Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter headlines

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter
www.ricepluss.com / www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com
Contact Online Advertisement : mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell: 0321 369 2874
1
Daily Global, Regional & Local
Rice E-Newsletter
October 13,2016
Vol 7 , Issue 10

2
 Farmers protest, say getting less than MSP
 Trade deficit widens 5pc as import rises
 Good News! Price Of Rice Set To Crash By November
 Paddy farmers risk losses as prices fall
 Compensation for rice crops from flood increased to 3,000 baht per
household
 China places first order for Thai rice under last Dec‘s G2G deal
 Vietnam exporters upbeat as Philippines set to import more rice
 US$314 million to restructure rice industry by 2020
 Strapped for dollars and flooded with rice, Egypt to import more anyway
 Rice Prices
 10/12/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
 Lifting of QR to limit rice output–Piñol
 Solons thumb down removal of rice QR
 2 commission agents, three rice-shellers in Bathinda lose licence
 Thais to Sell 100,000 Tons of Rice to China
 China OKs MoU for 200,000 Tons of Rice
 Hope on the Horizon: UAR Projects 25% Growth in Global Rice Trade by
2025
 WASDE Report Released
 Crop Progress: 2016 Crop 89 Percent Harvested
 Price of rice set to fall in November
 Digital Map Of Entire Philippine Road Network Halfway Towards
Completion
 Philippines imports more VN rice
 FA-Davao imports 166, 000 sacks of rice from Thailand
 Strapped for dollars and flooded with rice, Egypt to import more anyway
 Thailand to Sell 100,000 T Rice to China, Announces Steps to Stabilize
Price
 Mono-crop affects IP farm practices
 Rice policies must take focus off populism
 Of rice and diplomacy
 Rising Dominance of Estate Crops and Varied Usage Patterns for
Agricultural Machinery in Indonesia to Drive the Demand for Agricultural
Equipments: Ken Research
News Detail...
Today Rice News Headlines... Editorial Board
Chief Editor
 Hamlik
Managing Editor
 Abdul Sattar Shah
 Rahmat Ullah
 Rozeen Shaukat
English Editor
 Maryam Editor
 Legal Advisor
 Advocate Zaheer Minhas
Editorial Associates
 Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid
 Javed Islam Agha
 Ch.Hamid Malhi
 Dr.Akhtar Hussain
 Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui
 Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF)
 Islam Akhtar Khan
Editorial Advisory Board
 Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim
Assistant Professor, Gomal
University DIK
 Dr.Hasina Gul
Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK
 Dr.Hidayat Ullah
Assistant Professor, University of
Swabi
 Dr.Abdul Basir
Assistant Professor, University of
Swabi
 Zahid Mehmood
PSO,NIFA Peshawar
 Falak Naz Shah
Head Food Science & Technology
ART, Peshawar

3
Farmers protest, say getting less than MSP
Roads blocked across Muktsar district; protesters allege unholy nexus
Farmers block the Muktsar-Jalalabad road by staging a dharna on Tuesday. Tribune photo
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Muktsar, October 11
Irked over poor arrangements for procurement, a large number of paddy growers today protested at
different places by blocking the roads in Muktsar district, alleging a nexus among rice millers,
commission agents and officials of procurement agencies.
The farmers claimed that the rice millers and commission agents were not paying them the minimum
support price (MSP) of Rs 1,510 per quintal for their paddy crop. ―The rice millers are paying
between Rs 1,400 and 1,430 per quintal, saying the crop‘s moisture content was high and terming it
of low quality. We have approached the authorities concerned a number of times in the past few
days, but to no avail,‖ said farmers of Attari, Noorpur Kirpal Ke, Mangat Ker, Gulabewala and
Khappianwali villages. They blocked the Muktsar-Guruharsahai road over the issue.

4
Similarly, farmers of Sohnewala village blocked the Muktsar-Jalalabad road. At Jhabelwali village,
some farmers burnt their crop at the Focal Point to lodge a symbolic protest against the state
government. Farmers at Killianwali in the Lambi Assembly segment stopped the traffic on the
Malout-Dabwali National Highway.
Congress MLA from Muktsar Karan Kaur Brar said, ―The farmers are sitting in mandis for the past
10 days, but the officials concerned are least bothered about their problems. The rice millers are not
paying the MSP to buy the crop. If the situation continues to remain same, the number of protests
will only increase.‖
Similarly, Jagjit Singh ‗Honey Fattanwala‘, a Congress leader, said, ―Some rice millers are
telling farmers that the quality of the crop was inferior and they will be paid Rs 1,430 per quintal.
The CM should personally look into the matter.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/farmers-protest-say-getting-less-than-
msp/308298.html
Trade deficit widens 5pc as import rises

5
Star Business Report
Trade deficit widened 5 percent in the first two months of the fiscal year on the back of a surge
in imports.
At the end of August, trade deficit stood at $525 million, which was $500 million a year earlier,
according to central bank data.
In case of growth, both import and export increased at an equal pace but trade deficit shot up as
the amount for imports was more. Imports increased 7.43 percent but exports rose 7.65 percent.
In terms of amount, exports raked in $5.71 billion during the July-August period and imports
cost $6.23 billion.
In case of imports, food import rose 53.98 percent. Rice imports dropped 91 percent in the first
two months but wheat imports soared 115 percent.
Intermediate goods import rose 10.12 percent and capital goods 17.43 percent.
As a result of a big fall in remittance, the surplus in the current account balance in the first two
months fell to about half compared to last year's.
In the first two months of fiscal 2016-17, current account surplus was $700 million, down from
last year's $1,343 million, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
The current account surplus decreased due to the slump in remittance inflow, said a central bank
official.
In the first two months of the fiscal year, remittance fell 15.67 percent.
However, the overall surplus in the first two months of the current fiscal year was same as the
corresponding period in the last fiscal year.
During the July-August period, the overall surplus stood at $1.19 billion, while it was $1.26
billion in the same period last fiscal year. Since foreign direct investment and medium and long-
term loans went up, the overall surplus ended up being more or less the same as last year's, the
BB official said.
In the first two months of fiscal 2016-17, FDI rose 9.3 percent year-on-year to $435 million.
Medium- and long-term loans shot up 6.2 percent to $257 million. On the other hand, loan

6
repayment decreased 4.26 percent from a year earlier, which had a positive impact on the overall
surplus.
http://www.thedailystar.net/business/trade-deficit-widens-5pc-import-rises-1297684
Good News! Price Of Rice Set To Crash By November
Eze Chidimma October 11, 2016
Nigerians will finally be able to purchase rice without much strain on their pockets as the Federal
Government on Monday, 10 October, announced that the price of rice would begin to go down
from November this year.This, according to the government, is as a result of the fact that more
Nigerians had gone back to their various farms, adding that at the coming harvesting season next
month, the price of rice would start to fall.

7
The information was passed across by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief
Audu Ogbeh, while addressing members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural
Development at the headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja.
Chief Ogbeh made it known that the government would not be involved in the importation of
rice as speculated in some quarters, maintaining the importation of rice will not receive the
encouragement of his ministry because it would be in the detriment of local production of the
commodity.
FG Declares The Price Of Rice Will Fall By November
The Minister re-stated that the Federal Government was not in support of rice smuggling noting
that the Seme border had become a notorious route for the smuggling of contraband products
into the country.

8
He said:―We will not encourage rice importation and there is no way our ministry or government
can be involved in importing rice when we are working hard to be self-sufficient in local
production. By November when the full-scale harvest starts, rice prices will fall.‖
Although there was a warning from the government early September, that the price of rice might
hit N40,000 per bag, it is presently being sold around N20,000.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,
revealed that the $22 billion annual food import bill had led to the hike in the price of rice and
other commodities.
He emphasised that if Nigerians do not produce some of the items being imported before
December, the price of rice could increase to N40,000 a bag
http://buzznigeria.com/rice-price-fall-november-fg/
Paddy farmers risk losses as prices fall
By Htoo Thant | Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Paddy prices in the capital are falling on weak demand and the drop risks damaging the
market, farmers and traders said.
Farmers plant rice in a paddy field.Staff
The market price for 100 baskets of stored manaw thukha paddy in Nay Pyi Taw was almost
K850,000 in September, but has since fallen to around K600,000, U Nay Soe, a rice seller in
Pyinmana township, told The Myanmar Times.
Rice merchants in Myanmar‘s capital facing lower prices for stored paddy are in turn lowering
the price at which they are buying newly harvested paddy from farmers. The price for 100
baskets of monsoon paddy harvested this month is only K400,000, say farmers – much less than
last year.
Nay Pyi Taw farmers hoping to sell fresh paddy are worried because when the price of 100
baskets falls much below K500,000 they risk losses.
―An acre of paddy costs at least K200,000 to K250,000 for seeds, harrowing, harvesting and
wages,‖ said local farmer U San Win, adding that an acre produces perhaps 60 or 70 baskets.

