12th may,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice E-Newsletter 12th May, , 2015 V o l u m e 5, Issue I

New Zealand customs seizes $360,000 smuggled drugs Reported by: `Customs Today Report May 12, 2015

WELLINGTON: Customs has stopped a $360,000 supply of a ―date rape‖ drug from hitting our streets. In one of the biggest busts of its kind in New Zealand, officials intercepted 51 litres of the Class B controlled drug gammabutyrolactone (GBL) at Auckland International Airport.Known as ―coma in a bottle‖, the synthetic colourless, odourless liquid has been used as a date-rape drug, with ingestion causing drowsiness and disorientation. It has been

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linked to at least one death.Manager of Customs’ Investigation Unit, Maurice O’Brien, said the interception was a major success story in the fight against drugs.―Bearing in mind this stuff is used by 1ml to 2ml at a time, we’re talking up to 51,000ml,‖ he said.―Although the estimated street value is high at $360,000, our focus is more the harm it does to society.―We’re very happy that we’ve intercepted it and stopped it going through into the community.‖ http://customstoday.com.pk/new-zealand-customs-seizes-360000-smuggled-drugs-3/

El Nino has emerged, Asia braces for crop damage Tue May 12, 2015 12:36pm IST SYDNEY | BY NAVEEN THUKRAL Drought affected land is seen in the Las Canoas dam near San Francisco Libre July 18, 2014.

REUTERS/OSWALDO RIVAS/FILES

In 2009, the El Nino brought the worst drought in four decades to India. It razed wheat fields in Australia and damaged crops across Asia. Food prices surged. A closely watched forecast by Japan on Tuesday confirmed its return this year.A strong El Nino will roil economies that are heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly India which is already reeling from bad weather. It would also unhinge supply chains of commodities such as rice, corn and palm oil. In fact, the heat is already up in some places in the Asia Pacific."We've already been hit by a three-month dry spell. We could not plant anything since January. All of us here in Taculen are praying for more rains," said Benny Ramos, a rice farmer in North Cotabato in southern Philippines.Prayers for rains in Asia, however, may not be answered as weather forecasts show an intensifying El Nino has set in.

The El Nino, or a warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific, can lead to scorching weather across Asia and east Africa but heavy rains and floods in South America.This year, the El Nino arrived in spring and is likely to continue into autumn, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, which was the first bureau to project the emergence of an El Nino in 2015.Forecasts in

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May tend to be more accurate as weather models become more dependable here onwards, said Paul Deane, senior agricultural economist at ANZ Bank, Melbourne."Now we are getting to a point that you start having more confidence in those models," he said.Grain prices have, however, not yet factored in the threat to supplies from an El Nino, largely because similar calls for bad weather in 2014 did not come to pass. In fact, good crops replenished stocks last year.In the absence of a weather premium, prices of grains such as wheat and rice remain near multimonth lows. Wheat futures Wc1, down a fifth so far this year, are near five-year lows, while Asia rice RI-THBKN5-P1 is at its weakest since June.The last El Nino led to tens of billions of dollars in economic damages in the Asia Pacific. This year, a strong El Nino could take an even bigger toll in certain countries, analysts said.

For India, it would be a double whammy.

I NDIA: AMONG THE WORST HIT Dozens of farmers have already committed suicide in India after damage from unseasonal rains this year. Now if the summer rains are below normal, rural discontent will deepen.The monsoons are vital for India as half its croplands lack irrigation while the farm sector accounts for 14 percent of its economy. India's weather bureau has forecast weaker rainfall this year, citing a 70 percent El Nino probability."Crops like soybean and cotton are under El Nino watch for being sown mainly in rainfed conditions," said K.K. Singh, the head of agricultural meteorology division of the Indian weather office. "El Nino looms large over soybean areas of the central parts and cotton belts of the western and the northern regions."Fewer domestic soybeans, which are crushed to produce soyoil, will prompt the world's No.1 edible oil importer to buy more palm oil from top producers Indonesia and Malaysia.India's rice crop would also be hit.While the No.2 rice exporter could use its record-high stocks to meet a local shortfall, it would leave less www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine available for sales at a time when demand could rise from countries like the Philippines.More than half of the provinces in the Philippines, one of the world's top rice importers, are already suffering from dryness which has curbed its rice output.

AUSTRALIA: EARLY SIGNS OF EL NINO Early signs of El Nino also emerged on Australia's east coast, with a poor end to the wet season in Queensland and a dry autumn in Victoria, said ANZ's Deane.Australia's high protein wheat output could suffer as an El Nino brings below-average late winter and spring rainfall to the east coast. Spring rains in September are vital for wheat yields in the fourth-biggest exporter of the grain.Australia's weather bureau, which in April projected at least a 70 percent chance of an El Nino emerging from July, on Tuesday said the weather pattern had already formed and that models indicated a "substantial" event.

The other countries bracing for an El Nino are China, Indonesia and Malaysia. China typically escapes the fury of El Nino, but it is still on guard for its corn crop, which needs a lot of water, said Ma Wenfeng, analyst at Beijing Orient Agri-business Consultant Co.For the Southeast Asian countries, concerns are about palm.Although the impact of a dry spell on oil palm trees will be felt later, rising Indian demand and fears of tight supply should drive up prices of the tropical oil. Palm prices 1FCPOc3 soared 57 percent in 2009, partly due to El Nino.

Palm yields may be hit if it is really dry because that will hurt the fruits, but otherwise if an El Nino emerges in June, the effect will only be seen nine to 12 months later, said Roy Lim, group plantations director at planter Kuala Lumpur Kepong.(Additional reporting by Ho Binh Minh in HANOI, Colin Packham in SYDNEY, Ratnajyoti Dutta in NEW DELHI, Anuradha Raghu in KUALA LUMPUR, Dominique Patton in BEIJING, Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK, Erik Dela Cruz in Manila and Yuka Obayashi in TOKYO; Editing by Himani Sarkar) http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/12/weather-el-nino-rains-idINKBN0NX0CE20150512

Indonesia will likely import rice, to decide by June: Minister PUBLISHED ON MAY 12, 2015 7:45 PM

JAKARTA (REUTERS) - Indonesia will likely need to import rice but won't decide how much it will buy until around early June, a senior government official said on Tuesday. "Whether or not we will import, I think we will, but how much will be decided at the end of May or early June," said Chief Economics Minister Sofyan Djalil when asked by reporters if Indonesia will buy foreign rice.Indonesia has in the past imported 1 million to 2 million tonnes of rice in a year, usually from Thailand or Vietnam. : http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/indonesia-will-likely-import-rice-decide-june-minister20150512#sthash.9ROuOHbn.dpuf

Rice shipments to Africa to bounce back this year Workers load rice for export at the HCM City Food Company. Viet Nam's rice export turnover to markets in Africa, West Asia and South Asia grew

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine significantly in the first three months to top US$71.3 million. — VNA/VNS Photo Dinh Hue

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam's rice export to Africa is likely to rebound significantly this year, based on the rapid growth seen in the first quarter, according to the Department of Africa, West Asia and South Asia Markets under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.Statistics compiled by the General Department of Customs show that the country's rice export turnover to markets in Africa, West Asia and South Asia experienced considerable growth in the first three months to top US$71.3 million, 531 per cent higher than that of the same period last year.

