6th february,2015 daily exclusive oryza rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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ORYZA Rice Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com

February 06, 2015 Volume 5, Issue I

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E_Newsletter

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com

Pakistan Rice Quotes Mixed Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Feb 05, 2015

Pakistan rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken rice and Parboiled rice by about $10 per ton and about $5 per ton to around $345 - $355 per ton and around $395 - $405 per ton, respectively, and increased their quotes for 100% broken rice by about $10 per ton to around $290 - $300 per ton. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today.

5% Broken Rice Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $355 - $365 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $395 $405 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $345 - $355 per ton, down about $10 per ton from yesterday.

25% Broken Rice Thailand 25% rice is quoted at around $365 - $375 per ton, about $40 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $325- $335 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around $360 - $370, about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $310 - $320 per ton.

Parboiled Rice Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $390 - $400 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at around $395 - $405 per ton, down about $5 per ton from yesterday.

100% Broken Rice Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is quoted at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $295 - $305 per ton, about $5 per ton premium on Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $290 - $300 per ton, up about $10 per ton from yesterday.

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FAO Estimates 2014-15 Global Rice Production to Decline Slightly y/y to 496.2 Million Tons Feb 05, 2015

Oryza.com -

The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has estimated 2014-15 global rice production to decline marginally to around 496.2 million tons from last year's 496.8 million tons, and marginally up from its previous estimate of 495.6 million tons. The decline in world's rice production is attributed to decline in production in South America, Sri Lanka, Australia and Madagascar, according to the FAO. The FAO estimates 2014-15 global rice utilization at around 500.1 million tons, up about 2% from around 490.1 million tons in 2013-14 and slightly up from its previous estimate of 499.6 million tons due to a likely increase in consumption in many countries. It estimates the average world per capita consumption at around 57.5 kilograms in this year.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com It estimates global rice trade in 2014-15 at around 41 million tons, slightly down from around 41.3 million tons last year and up about 1.2% from its previous estimate of 40.5 million tons.

The increase is due to rising demand by African countries and abundant supplies in exporting countries.

The FAO estimates 2014-15 global ending stocks at around 177.6 million tons, down about 2% from around 181.1 million tons last year and slightly up from its previous estimate of around 177.4 million tons. The decline is mainly due to fall in rice stocks in India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Global Rice Quotes February 6th, 2015 Long grain white rice - high quality Thailand 100% B grade 415-425 Vietnam 5% broken 350-360 ↓ India 5% broken 395-405 ↔ Pakistan 5% broken 345-355 ↔ Myanmar 5% broken 410-420 ↔ Cambodia 5% broken 430-440 ↔ U.S. 4% broken 495-505 ↔ Uruguay 5% broken NQ ↔ Argentina 5% broken NQ ↔ Long grain white rice - low quality Thailand 25% broken 365-375 ↔ Vietnam 25% broken 325-335 ↔ Pakistan 25% broken 310-320 ↔ Cambodia 25% broken 415-425 India 25% broken 360-370 ↔ U.S. 15% broken 485-495 ↔

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Long grain parboiled rice Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 405-415 Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 395-405 India parboiled 5% broken stxd 390-400 U.S. parboiled 4% broken 550-560 ↔ Brazil parboiled 5% broken 570-580 ↔ Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ ↔

↔ ↔ ↔

Long grain fragrant rice 4

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Thailand Hommali 92% 925-935 Vietnam Jasmine 450-460 ↔ India basmati 2% broken NQ ↔ Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ ↔ Cambodia Phka Mails 785-795 Brokens Thailand A1 Super 320-330 ↔ Vietnam 100% broken 305-315 Pakistan 100% broken stxd 290-300 Cambodia A1 Super 340-350 ↔ India 100% broken stxd 295-305 Egypt medium grain brokens NQ ↔ U.S. pet food 405-415 ↔ Brazil half grain NQ ↔

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

Mauritania's Paddy Rice Production Reaches 202,000 Tons in 2013-14; Sufficient to Meet 69% of Consumption Feb 05, 2015

Mauritania's paddy rice production has reached around 202,000 tons in 2013-14 and is sufficient to cover 69% of the country's domestic consumption demand, according to Bloomberg.The country's Agriculture Minister was quoted as saying that paddy was planted in about 41,000 hectares during the year.He noted that the government is expecting production in 2014-15 to be sufficient to meet 90% of the country's rice consumption needs. He has also called on the local businessmen to invest in the country's rice sector.

Mauritania is a net importer of rice. It produces only 50% of the annual consumption needs and imports the rest. USDA estimates the North-west African nation to produce around 167,000 tons of rice, basis paddy (around 100,000 tons, basis milled), and import around 110,000 tons of rice, basis milled, in MY 2014-15 (October - September).

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Oryza Global Weather Outlook Feb 05, 2015

Oryza Global Weather Outlook Scattered rain is expected across south-western Yangtze Valley and west central South China this week.Light rain is expected across northern Pakistan and north-western India this week. In past few weeks, continued dryness in south-eastern India has stressed the Rabi rice crop there.

Weather is expected to remain dry in Bangladesh and Thailand.

Heavy rain is expected across most of Indonesia this week.

A few rain showers are expected across central and northern Vietnam this week.

Rain is expected across northern Luzon and some parts in south-eastern Philippines this week.

Rain is expected across centre-south Brazil, central and western portions of the north Brazil this week.

Light rain is expected across western Uruguay and central Argentina this week.

In U.S., a few rain showers are expected across southern Delta this week.

Oryza Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Bounce Higher as Market Attempts to Convince Buyers that Bottom Has Been Formed Feb 05, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for Mar delivery settled 20 cents per cwt (about $4 per ton) higher at $10.450 per cwt (about $230 per ton). Rough rice futures bounced higher today as the market appears to have found some buying support following Tuesday’s near term low of $10.010 per cwt (about $221 per ton). Some trade commentators are pointing to a floor being put in place and

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com feel that a reversal should soon follow, however judging by today’s trade volume trade participants have yet to be convinced.

In addition the markets inability to break through yesterday’s high of $10.545 per cwt (about $232 per ton), or close above nearby resistance noted at $10.500 per cwt (about $231 per ton), are both seen as negative factors for coming sessions. Traders will keep a close eye on these levels and a breakout above could likely trigger additional technical short covering. The other grains finished higher today; Soybeans closed about 1% higher at $9.8125 per bushel; wheat finished about 2.9% higher at $5.2575 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 0.5% higher at $3.8525 per bushel.U.S. stocks traded higher on Thursday, encouraged by oil gains and shaking off concerns about Greece and U.S. data ahead of tomorrow's all-important jobs report. The major indices mostly recovered losses for 2015 with the Dow and Nasdaq in positive territory for the year. Oil recovered to trade above $50 a barrel with gains of more than 6 percent after closing nearly 9% lower on Wednesday.