9
This puts the cost of producing 100 baskets of paddy across a fairly wide range of K280,000 to
K410,000. In order to be confident of making any kind of profit, the market price needs to be at
least K500,000, said U San Win.
But demand from China, the main destination for most of Myanmar‘s milled rice exports, has
crumbled recently. Senior figures in the Myanmar rice industry say the drop is down to China‘s
attempt to clamp down on illegal cross-border trade.
Local rice miller Ko Nay Soe said that because China is not importing rice the market is almost
entirely local. Millers buy paddy from farmers, and sell the finished rice to traders that export to
China. But with Chinese demand weak millers are buying much less paddy than usual, said Ko
Nay Soe.
The latest monsoon crop has only just started being sold, and the supply of new paddy will be
plentiful in November and December. With demand weak the market is already in bad shape. If
Chinese demand continues to slump then paddy prices will be in even worse shape in December,
said Ko Nay Soe.
―Some [farmers] are [already] harvesting paddy but there are no brokers to buy it,‖ farmer Ko
Myo Win from Aye Chan Thar village group in Lewe township said. Merchants selling paddy
stored from earlier in the year are not faring much better. October typically sees high prices for
stored paddy, as supplies from the previous harvest start to dwindle. But with the price for 100
baskets of stored manaw thukha paddy at around K600,000, merchants are making almost no

10
profit on the price they originally paid, said Ko Myo Lin Aung, who stores paddy in Pyinmana
township.
Consumers are benefitting however, with the price of a bag of milled manaw thukha rice on the
local market falling from K28,000 in September to K20,000 this month. U Ba Gyi, a farmer in
Kyoonoo village in Pyinmana township, notes that the prices of other crops is also down relative
to earlier in the year. Industry insiders say that Chinese border authorities have tightened controls
over the import of a range of agricultural products including maize, sugar and beans.
―The price of beans and corn is also falling,‖ said U Ba Gyi. ―Farmers are disappointed.‖
Corn prices in Nay Pyi Taw are less than half what they were at this point last year. The price of
a basket of black sesame beans has fallen from a high of K60,000 this year to between K35,000
and K45,000 depending on the quality.
Mung beans are down from a year high of K30,000 a basket to between K20,000 and K25,000.
Translation by Khine Thazin Han
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/23057-paddy-farmers-risk-losses-as-prices-fall.html
Compensation for rice crops from flood increased to 3,000 baht per
household
By Thai PBS
October 12, 2016
The cabinet on Tuesday agreed to increase the compensation for damage to rice crops by flood from
1,000 baht to 3,000 baht per each household.Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha also said that the
government was considering how to help owners of farmland which was used as water retention area to
absorb excess water discharged from dams by the Royal Irrigation Department.He asked members of the
public to understand the government that it cannot afford to help every flood victim even if the
government wants to help.
He also noted that most of the flooded farmland are located outside the protection of flood walls and,
hence, flooded every now and then during the monsoon season.The prime minister went on saying that, in
the near future, the government would regulate the farming sector to ensure there is enough water for
farmers for cultivation.Farmers, for instance, should not start cultivation at the same time throughout the
country because, in such a case, there may not be enough water for all of them

11
http://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/compensation-rice-crops-flood-increased-3000-baht-per-
household-151562
China places first order for Thai rice under last Dec’s G2G deal
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION October 12, 2016 1:00 am
CHINA has agreed to place the first purchase order for 100,000 tonnes of Thai rice under a
government-to-government (G2G) contract for a total of one million tonnes, which was signed
last December.The order is for new-crop 5-per-cent white rice at a free-on-board price of
US$399 (Bt14,085) per tonne for 25-kilogram sacks, and $394 per tonne for 50kg
sacks.Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said yesterday that shipments of the first order
under the G2G contract with China would be made this month and next.
She said the prices agreed were "quite good" as they reflected the market price and were higher
than those of rival rice-exporting countries, such as $332 per tonne for Vietnamese rice and $335
for Pakistani rice."China's purchase is a positive sign for new-crop rice during the harvest

12
season. This will help increase sales of Thai rice and ensure that prices do not fall sharply during
the main-crop harvest season," she added.
To continue releasing stockpiled rice, the ministry will conduct a roadshow mission to promote
sales in many countries, Apiradi said, adding that Thailand will also join the bidding to supply
the Philippines, which is expected to hold an auction for the purchase of more foreign rice in the
near future.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom is revamping its Thai jasmine-rice export standard, expanding it to
more grades and giving each a different name in order to promote strong growth of Thai Hom
Mali Rice exports in particular, as well as ensure differentiation between Thai fragrant rice and
other countries' grains.Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the ministry's Foreign Trade
Department, said Thailand needed to revise its jasmine-rice export standard in order to increase
export opportunities in response to the differing needs of consumer groups across markets.
"The new standard will better serve consumers in different markets, as consumer behaviour has
changed. Some markets may prefer a high-quality grade of jasmine rice at any retail price, while
others may still prefer jasmine rice, but at a lower price due to their purchasing power," she
explained.
The new standard will come into effect in December, with the ministry introducing three grades
for Thai jasmine rice.
For the upper market, there will be 92-per-cent jasmine rice, with this premium grade called Thai
Hom Mali Rice.For the middle market, there will be 80-per-cent jasmine rice, which will be
called Thai Jasmine Rice, Thai Fragrant Rice or Thai Aromatic Rice.
This category will focus on competing with other countries' fragrant rice, serving as a "fighting
brand" for Thai jasmine rice as its price will be lower than that for Thai Hom Mali Rice,
Duangporn said.For the lower market, the Commerce Ministry will open an opportunity for other
Thai fragrant-rice combinations in order to serve the different demands of each market.However,
the government will stringently control rice quality, with traders not being permitted to call
combination fragrant rice Thai Hom Mali Rice, she stressed.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/China-places-first-order-for-Thai-rice-under-last--
30297424.html
Vietnam exporters upbeat as Philippines set to import more
rice
By Dam Tuan October 12, 2016 | 01:00 am GMT+7

13
The increasing demand for the staple grain prompted the Philippines to buy more from regional
suppliers. The Philippines has allowed its businesses to import an extra 293,100 tons of rice from
Vietnam to ensure food security in the between-crop period, according to the Vietnam Food
Association (VFA).
The businesses are also permitted to buy a similar amount from Thailand, 50,000 tons from
China, India and Pakistan as well as other countries.The total volume is 805,200 tons and the
delivery time is set as no later than February 28.
VFA Chairman Huynh The Nang said that this is an opportunity for Vietnamese exporters to
boost sales.
The Philippines will buy additional rice from Vietnam to meet its demand in 2017. Photo from
doanhnghiepvn.vn

14
Previously, in late August 2016, Vietnam won a bid to supply 150,000 tons of the grain, mostly
the 25 percent broken rice variety, to the Philippines with an offer of $424.85 per ton. The
country beat out Thailand and Cambodia.The Philippines annually imports about 1 million tons
of the staple grain, or even higher, in order to bolster stockpiles that can be severely depleted in
cases of adverse weather conditions and natural calamities.
The country is hit by an average of 20 typhoons each year. In 2010, the Southeast Asian country
bought a record 2.45 million tons, according to data compiled by Thomson Reuters.
Vietnamese rice exports can be affected in the last three months of 2016 due to supply excess in
the market. The country has shipped about six million tons, down 5 percent compared to the
same period last year, according to VFA.
http://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/vietnam-exporters-upbeat-as-philippines-set-to-import-more-rice-
3481818.html
US$314 million to restructure rice industry by 2020
About 25 programs will be implemented with the total capital of VND7 trillion ($314 million) to
restructure the rice industry towards added value increase and sustainable development, according to a
rice restructuring project by 2020.
Rice harvest in Dong Thap province (Photo: SGGP)
The project was announced by the Cultivation Department at a seminar in the Mekong Delta city
of Can Tho on October 11.Talking about the project which is planning rice industry until 2030,