Africa accounted for 94.1 per cent of this figure, with shipments to key markets in the continent – Ghana, Ivory Coast and South Africa – witnessing significant growth after a steep plunge in 2014.Before last year's plunge, Vietnamese rice had seen strong growth in Africa since 2011, the Cong Thuong (Industry and Trade) newspaper reported yesterday.In 2013, the country exported two million tonnes of rice to the continent, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of total volume of rice shipped abroad. Africa became Viet Nam's second largest rice importer that year, after China However, shipments to Africa in 2014 declined in value to $425.7 million on the back of decreased demand in the market and harsh competition from Thailand, India and Pakistan.The department has submitted to the MoIT a plan to facilitate Vietnamese rice exports to African markets. Trade analysts say that if the plan is approved, another upsurge in shipments to the region is possible.The plan will support local rice exporters in carrying out promotions and opening bonded warehouses in Africa's larger markets like Angola, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

This is expected to increase direct exports to these market and avoid the risks of doing it through a third party.Africa is now the largest rice consumer in the world with an annual demand of over 9 million tonnes of rice, almost 6.5 million tonnes of which is imported.In order to fully tap this potential, the ministry has advised that Vietnamese exporters try and meet increasing demand in the market for high-quality rice products, besides traditional rice. — VNS http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/270156/rice-shipments-to-africa-to-bounce-back-this-year.html

Vietnam's rice exports down in first 4 months: statistics Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2015 This article was produced by the Xinhua News Agency, the official press agency of the People's Republic of China. Xinhua describes itself as the "information organ of the central government." Given China’s size and importance, GlobalPost publishes Xinhua’s press feed as a resource for its readers and makes no claims as to journalistic accuracy.

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Farmers of organic rice are paid at least 20 per cent more for their produce than farmers of ordinary rice. Photo supplied

Vietnam's rice exports down in first 4 months: statistics HANOI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's rice exports saw decrease of 0.5 percent in volume and 5 percent in value in the first four months of 2015, said Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Center (VITIC) on Tuesday.Specifically, during the period, Vietnam exported some 2.04 million tons of rice, earning 889 million U.S. dollars, reported VITIC, an agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).Average price of Vietnamese rice during four-month period also experienced a year-on-year decrease of 5.1 percent to 437 U.S. dollars per ton.The MoIT's Export and Import Department attributed the drop in Vietnamese rice exports to abundant supply and fierce competition in world rice market.

Huynh The Nang, head of Vietnam Southern Food Corporation ( Vinafood 2) said on VITIC on Tuesday that the Philippines, one of major Vietnam's rice importers, has bought some 300,000 tons of rice so far in 2015. Vietnam is expected to export some more 500, 000 tons of rice to the market this year.Nang assessed that Vietnam's rice export market can be vibrant again in JuneJuly this year as the country is negotiating for more rice exports to Malaysia.In the short term, Vietnamese rice may rely on its price competitiveness in order to gain contracts of exporting rice to Southeast Asian nations, said Nang.Vietnam exported some 7.5 million tons of rice in 2014 via both official and cross-border export transactions, said VITIC.In 2015, the country targeted to export 7-7.5 million tons of rice. Currently, Vietnamese rice has been present in 135 countries and regions worldwide, according to Export and Import Department. http://www.globalpost.com/article/6545936/2015/05/12/vietnams-rice-exports-down-first-4-months-statistics

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Should Cambodian rice go organic or focus on mass production?

Tue, 12 May 2015 Moeun Nhean While the government pushes for an increase in the exportation of rice, individual Cambodian farmers may benefit the most from growing high-quality aromatic organic rice, which has won the first prize in World Best Quality Rice Competition numerous times.For three consectuive years, Cambodia has been champoined as the country capable of producing the world’s highest quality rice. Kun Pidou – as the aromatic smell of the rice is called in Khmer – may be a chance to promote natural, agricultural products – especially rice – in the regional and international markets on a larger scale.

However, the government’s ambition to export one million tons of rice on the whole seems to be encountering obstacles. Business people in the rice sector lack the investment capital while farmers lack proper technical support.In the first four months of 2015, Cambodian rice exportation only reached 201,183 tons, according to a report from Cambodian Rice Exports Association.Even so, Dr Yang Saing Koma, president of the Cambodian Center for Study and Development of Agriculture, (CEDAC) said he believed that Cambodia seems to have more ability to compete in the organic market.Over three million hectares of rice fields are spread out over Cambodia, of which 10 to 20 per cent were not chemically treated, according to Dr Yang. ―That land has potential to produce organic rice and other organic crops,‖he said.CEDAC has taught thousands of farmers about organic products and how to increase yields over the past few years. However, high numbers of farmers attend seminars for organic planting, less then half follow through with the method.―To transform rice fields into a natural or organic land, we have to reduce chemical fertilizers or pesticides for three years and replace them with fertilizers and pesticides composed of plant extractions instead,‖ he explained.This three-year transition process was what was affecting farmers’ daily lives in some of the biggest provinces, as they needed more yields to sell in the market in order to make income. ―In order to get the proper amount of organic product, the land needs to meet specific rice type, harvesting and plantation methods, transportation and stock conditions,‖ Dr Yang said.―Generally, organic rice is worth at least 10 per cent more than ordinary rice, and organic fruits and vegetables cost even more,‖ he added.

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Cambodian Farmer Rice (CFR) president Khim Bunlene said his new company focuses its business on supplying rice into local markets, such as Phnom Penh.―Natural rice products by CFR sell for a 20 per cent higher price than others,‖ Khim said.It is a good market and is not hard to sell, because most customers know the price and the benefits of natural rice quality.‖Bunlene added that among their 1,500 clients, more than half prefered and ordered naturally grown rice. ―We have a high demand for natural rice products from our customers. We almost sell out completely from our stores, which is why we haven’t thought about conquering the export market yet.‖―The natural rice products that we buy from producers cost 20 per cent more than normal rice,‖ Bunlene added.Both Dr Yang, an expert of organic agriculture, and Khim, an organic seller, are proud of the organic rice seed produced by Khmer farmers. They seem to agree that many provinces, in both North and North-East Cambodia have a large amount of paddy rice fields able to produce natural rice products.

