8th September 2014 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.
com
News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874

8
th
September , 2014

TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU
Latest News Headlines
Importance of developing strong Pakistani rice brands for
international markets
Expand rice exports with new market development
USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show, Dec. 7-9, Little
Rock, Ark.
Rice sufficiency seen possible via increased demand for other
staples
PH sees high domestic rice prices easing in Q4
Russia's grain exports hit record high in August
Thailand exports more rice than India, Vietnam
Govt rice auction for general traders
Amid ban, ministry seeks nod to export rice to Sri Lanka
STC floats rare rice import tender
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Sep 06
India to import 1 LT rice from Myanmar to avoid supply crisis
in Manipur and Mizoram
India set to import 100,000 tonnes of rice from Burma
States say no to extra rice over lack of storage
Guyana eyes Ghana rice market
Leadership Alumni Chosen for International Travel, Next Stop: China
Annual School Foodservice Contest Launches National Rice Month
Arkansas House: Rice production important to Arkansas

Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com

NEWS DETAILS:

Importance of developing strong Pakistani rice brands for
international markets
September 08, 2014,JAWED ALI GHORI
Countless books, articles, studies and theories and real life success stories have promulgated the importance of
branding today. From higher profit margins for producers, to consistent quality for consumers the benefits of
branding are far and many. One place where the success of branding can be seen in Pakistan today is in
FMCGs.
From beauty soaps, to shampoo to toothpaste, to cooking oils and beverages there is healthy competition from
various brands. However this importance of branding is yet to be fully realised within the rice industry in
Pakistan, especially in the export sector.
With a handful of brands and a lack of local consumer awareness on branded rice, the local industry is
overwhelmingly underdeveloped. As a predominantly wheat eating nation, more than half of the annual rice
crop is exported with the majority in the form of unbranded bulk. Within the last two years, export figures
havedeclined despite an increase production, as competition from especially India and Thailand intensifies. The
fact that Pakistani rice is unable to distinguish itself without branding worsens the situation. From India there
are several brands that currently operate globally, of which some famous brands like Tilda &Dawatare easily
available in international markets.
However there is no significant contribution from the Pakistani marketdespite our rice having a superior
reputation due to its aroma and taste. Pakistani rice exporters have to focus on brand building and it here is
where the Government of Pakistan should be assisting exporters with funds from the Export Development Fund
(EDF). Exporters pay the EDF duty every single time at the time of export and these funds must be used to
develop this small but significant industry in Pakistan. A greater emphasis on branding will benefit the entire
value chain right down to the farmer. Exporters will have to maintain brand quality and ensure that the quality
of rice is of a high standard.
They will be willing to pay a higher price for the best quality of rice encouraging local farmers to improve their
crops and increase their inputs. The positive effects of branding will benefit the entire rice industry. Most
countries import Pakistani rice in bulk, and then local companies develop their own brands and simply package
the rice reaping all the benefits of branding further down the value chain which Pakistani exporters miss out
on. This year the Eurozone imported 150,000 tons of brown rice from Pakistan; carried out final processing and
packed it under their own brands. This is a huge missed opportunity for rice exporters from Pakistan who


should be more involved in thevalue addition process right upto branding and packaging where high margins
exist.
Another barrier for Pakistani rice brands competing in international market is the high retail expense: distributor
networks and commission, shelving charges, registration brand listing in hypermarkets abroad. The fickle
Pakistan Rupee with bouts of extreme appreciation and depreciation especially this year have also hurt rice
exporters. The EDF fund would be able to help Pakistani rice exporters in this situation via subsidies and
holding workshops and trainings for brand development. There is so much to be gained from better branding
and marketing within the rice industry in Pakistan and a co-ordinated effort from both the public and private
spheres is the way forward.
Expand rice exports with new market development
September 08, 2014
WAQAS PERACHA
Rice holds an important position in agriculture and national economy of Pakistan; it constitutes about10% of
Pakistan's total exports. It is not a staple food in Pakistan and has a very low consumption. There istherefore no
government intervention for this cereal, no matter what trade values are; the surplus has to be exported. Despite
being the 12th largest producer of rice, Pakistan ranks in the top 5 exporters. There is a need for new market
development where our surplus rice can be exported.
As time has progressed and the rice industry has grown; traditional markets like Africa have been saturated due
to stiff international competition. In order for the Pakistan rice industry to sustain and be profitably viable it is
crucial for exporters to find new markets and that means a move towards non-traditional markets where quality
matters more than price. South American region is one of the non-traditional market that exporters should eye
towards developing. In this region to name a few Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Peru are some of the
countries that should be explored.
Cuba is one of the markets which was partially explored/worked on in 2012-13. It has the highest per capita rice
rate consumption in the western hemisphere. It is a market of 500,000 tons of rice per year where government
procures from private sector on credit basis. Of the potential countries found in the South American region;
Mexico is the most important market which has serious potential where it has 0% duty and our non-basmati rice
can be fed in return a good sizeable foreign exchange can be earned.
USDA estimated that in 2013-14 Mexico imported 730,000 tons of rice Pakistan had been able to penetrate this
market and significant levels of Pakistan white rice were exported during the period 2009-2013 before the ban
was imposed due tothe quarantined pest Khapra Beetle found in a few containers at destination port. Mexico
and Pakistan rice trade resumed in 2009 after a period of 5 years on the basis of partial quarantine courtesy of
strong efforts done from the Pakistan embassy. During the course of negotiations for lifting of the ban; Pakistan
quarantineprovided a lot of information to the Mexicans about the crop, processing, fumigation and packaging