15
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development‘s agency said that it will focus on planning
and infrastructure development.Low yielding rice areas will be transferred into other crops,
crossbreeding researches will be conducted and authorized agencies will map out rice
development policies suiting new situation.
In addition, the programs will expand large scale production in accordance with market demand,
boost mechanization and processing, build brand names and step up market development
connectivity.One of major works of the project is to develop irrigation system and upgrade
traffic and electricity network for modern production.The Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta
and the South Central Coastal Region will need thousands of billion of dong for the restructuring
project in the phase of 2017-2020.
According to plan, the country will maintain rice farming over about 3.8 million hectares to
ensure food security and improve the use efficiency of these areas.Rice farming will concentrate
on high quality varieties for both local consumption and exports.
http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2016/10/121056/
Strapped for dollars and flooded with rice, Egypt to import
more anyway
* Egyptian farmers garner surplus but won't sell
* Government plans to import 500,000 tonnes amid dollar shortage
* Traders awaiting results of import tender on Wednesday
By Eric Knecht and Maha El Dahan
CAIRO/ABU DHABI Oct 12 Egypt is looking to import large quantities of rice this month as
farmers refuse to sell the government their crops despite a plentiful harvest and an extreme
shortage of dollars that should make buying from abroad a last resort.
Egypt's 2016 rice paddy production is estimated at 5.1 million metric tonnes versus annual
consumption of about 3.95 million tonnes, a United States Department of Agriculture report this
week stated.

16
Farmers have however refused to sell their crops to the government, arguing that 2,400 Egyptian
pound ($270.27) per tonne state-mandated price is too low. That has forced up local prices and
made supplies at local outlets scarce in recent weeks.
Egypt's state grain buyer GASC will on Wednesday hold an international purchase tender for at
least 100,000 tonnes of white medium-grain rice, the start of a government campaign to purchase
500,000 tonnes of the grain.
The tender comes despite an acute dollar shortage that has sapped the country's ability to
purchase from abroad and forced its central bank to ration dollars for essential commodities, the
result of a 2011 uprising that chased away tourists, foreign investors and their hard currency.
Unlike wheat, sugar, and other staple commodities which the North African country imports to
meet demand that outstrips local production, its bountiful rice crop far exceeds domestic needs.
However, the price dispute means it has to import.
"Farmers don't want to sell because in the previous years they saw that they sold cheaply and
then prices increased and they didn't profit," said Mostafa al-Naggari, head of the rice committee
of Egypt's agricultural export council.
"In the free market (the price of rice) is around 2,900 Egyptian pounds ($326.58) and the
government is offering 2,400, so there is a huge gap," Naggari added.
Temporary rice shortages and price spikes have become common since the government failed to
purchase stocks during its 2015 harvest, an omission that allowed speculating traders to buy up
and hoard the country's entire crop, sending prices soaring upward until the state called for
tenders.
"The farmers are keeping in mind everything that happened last year...they sold the crop very
cheap and the traders made a lot of money. This year the farmers want to store it," said one rice
trader.
Wednesday's tender may be tactical, traders said, a shot across the bow to farmers holding stocks
in hopes that they will release them to the market.Prices fell by roughly 10 percent since the
government announced its purchase tender last week, but this could jump back up if the tender
isn't completed, the rice trader said.
"I don't think they will even buy....but the farmers are waiting, and if the government doesn't
book every time, they will increase the price again," he said. ($1 = 8.8799 Egyptian pounds)
(Reporting by Eric Knecht and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Keith Weir)
http://www.reuters.com/article/egypt-rice-idUSL8N1CH60V

17
Rice Prices
as on : 13-10-2016 01:59:30 PM
Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market.
Arrivals Price
Current
%
change
Season
cumulative
Modal
Prev.
Modal
Prev.Yr
%change
Rice
Sainthia(WB) 190.00 1.06 3462.50 1860 1870 -
Birbhum(WB) 178.00 -1.11 4168.40 1880 1880 2.17
P.O. Uparhali Guwahati(ASM) 95.50 15.48 4232.00 2230 2230 6.19
Srirampur(ASM) 60.00 20 2100.00 3000 3000 0.67
Beldanga(WB) 48.00 -4 3300.00 2550 2550 9.68
Lanka(ASM) 40.00 NC 2860.00 2000 2000 12.68
Gazipur(UP) 26.00 -18.75 2999.00 2170 2160 8.50
Dibrugarh(ASM) 13.00 52.94 1624.60 2450 2450 -
Chandoli(UP) 9.00 20 108.50 2175 2170 15.08
Muradabad(UP) 9.00 NC 516.70 2370 2410 8.22
Sheoraphuly(WB) 8.00 -11.11 423.15 2875 2875 15.00
Mirzapur(UP) 7.00 -6.67 1601.10 2175 2170 9.57
Raiganj(WB) 7.00 -6.67 879.00 2750 2750 -5.17
North Lakhimpur(ASM) 6.00 -21.05 1839.90 1900 1900 NC

18
Karanjia(Ori) 4.80 -20 400.60 2800 2800 -3.45
Lakhimpur(UP) 2.70 35 184.75 2230 2250 2.06
Kalyanpur(Tri) 2.50 -10.71 13.10 2900 2900 16.00
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article9214751.ece
10/12/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Rice
High Low
Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -
Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -
Futures: ROUGH RICE
High Low Last Change
Nov '16 1045.0 1012.5 1018.0 -21.5
Jan '17 1067.5 1038.0 1041.0 -21.0
Mar '17 1092.5 1080.0 1066.0 -20.0
May '17 1086.5 -19.5
Jul '17 1104.5 -20.5
Sep '17 1112.0 -20.5

19
Nov '17 1112.0 -20.5
Rice Comment
November rice charted a bearish key reversal in today‘s trade. The monthly supply/demand
report showed increased beginning stocks, and production resulting in a net increase in ending
stocks for the 16/27 marketing year. Ending stocks are now forecast to be 120.7 million metric
tons. Export sales were 43,100 tons for the week, down slightly from a week ago and certainly
not enough to spark buying interest. November is hovering around support at $10.
Lifting of QR to limit rice output–Piñol
by Jasper Y. Arcalas - October 12, 2016
The Department of Agriculture (DA) warned that the lifting of the quantitative restriction (QR)
on rice next year would discourage farmers from planting the staple and widen the country‘s
rice-supply shortfall in 2018.Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said the Philippines
would also be hard pressed to beef up its stocks by importing rice in 2018 due to the projected
tightness in global rice supply. Manila imports an average of 1 million metric tons of rice
annually to boost its stocks, especially during the lean months.Citing rice trader Jeremy Zwinger,
Piñol said production problems that will confront China and the huge importation of Egypt could
result in a global rice shortage in 2018 and 2019.
―So, if the production of China is threatened and Egypt will import 500,000 metric tons of rice,
then lifting the QR would make it difficult for us to import rice should there be a shortfall in
local production,‖ Piñol told reporters on Tuesday.
The DA chief said removing the rice-import quota next year would also make it more difficult
for farmers to produce enough rice to meet the requirements of Filipino consumers.
In light of Zwinger‘s projection of a global rice shortage, Piñol urged the country‘s economic
managers to consider extending the QR on rice.―If we won‘t [extend] it and the projection
happens and our farmers would do away with planting rice, then we have a big problem,‖ he
said.
Piñol said the DA has started its consultation with rice farmers nationwide to get their views on
the lifting of the QR next year.According to the World Trade Organization General Council
Ruling, the Philippines should subject rice imports to ordinary customs duties right after the QR-
waiver extension expires on June 30, 2017.

