13th October, 2015 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter
|1
www.ricepluss.com
www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

October 13,2015
Vol 5 ,Issue XV
|2
News Headlines....
TPP pressures farmers into cost cuts

Philippines considers buying 1m T more rice ahead of severe El Nino
1.5M metric tons of rice imports eyed in 2016 amid El Nio
Sulfate may affect wild rice plants
Thailand invests in partnership-driven rice research
Rice class visits California
Strengthens efforts to combat effects of El Nio
Indonesia considers rice import amid El Nino
Rice deal against the local grain
Rice productivity
The challenges of Vietnam agriculture
Importers, traders laud govt for lifting ban on rice
Nigeria, Brazil ready to strengthen trade ties
Govt apathy leaves Nokha rice bowl without scent of premium variety
Fed Govt suspends quota issuance to rice millers
APEDA NEWS FROM INDIA
The publication Global Rice Market to 2019 Market Size, Growth, and Forecasts
USA Rice at World's Largest Food Show
Crop Progress: 2015 Crop 88 Percent Harvested
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
New rice development strategy is ready, Agriculture PS says
Higher yields, quality, technology ahead for RiceTec hybrids: Part III
Punjab farmers end rail blockade, to protest against ministersPunjab Farmers to End 'Rail
Roko' Agitation After Government Promises Compensation
Farmers' Protest Derails Samjhauta, Passengers Suffer
AD, BJP appeal farmers to work with govt to resolve issues
Punjab farmers continue to 'Rail Roko' as talks fail
Indias poor may soon get a taste of biryani
News Detail...
TPP pressures farmers into cost cuts

|3
TOKYO -- Should the Trans-Pacific

Partnership trade agreement come into force,
the price of agricultural products will fall in
Japan, including that of rice -- the country's
biggest concern. To counter cheap imports,
Japanese rice farmers must raise their game.
Urgent steps include lowering prices to
consumers by cutting production costs, and
switching to strong-selling varieties.
A drone plants rice seeds in Tochigi Prefecture,
Central Japan
Under the terms of the agreement, Japan will
allow a quota of tariff-free rice from the U.S.
and Australia that will gradually rise to 78,400
tons in year 13 of the deal. That is equivalent to
1% of Japan's total production. The volume of
imported rice consumed in Japan is likely to increase as a result, given that demand for cheap
rice is strong, particularly in the food service industry.
The government will continue to buy
domestically grown rice in volumes equal to
the tariff-free import quota. This rice will go
into Japan's national reserve. The idea is to
encourage farmers to shift to production of
feed-grain rice, thereby supporting domestic
prices. The government is also expected to
develop a framework aimed at fostering
technological innovation and helping
farmersexpand their businesses.
Firm rice, soft price
Japan is not required to import the full quota. Under the terms of the agreement, the zero-tariff
rice will trade under a simultaneous buy and sell system, which allows private companies to
place their own orders. In fiscal 2014, under the current SBS system, Japan imported just over
10,000 tons, or 10% of the quota. Under the TPP, the SBS system will be altered to raise the
number of successful bids. In the short-term, however, the impact of the TPP is likely to be
limited, industry watchers say.
Thanks to falling domestic prices and the yen's depreciation, the price gap between domestic
and imported rice in Japan has narrowed to less than 100%. With this in mind, the country may
not be able to consume the full quota of imported rice. For now, the impact of the trade deal on
domestic rice prices will be limited, according to Kitoku Shinryo, a Tokyo-based wholesaler.

|4
Many market players agree. In fiscal 2014, the government purchase price for U.S. mediumgrain rice, which restaurants prefer to blend with domestic rice, was 138 yen ($1.14) per
kilogram. The sales price for the private sector stood at 179 yen, including the government
markup. The price for directly traded domestic rice grown that year averaged a record-low 202
yen per kilogram on a milled-rice basis. The current price trend makes imported rice less
attractive. An official at Hiday Hidaka said the restaurant chain has no plans to use imported
rice, considering the gap in quality between home-grown rice and imports.
A Yoshinoya Holdings official said the beef-bowl restaurant operator may use imported rice if it
becomes more attractive than the domestic product in terms of price and quality. Restaurant
operators and other home-meal replacement businesses are generally looking for rice at
reasonable prices.
http://asia.nikkei.com/Features/Trans-Pacific-Partnership/TPP-pressures-farmers-into-cost-cuts
Philippines considers buying 1m T more rice ahead of severe El

Nino
The Philippines, one of the world's biggest rice buyers, is studying a proposal to purchase 1 million tonnes
more rice to keep an adequate buffer stock and prevent a spike in local prices, a senior government official said
on Tuesda
PHOTO: REUTERS
OCT 13, 20152:54 PM

|5
[MANILA] The Philippines, one of the world's biggest rice buyers, is studying a proposal to
purchase 1 million tonnes more rice to keep an adequate buffer stock and prevent a spike in local
prices, a senior government official said on Tuesday.The Southeast Asian country has suffered
crop losses in recent months due to below normal rainfall and is set to miss its 2015 target for
rice, the national staple, because of a stronger and prolonged El Nino dry weather phenomenon
that is potentially one of worst in 65 years.The government has bought 500,000 tonnes rice for
delivery in the first quarter for its 2016 needs.
But another purchase of 1 million tonnes would ensure a 45-day buffer stock kept by the state
grain agency National Food Authority (NFA) is maintained throughout the dry season, Economic
Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, told reporters.The proposal for additional rice imports still
needs to be approved by the inter-agency NFA Council, said Balisacan, who is also a member of
the council. "Based on our analysis of the current data, we may need to increase, to import
another one million tonnes to maintain a 45-day buffer stock," said Balisacan, adding the
proposal will be discussed with President Benigno Aquino this week. "Adequate supply and the
timely importation is crucial because what we want to avoid is domestic prices shooting up while
world prices are relatively stable. We want to make sure that supply is there when we need it the
most." The Philippines last month split a 750,000-tonne rice supply contract between Vietnam
and Thailand as it sought to boost shrinking stocks.
The government is assuming a 25 per cent drop in rice output due to the impact of the dry spell,
the same magnitude recorded in the 1997-1998 El Nino weather disturbance, Balisacan said.The
NFA has approved imports for delivery this year reaching nearly 1.8 million tonnes, including
937,000 tonnes already shipped in by the state grain agency and purchases by private traders
totalling 600,000 tonnes. The Southeast Asian country last year purchased about 1.7 million
tonnes of rice.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/energy-commodities/philippines-considers-buying-1m-t-more-riceahead-of-severe-el-nino
1.5M metric tons of rice imports eyed in 2016 amid El Nio

By: Ben O. de Vera
@BenArnolddeVera
Philippine Daily Inquirer
04:38 PM October 13th, 2015
MANILA, Philippines The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is
seeking President Aquinos go-ahead to import up to 1.5 million metric tons of rice in the first
quarter of 2016 or triple the volume of the original program to ensure enough supply and keep
prices stable amid the prolonged drought due to El Nio.NEDA Director-General and Economic
Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters on Monday night that this intervention
would form part of the proposed Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Nio or Rain, which
was aimed at mitigating the dry spells impact on food supply, ensuring stability of food prices,
and providing assistance to farmers and households in adversely affected areas.Last week,

|6
NEDA submitted to President Aquino a memo listing down the proposed interventions to
mitigate the effects of El Nio.
Balisacan is hoping to present the roadmap to the President this week.Balisacan said the
government has programmed to import 500,000 metric tons of rice during the first quarter of
next year, but NEDA has seen the need to import an additional one million metric tons.We
might need to increase, import another one million [metric tons of rice] to maintain a 45-day
buffer stock, because if we dont, the inventory would fall drastically. As you have seen in 2013
and 2014 when the inventory dropped sharply, prices also rose, Balisacan explained.The NEDA
chief said the country should import more rice as the impact of the ongoing El Nio on domestic
rice production would likely match the damage caused by drought in 1997 to 1998.During that
period, agricultural production shrunk quite significantly.
In 1998 alone, rice production declined by almost 25 percent mainly as a result of El Nio, he
noted.The National Food Authority or NFA Council usually decides on rice importation
volumes, but Balisacan said the Presidents approval should be sought as increasing the imports
would cost the national government billions of pesos more.The government may have to
directly import the additional rice or may source from half of the maximum access volume to be
brought in by the private sector, he added.The most important thing is to make sure we have
adequate [rice] supply, and timely importation is crucial, because we want to avoid domestic
prices shooting up while world prices are relatively stable. We want to make sure that supply is
there when we need it the most, Balisacan said.
The NEDA chief said the government may have to allot up to P19.2 billion to be spent on
various programs and projects that would help mitigate the effects of El Nio starting this
year.Balisacan said P7.5 billion might have to be disbursed before the end of the year, while the
rest would have to be allotted for the first half of next year, as El Nio has been projected to last
until June 2016 and could peak between December and February. SFM
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/730589/1-5m-metric-tons-of-rice-imports-eyed-in-2016-amid-elnino#ixzz3oXDloAK0
Sulfate may affect wild rice plants

