4th june ,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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June 4 ,2015

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One million tons of rice in government stockpile to be
auctioned off this month
Thursday, 04 June 2015By NNT
BANGKOK, 3 June 2015 - The Ministry of
Commerce will auction off one million tons
of rice this month and will sign government-
to-government contracts for the sale of two
million tons of rice to China within
July.General Chatchai Sarikulya, the
minister of commerce, has given his
approval for the Department of Foreign
Trade to announce the auctioning of one
million tons of rice within the government's
stockpile. The one million tons of rice
consists of both quality rice and substandard
rice. Bids are expected to be submitted
starting in the middle of this month. The
minister believes the entire one million tons
will be sold out due to high demand from the
market following the end of the off-season
rice cultivation period. Since the beginning
of the year, close to three million tons of rice
has been released from the government's
stockpile.As for the G2G rice deals with
China, Gen. Chatchai disclosed that a
contract of sale for 1 million tons of new
rice and one million tons of old rice will be
signed in July. In the meantime, Thailand
has already delivered 400,000 tons of rice to
China under a previous contract for the
purchase of one million tons of rice that was
signed last year. Another 100,000 tons will
soon be delivered in accordance with this
contract.Gen. Chatchai said the Ministry of Commerce will also bid for the sale of rice to the
Philippines this month.The commerce minister expressed confidence that rice exports would
reach 10 million tons this year.
http://www.pattayamail.com/business/one-million-tons-of-rice-in-government-stockpile-to-be-auctioned-off-this-
month-47684#sthash.SKdAT1ly.dpuf

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Gates funds research, but Alcala imports rice
By Rudy Romero | Jun. 04, 2015 at 12:01am
Two recent news items, taken together, make for very sad and exceedingly
frustrating reading. The news items related to the industry that provides food,
income and livelihood to a large percentage of the farmers of this country. I
refer to the rice industry.One of the news items was about the government‘s
rice supply management plan for 2015. Speaking for the Aquino
administration, Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala announced that the
National Food Authority would be taking steps to import an additional
500,000 metric tons of rice during the rest of 2015.The word ‗additional‘ is indicative of the fact
that authorizations have previously been given for imports intended to provide the nation with an
adequate supply of rice, including an adequate buffer stock.
The 500,000 MT import authorization is the latest in a virtually unbroken line of rice imports
stretching back to the 1950s. The authorizations were given by rice industry regulatory bodies
bearing the names National Marketing Corp., Rice and Corn Authority, National Grains
Authority and the present National Food Authority. With the exception of a very brief period
during the 1970s--mention must be made of the leadership of Secretary (later Minister) of
Agriculture Arturo Tanco--rice imports have been virtually a part of the economic life of this
country. Announcements of Department of Agriculture rice imports are expected as a matter of
course, with import volumes as the only unknown factor in the equation.Under certain conditions
importing can make greater economic sense than producing domestically. But this is hardly the
case in this country where rice is concerned.
From virtually any standpoint--the percentage of the national population living in the rural areas,
the levels of rural unemployment and underemployment, labor cost, land availability and fertility
and the multiplier impact of domestic production on the rural sector--domestic production of rice
is preferable to endlessly importing rice from Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and other Asian
countries. But, as every knowledgeable Filipino knows, ―The fun(d) is in importing.‖Now for the
companion news item that I spoke of earlier.The world‘s richest man, Bill Gates, came to this
country recently with his wife Melinda and his children. It was a private, no-fuss visit by the
chairman of Microsoft Corp.. The Gates group arrived in a private jet and stayed for about a
week in the pricey, very private Amanpulo Resort in Northern Palawan.Sun, sand and surf in Bill
Gates‘ mind. He had another, loftier purpose. He wanted to see for himself how things were
going at the Gates Foundation-supported IRRI (International Rice Research Institute), which is
the world‘s premier rice research institution. Bill and Melinda Gates drove quietly to Los Banos
and were given a grand tour of the facility by its executive director.
Bill Gates was shown and given a briefing on all the latest results of IRRI research, which,
because of the abiding impact of climate change, is now focused on the effects of flooding,
drought and soil erosion. The Microsoft chairman was reminded of how IRRI launched the

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Green Revolution with the IR-8 rice strain in the late 1960s. IR-8 was followed in due course by
IR-24 and other ever-improving strains.Apart from being exceedingly impressed, Bill and
Melinda Gates must have left IRRI wondering why, with the famous research facility located in
this country, the Philippines persists in being one of the top--in recent years the Number One--
rice importers in the world.
Why, indeed, is this the case?
Whenever Proceso Alcala is asked to explain a fresh decision to import rice, the politician from
Quezon invariably cites the vagaries of weather, pointing to typhoons, drought, flooding, etc. Yet
the new rice strains that IRRI keeps producing are precisely intended to counteract and
compensate for the vagaries of Nature and the deficiencies of the government. Chief among
these is the inadequacy of irrigation and farm-to-market infrastructure.And so I go back to the
title of this column. Apparently Bill and Melinda Gates fund rice research so that Proceso Alcala
can endlessly import rice.
E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/04/gates-funds-research-but-alcala-imports-rice/
Agriculture college gets new dean from Colorado State
University
Craig Beyrouty has 35 years of experience in agriculture sciences
John Eisele/Colorado State University Photography
Craig Beyrouty
Former professor Craig Beyrouty is the new dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Posted: Wednesday, June 3, 2015 6:14 pm | Updated: 1:33 am, Thu Jun 4, 2015.
By Brittany Bitto
Colorado State University‘s agricultural sciences college dean, will
become the dean of this university‘s agriculture college Nov.
1.Craig Beyrouty, who has worked in soil sciences for more than
35 years, oversaw five departments at Colorado State, including
animal sciences, horticultural landscape architecture, agricultural
and resources economics and soil and crop sciences.―I wanted to
get into agriculture to really help others from the standpoint of
food production and focus on improving the lives of others,‖
Beyrouty said. ―With regards of soil science, it was also an
opportunity to be involved in conserving and preserving our
natural resources, and soils is fundamental to food production.