20
To do this, Congress needs to amend Republic Act (RA) 8178, which allowed the Philippines to
retain the nontariff barrier on rice, according to Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano.
Undersecretary Maia Chiara Halmen Reina A. Valdez of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary said
the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) has started drafting a bill to amend
RA 8178, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, to replace QR with tariffs.Earlier, an official of
the Neda told the BusinessMirror that the agency would recommend to the President a tariff
ranging from 40 percent to 50 percent once the country converts the rice-import quota into
tariffs.The QR, a nontariff barrier, has allowed Manila to limit the volume of imported rice that
will enter the Philippine market.
The Neda and some economists have pushed for the removal of the rice QR to make the staple
more affordable to the poor.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/lifting-of-qr-to-limit-rice-output-pinol/
Solons thumb down removal of rice QR
by Jovee Marie de la Cruz - October 12, 2016
Lawmakers on Wednesday expressed their opposition to the decision of economic managers not
to push for the extension of the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice, which will expire next year.
House Committee on Economic Affairs Chairman and Bohol Rep. Arthur C. Yap and Party-list
Rep. Tomasito S. Villarin of Akbayan said removing the rice-import quota will make it more
difficult for farmers to compete in Asean.
―My concern is that, when you lift the QR, it will open up the Philippines to more rice imports.
While this will benefit millions of consumers, I feel we should prepare to address the dislocation
of [farmers] who will not be able to compete,‖ Yap told the BusinessMirror in an interview.
Yap, a former agriculture secretary, said the government should consider deferring the removal
of the QR for a year, so it could implement the necessary measures to mitigate its adverse impact
on rice farmers.

21
―I think we should ask for a one-year deferment. I will ask the [national government] to submit a
list of possible farmers who will be affected, so they could be included in the Conditional Cash-
Transfer Program of the government,‖ he said.
―The government could also consider putting in place microfinancing schemes and assist them in
accessing the shared services facilities of the Department of Trade and Industry,‖ Yap added.
The lawmaker noted that Manila could make a ―special request‖ to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) to allow ―special treatment‖ for commodities that are critical to a country‘s
food security.
Yap also said President Duterte should certify as urgent several bills that seek to help farmers.
―The President has promised that he will provide free irrigation water so maybe the bill
reforming the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) must be certified as urgent,‖ he said.
―Crop insurance in the country is also not enough, that is why amendments to the Philippine
Crop Insurance Corp. [PCIC] must be certified as urgent, as well. There is also a bill seeking to
institutionalize the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool,‖ Yap added.
There are several House bills seeking to reform the NIA and the PCIC. Amendments to the PCIC
aim to allow the agency to offer index-based insurance coverage and engage in reinsurance to
increase its funding source.Proposals to institutionalize the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool
seek to include postproduction in its coverage.
―If the government wants to lift the QR, then these measures must be in place. But even if these
measures are prioritized and certified as urgent, the government‘s social protection programs
must be implemented for affected sectors,‖ Yap said.

22
‘Magnificent 7’
Villarin said his group in the House of Representatives, dubbed as ―Magnificent 7,‖ will reject
the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to scrap the
rice-import quota.
―Primarily, the DA [Department of Agriculture] should decide on this and not the Neda. With the
lifting of the QR, the National Food Authority will be toothless in terms of rice imports. But I
hope the Neda should change its mind,‖ he said in separate interview with the BusinessMirror.
―For the longest time, we‘ve been buying from other rice-producing countries. Are we now
saying that we can compete with them?‖ Villarin added.
The lawmaker urged the House of Representatives to immediately table for discussion his House
Resolution 392, which seeks to clarify the implications of lifting the QR on rice next year.
Villarin said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol told him during the DA‘s budget briefing
that he is personally not in favor of lifting the restrictions on imported rice and would, instead,
ask for an extension of two more years.
―Ideally, such period of extension will give authorities time to spur long-awaited developments
in the agriculture sector, allow small farmers to stabilize their production and to compete with
fellow producers, both within and outside the country,‖ he said.
―I fully support efforts to help our farmers profit from plowing their fields,‖ Villarin added, ―but
the first step in helping our farmers is to tell them the truth about the real and growing challenges
in their field.‖

23
Earlier, Piñol said the QR must be extended for two more years to allow Filipino rice farmers to
compete with their Asean counterparts. The DA chief also said that, if the QR is eventually lifted
and more rice imports would enter the rice market, Filipino farmers would be discouraged from
planting the staple, as rice from neighboring countries is cheaper.
Earlier, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the removal of the QR quota
next year is a ―done deal,‖ as three members of the core economic cluster have already agreed on
the scrapping of the rice-import quota.
―The Neda and the DA must disclose to the public the policy adjustment the administration will
make in order for the affected sectors to cope with the lifting of the QR on rice,‖ Villarin said.
He added that the Tariff Commission and other appropriate agencies should also reveal how the
current tariff and nontariff regimes for rice has fared in terms of providing actual protection to
the country‘s rice farmers.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/solons-thumb-down-removal-of-rice-qr/
2 commission agents, three rice-shellers in Bathinda lose
licence
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times, Bathinda
|
Updated: Oct 12, 2016 14:53 IST
The farmers on Tuesday briefed officials regarding financial exploitation at the hands of
arthiyas and millers. (HT Representative Photo)
The licences of two of the commission agents (arthiya) and three rice millers have been
suspended following the allegations of paying less to the farmers in Muktsar. On the
recommendations of KJS Cheema, special principal secretary to chief minister (CM) Parkash

24
Singh Badal, the malaut market committee initiated the action against Shiv Shakti rice mill,
Goyal rice and general mill and BS rice and general mill; along with two commission agents —
Malwa Krishi Udyog and Amar Singh/Balraj Singh of Mahuhana purchasing centre.
The complainant farmers of the district appeared before Cheema during a meeting of officials to
oversee procurement season on Tuesday and briefed him of financial exploitation at the hands of
arthiyas and millers.
Ajaypal Singh, secretary market committee, said the farmers alleged that they were paid Rs100
to Rs 135 less than the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 1,510.―The licenses were
immediately suspended, and both commission agents and rice millers were debarred from rest of
the procurement season. They were even asked to pay dues of the farmers immediately. Besides,
an appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated against them,‖ he said.
Meanwhile, during his visit to several grain markets in Muktsar district, Cheema said the CM
had asked senior officials of state government to oversee the procurement process in the field so

25
that farmerrelated problems are solved at the earliest.―No official, commission agent or miller
will be spared if any negligence is found on his part,‖ Cheema said, while specifically warning
commission agents and millers against any financial embezzlement.
He also exhorted farmers to immediately report to concerning sub-divisional magistrate if any of
the officials harassed them over less or high moisture content.The district administration also
flagged off 10 awareness vans in villages and grain markets to appeal farmers not sell their crop
below MSP rate.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/2-commission-agents-three-rice-shellers-in-bathinda-lose-
licence/story-596nn052eHVh6T0FHuFG4N.html
Thais to Sell 100,000 Tons of Rice to China
BANGKOK (Reuters) –Thailand will sell 100,000 tons of rice to China within the next month,
the commerce ministry said on Tuesday, while it also approved new measures to stabilize rice
prices.Thailand, the world‘s second-biggest rice exporter, will sell 100,000 tons of five percent
broken white rice to China following a government-to-government deal which the two agreed
last year.
The amount, to be sold at $394 to $399 per ton, is the first lot of China‘s planned purchase of
one million tons of Thai rice, said Minister of Commerce Apiradee Tantraporn.―Big orders from
other countries will support new rice that‘s coming out into the market,‖ she said.Thailand and
Iran agreed to resume bilateral trade on Monday, with Thailand aiming to export 700,000 tons of
rice to Iran per year.Thailand‘s rice industry welcomed the agreement.
―Iran is an old market we have always wanted to return to,‖ Charoen Laothamatas, president of
the Thai Rice Exporters‘ Association, told Reuters.Thailand will also supply 100,000 tons of rice
to the Philippines in a deal struck in September.The ministry will hold talks with China to
accelerate sales of the remaining 900,000 tons, Ms. Apiradee said.Shipping for the first lot will
start sometime this month or next, she added.Thailand aims to export 9.5 million tons of rice in
2016 and has already exported 6.2 million tons up to August. The Commerce Ministry said last
month Thailand should harvest 23.55 million tons of rice between October and December this
year.
The government also approved measures at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday aimed at taking rice

