27th may(wednesday),2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter

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May 27 ,2015

Vol 5,Issue V

Mechanization to help preserve rice terraces’ By Ferdie G. Domingo | May. 27, 2015 at 12:01am

MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—Mechanization can help conserve and

preserve the famous Ifugao rice terraces in the Cordilleras,

according to a Japanese agricultural engineer who said that farm

machineries can be used to preserve the terraces.Professor Makoto

Hoki, former research fellow at the International Rice Research

Institute (PhilRice), stressed that mechanization can perform the

work of agriculture workers who used to work on the terraces.Hoki

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter www.ricepluss.com

www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com



3

spoke in a seminar on how to restore the Ifugao rice terraces at the institute‘s central experiment

station here last week.

In the same seminar, professor Hiroshi Tsujii of Kyoto University and senior research fellow at

the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) based in Thailand observed that

conserving the Ifugao rice terraces has been made difficult because these have been abandoned

by farm workers due to external pressure that led them to seek non-agricultural jobs.Other

factors include the advancing age of farmers and out-migration of young people. Both reduce the

needed workforce to cultivate and maintain the rice terraces.

The rice terraces of the Cordilleras were inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific

and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 1995, the first-ever property to be

included in its cultural landscape category.This inscription has five sites: the Batad Rice Terraces

and Bangaan Rice Terraces (both in Banaue), Mayoyao Rice Terraces (in Mayoyao), Hungduan

Rice Terraces (in Hungduan) and Nagacadan Rice Terraces (in Kiangan), all in Ifugao.

Why shifting to brown rice matters

'In a country vulnerable to climate change and its impact, brown rice will help us face the threat

of food insecurity'

Renee Juliene Karunungan

Published 2:21 PM, May 27, 2015

Updated 2:23 PM, May 27, 2015

It's a fact that Filipinos love rice. We eat it 3 times a day and for many of us, one cup simply

isn‘t enough.According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the average Filipino

consumes 3 cups of rice per meal, which means 9 cups of rice a day;However, for an agricultural

country, the Philippines has had to import rice to feed its people. In fact, in 2010, the Philippines

was the biggest importer of rice in the world.

The production of rice simply cannot keep up with the demand.Data from PhilRice also show

that in 2010, Filipino farmers had to produce 286.2 million cavans of rice to feed 92.34 million

Filipinos. This rice shortage poses a problem for a country where 25.3% of its population is

living below income of $2 a day and relying on rice to fill their empty stomachs. This rice

shortage is all the more aggravated by climate change. According to Ricepedia, climate change

remains to be one of the constraints to rice production in the country. ―Climate change and the

vulnerability of crop production to drought and heavy rainfall, especially during the typhoon

season, severely affect production.‖

Game changer

However, organic brown rice might be a game changer and could contribute to solving the rice

shortage in the country. While brown rice is known for its health benefits, given its high fiber

content, brown rice also reduces rice wastage and therefore helps boost rice self-sufficiency and

food security in the Philippines.According to Professor Ted Mendoza, a crop scientist from the



4

University of the Philippines Los Baños, milling white rice removes 38% of the husk compared

to milling brown rice which only removes 28%. Brown rice has a 10% higher milling recovery.

Oxfam International said that this 10% higher milling rate translates to almost 1 million tons of

milled rice, which is almost the same amount of rice imported by the Philippines.But not only is

brown rice going to help the country become more rice self-sufficient, brown rice also helps

small-scale farmers adapt to climate change. By saving on production and labor, farmers will

have the chance to diversify their crops, helping them adapt to the changing climate.The

government has, in fact, seen the importance of brown rice. 2013 was declared the National Year

of the Rice. 2012 and 2013 also saw the launch of The Good Food Project led by Oxfam

International and Dakila. Both campaigns promoted brown rice and encouraged more Filipinos

to bring brown rice back to their tables.Today, the government continues the promotion of food

security through the ―Be Riceponsible‖ campaign.

One success of the campaigns was a resolution by the government of Quezon City ―enjoining the

observance of organic unpolished brown rice consumption" every Tuesday. The resolution

encouraged the consumption of unpolished brown rice at the Quezon City Hall Complex,

Novaliches District Center, and all city public schools and hospitals and barangays.The

resolution also urged all concessionaires and food establishments and stalls in the places

mentioned above to ―always make organic unpolished brown rice available in their menu and

food offering daily.‖

Historically, pre-colonial Filipinos ate brown rice, locally called ―pinawa.‖ It was only when

milling machines from the West were introduced in Asia that Filipinos shifted to white rice. But

seeing the problems we are now facing in food security aggravated by the impact of climate

change, this might be the right time to rethink the way we produce and consume rice and instead

revert to brown rice.

Higher demand

The difficulty, however, remains to be that organic brown rice, at around P50-P60 (around

$1.25)* per kilo is a lot more expensive than white rice, the cheapest being NFA rice at around

P32 ($.75) per kilo. The high cost of organic brown rice makes it difficult for the average

Filipino to consume brown rice.However, the fact is, with lower labor and production cost,

brown rice should cost less than white rice but because demand is also low, the price has become

high. A bigger demand, then, is needed to lower the cost of brown rice and make it accessible to

more people.This is where local government resolutions and ordinances such as that of Quezon

City becomes important.

By giving Filipinos more access to brown rice in the market and by allowing it to become an

option in restaurants, brown rice might just get the attention it needs. While it may be difficult

for the average Filipino earning a minimum wage to eat brown rice 3 times a day, eating brown

rice at least once a month can already make a big impact.According to the Department of

Agriculture, if all Filipinos ate brown rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at least once a month,

the country‘s importation of rice will shrink at an average of 500,000 metric tons/year.Shifting to



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brown rice is also a challenge for a country with a sweet tooth. Brown rice tastes different and

may be quite difficult to pair with our favorite sinigang, kare-kare, oradobo. But it only takes

creativity in the kitchen and some getting used to. In a country vulnerable to climate change and

its impact, brown rice will help us face the threat of food insecurity.People are starting to shift to

the better rice, although gradually. Let us all be a part of this shift. Let's give brown rice a chance

to be a part of our meals and help our country better adapt to the impact of climate change. –

Rappler.com Renee Juliene M. Karunungan is the program manager for advocacy of Dakila, a collective of

artists working together for social transformation. Dakila has been campaigning for climate

justice with Oxfam since 2009 and currently has a climate revolution program.

Brown rice photo from Shutterstock.

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/94421-shifting-brown-rice-matters

Thai rice stockpiles could trump El Nino wild card 27 May 2015 at 14:44

WRITER: BLOOMBERG NEWS

A rice farm in Suphan Buri province. Thai rice stocks could come in handy in keeping the

market in check and ensuring that importers not resort to panic buying during the El Nino,

industry executives say. (Bangkok Post photo)

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-168355724/stock-photo-spoon-of-brown-rice-close-up.html?src=UtMfdp7ht8pXdO_gDqMJ9g-1-0

http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&columnistName=Bloomberg+News



6

The severity of El Nino this year may decide whether rice prices recover from the lowest since

2008.Plentiful global inventories will probably cushion against any disruption to this year's crop,

suppressing prices in the second half of the year, according to The Rice Trader. Further out, it

may be a different story."I'm short-term bearish and, on the longer term, I'm quite bullish,"

Jeremy Zwinger, chief executive officer of The Rice Trader, a Durham, California-based

researcher, said in Bangkok. "If it's a severe El Nino, obviously that's bullish.

"El Ninos bring drier-than-usual conditions including drought to parts of Asia, hurting crops in

the top exporters and boosting demand among buyers. Australia this month joined forecasters in

the US and Japan in declaring an event had begun, and weathermen are seeking to determine

how long it will last and how strong it may be. The last El Nino was in 2009-2010 when global

rough-rice output fell 1.8%."At this stage, we can only speak about potential impacts, given how

influential factors such timing, strength and duration can be," said Shirley Mustafa, an analyst at

the Rome-based Food & Agriculture Organization, which doesn't give specific price forecasts.

"A smaller crop would indeed tend to be supportive. However, this potential has to be put in the

context of the still ample level of rice inventories."

More imports

The price of Thai 5% broken white rice, a regional benchmark, dropped 9% to US$381 a tonne

this year, the lowest level since January 2008, as the world's largest exporter sought to sell record

reserves built up during a now-ended state-support program. Rough-rice futures sank 20% to

$9.38 per 100 pounds in Chicago since January after declining to $9.25 on May 13, the lowest

level since 2006.Thailand, India and the Philippines risk having smaller crops as El Ninos often

suppress rainfall, according to the FAO.

While global reserves may drop 4.6% to 168.2 million tonnes in 2015-2016, that's still 17%

higher than the average over the past decade, data from the agency showed.The Philippines,

Asia's second-largest buyer, approved 250,000 tonnes of additional imports from July and may

double purchases should El Nino cut output significantly, the National Food Authority said May

22. Remote sensing indicated below-average rain in the main rice-growing areas since April,

which may hurt sowing, the FAO said in a report on May 21.Downside risks to rice crops are

high in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, BMI Research,

a unit of Fitch Group, said on May 15. Palm oil and sugar production are also threatened, it said

in a report.

Reserves 'handy' "The impact of El Nino could be even more significant because international agriculture prices

have been weak for several years," BMI said. "Sentiment could quickly turn around should the

weather actually prove unfavourable."While there's no consensus yet on how severe this El Nino

will be, there are signs it may intensify. Moderate conditions are likely to persist through the

June-to-September monsoon and then strengthen, the India Meteorological Department said on

May 21. A significant El Nino is likely, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said on May 12,

and added in its fortnightly update on Tuesday that the event continues to strengthen.