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‖Beyrouty‘s work has taken him around the world, including Africa, where he worked in both
Ethiopia and Kenya on collaborative agricultural projects.Beyrouty said his projects in Africa
were some of his favorites.―Working in Africa in both Ethiopia and Kenya and working with
universities in both countries has been exciting to me,‖ he said.
―They‘re very interested in developing systems that are similar to our land grant systems within
the United States, and it‘s an opportunity for us to be able to share with those organizations and
institutions the land grant system, the land grant mission and certainly how it works here in the
United States.‖Beyrouty, who previously served as International Rice Root Working Group vice
chair, also worked in the Philippines and Japan with foreign scientists on rice research, exploring
the depths of rice roots and growth.―I really enjoy interacting with all sorts of people from all
sorts of backgrounds whether it's from rural communities or city communities,‖ he said.Lou
Swanson, Colorado State's vice president for engagement, said Beyrouty is ―one of the nicest
people you‘ll meet.‖―He‘s highly knowledgeable about a breadth of agriculture issues,‖ Swanson
said. ―People will find him to be very engaging. The University of Maryland is very lucky to
have him on board.‖After living in a semi-arid region like Colorado, Beyrouty said he has
extensive experience working with water as a major focus in agriculture.
In a highly populated state like this one, Beyrouty said he expects to focus on smaller-scale
agriculture operations like urban agriculture and preserving natural resources like the
Chesapeake Bay.As the new dean, Beyrouty said he hopes to work with other disciplines outside
of the agriculture college.―We want to be able to sustain and grow agriculture within the state,‖
Beyrouty said. ―To do that, we have to focus on the food-production side of things but also the
environmental and the natural resource side and so it‘s going to be a holistic approach to
agriculture.‖The current dean, Cheng-i Wei, said he is in the process of deciding his next career
move.―I can always go back as a tenured faculty to conduct teaching, research and service for the
university,‖ Wei said.Beyrouty said he also hopes to increase undergraduate student enrollment
in the college. A report released last month by the Department of Agriculture predicted almost
60,000 annual job openings between 2015 and 2020 for those with degrees in the field.―There‘s
an explosion of job opportunities,‖ Beyrouty said. ―We want to be able to prepare and attract as
many students as we possibly can, because it‘s an outstanding discipline and career choice for
individuals.‖
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/article_e394de34-0a3d-11e5-b908-dfe0ba5800b4.html
Up to 30pc duty on rice, wheat import proposed
THE NEWSPAPER'S REPORTER
As the country has surplus stocks of wheat, rice and other agricultural commodities, the government is likely
to impose duty ranging from 15 to 30 per cent on the import of these products in the budget 2015-16. —
Reuters/File
ISLAMABAD: As the country has surplus stocks of wheat, rice and other agricultural
commodities, the government is likely to impose duty ranging from 15 to 30 per cent on the

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import of these products in the budget 2015-
16.The Ministry of National Food Security and
Research (MNFSR) has proposed that 30pc duty
should be levied on the import of wheat flour in
order to discourage its import since the cropping
pattern offers employment to a vast majority of
farmers and labourers.Already 1pc duty on the
import of wheat flour was imposed this fiscal year.
The government is likely to review the rate of duty
on the import of basmati rice which is second largest export of Pakistan. It has been proposed
that duty should be increased from 10pc to 30pc in the next budget as import of basmati would
counterfeit domestic production.Similarly, it was proposed that duty on the import of broken rice
should be enhanced from 10pc in 2014-15 to 30pc during the next fiscal year since rice is a cash
crop and Pakistan earns foreign exchange on the export of rice.In other policy measures, MNFSR
proposed to enhance import duty on wheat starch from the existing 15pc to 25pc in next budget.
Duty on the import of beet sugar has been recommended from 25pc to 30pc; white crystalline
cane from 25pc to 30pc; and white crystalline beet sugar from 25pc to 30pc. The measure has
been proposed since Pakistan has a huge sugar industry that offers sufficient white sugar and
offers employment opportunities.In the case of the import of skimmed milk powder, the ministry
felt that the influx of skimmed milk powder and whey powder was hampering the development
of dairy sector with no investment over the past three years, and has proposed to the government
to impose 65pc duty on both these products in the coming budget.
The ministry observed that by raising duty, the government can attract further investment in the
dairy sector, protect the small dairy farmers and to mitigate the use of synthetic milk and recipe
products.In the area of farm mechanisation, it has been proposed that the sales tax levied on
locally-manufactured agricultural machinery since 2011-12 should be waived off to ensure
availability of farm machinery to the farming community at affordable prices.To encourage new
entrants in agricultural tractors manufacturing, it has been proposed that the ‗Tariff Based
System‘ that replaced deletion programme may be rationalised and only those entrants should be
allowed who are willing to establish Euro-II and Euro-III compliant tractors.
Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1186018/up-to-30pc-duty-on-rice-wheat-import-proposed
Pakistan to cooperate with Nigeria in agri sector: Bosan
Wednesday, 03 June 2015 18:11
Posted by Imaduddin
ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan
assured Nigerian High Commissioner Dauda Donladi who called on him here of Pakistan's
assistance and cooperation in the field of agriculture.Sikander Bosan said that Pakistan desires to

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have a broad, substantive and long term
relationship with Nigeria in all fields including
agriculture, trade and industry, according to a
statement issued Wednesday.The minister offered
assistance in key areas of arid crop production,
fruit & vegetable production, harvesting
techniques, storage techniques & facilities, On-
farm water management, high yield crop varieties,
agri -business, irrigation systems, mechanized
paddy production, production of high quality
seed, farm mechanization, warehousing, biotechnology, pest management, horticulture ,
livestock and poultry.
During the meeting it was agreed to start exchange programmes for scientists in fields of energy,
environment, agriculture, range management and forestry at the earliest.The federal minister
apprised the worthy guest that the ministry has already nominated a focal person for coordination
and members for the Joint committee from Pakistani side for effective implementation of
agreement in agriculture cooperation signed during President's visit to Nigeria in 2014.The
minister appreciated the Nigerian government's efforts to increase local production for self-
sufficiency.The ambassador highlighted that 79 million hectares of uncultivated land in Nigeria
offers unprecedented potential for investment and research.In response, Sikander Bosan apprised
the ambassador that here in Pakistan the research on dry land cultivation of rice requiring less
water has been successful and Pakistan is all ready for any kind of technical assistance and
support.The minister welcomed the immense interest in poultry, rice, tractor and machinery
import from Pakistan and assured the envoy of utmost support and facilitation
http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/109-world-top-news/244624-pakistan-to-cooperate-with-nigeria-in-
agri-sector-bosan.html
APEDA India (News)
International Benchmark Price
Price on: 03-06-2015
Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price
Apricots
1 Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 5975
2 Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 5375

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3 Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t) 4375
Raisins
1 Californian Thompson seedless raisins, CIF UK (USD/t) 2367
2 South African Thompson seedless raisins, CIF UK (USD/t) 2247
Sultanas
1 Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t) 2956
2 Iranian natural sultanas (Gouchan), CIF UK (USD/t) 1785
3 Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t) 2150
Source:agra-net For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 03-06-2015
Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price
Barley (Jau)
1 Dahod (Gujarat) Other 1200 1300
2 Deoli (Rajasthan) Other 1100 1160
3 Tosham (Haryana) Other 1080 1150
Maize
1 Dhing (Assam) Other 1320 1500
2 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1250 1640
3 Athani(Karnataka) Local 1200 1350
Mango
1 Bonai (Orissa) Other 2000 3000
2 Pattambi(Kerala) Other 1500 2000
3 Karad(Maharashtra) Other 1500 2000

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Carrot
1 Manjeri (Kerala) Other 2500 2700
2 Bonai (Orissa) Other 2000 2000
3 Solan(Himachal Pradesh) Other 1000 1700
Source:agra-net For more info
Egg Rs per 100 No
Price on 03-06-2015
Product Market Center Price
1 Pune 367
2 Chittoor 368
3 Hyderabad 327
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 03-06-2015
Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High
Onions Dry Package: 50 lb sacks
1 Baltimore Arizona Yellow 22 23
2 Dallas Mexico Yellow 21 24
3 Detroit California Yellow 20.50 24.50
Cabbage Package: 1 3/4 bushel cartons
1 Baltimore Georgia Round Green Type 13 14
2 Chicago Florida Round Green Type 13.50 14.50
3 New York Georgia Round Green Type 14 16
Grapefruit Package: 7/10 bushel cartons

