acres of rice
consisting of 1.43 million acres of long grain and 150,000 acres of medium grain. Flooding this
week could delay planting, but it's still early and traders know there is plenty of time to get this
huge crop in the ground. Technically, the first level of support for May isThursday's low of $9.42
1/2. A close below that level could send the market headed for a retest of support at $9.22 on the
continuation chart.
Shifting Sands in Iraq
By Michael Klein
ARLINGTON, VA - Against a backdrop of an erratic tendering
process in Iraq that has seen price competitive bids and even country
specific tenders failing in recent months, the news now coming out of
Baghdad is that a planned tender has been canceled.It seems that the entire tendering process is being
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abandoned in place of a closed, direct negotiation between the Ministry of Trade and companies
interested in selling rice to Iraq."We have found over time the open and transparent tender system to be
neither open nor transparent, and it hadn't worked well for U.S. origin rice anyway," said Jim Guinn, vice
president of international promotion for USA Rice. "Reverting to a non-public system makes it that much
more difficult."
Guinn said USA Rice had been working with the
Grain Board of Iraq and the Ministry of Trade directly
on many occasions, hosting technical workshops in the
Middle East and sponsoring tours of U.S. rice
country. "We hired a consultant on the ground in
Baghdad and were pleased to see the U.S. embassy
staff remaining engaged at very high and direct
levels," Guinn said. "We thought we were making
progress and would soon be able to count on this large
market for the ample stocks currently on hand and the
expected large crop in the U.S. this year."Guinn said
the next steps will be to understand the implications of
this new bidding process for U.S. rice exporters. "We
are not giving up on this market, no matter how
difficult they appear to be making it," he said
Basmati rice industry may see revival from H2 of 2016-17:
Icra By PTI | 3 Apr, 2016, 01.47PM IST
The supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation as farmers are likely to shift away
from basmati, given the non-remunerative prices in the last two crop cycles.MUMBAI: The domestic
basmati rice industry, which is witnessing excess supply and weak demand, may revive in the next
harvest season in the second half of 2016-17, a report said here. "The basmati rice industry faced
headwinds - weak demand and oversupply in
"Any improvement in the situation is likely only from the next basmati paddy harvest season in the
second half of 2016-17 due to improvement in demand," rating agency Icra said in its report here. The
supply of basmati paddy is expected to witness some moderation as farmers are likely to shift away from
basmati, given the non-remunerative prices in the last two crop cycles.
Moreover, since Iran has removed the ban on import of rice, demand is also expected to witness some
improvement, it said. Rice is one of the most crucial food crops in the world and a staple diet for nearly
half the global population. Over 90 per cent of the global rice output and consumption is centred in Asia,
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wherein the world's largest rice producers, China and India, are also the world's largest rice consumers.
India accounts for over 70 per cent of the world's basmati rice production.
Basmati rice constitutes a small portion of the total rice produced in India. By volume, the share of
basmati rice is around 6 per cent in 2014-15, even as by value, basmati rice exports account for 57 per
cent in 2014-15, of India's total rice exports. Basmati rice exports have increased at a compounded annual
growth rate ( CAGR) of 27 per cent from Rs 28.24 billion in 2004-05 to Rs 275.98 billion in 2014-15.
The proportion of basmati rice exports in India's total exports has increased from around 0.6 per cent to
around 1.3 per cent during the last one decade. While basmati rice is consumed across the globe, West
Asian countries account for 75 per cent of Indian basmati rice exports in 2014-15. Within West Asia, Iran
and Saudi Arabia are the two largest buyers, together accounting for over 50 per cent of basmati rice
exports from India. However, even as Iran emerged as one of the largest importers of basmati rice in
recent years, the country imposed a ban on basmati rice imports from India in 2014-15, citing its own
healthy rice crop and large basmati inventory.
Commenting on pricing scenario, Icra said basmati paddy is also vulnerable to cyclical price fluctuations.
Higher prices in the market encourage higher basmati paddy cultivation, which increases supply in the
next season. This depresses the price, thereby erasing gains and shifting farmers away from basmati
paddy cultivation. During the procurement season of 2012-13 and 2013-14, there was a steep rise in
paddy prices from around Rs 18,000 per tonne (MT) in 2011-12 to around Rs 37,000 MT in 2013-14, due
to strong demand in the international market.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/919609/parched-fields-force-thailand-to-look-beyond-rice
From Thai to Indian: 9 Easy Ethnic Recipes Your Family
Will Love 04/03/2016 09:13 am ET |
Jennifer SegalChef, Recipe Developer and Busy Mom
From Shrimp Pad Thai to Chicken Curry, all of these recipes are deliciously family-
friendly, with flavors mild enough for the kids but authentic enough for more
adventurous eaters.