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"Thai rice stocks could come in very handy in keeping the market in check and ensuring that

importers not resort to panic buying," Samarendu Mohanty, head of the social sciences division

at the Los Banos, Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute, said in a May 21

commentary.Global reserves rose from 106.4 million tonnes in 2005-2006 as harvests expanded.

State reserves in Thailand stand at about 16 million tonnes from about 2 million tonnes before

the support program started in October 2011, government data show.The "price is weak short

term, in three to six months, because of Thai stocks and competition among major exporters,"

The Rice Trader's Mr Zwinger said in an interview on May 21. "The market today is more

concerned on Thai stocks than El Nino." http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/574511/thai-rice-stockpiles-could-trump-el-nino-wild-card

APEDA India (News)

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 26-05-2015

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price

Jowar(Sorgham)

1 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1025 2505

2 Vellore (Tamil Nadu) Other 1568 1568

3 Udaipur (Rajasthan) Other 1235 1245

Maize

1 Dehgam (Gujarat) Other 1100 1250

2 Bellary (Karnataka) Local 1233 1281

3 Beawar(Rajasthan) Other 1400 1600

Mango

1 Aroor (Kerala) Other 3200 3400

2 Bonai(Orissa) Other 1000 3000

3 Mechua(West Bengal) Other 1000 1300

Cucumbar

1 Aroor (Kerala) Other 2000 2200

2 Bolangir (Orissa) Other 2800 3000

3 Talalagir(Gujarat) Other 1500 1520

Source:agra-net For more info

Egg Rs per 100 No

Price on 26-05-2015

Product Market Center Price

1 Pune 323

2 Chittoor 343

3 Hyderabad 287

Source: e2necc.com

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/574511/thai-rice-stockpiles-could-trump-el-nino-wild-card

http://e2necc.com/



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Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 26-05-2015

Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High

Onions Dry Package: 50 lb sacks

1 Atlanta Mexico Yellow 23 23

2 Baltimore California Yellow 21 22

3 Dallas Texas Yellow 15.75 17

Carrots Package: 20 1-lb film bags

1 Atlanta California Baby Peeled 20 20.50

2 Dallas Arizona Baby Peeled 20 20

3 Detroit California Baby Peeled 17 17.50

Grapefruit Package: 7/10 bushel cartons

1 Atlanta California Red 27 27

2 Baltimore California Red 22 22

3 Dallas California Red 24 24

Source:USDA

Basmati rice to get IPR protection as exporters support

Centre’s view

Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board is slated to hear the

claims of all the parties for three consecutive days from July 8 for granting

GI certification to Basmati rice

By: Sandip Das | Chennai | May 26, 2015 11:08 pm

India‘s famous Basmati rice is set to get intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the home

country. With its exporters supporting the Centre‘s view that Madhya Pradesh can‘t be deemed

part of the Indo-Gangetic plain, decks have been cleared for Basmati‘s entry into the coveted

Geographical Indications (GI) Registry. GI protection in India would lead to similar recognitions

in other countries, which means India‘s competitors would be barred from using the Basmati tag.

India‘s basmati rice exports, which had touched a record Rs 29,000 crore in 2013-14, fell to Rs

27,600 crore in 2014-15, due to a decline in shipments to Iran.Official sources told FE that

Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) is slated to hear the claims of all

the parties for three consecutive days during July 8-10 for granting GI certification to basmati

rice.

The GI Registry, in a directive issued on December 31, 2013, had asked the Centre if Madhya

Pradesh could be included in the definition of traditionally basmati-growing geography, inviting

strong reactions from the commerce and agriculture ministries, which thinks the state‘s claim is

http://www.financialexpress.com/author/sandip-das/



9

unjustified.Even as the issue was pending with the GI Registry, the Madhya Pradesh government

had moved the IPAB. The Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority

(Apeda) has now told the IPAB that MP‘s claim is invalid. Under the Geographical Indications

of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, Apeda is designated to be the custodian of GI

rights for farm produce.―Considering the Madhya Pradesh case for inclusion in basmati growing

region would amount to playing with rights of those farmers who have been traditionally

growing basmati in Indo-Gangetic plain,‖ a commerce ministry official said.

Leading agricultural scientists have also opposed Madhya Pradesh‘s attempt to be included in

basmati-growing regions, by stating that it would adversely impact the ‗quality‘ of basmati rice

and sully its global repute. ―Claiming rice grown in Madhya Pradesh as basmati is not correct as

we have developed seed varieties keeping in mind agro-climatic zones of the Indo-Gangetic

plain,‖ KV Prabhu, deputy director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and a well-

known rice breeder, had recently said.

In 2009, Apeda under the commerce ministry had applied to the GI Registry asking for exclusive

(commercial) use of the basmati tag for the grain varieties grown within the boundaries of the

Indo-Gagentic plain in Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and 26 districts of

western Uttar Pradesh and two districts of Jammu and Kashmir.GI ascribes ‗exclusivity‘ to the

community in a defined geography rather than to an individual as in the case of trademarks and

patents.Madhya Kshetra Basmati Growers Association Samiti and a leading basmati rice

exporter, LT Foods, along with Madhya Pradesh‘s department of farmer welfare and agriculture

development, had approached the GI Registry jointly in 2013.

During 2008-10, India and Pakistan had initiated steps to register basmati under GI as ‗joint

heritage‘ for protecting its premium market abroad. But that bid did not fructify due to

opposition to it within Pakistan.In the absence of GI, many private companies have been

unsuccessfully trying to register their products as ‗basmati‘, which commands a premium in the

global market. The IARI has developed Pusa 1121 basmati rice variety, which is grown in more

than 60% of basmati rice areas.

For Updates Check Commodity News; follow us on Facebook and Twitter First Published on May 27, 2015 12:09 am

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets/commodities/basmati-rice-to-get-ipr-protection-as-

exporters-support-centres-view/76579/

Livestock sector to show off in bid to lure investment By Our Correspondent

Published: May 27, 2015

http://www.financialexpress.com/section/markets/commodities/

http://www.facebook.com/thefinancialexpress

http://twitter.com/financialxpress

http://tribune.com.pk/author/303/our-correspondent/



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PHOTO: INP

KARACHI:

The Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) is looking forward to the upcoming livestock, dairy,

fishery agriculture (LDFA) 2015 exhibition, hoping that the trade fair could prove to be a

stepping stone towards attracting new businesses and investments.

―We expect better business opportunities for the exhibitors and others in the fifth edition of

LDFA,‖ SBI Director General Muhammad Riazuddin said while talking to media.Without

specifying how much business the last four exhibitions have generated, Riazuddin said that the

event is fulfilling its purpose as it is providing a platform to local and international companies

to share their expertise and knowledge about new technologies.LDFA 2015 will be organised

at the Expo Centre Karachi from May 30 to 31, 2015.



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According to the SBI‘s website, all four versions of LDFA witnessed collective business deals

of more than Rs2.5 billion.SBI official present in the briefing informed that the Sindh

government has started a scheme in which the farmers can get cheap financing from private

banks. The provincial government will provide a loan of Rs32,000 per acre at a subsidised rate.

According to the SBI, a large proportion of Pakistan and Sindh‘s economy is directly and

indirectly linked to the agriculture sector. ―It provides 45% of employment to our labour force

and contributes 21% to the country‘s GDP.‖

―I want to reiterate the Sindh government‘s resolve to promote and boost investment in

agriculture and livestock sectors,‖ Riazuddin said.This year, 24 exhibitors will be promoting

exotic birds in LDFA 2015. Other than this, there are other participants including 21

agriculture companies, 14 international companies and banks, 14 companies of dairy and

livestock, and 9 companies from poultry and fisheries. Moreover, the diplomatic missions of

Sri Lanka and Indonesia are also participating as exhibitors to create linkages with Pakistani

companies.Sindh produces a variety of field and horticultural crops, including major ones such

as wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton; approximately 68% of the total cropped area is used for

their production.

Sindh produces 35% of the total rice produced in Pakistan, 28% of sugarcane, 12% of wheat,

and 20% of cotton. Similarly of the major horticulture crops, Sindh produces 88% chillies,

73% bananas, and 34% mangoes.LDFA 2015 is aimed to position Sindh as an economically

viable province by identifying areas for investment in various sectors.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th

, 2015. http://tribune.com.pk/story/892812/livestock-sector-to-show-off-in-bid-to-lure-investment/

Prices of commercial rice continue downward trend – NFA

By: Cielito M. Reganit, Philippine News Agency

May 27, 2015 5:35 AM InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS

http://www.interaksyon.com/business



12

MANILA, Philippines -- Prices

of commercial rice were

monitored to be decreasing

even in drought-hit areas

contrary to reports that rice

prices have gone up in the said

areas, the National Food

Authority (NFA) said

Tuesday.NFA administrator

Renan Dalisay said that during

an actual inspection of public

markets in General Santos City

early Tuesday morning, he

observed that rice prices in the

area ranged between ₱32 per kilogram and ₱44 per kilogram depending on variety.

He said the rice came from Surala, South Cotabato which is among the areas in the country

where the El Niño phenomenon is prevalent. ―Contrary to reports, commercial rice prices have

also gone down in other areas as well,‖ Dalisay said.Data obtained from the Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) showed that as of May 23, retail prices of regular commercial rice (RMR)

averaged at ₱37.28 per kilogram, while the well-milled variety (WMR) was recorded at ₱41.29

per kilogram.

Meanwhile, NFA rice remains at ₱27 and ₱32 per kilogram for RMR and WMR, respectively.