of rice, which satisfied the Mexicans to lift the ban. Pakistan rice exports to Mexico increased significantly from
1,500 ton in 2012 to more than 22,000 ton in the first ten months of 2013.
This caused the US market share of milled rice to drop from 65% in 2012 to less than 50% by the summer of
2013 Mexico shifted to Pakistan rice not only because of preferred quality but also because of being highly
price competitive where Pakistan white rice wasUSD 100 PMT cheaper than rice being imported from U.S. In
June 2013 after finding traces of khapra beetle in a few rice containers from Pakistan, Mexican port authorities
quarantined 3,000 tons of Pakistan rice and later returned them to Pakistan which was unfair with the exporters
and caused them heavy losses of up to 50%. Khapra beetle issue was managed poorly from both the sides.
Further it is understood behind this ban on Pakistan rice is lobbying of U.S paddy exporters and Mexican
millers.

This market should be explored further and while the Pakistan commercial counsellor should work towards
reviving business to this market; DPP should strengthen their checks to verify whether all the routines are being
carried out to assure that pest free cargoes are being exported. Similarly they should also strengthen their
concerned personnel to act promptly on matters that come through to them. Strong and proactive commercial
counsellor should be nominated to take the office in the Pakistan embassy in Mexico. In order to conclude the
South American region is a move towards the non-traditional markets where quality is more valued than price
thereby potential to yield handsome profits; contrary to the traditional markets like Africa where price war is the
base at which exporters win contracts. For Pakistan rice to penetrate this region DPP, exporters, TDAP and the
commercial sections of Pakistan embassy need to work collaboratively.

USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show, Dec. 7-9, Little Rock,
Ark.
December 7th - 9th, 2014 Little Rock, AR
The USA Rice Outlook Conference and Trade Show will be held Dec. 7-9 in Little Rock, Ark.The largest
annual gathering of rice farmers from all rice-producing states features a trade show for rice-related equipment,
technology, products, and services.The educational program will cover outlooks on farm bill implementation,
the economy, trade, production, research, and more.The event will be held at the Marriott Little Rock and
Statehouse Convention Center.
For more information, contact Jeanette Davis at jdavis@usarice.com or (703) 236-1447.
Marriott Little Rockand Statehouse Convention Center


3 Statehouse Plaza Little Rock, Arkansas United States
Rice sufficiency seen possible via increased demand for other staples
By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 8, 2014 - 12:00am
Cassava, corn grits and sweet potato
MANILA, Philippines - Increased demand for alternative staples may enable the Philippines to become
sufficient in rice sooner than expected, an Agriculture official said over the weekend.Edilberto de Luna,
Agriculture assistant secretary and program coordinator for rice and corn, said more Filipinos now consume
other food staples like corn grits and cassava, putting less pressure on palay
production.I think maybe 15 million Filipinos are now eating corn grits,
especially in the Visayas, he said.He added that athletes like boxing champion
and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao consume corn grits.The department, through
its flagship Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), aims to attain self-
sufficiency in rice and other food staples such as corn, cassava, cassava and sweet
potato by 2016.The country has already attained a 96-percent self-sufficiency in
rice for consumption, planting and buffer stocking needs after producing 18.44
million metric tons (MT) of palay last year.Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
This year, farmers are expected to produce 19.07 million MT.De Luna noted that in Mindanao, particularly in
Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, people are more fond of eating cassava. If we can minimize the
consumption of rice in Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, every metric ton of cassava that they will
consume is equivalent to a metric ton of rice that we will have to take out of the remaining four percent
deficiency in rice, he said.The Agriculture department has already initialized a cassava production expansion
program, which involves the provision of support for farm inputs and equipment.The department, through the
national corn program, has also been introducing reintroduced improved varieties of corn to farmers to increase
yield and tolerance to extreme weather event
PH sees high domestic rice prices easing in Q4
by Reuters
September 6, 2014
Manila High rice prices in the Philippines, one of the worlds biggest buyers of the grain, should start easing
in the last quarter of the year as local harvests and additional imports boost domestic supply, the countrys food
security chief said on Friday.Rice prices play a vital role in shaping the monetary policy of the Southeast Asian
nation. On Friday, government data showed that the Philippines annual food inflation was steady at 8.7 percent