To make Dr Yang’s dream a reality, CEDAC has been conducting analyses on the organic agricultural community by having expert observers take notes on every process from planting to harvesting to transporting the product into stores.―Both the national and international monitoring team of CEDAC experts give certifications to famers who are producing rice according to the organic method,‖ Dr Yang said. ―Members in the organic community increased to 500 families in 2014. This figure will double in 2015.‖One of CEDAC’s initiatives is to set up a new guide line called ―Sethey Srok Sre – Millionaire Farmers‖ in 2022, which means that farmers will become some of the richest families with high living standards through sustainable farming and good health that accompanies organic farming principles. To ensure the rather ambitious – if not utopian – project moves forward and reaches its target, CEDAC will launch a book which features the organic agricultural method – which shall eventually lead to ―Millionaire Farmers‖ http://www.phnompenhpost.com/special-reports/should-cambodian-rice-go-organic-or-focus-mass-production

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CORRECTED-Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- May 12 Nagpur, May 12 Gram and tuar prices showed weak tendency in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor demand from local millers amid release of stock from stockists. Fresh fall on NCDEX in gram, good overseas tuar arrival and easy condition in Madhya Pradesh pulses also pulled down prices, according to sources. *

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FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor.

TUAR * Tuar gavarani declined further in open market on poor buying support from local traders amid ample stock in ready position. * Lakhodi dal and watana varieties firmed up again in open market on good marriage season demand from local traders amid weak supply from producing regions. * Wheat Sharbadi best and medium varieties reported strong in open market on increased seasonal demand from local traders amid thin supply from producing belts. * In Akola, Tuar - 7,200-7,500, Tuar dal - 10,000-10,500, Udid at 9,100-9,600, Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,900-11,300, Moong - 9,100-9,400, Moong Mogar (clean) 10,900-11,300, Gram - 4,300-4,600, Gram Super best bold - 6,200-6,400 for 100 kg. * Other varieties of wheat, rice and other commodities remained steady in open market in poor trading activity, according to sources.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close Gram Auction 3,700-4,580 3,700-4,640 Gram Pink Auction n.a.

2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 5,500-7,080 5,500-7,130 Moong Auction n.a.

6,000-6,300 Udid Auction n.a.

4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a.

2,600-2,800 Gram Super Best Bold 6,500-6,700 6,500-6,700 Gram Super Best n.a.

Gram Medium Best 6,300-6,400 6,300-6,400

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a.

Gram Mill Quality 5,500-5,700 5,500-5,700 Desi gram Raw 4,600-4,700 4,600-4,700 Gram Filter new 6,100-6,200 6,100-6,200 Gram Kabuli 5,000-6,800 5,000-6,800 Gram Pink 6,300-6,500 6,300-6,500 Tuar Fataka Best 10,500-10,800 10,500-10,800 Tuar Fataka Medium 10,000-10,300 10,000-10,300 Tuar Dal Best Phod 9,500-9,800 9,500-9,800 Tuar Dal Medium phod 9,000-9,400 9,000-9,400 Tuar Gavarani New 7,650-7,750 7,700-7,800 Tuar Karnataka 7,900-8,000 7,900-8,000 Tuar Black 10,700-11,000 10,700-11,000 Masoor dal best 7,400-7,600 7,400-7,600 Masoor dal medium 6,900-7,300 6,900-7,300 Masoor n.a. n.a.

Moong Mogar bold 11,000-11,500 11,000-11,500 Moong Mogar Medium best 10,200-10,600 10,200-10,600 Moong dal Chilka 9,200-9,800 9,200-9,800 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.

Moong Chamki best 9,500-9,900 9,500-9,900 Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 11,100-11,500 11,100-11,500 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 9,800-10,500 9,800-10,500 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 8,400-8,800 8,400-8,800 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,400-4,600 4,400-4,600 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,200-3,350 3,000-3,250 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,450 3,050-3,300 Watana White (100 INR/KG) 2,450-2,625 2,400-2,500 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 3,700-4,800 3,600-4,800 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,500-1,800 1,500-1,800 Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,000 1,900-2,000 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,500-1,700 1,500-1,700 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,250-2,550 2,250-2,550 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,350 2,100-2,350 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,750 3,100-3,500 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,700-3,000 2,600-2,900 Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,500 1,400-1,500 Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,200 Rice BPT New(100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,800 2,500-2,800 Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,300 3,000-3,300 Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,400 2,100-2,400 Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700 Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG) 3,300-3,700 3,300-3,700 Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,400 4,000-4,400

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,500 4,200-4,500 Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG) 4,600-5,200 4,600-5,200 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 8,000-10,000 8,000-10,000 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,000-7,500 6,000-7,500 Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 4,600-5,200 4,600-5,200 Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,600-6,000 5,600-6,000 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,200 2,100-2,200 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,450 2,300-2,450 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 42.0 degree Celsius (107.6 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.

23.3 degree Celsius (73.9 degree Fahrenheit) Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.

Rainfall : 0.2 mm FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers likely towards evening or night.

Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 43 and 23 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, butincluded in market prices.) http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/12/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N0Y354Y20150512

Thai rice producers urged to improve rice quality

BY EDITORON 2015-05-12THAILAND

Rice producers urged to improve rice quality BANGKOK, 12 May 2015 (NNT) – The Thai government is expected to take actions to promote rice exports, after global demand declined during the first quarter of this year.

The Department of International Trade Promotion said that the oversupply of rice from India and Vietnam in the global market has reduced the price and market share of Thai rice.Thailand has also been unable to grow more rice due to water shortages in many arable areas. The stronger baht has also affected the export of Thai rice, compared to neighboring nations.Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Yongyut Maiyalap has encouraged rice producers to improve rice quality, given the demand for high quality grains both domestically and globally.Many countries have continued to buy rice from Thailand, despite the sluggish global economy. http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/thai-rice-producers-urged-to-improve-rice-quality/61379/

Govt to consider release of more stockpiled rice Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation May 13, 2015 1:00 am

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine As rice farmers enter the end of the second-crop harvest, the government will soon consider reopening bidding for rice from its stockpiles - before the year's main harvest season begins in late August.

The plan to release more rice from the stockpiles is part of the government's goal to shift a total of 10 million tonnes from its warehouses over the course of this year.The warehouses currently hold about 16 million tonnes.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said yesterday that after suspending the release of rice for the past few months, it was now time to reconsider further sales due to lower supply in the market."The Rice Policy Management Committee will next Monday consider whether to open the third round of rice bidding for this year. The government will carefully consider the impact on rice prices in the market, and will also consider other factors such as demand, and rice supplies by other countries," she explained.

Duangporn added that despite slowly releasing rice from the stockpiles, the government was maintaining its target for releasing 10 million tonnes of the crop this year.The department is also sticking to its forecast of pushing exports to 10 million tonnes this year, although exporters foresee lower shipments of between 8 million and 8.5 million tonnes.In the first four months of the year, Thailand exported about 3.3 million tonnes of rice, against 3.8 million tonnes in the same period last year.The department chief said that despite lower export volume so far this year, the emphasis was on shipping high-quality rice, including parboiled rice and jasmine rice, overseas sales of which had risen 6 per cent year on year in the period.To promote Thailand as supplier of the world's best-quality rice to the world market, the Commerce Ministry has organised the "Thailand Rice Convention 2015" next week under the theme "Think rice think Thailand‌serving the best quality rice to the world".