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1 Baltimore California Red 22 22
2 Dallas California Red 18 20
3 Philadelphia California Red 21 21
Source:USDA
Rice farmers push Congress to lift Cuba embargo
By Andrew Nomura
anomura@wafb.com
Source: WAFB
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Louisiana rice farmers are calling
for the United States Congress to lift a trade embargo with Cuba in
hopes to increase revenue.A representative for the rice industry
spoke about the impacts of the embargo Tuesday at the
International Trade Commission meeting in Washington, DC,
stating that Louisiana would be one of the biggest winners if the
embargo is lifted."I am concerned about human rights abuses and the
lack of a real democracy in Cuba, but the potential economic benefit
of increased trade for South Louisiana's rice farmers is undeniable,"
said Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., MD, R-La. "As we
continue to explore the potential impacts of opening relations with
Cuba this is very important to keep in mind.
"The trade embargo between America and Cuba has been in place since the 1960s. Mike Salassi
is a crop production economist with the LSU AG Center. He said back then Cuba was America's
biggest customer for rice. That changed when Fidel Castro became prime minister of Cuba. Cuba
imports 60 to 80 percent of its rice. Meaning if Congress lifts the embargo, it would mean better
business for Louisiana with rice is a big industry in the state."Given the proximity of Louisiana,
a lot of that rice would probably be exported through New Orleans," said Salassi. "Even if all of
the rice isn't produce in Louisiana it would be a benefit to the state and the region."Salassi said
that you can't put your finger on exactly how much money America would get if the embargo
was lifted because the price of rice varies from year to year base on demand.Six states including
Louisiana account for 99 percent of all rice grown in America.

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http://www.pho.com/story/29233800/rice-farmers-push-congress-to-lift-cuba-embargo#ixzz3cBCywz7I
Global food prices hit near-six-year low
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has reported a continued decline in
global food prices. It said the drop was driven by a favorable outlook for this year's harvests in
most regions of the globe.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Thursday that major food commodity
prices eased again in May, hitting an almost six-year low.The FAO Food Price Index was down
1.4 percent from the previous month and as much as 20.7 percent lower than in May 2014.The
index is a trade-weighted barometer that tracks prices on international markets of five major food
commodity groups, notably cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and sugar.FAO
upgraded its global production forecast of wheat and rice, anticipating bigger harvests in China
and Mexico, but also more abundant wheat harvests in Africa and North America.
Bumper harvests
Global cereal production for the whole of 2015 was predicted to reach 2.5 billion tons, just 1
percent below last year's record. The UN body stated that May's drop in global prices was driven
mainly by a 3.8-percent monthly decline in the cost of cereals as well as by a 2.9-percent dip in
dairy product prices.But the picture was not heterogeneous at all in May, the organizaton

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emphasized. It cited the sugar price index which bucked the trend and rose by 2.0 percent in the
month under review.
hg/cjc (Reuters, FAO website)
FAO report
http://www.dw.de/global-food-prices-hit-near-six-year-low/a-18496049
Fao Hikes 2015 Cereal Production Outlook By 15 Million
Tonnes

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Un Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) increased
its 2015 global cerealproduction outlook by 15 million tonnes in May, as its cereal utilisation
estimation rises by 1.2 percent, according to the data in its latest Cereal Supply and Demand
Brief, released on Thursday."The outlook for world cereal production in 2015 has improved
since the previous report in May, on expectations of larger wheat, coarse grains and rice
harvests"FAO said.FAO‘s latest forecast for global cereal production in 2015 rose to 2.524
billiontonnes, still 1 percent, or 25.6 million tonnes, lower than the record in 2014.Global
wheat production in 2015 is currently forecast at 723 million tonnes, up 4million tonnes from
May but down 0.8 percent or 6 million tonnes from the previous year‘s record.
"This month‘s upward revision mostly reflects bigger anticipated harvests in Africa and North
America" FAO said, while annual contraction in world wheat productionwould be mainly the
result of declines in the EU, India and the Russian Federation, which combined account for
approximately 40 percent of the global wheat output.The forecast for world coarse
grains production in 2015 has been raised more significantly, by 10 million tonnes to 1.3
billion tonnes, mainly on improved prospects for maize, in China and Mexico and sorghum in
the United States, FAOsaid. "Despite this month‘s increase, world coarse grain production would
remain 2 percent or 26 million tonnes smaller than in 2014, largely on account of lower projected
maize and barley outputs.
"The forecast for lobal rice production in 2015 has also been upgraded since last month, by 1.3
percent or 6.3 million tonnes compared to last year, underpinned by large increases in China,
India, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand."World cereal utilization in 2015/16 is projected at 2
525 million tonnes, up slightly from the previous report and now 1.2 percent or nearly
30 million tonnes above the latest estimate for 2014/15" FAO added.Total feed utilization of
cereals is forecast at 894 million tonnes, 1.5 percent or 13million tonnes above the 2014/15
estimate, compared to almost 5 percent growth between 2013/14 and 2014/15.Total food
consumption of cereals is likely to increase by 1.3 percent or 14 milliontonnes, keeping annual
per capita consumption level of cereals steady at slightly above 152 kg, with wheat at around 67
kg and rice at just over 57 kg.
Benzer Haberler
http://www.34volt.com/ekonomi/istanbul/fao-hikes-2015-cereal-production-outlook-by-15-
million-tonnes-haberi-174316/
The cost of food falls to a 6-year low
AFP
JUN. 4, 2015, 7:57 AM

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©
AFP/File Manan Vatsyayana
The FAO food price index averaged 166.8 points in May, down 1.4 percent from April and as
much as 20.7 percent from a year earlier, the Rome-based UN agency saidRome (AFP) - The
world's major food commodity prices fell again in May to the lowest level in nearly six years
amid a favourable outlook for this year's harvests, the Food and Agriculture Organisation said
Thursday.The FAO food price index averaged 166.8 points in May, down 1.4 percent from April
and as much as 20.7 percent from a year earlier, the Rome-based UN agency said in a statement.
It marked the lowest level since September 2009 in the trade-weighted index that tracks prices on
international markets of five major food commodity groups: cereals, meat, dairy products,
vegetable oils and sugar.The May decline was due to a 3.8 percent drop in the cereal price index
from a month earlier, a 2.9 percent drop in the dairy price index and a one percent drop in the
meat price index."FAO has also upgraded its May 2015 forecast for global production of wheat,
coarse grains and rice, anticipating bigger maize harvests in China and Mexico as well as more
abundant wheat harvests in Africa and North America," the statement said.According to the
latest forecasts, global cereal production in 2015 will be 2.524 billion tonnes, only one percent
below last year's record, "reinforcing the view of generally stable cereal markets," the FAO said.
http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-food-commodity-prices-fall-in-may-to-near-six-year-low-fao-
2015-6#ixzz3cBEEDuPP
Incessant rain hampers paddy plantation in Kupwara
Posted at: Jun 4 2015 12:19AM