26
off the market to stabilize Thai rice prices at a time of high supply.The measures include a
revised rice storage scheme worth 1.31 billion baht ($37.56 million), which offers interest rate
cuts on loans from a state-run agriculture bank to attract more rice millers to buy rice for
storage.Millers who store rice for 60 to 180 days will get a three percent interest rate cut per
year, while those who store it for 90 to 180 days will get a four percent cut.Another measure
involves offering loans, from 300,000 baht ($8,600) to 300 million baht ($8.60 million), to
farmers, farmer groups, local enterprises and agricultural cooperatives to withhold their harvest
and postpone selling it into the market.The government said it expected both programs to take 10
million tons of rice off the market.
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/30739/thais-to-sell-100-000-tons-of-rice-to-china/
China OKs MoU for 200,000 Tons of Rice
The rice exported to China is fragrant ‗Sen Kro Oup‘ rice and it is priced between $560 and $600
a ton. KT/Chor Sokunthea
China formally agreed to purchase 200,000 tons of rice annually from Cambodia to help the
country‘s rice farmers and millers grappling with falling prices and struggling to compete with
the influx of cheaper rice from neighboring countries, said an official in the Ministry of
Commerce yesterday.Soeng Sophary, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce said
representatives from her ministry and China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation
agreed on the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) for China to start purchasing the
200,000 tons of rice.
Ms. Sophary told Khmer Times, the MoU came into effect on Tuesday, two days before China‘s
President Xi Jinping‘s official visit to the Kingdom.―This agreement was made to pave the way
for Cambodia to export 200,000 tons of rice yearly to the Chinese market,‖ she said.Chinese
Premer Li Keqiang, in his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Laos early last
month, pledged to double China‘s annual purchase of 100,000 tons of Cambodian rice to
200,000 tons, starting from next year. China also pledged a loan of $300 million to Cambodia‘s
rice millers for building warehouses with drying facilities.
―The more rice we sell, the more income we will get. This will greatly help revitalize our rice
sector,‖ said Ms. Sophary.―The Ministry of Commerce, in the interest of the country‘s economy,
is constantly finding markets to export to,‖ she added.Hun Lak, vice president of the Cambodia

27
Rice Federation (CRF), clarified that that the agreement to sell 200,000 tons of rice to China was
negotiated before the fall in market price of the grain.―Soon after the negotiations, the market
price of rice fell – before the Pchum Ben holidays,‖ said Mr. Lak.
―The rice exported to China is fragrant ‗Sen Kro Oup‘ rice and it is priced between $560 and
$600 a ton,‖ he said. ―Though the price is high, Chinese consumers are keen to have this rice as
they say it tastes good.‖Mr. Lak said CRF was working with the Ministry of Commerce to seek
more markets for Cambodian rice.―We are negotiating with Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Recently, we have had orders from Malaysia,‖ he said.
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/30744/china-oks-mou-for-200-000-tons-of-rice/
Hope on the Horizon: UAR Projects 25% Growth in Global
Rice Trade by 2025
By Peter Bachmann
FAYETTEVILLE, AR -- U.S. and global rice prices continue the drop into
dangerous territory along with an array of other commodity staples within
the global diet. Weak market prices are no stranger to rice farmers or
nearly any crop farmer, for that matter. Over the last decade America's
farmers have seen historic highs, near-historic lows, and everything in
between. Most recently, USDA's latest price trends across the board show
a 55 percent decline, the largest two-year drop in net farm income since the
historic farm crisis of the 1920s. A growing federal deficit in the midst of
a turbulent political environment in Washington is leaving some farmers
worried about the future of critical farm safety net programs, and
ultimately, the future of their businesses.
But there's hope on the horizon. University of Arkansas Distinguished Professor and L.C. Carter
Endowed Chair Dr. Eric Wailes made some promising projections during a recent speech at the Arkansas
Rice Expo, based on a number of market factors. Wailes shared that rice worldwide faces large amounts
of protectionism and is one of the most policy-distorted crops in the global market, saying, "That was
made clear in last year's U.S. International Trade Commission report on the prospects of U.S. rice
exports. They noted a number of countries that have significant import barriers that affect the
opportunities for Arkansas and U.S. exporters."
In terms of global market growth and new opportunities for U.S. rice to be exported, Wailes points to

28
developing countries in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa with rapidly growing GDPs. "Looking at
the African markets, you have high population growth, high income growth, and rice is an ascendant food
in many countries. It's a new, novel food that was once thought of as a luxury good. But now it's
becoming affordable, certainly at the prices we're currently facing," he said. In terms of market growth in
the coming years, Wailes said, "I think the total global trade market will increase by another 25 percent
over the next 10 years."
The topic of competition for the growing market was raised and he included references to climate change,
U.S. trade policies, and emphasized the importance of the U.S. having to "focus on developing and
producing a competitive, high-quality rice crop."Dr. Wailes has spent an extensive amount of time
researching a Cuban market for U.S. rice and growing Mexican and Latin American markets where we
could potentially increase U.S. rice exports. Congress and the Administration will ultimately be the gate
keepers setting trade policies that either help or hinder the industry's global competitiveness and allow the
U.S. to increase export markets.
WASDE Report Released
WASHINGTON, DC -- The 2016/17 U.S. rice crop is
reduced 1.1 million cwt to 236 million on lower yields. The
average yield forecast is lowered 37 pounds per acre to
7,532. A reduction in Arkansas is partially offset by
increases in California, Mississippi, and Texas. The long-
grain crop is reduced 900,000 cwt to 177 million but still
the largest since the 2010/11 record. Medium- and short-
grain production is lowered 300,000 cwt to 59
million. Total rice exports are down 3 million cwt to 112
million reflecting a slow export pace to date and increased
international competition. Ending stocks are raised 1.9
million cwt to 61 million, the largest since 1985/86. The all
rice season-average farm price is unchanged at a range of
$10.20 to $11.20 per cwt.
Global rice supplies for 2016/17 are raised 4.5 million tons on higher beginning stocks and
production. Production is increased 1.5 million tons to 483.3 million and remains record large. Thailand
production for 2016/17 is raised 1.6 million tons on beneficial precipitation and good reservoir recharge
for irrigation, which led to increased dry-season rice area. Egypt and Australia production are raised
600,000 tons and 200,000 tons, respectively. However, these increases are partially offset by a 500,000-
ton reduction for Brazil and a 300,000-ton reduction for Sri Lanka. Global exports for 2016/17 are raised
300,000 tons and global consumption for 2016/17 is lowered 600,000 tons. With total supplies rising and
total use declining, world ending stocks are raised 5.1 million tons to 120.7 million.
Read the full report here.

29
Crop Progress: 2016 Crop 89 Percent Harvested
WASHINGTON, DC -- Eighty-nine percent of the nation's 2016 rice acreage is harvested,
according to yesterday's U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report.
Rice Harvested, Selected States
Week Ending
State
Oct
9, 2015
Oct 2,
2016
Oct 9,
2016
2011-2015
average
Percent
Arkansas 90 91 96 83
California 58 38 54 42
Louisiana 100 98 100 100
Mississippi 90 82 90 86
Missouri 80 83 91 73
Texas 100 100 100 100
Six States 85 82 89 78
Price of rice set to fall in November
11 October 2016, 21:37
Abuja - The Federal Government confirmed on Monday that the price of rice is set to fall from
November with more Nigerians returning to their farms to focus on agriculture, Punch reports.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adu Ogbeh said that the government could
not be involved in the importation of rice and stressed that it would not encourage the
importation of rice as it would be detrimental to local production.

30
―We will not encourage rice importation and there is no way our ministry or government can be
involved in importing rice when we are working hard to be self-sufficient in local production. By
November when the full-scale harvest starts, rice prices will fall,‖ the minister said.
News24 reported that the Federal Government denied that they have been importing genetically
modified rice which was made known during a news conference by the Director-General
National Biosafety Management Agency, Rufus Ebegba.Ebegba states that no genetically
modified rice has been released into the country and no GMO rice has been released anywhere in
the world either.
http://www.news24.com.ng/National/News/price-of-rice-set-to-fall-in-november-20161011
Digital Map Of Entire Philippine Road Network Halfway
Towards Completion

31
HERE, a cloud-based location platform company in partnership with the Philippine Road Board,
is halfway towards its mission of mapping 45,000 km worth of routes. Asian Scientist Newsroom
| October 12, 2016 | Technology AsianScientist (Oct. 12, 2016) - HERE, a cloud-based location
platform company, has announced that its high-tech data capture vehicles have reached the
halfway point of its mission to create the first ever comprehensive digital map of the Philippine
road network. Since October 2015, over 50 percent of routes totalling 45,000 km have been
covered by six HERE data capture cars.
HERE is the technology partner of the US$5.4 million project, which is managed by Geodata
Systems Technologies. HERE will provide the Philippine Road Board with a highly detailed 3D
and 360° real-world view of its road network. Data capturing includes identification of 57
specific attributes and assets, from road width and length, to road surface conditions, guardrails,
street signs and traffic lights. Under the agreement, HERE will monitor and update the road
network map on an ongoing basis with its Reality Lens solution, allowing the Road Board to
visualize and measure changes down to an accuracy of 2.5 cm.
The HERE Reality Lens solution will enable the Philippines Road Board to see real-world data
through access to hi-res, 360˚ street-level imagery; map street level features without having to
leave the office; and accurately measure height, width, length and area of the built environment
to review and plan ahead. At this point, the HERE team is confident of completing the project
ahead of the two-year schedule, with approximately five percent of the total road network likely
to remain unmapped due to security issues or access limitations. Read more from Asian Scientist
Magazine
http://www.asianscientist.com/2016/10/tech/digital-map-philippine-road-network-here/
Philippines imports more VN rice
Update: October, 12/2016 - 10:21
HÀ NỘI – Philippine enterprises can import an additional 293,100 tonnes of rice from Việt Nam
to ensure food demand in the 2017 between-crop period is met, the Việt Nam Food Association
(VFA) said.
The enterprises were also permitted to buy a similar quantity of rice from Thailand and 50,000
tonnes from China, India, Pakistan and other countries, with a total volume of 805,200 tonnes.
Delivery was set before February 28, 2017.