1. Shrimp Pad Thai
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Everything you need for this delicious Shrimp Pad Thai, you can find at your local
grocery store — and it can go head-to-head with any restaurant version. GET THE
RECIPE
2. Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce
My whole family loves these chicken enchiladas. I‘ll be honest, they take a bit of time
to make — but the good news is that you can make the sauce and filling ahead of
time, then assemble and bake the enchiladas another time for a quick and easy
weeknight meal. GET THE RECIPE
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3. Asian BBQ Chicken
Think of this dish as Chicken Teriyaki with a South Asian flair, or India meets the
other flavors of Asia. It sounds exotic but is actually kid-friendly and easy to
make.GET THE RECIPE
4. Thai Ginger and Sweet Red Chili Shrimp
This is an authentic-tasting Thai dish, yet it‘s easy to make and you can find all the
ingredients at most supermarkets. The flavor comes from lots of fresh ginger and
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garlic, and of course, one of the best bottled sauces you can have in your kitchen —
Thai Sweet Red Chili Sauce. GET THE RECIPE
5. Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs
In this recipe, chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, lemon
and spices, then grilled on skewers until golden brown. Everyone seems to love it —
in fact, the first time I made it for a crowd, I actually ran out of food. Serve over a bed
of golden Basmati Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds. GET THE RECIPE
6. Indian Spiced Red Lentil & Chicken Soup
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Made with a rotisserie chicken and canned coconut milk, this easy version of
Mulligatawny soup is a one-pot supper that you can have on the table in 45 minutes. I
like to serve it with a scoop of basmati rice but, really, store-bought orhomemade
naan is all you need to complete the meal. GET THE RECIPE
7. Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp
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This recipe, sent to me by one of my readers, is a slam dunk winner. Large shrimp are
quickly sautéed with garlic and onions and then simmered in a traditional Vietnamese
caramel sauce made from fish sauce, brown sugar, scallions and cilantro. Every time I
make it, my family literally scrapes the pan clean. GET THE RECIPE
8. Mirin Glazed Salmon
This recipe is adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, Nigella Express by Nigella
Lawson. Most of the ingredients are right out of the pantry, and you can have it on the
table in 20 minutes. The flavor of the sauce is similar to teriyaki, which most kids
seem to like. GET THE RECIPE
9. Chicken Curry
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In this family-friendly Indian dish, thinly sliced chicken breasts are sautéed with curry
powder and simmered in an aromatic, slightly sweet curry sauce thickened with Greek
yogurt. You can have it on the table in 30 minutes — or in the time it takes to make
some basmati rice — and the cooking method ensures that the chicken comes out
reliably tender every time GET THE RECIPE
TheHuffingtonPost.com
TPP will push Japanese farmers to grow cheaper rice in bid
to boost exports
KYODO
APR 3, 2016
Japanese farmers will start to grow cheaper rice than existing brands following the signing of the Trans-
Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign competition. | ISTOCK
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The nation‘s farmers are set to produce less expensive rice than existing brands to boost exports,
following the signing of a Pacific free trade deal that will expose them to fierce foreign
competition, farming sources said Sunday.While Japanese rice is recognized for its quality, high
prices have hampered any significant growth in exports, according to industry experts.With the
domestic market showing signs of leveling off, partly due to the country‘s aging and declining
population, an industry body is aiming to secure growth by competing with foreign rice in
overseas markets, the sources said.The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative
Associations is planning to direct some areas of the country to focus on growing cheaper rice by
cutting costs and specializing in varieties with higher yields, the sources said.The federation is
aiming to increase Japan‘s annual rice exports by more than six times to 10,000 tons over the
next three years.