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Labourers work on a paddy field at Kakapora in south Kashmir‘s Pulwama district on Wednesday. Tribune Photo:
Mohd Amin War
Amin Masoodi
Kupwara, June 3
Incessant rain hampered the plantation of paddy saplings in some areas of frontier Kupwara
district today.The rains forced farmers to abandon the plantation of seedlings locally called
‗Thall‘ in several areas of the district.Javid Ahmad Shah, middle-rung agricultural officer in
Kupwara, said the delay in plantation might affect the yield. ―Paddy saplings need a good
temperature to germinate and grow. Plantation should have been completed by last week of
May,‖ he added.The plantation of paddy seedlings would have ended a few days before had bad
weather conditions not affected the plantation during the past two weeks. Heavy rains this
afternoon again hampered the plantation, said Ghulam Mohammad Dar from Kupwara.
―The plantation may take a few more days if the weather remains dry,‖ he added. The plantation
season which is usually completed in May offers work to many labourers who charge from Rs

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370 to Rs 400 per day. ―Local labourers are engaged in plantation of paddy seedlings and in its
harvest as well in August,‖ said Rafiq Ahmad from Hirri village.Farmers fear that the delay in
sowing the seedlings may affect the yield this year. ―The weather should now remain dry for
another few days so that the plantation of seedlings is completed,‖ said Abdul Majid Chopan
from Tikker near Kupwara.Women and men sing Kashmiri songs while sowing the seedlings in
the fields, which according to them, makes the job interesting and less hectic. Over 90 per cent
people cultivate paddy crop as their mainstay in north Kashmir.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/incessant-rain-hampers-paddy-plantation-in-
kupwara/89184.html
Agri commodities' price rise on deficient monsoon forecast
Wheat up 72% since May 15, others follow; future moves would depend on actual rain and govt
response
Dilip Kumar Jha | Mumbai
June 4, 2015 Last Updated at 22:35 IST
Prices of agriculltural commodities have started spiralling in the spot market, ahead of kharif
sowing, due to the lower production estimates following a deficient monsoon forecast by the
India Meteorological Department (IMD) this year. A little over 60 per cent of the country‘s
cultivable land is only rain-fed and 70 per cent of the annual rainfall takes place during the
monsoon.The firmness in agri commodity prices began mid–April, whenIMD first came out with
a rainfall forecast of 93 per cent of the long-period average (LPA). In May, prices rose up to 30
per cent in wholesale markets. The rise has been more in the past three weeks.According to the
Union government's department of consumer affairs, wheat rose 30 per cent in May to trade
currently at Rs 2,138 a quintal as against Rs 1,650 a qtl on May 1.
There has bene a lower percentage of increase in pulses, potatoes and edible oils.―The price rise
is only because of lower production fear. A further rally in the short term looks unlikely. Future
movement would depend on the progress of actual rainfall. The government‘s response to
deficient rain would also have a significant bearing on commodity prices,‖ said Jagdeep Grewal,
vice-president (commodities and research), Kunvarji Commodities.IMD's current forecast is 88
per cent of the LPA and this has worried all, including the government, the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI), farmers, traders and consumers. The RBI governor has already raised concern over
inflationary pressure due to less rain.Union finance minister Arun Jaitley has sought to reassure
on these concerns.
Addressing journalists in Delhi on Thursday, he said, ―The forecast rainfall pattern is similar to
last year. Hence, foodgrain production might not have a significant impact. We have an

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abundance of foodgrain and our management was efficient last
year, with no inflationary pressure (on this count).‖The Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has
lowered India‘s milled riceproduction forecast by 1.4 per cent
to 94.5 million tonnes this year, as against 95.8 mt last year.
However, added FAO, in a report issued on Thursday,
―Cereal production is forecast to remain close to the record
outputs of the previous year. Favourable weather and sufficient
input supplies in India, including irrigated water and fertiliser, are expected to contribute to
average yields in 2015, negating a small reduction in the area planted.‖
Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at CARE Ratings, believes monsoon failure will definitely
impact kharif output. ―However, the effect on prices was not sharp last year. Pulses' prices have
already moved up and will get impacted. Rice can be stabilised through use of buffer stocks.
Edible oil prices can be moderated by imports, given low global prices. But, sustained imports of
high magnitude can push up global prices, given the quantum of demand. Threfore, the
government might have to hike the minimum support price of kharif crops, which will be
inflationary,‖ he said.An Assocham study shows pulses' prices have been spiralling since last
year, due to lower production, followed by crop damage on unseasonal rain and hail early this
year.
Global commodity prices at 6-year low

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Major food commodity prices declined again in May, hitting an almost six-year low as cereal
prices fell substantially, amid a favourable outlook for this year's harvests globally.The Food
Price Index compiled by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
averaged 166.8 points in May, down 1.4 per cent from April and as much as 20.7 per cent from a
year earlier. Cereals and dairy products were responsible for much of last month‘s decline,
although meat quotations also fell.
By contrast, the oils and sugar markets firmed up. The May average puts the FAO Food Price
Index at its lowest level since September 2009.The agency has revised upwards its global cereal
production outlook for 2015, to 2,524 million tonnes (including rice in milled terms), almost 15
mt higher than reported in May. At this level, world production would be one per cent or 25.6 mt
lower than the record in 2014.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/agri-commodities-price-rise-on-deficient-monsoon-
rainfalls-forecast-115060400841_1.html
Area under paddy cultivation set to exceed 40,000 hectares
R. KRISHNAMOORTHY
Agriculture Department officials are hopeful that the area coverage of paddy will exceed over 40,000 hectares in the forthcoming
season.—File PHOTO: M. GOVARTHAN
Thanks to comfortable storage position in the
Bhavani Sagar Dam and the spell of rainfall
during summer, the Agriculture Department is
hopeful that paddy could be cultivated in over
40,000 hectares in the forthcoming season. It
has been a decade since paddy was cultivated
in excess of 40,000 hectares. Last year, too,
the rainfall was favourable, and paddy was
cultivated in 38,800 hectares. In the previous
year, the area covered was in the range of
31,000 hectares.Paddy remains to be the most
preferred crop in the district, followed by
sugarcane and maize, Agriculture Department
sources said. This year, a corresponding
increase was expected in the area of
cultivation for other crops, officials
said.Meanwhile, farmers are hopeful that the
Public Works Department will stick to its
regular schedule for release of water for
irrigation of ayacuts covered by the three main canals: Lower Bhavani Project, Thadapalli-
Arakankottai and Kalingarayan canals, in view of the comfortable storage position in the
Bhavani Sagar reservoir.The release of water into the Kalingaryan canal is due later this month.