in August, but still at the highest in more than five years, as rice prices remained elevated.Philippine monetary
officials are keeping an eye on food prices, wary that its inflation target for next year is at risk.
The central bank raised the key interest rate in July for the first time in three years and, after Fridays inflation
data, may continue the tightening policy when it meets next week, some economists say.The bulk of local rice
production usually comes in the last quarter of the year, Food Security Secretary Francis Pangilinan told
reporters. Barring strong typhoons, were looking at rice prices becoming stable and going down towards the
last quarter.Pangilinan did not say by how much rice prices will fall. A kilogram of well-milled rice in the
Philippines now retails at an average $1, up more than 13 percent from a year ago, government data showed.
Local prices hit a record high in July.
Local rice output this year is forecast to be 2 percent lower than the government target of 19.07 million tonnes,
based on the latest forecast by the Philippine Statistics Authority.To ensure adequate domestic supply, the
government wants to import more rice but it has yet to finalise the terms of the additional purchases.Until the
documentation has been completed, I would rather not make the announcement, Pangilinan said when asked
on the timing of the purchase. The Philippines usually buys most of its rice requirements from Vietnam but also
seeks offers from Thailand.The state grains procurement agency, National Food Authority (NFA), rejected all
bids in a tender that closed on Aug. 27 for a 500,000-tonne rice deal because the prices offered by four suppliers
were higher than the budget.The NFA was considering re-issuing a buy tender or doing a government-to-
government deal for its additional rice imports after the failed bidding, Pangilinan said last month.The NFA is
rushing to boost its thin stockpiles after releasing more stocks in recent months to flood the local markets with
cheap imported rice.A new supply deal would bring the Philippines total duty-free shipments this year to
around 1.7 million tonnes, the most in four years. Additionally, the private sector can import 350,000 tonnes
this year subject to a 40 percent tariff
08.09.2014
Russian wheat prices rose for a second straight week thanks to a record pace of August exports, high domestic
demand and weak rouble that offset continuing harvesting, analysts said on Monday.Russia, one of the world's
largest wheat exporters, has supplied 4.7 million tonnes of all grains including pulses to its customers abroad in
August. Its top customers are in North Africa and the Middle East."It is the highest ever monthly export level,"
Russia's IKAR agriculture consultancy said in a note.
Wheat exports also hit an all-time record of 4.2 million tonnes.
Russia is set to harvest the largest wheat crop in six years thanks to favourable weather this year and has already
harvested 50 million tonnes from 62 percent of the planned area, according to Agriculture Ministry data.IKAR
expects the country to harvest 60.0 million tonnes of wheat, 20.2 million tonnes of barley and 12.7 million
tonnes of maize.Russian prices for milling wheat with 12.5 percent protein content were up $2 last week at $246
per tonne, IKAR said. The quote was on a free-on-board (FOB) basis in the Black Sea compared with a week


earlier.Barley prices were flat at $212 per tonne, while maize (corn) prices fell $3 to $180 per tonne, it
added.SovEcon, another Russian agriculture consultancy, quoted FOB prices for wheat with 12.5 percent
protein content up $0.5 at $248 per tonne in deep-water ports.

The rouble was 0.44 percent weaker against the dollar at 37.08 on Monday as investors awaited details of new
European sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine's crisis. It hit an all-time low of 37.50 against the
dollar early last week.As for other crops, SovEcon said FOB Black Sea crude sunflower oil prices were at $750
per tonne.IKAR's white sugar prices index fell to $647 per tonne from $659 per tonne, the firm said.