Movements in the commodity have stayed within a $45 to $55 range this week. Among other morning reports, weekly jobless claims came in at 278,000, below estimates of 290,000 and above last week's 267,000 figure. Non-farm productivity fell a greater-than-expected 1.8% for the fourth quarter. Economists had forecast productivity, which measures hourly output per worker, rising at a 0.5% pace. The U.S. trade deficit for December widened sharply to its highest level since 2012. The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade deficit jumped 17.1% to $46.6 billion, the largest since November 2012. It was the biggest percentage increase since July 2009. Also reporting earnings after the bell, CME Group will be in focus after the group announced plans to close most of its futures trading pits in Chicago and New York City by July 2 on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 175 points, or 0.99%, to 17,846. The S&P 500 gained 17 points, or 0.83%, to 2,058, with materials leading gains across all sectors. The Nasdaq gained 34 points, or 0.73%, to 4,751. Gold is trading marginally higher, crude oil is seen trading about 4.1% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.5% lower at about 1:00pm Chicago time.Wednesday, there were 649 contracts traded, down from 811 contracts traded on Tuesday.

Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Wednesday increased by 31 contracts to 10,322.

Drought to Affect About 160,000 Hectares of Thai Rice Area, Says Agriculture Ministry 7

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Feb 05, 2015

Thailand is expected to experience worst drought in more than a decade in 2015, Reuters quoted the Irrigation Department Officials as saying. While already 8 provinces of 76 provinces are drought-struck, nearly 31 other provinces are put in high risk category. The government is reportedly taking measures to alleviate drought and has allocated around 6.8 billion baht (around $208.65 million) for the purpose. The funds would be primarily used to install water pumps and provide mobile water tanks in affected areas, according to the Department officials.

The Agriculture Ministry is estimating nearly 160,000 hectares or about 1.3% of the rice land to be affected by drought. The Irrigation department has already announced that water would not be provided for 2015 second/off-season (November - April) crop and is persuading farmers to halve second crop production this year.

In its latest report on production estimates, the Office of the Agricultural Economics (OAE) estimated the output from the 2014-15 secondary/off-season crop at around 6.7 million tons (around 4.4 million tons, basis milled), down about 31% from around 9.75 million tons (around 6.4 million tons, basis milled) last year. The OAE has estimated the country's total paddy rice output for 2014-15 at around 33.8 million tons (around 22.3 million tons, basis milled), down about 8% from around 36.8 million tons (around 24.3 million tons, basis milled) last year.The government is also planning to reduce rice acreage by about 4.44 million hectares (or about 39% of the total rice area of around 11.34 million hectares) under an agricultural zoning system to grow other cash crops, such as sugarcane, in the next 3-4 years.

While a rice production loss could be a boon for the government of Thailand, especially at a time when it is trying sell its huge rice stockpiles accumulated under the previous government’s rice pledging scheme, this drought has so far only affected a small percentage of paddy production and thus is unlikely to support prices. USDA estimates Thailand to produce around 31 million tons of paddy rice (around 20.5 million tons, basis paddy) and export around 11 million tons in MY 2014-15.

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Oryza January 2015 Rice Market Review

Feb 05, 2015

The Oryza White Rice Index (WRI), a weighted average of global white rice export quotes, ended the month of January at about $422 per ton, down about $9 per ton from a month ago and down about $42 per ton from a year ago.The International Grains Council (IGC) has estimated the 2015 world rice trade at about 41.6 million tons, slightly down from about 42 million tons in 2014 as a reduction in imports to Far Eastern countries such as China, Indonesia and the Philippines is expected to be partially offset by increased imports to other regions such as Africa.

The IGC estimates 2014-15 global rice production at about 474 million tons, slightly down from about 475 million tons in 2013-14. It expects global rice consumption in 2014-15 to increase to about 482 million tons, up about 1.2% from about 476 million tons in 2013-14 due to expected increased consumption in Asian countries. It expects world rice ending stocks in 2014-15 to decline to about 101.6 million tons from about 109 million tons in the previous year.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Thailand Thailand 5% broken rice ended the month of January at about $405 per ton, down about 1% from a month ago and down about 8% from a year ago.

The Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) is estimates Thailand's 2015 rice exports will decline to about 10 million tons, down about 9% from about 10.97 million tons exported in 2014 due to strong competition from Vietnam as well as falling oil prices, the President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) said. He noted that most of Thailand's export destinations in Africa depend on oil exports for their income and falling crude oil prices has been putting a toll on the their incomes. In this situation, they are expected to lower rice imports this year. He however, said that Thailand's rice export prices are expected not to decline significantly and to stay close to the current level of about $405 - $410 per ton.

The Thai Commerce Ministry is planning to sell about 10 million tons of stockpiled rice in 2015 and about 7 million tons in 2016. Meanwhile, Thailand auctioned to sell about one million tons of rice in late January and this auction received an overwhelming response. Nearly 100 bidders, including traders, exporters, millers and retailers, participated in the bidding process held by the Foreign Trade Department. The huge response is attributed to some changes made to the bidding rules. The government fixed floor prices before auction. The floor prices for white rice fixed at about 8-10 baht per kilogram (about $245-$307 per ton), while the market price is quoted at about 13 baht per kilogram (about $399 per ton). The government has fixed the floor price for Hom Mali rice at about 20-21 baht per kilogram (about $613-$644 per ton) compared to market price of about 31-33 baht per kilogram (about $950-$1,012 per ton). The Thailand government also allowed prospective bidders to inspect samples of rice stocks being put up for sale before the scheduled auction.

Losses from the rice pledging schemes between 2004 and 2014 are estimated to cross the earlier estimations of about $682 billion baht (about $21 billion) if depreciation and missing rice stocks are also considered, local sources quoted the Finance Permanent Secretary as saying. Separately, the government of Thailand has begun the sale of bonds through the state-owned and commercial banks to clear the debts associated with the rice pledging scheme, according to local sources. The government hopes to raise about 100 billion baht (about $3 billion) from bond sales this year.

Thailand sold about 681,740 tons of rice in four tenders last year after the military government took over on May 22, 2014; and the government has struck government-to-government deals for about 570,000 tons last year.