32
VFA Chairman Huỳnh Thế Năng said this was a chance for Vietnamese businesses to boost rice
consumption which was currently gloomy
In late August 2016, Việt Nam won a bid to provide 150,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines at
US$424.85 per tonne.
Experts said Việt Nam would still face difficulty in exporting rice in the last three months of this
year due to supply being higher than demand for rice in the market.
In the first nine months of this year, the export of rice, which was a key farm produce in the
country, dropped 16.4 per cent in volume and 12.5 per cent in value to 3.76 million tonnes and
$1.69 billion, respectively, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported.
China remained the largest importer of Vietnamese rice with a 35.5 per cent market share,
followed by Ghana with 11 per cent and Indonesia with 9.4 per cent. — VNS
http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/344283/philippines-imports-more-vn-
rice.html#bQBGCGTizPx5ivv2.97
FA-Davao imports 166, 000 sacks of rice from Thailand
Oct. 11, 2016 MARIA PATRICIA C. BORROMEO
Edegary Roncal, National Food Authority Davao City field office manager, announces their
importation of some 20,000 metric tons of Thailand rice due to the recent dry spell that hit the
Philippines. (Medel V. Hernani/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The National Food Authority in this city has imported 166, 000
sacks of rice from Thailand which would be distributed across Davao region and several parts of
North Cotabato, an official said Monday.
Edegary Roncal, NFA Davao new managing head, told Kapehan sa Dabaw the new stock of
imported rice arrived earlier this month at the Terminal Facilities and Services Corporation
(TEFASCO) this city.
Roncal said that 166,000 imported rice were part of the estimated 400,000 sacks of rice or
equivalent to 20,000 metric tons being unloaded at the TEFASCO port.
―This is just the first volume that we have received, that is the part of the 250,000 metric tons
which was contracted with the Philippine government this remaining months of the year 2016,‖

33
she said.
Roncal said the 60 percent of the imported sacks of rice were sourced from Vietnam while the
remaining 40 percent came from Thailand suppliers.
She attributed the import of rice to the dry spell that struck the country earlier this year. ―If we
can recall, few months back, we have experience severe crop damage due long drought season
all through out the country and because of that definitely our expected volume locally from our
farmers needs to be augmented as our food requirement was severely affected so we need to
import.‖The government, Roncal added, opted to import which will form part of the buffer
stocks at the end of 2016 and until the first quarter of 2017.
―Right now, we are experiencing main crop harvest of ‗ alay‘ now but due to the recently
concluded damaged from the dry season, the expected harvest for the remaining month of the
year coming from the main crop season is not sufficient to supply our food buffer stock
inventory at the end of 2016,‖ she said.Roncal announced that the next foreign vessel loaded
with sacks of imported rice will arrive this week not later in Oct. 15- (davaotoday.com)
http://davaotoday.com/main/economy/nfa-davao-imports-166-000-sacks-of-rice-from-thailand/

34
Strapped for dollars and flooded with rice, Egypt to import
more anyway
By Eric Knecht and Maha El Dahan
CAIRO/ABU DHABI Oct 12 Egypt is looking to import large quantities of rice this month as
farmers refuse to sell the government their crops despite a plentiful harvest and an extreme
shortage of dollars that should make buying from abroad a last resort.Egypt's 2016 rice paddy
production is estimated at 5.1 million metric tonnes versus annual consumption of about 3.95
million tonnes, a United States Department of Agriculture report this week stated.Farmers have
however refused to sell their crops to the government, arguing that 2,400 Egyptian pound
($270.27) per tonne state-mandated price is too low.
That has forced up local prices and made supplies at local outlets scarce in recent weeks.Egypt's
state grain buyer GASC will on Wednesday hold an international purchase tender for at least
100,000 tonnes of white medium-grain rice, the start of a government campaign to purchase
500,000 tonnes of the grain.The tender comes despite an acute dollar shortage that has sapped
the country's ability to purchase from abroad and forced its central bank to ration dollars for
essential commodities, the result of a 2011 uprising that chased away tourists, foreign investors
and their hard currency.
Unlike wheat, sugar, and other staple commodities which the North African country imports to
meet demand that outstrips local production, its bountiful rice crop far exceeds domestic needs.
However, the price dispute means it has to import."Farmers don't want to sell because in the
previous years they saw that they sold cheaply and then prices increased and they didn't profit,"
said Mostafa al-Naggari, head of the rice committee of Egypt's agricultural export council."In the
free market (the price of rice) is around 2,900 Egyptian pounds ($326.58) and the government is
offering 2,400, so there is a huge gap," Naggari added.
UPDATE 3-Disappointing China trade data spurs fears recovery may be faltering
Temporary rice shortages and price spikes have become common since the government failed to
purchase stocks during its 2015 harvest, an omission that allowed speculating traders to buy up

35
and hoard the country's entire crop, sending prices soaring upward until the state called for
tenders."The farmers are keeping in mind everything that happened last year...they sold the crop
very cheap and the traders made a lot of money.
This year the farmers want to store it," said one rice trader.Wednesday's tender may be tactical,
traders said, a shot across the bow to farmers holding stocks in hopes that they will release them
to the market.Prices fell by roughly 10 percent since the government announced its purchase
tender last week, but this could jump back up if the tender isn't completed, the rice trader said."I
don't think they will even buy....but the farmers are waiting, and if the government doesn't book
every time, they will increase the price again," he said. ($1 = 8.8799 Egyptian pounds)
(Reporting by Eric Knecht and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Keith Weir)
http://www.reuters.com/article/egypt-rice-idUSL8N1CH60V
Thailand to Sell 100,000 T Rice to China, Announces
Steps to Stabilize Price
Bangkok. Thailand will sell 100,000 tonnes of rice to China within the next month, the
commerce ministry said on Tuesday (11/10), while it also approved new measures to stabilize
rice prices.
Thailand, the world's second biggest rice exporter, will sell 100,000 tonnes of 5 pct white rice to
China following a government-to-government deal which the two agreed last year.The amount,
to be sold at $394-$399 per tonne, is the first lot of China's planned purchase of 1 million tonnes
of Thai rice, said Minister of Commerce Apiradee Tantraporn."Big orders from other countries
will support new rice that's coming out into the market," she said.
Thailand and Iran agreed to resume bilateral trade on Monday, with Thailand aiming to export
700,000 tonnes of rice to Iran per year.Thailand will also supply 100,000 tonnes of rice to the
Philippines in a deal struck in September.The ministry will hold talks with China to accelerate
sales of the remaining 900,000 tonnes, Apiradee said.Shipping for the first lot will start some
time this month or next, she added.

