24th september 2014 daily exclusive oryza e newsletter by riceplus magazine

24th September , 2014

TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU Latest News Headlines…  Arsenic in Rice - A Burning Issue under Post-harvest Conditions  Brazil Paddy Rice Index Slightly Down from Last Week  Ebola Outbreak Delays Liberia Rice Imports, Sending Prices Higher  Egypt to Lift Ban on Rice Exports in MY 2014-15  Global Rice Quotes  Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Uneventful Market with All Eyes on Iraqi Tender  Oryza Overnight Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Seen Higher as Some Technical Indicators Turn Positive  Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Bounce Higher as Market Searches for Direction; Grains Continue to Slide in Face of Large Supplies  Philippines Lost About 87,576 Tons Rice Due to Typhoons 'Luis' and 'Mario'  Vietnam, Pakistan Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged  Vietnam Allows Only Two Companies to Carry Out Rice Export Negotiations with Concentrated Markets  Nigeria Industrial Bank Plans to Support Rice Sector with $79 Million Intervention Fund

NEWS DETAILS:

Arsenic in Rice - A Burning Issue under Postharvest Conditions Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Sep 23, 2014

Dr Harsh P Bias from the University of Delaware has been researching on the rice plant and the dangers it faces. While he is doing research on rice blast fungus, he is also working on developing rice plants that take up lesser Arsenic.Arsenic contamination is common in India and some southAsian countries and its presence in rice plants can cause cancer and other deadly ailments in human beings. In an interview to Oryza, he talks about what can be done to reduce Arsenic levels in rice and whether it is a bigger problem as compared to the notorious rice blast fungus: Oryza: As part of your research, you have zeroed in on one species – Pantoea agglomerans - that seems to reduce Arsenic in the plant’s stem to one-eighth its former levels. Where and how does one get this species?

Can it be grown in a laboratory and later attached to the plant? Does it occur naturally on the soil and one has to plant the rice strains in that kind of soil? Please elaborate.

Dr Harsh: The Pantoea species was isolated from rice paddy grown in California, so it’s a natural isolate of rice. Most importantly, it is associated with rice roots and it doesn’t internalize in the plant. It only adheres to the root’s surface. It can be grown in a laboratory and made to associate with rice seeds and seedlings.

Oryza: You have been quoted as saying "Arsenic in rice is a burning issue." To what extent are rice plants damaged by Arsenic. Is it a bigger problem than rice blast?

Dr Harsh: It is a burning issue with respect to the post-harvest conditions. Arsenic accumulates in rice grains and is a health concern as it causes lot of different types of ailments in human beings. Arsenic in rice is a big issue, especially in geographical areas such as south-east Asia where it is in the natural sediments. I think yield wise, it is not a big issue compared to blast, but has long-term effects once the Arsenic in grain enters the food chain.

Oryza: Considering the presence of Arsenic affects human beings, do you foresee companies coming up with specific fertilizers or pesticides kind of products to tackle this? How soon, if it is not already available, would it be seen in the market?

Dr Harsh: I think tackling Arsenic in rice through breeding is currently in progress and Mary Lou Guerinot at Dramouth College is looking into this aspect. Angelia Seyfferth at University of Delaware is also looking at using Silica from paddy as a means to abate Arsenic uptake in rice. I am sure as the biologicals are coming in the big way as a means to improve crop productivity, the interest to improve crop nutrition through microbes would be the next frontier.

Oryza: What could be the side-effects of the microbe which can keep Arsenic out of the rice? All good things seem to have a flipside. What do you think could be the flipside to this?

Dr Harsh: I am not sure about the flipside at this point as I would not be concerned much about it as this microbe doesn't internalize in the plants so will not enter the food chain.

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Brazil Paddy Rice Index Slightly Down from Last Week Sep 23, 2014

The Brazilian paddy rice index maintained by CEPEA reached around 36.86 real per 50 kilograms as of September 22, 2014, down about 0.08% from around 36.89 real per 50 kilograms recorded on September 15, 2014.

In terms of USD per ton, the index reached around $309 per ton on September 22, 2014, down about 5% from around $325 per ton recorded on September 15, 2014.