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Thanks to the heavy rainfall of 59 mm in the catchment area of the reservoir until 8.00 a.m. on
Wednesday, the level has risen up to 64.08 feet, pushing up the storage to 8.5 tmc. At the
corresponding time last year, the level stood at 47.93 feet.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/area-under-paddy-cultivation-set-to-exceed-40000-
hectares/article7280571.ece
Rice output target stays despite El Niño
June 3, 2015 9:26 pm
by JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is confident that it will hit its rice self-sufficiency goal this
year despite the threat posed by the prolonged dry spell to the country‘s farm sector.Edilberto de
Luna, DA assistant secretary for field operations, said that the country would be self-sufficient in
terms of rice production and that they are now moving to provide necessary interventions to hit
the 20.08 million metric ton palay (paddy rice) production target by the end of 2015.―We are
maintaining the 20 million MT palay production target. We will not let go of our rice self-
sufficiency goals,‖ de Luna told reporters.According to a source, the interagency Food Security
Committee (FSC) told the DA-National Rice Program to revise their palay production target to
around 19.5 million MT due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is characterized by very
warm weather and below-normal rainfall or prolonged dry spell.
The downward adjustment was in line with the projected output of 19.02 million MT as reported
by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.The source, however, said
that FSC was only using the dry spell as an excuse to justify the massive rice importation and the
failure of the National Irrigation Administration to deliver its commitment for new irrigated
areas.―They need a compelling reason to allow the entry of more rice imports. Then there was
also the agencies that failed to deliver their commitments, like irrigation,‖ the source said.The
National Food Authority was given the authority to import an additional 500,000 MT of rice this
year, of which some 250,000 MT will serve as buffer stocks during the lean season (July-
September), while the remaining 250,000 MT will serve as standby volume.
NIA, on the other hand, should have delivered more than 200,000 hectares of additional
production areas in 2010-2013 based on the to P130 billion Food Self-Sufficiency Program
budget for irrigation from 2010 to 2016.The Food Security Committee is chaired by the National
Economic Development Authority, with members composed of the Department of Trade and
Industry, Department of Finance, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomic Services
Administration, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, NIA, DA, and the
NFA.NIA and NFA are under the supervision of the Office of the President‘s Presidential
Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (PAFSAM) headed by Secretary

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Francis Pangilinan.De Luna refused to comment on the particular reason for the FSC‘s decision
to lower the rice production targets for this year.―Basta [Even so], we are sticking with our target
and the PAS-BAS report is just a forecast. It will be like that if we will not do anything. We
don‘t want to say that we are already comfortable with just hitting 19 million MT,‖ de Luna
said.―Hindi namin hinuhulaan lang ang 20.08 million MT target natin.
May pinaghuhugutan yan, at hindi basta hinuhulaan [The 20.08 million MT target was not just
guesswork. The figures were based on something, and they were not simply guessed at]. We may
miss this target, but at least we aimed for it,‖ the official added.He also noted that target revision
is unnecessary, noting that damage caused by previous droughts to rice crops were
―insignificant‖ based on historical data.The National Rice Program director also said that they
are ready to take on the undelivered projects in order to meet the 100-percent rice self-
sufficiency goals.―Ibigay n‘yo sa amin ang hindi madi-deliver [Leave the undelivered projects to
us] and we will do the adjustments. But we will not revise the targets,‖ de Luna said.Earlier, de
Luna said they are asking the national government over P11 billion in budgetary support next
year to sustain growth momentum and to increase climate change adaptation and disaster impact
preparedness in the rice sector.
http://www.manilatimes.net/rice-output-target-stays-despite-el-nino/188877/
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Jun 04
Nagpur, June 4 Gram and tuar prices showed weak tendency in Nagpur Agriculture
Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on lack of buying support from local millers
amid
good supply from producing belts. Fresh fall on NCDEX in gram and downward trend in
Madhya
Pradesh pulses also pulled down prices here, according to sources.
* * * *
FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram Kabuli recovered strongly in open market here on renewed marriage season demand
from local traders amid thin overseas arrival.
TUAR
* Tuar varieties ruled steady in open market here matching the demand and supply
position.
* Major rice varieties reported higher in open market on increased seasonal demand

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from local traders amid thin supply from producing regions like Chhattisgarh and
Madhya Pradesh.
* In Akola, Tuar - 7,300-7,700, Tuar dal - 10,100-10,500, Udid at 9,100-9,600,
Udid Mogar (clean) - 10,700-11,100, Moong - 9,000-9,200, Moong Mogar
(clean) 10,700-11,100, Gram - 4,200-4,500, Gram Super best bold - 6,100-6,300
for 100 kg.
* Wheat and other commodities remained steady in open market in poor trading activity,
according to sources.
Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg
FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 3,500-4,610 3,600-4,610
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 6,000-7,390 6,000-7,460
Moong Auction n.a. 6,000-6,300
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Gram Super Best Bold 6,200-6,500 6,200-6,500
Gram Super Best n.a.
Gram Medium Best 5,900-6,200 5,900-6,200
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a.
Gram Mill Quality 5,600-5,750 5,600-5,750
Desi gram Raw 4,650-4,700 4,650-4,700
Gram Filter new 6,100-6,200 6,100-6,200
Gram Kabuli 5,400-6,900 5,200-6,900
Gram Pink 6,400-6,600 6,400-6,600
Tuar Fataka Best 10,600-10,900 10,600-10,900
Tuar Fataka Medium 10,000-10,400 10,000-10,400
Tuar Dal Best Phod 9,600-9,800 9,600-9,800
Tuar Dal Medium phod 8,900-9,400 8,900-9,400
Tuar Gavarani New 7,450-7,550 7,450-7,550
Tuar Karnataka 8,000-8,100 8,000-8,100
Tuar Black 10,900-11,200 10,800-11,100
Masoor dal best 8,000-8,200 8,000-8,200
Masoor dal medium 7,500-7,900 7,500-7,900
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold 10,800-11,000 10,800-11,000
Moong Mogar Medium best 10,000-10,500 10,000-10,500
Moong dal Chilka 9,500-9,800 9,500-9,800
Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 9,600-9,900 9,600-9,900
Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 11,100-11,500 11,100-11,500
Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 9,800-10,500 9,800-10,500

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Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 8,400-8,800 8,400-8,800
Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,200-4,400 4,200-4,400
Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,300-3,350 3,300-3,350
Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,500 3,400-3,500
Watana White (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,150 3,100-3,150
Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,500 3,600-4,500
Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600
Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,550-1,750 1,550-1,750
Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,450 2,200-2,450
Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,800-1,950 1,800-1,950
Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,700 3,100-3,700
MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,800-3,000 2,800-3,000
Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,500 1,400-1,500
Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,200 2,000-2,200
Rice BPT New(100 INR/KG) 2,700-2,850 2,600-2,850
Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200
Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,850 1,600-1,800
Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,450 2,100-2,450
Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,800 2,500-2,750
Rice HMT new(100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,600 3,000-3,600
Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 3,800-4,200 3,700-4,200
Rice HMT Shriram New(100 INR/KG) 4,100-4,500 4,000-4,500
Rice HMT Shriram old (100 INR/KG) 4,500-5,000 4,500-5,000
Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 8,200-10,200 8,200-10,200
Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,000-7,200 6,000-7,200
Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 4,700-4,900 4,650-4,900
Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000
Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,450 2,200-2,450
Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,600 2,500-2,600
WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 41.0 degree Celsius (105.8 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
27.7 degree Celsius (81.9 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.
Rainfall : nil
FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers likely towards evening or night.
Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 42 and 28 degree Celsius
respectively.
Note: n.a.--not available
(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)
http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/06/04/nagpur-foodgrain-idINL3N0YQ33N20150604