Duangporn said the government would focus on increasing the value of Thai rice, which would enable the world market to recognise the Kingdom as not only a major supplier, but also as a supplier of goodquality rice.Thailand's efforts will also help increase food security in the world market, as it offers a full variety of rice grains to consumers anytime, anywhere and in any amount, she added.The convention, which takes place from May 19-21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani's Hall 4, will be chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, while many experts in the rice industry will participate in the seminar.The convention is expected to attract more than 500 participants from 40 countries for an exchange of knowledge and views on rice and rice trading.International rice traders, millers and farmers will be among those attending. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Govt-to-consider-release-of-more-stockpiled-rice30259918.html

Fed Govt unveils 2015 rice import allocations Posted by: Chikodi Okereocha in Business

NIGERIA’s rice import target for this year has been reduced to 1.3 million metric tonnes.In a letter signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi A. Adesina, and addressed to the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, he said a domestic supply gap of 1.3 million MT was determined for 2015, down from 1.5 million in 2014.He said one million MT of this quota had been set aside as allocations to existing rice millers, importers and new investors with approved www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Domestic Rice Production Plans (DRPP), at a preferential levy of 20 per cent and duty of 10 per cent.This year’s supply gap is 200,000 MT lower than 2014, as rice importers with no DRPP will account for the remaining 0.3 million MT at the higher levy of 60 per cent and duty of 10 per cent.In 2014, rice importers and new investors were required to post a Domestic Rice Production Performance Bond from a qualifying bank to clearly demonstrate their commitment to domestic investment plans in rice production and processing.

Under this year’s import quota, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, identified 22 companies that will receive quota allocations for 2015 out of the number that was approved last year.In the letter titled, ―Approved List of Companies Allocated Rice Import quota for April 2015- March 2016 period‖, it is stated that certain criteria informed the trimming down of the number of companies from last year’s figure.It reads in part: ―In line with the Federal Government’s policy (―the Policy‖) to ensure self-sufficiency in rice by 2014, domestic rice production and milling operations continue to rise, which has resulted in a reduction in rice requirements of the country‖ .As was the practice in 2014 and in line with the policy, the allocation of import quotas continues to be made along the explicit criteria set for encouraging domestic production and domestic milling of rice, to lead to self-sufficiency. These criteria are based on the extent of existing domestic milling capacity as well as along four (4) specific items that assess each company’s ongoing investment outlay into domestic rice production and milling.

These include the following: Domestic Rice Production Plan (DRPP): demonstrate evidence of current or planned investment in domestic rice production over a 3-year period, size of investment, proof of land acquisition and establishment of rice fields and paddy production, paddy purchase outlook from Paddy Aggregation Centres (PAC): Demonstrate a clear plan of purchase of paddy from PACs, should include location of PACs, volumes of paddy to be purchased among others. http://thenationonlineng.net/new/fed-govt-unveils-2015-rice-import-allocations/

APEDA INDIA NEWS International Benchmark Price Price on: 11-05-2015

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

1

Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2100

2

Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

2000

3

Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t)

1800

1

Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

4600

2

Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

5100

3

Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t)

3000

Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)

4880

Garlic

Ginger

Guar Gum Powder 1

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 2

Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t)

2300

3

Indian 200 mesh 5000 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t)

3400

Source:agra-net

For more info

Market Watch Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 11-05-2015 Domestic Prices

Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product

Market Center

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

1

Cachar (Assam)

Other

2000

2500

2

Saharsa (Bihar)

Other

2000

3200

3

Bargarh (Orissa)

Other

2100

2300

1

Bonai (Orissa)

Other

1450

1600

2

Amirgadh (Gujarat )

Other

1210

1750

3

Saharsa(Bihar)

Other

1450

3200

Sirhind (Punjab)

Other

3000

4000

2

Mechua(West Bengal)

Other

2600

3100

3

Haldwani(Uttrakhand)

Other

1600

3500

1

Aroor (Kerala)

Other

3000

2800

2

Bonai (Orissa)

Other

1000

2000

3

Kharupetia(Assam)

Other

1200

1500

Rice

Wheat

Mousambi 1

Carrot

Source:agra-net

For more info

Egg

Rs per 100 No Price on 11-05-2015 Product

Market Center

Price

1

Pune

312

2

Ahmedabad

300

3

Hyderabad

272

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ per package Price on 11-05-2015

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

Low

Mangoes

High Package: flats 1 layer

1

Chicago

Mexico

Ataulfo

10

11

2

Detroit

Mexico

Ataulfo

7

7.50

3

New York

Mexico

Ataulfo

9

Cucumbers

9 Package: cartons film wrapped

1

Atlanta

Canada

Long Seedless

9

11.50

2

Dallas

California

Long Seedless

12.50

13

3

Miami

Mexico

Long Seedless

9.50

10

1

Atlanta

Chile

Red Globe

24.50

24.50

2

Chicago

Chile

Red Globe

18.50

20

Grapes

Package: 18 lb containers bagged

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 3

Miami

Peru

Red Globe

21

23

Source:USDA

World Rice Production 2015/2016 May 2015 This month the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the World Rice Production 2015/2016 will be 482.1 million metric tons, around 7.51 million tons more than the previous month's projection.

Rice Production last year (*) was 475.69 million tons. This year's 482.1 estimated million tons could represent an increase of 6.42 million tons or a 1.35% in rice production around the globe.

Rice Production by Country (Values in Metric Tons) China: 146,000,000 India: 104,000,000 Others: 40,500,000 Indonesia: 36,650,000 Bangladesh: 35,000,000 Vietnam: 28,200,000 Thailand: 19,800,000 Burma: 12,800,000 Philippines: 12,400,000 Brazil: 8,300,000 Japan: 7,900,000 United States: 6,954,000 Pakistan: 6,900,000 Cambodia: 4,900,000 Egypt: 4,600,000 Korea, South: 4,100,000 Nepal: 3,100,000 Next Update will be June 10, 2015. https://www.worldriceproduction.com/?Referer=Newsletter

President harvests V-2016 dry season rice FIELDS in crr May 11, 2015

As part of the implementation of the country’s anti-hunger agenda, the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh has led dry season harvest exercise at one of the vast rice fields cultivated in the Central River Region (CRR) south.The harvesting exercise, marked the beginning of the dry season harvesting of the Vision 2016 rice fields in the provincial communities paving way for engaging farmers on dry season farming in the rural country.The field is one of the biggest among the many Vision 2016 rice fields, which are specifically cultivated in that part of the country as part of the broad implementation of the Vision 2016 food self-sufficiency agenda. They are the only rice fields being harvested in the dry season in the country as at now in the context of The Gambia’s food self-sufficiency drive. The www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

first harvest of the Vision 2016 rice farms was in November 2014.Friday afternoon harvesting exercise was his (the president) first engagement in that southern part of CRR since arrival on Thursday evening in Janjangbureh, the administrative headquarters of region, as part of his assessment on the progress of dry season agricultural activities and the state of preparedness for the rainy season cultivation in the context of the country’s anti hunger crusade sanctioned in 2013.Meanwhile, thousands of people had lined up the road to give President Jammeh and his entourage befitting welcome as well as to show solidarity and love for the president.