Thai Commerce Ministry and the TREA are also planning to carry out business missions to potential new rice import markets such as Iran, Iraq and other Middle East nations as part of 10

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com efforts to promote Thai rice exports amid fears that falling oil prices would affect the purchasing power of major importers and consequently their purchases of Thai rice, according to local sources.

Thailand's Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) has estimated the country's paddy rice output for 2014-15 at about 33.8 million tons (about 22.3 million tons, basis milled), down about 8% from about 36.8 million tons (about 24.3 million tons, basis milled) last year, according to a notice on its website. Meanwhile, Thailand's military-led government is planning to reduce paddy rice production to about 33.73 million tons by 2016-17, down about 4% from an average of about 35.11 million tons over the last six years to manage surplus rice stocks and boost prices, which have declined significantly since the beginning of 2013.

The "sufficiency economy philosophy" initiative undertaken by the Pid Thong Lang Phra (doing good without any intention of getting anything back) foundation in the Nan province of Northern Thailand has raised hope for several rice farmers, who have to often bear losses in rice cultivation due to droughts and unavailability of water.

India India 5% broken rice ended the month of January at about $400 per ton, up about 3% from a month ago and down about 4% from a year ago. Average monthly wholesale rice prices in India increased to about Rs.2,836 per quintal (about $461 per ton; using current exchange rates) in January 2015, up about 4% from about Rs.2,730 per quintal (about $426 per ton; using historical exchange rates) in December 2014, and up about 4% from their year-ago levels of about Rs.2,720 (about $432 per ton; using historical exchange rates) per quintal. Meanwhile, India basmati prices, which already declined by about 40% to below $900 per ton from about $1,400 per ton last year, are expected to decline further due to low export demand and increasing inventories, according to local sources. Farmers increased basmati rice acreage in the 2014 kharif rice season by about 40% to about 3.5 million hectare from about 2.5 million hectares in anticipation of higher prices similar to those last year. Now, the output has increased to about 8.5 million tons from about 6.25 million tons last year. However, a basmati rice import ban by Iran, which is India's major basmati rice importer, has severely impacted basmati export demand and prices.

Meanwhile, the government of India is planning to increase exports of rice as well as other agriproducts, textiles, auto components, pharmaceuticals, buffalo meat and marine products to China as part of efforts to contain increasing trade deficit with the neighboring country, according to the Economic Times. India's trade deficit with China currently stands at about $32 billion and is expected to cross $40 billion by the end of this fiscal year, according to an official from the Commerce Ministry.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com The Indian government has adequate agricultural seeds, including those of rice, for the 2015 kharif season (June - December), according to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture.

India government has also decided to revise the buffer norms for food grains, including rice, in the Central Pool, according to a press release by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Separately, India's North Eastern state of Mizoram has decided to import about 200,000 tons of rice from Myanmar, according to local sources.

India’s rice stocks in the central pool as of January 1, 2015 stood at about 22.79 million tons (including a milled equivalent of about 16.996 million tons of paddy), down about 24% from about 29.85 million tons recorded during the same time last year, according to data from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

Vietnam Vietnam 5% broken rice ended the month of January at about $360 per ton, down about $6% from a month ago and down about 11% from a year ago.

Vietnam exported about 169,358 tons of rice in January 1-29, 2015, down about 45% from about 307,255 million tons of rice exported in full month of January 2014 and down about 64% from about 472,575 tons of rice exported in full month of December 2014, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Meanwhile, the VFA said that Vietnam's rice exports in 2014 lagged behind expectation and were lowest in the last four years, according to local sources.

Vietnam exported about 6.316 million tons of rice in 2014 against an expected 7 million tons, stated the VFA. Vietnam's 2014 rice exports were down about 6% from about 6.71 million tons of rice exported in 2013 and down about an average of about 7 million tons during 2010-13, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Vietnam has also agreed to export about 240,000 tons of 5% broken rice to Malaysia between April - November 2015, according to the Reuters. Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has set out plans to intensify measures to boost rice exports in 2015 amid exporters' fears of a likely tough year for Vietnamese rice exports this year due to expected stiff competition with Thailand and India, and declining demand, according to local sources. The Ministry is particularly planning to increase exports to African, West Asian and South Asian markets as it expects the Vietnamese rice to be more price competitive in these markets Vis-a-Vis other rice exporters. It is keen on tapping the markets of Ivory Coast, Congo, Kenya, Angola, Mozambique and Madagascar, Iran, Iraq and Bangladesh.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Vietnam has cut export floor prices (minimum export prices) of higher quality and medium quality rice such as 5%, 10% and 15% broken rice varieties to about $385 per ton, $375 per ton and $365 per ton respectively and also cut the floor price of the lower quality 25% broken rice exports to about $360 per month, down about 5% from about $380 per ton due to subdued demand for Vietnamese rice.

Output from Vietnam's main winter-spring crop harvest is likely to reach about 5 million tons, basis paddy (about 3.125 million tons of milled rice), and most of it is meant for exports.

The VFA is planning to procure entire paddy rice output from farmers to protect them from likely price falls due to weakening export demand, according to local sources. Meanwhile, The Vietnam government has allocated about VND322 billion (about $15.1 million) from the state budget towards the development of the rice sector, according to local sources.

Separately, experts have urged the Vietnam government to develop a national brand for Vietnamese rice to increase its competitiveness in the world rice market, according to local sources.

Though Vietnam is the world's second largest exporter of rice in 2012 and 2013, experts say the quality and competitive edge of Vietnamese remains low compared to Thailand and India and due to this Vietnam's rice sector has not been able to attract foreign investments.

Pakistan U.S. 4% broken rice ended the month of January at about $500 per ton, down about 3% from a month ago and down about 15% from a year ago. The CBOT rough rice future ended the month of January at about $10.57 per cwt (about $233 per ton), down about 9% from a month ago and down about 31% from a year ago. Average Pakistan basmati rice export prices declined about 4% in 2014 (January - December) to about $1,324 per ton from about $1,372 per ton in 2013 due to increased output and subdued export demand, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The decline has been in line with the global rice export prices. Especially rice import ban by Iran has affected both India and Pakistan basmati rice export prices.

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has estimated in its latest report that Pakistan FY 2014-15 (July - June) paddy rice production will reach at about 8.437 million tons (about 5.65 million tons, basis milled), down about 19% from about 10.04 million tons (about 6.72 million tons, basis milled) produced last year. The report said that the rice production mainly declined due to floods that hit the main rice producing state, Punjab, in the month of August. About 217,000 tons of paddy is said to be lost in the Punjab state, according to the report.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Meanwhile, Pakistan exported about 490,371 tons of rice (including basmati and non-basmati) in December 2014, up about 7% from about 459,419 tons exported in November 2014, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). In terms of value, Pakistan's rice export earnings increased to about $238.2 million in December 2014, up about 8% from about $221.2 million earned in November 2014.