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NFA monitors rice prices, prepares for the lean months
June 03, 2015
MANILA, June 3 -- The National Food Authority has intensified its monitoring of the rice
situation as part of preparations for the onset of the lean months starting July.NFA Administrator
Renan B. Dalisay said that aside from non-stop massive procurement of palay from farmers
across the country, the food agency‘s monitoring teams are closely watching the behavior of rice
prices and supply to avert any speculative price spikes that traditionally occur during this period.
In his recent trip to South Cotabato to assess the impact of El Niño on rice supply and prices,
Dalisay noted that commercial rice prices continue to decline, ranging from P32 to P35/kg even
in drought-affected areas.
Philippine Statistics Authority‘s report revealed that the average retail price for regular-milled
rice (RMR) of P37.28/kg was down by 0.23% from last week‘s level and by 4.32% from the
same period last year. While maintaining the 30-day buffer stock for the coming lean months,
current industry rice stocks as of May 29, 2015 is sufficient at 2,784,700 MT or equivalent to 90
days to last. NFA continues to accept palay deliveries from farmers. ―We continue to encourage
our farmers to sell their produce to the NFA offices near them to take advantage of our buying
price of P17 per kilogram plus incentives,‖ Dalisay said. As of May 26, the NFA had already
bought a total of 1.593 million metric tons of palay nationwide, surpassing its targets from
January to date of 1.202 million metric tons.The NFA chief, meanwhile, said that NFA rice
remains available at P27 and P32 per kilogram for RMR and WMR, respectively, through the
agency‘s 16,407 existing active market outlets nationwide. ―The NFA has no plans of increasing
its selling price for rice despite current increases in oil prices,‖ Dalisay said. (NFA)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131433344882/nfa-monitors-rice-prices-prepares-for-the-lean-
months-#sthash.hfUAjeFx.dpuf
Ricegrowers : SunRice boosts paddy price again:
additional $49.7 million flows to growers for the 2014
crop
06/03/2015 | 08:38pm US/Eastern
SunRice today announced an increase of $20 per tonne to its indicative medium grain (Reiziq)
paddy price for the 2014 crop.In an update to shareholders and growers, SunRice Chairman, Mr.
Laurie Arthur said strong business performance in the second half of the financial year which

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closed on 30 April 2015 underpinned the return."We are delighted to revise our indicative full
year medium grain paddy price for the 2014 crop to at least $380 per tonne," said Mr. Arthur. He
also added that a further increase in the total return is anticipated subject to completion of the full
year accounts.
"This increase contributes to an overall $60 per tonne increase on our initial estimate of $320 per
tonne for medium grain announced in July 2014. That's an additional $49.7 million that has
flowed to our growers and into regional communities over the 2014 crop year as a result."This is
a wonderful result and one that demonstrates SunRice's ability to generate the best possible
returns for Australian growers."It was made possible by the ongoing strength of SunRice's Rice
Milling and Marketing business, which directly funds the Australian paddy pool price," said Mr
Arthur.In addition, at the start of May 2015 SunRice announced a $10 per tonne (medium grain)
increase to the first payment for the 2015 crop year; boosting the already strong indicative year
end paddy price to $350 per tonne for medium grain.
SunRice, however, anticipates the 2015 crop final return to be in the range of $350-370 per
tonne.Mr. Arthur said, "This first payment increase for growers for the 2015 crop, which they
have just delivered, reflects a positive market outlook and SunRice's continued focus on
innovation and marketing."I am also pleased to announce SunRice has improved the reporting of
its price outlooks following feedback from growers requesting greater transparency on likely
returns and more frequent updates. With this in mind, we will now provide quarterly updates to
growers in late August, November, February and May."
"We are delighted to be in a position to support our growers with paddy price increases for both
the 2014 and 2015 crops. Overall the market outlook for rice is extremely positive and we trust
that growers will be encouraged by the latest pricing and continue to make rice their first choice
summer crop while planning for the season ahead," said Mr Arthur.
Note:
 Crop Year 14 relates to the crop harvested in 2014 and marketed in 2014/15 / FY 15
 Crop Year 15 relates to the crop harvested in 2015 and marketed in 2015/16 / FY 16
About SunRice: Ricegrowers Limited, trading as SunRice, is Australia's leading branded rice
food company, with products marketed in close to 60 countries around the globe. SunRice has
annual sales of approximately AUD1 billion.www.sunrice.com.au for more information.
Media enquiries: Sauce Communications - 02 6953 7382
http://www.4-traders.com/RICEGROWERS-LIMITED-20703509/news/Ricegrowers--SunRice-boosts-
paddy-price-again-additional-497-million-flows-to-growers-for-the-20-20486831/
Climate Change-Ready Rice Keeps Farmers' Fields Fertile
JUNE 04, 2015 8:47 AM ET
AMY YEE

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A farmer in southwest Bangladesh holds ripe rice that can grow in saline water.
Amy Yee for NPR
In southern Bangladesh, bright green rice paddies stretch into the distance.But in the village of
Gholgholia, rice in one paddy grows unevenly. The leaves are dry and brown. And there are bald
patches between clumps, like the agricultural equivalent of a slightly mangy dog.This is the
result of salty soil. Sometimes it's so hard to coax rice into growing in the soil that farmers leave
fields fallow.
THE SALT
Climate change is one reason
farmland in Bangladesh is
becoming increasingly saline.
This is especially the case in the
coastal south, which was
traditionally the country's rice
basket. Across the country,
hundreds of thousands of acres
of land lay fallow. Production of
rice and other salt-sensitive
crops, such as potato and
mustard, has decreased."A lot of
land is fallow because of
salinity," said Timothy Russell,
head of the Cereal Systems
Initiative for South Asia, or CSISA, in Bangladesh.Russell says there's a potential fix for the
problem: Plant a variety of rice that's naturally resistant to salty soil.
"If you can bring in salt-tolerant rice or other salt-tolerant crops, like sunflower, you can utilize
the land," Russell says. "That's the dream."And it's slowly becoming a reality.Since 2011, about
180,000 farmers have received saline-tolerant rice seeds and training on how to grow them. It's
part of a program sponsored by three nonprofits: theInternational Rice Research Institute,
the World Fish Center and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.Bangladesh
is the world's sixth-largest rice producer. Rice accounts for 70 percent of calories consumed by
its population of 160 million.Agriculture that can withstand climatic threats is especially
important in Bangladesh. The country is a low-lying river delta and thus is vulnerable to floods
and violent storms.
It is also one of the world's most densely populated countries: Imagine more than half the U.S.
population crammed into an area the size of Iowa.Scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research
Institute created the new varieties by crossbreeding rice varieties that were already naturally
resistant to salty soil. So they're not genetically modified plants.The seeds are free for farmers,
but many are reluctant to try new plants. So, agricultural scientists from the CSISA grow the rice