They are very appreciative of their leader’s agricultural initiatives, which have resulted to success stories today. Many of the farmers, who often render labour work on the fields, heaped praises on The Gambian leader for providing the necessary conditions, which has improved their livelihoods.

Since its launching in 2013, the V-2016 has been drawing wider support within and outside The Gambia with the overall idea of ending decades-long importation of food, especially rice into the country.

Pacharr rice field Pacharr rice fields, which is being harvested for the second time since the start of Vision 2016 campaign, has long been experimented to serve as Gambia’s main food basket and has this year been turned into massive production sites by the president of the Republic to serve the very purpose of their existence.The Pacharr field covers about 1,105 hectares and between 1966 and www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 1969, a Chinese (Taiwan) agricultural team introduced rice cultivation via the method of irrigation on Janjanbureh Island. This initial enthusiasm soon faded and the project ran out of steam. Another Chinese team followed this in 1974-1975 that set up base at the Sapu Rice Research Station.In 1973, The Gambia government started its development project. In 1982, a rice irrigation project was started at the Jahali and Pacharr Smallholder Rice Development Fields involving 1,474 hectares.About 30 years later on May 8th this month, 2015, the field (Pacharr) yielded its second harvest, part of which the field has been left uncultivated after many years. It proved a resounding success with yields expecting to surpass all expectations.

Visit to Jakoto rice fields From his second harvesting exercise on Friday, the president and his delegation on Saturday proceeded to potential fields and farmlands further into the Niamina where he inspected an ongoing laterite road construction which linked Jakoto and Kaur.The land area targeted for next season cultivation at Jakoto is measured at four thousand six hundred hectares (4600).Apart from the road construction, there are other series of ongoing land transformation works ongoing there.While inspecting the site, the president had made some observations on the nature of works being done on this road project and expressed his dissatisfaction for which the work is being carried out. The road as it is, very narrow, thus making it impossible for two motor vehicles to passed simultaneously. He thus urged the supervisor to expand the access road and build culverts and some subsidiary water passage to the rest of the field.

Visit to Sambang-Mandinka From Jakoto, the president and delegation proceeded to Sambang-Mandinka also in the Niamina where he visited a vast land area suitable for large-scale rice cultivation. This land, according to the community, only a small portion is put under cultivation for many years due to access road and dwindling interest in rice cultivation by the community.

Visit and meeting On Sunday, the president and delegation visited Janjangbureh and Pacharr fields in the Lower Fulladu and Janjangbureh constituencies before presiding over to another well-attended meeting organised by the APRC party supporters, militants and well-wishers in Brikamaba in the Lower Fulladu District.

More about Vision 2016 Since it has been launched, the Vision has been praised as one of the greatest interventions of the Jammeh administration in addressing food security and household poverty. It has received a tap on the back by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), following a visit to the country in 2014 by its president, Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze.―The Vision 2016 is an ambitious one, but of course it can be achieved. We have the leadership behind it, who has a strong conviction and support for agriculture particularly the smallholder and rural women. But it also calls for strengthening of institutions, consistency in

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine policies, an enabling environment for the private sector, and massive investment on rural infrastructure,‖ Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze. was quoted as saying during his visit to the country in 2014 at the invitation of President Jammeh.

by Musa Ndow & Amadou Jallow in CRR http://observer.gm/president-harvests-v-2016-dry-season-rice-fields-in-crr/

USDA Seeks Input From Growers About 2015 Crops And the survey says...

BATON ROUGE, LA -- During the first several weeks of June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will survey farmers

across the country to determine crop acreage and grain stocks on farms in 2015."Due to the widespread impact of its results, these two surveys provide the first clear indication of the potential production and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2015 crop year," explained Becky Cross, Director of the NASS Delta Regional Office. NASS gathers the data for the agriculture survey online, by mail and/or by phone. For the June Area Survey, agency representatives will visit randomly selected tracts of land and interview the operators of any farm or ranch on that land.

Growers will provide information on crop acreage - including biotech crops-as well as grain stocks and other items."We recognize this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers, but the information they provide is essential to everyone involved in U.S. agriculture," said Nathan Crisp, State Statistician from the NASS Louisiana field office. "I urge them to respond to these

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine surveys and thank them for their cooperation."Crisp added, "NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified."NASS will compile and analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage reportand quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released June 30, 2015. The survey data collected are also used in other NASS and USDA reports.All reports are available on the NASS website: www.nass.usda.gov. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Delta Regional Office at (800) 327-2970.

Contact: Randy Jemison (337) 738-7009

WASDE Report Released WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. 2015/16 all rice supplies are forecast up 3 percent from 2014/15 and total use is up 2 percent. This will lead to an 11 percent increase in 2015/16 ending stocks projected at 47.4 million cwt. Beginning stocks for 2015/16 are forecast at 42.9 million cwt.

Projected 2015/16 imports at a record 24.5 million cwt. U.S. rice production for 2015/16 is projected at 219.0 million cwt. Long-grain production is projected at 162 million cwt, and combined medium- and short-grain production at 57million. All rice harvested area is estimated at 2.90 million acres. Long-grain harvested area is 2.19 million acres.

Combined medium- and short-grain harvested area is 710,000 acres.

The drought-induced drop in California medium- and short-grain area has attracted more acres of medium-grain rice in the Delta where plantings in 2015 are projected up 3 percent. U.S. all rice average yield is projected at 7,562 pounds per acre, nearly the same as last year.U.S. 2015/16 all rice total use is projected at 239 million cwt with domestic and residual use at 131million and exports at 108 million. Long-grain rice exports are projected at 76 million cwt, and medium- and short-grain rice exports at 32 million. U.S. all rice ending stocks for 2015/16 are projected at 47.4 million cwt with long-grain ending stocks at 34.1 million cwt, and medium- and short-grain rice stocks at 11 million.

The U.S. 2015/16 long-grain rice season-average farm price is projected at $10.00 to $11.00 per cwt,compared to a revised $11.80 to $12.20 for the previous year. The medium- and short-grain price is projected at $17.80 to $18.80 per cwt, compared to a revised $17.80 to $18.20 for the year earlier. The2015/16 all rice price is projected at $12.30 to $13.30 per cwt, compared to a revised $13.20 to $13.60per cwt for 2014/15. The California medium- and short-grain price is expected to strengthen slightly, and the Other States price is unchanged from 2014/15.Global 2015/16 total rice ending stocks are expected to drop 6.9 million tons to 91.5 million tons with a stocks-to-use ratio of 18.7 percent, the lowest since 2006/07.