The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has urged the government to focus on strengthening bilateral relations with potential rice importing nations such as Bahrain, China, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to local sources. The Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) also urged the Pakistan government to consider more rice exports to China keeping in view of the good relations between the two countries, according to local sources. He told local sources that there is a lot of demand for Pakistani rice in China and Pakistan is capable of exporting about 600,000 - 700,000 tons of rice to China. Pakistan exported about 353,675 tons of rice worth $128 million to China in FY 201314 (July - June).

Pakistan's basmati rice stocks have been increasing since 2011 due to increasing production and declining exports, according to local sources. Currently, Pakistan has about 600,000 tons of basmati stocks and traders are expecting to add another 400,000 tons this year taking the stock level to about one million tons by the end of this year. Pakistan is urged to frame strategies to increase exports to Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia in order to clear the surplus stocks. Experts say the Ministries of Food Security and Research, Finance and Commerce as well as local governments and stakeholders should work together through mutual cooperation, understanding and policy development.

Cambodia Cambodia 5% broken rice ended the month of January at about $445 per ton, down about 4% from a month ago and down about 2% from a year ago.

The FAO has estimated Cambodia's MY 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015) rice exports (including official and unofficial exports to Thailand and Vietnam) to increase about 15% to about 1.15 million tons from an estimated 1 million tons in MY 2013-14. The agency estimates Cambodia's total paddy rice production in 2014-15 at about 9.3 million tons (about 5.76 million tons, basis milled) , down 1% from about 9.39 million tons (about 6 million tons, basis milled) produced in 2013.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of Economy and Finance sent a draft memorandum of understanding in December 2014 to the Chinese government seeking a loan of about $300 million to build and develop rice warehouses in the country, according to local sources. The 14

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com government is keen on building about 10 rice warehouses, which can store a total of 1.2 million tons of paddy/rice, in the country to ensure uninterrupted supplies to millers and exporters. Meanwhile, Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) has approved to raise the requisite fund for rice sector development through the export fees paid by the rice exporters, according to local sources.The CRF decided that its members should pay an export fee of about $0.50 per tons of long-grain white rice and about $1 per ton of fragrant rice towards the fund creation. The fund will reportedly used for educating rice farmers about potential crop issues through television and newspaper advertisements, as well as promoting Cambodian rice overseas.

South & Central America Brazil 5% broken rice ended the month of January at about $540, down about 2% from a month ago and down about 19% from a year ago.

Brazil’s National Grains Supply Company (Conab) has forecasted the country's 2014-15 paddy rice production at about 12.198 million tons, slightly up from about 12.122 million tons in 201314. Conab slightly lowered its projections for Brazil 2014-15 paddy rice production from its last month's projection of about 12.21 million tons. Brazil rice stocks stood at about 351,860 tons in December 2014, down about 15% from about 411,947 tons in November 2014 and about 61% from about 904,424 tons in December 2013, according to the Conab. Brazil has exported about 1.24 million tons of rice in 2014 (January – December), up about 2.5% from about 1.21 million tons rice exported during same time last year, according to data released by the Rice Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IRGA).

The USDA estimated Brazil's MY 2014-15 (April 2014 - March 2015) rice exports at about 900,000 tons, unchanged from MY 2013-14 and unchanged from USDA's official estimates of about 900,000 tons. It estimates MY 2014-15 milled rice production at about 8.5 million tons, up about 2.4% from an estimated 8.3 million tons last year; and up about 2.4% from USDA's official estimates of about 8.3 million tons due to a slight increase in paddy rice acreage.

Argentina has exported about 458,940 tons of rice in the first ten months (January – October) of 2014, down about 14% from about 467,995 tons exported during the same period in 2013, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture in Argentina. The USDA estimates Argentina to export about 580,000 tons of milled rice in 2015, down about 3% from an estimated 600,000 tons exported in 2014 and down about 3% from the official USDA estimates of about 600,000 tons. The decline is attributed to a slight decline in the paddy rice output in MY 2013-14 (April 2014 - March 2015). The Agency forecasts Argentina's MY 2013-14 (April 2014 - March 2015) paddy rice production at about 1.462 million tons (about 950,000 tons, basis milled), down about 6% from about 1.56 million tons (about 1.014 million tons, basis milled) in MY 2012-13.

However, the USDA forecasts Argentina's MY 2014-15 (April 2015 - March 2016) paddy rice 15

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com production at about 1.5 million tons (about 975,000 tons, basis milled), up about 3% from an estimated 1.46 million tons (about 950 million tons, basis milled) in MY 2013-14 due a slight increase in planting area.

The USDA estimates Mexico's rice imports at about 775,000 tons in MY 2014-15 (October 2014 - September 2015), up about 10.7% from an estimated 700,000 ton in MY 2013-14, and unchanged from USDA's official estimates of 775,000 tons, based on information from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Foodstuffs. In December 2014, Mexico has announced reinstatement of 9% tariff on imported paddy rice and 20% tariff on husked, long grain and other imported rice from all the countries that do not have free trade agreements (FTAs). However, the U.S. is exempted from the tariff because of its inclusion in the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The tariff rates have been effective from January 9, 2015. The agency estimates total paddy rice production for MY 201415 at about 226,000 tons (about 155,000, basis milled), up about 18% from an estimated 191,000 tons (about 131,000, basis milled) in MY 2013-14 and up about 6% from USDA's official estimates of about 214,000 tons (about 147,000 tons, basis milled).

U.S. The USDA has forecasted U.S. MY 2014-15 all rice exports at about 4.67 million tons, up about 10% from an estimated 4.24 million tons last year, and unchanged from its last month's forecast of about 4.67 million tons. The USDA estimates 2014-15 U.S. All rice imports at about 1 million tons, down about 4% from about 1.04 million tons and up about 5% from its previous month's estimated of about 950,000 tons based on the information about a large shipment of long-grain broken rice from Vietnam reported in the November trade data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, it estimates 2014-15 U.S. all rice production, basis paddy, at about 10.02 million tons, up about 16% from an estimated 8.61 million tons last year, and slightly lower than previous month's estimates of about 10.03 million tons. The USDA raised its estimates for U.S. MY 2014-15 all rice ending stocks by about 3% to about 1.86 million tons from its last month's estimates of about 1.81 million tons.

Meanwhile, U.S. farmers and members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation urged the Secretary of State to assist the U.S. rice farmers and exporters in enhancing rice exports to Iraq.