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on test plots to show farmers techniques for growing the varieties — and how well they fare even
in poor soil."The first adopters of new varieties and crops will be the wealthier farmers who can
afford to take risks," Russell says. "Less wealthy farmers will watch and wait. If the experiment
works out well, they will follow."The education process is important. Salinity can vary in
adjacent fields or even within fields due to elevation, rainfall and exposure to salt water from
nearby rivers. Different varieties of salt-resistant rice can grow in varying degrees of
salinity.Although climate change has likely contributed to the rise in salty soil in Bangladesh,
shrimp farming is also to blame. Shrimp farmers use salty river-fed canals to fill ponds separated
by dirt embankments.
The business is lucrative and has become popular in Bangladesh over the past decades.But it's
risky for farmers to rely just on shrimp farming, says Mohammed Harunur Rashid, a scientist
with the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Disease can wipe out a whole farm. So the salt-
resistant rice allows some farmers to alternate between cultivating shrimp and growing rice.A
few miles down the road from Gholgholia, barefoot farmers paused from harvesting golden
fields of salt-resistant rice in the village of Patrakhola.Din Mohammed, a 42-year-old farmer,
estimated his rice yield dropped by a third because of increased salinity after Cyclone Aila in
2009. The storm broke near river embankments and flooded the village's precious farmland with
salty water. But the new variety yields more rice, he says.
Mohammed has also started planting sunflowers in the same field after he harvests rice.
Sunflowers naturally tolerate salty conditions, and the crop is new and experimental in
Bangladesh. Through a pilot program, about 800 farmers are growing sunflowers that can be
turned into cooking oil.In a harvested section of a field in Patrakhola, the ground was covered
with flattened husks after farmers harvested rice. Before, this land would have lain fallow for
months until the next rice planting. But sunflower seedlings now poked up between matted husks
and sprouted a few green leaves.Within months, sunflowers would stand 4 feet tall and create a
new landscape of vibrant yellow instead of fallow brown soil.
This story was supported by a grant from the Solutions Journalism Network, an organization dedicated to
reporting about responses to social problems
http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/06/04/408297353/climate-change-ready-rice-keeps-
farmers-fields-green
Dutch ‘paddy power’ pulls electricity from rice fields
June 4, 2015 8:40 pm
PLANT POWER
Dutch scientist Marjolein Helder, co-founder of Plant-e, which makes
products that harvest energy from living plants, handles an energy
producing apparatus on February 5, 2015 in Wageningen, Netherlands.
AFP PHOTO
WAGENINGEN, Netherlands: Dutch scientists have
developed a revolutionary system that could one day
help isolated villages around the world steadily generate

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electricity from mundane water-logged plants such as rice growing in paddy fields.―It‘s based on
the principle that plants produce more energy than they need,‖ said Marjolein Helder, co-founder
of Plant-e, which makes products that harvest energy from living plants.―The advantage of this
system over wind or solar is that it also works at night and when there‘s no wind,‖ she told
AFP.Founded in 2009, Plant-e is perfecting a system originally dreamt up at Wageningen
University and patented in 2007.
All that the system requires to produce electricity is a plant growing in water, be it mangrove
swamps, rice paddies, bogs or simply in a pot or your garden.―It‘s just the beginning and lots of
things still need to be greatly improved, but the potential is enormous,‖ said Jacqueline Cramer,
professor of sustainable innovation at Utrecht University and former Dutch environment
minister.
―If the system becomes good enough, it could provide electricity for isolated areas or even be
installed in our cities and countryside to produce clean electricity,‖ she told AFP.The technology
harnesses the excess organic matter produced by the plant during photosynthesis, which is
expelled through the plants roots and consumed by microorganisms.That consumption frees up
electrons, which can then be harvested by placing carbon electrodes close to the roots to generate
electricity.Getting power from plants is not new, ―but here we don‘t need to damage the plant,
it‘s a non-invasive system,‖ said Helder.Electricity stops being produced if the water evaporates
or freezes, but ―you just need to add water or wait for the ice to melt,‖ she said.―In many parts of
the world they don‘t have this kind of problem.‖
Long way to go
Plant-e, based in Wageningen in the eastern Netherlands, currently sells a system consisting of
50-centimetre (around 20-inch) square plastic plates containing the technology that can slot
together and hold the plants.This system is designed for parks or rooftops, but comes with a hefty
price tag: 60,000 euros ($66,000) to cover 100 square meters (around 1,000 square feet).But the
flagship product is still being developed: tubes that can be quickly and easily submerged to start
generating electricity in a watery area.The system‘s potential is vast, but particularly suited to
Southeast Asia, with its rice fields, mangrove swamps and other wetlands where electricity is
often unavailable.Less than a third of the population of Cambodia has access to electricity and
less than half in Myanmar.
In Bangladesh, 55 percent of people have electricity and in Laos 66 percent, according to the
World Bank.But Plant-e, which manages to survive thanks to subsidies, still has a long way to
go: the product‘s cost and efficiency must be vastly improved.Currently, a 100-square meter
system provides enough electricity to charge a mobile phone, power some LED lights or a
wireless Internet access point.
But in ―a few years‖, Plant-e hopes that a similar-sized system will provide 2,800 kilowatt-hours,
or around 80 percent of the electricity needs of an average Dutch family of 2.2 people.Two large-

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scale systems have been installed in the Netherlands on a road bridge and a hi-tech startup
campus at a total cost of 120,000 euros, with the support of municipal authorities.Initial results
are encouraging, say the developers, and the problems are not necessarily those you would
expect: Vandals have already destroyed the LED lamps on the road bridge project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/dutch-paddy-power-pulls-electricity-from-rice-fields/189075/
USA Rice Unveils New National Rice Month Logo
ARLINGTON, VA -- This September, the U.S. rice industry
celebrates the 25th
anniversary of National Rice Month
(NRM). To commemorate the occasion, USA Rice has
developed a special edition 25th
anniversary logo inspired by the
new Think Rice logos.USA Rice will feature the logo in various
NRM awareness campaigns this September, including:
customized activities with supermarket registered dietitian at
select retail chains, and on premium promotional items, which
will be available for purchase later this month.
"September is a time to celebrate the rice harvest and recognize the contribution of the U.S. rice
industry to America's economy," said Katie Maher, USA Rice manager of domestic promotion
programs. "This exciting new logo will help draw attention to our activities and blend
seamlessly into our year round promotion programs." Over the past 25 years, with strong support
from rice producers and millers, NRM has grown into a well-known national promotion,
educating consumers about the U.S. rice industry and supporting U.S. rice sales
nationwide. Maher said USA Rice will make the new logo available for use by all entities
promoting U.S. grown rice leading up to and during National Rice Month.
Contact: Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446
Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported
WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 34,200 MT for 2014/2015 were down 51 percent from
the previous week and 16 percent from the prior four-week average, according to today's Export
Sales Highlights report. Increases were reported for Haiti (10,500 MT), Canada (5,900 MT),
unknown destinations (5,000 MT), Guatemala (3,500 MT), and Saudi Arabia (2,600 MT).
Decreases were reported for Taiwan (200 MT). Net sales of 23,000 MT for 2015/2016 were