U researchers are studying how sulfate levels in lakes can decrease seed
populations.
ByEliana Schreiber
October 13, 2015
Sulfate from acid rain, sewage treatment plants, mines and bacteria is creating a harmful byproduct affecting wild
rice in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and University of Minnesota scientists have been investigating the
relationship between sulfate levels in water and the presence of rarely studied wild rice.

|7
John Pastor, a professor of biology at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, has been growing
wild rice in tanks to learn more about how sulfur affects the plant. Hes looking for patterns to
see what is causing a decrease in seed populations, he said.Data shows that sulfate is not toxic,
but the sulfide it produces has harmed rice populations, he said.
It doesnt take much sulfate entering into the water to cause the production of enough sulfide to
cause the population to go extinct, Pastor said.In the 1970s, Minnesota added language to its
water quality legislation stating that water with sulfate levels greater than 10 milligrams per liter
cant be discharged to bodies of water that grow wild rice, said Amy Myrbo, a research associate
in the Department of Earth Sciences and the director of outreach, diversity and education in her
lab group.Sulfate isnt thought to be harmful on its own, she said, so scientists want to find out
what is causing smaller seeds and lower populations of rice.
Myrbo and her lab group have gone to lakes and rivers around Minnesota to sample the density
of wild rice, the surface water chemistry and the water in the sediment in areas where wild rice
grows. She has been working with students and other researchers to test their hypothesis on over
100 different sites.By looking at several hundred different types of data over a couple hundred
different sites, we could start to look at the correlations between the chemistry and the abundance
and presence of wild rice, she said.Another concern, Pastor said, is the mines operating near the
areas where rice grows, mainly in northern Minnesota.
Sulfate is one of the forms of sulfur that is leaching from iron mines right now and could leach
from the copper nickel mine, he said. Theres a concern about this for all mines.While the
mines are part of the problem, there are other sources of sulfur, such as agricultural fields,
sewage treatment plants and acid rain, Pastor said.Most people are focused on the mines because
the sulfur concentration levels nearby are at least 10 times the state standard, he said.
Ed Swain, a research scientist for the MPCA said the state Legislature gave the agency $1.5
million to cover the research in 2011. He said the large grant allowed the agency to collect a
hefty amount of data. A proposal draft has also been devolped. Swain said the team is planning
to figure out how much sulfate is too much for wild rice.
The research group is going to evaluate the existing 10 milligram standard and propose a way of
calculating a unique number for every body of water that grows wild rice, he said. This is
unusual because water quality standards are usually uniform for every body of water, he
said.The chemistry is different in every system, and no individual number is appropriate,
Swain said.Myrdo said the researchers plan to publish their findings in the near future.
http://mndaily.com/news/campus/2015/10/13/sulfate-may-affect-wild-rice-plants
Thailand invests in partnership-driven rice research

By International Rice Research Institute October 13, 2015 | 4:30 pm EDT

|8
In an effort to further implement the rice research agenda of the country, the Royal Thai
Government through the Rice Department recently approved annual donation of THB 3,600,000
(equivalent of USD 100,000) starting fiscal year 2014-2015 to the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI).In a letter addressed to the Thai Rice Department Director General Anan
Suwannarat, IRRI Director General Robert Zeigleracknowledged the funding contribution. We
once again take this time to convey our deep gratitude to the Royal Thai Government for its
support of IRRI and its mission, Zeigler stated.The funding donation will greatly support the
collaboration between IRRI and the Thai Rice Department toward achieving the goals set forth in
the country's research agenda.IRRI Deputy Director for Communication and Partnerships Bruce
Tolentino explains the goals of this collaboration.
As Thailand faces more complex and more serious challenges in this modern era, the country's
policymakers are adjusting their domestic policies to strengthen the competitiveness of Thai rice
in the face of growing competition from major producers such as Vietnam and India, and from
newer competitors such as Myanmar, he said. The impacts of climate change will become
more serious over the long term. Thailand must also raise farm yields, which requires the rapid

|9
strengthening of the national agriculture R&D system to ensure the availability of technology
adapted to Thailand and readily accepted by Thai farmers, Tolentino added.
Since its collaboration in 1960 when IRRI was established, Thailand has been a staunch
supporter of institutes research. Key achievements of this partnership include improvements in
deepwater rice culture and development of new rice varieties that can tolerate flood and drought.
IRRI and Thailand have been working together to improve rice production and enhance
capacities of Thai rice researchers.
In October 2014, the 4th International Rice Congress (IRC2014)the largest regular conference
and exhibition of the global rice scientific research community and industrywas held in
Bangkok under the patronage of the Royal Government of Thailand, specifically the Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives. Thailand hosted, co-organized, and provided financial support for
IRC2014. The country was chosen as the location for the congress as it is a key player in world
rice trade. Dubbed the Olympics of rice science, IRC2014 gathered around 1,500 participants
from 69 countries. The event highlighted the latest in rice research to ensure global food security.
With 16 partner countries, IRRI now explores partnerships with many nations to meet their
specific local needs where traditional donor agencies lag behind in carrying out research
activities. Collaborative funding arrangements between IRRI and countries, such as India,
the Philippines, and now, Thailand, helps these nations become not only beneficiaries but
partners of their own research initiatives.
http://www.agprofessional.com/news/thailand-invests-partnership-driven-rice-research
Rice class visits California

We asked the seven members of the 2014-16 Rice Leadership Class for their impressions of the
week-long learning session that included tours of the Glenn Colusa Irrigation District, an aerial
audit of the Oroville Dam, Lake Shasta, and the Salinas Valley water systems, and a research
update from Dr. Kent McKenzie, director of ...
Photo SubmittedThe 2014-16 Rice Leadership Class went on a week-long learning session that included tours of the Glenn Colusa
Irrigation District, an aerial audit of the Oroville Dam, Lake Shasta, and the Salinas Valley water systems, and a research update from
Dr. Kent McKenzie, director of the California Rice Research Station in Biggs.
By USA Rice Federation
Posted Oct. 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM

SACRAMENTO, California
Who wouldn't want to spend a week here getting an overview of California's rice marketing and
production practices, crop diversity, conservation and environmental issues, and a close-up look at the
state's rice harvest? It's an itinerary any young rice farmer would love.We asked the seven members of the
2014-16 Rice Leadership Class for their impressions of the week-long learning session that included tours
of the Glenn Colusa Irrigation District, an aerial audit of the Oroville Dam, Lake Shasta, and the Salinas

| 10
Valley water systems, and a research update from Dr. Kent McKenzie, director of the California Rice
Research Station in Biggs. They also got to experience rice harvesting on Leo LaGrande's ranch, hear
about conservation practices at Montna Farms, and tour PGP International where they observed the many
ways rice is used as an ingredient.
Here's what they said:
"I gained a new respect for growers in California while on this trip. They continue to produce a high
quality crop despite the exceptional drought and intense regulation." Derek Haigwood, rice farmer
from Newport, Arkansas
"The trip was very insightful on the complexity of issues the local rice industry faces. From water and air
quality issues, to wildlife preservation, to water availability, and increased cost of production for
producers, it became apparent very quickly that the California rice industry is a different ballgame from
the South. It appears to be a delicate political and regulatory balance of which everyone along the supply
chain was cognizant. Jonathan Hobbs, Russell Marine Group
"It is important in every area of life to build strong relationships. Through the Rice Leadership
Development program I have been given the opportunity to meet and get to know people from every
corner of the rice industry. I have learned that though there are miles between us, we are more the same
than we are different. This program has definitely challenged me to think about our industry in a different

| 11
way. Instead of asking the question: "What's good for me?" Let's ask the question: "What's good for all of
us?" Jeremy Jones, rice farmer from England, Arkansas
"This leg of the program in California has been great. I have gotten to see parts of the region that I was
not familiar with yet. I especially appreciated learning about water rights and water issues facing
California. I am hoping others get a good sense of the struggles we have with regulations and labor so
they can go back to their states and address the issues proactively." John Munger, rice farmer from
Yuba City, California
http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/article/20151013/NEWS/151019929
Strengthens efforts to combat effects of El Nio