Japan and 11 other countries, including the United States, signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership
free trade agreement in February.The agreement will enter into force 60 days after all 12
countries ratify it. But if all 12 nations have not ratified it after two years, it will take effect 60
days after at least six countries, accounting for 85 percent of the combined gross domestic
product of the 12 signatories, do so.Under the TPP, Japan‘s agricultural sector will face an influx
of cheaper foreign products and the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says it will take
steps to help enhance the international competitiveness of domestic farmers. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/04/03/business/economy-business/tpp-will-push-
japanese-farmers-grow-cheaper-rice-bid-boost-exports/#.VwOT5_l94dX
Variety is Key When Serving Grains Posted by Katie Wilson, Deputy Undersecretary for the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services and Angie Tagtow,
Executive Director, Center for Nutrition and Policy Promotion, on April 1, 2016 at 2:00 PM
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Oats, barley, and other grains. USDA photo by Peggy Greb.
The programs within USDA‘s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) strive to provide
Americans with the assistance and information they need to maintain healthy lifestyles.In
achieving that mission, FNCS relies heavily on the advice of experts, including the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA). Recently, the level of arsenic in rice has received increased
attention, and FDA has proposed a maximum allowable level of arsenic in infant rice cereal
products. Because of the new proposed guidance issued by FDA, which is open to public
comment now, USDA is working to assist growers and processors wishing to utilize their
products for infant rice cereal to ensure that their rice does not contain amounts of arsenic that
surpass the new limit of 100 parts per billion (ppb).So what does this mean for FNCS nutrition
assistance programs?
We encourage our program participants to eat a variety of grains as part of a healthy diet,
including whole grains. This advice is consistent with the guidance of the American Academy of
Pediatrics. Whole grains contain a great amount of benefits: They are rich sources of vitamins,
minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that help keep you healthy and strong. Along with giving you
an extra boost of energy and making you feel full for longer periods of time, the minerals in
whole grains help maintain normal muscles and nerves and a healthy immune system.
Rice and rice products remain suitable options for grain consumption and will continue to be
included in WIC Food packages, and served in schools, daycare centers and homes, and other
institutions that operate a USDA nutrition assistance program. However, keep in mind that while
rice and rice products remain an option, they are not the only grain options provided by these
programs. For example, WIC state agencies allow a wide selection of other infant cereals
including oatmeal, barley, and whole wheat. This is also the case for daycare centers and homes
that operate the CACFP.You can embrace a variety of grain at home, too.
There are a number of ways to include it in your diet including pastas, breads, tortillas,
crackers, pancakes, cornbread, muffins, and oatmeal.While rice and rice products are safe to
consume as part of balanced diet, here are some tips on how to incorporate several different
grains into your family‘s diet: Try out different grains in mixed dishes, such as barley in vegetable soup or stew and wheat pasta
in a casserole or stir-fry.
Have popcorn, a whole grain, as a snack; use dried herbs in place of salt or butter to keep it
healthiest.
Use rolled oats or crushed, unsweetened whole grain cereal as breading for baked chicken, fish,
veal cutlets, or eggplant parmesan.
Use whole-grain bread or cracker crumbs in meatloaf.
Try an unsweetened whole grain cereal as croutons in salad or in place of crackers with soup.
Add whole-grain flour or oatmeal into cookies or other baked treats.
For other examples of whole grains in home cooking, please
visit:http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgallery-grains
As part of our continued commitment to ensuring children and families have access to a healthy
diet, USDA has made historic improvements in many of its nutrition assistance programs. In the
past six years, USDA has updated nutrition standards for school nutrition, updated the WIC
package to include whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables, expanded the scope of the
SNAP nutrition education program, and supported an unprecedented growth in the number of
farmers markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits
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http://blogs.usda.gov/2016/04/01/variety-is-key-when-serving-grains/#more-64039
Pressure on basmati exporters to stay for 6 months:
ICRA
Weak sales growth and a decline in profitability, along with inventory losses, are expected to be
key trends
BS Reporter | Mumbai April 4, 2016 Last Updated at 22:34 IST
Exports fall for 15th straight month, down 5.7% in FebJeera price may gain by 10% on quality
issue, export demandExport volumes up in some sectors despite slow down in demandICRA
expects bank stress to continue for three yearsNBFCs may see an uptick in NPAs: IcraIndia‘s
basmati rice export is likely to remain under pressure till the first half of this financial year, on
excess supply in destination markets, says a recent report from ratings agency ICRA.Importing
countries led by Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE (nearly half of India‘s export) had stepped up
inventory building on a sharp fall in basmati prices. Its export surged 20 per cent to 3.07 million
tonnes in April–December 2015, from 2.57 mt in the corresponding period of 2014. The coming
months would see a slowing.