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has published the new trade norms with Cuba in the Federal Register following the President's announcement to relax trade restrictions on food items from the 50-year embargo with Cuba, according to a news release on its website. According to the new norms, the term "cash in advance" has been simplified and would mean "cash before transfer of title or control". This would allow , Cuban importers to make payment even while goods are in transit. The OFAC also indicated that U.S. financial 16

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com institutions would be allowed to open accounts at Cuban banks to facilitate easier and quicker transactions.

Myanmar The Myanmar government is planning to export about 2.5 million tons of rice in FY 2015-16 (April - March), up about 67% from an estimated 1.5 million tons in FY 2014-15, the Chief Executive Officer of the Myanmar Rice Federation said. Myanmar exported about 1.2 million tons of rice in FY 2013-14, according to Commerce Ministry data.

Separately, Myanmar rice exporters will begin exporting rice to China legally from April 2015 after a trade agreement is finalized between the two countries by the end of February this year, local sources quoted the General Secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation said.

Africa Nigeria's governor noted that the bank has decided not to provide foreign exchange to support for the importation of rice and other commodities, which can be grown in Nigeria locally. He reiterated the need for cutting down imports to reduce downward pressure on the Naira, which has depreciate by about 8% to about N167.5/USD from about N155.2/USD during the last one year, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He however, assured that the $10 billion reserves with the CBN will presently help save the currency from devaluation.

The government of Niger has collaborated with the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) to develop rice production and value chain, according to local sources. The IFAD would provide N328 million (about $591,741) annually for next six years, while the government would budget about N79.4 million (about $143,245) per annum for the next six years towards the development of rice and cassava value chain in the country, according to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The FAO has estimated Liberia to import about 350,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 24% from an estimated 282,250 tons in 2014 due to a reduction in paddy rice production following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Liberia's total cereal imports are estimated at about 445,000 tons in 2015. Liberia's 2014 paddy rice output is estimated to decline to about 237,000 tons (about 174,000 tons, basis milled), down about 12% from about 270,000 tons in 2013, according to the FAO. Senegal has imported about 871,100 tons of rice in the first eleven months (January - November) 2014, up about 6% from about 821,300 tons imported during the same period in 2013, according to data from the Dakar-based Economic Analysis and Forecasts Branch (DEPEE).

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com In late January, Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry ruled out a total rice import ban saying the decision would violate the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, according to local sources. Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry ruled out a total rice import ban saying the decision would violate the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, according to local sources.

Ghana's annual rice import bill stood at $306 million in 2013 and the government is planning to increase rice production by about 20% per annum over the next four years to make Ghana selfsufficient in rice.

Madagascar imported about 363,423 tons of rice in 2014, down about 11% from about 410,373 tons imported in 2013, according to local sources. Madagascar produced about 4.3 million tons of rice in 2014, up about 19% from about 3.6 million tons produced in 2013 due to well distributed rains in the 2013-14 cropping season.

The FAO has forecasted Mali 2014 paddy rice production at about 2.3 million tons (about 1.55 million tons, basis milled), up about 4% from about 2.2 million tons in 2013. Though most parts of the country witnessed erratic and below-average rains until mid-July, rainfall improved from the last week of July leading to better crop conditions, according to the FAO. The FAO has estimated Sierra Leone's 2015 milled rice imports at about 215,000 tons, slightly up from 2014. The expected increase in imports is attributed to shortfalls in 2014 production levels. The FAO estimates Sierra Leone's 2014 milled rice production at about 770,000 tons (about 1.155 million tons, basis paddy), down about 8% from about 831,600 tons (about 1.256 million tons, basis paddy) in 2013.

The FAO has estimated Guinea's 2015 rice, basis milled, imports at about 320,000 tons, up about 7% from about 300,000 tons in 2014. The probable increase in imports is attributed to shortfalls in 2014 production levels that occurred due to the EVD outbreak.

China China has imported about 2.244 million tons of rice in the first eleven months of 2014 (January November), down about 1% from about 2.267 million tons imported during the same period last year and it has exported about 345,369 tons of rice in January - November 2014, down about 39% from about 478,400 tons exported during the same period last year, according to data from China Customs General Administration.

The Chinese government is planning to increase production of grains, including rice, as well their reserves to improve food security in the country, according to some sources.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Separately, In a response to global media reports of China's increasing appetite for imported rice, amid concerns about the quality of the nation's domestic rice, the China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Chief Economist defended the country's agricultural products saying they are "generally safe and reliable." They said, "The Chinese government attaches great importance to quality and safety of agricultural products. Currently the overall quality of China's agricultural products is safe and reliable, people's consumption is guaranteed."

Philippines The FAO has forecasted the Philippines 2014 rice imports to remain at last year's level of about 1.8 million tons reflecting the government's efforts to stabilize domestic rice prices and replenish public stocks. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) of the Philippines is planning to import about 500,000 tons of rice for delivery by May 2015 to boost its stockpiles ahead of the lean season (June - August), according to Reuters. Philippines is also planning to export hybrid rice to Papua New Guinea, according to local sources. The Chairman of SL Agritech Corp, involved in the production of hybrid rice in the country, told local sources the Philippine government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea government to export rice Oceania country.

The FAO forecasts Philippines 2014 paddy rice production at about 19.137 million tons (about 12 million tons, basis milled) , up about 2% from an estimated 18.8 million tons (about 11.84 million tons, basis milled) in 2013 despite a 2% reduction in paddy rice acreage due to sufficient irrigation water supply, expansion of irrigated areas, improved seeds and higher fertilizer use.

According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines 2014 paddy rice output has increased about 2.87% to about 18.97 million tons (about 11.95 million tons, basis milled) from about 18.44 million tons (about 11.62 million tons, basis milled) in 2013,.

Separately, Philippines food secretary said buffer stocks with the NFA are enough for 12-13 days, below the required norm of 15 day-stock. Total rice stocks in the Philippines as of December 1, 2014 reached about 3.03 million tons, up about 3% from about 2.95 million tons recorded in November 2014, and up about 22% from about 2.49 million tons recorded during the same period last year, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to increase investment in research and development (R&D) of rice to boost production, according to local sources. The DA is targeting to produce about 20 million tons of paddy rice in 2015, up about 6% from an estimated 18.8 million tons in 2014. It is planning to achieve the target by expanding paddy rice acreage and increasing the yield per hectare to about 3.89 tons per hectare from the current 2.09 tons per hectare by using high-yielding hybrid rice varieties.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Separately, the NFA has decided to retain the paddy procurement price at about P17 per kilogram (about $390 per ton) but provide more incentives to encourage farmers to sell their paddy to the agency, according to local sources. The NFA Administrator told local sources that the NFA cannot increase the price at which it will procure paddy from farmers, but will provide additional incentives such as graduated delivery fee of about P0.50 per kilogram (about $11.34 per ton), drying incentive of about P0.20 per kilogram (about $4.54 per ton) and Cooperative Development Incentive Fund assistance of about P0.30 per kilogram (about $6.81 per ton). He also noted that the agency is also considering other benefits like health insurance to farmers.