October 13, 2015
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 13 -- As early as April 2014, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has
started preparing for the impacts of El Nio on the countrys agriculture sector.We will seed all
(of the) seed-able clouds; we will waste no opportunity, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala
said.Cloud seeding is a weather modification method where chemical nuclei such as silver
iodide or calcium chloride are introduced into the atmosphere to induce condensation, and
eventually, precipitation. Moisture collects around these nuclei and, upon reaching a certain
saturation level, falls as rain.According to Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM)
Director Silvino Tejada, DA has conducted cloud seeding operations in strategic locations
nationwide since last year.

| 12
Tejada added that the (the department) has set up water management and conservation measures through
its BSWM and regional field offices to ensure that scarce irrigation water supply will be efficiently used
and maximized.The DA has also released drought-tolerant rice varieties in threatened rice-producing
areas.
For long-term adaptation measures, the DA improved the countrys small-scale irrigation systems to
make these more resilient to the effects of extreme weather and other calamities. It has also promoted
climate- and disaster-smart farming and fishery technologies to cushion the agro-fishery sector against the
negative effects of calamities.
While the DA and other government agencies have put in place programs to address the challenges of El
Nio, the Agriculture Secretary emphasized that adapting to the effects of this extreme climatic condition,
considered to be the worst in 65 years, is a shared responsibility among Filipinos.
Alcala dispelled fears that crops cannot be grown during the El Nio, and cited the Mung bean as an
alternative crop, among others, which requires a warm climate during its growing period.
Cloud seeding is only one of the many interventions used by the DA to combat the effects of El Nio.
Though this technology is beneficial to many agricultural lands, this may not be required or suitable in
some areas. (DA)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001444636662/gov-t-strengthens-efforts-to-combat-effects-of-el-nio-#sthash.Eo004BFn.dpuf

Jakarta, Oct 13 (IANS): The Indonesian government has been in talks with Vietnam and Thailand on the
possibility of importing rice in an effort to counter the impact of El Nino, a senior official said on
Tuesday."We have been in talks with Vietnam and Thailand," Indonesian Economic Chief Minister
Darmin Nasution said.A final decision over the rice shipment will be made at the beginning of the next
month, he said.
Moderate impact of El Nino has hit Indonesia since August and may end in December with the peak in
September, Xinhua news agency reported.El Nino has triggered drought and prolonged harvest as well as
disturbed cultivation in paddy rice fields in Indonesia.Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the
country's rice output may not be sufficient for the compliance of the demand of most of the country's 250
million populations.
The Indonesian government has created artificial rains and distributed hundreds of pumps to water down
some areas which have suffered from drought.The prolonged dry season has caused lack of water over
200,000 hectares of rice fields across the country of which 30,000 hectares has failed in harvest.In 1998,
El Nino hit Indonesia with severe impact, pushing the government to import five million tonnes of food.

| 13
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=362588

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 - 20:01
Jakarta: The Indonesian government has been in talks with Vietnam and Thailand on the
possibility of importing rice in an effort to counter the impact of El Nino, a senior official said on
Tuesday."We have been in talks with Vietnam and Thailand," Indonesian Economic Chief
Minister Darmin Nasution said.
A final decision over the rice shipment will be made at the beginning of the next month, he
said.Moderate impact of El Nino has hit Indonesia since August and may end in December with
the peak in September, Xinhua news agency reported.El Nino has triggered drought and
prolonged harvest as well as disturbed cultivation in paddy rice fields in Indonesia.Indonesian
Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the country's rice output may not be sufficient for the compliance
of the demand of most of the country's 250 million populations.The Indonesian government has
created artificial rains and distributed hundreds of pumps to water down some areas which have
suffered from drought.
The prolonged dry season has caused lack of water over 200,000 hectares of rice fields across the
country of which 30,000 hectares has failed in harvest.In 1998, El Nino hit Indonesia with severe
impact, pushing the government to import five million tonnes of food.
Rice deal against the local grain

JARED LYNCH
13 Oct, 2015 06:20 AM
FIRST, the US won a better deal to export rice to Japan.

Now, Australian rice growers fear their Californian competitors have gained a head-start on entering the
lucrative and bigger Chinese market.US and Chinese authorities are believed to be close to agreeing on a
phytosanitary protocol to export US rice to the world's biggest grain market.Australian rice growers have
tried for the past eight years to negotiate such a deal but have failed to win priority from the Grains
Industry Market Access Forum, which co-ordinates export deals, and authorities in Beijing.Ricegrowers'
Association of Australia executive director Andrew Bomm said selling rice to China would be more

| 14
lucrative than exporting to Japan because its fast-growing middle-class had a taste for clean and green
imported produce.
Mr Bomm said China was
also more pragmatic about
importing rice, as opposed
to Japan where the grain
was
considered
a
powerful symbol of selfsufficiency.It was also
among the thorniest issues
in hammering out the
Trans-Pacific Partnership
(TPP) deal, which the 12
nations around the Pacific
Rim struck last week."I
don't think there is the
same level of romanticism
in China," Mr Bomm
said."They are more pragmatic and...are a significant importer of rice, but not currently from
Australia."We understand the US is developing a importation protocol. If that occurs, that would put us at
a significant disadvantage because our main competitors are Californian medium grain growers."The US
has lobbied Chinese authorities to allow American rice imports for more than 15 years. In that time,
China has switched from being a rice exporter to importing 2 million tonnes or more of long grain
rice.Vietnam has provided most of the Chinese imports because of price, proximity and quality. However,
the US and Australia haven't been able to sell their product because of the lack of export
protocols.Dwight Roberts, president of the Houston-based US Rice Producers Association, said China
requested that the phytosanitary protocol for rice be signed in Beijing.
Rice productivity
Updated: October 12, 2015 05:54 IST
A total of Rs.81 crore has been sanctioned for a programme to improve rice productivity in the
State during the current financial year under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).The
amount has been sanctioned to complement the subsidy under the Comprehensive Development
of Rice programme and the Sustainable Development of Rice programme 2015-16, which is
being allotted Rs.15,000 per hectare, said a posting on the Department of Agriculture website.
An additional Rs.45,000 per hectare will be given away as input subsidy for a total area of
1,80,000 hectares during 2015-16 under the RKVY.The top districts that will be covered under
the programme are: Palakkad (72,000 hectares); Alappuzha (36,000 hectares); Kottayam (16,000
hectares); and Thrissur (19,000 hectares).

| 15
The challenges of Vietnam agriculture

VietNamNet Bridge Dr. Dang Kim Son, former director of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for
Agriculture and Rural Development, and Dr. Vu Trong Khai, former Rector of the School for Training of
Rural and Agricultural Management Experts, point out the challenges facing Vietnams agriculture and
farmers.
Agriculture is the pillar for social stability of Vietnam and it helped Vietnam stand firmly in crisis
but we are facing many challenges right now. Good harvest low prices for agricultural products
is the refrain that is repeated annually. Why cant Vietnams agricultural production escape
from that vicious circle?
Dr. Dang Kim Son: Our agricultural products are good, but they are only good in quantity, not quality,
so their competitiveness is low.Our agricultural production is falling into the vicious circle like this. The
more production grows, the lower the price because of oversupply. It happens to all kinds of agricultural
products.
Our agricultural production is excessive not because the markets do not need the products but because we
do not produce the new products that the market requires. The countries that purchase our agricultural
products have been doing so for almost 30 years. The situation is tougher because of the appearance of
new agricultural exporters like Cambodia, Myanmar and Pakistan. They are competing fiercely with us in
our traditional markets.To seek the new markets, we must have good and diverse products. The matter
now is that it is time to switch to a new agriculture that we call "restructuring agricultural production."
Dr. Vu Trong Khai: We are seeing the fact that agriculture is in recession. Farmers have to abandon the
fields and go to the city to do anything, even jobs without skills, to still earn higher income than farm
work. However, the lives of these people in urban areas and industrial zones are very poor.