World rice production is projected at a record 482.1 million tons. Global consumption is projected at a record 489.0 million tons. Global exports in 2015/16 are projected at 42.4 million tons. Exports in 2015/16 will be down from the previous year for India and Pakistan, but up for Burma, Cambodia, and the United States. Thailand's exports are unchanged at 11 million tons. www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Larger 2015/16 imports are projected for China and the Middle East. Global 2015/16 ending stocks are projected at 91.5 million tons, the lowest stocks since 2007/08. The global stocks-touse ratio at 18.7 percent is the lowest since 2006/07. The largest year-to-year stocks reductions occur in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.

Read the complete report here.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 12 Month

Price

Net Change

May 2015

$9.220

- $0.160

July 2015

$9.445

- $0.165

September 2015

$9.720

- $0.160

November 2015

$9.965

- $0.160

January 2016

$10.210

- $0.160

March 2016

$10.275

- $0.160

May 2016

$10.275

- $0.160

New Missouri greenhouse to boost rice breeding May 11, 2015Southeast Missouri Sate University | Delta Farm Press Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council are developing a rice breeding greenhouse to promote the creation of new high yielding rice varieties. (Photo: Southeast Missouri State University) RELATED MEDIA

Architectural plans are being drawn for a new Rice Research Greenhouse at Southeast Missouri State University-Malden that is expected to broaden area rice breeding efforts spearheaded by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council with support from Southeast’s Department of Agriculture.The 1,440-squarefoot facility will help further new high-yielding rice varieties.

Numerous classes will use the facility, including Plant Science, Soil Fertility and Weed Science.The $115,000 greenhouse is being funded in part with a $100,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) targeted at supporting rice breeding research and developing new rice www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine breeding techniques. USDA Rural Development officials say they are pleased about the significant benefits the project can provide to the residents and communities of southeast Missouri.―Through new rice breeding techniques, producers may experience improved quality and larger yields during harvest,‖ said Janie Dunning, rural development state director. ―These rice production advancements could lead to an improved quality of life through increased agricultural revenue.‖Mike Aide, chair of Southeast’s Department of Agriculture, said the award to construct a greenhouse research and laboratory space for producing public domain rice varies in southeast Missouri is a tremendous investment that will enhance regional and global cooperation among rice breeders in Missouri and other states. ―Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council are honored to develop the rice breeding greenhouse to promote the creation of new high yielding rice varieties to improve farm profitability across our nation,‖ Aide said.Once architectural designs are completed, the greenhouse project will be open for bids and a contractor will be hired to build the facility. Existing space will be renovated within the Harry L. Crisp Bootheel Education Center and added on to the rear of the building.

Donn Beighley, rice research fellow and rice breeder at Southeast, said it is important to build the greenhouse at the Malden regional campus because of its proximity to the Missouri Rice Research Farm, Southeast’s rice laboratory, and to Southeast’s regional campus in Kennett.

Student enrollment is growing, he said, and Southeast believes the greenhouse will enhance those students’ knowledge and skills about plant breeding.―The students from the surrounding extended learning centers in Malden and Kennett will benefit by having hands-on experience with the plants they see grown in the surrounding fields and horticultural plants that they may not be exposed to otherwise as well as see how a plant breeding program develops,‖ Beighley said.The greenhouse has two purposes.

It will be used to enhance rice breeding efforts by allowing the rice breeder to grow and house rice varieties used in the breeding program each year and then to grow out during the winter months the offspring of the varieties bred.Breeding brings together a type of rice with certain genetics, such as durability or a quick rate of growth, with another variety of rice with desirable characteristics for propagation to create a new and, hopefully improved, variety of rice.Beighley says the greenhouse will be used to grow and house specific rice varieties used to advance the breeding program. He added it may even be used for the actual breeding procedures. Some of these varieties will be from plants grown in the field and others will be started from seed in the greenhouse.The greenhouse also will be used to grow other species of plants that can be used to enhance students’ knowledge in teaching labs for some agriculture courses.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine ―Having space for growing plants for student projects associated with undergraduate research or class projects is a necessary instructional piece,‖ Aide said.Nick Thiele, director of Southeast Missouri State University-Malden, said, ―We are very excited about this project and the versatility it will bring to Dr. Beighley’s research as well as the expanded learning opportunities for our students. http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/new-missouri-greenhouse-boost-ricebreeding?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+May+12%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+Decem ber+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

Rice imports fall on govts duty move 5/12/2015

The Financial Express (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh, May 12 -- Rice imports in the private sector fell in the last one month amid the government's move to withdraw the zero duty facility on it.The government move alongside the price fall in the local market led the local importers to adopt a cautious stance.But the decline was yet to leave any positive impact on local prices as paddy was still trading at prices 20-25 per cent below the production cost in the peak harvest season, according to market insiders.Private importers brought in 1.276 million (12.76 lakh) tonnes of rice through the legal channel until April 07 last in the fiscal year (FY) 2014-15. It accounted for 4,600 tonnes per day on an average, an official at the Directorate General of Food (DGoF) said.

"But in the last one month (April 08 to May 07), importsdeclined to just 1,100 tonnes per day as importers brought in 34,000 tonnes during the period," he added.He said the downward trend of paddy and rice prices in the domestic market and the government's move to slap duty on rice were behind the decline in imports.Finance Minister AMA Muhith at a function on Sunday said the government decided to impose 10 per cent duty onimport of rice, in place of the zero tariff earlier offered.Earlier, the zero tariff on rice import, coupled with the lower prices in Indian markets, encouraged the privateimporters to go for import on a wide scale in the current fiscal.Md Sarwar Alam Kajol, an importer, told the FE that businesses almost stopped opening new letters of credit (L/Cs) following the fall in local rice prices.

He said many traders had been maintaining a cautious stance since the first week of April on speculations that the government might impose duty on rice imports.He also said the prices of rice starting increasing in India over a projection that overall rice output might decline there.Rice trader at Nilphamari Sadar Md Hazrat Ali (Sajib) told the FE that mill gate prices of the local Swarna variety were Tk 21.5-22.0 per kg while the newly milled Brridhan-28 was being sold at Tk 24.0-24.5 per kg.He also said the prices of Swarna were Tk 25.0-26.0 a month back.Md Anisuzzaman Fakir, a farmer-trader at Pakerhat in Dinajpur said the Brridhan-28 variety of paddy was being sold at Tk 550-580 per maund and Miniket variety Tk 650-680 per maund on Saturday.He said the prices increased by Tk 20-40 per maund in the last seven days but still were below the production cost.He said Brridhan-28 was selling at prices lower by Tk 150-200 than their production cost of Tk740-750 per maund.