Europe An analysis of basmati rice imports by the European Union (EU) nations over the last three crop years (2012-13 to 2014-15) shows that the share of India has been declining while that of Pakistan has been increasing. The share of India's basmati rice in EU basmati rice imports has declined from about 95% in 2012-13 to about 58% in 2014-15, while the share of Pakistan's basmati rice has increased from about 5% in 2012-13 to about 42% in 2014-15. European nations imported about 118,478 tons in 2012-13, about 81,304 tons in 2013-14 and about 87,071 tons in 2014-15. Separately, The EU has given more freedom to its member states to decide over planting, field trials and commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops, including rice, according to the Financial Times.

European Union (EU) total milled rice production (Japonica and Indica) is expected to decline to about 1.637 million tons in the marketing/crop year (MY) 2014-15 (September 2014 - August 2015), down about 7.5% from an estimated 1.77 million tons in MY 2013-14, according to the latest balance sheet published by the EU Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development. The agency forecasts EU milled rice exports (to third countries) to increase to about 250,000 tons in MY 2014-15, up about 18% from an estimated 212,000 tons in the previous year. It forecasts EU milled rice imports (from third countries) also to increase to about 1.14 million tons, up about 8% from an estimated 1.059 million tons last year.

The Spanish government will support the country’s rice sector with about 12.2 million euros (about $13.9 million), according to official sources. The amount also includes funds allocated to the sector under the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as some contributions from local communities.

Other Markets The USDA has estimated Japan to import about 700,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 8% from an estimated 650,000 ton in 2014 due to an expected decline in production. The agency eports that the 2014 rice production declined about 2% to about 7.679 million tons from about 7.832 20

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com million tons in 2013. The decline is attributed to a decline in the planting area by about 1.5% y/y to about 1.573 million hectares. Separately, Japan is considering to increase tariff-free rice import quota from the U.S., as part of efforts to push forward the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations that have been stalled due to an impasse between the U.S. and Japan over access to its farm markets, including rice, media reported.

The USDA has estimated South Korea to import about 560,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (November - October), including 408,000 tons of rice imports under the WTO's Minimum Market Agreement (MMA) quota in the 2015 calendar year. South Korea plans to complete its 2015 rice imports under the 2015 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) purchasing plan between January October 2015 through public open tenders. The delivery is expected to be done by December 31, 2015. The agency estimates South Korea to produce about 4.24 million tons of milled rice in MY 2014-15, slightly up from an estimated 4.23 million tons in MY 2013-14. It expects the country's MY 2014-15 consumption to decline to about 4.356 million tons, down about 2% from an estimated 4.434 million tons in MY 2013-14. Meanwhile, the South Korean Agriculture Ministry officials said South Korea is likely to face an oversupply of rice this year due to an expected increase in production and a decline in consumption. The Ministry said the country is likely to reach about 97% self-sufficiency in rice production and the Southeast Asian nation's 2015 rice output may exceed last year's production of about 4.24 million tons. South Korea is also planning to lift the existing restrictions on rice exports this year and the Agriculture Ministry is seeking revisions to the requisite laws and clauses to allow the government to export rice, according to Yonhap News.

The USDA estimates Russia to export about 160,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 14% from about 140,000 tons exported in 2014, and about 14% from USDA's official estimates of about 140,000 tons due to an expected continuation of the depreciation of the Russian ruble, which has been depreciating since September 2014. The USDA has estimated Russia's 2015 rice imports to remain at last year's level of about 250,000 tons. The agency estimates 2014-15 (January December) Russia milled rice production to increase to about 680,000 tons, up about 12% from an estimated 608,000 tons last year due to an increase in area harvested area. Based on preliminary estimates from various rice growing provinces, it estimates the area sown for 201415 rice crop at about 195,000 hectares, up about 4% from about 188,000 hectares in 2013-14.

The USDA has estimated Bangladesh to import about 500,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (May - April), down about 33% from an estimated 751,000 tons imported in MY 2013-14. Imports in 2013-14 (mostly by private sector) increased due to competitive Indian prices. The agency has estimated Bangladesh's 2014-15 milled rice production to decline slightly to about 34.5 million tons, slightly up from an estimated 34.39 due to expected lower Aman production (July December), which is likely to be affected from floods in northern Bangladesh, and rice blast and 21

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com drought in some areas. The Bangladesh government has planned to procure about 1.4 million tons of paddy and 200,000 tons of milled rice in 2014-15. Separately, many private business firms, including multi-national corporations (MNCs), are planning huge investments in Bangladesh's $6.4 billion rice milling sector given a consistent and rising demand for rice in the country, according to local sources.

The new zinc-enriched and high-yielding paddy rice variety BRRI-Dhan-64, developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) is being popularized among farmers in the ongoing boro crop season (January - May), according to local sources. The variety has been developed specifically for boro season.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister reiterated their government's willingness to export rice to India following India's interest in buying about 20,000 - 30,000 tons of rice from Bangladesh, according to local sources. The PM told the Parliament today that the government will consider future rice exports after reviewing the food security situation in the country. In mid - January, the Ministry of Food (MoF) reportedly sent price proposals to India on December 21, 2014 and is waiting for India's response. Bangladesh is understood to have proposed to export coarse variety boiled rice to India at about $425-$430 per ton (CIF basis).

Indonesia's 2015 paddy rice production is estimated to increase about 4% to about 73.4 million tons from an estimated 70.61 million tons in 2014, the Agriculture Minister said. He expects paddy rice output to reach 82.09 million ton by 2019. Meanwhile, The Indonesian government has decided to increase the government rice purchasing price (HPP) by about 10% to about Rp7,260 per kilogram (about $577 per ton) from the current Rp6,600 per kilogram (about $524 per ton), according to local sources.

Indonesia's state buying agency Bulog is hoping that the country may not need to import rice in 2015 due to sufficient stocks with it. According to Bulog, the country currently has about 1.7 million tons with it and is expecting about 600,000 tons of additional stocks in January 2015, about 1.2 million tons in February, about 3 million tons in March and about 1.9 million tons in April.