| 16
Dr. Vu Trong Khai

In our country, the people living by agriculture account for 70% of
the population. At least 57% of the workforce works in the
agricultural sector, but this sector generates less than 20% of the
countrys GDP. Therefore, they only benefit from that number. GDP
per capita in rural areas is only $200 compared with the national
average of $1,600/person.According to a survey by the Institute of
Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, the
average income of a farmer household with four people is
VND60,000 (less than $3) per day, below the poverty line. Up to
47.4% of farmer households are unsatisfied with the present life;
50% of the households had debt, of which only 13% had access to bank loans. The remaining 87% were
clients of loan-sharks. The annual savings rate was only VND5-8 million ($250-$400) per household, of
which 80% was for hedging.
The vicious cycle goes on and on. Low productivity leads to low income; low income leads to low
savings; little saving leads to small investment; and small investment leads to low productivity...
Thus, the achievements of agriculture, the great role of agriculture as the "pillar" became a screen that
obscures the misery of farmers. They have to sacrifice too much.
In my opinion, agricultural renovation is actually untying the potential; like a tightly compressed spring,
after being released, it springs up at full throttle to return to its original state, not more. In other words,
this policy is not effective anymore so it cannot create the ability to grow in quality.
We had the untying policy but we did not have the policy of motivation. The motivation policy is
completely different to the untying policy. It takes the role of pushing development to a new level,
improving quality, increasing competitiveness and meeting the increasing requirements of the market.
Therefore, the policy of "motivation" should be made with a scientific and practical basis; and it requires
qualified policy makers who do their job conscientiously and courageously. The facts always change and
the policy must also change to adapt. In the context of international economic integration, policy makers
must understand the WTO rules and international practices. The policy implementation capacity of the
public administration and civil servants must be improved.
The conscience and courage of the policymakers are shown through their firm stuff to avoid the influence
of interest groups, leading to sacrifice the interests of farmers.
Dr. Vu Trong Khai, you have many studies of agricultural and rural development. Could you talk
briefly about the biggest problem of Vietnams agriculture?
Dr. Vu Trong Khai: With the small production scale at present, each household has only 0.8 hectares of
cultivation land on average. Farming is still a "hereditary" profession, which is based on experience.
Processing and trade remains the same, without association with a value chain. The economy in general
and agriculture in particular are involved in the global value chain in a disadvantageous position.

| 17
Thus, with low added value, more deeply integrating into the global market, agriculture increasingly
brings negative socio-economic and environmental consequences, and the farmers get poorer.
Why do we fall into this situation? There are many reasons. After joining the World Trade Organization
(WTO), we have not taken advantage of global integration but have been affected by the negative impact
of globalization.
At the micro level, an important cause, which is "the cause of all causes," is that we're missing the "big
farmers" and agricultural administration in a professional manner. In other words, our institutions have
not formed a team of professional farmers and large agricultural production.
As you said, the more we export rice, the more losses we get. So why do we keep producing rice and
exporting 6-7 million tons of rice annually?
Dr. Dang Kim Son: First of all, rice production itself is an important advantage of Vietnam, especially
the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is not only the granary of Vietnam but also of the world. In the
future when climate change will increasingly be more intense, the more valuable the Mekong Delta rice
basket will be.
Dr. Dang Kim Son
However, in terms of economic efficiency, we need to recalculate. For
years we have not calculated the cost of the environment. Wet rice is a
water and soil intensive variety. Rice is among the plants producing
large carbon emissions. If all of these things are taken into account,
production of wet paddy is not highly profitable. Indeed in other
countries, the governments heavily subsidize wet rice cultivation
because it is considered political plant rather than economic plant
to maintain social stability, create jobs and ensure food security for the
poor.
One of the reasons why we continue to maintain rice production is that we have a tradition of production
of rice, one of the oldest rice civilizations of the world. Our people have produced rice for many
generations so it is hard to switch to other crops overnight.
Dr. Vu Trong Khai: If we dont plant rice, what crops should we cultivate is a tough question, especially
for the Red River and the Mekong Delta, because rice production is a system and we have to start from
the market to processing, and other infrastructure facilities.
For farmers, if the rice prices are low or they cannot sell rice, they can keep it to eat. The other crops
dont have such advantage!
A big problem for agriculture at present is the burden of fees and charges on agricultural products.
Why does this absurdity happens?
Dr. Dang Kim Son: I would confirm that the central government does not want that. The government
knows clearly that the contribution of farmers is not important for the increase of budget revenue. The
States goal is to stabilize the countryside and the lives of farmers.
But there are state bodies with the cumbersome apparatus and civil servants whose salary is low, so they

| 18
create "hurdles" to extort money. Besides, it is the bureaucratic attitude of officials who want to ban to
easily control, to avoid risks in management, regardless of difficulties of the producers and traders.
Therefore not only the central state but also the people have to struggle against bureaucracy. The
renovation process itself must also cope with this. Breakthrough in institutions is the most important
breakthrough of the process of economic restructuring.
Dr. Vu Trong Khai, you have said that the interests of farmers and agriculture have not been
respected and guaranteed though we have policies on this. Could you point out some "evidence"?
Dr. Vu Trong Khai: The 1993 Land Law only set limits for the area of land used by farmers, not
enterprises. The duration of land use rights for farmers is only 20 years for annual crops while enterprises
can use land for 50-70 years, depending on the project. That is, for the same behavior of using land for
agricultural production and business, farmers can use up to only 2-3 hectares for 20 years, while the
restriction is not applied to businesses.
According to the 1993 Land Law, farmers only receive compensation for land use rights under state
prices when their land is revoked to give to investors. Farmers dont have the right to bargain. But after
the land is allocated to investors and the State wants to take back to build infrastructure or lease it to
someone else, the State has to negotiate the prices under the market mechanism.
Some tycoons emerged in Vietnam after they were allocated land revoked from the farmers. At the same
time, the farmers who lost their land had to go to cities to work at industrial zones or take manual jobs.
Investors have dominated the policy; why have the interests of farmers been sacrificed?
There are many similar painful stories that I cant tell in this talk. The big issue that I want to say is, there
are many policies on agriculture and farmers that need to be reviewed.
More importantly, I think we need to reconsider the current industrialization in Vietnam. We can see
these problems very clearly in industrial zones and export processing zones.
Could you clarify these problems?
Dr. Vu Trong Khai: In other countries, they invest in industrial zones for the goals of economic
development and also social objectives like attracting labor in the rural areas in order keep farmers in
their hometown. In Vietnam, industrial zones grow in big cities.
Secondly, our industrial zones only create jobs not life, as they are not tied to residential areas and people.
Rural laborers working in industrial zones have temporary lives. They dont have kindergartens, schools,
and hospitals. If they have children, they have to send them back home to their grandparents. Thus, how
can they work in peace and contentment?
So farmers leave home to be workers, but they always return by keeping their fields. They dont dare to
sell or rent agricultural land in the long-term, but keep it or lease it for a few years only. They are always
ready to come "back home".
Thus, we cannot realize the objective of transferring manpower from agriculture to industry and our
agricultural production is still on a small scale.

| 19
To be continued
VNN
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/special-reports/143237/the-challenges-of-vietnam-agriculture.html
Importers, traders laud govt for lifting ban on rice

Posted By: Oluwakemi Daudaon: October 13, 2015In: Business, MaritimeNo Comments
A senior official of the Federal

Ministry of Finance, who craved
anonymity, said the N20 billion
yearly loss was not part of the
duty owed the government by
rice importers who exceded the
import quotas given to them.
Some importers also enjoyed
questionable waivers too.The
administration
of
former
President Goodluck Jonathan,
had through the Ministry of
Agriculture, approved import
waivers for rice importers.In
spite this largesse, all entreaties,
notifications and notices given to the importers by the Customs, many of them still defaulted
paying Customs duty and other charges on the excess imported rice.
A few months ago, offcials of the NCS sealed warehouses of major rice importers for failing to
pay debts valued at N23,603,479,402.44
The affected importers are: Olam, Stallion/Popular Foods/Masco Agro, Ebony Agro and ContiAgro (Milan).Allowing the issue to degenerate to the level of closing down their warehouses was
one of the reasons the government reviewed the ban.These people were given special allocation
by the government and the terms of agreement were spelt out to them. But, at a stage, they
brought in rice in excess of the allocations that were given to them. It became difficult for them
to pay the duty imposed by the government. I dont know when Nigeria became Father
Christmas where anybody can ship in commodities without paying the necessary duty to the
government.