In the meantime, Dalisay stressed that the NFA is ready for the onset of the lean months - which

starts in July - with its active procurement operations.―As of May 21, the NFA was able to

procure a total of 1.2 million metric tons of palay. We are also getting ready with the importation

of an additional 250,000 MT in preparation for the lean months as well as to stabilize rice prices

during the period,‖ Dalisay said.The 250,000 MT will be imported through government-to-

government procurement and will be opened to the governments of Thailand, Vietnam and

Cambodia.

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/111223/prices-of-commercial-rice-continue-downward-trend--nfa

High Quality Malaysian Palm Oil Call for Best Prices

trusted source

DJ China Dalian Grain Futures Closing Prices, Volume

Soybean No. 1

Turnover: 142,052 lots, or 6.26 billion yuan

Open High Low Close Prev. Settle Ch. Vol Open

Settle Interest

Jul-15 – - – 4,357 4,357 4,357 0 0 10



13

Sep-15 4,406 4,424 4,371 4,388 4,424 4,395 -29 121,044 147,186

Nov-15 – - – 4,443 4,472 4,443 -29 0 120

Jan-16 4,488 4,510 4,462 4,480 4,510 4,485 -25 20,308 71,414

Mar-16 4,561 4,561 4,561 4,561 4,563 4,561 -2 12 106

May-16 4,611 4,625 4,580 4,583 4,621 4,594 -27 634 9,778

Jul-16 – - – 4,628 4,655 4,628 -27 0 14

Sep-16 4,634 4,652 4,630 4,632 4,655 4,640 -15 54 320

Nov-16 – - – 4,628 4,628 4,628 0 0 0

Soybean No. 2

Turnover: 136 lots, or 4.01 million yuan


Settle Interest

Jul-15 2,874 2,900 2,874 2,880 2,899 2,884 -15 6 30

Sep-15 2,974 2,974 2,926 2,950 2,954 2,949 -5 130 864

Nov-15 – - – 3,167 3,172 3,167 -5 0 8

Jan-16 – - – 3,182 3,182 3,182 0 0 34

Mar-16 – - – 3,172 3,177 3,172 -5 0 12

May-16 – - – 3,136 3,141 3,136 -5 0 0

Corn



Settle Interest

Jul-15 2,409 2,428 2,392 2,392 2,403 2,415 12 92 242

Sep-15 2,468 2,475 2,439 2,445 2,473 2,456 -17 78,990 236,730

Nov-15 2,325 2,333 2,310 2,310 2,316 2,320 4 50 242

Jan-16 2,229 2,229 2,194 2,201 2,228 2,212 -16 23,104 94,242

Mar-16 2,241 2,257 2,233 2,233 2,246 2,242 -4 10 50

May-16 2,290 2,290 2,255 2,269 2,294 2,272 -22 2,304 5,834

Soymeal

Turnover: 2,250,580 lots, or 57.23 billion yuan


Settle Interest

Jul-15 2,420 2,538 2,420 2,446 2,452 2,452 0 450 1,946

Aug-15 2,518 2,537 2,511 2,518 2,530 2,518 -12 118 534

Sep-15 2,520 2,551 2,514 2,533 2,541 2,536 -5 1,979,394 4,464,104

Nov-15 2,570 2,610 2,570 2,573 2,584 2,580 -4 34 400

Dec-15 2,609 2,628 2,606 2,606 2,619 2,611 -8 34 320

Jan-16 2,585 2,610 2,576 2,586 2,602 2,592 -10 208,024 995,114

Mar-16 2,628 2,649 2,621 2,625 2,639 2,637 -2 628 2,456

May-16 2,585 2,598 2,571 2,574 2,596 2,583 -13 61,898 176,704

Palm Oil

Turnover: 1,243,944 lots, or 63.48 billion yuan


Settle Interest



14

Jun-15 – - – 5,032 5,032 5,032 0 0 10

Jul-15 – - – 4,904 4,904 4,904 0 0 6

Aug-15 – - – 4,894 4,894 4,894 0 0 12

Sep-15 5,054 5,120 5,040 5,084 5,022 5,086 64 972,186 735,998

Oct-15 5,102 5,136 5,086 5,100 5,018 5,102 84 38 54

Nov-15 – - – 5,122 5,038 5,122 84 0 6

Dec-15 5,250 5,250 5,198 5,198 5,136 5,226 90 32 32

Jan-16 5,118 5,202 5,118 5,162 5,112 5,164 52 269,732 285,872

Feb-16 – - – 5,244 5,192 5,244 52 0 18

Mar-16 – - – 5,276 5,224 5,276 52 0 6

Apr-16 – - – 5,176 5,124 5,176 52 0 6

May-16 5,266 5,326 5,250 5,294 5,276 5,290 14 1,956 5,176

Soybean oil



Settle Interest

Jul-15 – - – 5,722 5,722 5,722 0 0 2

Aug-15 – - – 5,760 5,760 5,760 0 0 4

Sep-15 5,750 5,806 5,744 5,756 5,750 5,772 22 714,074 795,406

Nov-15 – - – 5,918 5,896 5,918 22 0 28

Dec-15 – - – 5,954 5,932 5,954 22 0 14

Jan-16 5,880 5,936 5,864 5,904 5,876 5,904 28 205,308 337,608

Mar-16 – - – 5,964 5,942 5,964 22 0 40

May-16 5,914 5,978 5,912 5,930 5,914 5,944 30 4,528 9,482

Notes:

1) Unit is Chinese yuan a metric ton;

2) Ch. is day‘s settlement minus previous settlement;

3) Volume and open interest are in lots;

4) One lot is equivalent to 10 metric tons.

Crop Progress

Date 24-May 17-May 2014 Avg

Cotton Planted 47 35 60 61

Corn Plamted 92 85 86 88

Corn Emerged 74 56 56 62

Soybeans Planted 61 45 55 55

Soybeans Emerged 32 13 23 25

Rice Planted 93 89 94 92

Rice Emerged 82 70 78 77

Sorghum Planted 41 38 45 46

Peanuts Planted 68 47 64 67

Sunflowers Planted 26 10 15

Oats Emerged 91 83 70 79

Oats Headed 26 30 30

Winter Wheat Headed 77 68 68 67



15

Spring Wheat Planted 96 94 70 79

Spring Wheat Emerged 80 67 40 54

Barley Emerged 86 72 54 55

Crop Condition

Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good

Corn This Week 0 3 23 62 12

Corn Last Week

Corn Last Year

Winter Wht This Week 6 13 36 37 8

Winter Wht Last Week 6 13 36 37 8

Winter Wht Last Year 22 22 26 24 6

Spring Wheat This Week 1 3 27 61 8

Spring Wheat Last Week 1 3 31 58 7

Spring Wheat Last Year

Rice This Week 1 5 28 49 17

Rice Last Week 1 5 28 50 16

Rice Last Year 0 5 28 54 13

Oats This Week 2 6 22 59 11

Oats Last Week 1 5 21 62 11

Oats Last Year 4 8 28 53 7

Barley This Week 0 2 24 61 13

Barley Last Week 0 3 33 53 11

Barley Last Year

Pastures and Ranges This Week 2 8 30 48 12

Pastures and Ranges Last Week 3 9 31 47 10

Pastures and Ranges Last Year 7 14 33 39 7

DJ USDA Grain Inspections For Export in Metric Tons -May 26

Source: USDA

For the week ending May 21, in thousand metric tons. Includes

waterway shipments to Canada.

Grain ——–Week Ending——– Current Previous

5/21/2015 5/14/2015 5/22/2014 Market Yr Market Yr

to Date to Date

BARLEY 0 0 1,592 162,538 200,223

CORN 1,006,720 1,108,998 1,168,964 30,920,512 32,696,890

FLAXSEED 24 0 342 8,086 8,470

MIXED 0 0 0 0 0

OATS 0 0 0 600 2,055

RYE 0 0 0 0 0

SORGHUM 111,405 139,802 59,402 7,203,329 3,304,481

SOYBEANS 291,192 341,097 90,543 46,870,988 41,960,880

SUNFLOWER 0 0 0 0 0

WHEAT 418,376 327,033 509,077 22,194,653 30,734,890

Total 1,827,717 1,916,930 1,829,920 107,360,706 108,907,889



16

=====================================================================

===

CROP MARKETING YEARS BEGIN JUNE 1 FOR WHEAT, RYE, OATS, BARLEY AND

FLAXSEED; SEPTEMBER 1 FOR CORN, SORGHUM, SOYBEANS AND SUNFLOWER

SEEDS.

INCLUDES WATERWAY SHIPMENTS TO CANADA

DJ Asia Commodity Prices Get Boost From El Nino

Warning SignsBy Huileng Tan

SINGAPORE–A growing chorus of major weather forecasters is confirming the return of the El

Nino weather pattern, giving lackluster agricultural commodity prices a jolt.Australia‘s Bureau

of Meteorology on Tuesday said ―oceanic and atmospheric indicators show a clear El Nino

signal,‖ adding that sea-surface temperatures were likely to remain well above El Nino

thresholds at least until springtime in the southern hemisphere, from September to November.

The Australian agency had, along with Japan‘s national weather agency, earlier this month

warned of an abnormal warming of the Pacific Ocean, while the U.S. National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration declared El Nino‘s arrival in March.

El Nino is typified by a warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean and a cooling of its

western region. That leads to a shift in weather patterns including a higher chance of drought in

key agricultural-producing regions like Australia and Southeast Asia. El Nino was last observed

from 2009 to 2010.Prices of various agricultural commodities have jumped this month with palm

oil up as much as 6.2% thanks to the El Nino warnings, while cocoa and natural rubber have both

hit multi-month highs.