Tags: Brazil paddy rice index, Brazil CEPEA index

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Ebola Outbreak Delays Liberia Rice Imports, Sending Prices Higher Sep 23, 2014

Rice prices in Liberia have increased significantly over the past few weeks due to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, according to local sources.People depending on small businesses have been badly hurt due to the outbreak of the virus and rice prices have been officially increased to around $17 per a 25 kilogram bag from around $15 two weeks ago.

Local sources say traders are selling rice at around $20 for a 25 kilogram bag without honoring the government set price.However, the Ministry of Commerce said the increase in prices is mainly due to shortage of rice as many vessels carrying rice are delaying arrival to Liberian ports.

The Minister of Commerce warned local traders not to increase prices unrealistically taking advantage of the Ebola situation.In the beginning of this month, the Liberian government has adjusted prices of rice to curb price hikes by businesses in the country.Liberia is a net importer of rice and government's measures (to curb further outbreak of Ebola virus) such as closure of ports and borders as well as restricting free movement of people are putting a lot of pressure on the transport of essential commodities, including rice into the country. In a recent report, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted that the outbreak of the virus and the consequent measures by the government have been leading to severe food shortages and price hikes in the country.Sierra Leone and Guinea are other two West African countries combating the Ebola outbreak.

Egypt to Lift Ban on Rice Exports in MY 2014-15 Sep 23, 2014

The Egyptian government has decided to lift the ongoing ban on rice exports during the MY 2014-15, according to Bloomberg.A statement from Cabinet was quoted as saying that the government would allow exports until September 2015 or until they reach 1 million tons, whichever is earlier.Egypt had first banned rice exports in 2011 to ensure adequate supplies for its food subsidy program. The government continued the ban in November 2013 despite having an annual exportable surplus of around 800,000 tons again prioritizing to the food subsidy program. In March 2014, the new Minister of Supply as Internal Trade (MoSIT) hinted at the possible lifting of the ban to help revive the country's economy and service the foreign demand for Egyptian rice.USDA estimates Egypt to produce 4.9 million tons of milled rice and export around 875,000 tons in MY 2014-15 (October September).

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Global Rice Quotes Global Rice Quotes September 24th, 2014 Long grain white rice - high quality Thailand 100% B grade 450-460 ↔ Vietnam 5% broken 440-450 ↑ India 5% broken 425-435 ↔ Pakistan 5% broken 405-415 ↓ Cambodia 5% broken 465-475 ↔ U.S. 4% broken 525-535 ↔ Uruguay 5% broken 610-620 ↔ Argentina 5% broken 610-620 ↔ Long grain white rice - low quality Thailand 25% broken NQ ↔ Vietnam 25% broken 400-410 ↔ Pakistan 25% broken 360-370 ↔ Cambodia 25% broken 450-460 ↔ India 25% broken 380-390 ↔ U.S. 15% broken 515-525 ↔ Long grain parboiled rice Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 430-440 ↔ Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 440-450 ↔ India parboiled 5% broken stxd 415-425 ↔ U.S. parboiled 4% broken 600-610 ↔ Brazil parboiled 5% broken 595-605 ↔ Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ ↔ Long grain fragrant rice Thailand Hommali 92% 1065-1075 ↔ Vietnam Jasmine 585-595 ↔ India basmati 2% broken NQ ↔ Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ ↔ Cambodia Phka Malis 880-890 ↔ Brokens Thailand A1 Super NQ ↔ Vietnam 100% broken 335-345 ↔ Pakistan 100% broken stxd 325-335 ↔ Cambodia A1 Super 360-370 ↔

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

India 100% Broken stxd 330-340 ↔ Egypt medium grain brokens NQ ↔ U.S. pet food 460-470 ↔ Brazil half grain NQ ↔ Medium grain milled U.S. Calrose 4% broken 1025-1035 ↔ Egypt medium grain 6% NQ ↔

All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Uneventful Market with All Eyes on Iraqi Tender Sep 23, 2014

The U.S. cash market was fairly uneventful today with many in the industry waiting to see the results of the latest Iraqi tender. Analysts contend that if the U.S. could get a piece of that business it would be the proverbial shot in the arm that the market needs for prices to move higher.As of today, offers were unchanged around $13.00-$13.33 per cwt fob farm (about $287-$294 per ton) while bids were seen slightly firmer near $13.00$13.50 per cwt (about $287-$298 per ton); however, prices were firmer for immediate shipment.