36
Thailand aims to export 9.5 million tonnes of rice in 2016 and has already exported 6.2 million
tonnes up to August.The commerce ministry said last month Thailand should harvest 23.55
million tonnes of rice between October and December this year.The government also approved
measures at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday aimed at taking rice off the market to stabilize Thai
rice prices at a time of high supply.
The measures include a revised rice storage scheme worth 1.31 billion baht ($37.56 million),
which offers interest rate cuts on loans from a state-run agriculture bank to attract more rice
millers to buy rice for storage.Millers who store rice for 60 to 180 days will get a 3 percent
interest rate cut per year, while those who store it for 90 to 180 days will get a 4 percent
cut.Another measure involves offering loans, from 300,000 baht ($8,600) to 300 million baht
($8.60 million), to farmers, farmer groups, local enterprises and agricultural cooperatives to
withhold their harvest and postpone selling it into the market.The government said it expected
both programs to take 10 million tonnes of rice off the market
http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/international/thailand-sell-100000-t-rice-china-
announces-steps-stabilize-price/

37
Mono-crop affects IP farm practices
BY FRANK PEÑONES JR. ON ON OCTOBER 12, 2016
NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur: Mono-cropping and migration have contributed to the demise of
upland traditional agricultural practices of Bicol‘s indigenous peoples (IPs), a research project of
the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) in Los Banos, Laguna, showed.Jacqueline Canilao
of the PRRI said their research, titled Anthropological and Socio-economic Characterization of
Bicol‘s Agta Indigenous Peoples, began in 2012 and covered four IP communities in Albay and
Camarines Sur provinces.
Mono-cropping or cultivation of a single commercial crop like corn and outward migration of
young Agtas from the four communities to the lowlands in search of employment hastened the
disappearance of upland agricultural practices and crops like rice.
The study showed that the desire for quick return of capital in market-driven crops like corn, the
high cost of farm inputs to cultivate this cash crop, the near absence of roads and the lack of job
opportunities compelled the young Agtas to abandon farming as a source of livelihood altogether
and leave an ageing and dwindling number of farmers.Canilao said the lessons PRRI learned in
its Palayaman project in Mindoro prompted the research on the Bicol IPs.In Mindoro, change
and improvement of the IPs‘ lives does not only depend on the introduction of new farming
technologies but also draws from their traditional socio-cultural practices, that is, in the diversity
of agricultural products as well as traditional, local and scientific knowledge.
The results of the study are contained in four coffee table books: Voices of San Pedro, Modern
Gatbo, Growing Danao and Understanding Joroan, Misibis and Mayong, which were launched
here and attended by some 40 Agta IPs from the four communities.
San Pedro is a mountain barangay (village) in Iriga City, Gatbo is in Ocampo, Camarines Sur;
while Danao, Joroan, Misibis and Mayong are located in Albay, particularly in Malinao, Tiwi
and Cagraray Island, respectively.
http://www.manilatimes.net/mono-crop-affects-ip-farm-practices/290889/
Rice policies must take focus off populism 13
Oct 2016 at 04:30
Yingluck Shinawatra understood how to use the rice-purchase scheme to get elected, but never
had a firm hand on the programme's sustainability.

38
Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has cried foul about the compensation, sought by
the current regime, for damages caused by her government's loss-ridden rice-pledging scheme.
She should instead have paid heed to concerns over irregularities and the scheme's lack of
sustainability when she was in power.
The total cumulative loss generated by the scheme, a major policy disaster for the country,
provides a basis for the current government to seek damages from her, other politicians, and
bureaucrats involved. It was the fruit of an extreme populist policy which has not in the end
helped improve farmers' livelihoods in a sustainable manner.
In defending the alleged dereliction of duty made against her, the former premier insisted the
scheme was meant to boost farmers' livelihoods and increase market prices of unmilled rice.
However, massive losses incurred indicate that the scheme was not a sustainable solution.

39
A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) found that the scheme caused a
total loss of over 500 billion baht from 2011-2014. If it had continued, we are unsure what
further losses would have been incurred and for how long the state would have had to shoulder
this financial disaster.
Even though the Yingluck government projected that the scheme would eventually drive the
market price of rice to 15,000 baht per tonne, the current value stands at only 8,000 baht.
Findings by the Finance Ministry's subcommittee inspecting the accounting of several
government rice subsidy schemes, led by former permanent secretary for finance Rangsan
Sriworasart, revealed that the country's 15 rice subsidy programmes over a period of 11 years
before the 2014 coup, had accumulated massive losses totalling 699 billion baht.
Four schemes were initiated by the Yingluck government and caused a loss of 536 billion baht
within just two years. The other 11 programmes had been initiated by its predecessors and
accumulated a total loss of 163 billion baht.
Those losses were caused by the government's buying price of pledged rice at prices 50% above
the market price. In addition, damages were incurred by irregularities and fraud associated with
the project.
A panel formed by the current government to determine the compensation, chaired by Manas
Jamveha, former director-general of the Comptroller-General's Department, initially ruled that
Ms Yingluck was delinquent in her duties and should be held liable for 293 billion baht in
damages.
The committee later cut the amount to 178 billion baht as it recommended that compensation
should instead be sought for losses incurred during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 rice harvest
seasons; the periods where the then government was notified by both the National Anti-
Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) of potential
irregularities and fraud in the scheme. The panel ruled that Ms Yingluck, as the highest authority
overseeing national rice policy, must be held liable for 20% of the losses, or a sum of 35.7 billion
baht.

40
A loss of 115 billion baht incurred during the 2011-2012 growing season and the 2012 double-
crop season was excluded because the panel believed that the government only received broad
recommendations from the two agencies during this period so it did not have sufficient
information about the potential losses.
In fact, the Yingluck government should have realised the possible problems associated with this
programme without waiting for such warnings from either agency. The Bank of Agriculture and
Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), the long-time lender to this and other rice subsidy schemes,
informed her administration in advance that the project could run into a number of problems.
The bank even proposed recommendations to prevent any problems that could arise from false
claims of farmers' subsidy entitlements, inaccurate information given by rice millers and the
fraudulent sale of rice stocks. These projected problems did actually happen.
The first farm subsidy policy was initiated in Thailand in 1982. It was designed to increase prices
of paddy. Farmers were allowed to pledge their unmilled rice to the BAAC during the beginning
of the harvest season when supply was usually high and prices were down.
What these governments have in common was the failure to help farmers realise the risks in
their investment, learn how to enhance their productivity, and become more competitive. Those
policies did not help uplift their livelihoods in the long term.
Somporn Isvilanonda, an economist at the Knowledge Network Institute, had repeatedly
proposed that policy-makers should focus on cost reductions and efficient farm management as
the keys to enhancing productivity. His proposed measures included the reduction of chemical
use and the adoption of the sufficiency economy to cut costs and mitigate risks in the farming
process.
Mass production should be shifted to farming that creates a niche based on rice varieties. For
example, a strong focus should have been given to organic rice breeds with unique and high
quality. Policy makers should also capitalise on existing studies that can help farmers improve
rice quality.

41
However, if rice continues to be used by politicians as a political commodity, it will be unable to
reach its true potential for a niche market. It will be used as part of populist policies without
sustainable measures to truly uplift the
Of rice and diplomacy
12 Oct 2016 at 04:20
The government worked hard to make its Asia Cooperation Dialogue 2016 a success. The
country, particularly the Thai public, proved to be a generous host, in regards to the plight of
residents who encountered traffic congestion as a result of massive road closures. Just the traffic
jams alone left much of Bangkok unimpressed with the foreign leaders who flew in.
So far as the traffic jams, motorists and commuters have the right to be upset. The government
certainly had to take steps to aid the movements of so many prominent ministers, including heads
of government. But the dislocation and utter inconvenience was poorly planned and carried out.
Instead of a long notice of areas restricted to traffic, Bangkok got a terse announcement on
Saturday, meaning most drivers didn't even know about the diversions until they drove into
them. It was poor planning.
So far as the actual "summit", Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha set the right tone. In fact, our
leader turned many opportunities presented by the ACD into positives. Some will undoubtedly
yield good results.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, proved up to the task of organising and catering to
the guests from abroad, and meetings including those under bilateral frameworks like the
Thailand-South Korea friendship, ended with satisfactory outcomes.
The actual summit meetings which ended on Monday were broken into two, one for
governments and one for the private sector. Gen Prayut's main appearance was as they keynote
speaker at last Saturday's main business meeting. He waded in quite boldly, and won headlines
with his main proposal. While the local and global economies are struggling, it is the perfect time
for the private sector to dive in with investments, either private or jointly with the government.
There is no question the premier is right. Large investments right now would kickstart the areas
where the money is needed. Moreover, it would provide the confidence needed to encourage
further investment.