Share prices of palm-oil producers like Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. (E5H.SG) and Wilmar

International Ltd. (F34.SG) have also risen. Palm oil, used in a variety of products from fuel to

lipsticks and biscuits, is the world‘s most widely-used edible oil.Aurelia Britsch, a commodities

analyst at Business Monitor International, said the impact of El Nino might be significant as

international agriculture prices have been weak for several years and can easily rally on weather

concerns.During the last El Nino event, sugar prices soared to 30-year highs, while crude-palm-

oil prices rose close to 4,000 ringgit ($1,098.40) a metric ton–almost double what they are now.

The 2007 El Nino event hit food production, sparking riots in Egypt, Cameroon and Haiti.

Despite false alarms last year and the uncertainty over the severity of this year‘s El Nino event,

some countries are already bracing themselves for an impact.

The Philippines said last week it will import as much as 500,000 tons of rice–half to be delivered

by July and the balance depending on the severity of the damage to farm output. The Philippine

Statistics Authority said it expects its rice harvest this year to fall short of the 20.1 million tons

target for self-sufficiency.India meanwhile is seen to be vulnerable to El Nino as it affects the

country‘s monsoon season, which will start in June, raising the risk of sharply higher food prices



17

in the second half of the year, HSBC said in a recent note.The monsoon is crucial for India‘s

summer crop, and weak monsoons exacerbate inflationary pressure given the country‘s relatively

poor agricultural infrastructure and supply bottlenecks. This could derail plans for further

interest-rate easing by India‘s central bank, HSBC said.

WHEAT

General Comments: Futures were lower as the market anticipated good progress and better

conditions in the USDA reports last night. USDA instead left crop condition ratings unchanged,

and prices could turn a little higher today. This market remains a weather market, with fears of

production and quality losses in the central and southern Great Plains and Midwest providing

price support.

The reports of the rains in Texas and Oklahoma have been incredible, and the trade reaction has

been mixed as others suggest that the rains have broken the drought and that yields can be better

with the better soil moisture. Current forecasts call for a lot of rain to the south again by this

weekend. It has been a very wet year now that the drought has been broken in the central and

southern Great Plains and there are worries that too much protein will get lost. Quality could be a

real problem in the wet areas as the protein slips. However, it is unlikely that much, if any, yield

potential has been harvested except in northern areas. US Wheat remains relatively high priced

in world markets, so weaker prices are possible once the conditions show more stability and the

market turns back to demand and the harvest starts to come close.

.

Overnight News: The southern Great Plains should see daily chances for scattered showers and

storms. Temperatures should average near to below normal. Northern areas should get mostly

dry conditions today, but showers over the weekend Temperatures should average near to below

normal. The Canadian Prairies should see dry conditions. Temperatures will average near to

above normal.

Chart Analysis: Trends in Chicago are down with objectives of 484, 461, and 457 July. Support

is at 491, 486, and 471 July, with resistance at 503, 511, and 529 July. Trends in Kansas City are

down with objectives of 514, 484, and 460 July. Support is at 519, 512, and 498 July, with

resistance at 533, 540, and 545 July. Trends in Minneapolis are down with objectives of 548,

540, and 515 July. Support is at 546, 541, and 530 July, and resistance is at 558, 568, and 584

July.

RICE

General Comments: Futures moved lower at the close after trading higher for the overnight

market and the first part of the day session. The big rains seen around Houston and into Delta

production areas could create some area and yield losses and helped Support the early market

action. However, the US Dollar was very strong and took all of the price strength out of the

market. This week is expected to be warmer and drier, and there are hopes that fields can start to

dry out. More big rains could be seen by the end of the week. The end of the month is coming,

too, and prevent plant dates for insurance are right around the corner. Reports indicate that at

least some producers are now hoping that the fields do not dry out enough to allow for fieldwork

before the end of the month so that they can claim against insurance policies.



18

Overnight News: Some showers appear are expected through the weekend. Temperatures will

average near normal.Chart Analysis: Trends are mixed to down with objectives of 922 July.

Support is at 925, 912, and 900 July, with resistance at 974, 986, and 991 July.

CORN AND OATS

General Comments: Corn was lower in sympathy with Wheat and on ideas that growing

conditions in the Midwest are very good. Corn is almost planted now, but the areas where it is

not in the ground will continue to see rains off and o through the weekend. It is becoming

increasingly likely that some Corn area will be planted to Soybeans, although the insurance dates

have not been hit yet. These areas have seen too much rain and are trying to wait for drier

weather. However, more rains are in the forecast by this weekend in the southern Midwest,

Delta, and Southeast. Those areas that are planted are starting to emerge and so far the crop looks

very good. Corn is trying to form a seasonal bottom for a short term rally attempt that often

happens one the crop is planted. The current good crop conditions imply that any rally will likely

be limited in scope. The USDA reports last night provided no real reason to buy as planting

progress and condition were at the lower end of trade projections.

Overnight News:

Chart Analysis: Trends in Corn are down with objectives of 350, 345, and 327 July. Support is at

352, 347, and 344 July, and resistance is at 359, 364, and 368 July. Trends in Oats are mixed.

Support is at 236, 231, and 225 July, and resistance is at 249, 256, and 258 July.

SOYBEANS AND PRODUCTS

General Comments: Prices were mixed to lower as the US Dollar went sharply higher. Some

early strength was noted in Soybeans and Soybean Meal as the strikes continue in Argentina, but

ideas that solutions are being found there took some buying interest away later in the session.

Soybean rallied on the back of Palm Oil, where production could be lost due to the El Nino that

is starting to affect production areas. A drive through Indiana and parts of Ohio over the holiday

weekend showed that Corn was emerged, but not Soybeans. Little fieldwork was being seen over

the weekend. It is likely that many produce4rs already have Soybeans planted. There is an

increasing possibility of more area planted to Soybeans in southern areas as it is getting late to

plant Corn. It should be drier this week, but more showers are possible again this weekend. Ideas

are that the US Soybeans crop is about half planted. Futures will probably make a near term low

very soon as the crop planting progress expands and gets completed, but up side potential for

prices should be very limited given the strong world data unless the US in fact develops a

weather related problem.

Overnight News:

Chart Analysis: Trends in Soybeans are down with objectives of 913 July. Support is at 912, 900,

and 876 July, and resistance is at 937, 950, and 961 July. Trends in Soybean Meal are mixed.

Support is at 301.00, 300.00, and 295.00 July, and resistance is at 308.00, 309.00, and 310.00

July. Trends in Soybean Oil are mixed to down with objectives of 3100, 3090, and 3085 July.

Support is at 3150, 3120, and 3100 July, with resistance at 3240, 3260, and 3275 July.



19

CANOLA AND PALM OIL

General Comments: Canola was higher. Farmers are very active and conditions are good for

planting efforts. The crops should be getting off to a good start now and should be emerging in a

few places while producers work to get the crop planted in the next couple of weeks. Some parts

of the Prairies have been dry and the dry weather potential should support prices. Palm Oil was a

little lower on some profit taking. Traders are watching El Nino as it could create dry weather in

both Indonesia and Malaysia, but so far the weather has been good. Even so, the forecasts for El

Nino over the last few days have added weather Premium to prices in the last few sessions. Now

traders will wait for the dry weather to develop. Export demand in Malaysia is strong so far this

month, but strong production will keep ending stocks for the month high and that is negative to

prices overall. Longer term trends remain down.

Overnight News:

Chart Analysis: Trends in Canola are up with objectives of 475.00 and 487.00 July. Support is at

462.00, 457.00, and 455.00 July, with resistance at 469.00, 472.00, and 475.00 July. Trends in

Palm Oil are mixed to up with objectives of 2190 and 2230 August. Support is at 2150, 2120,

and 2100 August, with resistance at 2200, 2230, and 2310 August.

DAIRY AND MEATS

General Comments: Milk and products were slightly lower. Demand in the US remains solid, but

export demand ideas are getting hurt by the stronger US Dollar. Production for all three markets

remains very strong. Demand for Milk has been fading in the East and Midwest for fluid Milk,

but Milk demand from processors remains very strong. Cheese and Butter processors are still

operating at high levels to keep up with the demand. The best demand is in Cheese right now,

where some producers are having trouble filling all the orders. Butter demand has been good as

well, but producers are able to keep up with the order flow and even build stocks in some cases.

Demand for Butter is steady right now. Prices for dried products seem generally weak.

Cattle closed mixed and feeder cattle was higher. The US Dollar hurt Live Cattle on ideas that

export demand will drop. Both markets remain in a trading range, with Feeder Cattle now

probing resistance areas in the range. Short term prices can stay strong as it is a time of stronger

demand, but that might be the last big rally for this market for a while as the supplies should then

start to increase. Wholesale beef markets were higher yesterday. US hogs prices were lower as

the US Dollar went higher and hurt demand ideas. There is a lot of talk the market is overbought,

but the cash market is still strong and lending support to futures. Overall, the market is still

signaling stronger cash markets in the weeks ahead. Charts show some very strong resistance at

about $88.00 to $90.00 and so far the market is having trouble getting there. Cash hogs markets

were weaker and wholesale pork markets were higher.