Oryza Overnight Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Seen Higher as Some Technical Indicators Turn Positive Sep 23, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for Nov delivery are seen 8 cents per cwt (about $2 per ton) higher at $12.630 per cwt (about $278 per ton) during early floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are seen trading mostly lower this morning: soybeans are currently seen 0.2% lower, wheat is listed about 0.1% higher and corn is noted about 1.1% lower. U.S. stocks trimmed Tuesday losses, with the Nasdaq halting a two-session drop, as investors tracked conflict in the Middle East and after the government moved to curb tax benefits to corporations that do inversion deals.

The United States and Arab allies bombed Syria, killing dozens of Islamic State militants and members of a separate al Qaeda-tied group. And the Israeli army said it downed a Syrian fighter jet that violated its airspace.

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 38.71 points, or 0.2%, to 17,134.02. The S&P 500 dropped nearly 2 points to 1,992.70, with consumer staples the leading laggard and energy the best performer of 10 major sectors.

The S&P 500 is "still overbought on its daily chart, so initial support near 1,985-1,990 may be broken, putting next support near 1,950." Erasing losses, the Nasdaq rose 2.87 points, or nearly 0.1%, to 4,530.56. Gold is currently trading about 0.6% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 0.4% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.3% lower at 9:30am Chicago time.

Tags: chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market

Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Bounce Higher as Market Searches for Direction; Grains Continue to Slide in Face of Large Supplies Sep 23, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for Nov delivery settled 11 cents per cwt (about $2 per ton) higher at $12.660 per cwt (about $279 per ton). Rough rice futures managed to recover a good portion of losses sustained yesterday as the market continues to search for direction in the face of questions of upcoming harvest quality and in the face of an extremely expensive river freight market. Some traders point out that the market has recently charted a bullish flag formation and that a breakout to the upside could trigger some aggressive technical buying.

The other grains continue to slip as harvest pressure continues to mount and as the trade expects record supplies; soybeans closed about 0.2% lower at $9.3625 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.2% lower at $4.7600 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1.4% lower at $3.2550 per bushel.U.S. stocks declined on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 falling for a third day, as investors tracked conflict in the Middle East and after the government moved to curb tax benefits to corporations that do inversion deals. The United States and Arab allies bombed Syria, killing dozens of Islamic State militants and members of a separate al Qaeda-tied group.

And the Israeli army said it downed a Syrian fighter jet that violated its airspace. Near session lows, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 84.68 points, or 0.5%, to 17,088.00. The S&P 500 dropped 7.87 points, or 0.4%, to 1,986.42, with consumer staples the leading laggard in a broad-based drop that included all 10 of its major sectors. After a brief spin in positive terrain, the Nasdaq declined 14.29 points, or 0.3%, to 4,513.41.

Gold is trading about 0.5% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 0.8% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.1% lower at about 1:00pm Chicago time.

Monday, there were 174 contracts traded, down from 285 contracts traded on Friday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Monday increased by 1 contract to 9,133.

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Tags: chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market

Philippines Lost About 87,576 Tons Rice Due to Typhoons 'Luis' and 'Mario' Sep 23, 2014

The Philippines has lost about 87,576 tons rice due to two typhoons 'Lui' and 'Mario,' which hit Philippines recently, according to the crop damage report released by the Philippines' Department of Agriculture. The report showed that about 119,997 hectares of rice acreage affected by the typhoons, in which about 112,879 hectares of rice acreage may recover.Due to loss of rice, the Philippines could miss its Q4 rice production forecast of about 7.32 million tons by about -1.2%, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture said in the report.