Sri Lanka's new government will release the stored rice in its warehouses into open market before the harvesting season of the 2014-15 Maha rice crop (September 2014 - April 2015) in February, according to local sources. Separately, Sri Lanka's new government has announced its plans to intervene in the rice market in order to ensure price stability in the market, according to a news release by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. The government has decided to purchase paddy from farmers at about Rs.50 per kilogram (about $376 per ton). It has also decided to support rice millers by reducing electricity rates and interest rates on bank loans taken

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com by them. Sri Lanka's rice market is facing difficult times due to prolonged drought conditions, which led to a decline in the paddy rice output and increase in domestic rice prices.

The USDA estimates Australia to export about 400,000 tons of rice in 2015, down about 3% from an estimated 446,000 tons exported in 2014 due to an expected decline in production. The USDA's export estimations are unchanged from USDA's official estimates of about 400,000 tons. The agency estimated Australia MY 2014-15 (March 2015 - February 2016) paddy rice production at about 710,000 tons (about 511,000, basis milled), down about 15% from an estimated 833,000 tons (about 699,000 tons, basis milled) in MY 2013-14 and slightly up from USDA official estimates of about 700,000 tons due to lower acreage and adverse weather conditions.

Separately, the Australian government is working closely with the research scientists from Australia, Bangladesh, India and Nepal towards improving rice productivity as well as profitability of about 7,000 small scale farmers in the Eastern Gangetic plains of Nepal, Bangladesh and India, according to local sources.

Research and Scientific Development: Rice that is genetically modified to contain folate can reduce problems associated with folate deficiencies, according to researchers from the Belgium-based Ghent University. http://oryza.com/gm-folate-rice-proves-useful-folate-deficiencies-say-researchers IRRI has planned to construct a new research facility that would solely cater to studying the impacts of climate change on rice production, according to a press release on its website. http://oryza.com/%E2%80%9Cstate-art%E2%80%9D-climate-smart-rice-lab-planned Taiwan's Council of Agriculture and the IRRI have collaborated to carry out rice and other related agricultural research, according to local sources. http://oryza.com/taiwan-and-irri-collaborate-augment-rice-research A study by Chinese researchers has found that growing of genetically modified rice can reduce pesticide usage to a larger extent and thereby protect farmers from adverse effects of being exposed to pesticides and fertilizers. http://oryza.com/gm-rice-can-protect-farmers-hazards-pesticide-exposure-finds-study Researchers at the Central Rice Research Institute of India have developed four new droughtresistant paddy varieties - Ankit, Sachala, Gopinath, Maudamani - and another variety Chakaakhi - that can sustain in less water conditions suitable to grow in India's Eastern state Odisha, according to local sources. http://oryza.com/indian-researchers-develop-new-drought-tolerant-rice-varieties Bangladesh government has released two new hybrid rice varieties - BADC Hybrid Dhan 2 and Buyer Hybrid Dhan 4 - on Monday, according to local sources. http://oryza.com/bangladesh-releases-two-new-hybrid-rice-varieties-boost-production Pakistan Rice Millers Association has collaborated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to develop rice husk-based gasification power plants in the rice producing areas of the country, according to local sources. http://oryza.com/pakistan-develop-rice-husk-based-power-plants 23

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com January Tenders: Iraq issued a tender to buy about 30,000 tons of rice. http://oryza.com/iraq-invites-international-tenders-buy-30000-tons-rice Maldives issued a tender to buy about 9,000 tons of Rice. http://oryza.com/maldives-invites-international-tenders-purchase-9000-tons-parboiled-rice Libya issued a tender to buy about 25,000 tons tice. http://oryza.com/libya-tenders-buy-25000-tons-rice Souh Korea issued a tender to buy about 40,000 tons non-glutinous rice. http://oryza.com/south-korea-seeks-buy-40000-tons-non-glutinous-rice-international-tenders Iraq bought about 80,000 tons of rice from Thailand. http://oryza.com/iraq-buys-about-80000-tons-rice-thailand-tender Japan bought about 61,000 tons of rice. http://oryza.com/japan-buys-61000-tons-non-glutinous-rice-tender Taiwan has imported about 9,100 tons of rice from the U.S. under the first tranche of 2015 Country Specific Quota (CSQ) Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) tender. http://oryza.com/taiwan-imports-9100-tons-rice-us-under-2015-csq-sbs-tender Japan issued a tender to buy about 30,000 tons of rice. http://oryza.com/japan-seeks-import-30000-tons-rice-sbs-tender Japan has bought and sold a total of about 895 tons of whole grain/brown rice of the U.S., Australia, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam origins; and about 500 tons of broken rice of the Thailand and Vietnam origins, in the sixth SBS (Simultaneous Buy-Sell) tender. http://oryza.com/japan-buys-and-sells-895-tons-whole-grain-rice-and-500-tons-broken-rice-6th-sbstender-fy-2014

Local Farmers Say Natural Farming Techniques Can Increase Rice Yields with Minimal Costs Feb 05, 2015

Natural farming is the latest technique used by the rice farmers of India's North-western State Punjab to increase yields at minimal input costs as well as earn better incomes, according to local sources.Rice farmers in Punjab have shunned chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance their rice crop yields. Rather they have been using homemade potions, including biogas slurry, farmyard manure and vermicompost, to keep the soil pest-free; and adopting practices like mixed cropping and mulching to help soil retain nutrient balance as well as to bring down water consumption by about 40%.

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Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com It has been proved by many farmers that natural farming techniques are quite cheaper than much sought-after organic farming with almost similar results. Also farmers say their output is getting better price compared to rice grown with chemical fertilizers. They say since the soil is pest free, crops are almost disease-resistant.Many farmers across the state have shifted to natural farming methods as chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been affecting the health of soil as well as humans. Also there are no concerns of pesticide residues in the output. Using these methods also means farmers need not take farm certifications for using fertilizers and a lot of time is saved for land preparation.

They also told local sources that adopting the natural farming methods has relieved them from debt traps as input expenditure, especially in fertilizers and pesticides, as drastically come down.Punjab is actually the biggest user of pesticides and fertilizers in India, and excessive use of these chemicals has led to ecological degradation of soil. There were also complaints of spotting fertilizer and pesticide residues in the basmati rice grown in Punjab.

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Market Unchanged; New Sales to Colombia Welcomed Feb 05, 2015

The U.S. cash market was unchanged today however buy and sell interest continues to be very limited as buyers remain mostly hand to mouth while most sellers are still waiting for prices to improve.In the meantime, the USDA reported that cumulative net export sales for the week ending on January 29, totaled 60,600 tons, which was 87% higher than last week and 3% higher than the prior 4-week average.