Overnight News:

Chart Analysis: Trends in Milk are mixed. Support is at 1650, 1625, and 1610 July, and

resistance is at 1650, 1700, and 1710 July. Trends in Cheese are mixed to down with objectives

of 167.50 July. Support is at 168.00, 166.50, and 165.00 July, with resistance at 170.00, 174.00,

and 175.00 July. Trends in Butter are down with objectives of 191.00 and 186.00 July. Support is

at 190.00, 188.00, and 186.00 July, and resistance is at 196.00, 197.00, and 200.00 July. Trends

in Live Cattle are mixed to up with objectives of 153.00 and 161.00 June. Support is at 150.00,

148.00, and 147.00 June, with resistance at 153.00, 155.00, and 156.00 June. Trends in Feeder

Cattle are mixed. Support is at 215.00, 212.00, and 210.00 August, with resistance at 220.00,



20

221.00, and 225.00 August. Trends in Lean Hogs are mixed to down with objectives of 81.00

and 79.00 June. Support is at 80.00, 78.00, and 76.00 June, with resistance at 84.00, 85.50, and

87.00 June.

Daily Cash Nonfat Dry Milk Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015

(Carload Unit = 42,000-45,000 lbs)

——————————————————————

NONFAT DRY MILK : CLOSE : CHANGE

——————————————————————

GRADE A : $0.9000 : -.0150

——————————————————————

SALES: NONE

LAST BID UNFILLED: 1 CAR GRADE A @ $0.8500

LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: 1 CAR GRADE A @ $0.9000

Close represents US $ per pound. Change is price change from previous

close.

Information disseminated by USDA, Dairy Market News – Madison, WI

1147C (608) 557-7002

USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin

Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews

Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-

home

Daily Cash Cheese Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015

(Carload Unit = 40,000-44,000 lbs.)

——————————————————————

CHEESE : CLOSE : CHANGE

——————————————————————

BARRELS : $1.6200 : .0025

40# BLOCKS : $1.6500 : .0050

——————————————————————

SALES: 6 CARS BARRELS:

1 @ $1.6300, 1 @ $1.6275, 1 @ $1.6350, 1 @ $1.6250,

1 @ $1.6225, 1 @ $1.6200

4 CARS 40# BLOCKS:

1 @ $1.6550, 1 @ $1.6600, 1 @ $1.6550, 1 @ $1.6500

LAST BID UNFILLED: NONE

LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: 1 CAR BARRELS @ $1.6300


close.


1147C (608) 557-7002




home



21

Daily Cash Butter Trading on Friday, May 22, 2015

(Carload Unit = 40,000-42,000 lbs)

——————————————————————

BUTTER : CLOSE : CHANGE

——————————————————————

GRADE AA : $1.8900 : -.0400

——————————————————————

SALES: 8 CARS GRADE AA:

1 @ $1.8900, 1 @ $1.9200, 1 @ $1.9175, 1 @ $1.9200,

1 @ $1.9175, 1 @ $1.9200, 1 @ $1.9150, 1 @ $1.8900

LAST BID UNFILLED: NONE

LAST OFFER UNCOVERED: NONE


close.


1145C (608) 557-7002




home

Midwest Weather Forecast: Mostly dry and cool this week, showers and warmer by this

weekend.

FOB Gulf Basis Levels-Cents per Bushel

Corn HRW SRW Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil

May 59 July 110 July 50 July 80 July 38 July 200 July

June 57 July 56 July 80 July

July 56 July 56 July 73 July

All basis levels are positive unless noted as negative

Brazil Premiums Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil Corn

June minus 7 July plus 29 Sep August

July plus 65 July minus 2 July plus 27 Sep September

August plus 89 Aug plus 5 Aug plus 23 Sep October

DJ ICE Canada Cash Grain Close – May 26

Winnipeg–The following are the closing cash grain

prices from ICE Futures Canada.

Values are based on the commodity being delivered at

Thunder Bay, Ontario, unless otherwise noted. Source: ICE

Futures Canada

Price Change

CANOLA

*Par Region 453.80 up 0.60

Basis: Thunder Bay

1 Can 483.70 up 4.90

2 Can 470.70 up 4.90



22

Basis: Vancouver

1 Can 498.70 up 4.90

2 Can 485.70 up 4.90

FEED WHEAT

Lethbridge 200.00 unchanged

Can Feed 224.00 unchanged

WESTERN BARLEY

Lethbridge 202.00 unchanged

All prices in Canadian dollars per metric ton.

*Quote for previous day

Source: Commodity News Service Canada ([email protected], or 204-414-9084)

DJ Malaysian PM Cash Market Prices for Palm Oil – May 27

The following are prices for Malaysian palm oil in the cash market at 1000 GMT Wednesday,

supplied by commodity broker Matthes & Porton Bhd.

Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars a metric ton, except for crude palm oil and palm kernel oil,

which are in ringgit a ton. Palm kernel oil prices are in ringgit a pikul, a Malaysian measurement

equivalent to 60 kilograms.

Refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil, FOB, Malaysian ports

Offer Change Bid Change Traded

June 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Jul/Aug/Sep 622.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Oct/Nov/Dec 622.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -

RBD palm olein, FOB, Malaysian ports


June 627.50 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Jul/Aug/Sep 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Oct/Nov/Dec 625.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -

RBD palm stearin, FOB, Malaysian ports


June 600.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Palm Fatty Acid Distillate, FOB Malaysian ports


June 580.00 -05.00 Unquoted – -

Crude palm oil, Delivered Basis, South Malaysia


June 2180 -10.00 Unquoted – -

Palm kernel oil, Delivered Basis, South Malaysia


June 193.00 -04.00 Unquoted – -

($1=MYR3.6360)

Questions? Ask Jack Scoville today at 312-264-4322

http://www.insidefutures.com/article/1443817/Morning%20Grains%205/27/15.html



23

Overlay residual herbicides in rice to suppress weeds Some residuals breaking early May 27, 2015Ford Baldwin | Delta Farm Press RELATED MEDIA

We just received our every-other-day flood at Practical Weed

Consultants. A lot of farmers and consultants have reached their

frustration limit. Most of my calls right now are from people just

wanting somebody to listen while they vent their frustration.That is

fine. I understand. A lot of farmers I talk to are farming scared this

year anyway due to the poor price outlook, and now we have to put

up with this. This too shall pass, and all we can do is ride it out.

My hat is off to anybody willing to be a farmer!Those who have been able to overlay residuals in rice

are generally in pretty good shape from a weed control standpoint. Some residuals are breaking early,

and that is a reason it is important to overlay them. In a lot of areas there is a lot of ―sick rice.‖ Where

weeds are emerging, it has been difficult to find treatments that would control the weeds and not

further injure the sick rice and that could be sprayed due to emerged crops.I knew the calls would be

coming along the lines of, ―I need to spray my rice and I have milo to the north, milo to the south,

soybeans to the east and corn to the west. What can I use?‖ I think I am pretty good at pulling rabbits

out of the hat but not that good.I have been recommending a lot of Bolero or RiceBeax in mixtures to

shore up sprangletop control.

Sprangletop is a saturated-soil germinator. More and more calls are Ricestar HT questions due to

emerged soybeans around a lot of fields along with a lot of emerged sprangletop.When I get calls

about larger barnyardgrass, I switch the recommendations to Regiment or Regiment plus Facet where

I can. I consider it the best postemergence barnyardgrass herbicide, but it can be frustrating to get

applied due to the crop mix in some cases.There are a lot of choices for herbicides that might work

on the weeds, but it often boils down to what can be applied. The main thing is to do something

while the grass is still small and make sure there is a residual herbicide in the tank.It seems like I get

more questions on crabgrass in rice each year.

The best postemergence crabgrass herbicide is Ricestar HT, but it will not be 100 percent on larger

crabgrass. It will usually rot the growing points, and if you can cover it up with water it will go away.

Unfortunately crabgrass usually is a problem only on soils that won‘t hold water or where water is

short.Where fall panicum is a problem, Clincher is the postemergence herbicide of choice.In

soybeans it seems to be a mixed bag as to how well residual herbicides have held up with all the rain.

I have been in several fields where farmers have not been able to apply second residual, and there is a

carpet of tiny pigweeds emerging. Those have to be sprayed soon in spite of the weather.Flexstar or

Prefix might be the treatment of choice in Roundup Ready soybeand or Liberty the treatment of

choice in LibertyLink soybeans. However, if the ground won‘t dry, UltraBlazer applied by air is a

good choice. Blazer is labeled in rice and peanuts and both corn and grain sorghum have reasonable

tolerance if you don‘t get carried away.

Hopefully we will not have a bunch of big pigweeds to deal with, but if it keeps raining we will.

Whether you are using Liberty in LibertyLink soybeans or the Flexstar-UltraBlazer treatments in

http://deltafarmpress.com/author/ford-baldwin

http://deltafarmpress.com/soybeans/perspectives-mississippi-delta-photos-rory-doyle



24

Roundup Ready or conventional soybeans, a repeat treatment in about seven days after the first is

the key on larger weeds.

http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/overlay-residual-herbicides-rice-suppress-weeds

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- May 27

Nagpur, May 27 Gram and tuar prices reported down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and

Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor buying support from local millers amid profit-

taking

selling by stockists at higher level. High moisture content arrival and easy condition in Madhya

Pradesh pulses also pushed down prices, according to sources.

* * * *

FOODGRAINS & PULSES

GRAM

* Desi gram recovered in open market here on good demand from local traders amid tight

supply from producing regions.

TUAR

* Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here matching the demand and supply

position.

* Batri dal suffered heavily in open market in absence of buyers amid increased

arrival from producing regions.

* In Akola, Tuar - 7,300-7,700, Tuar dal - 10,100-10,500, Udid at 9,100-9,600,

Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,700-11,100, Moong - 9,000-9,200, Moong Mogar

(clean) 10,700-11,100, Gram - 4,200-4,500, Gram Super best bold - 6,100-6,300

for 100 kg.

* 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 3,500-4,330 3,580-4,410

Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600

Tuar Auction 5,800-7,280 5,800-7,360

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

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



25

Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800

Gram Super Best Bold 6,200-6,500 6,200-6,500

Gram Super Best n.a.