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29
reported for Colombia (13,000 MT) and South Korea (10,000 MT). Exports of 58,500 MT were
down 5 percent from the previous week and 18 percent from the prior four-week average. The
primary destinations were Libya (13,800 MT), Japan (12,000 MT), Taiwan (8,800 MT), Mexico
(8,300 MT), and El Salvador (4,500 MT).This summary is based on reports from exporters from
the period May 22-28.
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for June 4
Month Price Net Change
July 2015 $9.925 + $0.060
September 2015 $10.195 + $0.055
November 2015 $10.465 + $0.050
January 2016 $10.720 + $0.050
March 2016 $10.915 + $0.055
May 2016 $10.915 + $0.055
July 2016 $10.915 + $0.055
USA Rice Federation
Rice Is Sticky Issue In Trade Talks
U.S. farmers want to export more rice to Japan and other Asian nations, but Japan doesn‘t want
or need U.S. rice imports. (tamaki/Flickr)
Japan doesn‘t want and doesn‘t need U.S. rice imports.
U.S. farmers want to export more rice to Japan and

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other Asian nations. Who will win as trade negotiators hammer out rice agreements for the
multinational Trans-Pacific Partnership?
Peter Timmer, Harvard University professor emeritus of development studies, told Here &
Now’s Jeremy Hobson that he doubts there will be an agreement on rice in the TPP.―Rice has
been a stumbling block on all trade deals in Asia for at least 50 years,‖ Timmer said
http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2015/06/03/rice-trade-
talks?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+June+4%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+1
3%2C+2013&utm_medium=email
Rice farmers push Congress to lift Cuba embargo
Posted: Jun 03, 2015 4:36 PM PDTUpdated: Jun 04, 2015 8:58 AM PDT
By Andrew Nomura
Source: WAFB
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -Louisiana rice farmers are calling
for the United States Congress to lift a trade embargo with Cuba in
hopes to increase revenue.A representative for the rice industry
spoke about the impacts of the embargo Tuesday at the
International Trade Commission meeting in Washington, DC,
stating that Louisiana would be one of the biggest winners if the
embargo is lifted."I am concerned about human rights abuses and
the lack of a real democracy in Cuba, but the potential economic
benefit of increased trade for South Louisiana's rice farmers is
undeniable," said Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., MD, R-La.
"As we continue to explore the potential impacts of opening
relations with Cuba this is very important to keep in mind."The
trade embargo between America and Cuba has been in place since
the 1960s. Mike Salassi is a crop production economist with the LSU AG Center.
He said back then Cuba was America's biggest customer for rice. That changed when Fidel
Castro became prime minister of Cuba. Cuba imports 60 to 80 percent of its rice. Meaning if
Congress lifts the embargo, it would mean better business for Louisiana with rice is a big
industry in the state."Given the proximity of Louisiana, a lot of that rice would probably be
exported through New Orleans," said Salassi. "Even if all of the rice isn't produce in Louisiana it
would be a benefit to the state and the region."Salassi said that you can't put your finger on
exactly how much money America would get if the embargo was lifted because the price of rice
varies from year to year base on demand.Six states including Louisiana account for 99 percent of
all rice grown in America.

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http://www.wafb.com/story/29233800/rice-farmers-push-congress-to-lift-cuba-
embargo?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+June+4%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+Decemb
er+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email
How can market research be strategic when it plays more of
a support role?
SHARES: VIEW COMMENTS
By: Dr. Ned Roberto
@inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer
05:52 AM June 5th, 2015
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Asean members bent on economic integration
Question: You ended your column last Friday with the claim that ―from a mere support to
marketing decisions, … the role of market research has taken on strategic significance.‖
You said the three cases you cited relating to feminine wash, telco remittance and rice porridge
―prove that market research is strategic.‖ In our company, our market research people are more
humble. They are happy to play the support role. Our president says that it is the use and
therefore the user of market research who is strategic. It is not market research and therefore not
the market researcher who is strategic.
We hope you won‘t mind our saying that that we believe this is the one time you‘re mistaken.
Just because you are an ―institution‖ in the market research industry does not mean you can
make that industry an institution and give it a strategic stature. But we‘d like to hear your
explanation.
Answer: I welcome your view that‘s challenging mine. But let‘s talk specifics. Consider the rice
porridge case cited in last Friday‘s column. The market research in that case found that the
correct competitor to target was not another rice porridge brand but the mother‘s rice porridge
preparation.

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How did the company use this market research finding?
Market research gave the data to the product development people. The product development
people then worked on those data to redevelop the pretested porridge until it equaled the mother-
prepared porridge. Then, market research again product tested the redeveloped porridge.
Where‘s the strategy? Where‘s the use of market research? In this particular example, the
strategy and the use of market research can be seen in how the product development people used
the research finding to redevelop the pretested rice porridge according to the market research
results. So does it follow then from your president‘s argument that the use of the market
research for the product redeveloping was strategic while the product testing research was not?
Suppose we transform market research into its ―verb‖ form just like product redevelopment was
transformed into its action form as ―product redeveloping?‖ So market research is now termed
as market researching. Does transforming the ―noun,‖ market research, into its ―verb‖ make it
strategic or at least sound strategic?
Let‘s extend the argument. Just suppose the market research conducted was wrong as it was
wrong in the original product testing design where the first rice porridge was tested against
another rice porridge brand? If that was wrong, then market research ceases to be a support. If
you follow this line of thinking, what happens is that the use of the research also becomes
wrong—like when market research results are used as basis for crafting an advertising campaign
when the product retesting still shows that the redeveloped porridge still fall short of the
mother‘s rice porridge standard. This wrong use cannot definitely be labeled as anywhere near
being strategic.
Tricky sophistry
This sounds like some kind of tricky sophistry and, more or less, it is. Your president‘s
distinction between market research as only a support and its use as strategic falls under this
flawed logic. So let‘s shift the direction of our analysis. Let‘s restart and ask: ―what is strategic,
anyway?‖
In marketing, a subject (like market research) or an activity (like using market research) is
strategic if it provides true and authentic added value to the target consumer to constitute a
competitive advantage for the brand. In last Friday‘s column, I said correct market research is a
competitive advantage. How? When the correct market research lets you know something about
your consumer and your market that is unknown to your competitors, that‘s a competitive
advantage.
Consider the feminine wash case cited in last Friday‘s column. The pH Care market research
found that among the total population of menstruating women, 82 percent were non-users.

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Strategic role
This was unknown or unappreciated by competition, especially the implication that the much
larger target market was not the category users of 18 percent but the 82 percent who constitute
the non-users. It cannot be denied that that market research was responsible for the brand‘s
unprecedented first year entry market share of 52 percent. If there‘s any competitive advantage
to talk about, this was it. That makes market research strategic.
So when you‘re asked again if market research is strategic, think about responding according to
your answer to this question: ―Does the correct market research give a competitive advantage?‖
This is the same question you must answer when considering if the use of market research is
strategic: ―Does your use of market research give you a competitive advantage?‖ If the answer is
‗no,‘ then it is likely that you are not using market research the right way.
Keep your questions coming. Send them to me at ned.roberto@gmail.com.
http://business.inquirer.net/193071/how-can-market-research-be-strategic-when-it-plays-more-of-a-
support-role#ixzz3cBWk8bTd

4th june ,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

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