| 20
Those who put rice under import restriction list failed to understand that some people that are
close to the government may abuse the process and that is why we recorded huge losses from the
border stations where the government is supposed to collect huge revenue from duty and other
charges.Immediately, the item was banned, rice became the most smuggling commodity.Those
using local production to sustain the ban could not achieve anything before they left power.
How many tonnes of rice are we producing in the country? What is the method and level of our
production? How many genuine rice farmers do we have in the country? How much was
allocated for rice production by the last administration and where is the rice in our markets or the
money in our purse?
Without the necessary policy frame work and massive production of the commodity across the
country, the ban on the commodity cannot be sustained.
Rice business is a big business. Rice is an international commodity and it will always find its
way into our country like fish in the Atlantic Ocean; wherever the water goes, you find fish.
Every grain of rice is money, an official of the NCS said.ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola
Shittu, commended President Buhari and the Col. Ali for reversing the obnoxious policy of the
last administration.He argued that the ban on rice importation through land borders had led to
upsurge in the smuggling of the essential commodity and threw up some emergency
millionaires.
He said over 10,000 bags of rice are smuggled in daily.In 2011, Shittu said, 2.9 million tonnes of
rice were imported, not 342,000 tonnes, as claimed by some top officials of the last
administration.He called on the National Assembly to support the Federal Government with a
legislation that would promote agric production.Shittu urged the Federal Government and the
NCS to put in place an effective sanction for rice smuggler.He identified low tariff on rice in
neighbouring countries as one of the major factors contributing to smuggling of rice, urging the
government to look into the 60 per cent levy imposed by the last administration.An importer at
Alaba Rago Market,Mallam Audu Bello, howver, said the decision to ban rice importation was
not well thought-out.
Rice is important in Nigeria. This is because it is a staple food of most homes, he
said.According to government statistics, yearly consumption of rice is about 5.5million tonnes. It
is also a fact that local production accounts for about 1.8million tonnes. Analysts say the
question is how to bridge the gap.The fact is that over two million metric tonnes are smuggled
into the country and the country loses huge revenue through it, he added.Also, the President,
Shippers Association Lagos State, Rev. Jonathan Nicol, lauded the lifting of the ban. He
described the action as the most sensible.According to him, rice is the staple food of many

| 21
Nigerians. When Nigeria is ripe to produce enough rice, Nigerians will be glad to adjust and
consume local produce, he said.
Tags:BanImportersricetraders laudPresident Muhammadu Buhari has been praised for approving
the recommendation of the Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col.
Hameed Ali (rtd), to lift the ban on rice importation through land borders.According to
stakeholders in the maritime sector, the Federal Government loses over N20 billion yearly for
putting rice on the import restriction list.
This is because no fewer than 10,000 bags of rice were smuggled into the country daily from
Benin Republic and other neighbouring countries before the ban was lifted.Customs Public
Relations Officer Mr Wale Adeniyi, last week, in a statement, announced the lfiting of the
ban.The action of the government was lauded by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the
Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Customs officers, importers,
traders and others.
http://thenationonlineng.net/importers-traders-laud-govt-for-lifting-ban-on-rice/
Nigeria, Brazil ready to strengthen trade ties

By Abdullateef Salau | Publish Date: Oct 12 2015 10:02PM | Updated Date: Oct 13 2015 2:03AM
Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, Joao

Lima (L) and Director-General, Nigerian
Tourism
Development
Corporation,
Sally Mbanefo, when the Brazilian trade

delegation
visited
the
Nigerian
Investment Promotion Commission, in

Abuja, yesterday.A trade delegation
from Brazil said the country is ready to
strengthen trade relations with Nigeria
because of its very important position
in ECOWAS. The delegation, which is composed of businessmen from different sectors of the Brazilian
economy, said its investments in Nigeria would focus on rice production, housing, waste recycling among
others.Head of the delegation, Mr Evaldo Silva, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo.

| 22
Nigeria occupies a very important position in ECOWAS while Brazil also occupies a strategic position
in its region. We want to use that advantage to strengthen trade relations between the two countries,
Silva said. Concerning rice production, he said: Brazil, being the largest producer of rice in South
America while Nigeria being the largest consumer of rice in Africa, we want to help Nigeria develop rice
production and also initiate discussion about rice supply to meet up with extra demands, he said. Silva
also disclosed that the Brazilian housing project called My House My Life which provides housing to
the poor and low income earners would be replicated in Nigeria to tackle the countrys housing deficit.
On his part, a senior official of the ministry, Ambassador Ozo Nwobu, who spoke on behalf of the
Permanent Secretary, told the businessmen that their investment focus is timely because housing and
accommodation remains a challenge not only in Nigeria but also in most of its sub-regions.While assuring
them of the Federal Governments support, he said This is a momentous time for us in Nigeria and
Nigerians must be ready to work with developmental partners who will really give us that impetus for
change we are clamouring for.
The Nation Newspaper
Govt apathy leaves Nokha rice bowl without scent of

premium variety
Pranava Kumar Chaudhary & Alok Chamaria | Oct 12, 2015, 11.39PM IST
Nokha (Rohtas): Four-term BJP MLA Rameshwar Chaurasia is locked in a close contest with RJD
greenhorn Aneeta Devi for Nokha seat in Rohtas district. This part of Rohtas was once known for a
special variety of rice called 'Patna rice'. Elders of the area still remember the high yielding variety of
'Sona Chur' and 'Govind Bhog'. Now, it has become a part of history. Rohtas, once an epicentre of highyielding variety of paddy (boiled rice), was known as a 'rice bowl' in the country. But it slowly met a
natural death because of the apathetic attitude of the government towards paddy growers. The district,
which once boasted of having more than 1,000 rice mills, is now left with only a few ones.
Old-timers say Rohtas rice was exported to Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan but now even locals crave for
it. The local economy was mainly based on rice and stone quarrying. More than one lakh families are
badly hit with the decline in this trade, said Sunil Singh, one of the rice mill owners at Nokha. BJP MLA
Chaurasia is also the chairman of the rice millers association. Her opponent Aneeta's husband Anand
Mohan was a two-term MLA and a former minister in Rabri regime. He died three months back at S K
Memorial Hall in Patna.

| 23
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Govt-apathy-leaves-Nokha-rice-bowl-without-scent-ofpremium-variety/articleshow/49329012.cms
Fed Govt suspends quota issuance to rice millers

Posted
By: Frank Ikpefanon: October 13, 2015
The Federal Government has suspended the

issuance of quota to millers for rice
importation.The
Permanent
Secretary,
Ministry
of
Agriculture
and
Rural
Development, Mr. Sonny Echono, said there
would be no issuance of quota to any
intending importer for now pending the review
of the policy which gave preferential treatment
to some importers.Echono, in an interview
with reporters in Abuja at the weekend said
the suspension became necessary because of
abuse of the policy by rice millers, adding that only those who were paying 70 per cent import
duty would be allowed to bring in rice for now.
He said there is no subsisting allocation for this year as the allocation for last year had expired.
He said the country had a supply gap of about 1.5 million tonnes between national rice demand
and supply, blaming the situation on insufficient local milling capacity.Echono however said the
Ministry was addressing this challenge.
He also said the Ministry would seek clarifications on measures put in place by the Nigeria
Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that importers pay appropriate duty for rice imported through
land borders.Mr. Echono said the clarification became necessary following the lifting of the ban
on importation of the commodity through land border by the NCS last week.I will be meeting
with the Comptroller-General of Customs in the interest of the principle of consistency in policy.
As long as the machinery for the importers to pay the appropriate duty is in place on the land
borders, it should not be a problem.
Rice importation through land border was earlier banned because the machinery for proper duty
collection at the borders was not in place.But if they put in place the right policy to ensure that
the routes are clearly defined and duties are paid before they bring rice in, then, we need to get
the assurance on how the mechanism works. That is why I need to meet him, he said.The
permanent secretary said lifting of the ban was not a problem, adding that the ban was earlier

| 24
placed because of lack of machinery for proper collection of duty at the borders which had no
defined routes to check smuggling.The permanent secretary said the volume of rice that would
be allowed into the country would be limited to the current supply gap.
http://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-suspends-quota-issuance-to-rice-millers/
We reversed restrictions on rice import to check smuggling

Customs
Posted By: FRANCIS EZEMon: October 13, 2015In: Business & FinanceNo Comments
Print Email
The Nigeria Customs Service has said that its decision to remove the restrictions on the importation of rice
through the land borders was part of measures to check the massive smuggling of the staple food, through
which the Federal Government has lost huge import revenue.Under the new policy approved by the
Comptroller General of the service Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) importation of parboiled rice would be through both
the seaports and land border, both of which will attract 10 per cent import duty and 60 per cent levy, bring to a
total of 70 per cent tariff.
Similarly, in the new tariff regime, rice millers will enjoy preferential levy with valid quota allocation, which
would however attract a duty rate of 10 per cent with a 20 per cent levy on rice importation, bringing to a total
of 30 per cent tariff.The Federal Government had since 2007 restricted the importation of the product to the
seaports alone, as it was believed that importation through land borders was fraught with massive fraud.
National Public Relations Officer of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, who made the clarification, disclosed that
the Comptroller General of the service, Ali has also approved the removal of the restriction on the importation
of the commodity.
According to him, the government imposed the restriction because the borders were believed to be a difficult
terrain in terms of effectively monitoring and controlling the importation of the commodity a development that
has proved to be counterproductive, as it has fuelled massive smuggling of the commodity over time
He said: Over the years, importation has been restricted to the seaports because the border authorities found it
difficult to effectively monitor and control importation of rice.
The decision to ban rice importation through the land borders has not proved to be an effective measure
because smuggling of the product thrives with people using different means of conveyance including small

| 25
trucks, bicycles and even animals; putting the smuggled products on donkeys and some actually carry it on
their heads, Adeniyi added.
Investigations however showed that apart from checking the thriving smuggling of the commodity, the service
believes that the new policy would enable it streamline its anti-smuggling war by focusing on prohibited items
such as poultry products, which are also massively smuggled across unapproved border routes including the
creeks and waterways.
These new measures will be for customs to streamline its anti-smuggling operations at the border areas and
ensure that all those importers through the borders bring their rice through approved routes and pay their extant
duty, Adeniyi, a Deputy Comptroller of the service also said.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/we-reversed-restrictions-on-rice-import-to-check-smuggling-customs/
APEDA NEWS FROM INDIA
International Benchmark Price