Gram Medium Best 5,900-6,200 5,900-6,200

Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a.

Gram Mill Quality 5,300-5,500 5,300-5,500

Desi gram Raw 4,600-4,650 4,550-4,600

Gram Filter new 6,100-6,200 6,100-6,200

Gram Kabuli 5,200-6,900 5,200-6,900

Gram Pink 6,400-6,600 6,400-6,600

Tuar Fataka Best 10,500-10,800 10,500-10,800

Tuar Fataka Medium 9,900-10,300 9,900-10,300

Tuar Dal Best Phod 9,600-9,800 9,600-9,800

Tuar Dal Medium phod 8,800-9,300 8,800-9,300

Tuar Gavarani New 7,800-7,900 7,800-7,900

Tuar Karnataka 7,900-8,000 7,900-8,000

Tuar Black 10,700-11,000 10,700-11,000

Masoor dal best 8,100-8,300 8,100-8,300

Masoor dal medium 7,500-7,800 7,500-7,800

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 9,000-9,750 9,000-9,750

Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.

Moong Chamki best 9,600-9,900 9,600-9,900

Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 11,200-11,600 11,200-11,600

Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 9,900-10,600 9,900-10,600

Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 8,500-8,900 8,500-8,900

Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,400 4,300-4,500

Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,200-3,350 3,200-3,350

Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,450 3,200-3,450

Watana White (100 INR/KG) 2,450-2,625 2,450-2,625

Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 3,700-4,900 3,700-4,900

Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600

Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,500-1,700 1,500-1,700

Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600

Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,450 2,200-2,450

Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,800-1,950 1,800-1,950

Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,700 3,100-3,700

MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,800-3,000 2,800-3,000

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) 2,600-2,850 2,600-2,850



26

Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,400 3,200-3,400

Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800

Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,450 2,100-2,450

Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,750 2,500-2,750

Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,650 3,200-3,650

Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 3,900-4,300 3,900-4,300

Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,500 4,000-4,500

Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG) 4,500-5,000 4,500-5,000

Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 8,200-10,200 8,200-10,200

Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,000-7,200 6,000-7,200

Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 4,650-5,000 4,650-5,000

Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000

Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,300 2,100-2,200

Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,550 2,300-2,450

WEATHER (NAGPUR)

Maximum temp. 46.2 degree Celsius (115.1 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.

27.2 degree Celsius (83.8 degree Fahrenheit)

Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.

Rainfall : 0.3 mm

FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 46

and 30

degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available

(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but

included in market prices.)

http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N0YI39A20150527

Weed scientists offer new definition for ‘superweed’

A University of Minnesota graduate student, Jared Goplen, focuses his research on giant ragweed, a ―superweed‖ resistant to

common herbicides.

The Weed Science Society of America joined with six sister organizations to recommend a new

definition for superweed – a catchall term used by many to describe weeds that are perceived to

be more invasive and to grow more aggressively after developing resistance to herbicides.Use of

superweed has snowballed in recent years, along with considerable misinformation that isn‘t

supported by scientific facts. Most online dictionaries, for example, associate superweeds with

herbicide resistance caused by the suspected transfer of resistance genes from crops to weeds.To

date, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that crop to weed gene transfer is contributing to

the herbicide resistance issues faced by farmers.―Since superweed is now clearly part of the



27

public vernacular, we decided to offer a definition that more clearly reflects the true source of

herbicide resistance,‖ said Lee Van Wychen, Weed Science Society of America science policy

director.The science-

based definition developed by Weed Science Society of America focuses on the ability of weeds

to develop resistance to virtually any treatment method that is used repeatedly – and

exclusively.Superweed: Slang used to describe a weed that has evolved characteristics that make

it more difficult to manage due to repeated use of the same management tactic. Over-dependence

on a single tactic as opposed to using diverse approaches can lead to such adaptations.

The most common use of the slang refers to a weed that has become resistant to one or more

herbicide mechanisms of action due to their repeated use in the absence of more diverse control

measures. Dependence on a single mechanical, biological or cultural management tactic has led

to similar adaptations, such as hand-weeded barnyardgrass mimicking rice morphology,

dandelion seed production in a regularly mowed lawn and knapweed resiliency to gall fly

biocontrol.Two common misconceptions about a superweed are that they are the result of gene

transfer from genetically altered crops and that they have superior competitive characteristics.

Both of these myths have been addressed by the Weed Science Society of America.

Visitwww.wssa.net/weed/resistance for more information.

Weed Science Society of America has also created a variety of free educational materials and

recommendations concerning herbicide resistance and how to avoid it.Though the term

http://www.wssa.net/weed/resistance



28

superweed is most often associated with weeds resistant to one or more herbicides, scientists

point out that resistance can result from overdependence on mechanical, biological or cultural

management tactics as well.Repeated hand-weeding of barnyardgrass growing in rice fields, for

example, has led to weeds that escape control by mimicking the appearance of rice plants.

Similarly, spotted knapweed has become increasingly resilient to the gall flies used repeatedly as

a biological control. Even dandelions growing in a regularly mowed lawn can evolve to avoid the

mower, produce seeds and spread.Weed Science Society of America‘s new definition has been

endorsed by the Aquatic Plant Management Society, Canadian Weed Science Society, North

Central Weed Science Society, Northeastern Weed Science Society, Southern Weed Science

Society and the Western Society of Weed Science. .

Tags Weed Control, Weed, Agriculture, Herbicide, Superweed http://www.agriview.com/briefs/crop/weed-scientists-offer-new-definition-for-

superweed/article_556b72dd-fca8-50b4-911d-cb186ba45e87.html

Now silica gel in rice pack scare

Published on: Thursday, May 28, 2015

Kota Kinabalu: A new rice scare has surfaced barely eight days after reports of fake rice

tainting the local market went viral online.This time, a consumer alleged a burst silica gel pack

with its content found mixed with the rice was found inside a Beras Nasional rice pack on

Tuesday.Coincidentally, both incidents involved the same rice wholesaler, Tan Khien Chong, or

also known as TKC. TKC Chief Operating Officer Chien Hung who had already lodged a report

over the fake rice incident earlier said, the company is aware of the incident and had recalled the

products from the market, Wednesday."More than a hundred packets have been recalled and we

have told our sellers in areas like Ranau and Kudat not to sell the rice until we can get them off

their hands by Thursday," he said.

Sole rice importer, Padi and Beras Nasional (Bernas) had been alerted over the matter.Chien

admitted it would be hard to separate foreign objects from the rice in the processing due to the

bulk purchase, normally in gunny sacks, made by the company.Meanwhile, a Bernas source said

investigation has begun to find out how the incident happened, saying that silica gel packs are

always kept in rice container shipments to keep the raw food dry and off fungi attack.Silica gel is

poisonous if consumed."There is a possibility the silica gel packs could have burst from the

transporting side as our transportation is by a third party."The silica gel could have been stuck on

one of the rice gunny sacks.""It could also be that the items may have gone into the rice packs

when the wholesaler was repacking the rice. But I dare not confirm all these," he said.According

to him Bernas has no control over the quality of products once the gunny sacks are sold to the

wholesalers, as the company does not have authority to regulate them."Besides, Bernas does not

import a small amount. It's massive. Against all odds any possibilities can happen," he said.This

is not the first time silica gel was found in rice packs, a similar incident happened early 2013.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=100187

http://www.agriview.com/search/?k=%22weed%20control%22&t=&l=20&d=&d1=&d2=&f=html&s=start_time&sd=desc&sHeading=Weed%20Control

http://www.agriview.com/search/?k=%22weed%22&t=&l=20&d=&d1=&d2=&f=html&s=start_time&sd=desc&sHeading=Weed

http://www.agriview.com/search/?k=%22agriculture%22&t=&l=20&d=&d1=&d2=&f=html&s=start_time&sd=desc&sHeading=Agriculture

http://www.agriview.com/search/?k=%22herbicide%22&t=&l=20&d=&d1=&d2=&f=html&s=start_time&sd=desc&sHeading=Herbicide

http://www.agriview.com/search/?k=%22superweed%22&t=&l=20&d=&d1=&d2=&f=html&s=start_time&sd=desc&sHeading=Superweed



29

Indonesia’s Rice Consumption 4:04 AM EST MAY 27, 2015 By Anita Rachman

Reports that merchants in a traditional market outside Jakarta had sold synthetic rice caused a

panic among Indonesian consumers this week in a country where rice is a staple. The

government has since tested samples of the allegedly tampered grain and found that it contained

no synthetic material, Indonesian Police Chief Badrodin Haiti said Tuesday in a televised press

conference. But the fact that rumors of the so-called ―plastic rice‖ spread so fast and so widely,

revel just how important the commodity is to Indonesians – who often say a meal without rice

means one hasn‘t eaten.

114 kilograms

The average amount of rice each Indonesian will consume this year, as projected by Indonesia‘s

National Statistics Agency. The figure is smaller than last year‘s by 10 kilograms, partly

because, like much of Asia, as Indonesians become more upwardly mobile, their dietary

preferences are changing to include more bread and noodles. Still, Indonesia continues to

consume more rice than neighboring countries such as Malaysia, where rice consumption per

capita is less than 100 kilograms, said Lely Pelitasari Soebekty, director of public services at the

State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

70.83 million tons

The amount of rice Indonesia is believed to have produced last year, according to the statistics

agency, which plans to release the final figure in the middle of the year. That figure would mark

a 0.63% decline in production from 2013 due to a loss of farm land for building or factory

development, according to the statistics agency.