And the Miniket variety was sold at prices lower by Tk 100-150 than the production cost of Tk 800 per maund, he said.Economist Prof Gazi M Jalil told the FE that the government took much www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine time to take the decision on restricting rice import."But the farmers who are yet to harvest crops might get benefit from the move," he said.He said the government should enact a time-befitting riceimport and export policy to protect the interests of the country's people.He said: "Government should consider rice always a strategic crop which could help it in framing a farmers-friendly import policy.

"According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Boro has been cultivated on 4.84 million hectares of land this year and 48 per cent of the crop was harvested until Sunday evening.Secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major Husking Mills Owners Association KM Layek Ali said 60 per cent of the millers had been idle for the unnecessary import and political turbulence over the last few months.He said: "But many millers have started buying paddy after getting assurance from the government about restricting the rice import.

"He urged the government to impose 25 to 50 per cent duty on Indian rice based on varieties.According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the Directorate General of Food (DGoF), the country produced 34.465 million tonnes of rice in the last financial year against the demand for 31.0 million tonnes.The BBS latest data also shows the Aman and Aus production was 13.2 million and 2.328 million tonnes respectively in the current financial year. tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com Published by HT Syndication with permission from The Financial Express. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor athtsyndication@hindustantimes.com http://www.world-grain.com/news/news%20home/LexisNexisArticle.aspx?articleid=2361848142

Nigeria reduces rice import target for 2015 by 200,000MT

By Adesanya Alao May 12, 2015 09:11:56am GMT

WorldStage Newsonline—The Federal Government of Nigeria has reviewed its rice import allocations for 2015 by 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 1.3 million MT from 1.5 million in 2014.According to a letter from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi A. Adesina to the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, one million MT of this quota has been set aside as allocations to existing rice millers, importers and new investors with approved Domestic Rice Production Plans (DRPP), at a preferential levy of 20 per cent and duty of 10 per cent.―This year's supply gap is 200,000 MT lower than 2014, as rice importers with no DRPP will account for the remaining 0.3 million MT at the higher levy of 60 per cent and duty of 10 per cent,‖ the letter confirmed.In 2014, rice importers and new investors were required to post a Domestic Rice Production Performance Bond from a qualifying bank to clearly demonstrate their commitment to domestic investment plans in rice production and processing.

Under this year's import quota, theFederal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development identified 22 companies that will receive quota allocations for 2015 out of the number that was approved last year.In the letter titled ―Approved List of Companies Allocated Rice Import quota for April 2015- March 2016 period‖, it was stated that certain criteria informed the trimming down of the number of companies from last year’s figure to what obtained this year.The letter to the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy reads in part: ―In line with the Federal Government’s www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine policy (―the Policy‖) to ensure self-sufficiency in rice by 2014, domestic rice production and milling operations continue to rise, which has resulted in a reduction in rice requirements of the country.―As was the practice in 2014 and in line with the Policy, the allocation of import quotas continues to be made along the explicit criteria set for encouraging domestic production and domestic milling of rice, to lead to self-sufficiency.

These criteria are based on the extent of existing domestic milling capacity as well as along four (4) specific items that assess each company’s ongoing investment outlay into domestic rice production and milling.―These include the following: Domestic Rice Production Plan (DRPP): demonstrate evidence of current or planned investment in domestic rice production over a 3-year period, size of investment, proof of land acquisition and establishment of rice fields and paddy production, paddy purchase outlook from Paddy Aggregation Centres (PAC): Demonstrate a clear plan of purchase of paddy from PACs, should include location of PACs, volumes of paddy to be purchased among others. ―Paddy purchase outlook from out-grower farmers and farmer cooperatives should include location of farms, volumes of paddy to be purchased, among others. Ownership of Integrated Rice Milling Facility (with par boilers and dehuskers): size of planned installed capacity (score relative to the largest sized facility, evidence of acquisition of integrated rice milling equipment, e.t.c―In addition to existing millers and new investors, only the re-applying companies who submitted bonds in 2014 were allocated quotas in the current 2015-2016 round.

Companies that failed to present the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with a Bond have not been given quotas for the full year April 2015 to March 2016.

Consequently, import quota allocations to 22 approved companies with a total allocation of 961,000 MT were issued.‖Already, the Ministry has sent letters to all the 22 approved companies and copied Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as well as the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.

The letter extensively informed the companies of their approved quotas, which qualified for 10

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine per cent duty or 20 per cent levy as the case might be. The Comptroller General of Customs was mandated to facilitate enforcement of the approved allocations. http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=news&newscid=22246&catid=36

Jute mills seek better policy A Staff Reporter Calcutta, May 12: The Indian Jute Mills Association has written to Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee seeking a comprehensive policy to help generate demand for jute bags and facilitate the reopening of closed mills.Demand for bags from the various state government agencies for this year's rabi crop has significantly come down and is unlikely to improve in the coming months, Indian Jute Mills Association chairman Raghavendra Gupta said."Had Bengal announced a state jute policy under which the packaging of potatoes and rice could have been included, all jute mills in Bengal would have probably continued production well beyond April 2015," Gupta said in the letter.In the last two months, 15 mills have closed down. There are 59 mills in the state, which offer livelihood to about 3 lakh workers.Gupta said about 1200 rice millers in Bengal were flouting the provisions of mandatory jute packaging. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150513/jsp/business/story_19724.jsp#.VVMiIPlViko

Nigeria: Adesina and the Rice Import Saga OPINION

By Dele Omojuyigbe

Lagos — It is quite antithetical that Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, is right now facing troubling public scrutiny at the twilight of his tenure as a celebrated public servant. Adesina who has hitherto enjoyed generous public applause since he was made a minister in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan, now has to contend with the other side of publicity. He is being accused of contravening a presidential order for granting licence to unqualified rice importers. Report has it that President Jonathan had directed the minister to give import licences to rice millers in the country so as to curtail scarcity of the commodity.

But rather than raise an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the allocation process, he unilaterally administered the allocation which is said to be at variance with the supply gap of the quantity required.But the minister says that his traducers are at work just because he disallowed them from corrupting the system. He asks if anybody has ever been allowed to lobby, beg or plead for anything in his ministry since he became the boss there. His offence, he says, is that he has insisted on due process and that those owing government must pay. The dilemma beckons here. For what selfish reasons would Adesina have done what he is accused of doing especially when he is almost leaving office with high praise. Even his employer, President Jonathan as well as the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, appreciates him. They are both supporting him to become the next president of African Development Bank (AfDB). http://allafrica.com/stories/201505120626.html

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Australian scientists warn El Nino will bring extreme weather patterns this year The last El Nino five years ago had a major impact with monsoons in Southeast Asia, droughts in southern Australia, the Philippines and Ecuador, blizzards in the United States, heatwaves in Brazil and killer floods in Mexico.

PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 12 May, 2015, 6:12pm UPDATED : Tuesday, 12 May, 2015, 6:13pm

El Nino can cause havoc for farmers and global agricultural markets, hitting economies heavily dependent on the land. Photo: Reuters

Australian scientists on Tuesday forecast a ―substantial‖ El Nino weather phenomenon for 2015, potentially spelling deadly and costly climate extremes, after officially declaring its onset in the tropical Pacific.El Nino had been expected last year when record-breaking temperatures made 2014 the hottest in more than a century.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said while the thresholds were not met until now it was expected to be a significant event.The Japan Meteorological Agency also confirmed the phenomenon had begun and forecast it would continue into late 2015.―There’s always a little bit of doubt when it comes to intensity forecasts, but across the models as a whole we’d suggest that this will be quite a substantial El Nino event,‖ David Jones, from the bureau’s climate information services branch said.―Certainly the models aren’t predicting a weak event. They are predicting a moderate-to-strong El Nino event.

So this is a proper El Nino event, this is not a weak one or a near miss as we saw last year.‖The El Nino phenomenon – which is associated with drought conditions in Australia – can cause havoc for farmers and global agricultural markets, hitting economies heavily dependent on the land.The last El Nino five years ago had a major impact with monsoons in Southeast Asia, droughts in southern Australia, the Philippines and Ecuador, blizzards in the United States, heatwaves in Brazil and killer floods in Mexico.It occurs when the trade winds that circulate over waters in the tropical Pacific start to weaken and sea surface temperatures rise.US officials announced earlier this year that the long-awaited El Nino had arrived, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration described it as of ―weak strength‖.Australian scientists said models were now showing it was likely to see an increased intensity from about September and have potential global impacts. ―Last year we saw some indices, such as the sea surface temperatures at times exceed El Nino thresholds,‖ Jones explained. ―But we didn’t see them all coming together at the same time or we didn’t see it sustained.‖He said this year’s pattern could create drier conditions in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Southeast Asia.In the past it has caused heavier-than-normal rainfall in the eastern Pacific and South America – raising the spectre of floods and landslides, while the southwest United States and southern Africa tend to be drier.An El Nino is potentially a bad sign for large swathes of Australia, including the states of Queensland and New South Wales, which are already in the grip of severe drought.

Neil Plummer, the bureau’s assistant director for climate information services, said it was often associated with below average rainfall across eastern Australia and warmer temperatures in the www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine southern half over the hottest months.―The onset of El Nino in Australia in 2015 is a little earlier than usual,‖ he said, adding that this was the first such phenomenon in the tropical Pacific since March 2010.―Prolonged El Nino-like conditions have meant that some areas are more vulnerable to the impact of warmer temperatures and drier conditions. ‖El Nino is forecast to strengthen during the southern hemisphere winter but while the event increases the risk of drought, it does not guarantee it – with only 17 of the 26 El Nino events since 1900 resulting in widespread drought in Australia.On the upside, the bureau said it would expect the tropical cyclone season to be below average for Australia.―Every El Nino is different and we know that some years like 1972, 1982 and 1994 really fit the stereotype strongly, severe drought, very hot daytime temperatures, bushfire activity and so on,‖ said Jones. ―But not every El Nino event follows that pattern.‖ Industries at risk The return of the El Nino weather pattern promises a major impact on agriculture. In 2009, El Nino caused the worst drought in four decades in India and ravaged croplands across Asia, driving food prices to multi-year highs. Crops most at risk include: WHEAT Australia’s high-protein wheat crop is likely to take a hit with El Nino expected to bring dry weather across its eastern grain belt. Wheat is planted in April-May and the period that makes or breaks the crop is in September. Some rains in recent weeks in parts of the east coast have encouraged farmers to plant.

RICE Although there are abundant stocks of rice in key producers India and Thailand, El Nino is likely to curb the output of Asia’s staple food. This would provide a floor under rice prices that are trading around 12 per cent below last year’s peak. A rally in rice has the potential of stoking inflationary fears and unrest in the region. Rice is planted in May-July and requires rains between July and August.

SOYBEANS Soybean production would take a hit in India, Asia’s second largest producer of the oilseed, if El Nino brings dry weather to the western and central regions of the country. This could prompt India to import more palm oil and spur further potential gains in prices. Soybeans are planted in June-July and the crop needs rains in August-September.

PALM OIL El Nino does not hit palm oil supplies immediately as it takes about nine months to a year for oil palm trees to show stress due to drought. But rising demand from top importers India and China as well as concerns over an eventual tightening in supplies due to any crop stress will boost prices. About 90 per cent of palm oil, which accounts for 35 per cent of global edible oil supply, is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia.

CORN Corn production in China and India is also at risk. Typically, China escapes the brunt of El Nino but corn yields may be curbed as the crop needs relatively higher volumes of water. India could see its crop exports drop, helping US and South American suppliers sell more.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Additional reporting by Reuters http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1794415/australian-scientists-warn-el-nino-will-bring-extremeweather-patterns

China mulls buying farm goods 12 May 2015 NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

An official walks past a pile of paddy stored in a warehouse in Nakhon Ratchasima province during a quality inspection early this year. Thailand is gearing up to sell more rice and other farm products to China. cHANAT KATANYU Thailand looks forward to signing deals with China cover other farm products besides rice after a deal for 1 million tonnes of the grain is signed in July.Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said China agreed to the cooperation at a meeting of the joint committee on farm production in Kunming last Friday.At the meeting, China agreed in principle to sign the 1-million-tonne deal for new grain at the next meeting to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from July 2-3.Thailand last December signed a memorandum of understanding with China for 2 million tonnes of rice — 1 million tonnes each of old and new grain — along with 200,000 tonnes of rubber.

Deliveries are set for this year and next.The contract will be made through the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation, the giant state enterprise that oversees rice imports, to ensure transparency.The Thai government insists the selling prices under the deal will be freeon-board prices.The transaction with China is unrelated to an earlier deal for 1 million tonnes struck by the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Thailand has already delivered 400,000 tonnes as part of that deal.Gen Chatchai said in addition to rice and rubber, Thai authorities would try to convince the Chinese to extend their purchases to other farm products.The government has vowed to dispose of 17-18 million tonnes of rice in state stockpiles accumulated from the previous administration within two years, with 10 million tonnes to be sold this year.In his round-up last month of the ministry's six-month performance, Gen Chatchai said the ministry had sold 3 million tonnes of state rice for more than 36 billion baht during the period.Of the 3 million tonnes, 2 million were sold through general auctions and 1 million through government-to-government contracts.

Of the 10 million tonnes it hopes to sell this year, 6 million will be high-quality grain, with degraded rice accounting for the rest.However, many rice exporters warn Thailand is unlikely to regain its crown as the world's largest rice exporter this year due to the slower-than-expected global economic recovery and a dearth of positive factors.Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, last week said Thailand was expected to ship only 8.5 million tonnes this year.This would be well below the 10-11 million tonnes projected by the Commerce Ministry.Rice shipments are expected to be inactive overall but particularly in the second and third quarters, Mr Chookiat added. www.ricepluss.com R&D Section: Riceplus Magazine

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