42
Realistically, Thailand has no other road to recovery. The economy at present is bolstered and supported
by government spending. Thai credit is still good, but government spending always has a finite limit.
Many countries have been ruined by government over-spending, then printing money without backing.
Gen Prayut has proposed that private enterprise bring real investment into the economy.
One of the opportunities mentioned above was the arrival at the ACD of Iranian President Hassan
Rouhani. He was ready to talk business, and Gen Prayut was very much in favour. He and the Iranian
leader had talks on the weekend that could result in a rapid reversal of a Thai ban on rice sales to Tehran.
It should be noted that over the past 10 years, all the top Asian rice exporters have had serious issues with
Iran over payments for shipped rice. Vietnam and Pakistan have stopped all rice shipments to Iran unless
Tehran paid cash -- which it refused to do. Earlier this year, India was also involved in a similar dispute,
and India has been cutting back on all Basmati rice sales to Iran, not just sales on credit.
Because of its poor payment record, there must be careful negotiations and conditions on rice sales to
Iran. But there is little doubt that Iran under its moderate president wants to rebuild both political and
economic ties with Thailand.
The Islamic Republic News Agency and Thai spokesmen agreed on the achievements of the Rouhani-
Prayut meetings. Both agreed it is time for a new chapter in Tehran-Bangkok relations. With Saudi
Arabian relations apparently doomed to stagnate forever, this could be the premier achievement of the
ACD.
Rising Dominance of Estate Crops and Varied Usage Patterns for
Agricultural Machinery in Indonesia to Drive the Demand for
Agricultural Equipments: Ken Research
(MENAFN Press) •To upgrade industries and climb the technological ladder, a strong
partnership with the private sector will be crucial for the country.
•The growing GDP, improving investment in infrastructure and low labor costs will provide a
significant thrust to the manufacturing sector over the coming years.
•The agricultural machinery market in Indonesia is estimated to reach over USD 740 million by
2020
Ken Research announced its latest publication on ―Indonesia Agricultural Machinery Market
Outlook to 2020 - Integration of Small Farm holders and Government Support to Foster Growth‖
provides a comprehensive analysis of the agricultural machinery market in Indonesia. The report
covers aspects such as the market size on the basis of sales volume and revenue for Tractors,
Combine Harvesters, Rice Transplanters and Tractor Implements. The segmentation for Tractors,

43
Combine Harvesters and Rice Transplanters has been created on the basis of Horsepower while
the segmentation for Tractor Implements has been showcased by products. The report also
covers the market share, competitive landscape and working business model of major
manufacturers, along with warranty policies and distribution channels of agricultural equipments.
The report also covers farm ownership by different food and estate crops with expected changes
in cropping pattern in the coming years. In addition to this, the report also covers the country
overview, government regulation and agricultural overview of Indonesia. GDP, Per Capita
Income and Population Demographics are analyzed in country overview. Land under cultivation,
Changes in cropping patterns, farm holding structure and scale of mechanization are covered in
agricultural overview. Regulatory policies, the import duty structure, subsidies and financing
options are covered in government regulation. This report will help industry consultants,
agricultural machinery manufacturers and dealers, retail chains, potential entrants and other
stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to the ongoing and expected trends
in the future.
The sales of agricultural machinery and implements are projected to reach over 230,000 units by
2020. 2 wheel tractors market in terms of revenues is likely to dominate in the future. 4 wheel
tractors market is anticipated to report second position in the market in terms of revenues in
2020. This will be followed with Tractor implements, combine harvesters and rice transplanters.
In rice growing and in other small size farms, small scale two wheel tractors are most popular
due to its adaptation to the local economic conditions and management scales. The sustained
popularity of hand tractors for land preparation and ideal soft soil conditions will augment its
sales in future. Java will continue to be the area with the highest demand and sales of hand
tractors in the country.
The demand for four wheel tractors will continue to arise from Sumatra and Kalimantan in the
future, due to the above average farm holding size in these regions. Moreover, the higher
production for palm oil, rubber and sugarcane in these regions has also boosted the demand for 4
wheel tractor sales
The level of mechanization in harvesting in Indonesia is still very low as a majority of farmers
still use manual methods. Combine harvesters are mainly demanded by a limited target audience
and farmers and agricultural cooperatives and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The
level of mechanization with respect to transplanting is still very low as farmers prefer to engage
in manual methods of transplanting as this involves only cost of labor been employed on the
farm. The sale of rice transplanters is projected to increase in the coming years. Indonesia is on
the path towards self-sufficiency in terms of rice production and consumption due to which a

44
majority of farmers in the country are expected to continue rice farming. The growth in sales of
two wheel and four wheel tractors is complemented with the growth in tractor implements as a
majority of farmers purchase tractor implements along with new tractors. The sale of tractor
implements has been estimated to reach is anticipated to grow in tandem with the sales of 2
wheel and 4 wheel tractors.
―It is advisable for new entrant to provide great after sales support services such as on site
mechanics support even during the peak seasons or timely commitment of services or otherwise
free spares. Moreover, the farmers in Indonesia have lower credit worthiness due to limited farm
income, which refrain them to purchase farm machinery. In lieu to this, the farm equipment
companies should instigate separate leasing department that can provide farm machinery to the
farmers with limited finance‖, according to Research Analyst, Ken Research.
Key Topics Covered in the Report:
Country Overview: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Indonesia, Key Factors Driving Growth in
GDP, Contribution to GDP: Agriculture, Manufacturing and Service Sector, Population
Demographics, Logistics Cost
Agricultural Overview: Total Land under Cultivation, Distribution by Major Crops, Rice,
Sugarcane, Cassava and Rubber, Palm Oil and Maize, Changing Cropping Patterns in Indonesia
and Factors Driving Change
Farm Holding Structure in Indonesia: Number of Farms and Farm Holding Size, Nature of
Ownership, Food and Estate Crops
Regulatory Policies Impacting Farm Holding Structure: Regulatory Structure, Import Duty
Structure, Certification Requirements, Subsidies, Government Taxes, Finance Options
Agricultural Practices: Extensive and Intensive Farming, Scale of Mechanization, Irrigated and
Non-Irrigated Land
Market for Tractor and Agricultural Implements: Indonesia Agricultural Equipment Market,
Tractor Market, Rice Transplanter Market, Combine Harvester Market, Tractor Implements
Market

45
Key Factors Driving Growth of Agricultural Equipment Market
Market Share and Competitive Landscape of Leading Manufacturers in Indonesia Agricultural
Equipments Market
Competitive Landscape of Leading Manufacturers in Indonesia Agricultural Equipments Market
Price Range for Agricultural Equipments
Geographical Distribution of Category Wise Sale of Tractors and Combine Harvesters
Working Model of Major OEM‘s in Indonesia Agriculture Equipment Market
Custom Hiring Market
Export-Import of Agricultural Equipments in Indonesia
Future Projections for Indonesia Agricultural Equipment Market
Customer Insight: Decision Making Process for Procurement of Agricultural Equipments, Usage
Pattern for Major Agricultural Equipments in Indonesia
Analyst Recommendations
Key Products Mentioned in the Report
Four Wheel Tractors
Power Tillers
Combine Harvesters
Rice Transplanters
Tractor Implements (Rotavator, Disc Plough, Disc Harrow, Land Leveler, Sprayers/ Spreaders)
Companies Covered in the Report
PT Kubota Machinery Indonesia
Yanmar Indonesia
Quick Tractors (CV. Karya Hidup Sentosa)
PT Rutan (Agrindo)

46
Traktor Nusantara (Massey Ferguson and Tym)
PT Satrindo Mitra Utama (John Deere)
Altrak 1987 (New Holland)
Maxxi
Galaxy
Tanikaya
For more information on the report, refer to the link below:
https://www.kenresearch.com/agriculture-and-animal-care/agriculture-equipment/indonesia-
farm-tractor-market-report/53418-104.html
Related Reports:
Vietnam Agricultural Machinery Market Outlook to 2020 - Government Initiatives to Increase
Mechanization and Enhancing Credit Availability to Drive Future Growth
Thailand Agricultural Machinery Market Outlook to 2020 - Changing Labour Force Pattern and
Improving Credit Conditions to Foster Future Growth
India Agricultural Equipment Industry Outlook to 2018 - Growing Potential of Rice
Transplanters Market
Contact Us:
Ken Research
Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications
Ankur@kenresearch.com
91-901537824

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter headlines

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (18)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (12)

Similar to Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter headlines

Similar to Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter headlines (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Daily Global, Regional and Local Rice E-Newsletter headlines