The Association of Thai Rice Exporters has reported Thailand now exports more rice than India and Vietnam
with the high possibility to reclaim the position of the worlds number one rice exporter.President of the
Association of Thai Rice Exporters Pol.Lt.Charoen Laothammathat said the Thai rice export situation
substantially improved with a 25% increase in value.Thai rice exports rose mainly due to cooperation between
the government and private sectors in promoting Thai rice in foreign markets and managing rice stock
effectively, the president said.Thailand exported 5.3 million tons of rice over the past six months, increasing by
70%. The associations president also suggested the government discontinue the rice pledging program which
had made domestic rice price higher than the global market by as high as 50%.Pol.Lt.Charoen predicted that
Thailand would export 9-10 million tons of rice by the end of 2014 and become the worlds number one rice
exporter again.
Source: National News Bureau & Public Relations
Govt rice auction for general traders
The Commerce Ministry will hold an auction for 139,675 tonnes of rice from its stockpiles to general traders on
September 12. Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the auction would
be for jasmine rice and husked rice, but no white rice because an inspection process has not been completed
yet.
The department is expected to sell rice from the stockpiles in small lots from time to time because of a low
supply of rice in the market.
New Siam Piwat chief
Siam Piwat yesterday announced the appointment of Chanisa Chutipat as president, with immediate effect.Siam
Piwat owns and operates the Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery malls in central Bangkok and is a
partner in IconSiam, a Bt50-billion mega-development."Mrs Chanisa's appointment as president serves to
reinforce Siam Piwat's top management team comprising 17 executives who are each respected experts in the
retail and property sectors," Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said.


"Her experience as executive vice president in charge of operations at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and her
sterling reputation in the financial and banking industry are important assets as we prepare to take our
organisation to a new level." Chanisa will work on the integration of systems in all support units to streamline
the executions of the multiple new projects in Siam Piwat's pipeline as well as the operations of the 15 existing
companies in the group, Chadatip said. Trade mission to VN
The Foreign Trade Department is leading a delegation of Thai automotive firms to Vietnam, during September
8-10, said Tikhumporn Natvaratat, deputy director-general of the department. The three-day mission started
yesterday.Early this year, Vietnam lowered its import tariffs on automobiles, to 10-50 per cent, so Thai
producers can explore opportunities to sell automobile and motorcycle parts there, he said.
Amid ban, ministry seeks nod to export rice to Sri Lanka
Rejaul Karim Byron
The food ministry has sought a special permission from the government to export 50,000 tonnes of coarse rice
to Sri Lanka as there is a ban on non-fragrant rice export until June 2015.The proposal to export the rice at the
government levels will be placed at a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs this week.
The warehouse price of the rice has been estimated at $455 a tonne, but the final export price will be $493 that
includes insurance and freight charges, according to the proposal.Rice was selling at $430-$455 a tonne on
August 16 in the international markets, including India, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a report
of the food ministry.Bangladesh exported aromatic rice in the past, but this would be the first-ever shipment of
non-fragrant rice as Colombo has expressed interest to import rice from Dhaka on an emergency basis.The food
ministry said the government had a stock of 11 lakh tonnes of rice in August -- 2.5 lakh tonnes higher than the
stock in the same month last year.Bangladesh can emerge as a rice exporter if the current stock is taken into
account, the proposal said.
STC floats rare rice import tender
NEW DELHI Mon Sep 8, 2014 7:55pm IST

A labourer unloads sacks filled with rice at a wholesale grain market in Chandigarh July 29, 2014.
State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
09:20:00 IDT


(Reuters) - State Trading Corp. (STCI.NS) on Monday floated a tender
to import 10,000 tonnes of rice for delivery in the state of
Manipur.India, the world's second biggest rice producer, has huge
surplus stocks. Imports are sometimes required because of poor
transportation links to ship grain to interior areas in northeast India,
said a trade source.The state trader said in a statement that it is seeking
25 percent broken white rice supply from overseas sellers for delivery
between Oct. 15 to Nov. 15.
Bids close on Sept. 23.
The supplier should specify country of origin for the quantity to be supplied. The minimum quantity to be
offered is 5,000 tonnes.On Sept. 1, India's rice stocks stood 17.32 million tonnes, much higher than the target of
9.8 million tonnes.
(Reporting by Ratnajyoti Dutta; Editing by Douglas Busvine)
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- Sep 06
Sat Sep 6, 2014 4:32pm IST
Nagpur, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Gram and tuar prices in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and
Marketing Committee (APMC) firmed up again on increased demand from local millers amid thin
supply from producing regions. Fresh rise in Madhya Pradesh pulses, weak overseas supply and
weak monsoon in this season also helped to push up prices, according to sources.