Price on: 12-10-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
CZCE Early Rice Futures (USD/t)
324
Pakistani 100%, FOB Karachi (USD/t)
318
Pakistani 15% Broken (USD/t)
300
CZCE Wheat Futures (USD/t)
353
NYSE Liffe Feed Wheat Futures (USD/t)
179
NYSE Liffe Milling Wheat Futures (USD/t)
205
Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t)
2952
Rice
Wheat
Sultanas
1

| 26
Iranian natural sultanas (Gouchan), CIF UK (USD/t)
2090
Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t)
2175
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 12-10-2015
Domestic Prices
Product
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Manjeri (Kerala)
Other
2800
3800
Aurangabad (Bihar)
Other
1500
2500
Samsi (West Bengal)
Fine
2780
2820
Singroli (Madhya Pradesh)
Other
1450
1500
Dahod (Gujarat)
Lokwan
1700
1958
Vasai (Maharashtra)
Other
1520
2300
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
2000
2200
Barnala (Punjab)
Other
2800
3000
Haldwani (Uttrakhand)
Other
1500
2000
Chala (Kerala)
Other
1800
1852
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Other
2500
3000
Barasat (West Bengal)
Other
3000
3500
Rice
Wheat
Papaya
Brinjal
Source:agmarknet.nic.in

For more info
| 27
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 12-10-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
Ahmedabad
324
Chittoor
303
Hyderabad
298
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 09-10-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
Potatoes
High
Package: 50 lb cartons
Atlanta
Colorado
Russet
15
17
Baltimore
Idaho
Russet
17
18
Detroit
Idaho
Russet
12
14
Cauliflower
Package: cartons film wrapped
Atlanta
Mexico
White
21.25
21.25
Detroit
Michigan
White
14
15
Dallas
California
White
22.50
23
Grapefruit
Package: 4/5 bushel cartons
Atlanta
Florida
Red
24.50
24.50
Baltimore
Florida
Red
28
28
Chicago
Florida
Red
26
26.50
Source:USDA

| 28
HAZARIBAGH MLA DEMAND DE-SEALING OF RICE MILLS

Tuesday, 13 October 2015 | PNS | Hazaribagh | in Ranchi
Hazaribagh Sadar MLA Manish Jaiswal has demanded opening of rice mills which had been sealed by the
district administration last month due to non-payment of Government money.Manish said that the Govt
should adopt some other method to punish them and to get its money returned but closure of rice mills
will make the peasants of this area suffer in the days to come. If rice mills do not open they will have to
sell their paddy to middle men at low cost. He would be taking up this issue.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/hazaribagh-mla-demand-de-sealing-of-rice-mills.html
The publication Global Rice Market to 2019 Market Size, Growth,

and Forecasts in 70 Countriesenables readers the critical
perspectives to be able to evaluate the world market for rice.
Market Research Store has announced the addition of the "Global Rice Market to 2019 - Market
Size, Growth, and Forecasts in 70 Countries" report to their offering.The publication provides
the market size, growth and forecasts at the global level as well as for the following countries:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia,
Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia,
Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia,
Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,
Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Senegal, Slovakia, South Africa,
South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States,
Uruguay, Vietnam
Report:http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-rice-market-to-2019-market-size34487#requestSample
The market data covers the years 2008-2019. The major questions answered in this
comprehensive publication include:
What is the global market size for rice?

| 29
What is the rice market size in different countries around the world?
Are the markets growing or decreasing?
How are the markets divided into different kinds of products?
How are different product groups developing?
How are the markets forecast to develop in the future?
Which are the most potential countries and markets?
Report:http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-rice-market-to-2019-market-size34487
The market information includes the total market size for rice as well as the market size and
trends for the following kinds of products:
Broken rice
Husked brown rice
Wholly milled/semi-milled rice
The publication is designed for companies who want to gain a comprehensive perspective on the
global rice market. This publication makes it easy to compare across different countries and
product groups to be able to find new market opportunities and make more profitable business
decisions.
http://www.marketresearchstore.com/checkout/reportId/34487/reportType/0/q/r
https://www.whatech.com/market-research/food-beverage/95715-global-rice-market-2019-industryanalysis-share-size-growth-and-forecasts
USA Rice at World's Largest Food Show

| 30
E, GERMANY -- USA Rice and several member companies are
participating in Anuga 2015 here, the world's largest food and beverage
trade fair where new products, innovations, food trends, and old favorites
are on display. USA Rice has been exhibiting at Anuga for more than
twenty years, and as in years past, all forms of U.S. rice are on display,
from long grain white, brown, and parboiled, to Calrose, and even wild
rice.The show, that is expected to attract 155,000 attendees, opened
Saturday and continues through Wednesday with more than 7,000
exhibitors from 108 countries including California's SunWest Foods, The
Sun Valley Rice Company, In Harvest, and American Commodity Company.
"Attending this show is always a highlight for us," said John Hasbrook, vice president of SunWest. "So
many of my customers are here, they all come to me instead of me having to hop all over the world. It's a
good use of our time and efforts and we can display some of our exciting new products and beautiful,
just-harvested California medium grain rice." But challenges for the United States are also on display.
"The strong dollar is really having an impact," said Brendan O'Donnell, a representative of Sun Valley.
"There's still a lot of interest in our rice, but the exchange rate is making all American products cost more,
and that's encouraging some of our customers to look for other suppliers, even if they know it's going to
be a lesser quality. They'll still buy U.S. rice for their high end customers, but not all of their customers
can afford U.S. rice."
On the positive side, O'Donnell said he is seeing a lot of new interest coming out of the Middle East,
though credit and payment terms are expected to be difficult here as well.
The USA Rice booth is located in a prominent position in the USA Pavilion and saw a special visitor on
Saturday. Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse stopped by on his way to the ribbon
cutting ceremony to officially open the pavilion and chatted with Chris Crutchfield, president of
American Commodity Company.
The pair talked about the importance of trade fairs like Anuga and the teamwork that goes into them to
spread U.S. products around the world, and developments in two potentially new and exciting markets for
America's rice industry: China and Cuba.

| 31
Scuse told Crutchfield he's hopeful Congress would take action to allow companies to extend credit to
Cuba and to let groups like USA Rice use USDA promotion money in the country.
"Once those things happen, I think we'll see significant increases in agricultural trade with Cuba and be
able to open that market up for all kinds of American products," he said.
On China, Scuse said he knows there's demand for U.S. rice there, so it's just a matter of the Chinese
government signing the phytosanitary agreement that he is hopeful will happen sooner rather than later.
"It was a pleasure to visit with Secretary Scuse again, he's been a great cheerleader for U.S. rice, and
hosting him in the USA Rice booth was quite special," said Crutchfield. "The opening of new markets he
was talking about is very important to the U.S. industry, especially given the many challenges and
realities we're seeing here at Anuga. With about half our crop destined for overseas markets, the more
options we all have, the better off we'll all be."
Coming Up: USA Rice Daily sits down with some of the biggest rice traders and brokers for an in depth
look at some of the challenges facing the U.S. industry in Europe.
Contact: Michael Klein (703) 236-1458
COLOGN
Click image for video interview
Crop Progress: 2015 Crop 88 Percent Harvested