Increases were reported for the following destinations: 31,500 tons to Colombia, 8,800 tons to Honduras including 8,000 tons switched from unknown destinations, 6,000 tons to Saudi Arabia, 5,000 tons to Jordan, and 3,800 tons to Mexico. Decreases of 3,000 tons were reported for unknown destinations as well as 700 tons to Costa Rica and 300 tons to Guatemala.

U.S. rice exporters shipped 60,600 tons, which was 19% lower than last week and 24% lower than the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations included 17,800 tons to Costa Rica, 16,700 tons to Haiti, 8,800 tons to Honduras, 4,700 tons to Mexico, and 4,700 tons to Guatemala.

Oryza Overnight Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Find Support in Decent Export Sales Report and on the Bank of Rallying Crude 25

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Feb 05, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for Mar delivery are currently listed 19.5 cents per cwt (about $4 per ton) higher at $10.300 per cwt (about $230 per ton) during early floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are all seen trading higher as well: soybeans are currently seen about 0.6% higher, wheat is listed about 2.4% higher and corn is currently noted about 0.7% higher.U.S. stocks traded higher on Thursday, shaking off concerns about Greece and lackluster U.S. data ahead of tomorrow's all-important jobs report.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average spiked 100 points in the minutes following the open. Oil also recovered to trade just under $50 a barrel with gains of more than 2% after closing nearly 9 percent lower on Wednesday. The European Central Bank's announcement late on Wednesday that revoked a waiver allowing banks to use Greek government debt as collateral for loans rattled stocks slightly before the close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average still eked out a positive gain of about 6 points, buoyed by Disney's nearly 8% gain. Futures held gains after digesting U.S. economic data before the bell.

Weekly jobless claims came in at 278,000, below estimates of 290,000 and above last week's 267,000 figure. Non-farm productivity fell a greater-than-expected 1.8% for the fourth quarter.

Economists had forecast productivity, which measures hourly output per worker, rising at a 0.5% pace. Gold is currently trading about 0.5% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 3% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% lower at 8:30am Chicago time.

Rice Husk with Worms Can Do Wonders!

Feb 05, 2015

Rice husk mixed with annelids (segmented worms) can be transformed into organic humus that can used as fertilizer in cultivation of rice and many other crops. The process of transforming rice husk into organic manure is developed by a Spanish-Colombian company Bioarroz (BioRiceHusk).

The process has many benefits. First, rice husk need not be burnt and thus avoiding atmospheric pollution.

Second, it becomes a feed to annelids. When both are mixed and recycled, it turns into an organic manure while removing the organic calcium and silicon from the rice husk. Thus the manure created is said to act as a wonderful fertilizer especially in rice production.

The developers claim that it can in fact double rice production without polluting the soil with chemicals. It can regenerate the heavily eroded soils as well. Third, the manure thus created 26

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com ecologically saves water. Fourth, the liquid calcium and silicon extracted can be used for other industries.A Bioarroz plant installed in 5 hectares of rice land is capable of recycled 1,500 tons of rice husk, about 3,700 tons of liquid humus and 750 tons of solid humus. It process can be initiated in any rice producing country.Developers of this project say it is more useful in a country like Africa where there a lot of gap between demand for and supply of rice. The project has been selected to participate in the Global Exhibition of Innovation in Agriculture in March 2015 in Abu Dhabi.

Philippines to Export Two Tons of Organic Black Rice to U.S. Feb 05, 2015

The Philippines will export about two tons of organic black rice grown in M'lang, North Cotabato to the U.S. in this month, local sources quoted the Department of Agriculture officials as saying.Don Bosco MultiPurpose Cooperative (Don Bosco MPC) will ship the rice in the first week or second week of February, according to its General Manager.The current shipment pertains to the second batch of black rice exports to the U.S. The first batch comprising of about one ton of organic black rice was shipped in November 2014. Rice will be shipped in packages of one pound (around 0.45 kilograms) and five pounds (around 2.25 kilograms) in accordance with the U.S. specifications.

Don Bosco MPC grows organic red and black rice in about 500 hectares in the towns of M'lang, Tulunan, Midsayap and President Roxas in North Cotabato and Surallah in South Cotabato. It exports the same to Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany, Netherlands and the U.S.The Philippines is a traditional importer of rice and has imported around imported more than 1.8 million tons of rice (including 1.5 million tons of 2014 imports and 300,000 tons of 2013 residual imports) in 2014 to replenish rice stocks and control price hikes. It is initially planning to import 500,000 tons under government-to-government deals in 2015.

Vietnam's State-Owned Vinafood 2 to Modify Rice Purchasing Model 27

Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com Feb 05, 2015

Vietnam's state-owned Vinafood 2 (Southern Food Corporation) has decided to make changes to its rice purchasing pattern for export. The company will, under the new pattern, buy paddy directly from farmers and process it for export instead of buying processed rice from merchants and millers, according to local sources.The General Director of the company told local sources that the decision is in line with company's plans to develop its large-scale paddy field model as well as help farmers earn good prices for their output. The new model would also ensure adequate rice stocks for export.

Vinafood 2 has reportedly initiated the transition process by seeking cooperation from its subsidiaries and rice merchants (to withdraw paddy sales from farmers) as well as commercial banks. It has signed contracts with four banks - MHB, LienViet Post Bank, VietBank and HD Bank - to provide loans to rice merchants, cooperatives, rice suppliers and its subsidiaries for buying paddy from farmers on its behalf.Experts noted that the decision would benefit Vinafood 2 as it has been losing its monopoly in rice exports with many small rice exporters entering the sector. However, they cautioned that the company should focus more on developing the rice business chain as it has to carry out all phases of rice production and processing before exporting the product.

Some suggested that Vinafood 2 could enter into agreements with local enterprises and outsource some production and processing operations so that it could save time as well as costs.Vietnam exported around 6.316 million tons of rice in 2014, down about 6% from about 6.71 million tons of rice exported in 2013 and down about an average of about 7 million tons during 2010-13, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Vietnamese rice exporters are reportedly concerned of lower exports this year due to stiff competition this year from Thailand, India and Pakistan.USDA estimates Vietnam to export around 6.7 million tons of rice in 2015, up about 3% from around 6.5 million tons exported in 2014.

"Training Is Everything. The Peach Was Once A Bitter Almond; Cauliflower Is Nothing But Cabbage With A College Education." - Mark Twain

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