Falling prices meant per-unit realisation declining to $885 a tonne in April–December, from
$1,312 a tonne in the comparable period of 2014.Weak sales growth and a decline in
profitability, along with inventory losses, are expected to be key trends in the financials (to be
reported) of basmati rice entities, it said. Any improvement is likely only from the next paddy
harvest season, the second half of 2016-17.The sector had steady growth in revenues till 2013-
14, with rising demand, high sales and realisation. However, 2014-15, saw a fall after a ban
imposed by Iran. Any weakness in demand leads to a correction in prices, impacting the
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inventory positions of comanies and their profitability, said ICRA. The decline in profitability
and inability to liquidate sizable stocks resulted in increased working capital borrowing in FY15.
As reflected in the first three quarters of 2015-16, pressure on revenue and profit is expected to
continue in the near term.These things could see some change. "Supply of basmati paddy is
expected to witness some moderation, as farmers are likely to shift away, given the non-
remunerative prices in the past two crop cycles. More, since Iran has removed the ban on import,
demand is also expected to witness some improvement,‖ said the report.
Mississippi farmers watch rains, markets as planting moves ahead Apr 2, 2016Linda Breazeale, MSU Extension Service | Delta Farm Press
Like jets lining up on a runway, Mississippi growers are ready to take off and resume their planting as soon as
the weather allows. Shaifer Bell of Huddleston Planting Co. is at the controls of this tractor as he plants corn
near Metcalfe, Miss., on March 30.
Photo: MSU Delta Research and Extension Center Communication Department
Crop decisions made in January based on markets and profit potential may be cloudy memories for
growers waiting on fields to dry out enough to allow spring plantings.
Brian Williams, an agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service,
said growers have purchased seed and locked in their planting intentions, unless rains prevent timely
plantings.
Few changes will be based on the market‘s response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Prospective Plantings Report released March 31.
Based on the USDA report, Williams said Mississippi‘s total acreage will be 74,000 more acres than
last year. Mississippi growers planted 4.301 million acres last year. This year, growers are forecast to
plant 4.375 million acres.
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Cotton ―In December, cotton prices were favorable compared to some of the other crops, which encouraged
growers to expand their cotton intentions,‖ Williams said. ―Today, cotton prices are not quite as
good, comparatively, as they were back when decisions were being made.‖
USDA forecasts 450,000 cotton acres in Mississippi, up 41 percent from 320,000 acres last year. The
U.S. cotton crop is up 11 percent.
Corn Williams said corn was the biggest surprise in the report, and the market flinched.
―Acreage was higher than expected, both for the nation and for Mississippi,‖ Williams said. ―Corn
finished down 15 cents per bushel in just a few hours after the report was released. It was running
$3.62 per bushel before the report, dropped to $3.54 per bushel and slowly trended down the next
couple hours. Sometimes the market will overreact and recovery will occur in following days.‖
USDA is predicting Mississippi‘s corn acreage at 800,000, a 57 percent increase from last year‘s
510,000 acres. Nationally, corn is up 6 percent. DELTA FARM PRESS DAILY
Stay current on what‘s happening in Mid-South agriculture: Subscribe to Delta Farm Press Daily.
Erick Larson, Extension grain crops specialist, said growers need some dry weather during April to
make that acreage increase a reality. Currently, corn planting is behind schedule.
―Our typical planting window for corn is from the first of March to mid-May, depending on the
field‘s location in the state. If rain delays corn too much, growers may switch to another crop,‖
Larson said.
―MSU research shows that fields with access to irrigation can be planted through April or later,
especially in our most northern counties,‖ he said. ―We are irrigating more crops in the hill region of
the state than we once did. Growers are relying on surface water and seeing a good return on their
investments. With irrigation, growers planting late can maintain higher yields.‖
Larson said rotation plans are an important strategy growers use to significantly enhance yield
potentials and reduce risks with pests and diseases that build up from repeated plantings. Rotations
also reduce costs and inputs needed to control those problems.
Sorghum Williams said sorghum prices in recent years were strong compared with corn, largely because of
good export opportunities. That situation has changed, causing a large drop in sorghum acreage.
Mississippi growers are set to plant 50,000 acres of sorghum, down 58 percent from 120,000 acres
last year.