$246 million

The value of rice Indonesia imported from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam in 2013, the

latest year for which data is available. That‘s roughly equivalent to 472,600 tons. Indonesia has

been a net importer of rice for years, despite efforts by the government to ensure self-sufficiency

in major food staples, such as rice, corn and soybeans. To help achieve that objective, the

government has also been leading campaigns telling people to eat less rice to ease demand on

local production and imports. Ms. Soebekty said the campaigns have struggled to have much of

an impact because rice is still considered the most affordable and filling carbohydrate available.

While imports were down in 2013 compared to the 2012 figure – Indonesia had seen increases in

rice imports in the year‘s prior.

27%

The percentage low-income families spend from their salaries each month to buy rice subsidized

by the government. The government sells the rice – which is of a lower quality than that sold at

market prices – at around 12 cents per kilogram, allowing each family to purchase up to 15

kilograms a month, said Ms. Soebekty. She said Bulog distributes about 230,000 tons of rice

monthly to 15.5 million households across the archipelago.



30

MoC to crack down on 'unethical' rice exporters Thu, 28 May 2015

Chan Muyhong

The Ministry of Commerce is ramping up its efforts to stamp out ―unethical‖ rice exporters

mixing their produce with rice from neighbouring countries, as the European Union becomes

increasingly concerned about rice tampering. In an open letter issued on May 11 the ministry

said it will stop issuing Certificates of Origin to exporters found to be using non-Cambodian rice,

as this could lead to the European Union withdrawing its duty-free trade preferences that

Cambodia enjoys under the Everything But Arms agreement.―Recently, the EU has increased

monitoring of rice imports to investigate the origins of rice imported, with the aim to pause or

ban the import of rice without clear origins,‖ the letter reads.

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) urged the president of Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), rice

exporters and millers to strictly comply with the code of conduct on rice exports to the EU

agreed upon last year.―MOC will have a group of inspectors who will launch surprise inspections

in rice exporting companies and rice millers to investigate the issue,‖ the letter added.The code

of conduct was created to ensure that rice exported from Cambodia was actually grown in

Cambodia and not mixed with Vietnamese rice, after Oryza, an industry publication, reported the

EU raising concerns last year.The EU Ambassador to Cambodia Jean-Francois Cautain said

yesterday that the EU had become increasingly concerned recently and that ensuring the

Kingdom‘s rice exports were 100 per cent homegrown was the responsibility of the

Cambodianauthorities.

―Indeed, as for any other product exported to the EU under EBA, were the rule of origin not

respected, it may lead to an investigation by the EU,‖ he said in an email.―We are welcoming the

constructive approach of both the Royal Government of Cambodia and the rice exporters in

putting in place proper mechanisms to ensure that the rule of origin is fully respected for rice

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/author/chan-muyhong/20335

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-screen_watermarked/public/field/image/7-havest.jpg?itok=chjpw40v



31

exports to the EU.‖Kan Kunthy, CEO of Battambang Rice Investment Company, said yesterday

that the problem came down to ―only a few unethical exporters‖ that the MoC and CRF were

currently investigating. ―It will cause a huge impact on rice industry if the EU no longer granted

Cambodia with EBA, as 50 per cent of the country‘s total exports go to the EU.‖Kunthy said that

the EBA was a crucial stepping stone to maintaining growth in the sector but that they need to

prepare for withdrawal of the scheme once Cambodia moves to a middle-income status.―All we

can do without EBA is to increase our competitiveness and compete with other exporters from

the region,‖ he added. Image:A man harvests his rice crop in Phnom Penh‘s Russey Keo district last month. Vireak Mai

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ANANTH BALIGA

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/ministry-targets-mixed-rice-exports

WOTUS Revisited

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Late yesterday,

USA Rice staff were invited to a meeting

with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and

others to discuss the Waters of the U.S.

(WOTUS) rule (now titled the Clean Water

Rule). EPA disclosed that they intended to

release a pre-Federal Register notice of the

rule today. Implementation of the rule will

begin 60 days after it is officially published

in the Federal Register, which is expected

within the next month. The agency staff

stated that significant changes were made to

the final version based on the more than one

million public comments the agency received. EPA indicated that among the changes are the

issues of upland ditches, the definition of tributaries, the extent of floodplains, and the confusion

over how farms would be treated in "adjacent waters," among other things. Agency staff

specifically cited USA Rice comments in helping to better define an exemption for rice fields

that was in the proposal but had some problematic language.

USA Rice is encouraged by the agency's efforts to substantively change the document, but will

be carefully reviewing and analyzing the final rule to provide guidance to the rice industry. The

pre-Federal Register version of the final Clean Water Rule and various supporting

documentation can be found here.

Contact: Steve Hensley (703) 236-1445

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices



32

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the

following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and

the resulting marketing loan gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop,

which will become effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Prices are unchanged from the previous

announcement.

World Price MLG/LDP

Rate

Milled Value

($/cwt) Rough

($/cwt) Rough ($/cwt)

Long-Grain 14.93 9.67 0.00

Medium-/Short-Grain 14.55 9.80 0.00

Brokens 9.01 ---- ----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and

the corresponding loan rates:

U.S. Milling Yields

Whole/Broken

(lbs/cwt)

Loan Rate

($/cwt)

Long-Grain 57.21/12.55 6.64

Medium-/Short-Grain 61.89/8.83 6.51

The next program announcement is scheduled for June 3, 2015.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 27

Month Price Net Change

July 2015 $9.430 + $0.010

September 2015 $9.710 + $0.015

November 2015 $9.970 + $0.020

January 2016 $10.225 + $0.015

March 2016 $10.390 + $0.115

May 2016 $10.390 + $0.115

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jHOZc1nZWU7a4GQASBg5wcI-2K3REh5483DFAOxX6mu_zqbpE9ifoLR90Oe7TbYsw_CDi6vBhDgV_3TZDaz3iAKA2YuZfccLCPMj6t-XIf1YBs8wEHF2bwtPXU1R_FzYGXKK7huQzTUgfWr3tN5d3r4tpDvQ6duNWsQARH2kprG8d02YeXdEiR77-4w0JVUownZmQDRLwUuWr4fRoB2z6VriSr0guatxf7KA7MZDgqPC4VMLpIsiko7heLYcESzhsRjbpbcV5vRr1iwpVBbR-iyFuZhbOgq0GRLns0cGo3bMfVrJ3b-8omJikw6ouG8nSCDZICZYJP8h6jPZGPq0sMVMlv5V2TdTB20SA0FPba3xsl7cAf19WqUYWRrksgCyl0DsGFxv1KRa3AOfVlEoCjpN64USBmaq&c=9nsKj1ZL4q_BkDbytm-ZROb4LxdYbe6pwWIwmUSyCW_g5-VMSoE1EQ==&ch=mZjVWpG1jJoeRzD5G___VO0EEZQ9BfvKt9YqgqHGzPLdNXLsKbwb8A==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jHOZc1nZWU7a4GQASBg5wcI-2K3REh5483DFAOxX6mu_zqbpE9ifoLq4zH6k9ZPRIKfL0elXFWdAFx9M76psxQ4tZ0FzKVcM2cJI1Yeg71DOss0ZFl3NHFqS-hAiqM7AjNHctBbjbmCgFTzjoMjWtISMUYmwsZhCrs3DD-EkDWZjiIJm45GlHc4IpvCNYi69u4-7yx3pBJNN0uE38sWbrZ7DwYH9zARLzCc5haDb9K_7AJiZDd-_dL-jNRRiQNlxC9ugq9NNP9t2vOR5T-LZ0E5it9Q9t-cR3T0ChyoIuCRccCnD81dgJD4oUzR5XM9j5JQB24lvIuBE97Ulc38THG5W-Fzs3ZrCGrJQ2o21SJk_SYwg49O-x_mlna6sFuCCsGU6Jgp27LC9er0drS-wdgaXDxs5nWP5T925Yb22QuoyAsk9enuqD2pD9usvfD0YOE0rT9DZ-JwSmUhUyaqC4BnpeieMSmcd&c=9nsKj1ZL4q_BkDbytm-ZROb4LxdYbe6pwWIwmUSyCW_g5-VMSoE1EQ==&ch=mZjVWpG1jJoeRzD5G___VO0EEZQ9BfvKt9YqgqHGzPLdNXLsKbwb8A==



33

July 2016 $10.390 + $0.115

Satellite imagery to soon enable large-scale monitoring of

Asia’s rice areas

This Sentinel-1A mosaic stretches from Pakistan to the Philippines. (SAR imagery from ESA: Sentinel-1A. Background

from Google Earth © Google Inc.)

Information derived from satellite images can soon be made available to governments to help

guide policy related to food security and sustainable development, particularly in rice-growing

areas.The European Space Agency (ESA) satellite, Sentinel-1A, launched in 2014 can provide

regular ‛snapshots‘ of Asia as often as every 12 days. The imagery is derived from synthetic

aperture radar (SAR) systems that can monitor the earth‘s surface day and night, even through

rain or cloud cover—hence, images even during the monsoon season—making the tool perfect

for rice crop monitoring.As a demonstration of the potential of the Sentinel program, sarmap and

the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have generated mosaics, composed from several

Sentinel-1A images that cover 7 million square kilometers of South and Southeast Asia. These

http://irri.org/



34

cloud-free mosaics show detailed SAR imagery for accurate monitoring of agricultural activity

and of the state of natural resources across Asia.