* * * *

FOODGRAINS & PULSES
GRAM
* Gram varieties ruled steady in open market on subdued demand from local traders amid
ample stock in ready position.

TUAR
* Tuar black reported strong in open market on renewed festival season demand from
local traders amid tight supply from millers.

* Watana green best quality showed upward trend in open market on increased buying
support from local traders. Low production in this season because of poor monsoon


also activated stockists.

* In Akola, Tuar - 5,000-5,200, Tuar dal - 6,900-7,100, Udid at 7,200-7,300,
Udid Mogar (clean) - 8,000-8,500, Moong - 7,200-7,600, Moong Mogar
(clean) 8,700-9,400, Gram - 2,700-2,900, Gram Super best bold - 3,800-4,000
for 100 kg.

* Wheat, rice and other commodities remained steady in open market in thin trading
activity, according to sources.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close
Gram Auction 2,350-2,900 2,300-2,830
Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600
Tuar Auction 4,500-5,230 4,480-5,190
Moong Auction n.a. 5,200-5,500
Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500
Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800
Gram Super Best Bold 4,000-4,250 4,000-4,250
Gram Super Best n.a.
Gram Medium Best 3,700-3,900 3,700-3,900
Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a.
Gram Mill Quality 3,650-3,725 3,650-3,725
Desi gram Raw 3,150-3,250 3,150-3,250
Gram Filter new 3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800
Gram Kabuli 8,000-9,500 8,000-9,500
Gram Pink 7,200-7,400 7,200-7,400
Tuar Fataka Best 7,500-7,700 7,500-7,700
Tuar Fataka Medium 7,200-7,350 7,200-7,350
Tuar Dal Best Phod 6,800-7,000 6,800-7,000
Tuar Dal Medium phod 6,500-6,700 6,500-6,700
Tuar Gavarani 5,400-5,550 5,400-5,550
Tuar Karnataka 5,600-5,800 5,600-5,800
Tuar Black 8,300-8,600 8,200-8,500
Masoor dal best 6,400-6,500 6,400-6,500
Masoor dal medium 6,100-6,250 6,100-6,250
Masoor n.a. n.a.
Moong Mogar bold 9,500-10,000 9,500-10,000
Moong Mogar Medium best 8,800-9,200 8,800-9,200
Moong dal super best 7,800-8,000 7,800-8,000
Moong dal Chilka 7,700-7,900 7,700-7,900


Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a.
Moong Chamki best 8,000-9,000 8,000-9,000
Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 8,200-8,700 8,200-8,700
Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 7,400-7,800 7,400-7,800
Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 6,800-7,200 6,800-7,200
Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,200-5,000 4,200-5,000
Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 2,800-3,100 2,800-3,100
Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,250-3,450 3,250-3,450
Watana White (100 INR/KG) 3,250-3,350 3,250-3,350
Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,400-4,900 4,300-4,800
Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,200-1,500 1,200-1,500
Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,800 1,700-1,800
Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,300-1,500 1,300-1,500
Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,100-2,450 2,100-2,450
Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,850-2,000 1,850-2,000
Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a.
MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 2,800-3,200 2,800-3,200
MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 1,950-2,350 1,950-2,350
Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,200-1,300 1,200-1,300
Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 1,500-1,800 1,500-1,800
Rice BPT (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,500 3,000-3,500
Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,800-2,000 1,800-2,000
Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,700 2,500-2,700
Rice HMT (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,200 4,000-4,200
Rice HMT Shriram (100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,500 4,900-5,500
Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 10,500-13,500 10,500-13,500
Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 7,300-10,000 7,300-10,000
Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,400-5,700 5,400-5,700
Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 1,400-1,600 1,400-1,600
Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,800 1,700-1,800

WEATHER (NAGPUR)
Maximum temp. 31.9 degree Celsius (88.9 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp.
23.6 degree Celsius (74.5 degree Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a.
Rainfall : nil
FORECAST: Generally cloudy sky. Maximum and Minimum temperature likely to be around 32 and 23
degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available

(For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)


08.09.2014
Russian wheat prices rose for a second straight week thanks to a record pace of August exports, high domestic
demand and weak rouble that offset continuing harvesting, analysts said on Monday.Russia, one of the world's
largest wheat exporters, has supplied 4.7 million tonnes of all grains including pulses to its customers abroad in
August. Its top customers are in North Africa and the Middle East.It is the highest ever monthly export level,"
Russia's IKAR agriculture consultancy said in a note.
Wheat exports also hit an all-time record of 4.2 million tonnes.Russia is set to harvest the largest wheat crop in
six years thanks to favourable weather this year and has already harvested 50 million tonnes from 62 percent of
the planned area, according to Agriculture Ministry data.