Soybeans Mississippi soybean acreage appears to have the greatest total decline, according to the report.
―Soybean growers are predicted to plant 2 million acres, down 13 percent from 2.3 million acres in
2015,‖ Williams said. ―Corn and soybean prices have been moving together in recent months. Corn
is down about 7 percent, and soybeans are down about 6 percent from a year ago.‖
Trent Irby, Extension soybean specialist, said the reduction is likely a result of market prices.
―Profit margins are tight this season, so growers need favorable conditions during April to get the
crop established,‖ Irby said. ―Mid-April is the optimum planting period in terms of setting the yield
potential for soybean. Getting the crop established during this window will help growers maintain
higher yields, which will be important this season, given the lower commodity prices.‖
Rice Rice acreage is expected to be sharply higher with 17 percent more acres expected nationally.
Mississippi producers plan to plant 47 percent more rice this year — an expected 220,000 acres.
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Bobby Golden, Extension rice specialist based at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in
Stoneville, said rice tends to provide reliable yields for experienced growers but can be a challenge
for newer growers.
―We want rice to flower outside (before or after) the hottest days. That‘s one of the reasons we push
for earlier plantings, but some years, even that doesn‘t work,‖ Golden said. ―We are just entering the
optimal planting window from the last week of March until the first week of May, or later for hybrid
varieties. Practically no rice is planted yet, and it could be near the middle of April before fields are
dry enough to plant. Once they dry out, growers will be pushing it fast.‖
Peanuts Mississippi producers are expected to plant 40,000 acres of peanuts this summer, which is 9 percent
less than last year‘s 44,000 acres.
Sweet potato Sweet potato acreage in Mississippi is expected to be down slightly at 25,000 acres, compared with
27,000 acres a year ago.
Hay Forage growers may harvest 700,000 acres of hay, up slightly from 680,000 acres last year
http://deltafarmpress.com/equipment/mississippi-farmers-watch-rains-markets-planting-
moves-ahead
Rice Prices as on : 04-04-2016 08:10:33 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals Price
Current
%
change
Season
cumulative Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Manjeri(Ker) 290.00 NC 7830.00 2900 2900 -12.12
Kanpur(Grain)(UP) 280.00 12 8510.00 2140 2150 -0.93
Gorakhpur(UP) 280.00 47.37 3952.00 2070 2070 5.08
Sainthia(WB) 175.00 4.17 1022.20 1770 1780 -
Birbhum(WB) 150.00 3.45 2029.00 1780 1785 -9.64
Shahjahanpur(UP) 137.40 587 40276.50 2190 2200 7.09
Sitapur(UP) 135.00 3.05 6542.00 2200 2220 7.32
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Asansol(WB) 132.00 NC 1846.50 2200 2200 -
Durgapur(WB) 132.00 -0.75 1060.50 2200 2250 -8.33
Bazpur(Utr) 110.00 -98 38223.41 1900 2159 2.70
Etawah(UP) 100.00 -16.67 18715.00 2275 2270 1.56
Pilibhit(UP) 100.00 6.38 17996.00 2185 2195 0.23
Mathabhanga(WB) 100.00 -9.09 3220.00 1950 1950 NC
Nalbari(ASM) 93.00 -7.92 718.50 2000 2000 NC
Kaliaganj(WB) 90.00 800 581.00 2650 2650 8.16
Chandabali(Ori) 85.00 NC 1268.00 1400 1400 NC