WASHINGTON, DC -- Eighty-eight percent of the nation's 2015 rice acreage is harvested, according to
today's U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report.
Rice Harvested, Selected States
Week Ending
State
Oct 11,
2014
Oct 4,
2015
Oct 11,
2015
2010-2014
average
Percent
Arkansas
84
84
93
86
California
55
40
65
39

| 32
Louisiana
100
99
100
100
Mississippi
86
87
91
89
Missouri
68
66
85
79
Texas
100
99
100
100
Six States
80
78
88
80
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for October 13
Month
Price
Net Change
November 2015
$12.595
- $0.290
January 2016
$12.880
- $0.295
March 2016
$13.155
- $0.295
May 2016
$13.290
- $0.295
July 2016
$13.425
- $0.315
September 2016
$12.760
- $0.265
November 2016
$12.760
- $0.265
New rice development strategy is ready, Agriculture PS

says
Agriculture Principal Secretary, Sicily Kariuki announced that the government will continue to offer other
farm inputs to enable farmers reap maximum benefits from rice farming.
[PHOTO/www.kenyawest.co.ke]

| 33
By Christabel Aoya
12 Oct 2015 6:06 PM
The government has developed a national rice

development strategy to address the identified
constraints and to fully capitalise on the
opportunities in rice farming.The Principal
Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sicily
Kariuki said the strategy will rejuvenate the
rice sector that has faced a myriad of
challenges.Kariuki said the rice sector from
production to marketing will be addressed
through the new strategy to improve the
livelihoods of rice farmers.The strategy encompasses production, processing and marketing that
is significant to improving on livelihood, she said.She noted that the government is keen to
identify and introduce new rice varieties that are fast maturing and with high yields.
Speaking at Ahero National Irrigation Board in Muhoroni constituency on Monday when she
opened training for plant operators for the newly acquired agricultural machineries, Kariuki told
farmers to rely on the government to learn new farming technologies.She said the government
has partnered with Japan International Cooperation Agency to avail to farmers proper
machinery for rice farming.The Principal Secretary announced that the government will continue
to offer other farm inputs to enable farmers reap maximum benefits from rice farming.The
government is facilitating access to affordable farm machinery. I want farmers to be keen on
preparation of their farms and using the right seeds for proper yield, she said
http://www.hivisasa.com/kisumu/agriculture/85750
Higher yields, quality, technology ahead for RiceTec

hybrids: Part III
Oct 12, 2015Forrest Laws | Delta Farm Press
Everything seems to be getting higher except the stature for RiceTecs new hybrids. New lines
under development will have higher yields, higher amylose content and different herbicide
tolerances. But RiceTec will also offer some new shorter, semi-dwarf lines. RiceTecs Van McNeely
explains in this video from the firms field day at its Harrisburg, Ark., research facility.
http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/higher-yields-quality-technology-ahead-ricetec-hybrids-part-iii

| 34
Punjab farmers end rail blockade, to protest against ministers

Blockade had affected over 800 trains over the past week, inconveniencing
thousands of passengers
mage Credit: PTI
Farmers on the the sixth day of their 'Rail Roko' agitation on the rail tracks at Muchhal village
near Amritsar.
Published: 16:44 October 13, 2015
Chandigarh: Punjab farmers demanding better compensation for losses due to a whitefly pest
attack on their cotton crop ended on Tuesday the weeklong rail blockade and decided to protest
against state ministers.After a meeting of eight farmers organisations here, the rail roko
(railway blockade) was called off on the seventh day. The protest had hit hundreds of trains.We
have decided to end the rail roko. We will now gherao (protest against) Punjab ministers at
their residences and other functions, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Jagmohan Singh said
here.The rail blockade had affected over 800 trains in Punjab over the past week, putting
thousands of passengers to inconvenience.The Monday meeting was held after talks between
farmers leaders and the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, on
Monday failed to end the deadlock.
The government said it was not in a position to accept the demands of the agitating farmers,
government sources said.Badal reiterated that the Akali Dal-BJP alliance government was
committed to the welfare of farmers and farm labourers.Akali Dal leader and MP Prem Singh
Chandumajra said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere.Over 800 trains, including
the Samjhauta Express train between India and Pakistan, were cancelled or diverted due to the
agitation by farmers.Thousands of train passengers were stranded. The loss to the railways and
other agencies is said to be over Rs10 billion (Dh564 million).Agitating farmers are demanding
compensation of Rs40,000 per acre for loss of cotton crop, purchase of basmati rice at the
minimum support price and immediate release of payments to sugarcane growers.
Gulf News India
Punjab Farmers to End 'Rail Roko' Agitation After

Government Promises Compensation
All India | Press Trust of India | Updated: October 12, 2015 23:39 IST
Farmers in Punjab block railway tracks in an agitation over crop losses.

| 35
CHANDIGARH: The six-day-old 'Rail Roko' agitation by Punjab farmers is likely to end tomorrow, the
union leaders announced after talks with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The government has
offered some compensation and promised to take up their demands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We will carry on with our agitation till tomorrow," said BKU Ekta (Dakunda) general secretary
Jagmohan Singh who was part of the representatives of 12 farmers' outfits who took part in the three-anda-half hour meeting with the Chief Minister in Chandigarh to find an end to the strike which has paralysed
the train services.
About the offer made by the chief minister, Mr Singh said government has offered to pay Rs.64 crore
compensation for farm labourers but no assurance was given with regard to raising compensation
component on cotton crop loss by pest attack and higher rates for basmati rice prices.
"The state government is not ready to pay more than Rs. 8,000 per acre on crop loss. The government is
also not giving any assurance on giving higher rates for PUSA basmati1121 price," the leader of the union
said.
The unions have been demanding Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for farmers whose crop got damaged

| 36
by whitefly attack, Rs. 20,000 per family compensation for farm labourers, Rs.4,500 per quintal rate for
Basmati PUSA 1509 variety, Rs. 5,000 per quintal for Basmati PUSA 1121.
Besides, they are also seeking payments of sugarcane dues by private mills, debt relief andRs. 5 lakh
financial assistance to the family of farmers who commit suicide.On the issue of debt waiver, Mr Singh
said Mr Badal assured them that he would take up the matter with RBI. "(Prakash Singh) Badal said for
loans regarding cooperative sector, a policy will be framed," Mr Singh said.To check exploitation by
commission agents (Arthiyas), Mr Singh said the state government would come out with a Money
Lending Act in this regard.
A parliamentarian from the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Prem Singh Chandumajra, who was also in the
meeting said, "the meeting with farmers held in a very cordial atmosphere. We expect positive response
from their side."He said that both sides "understood each other's limitations. "We discussed each and
every point of farmers. They told us that they will announce their next line of action after holding their
meeting. We hope that they will call off their agitation.
NDTV
Farmers' Protest Derails Samjhauta, Passengers Suffer

By IANS
Published: 13th October 2015 12:10 PM
Last Updated: 13th October 2015 12:11 PM
AMRITSAR: The six-day old 'rail roko' (railway blockade) agitation by farmers near here has
had an unlikely fallout - it has led to the stalling of the peace train, Samjhauta Express, between
India and Pakistan and precipitated a diplomatic row between both the countries.
Agitating farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Jalandhar-Delhi railway track since October 7,
forcing railway authorities in India to cancel the Samjhauta Express train.
They are demanding compensation of Rs.40,000 per acre for loss of cotton crop due to whitefly
pest attack, purchase of basmati rice at minimum support price, and immediate release of
payments to sugarcane growers.Passengers from both the countries have been stranded on either
sides. After waiting for the train service to resume, many of them have been forced to walk back
into India and Pakistan on Monday.
Immigration officials in Attari, the last village on the Indian side along the international border
with Pakistan, 30 km from here, said that 72 passengers from Pakistan crossed into India on foot
on Monday after the Samjhauta train remained cancelled.About 30 Pakistani nationals also left

| 37
for their country on Monday on foot through the Attari-Wagah joint check post between both
countries.
The bi-weekly train runs between Lahore and Attari stations on Monday and Thursday. On the
Indian side, the Samjhauta Express link train connects Attari with Delhi."It is the link train that
the railway authorities have cancelled. Since the train cannot take passengers coming from
Pakistan side to Delhi, the actual Samjhauta has also been cancelled in the past nearly one
week," a railway official at Attari told IANS.
Last week, the Pakistan foreign office summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in
Islamabad, S. Raghuram, and expressed concern over the train cancellation.In New Delhi,
external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup, replying to the Pakistani concern, said that
the Samjhauta Express had to be cancelled "due to a local agitation, including railway blockade".
"Indian Railway authorities had informed their Pakistani counterparts in advance that the train
would not be able to run in such a situation," Swarup said, adding that the Indian High
Commission in Islamabad was in touch with the Pakistan government to extend help to stranded
passengers.The 'rail roko' agitation by farmers in Punjab continued for the sixth day on Monday
as farmers blocked rail traffic at several places in Amritsar, Moga, Mansa and other districts.
Over 800 trains, including the Samjhauta Express peace train between India and Pakistan, have
been cancelled or diverted by railway authorities.Thousands of passengers have been left
stranded due to cancellation of trains. The loss to the railways and other agencies is said to be
over Rs.100 crore in these six days.Talks of farmers' organisations with Punjab Chief Minister
Parkash Singh on Monday evening failed to produce any results.
News Indian Express
AD, BJP appeal farmers to work with govt to resolve issues