SAR-based monitoring has never before been possible at such large scale, mainly due to the cost

and challenge of processing so much imagery automatically. Fortunately, Sentinel-1A imagery is

available for free and sarmap has developed automated processing chains, hosted on cloud

computing facilities provided by Amazon Web Services to handle this vast amount of data. The

rice crop can then be monitored on a regular basis through the season.This kind of monitoring

can support a data revolution, leading to better and more timely information on crop

production.Rice is one of the most important crops for global food security, and 90%—or about

140 million hectares—of the world‘s rice-growing area is in Asia. The crop is regularly exposed

to the risk of damage from drought, flooding, and tropical storms. Timely and accurate

information on rice, i.e., crop area, crop growth, and losses due to calamities) is thus very

important to rice-growing and -consuming nations.

The lower Mekong River Delta, viewed with as a SAR imagery. (SAR imagery from ESA:

Sentinel-

1A. Background from Google Earth © Google Inc.)

IRRI and sarmap are working, with many other partners, on two major projects that use SAR

imagery: One is the Remote Sensing-based Information and Insurance for Crops in Emerging

economies (RIICE) project, which has already used SAR images to monitor rice-growing areas

in 13 test sites in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The

second phase of the RIICE project starts in May 2015 and aims to develop in-country capacity to

http://www.sarmap.ch/index.php

http://www.riice.org/

http://www.riice.org/



35

help partner governments fully benefit from the technology.The other is the Philippine Rice

Information System (PRiSM) project, the development of which was funded by the Philippine

Department of Agriculture. The PRiSM project has identified SAR-based rice monitoring as one

of the technologies to be used for delivering better rice crop information."Our aim is to work

with partners in Asia to ensure that this technology is incorporated into national systems," said

Andrew Nelson, project lead at IRRI and head of IRRI‘s Geographic Information Systems

laboratory. "Such information can better support decision-making, targeting of resources, crop

insurance, and disaster mitigation and response systems in both public and private sectors.

"What do the images show? SAR imagery must be interpreted differently from imagery

commonly available through Google Maps and other mapping services. In the SAR mosaics, we

have processed images taken between 21 February and 10 March 2015 such that dark blue

represents water or other flat surfaces such as airport runways, orange and white represent built

up areas and human settlements, light blue represents bare soil, while brown and green show

vegetation at different stages of growth. SAR imagery from Sentinel-1A enables tracking of

changes in vegetation and water through the seasons, which changes the way crops are

monitored from space in monsoon conditions.

The following image, for example, of the lower Mekong Delta—one of the most important rice-

growing regions in the world—clearly shows how SAR imagery can capture differences in

vegetation and water. The irrigation network and the various stages of the rice crop across the

delta are visible as well as other features such as cities (e.g., Ho Chi Minh at top right of the

image) and aquaculture in coastal areas. The image is a snapshot of the earth‘s surface, but

Sentinel-1A will continue to capture images as often as every 12 days over the region, and these

images will become increasingly useful as they reveal the progress of the rice crop over time,

season after season.This work has been conducted for the RIICE project funded by the Swiss

Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and for the PRiSM project funded by

the Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA-BAR). It

is also supported by the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRISP).

RIICE partners

Global: sarmap, IRRI, Allianze Re, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

(GIZ), and SDC.

Cambodia: Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and Ministry

of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

India: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India (TNAU), and Agriculture Insurance Company

of India Ltd. (AICI).

Indonesia: Indonesian Center for Agricultural Land Resources Research and Development

(ICALRD)

Philippines: Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Department of Agriculture (DA),

Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA), and Philippine Crop Insurance

Corporation (PCIC).

Thailand: Rice Department of Thailand (RD), Geo-informatics and Space Technology

Development Agency (GISTDA), Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), Office of Agricultural Economics

(OAE), Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE), and Ministry of Agriculture and

http://irri.org/resources/publications/brochures/prism

http://irri.org/resources/publications/brochures/prism

https://www.eda.admin.ch/sdc

https://www.eda.admin.ch/sdc

http://www.bar.gov.ph/

http://irri.org/our-work/research/#research-2



36

Cooperatives (MOAC).

Vietnam: Can Tho University (CTU), Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment

(IMHEN), National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection (NIAPP), and Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

PRISM partners

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), IRRI, sarmap, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI),

Philippine Statistics Authority - Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (PSA-BAS) and Philippines

Department of Agriculture (DA), Regional Field Offices (RFOs) in the following regions:

Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon,

CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern

Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN,

Caraga, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://irri.org/news/media-releases/satellite-imagery-to-soon-enable-large-scale-monitoring-of-asia-s-rice-

areas

Myanmar poised to regain major role in global rice

trade

IRRI Director General Robert Ziegler (2nd from left) presents the Myanmar Rice Sector Development Strategy

with former IRRI representative for Myanmar Madonna Casimero (left most), Myanmar President U Thein Sein

(3rd from left), and MoAI Minister U Myint Hlaing.

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar - The

Republic of the Union of Myanmar is

poised to not only transform its rice

sector but to also recapture its

prominence in the international rice

market.The Myanmar government

made this commitment via the launch

of the Myanmar Rice Sector

Development Strategy (MRSDS) on

20 May 2015 at the Department of

Agricultural Research in Nay Pyi

Taw.The MRSDS was drafted by the

Myanmar government, led by its

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation

(MoAI), with technical input from

the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and international partners such as the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank.

Myanmar President U Thein Sein said the MRSDS symbolizes the collaboration between his

country and IRRI toward a food-secure future for Myanmar and the rest of the world. He cited

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37

the work of IRRI scientists in the development of pest- and disease-resistant and stress-tolerant

rice varieties; improved cropping systems; postharvest technologies; and better soil, pest, and

water management practices that have raised productivity of rice systems in Myanmar, greatly

benefiting smallholder farmers.IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler said that ―the wonderful

scientific achievements of IRRI need to be combined with development strategies and coherent

programs that governments are willing to implement over a long period of time‖ to ensure that

farmers have access to and are able to use these.

Zeigler added that having a government demonstrably willing to transform and develop its rice

sector, an environment conducive to rice production, and growing global demand for rice make

Myanmar a good opportunity for investment.U Myint Hlaing, Myanmar‘s minister for

agriculture and irrigation, said it is possible to break the cycle of poverty and hunger by

―strengthening rural resilience, achieving social protection, and sustaining agricultural

development,‖ all of which can be achieved through a clear road map for sustainable rice sector

development such as that detailed in the MRSDS.

Also during the launch, Zeigler awarded a special rice memento to honor the Myanmar president

for his visionary leadership of the rice sector and to commemorate the visit the president and his

cabinet members made to the IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, in December 2013.A

donors‘ forum was held alongside the launch of the MRSDS, to provide international agencies

the opportunity to discuss their respective efforts for the Myanmar rice sector. The forum,

facilitated by Corinta Guerta, IRRI director for external relations, was attended by

representatives from the FAO, Japan International Cooperation Agency, The World Bank,

International Fund for Agricultural Development, Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund,

Welthungerhilfe, Mercy Corps, Food Security Working Group, Action Aid, International

Fertilizer Development Center, Proximity, Korean International Cooperation Agency, and the

Rural Development Administration.

IRRI has been working with the government of Myanmar since the early 1960s.

http://irri-news.blogspot.com/2015/05/myanmar-poised-to-regain-major-role-in.html

Basmati rice acreage to go up despite lower realisation last

year

Farmers overlook deterrents due to higher returns from basmati crop Vijay C Roy | Chandigarh

May 25, 2015 Last Updated at 22:20 IST

http://www.business-standard.com/author/search/keyword/vijay-c-roy



38

Area under Basmati rice cultivation might see a five per cent increase this financial year. A

bumper crop and decline in exports had led to lower realisation by farmers from the sale of

Basmati rice in 2014-15, as compared to the previous year. This, however, would not lead to a

fall in area under cultivation this kharif season. Basmati fetches higher returns than other rice

varieties.In 2014-15, the total area under Basmati cultivation was 2.1 million hectares, compared

to 1.6 million hectares in 2013-14 — an increase of 31 per cent. Further, exports from India

registered a nominal drop in 2014-15 compared to last year. According to the Agricultural and

Processed Food Export Development Authority (Apeda), in 2014-15, total exports were 3.70

million tonnes, while during the previous year they were 3.75 million tonnes.

In value terms, it has fallen from $4.40 billion in April-February, 2013-14, to $4.11 billion in the

same period in 2014-15.The decline in export was mainly due to a fall in export to Iran, the

largest importer of Indian Basmati. India had exported 1.44 million tonnes of Basmati to Iran in

2013-14, while in 2014-15, it was 9.35 lakh tonnes.R Sundaresan, executive director, All India

Rice Exporters Association, said, ―The aromatic rice variety offers high returns to farmers. Even

during last year, when there was significant increase in area and production, it gave higher

returns to farmers. Moreover, it consumes less water than the non-Basmati varieties. With

uncertainty over monsoon looming large, we think more farmers would sow Basmati. There

could be at least a five per cent increase in acreage.‖Punjab and Haryana account for about 70

per cent of total Basmati grown in India.

In 2013-14, Basmati prices were at Rs 1,850-3,700 a quintal, while in 2014-15, due to bumper

harvest in these two states, the price of the crop was at Rs 1,700-2,900 a quintal.Kohinoor Foods

Joint Managing Director Gurnam Arora said, ―Last year, there was a shortfall in exports to Iran.

However, exports to the US, Saudi Arabia and other West Asian countries were on the higher

side. Despite bumper production, the average realisation for the farmers was better. So, we are

anticipating there will be a five per cent increase in acreage.‖―Basmati fetches better returns than

other rice varieties. We request the Centre to fix the minimum support price for the crop so the

farmers should not depend at the mercy of exporters,‖ said Manjeet Singh, a farmer from

Amritsar.In Punjab, the government is encouraging farmers to grow Basmati as it consumes less

water.

27th may(wednesday),2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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