Sehjanwa(UP) 81.00 4.52 428.50 2080 2080 4.79
Aligarh(UP) 80.00 NC 2780.00 2130 2140 10.36
Bindki(UP) 76.00 90 2237.00 2240 2300 8.21
Thodupuzha(Ker) 70.00 NC 2170.00 2650 2650 8.16
Achalda(UP) 70.00 40 3142.50 2280 2280 2.70
Saharanpur(UP) 65.00 -28.57 4212.00 2160 2165 1.89
Kalipur(WB) 62.00 -18.42 4407.00 2050 2050 NC
Fatehpur(UP) 60.00 1614.29 195.50 2150 2215 -1.15
Mainpuri(UP) 60.00 20 1093.00 2025 2015 4.92
Goalpara(ASM) 58.20 3.01 504.10 1800 1800 -
Ghaziabad(UP) 55.00 -26.67 2250.00 2150 2140 1.90
Muzzafarnagar(UP) 54.00 100 1127.00 2170 2170 4.58
Pandua(WB) 52.00 4 1475.00 2500 2500 -7.41
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Kesinga(Ori) 50.00 NC 410.00 2300 2500 -11.54
Samsi(WB) 50.00 NC 15560.00 3000 3000 -
Jaunpur(UP) 45.00 36.36 1140.00 1950 1930 -0.51
Kasimbazar(WB) 43.50 -1.14 1452.00 2280 2300 -8.80
Beldanga(WB) 39.00 -8.24 1573.00 2280 2280 -8.80
Gauripur(ASM) 36.00 -12.2 2426.00 4500 4500 -
Ramgarh(Jha) 32.00 77.78 354.00 3000 2600 7.14
Jasra(UP) 30.00 100 502.50 1995 1985 -1.48
Dadri(UP) 30.00 20 1685.00 2140 2130 1.42
Partaval(UP) 27.00 -10 1143.00 2000 2100 2.83
Toofanganj(WB) 25.00 - 25.00 3050 - 5.17
Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB) 24.50 5.6 951.30 2300 2300 -11.54
Bohorihat(ASM) 22.00 - 22.00 2200 - -
Balugaon(Ori) 20.00 -33.33 279.00 3200 3100 10.34
Kolaghat(WB) 18.00 5.88 456.00 2300 2300 -8.00
Tamluk (Medinipur E)(WB) 16.00 -5.88 509.00 2300 2300 15.00
Jeypore(Ori) 15.00 NC 233.40 325 325 -
Shikohabad(UP) 15.00 -50 460.50 1965 1950 -4.84
Champadanga(WB) 15.00 -6.25 690.00 2350 2350 -9.62
Firozabad(UP) 13.00 - 13.00 2075 - -
Naugarh(UP) 12.50 -26.47 532.50 2030 2065 6.56
Rampur(UP) 12.50 25 422.00 2250 2240 9.76
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Lalbagh(WB) 11.50 6.48 77.30 2250 2250 NC
Raiganj(WB) 11.00 -18.52 720.50 2750 2800 10.00
Kottayam(Ker) 10.00 NC 130.00 3500 3500 16.67
Khair(UP) 10.00 -33.33 124.00 2120 2100 9.84
Tanakpur(Utr) 10.00 -20 181.10 2100 2100 NC
Buland Shahr(UP) 9.00 -25 355.00 2035 2025 0.25
North Lakhimpur(ASM) 8.80 -31.25 1206.10 1900 1900 -
Baruipur(Canning)(WB) 8.60 32.31 21.10 2700 2600 -
Nilagiri(Ori) 8.00 33.33 342.00 2400 2300 4.35
Mirzapur(UP) 7.00 -26.32 1189.00 1945 1960 -1.02
Tusura(Ori) 6.50 NC 174.50 2200 2300 -8.33
Karanjia(Ori) 5.50 10 206.80 2600 2600 4.00
Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB) 5.50 5.77 77.50 2600 2600 -
Rura(UP) 4.80 20 79.40 2120 2190 -1.17
Nimapara(Ori) 4.50 12.5 155.50 2200 2200 15.79
Jeypore(Kotpad)(Ori) 4.50 -42.31 26.10 3250 3250 -20.73
Baberu(UP) 3.50 NC 116.00 2130 2125 -
Islampur(WB) 3.40 13.33 238.30 2150 2150 -
Imphal(Man) 3.30 NC 168.30 2900 2900 NC
Melaghar(Tri) 3.00 50 98.80 2250 2250 -4.26
Sardhana(UP) 3.00 150 70.20 2160 2170 3.35
Chorichora(UP) 2.50 -16.67 275.15 2100 2080 6.87
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Lamlong Bazaar(Man) 1.40 16.67 52.60 2900 2900 NC
Dibiapur(UP) 1.30 8.33 96.70 2250 2250 2.27
Thoubal(Man) 1.10 NC 68.10 2800 2800 180.00
Punalur(Ker) 1.00 NC 13.50 1600 1600 -
Bonai(Bonai)(Ori) 1.00 NC 93.10 2000 2000 -9.09
Mawana(UP) 1.00 NC 20.20 2180 2175 5.06
Shillong(Meh) 0.60 -14.29 43.60 3500 3500 NC
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8433095.ece
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