PTI | Oct 13, 2015, 09.38 PM IST
CHANDIGARH: Welcoming the farmers' decision to lift the week-long rail blockade, ruling
coalition partners SAD and BJP on Tuesday appealed to them to work with the Punjab government to
get their issue resolved at the earliest. The decision would help the common man who had been
subjected to inconvenience for the last seven days, SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra and senior
BJP leader Madan Mohan Mittal told reporters here. "Peace and communal harmony are most
important...farmers should have faith in the government and work with it to get all their pending
issues resolved at the earliest," they said. They said chief minister Parkash Singh Badal held talks
with the protesting farmers and assured them that he would take up all pending issues with the
Central
government.

| 38
Henceforth, all crops, be it fruits, vegetables or even pulses and food grains would be considered for
relief and relief parameters would be relaxed to include fog in climate conditions, Chandumajra
said. It was also decided in the talks that a joint delegation of SAD and BJP would soon meet Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of farmers' problems, he said. The chief minister assured
farmers that all cases relating to farm labourers including of housing and power connections would
be taken up for redressal immediately, the MP said, adding that old cases against farmer leaders
would be reviewed and surveys in suicide cases conducted.
Meanwhile, BKU Ekta (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri in a statement said the
Punjab government has agreed to include crops like moong, guar, vegetables, paddy including
basmati rice that were damaged by untimely rains in special girdwari (crop loss assessment). It has
also agreed to give Rs 64.4 crore relief to farm labourers engaged in cotton farms in the wake of
damage by pest attack.Kokri said the state government had also promised to clear outstanding dues
of sugarcane growers within a week.
The Times of india
Punjab farmers continue to 'Rail Roko' as talks fail

Last Updated: Tue, Oct 13, 2015 06:21 hrs
Chandigarh: The ongoing 'rail roko' agitation by Punjab farmers and farm labourers will
continue, they announced on Monday as a meeting between their representatives and Chief
Minister Parkash Singh Badal and senior government functionaries failed to produce any
result.No conclusive breakthrough could be achieved as the government said it was not in a
position to accept the demands of the 18 organisations of farmers and farm hands, government
sources said after the meeting that lasted over four hours in the evening. Sources said that Punjab
government refused to accept the demand of farmers for considerable enhancement in
compensation for losses due to whitefly pest attack on cotton crop.
After the meeting with representatives of the coordination committee of 18 farmer and farm
labour unions here, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, however, reiterated that the Akali DalBJP alliance government was committed to the welfare of farmers and farm labourers in the

| 39
state.Senior Akali Dal leader and parliament member Prem Singh Chandumajra also told the
media that the meeting was held in a "positive atmosphere".
On the other hand, farmer leaders who attended the meeting left for another venue to discuss
among themselves the issues raised with Badal and state government functionaries."We will
discuss the issues and let you know later," farmer leader Sukhdev Singh Khokriwala told the
media at Punjab Bhawan here after the meeting.
The 'rail roko' (railway blockade) agitation by farmers in Punjab continued for the sixth day on
Monday as farmers blocked rail traffic at several places in Amritsar, Moga, Mansa and other
districts.
Over 800 trains, including the Samjhauta Express peace train between India and Pakistan, have
been cancelled or diverted by railway authorities due to the ongoing agitation by
farmers.Thousands of passengers have been left stranded due to cancellation of trains. The loss
to the railways and other agencies is said to be over Rs.100 crore in these six days.Agitating
farmers are demanding compensation of Rs.40,000 per acre for loss of cotton crop due to
whitefly pest attack, purchase of basmati rice at minimum support price, and immediate release
of payments to sugar cane growers.
Sify News
Indias poor may soon get a taste of biryani

Financial Chronicle | Prabhudatta Mishra | October 13, 2015, 13.38 pm IST
The government may sell basmati rice at Rs 3 a kg through ration shops to the countrys poorest
people (Representational Image)
New Delhi: The countrys poorest may get their first taste of world-famous basmati rice, a
favourite of biryani connoisseurs. The government may sell basmati rice at Rs 3 a kg through
ration shops to the countrys poorest people as it has started purchasing paddy after rates fell
below the minimum support price.The food ministry has allowed the Food Corporation of India
(FCI) to purchase Pusa 1509 and Pusa 1121 basmati rice, the world's longest grains postcooking, as Punjab and Haryana have requested for it, a government official said. Earlier too,
FCI used to buy higher grade, but basmati was never bought as it earned a premium, he said.
There are two options before the government either to sell it through the public distribution
system (PDS) or in the open market sales scheme (OMSS), the official said.

| 40
FCI began purchasing the new crop from October 1 and will continue to buy as long as farmers
sell it, the official said. The OMSS offtake is very poor as only 38,600 tonnes could be sold out
of 6.73 million tonnes on offer since April this year, according to official data. If the government
decides to sell it through PDS, many poor people may, for the first time, get a taste of biryani,
which goes best with basmati rice, constituting a big gift from the Modi government.The
government purchases paddy from farmers at Rs 1,410 per quintal for common variety and Rs
1,450 per quintal for higher grade. After processing, it sells rice to states for distribution through
ration shops. Rice is sold at Rs 3 per kg to the poorest of the poor under the antyodaya anna
yojna and to all beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.
However, the population below poverty
line (BPL) category gets it at Rs 5.65
per kg and those above poverty line
(APL) get the common variety of rice at
Rs 7.95 a kg. In addition, a higher grade
is available at Rs 8.30 per kg. Currently,
farmers in Haryana are selling Pusa
1509 variety of paddy at Rs 1,550 per
quintal, which is sold at Rs 1,350 in
Punjab. Prices in Haryana improved
only after FCI started buying the grain,
said Vijay Setia, former president of All
India Rice Exporters Association.
Farmers in Punjab are protesting declining prices of basmati rice and have sought Rs 4,500 per
quintal rate for Pusa 1509 variety and Rs 5,000 per quintal for Pusa 1121 type of rice. Though
exports will not drop in terms of volume, the realisation will definitely be less as prices have
dropped, Setia told Financial Chronicle by phone from Karnal on Monday. The exports may
remain around 3.7 million tonne in FY16, the same as last year, he said. Exporters are earning
$600-$700 a tonne this year for the same basmati rice for which they were getting $1,100 last
year and about $1600 in 2013, he said. The higher production of basmati contributed to the drop
in prices, Setia said.India ranks 55th in the global hunger index of countries, according to USbased international food policy research institute .
The country has 172 million poor people, according to the World Bank, which considers global
poverty line as a person's ability to live on $1.90 (Rs 123.15) per day. Data released by the plan
panel in 2013 calculated the number of poor in India to 269 million. In rural areas, about 81 per
cent of the population does not consume the recommended level of 2,400 kilo calories a day, a
2011 plan panel data said.India has a share of 65 per cent in worlds basmati rice trade, while the
only other producer, Pakistan, accounts for the rest, according to agricultural and processed food
products export development authority (Apeda). Saudi Arabia and Iran are two major buyers of
Indian basmati.
Deccan Chronicle


13th October, 2015 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

13th October, 2015 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

TPP pressures farmers into cost cuts

TPP pressures farmers into cost cuts

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

TOKYO -- Should the Trans-Pacific

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Philippines considers buying 1m T more rice ahead of severe El

OCT 13, 20152:54 PM

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

1.5M metric tons of rice imports eyed in 2016 amid El Nio

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Sulfate may affect wild rice plants

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Thailand invests in partnership-driven rice research

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Rice class visits California

By USA Rice Federation

Posted Oct. 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Strengthens efforts to combat effects of El Nio

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Indonesia considers rice import amid El Nino

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Indonesia considers rice import amid El Nino

Rice deal against the local grain

FIRST, the US won a better deal to export rice to Japan.

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

The challenges of Vietnam agriculture

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Dr. Vu Trong Khai

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Importers, traders laud govt for lifting ban on rice

A senior official of the Federal

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Nigeria, Brazil ready to strengthen trade ties

Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, Joao

Sally Mbanefo, when the Brazilian trade

Investment Promotion Commission, in

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Govt apathy leaves Nokha rice bowl without scent of

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

Fed Govt suspends quota issuance to rice millers

By: Frank Ikpefanon: October 13, 2015

The Federal Government has suspended the

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

We reversed restrictions on rice import to check smuggling

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter |

International Benchmark Price

Benchmark Indicators Name

CZCE Early Rice Futures (USD/t)

Pakistani 100%, FOB Karachi (USD/t)

Pakistani 15% Broken (USD/t)

CZCE Wheat Futures (USD/t)

NYSE Liffe Feed Wheat Futures (USD/t)

NYSE Liffe Milling Wheat Futures (USD/t)

Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t)