Tags: Philippines, Rice, rice news, Typhoon, Luis, Mario, Rice Production

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Vietnam, Pakistan Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Sep 23, 2014

Vietnam rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken rice by about $5 per ton to around $435- $445 per ton today. Pakistan rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken rice by about $5 per ton to around $410 - $420 per ton. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged.

5% Broken Rice Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $435 - $445 per ton, on par with Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $435 $445 per ton, down about $5 per ton from yesterday.

India 5% rice is quoted at around $425 - $435 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $410 - $420 per ton, down about $5 per ton from yesterday.

25% Broken Rice Thailand 25% rice was last quoted at around $350 - $360 per ton, about $50 per ton discount to Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $400 - $410 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around $380 - $390 per ton, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $360 - $370 per ton.

Parboiled Rice Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $430 - $440 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $415 $425 per ton, about $25 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last quoted at around $440 - $450 per ton.

100% Broken Rice Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, was last quoted at around $310 - $320 per ton, about $25 per ton discount to Vietnam broken rice shown at around $335 - $345 per ton.

India broken sortexed rice is quoted at around $330 - $340 per ton, about $5 per ton premium on Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $325 - $335 per ton.

Tags: Vietnam rice prices, India rice prices, Thailand rice prices, pakistan rice prices

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Vietnam Allows Only Two Companies to Carry Out Rice Export Negotiations with Concentrated Markets Sep 23, 2014

The government of Vietnam has authorized the state-owned rice exporting companies Northern Food Corporation (Vinafood 1) and Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2) to negotiate and make direct transactions with highly concentrated rice markets, which normally buy rice through bidding.Local sources report that the government took this decision to avoid too many companies from participating in negotiations with these markets making it difficult for anyone to reach a consensus.

The government's decision invited several comments from experts. While some experts said the two stateowned export companies can do the job well, some criticized the government's move saying it would amount to injustice to other exporters.Vice-Dean of the Rural Development Faculty noted that the decision would not help Vietnam's rice sector significantly. Another renowned analyst slammed the two companies for being too opportunistic while bidding and not caring for farmers' benefits and domestic production development. He reminded that they quoted lowest bids at the Philippines tender in March this year with the same motive.

He added they would in any case ensure profits to themselves by buying rice at cheaper rates from farmers.Few exporters expressed dissatisfaction over the decision saying it snubs down their right to freely export rice according to the Decree No 109.Vietnam exported around 4.453 million tons of rice in January 1 - September 18, 2014, down about 15% from around 5.22 million tons of rice exported during January - September, 2013, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Tags: Vietnam rice exports, Northern Food Corporation, Southern Food Corporation, Vietnam Food Association (VFA)

Nigeria Industrial Bank Plans to Support Rice Sector with $79 Million Intervention Fund Sep 23, 2014

The Bank of Industries (BOI) in Nigeria is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to provide N13 billion (around $79 million) rice intervention fund to help boost rice

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

production in the country, according to local sources.The fund would be used to establish 10 integrated rice mills across the nation. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the BOI told local sources that the fund will also be used to provide five-year loans at an interest rate of 9% per annum to farmers to establish small scale plants or mini mills to process rice, adding that the bank would allow for a loan moratorium of six months.He also noted that the government is aiming to create about 20,000 direct and indirect under its Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA).

The fund is useful for Nigeria, which is a net importer of rice and imports nearly half of its rice consumption demand. The government has been aiming to increase the country's rice production and ban imports by 2015.

The government has also been encouraging farmers to increase rice production and thereby contribute to food security in the country.The government's plan to discourage rice imports by increasing tariff to 110% has led to rampant rice smuggling in the country forcing the government to trim down the tariff to 60%. Now the government is exploring other means of improving production in the country. Recently, a private industrialist invested in the country's rice sector to help it boost production.USDA estimates Nigeria to produce 2.77 million tons of rice in MY 2013-14 (October - September) and import around 3 million tons of rice in 2014. It estimates Nigeria's production to decline to around 2.55 million tons in MY 2014-15 and import around 3.5 million tons in 2015.

Tags: Nigeria rice production, nigeria rice imports, Nigeria Agriculture transformation Agenda (ATA)

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Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874