IKAR expects the country to harvest 60.0 million tonnes of wheat, 20.2 million tonnes of barley and 12.7
million tonnes of maize.Russian prices for milling wheat with 12.5 percent protein content were up $2 last week
at $246 per tonne, IKAR said. The quote was on a free-on-board (FOB) basis in the Black Sea compared with a
week earlier.

Barley prices were flat at $212 per tonne, while maize (corn) prices fell $3 to $180 per tonne, it added.SovEcon,
another Russian agriculture consultancy, quoted FOB prices for wheat with 12.5 percent protein content up $0.5
at $248 per tonne in deep-water ports.The rouble was 0.44 percent weaker against the dollar at 37.08 on
Monday as investors awaited details of new European sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine's crisis.
It hit an all-time low of 37.50 against the dollar early last week.As for other crops, SovEcon said FOB Black
Sea crude sunflower oil prices were at $750 per tonne.IKAR's white sugar prices index fell to $647 per tonne
from $659 per tonne, the firm said.

India to import 1 LT rice from Myanmar to avoid supply crisis in
Manipur and Mizoram
PTI Sep 5, 2014, 04.49PM IST
Tags:State Trading Enterprises|rice|Myanmar|Mizoram|Manipur|India|Food Corporation|FCI
NEW DELHI: India is going to import one lakh tonnes
of ricefrom Myanmar to avoid supply crisis in Manipur andMizoram as the
construction work is going on the railway line connecting these two north-
eastern states to other parts of the country.In this regard, the government
will float a exploratory tender on September 8 to evaluate market
prices.This will be the first time in almost three decades the country will
import rice and that via road.


According to sources, 20,000 tonnes of rice will be imported per month starting October and tenders are likely
to be floated by the State Trading Enterprises (STEs) on behalf of Food Corporation of India (FCI).Despite
having sufficient stocks, the government has to import rice as the work is going on to broadgauge the railway
line between Lumding and Silchar in Assam, sources said adding this route connects Manipur and Mizoram to
the rest of the country.To meet the requirements of these states, which have deficient paddy production,
the FCI will have to move the grains via road ranging 400-600 kms."There is only one national highway 44
from Guwahati, which connects with these states, and moving grains via road is challenging because of hilly
terrains and land-slide prone areas," a source said.Considering all these aspects, there is a need to have
supplementary stock to avoid any supply crisis in these areas, therefore it has been decided to import rice from
Myanmar, which is well connected via road to Manipur and Mizoaram, sources said.

Moreover, the neighbouring country also has surplus stocks, they added.These North-Eastern states have
deficient paddy production and in order to meet the requirement, FCI moves rice mainly from Punjab and
Chattisgarh to Guwahati in Assam and from there to other parts in the region. This will be the first time in
almost three decades the country will import rice and that via road.According to sources, 20,000 tonnes of rice
will be imported per month starting October and tenders are likely to be floated by the State Trading
Enterprises (STEs) on behalf of Food Corporation of India (FCI).

Despite having sufficient stocks, the government has to import rice as the work is going on to broadgauge the
railway line between Lumding and Silchar in Assam, sources said adding this route connects Manipur and
Mizoram to the rest of the country.To meet the requirements of these states, which have deficient paddy
production, the FCI will have to move the grains via road ranging 400-600 kms.
"There is only one national highway 44 from Guwahati, which connects with these states, and moving grains
via road is challenging because of hilly terrains and land-slide prone areas," a source said.Considering all these
aspects, there is a need to have supplementary stock to avoid any supply crisis in these areas, therefore it has
been decided to import rice from Myanmar, which is well connected via road to Manipur and Mizoaram,
sources said. Moreover, the neighbouring country also has surplus stocks, they added.
These North-Eastern states have deficient paddy production and in order to meet the requirement, FCI moves
rice mainly from Punjab and Chattisgarh to Guwahati in Assam and from there to other parts in the region.As
on August 16, the country had 184.62 lakh tonnes of rice against the buffer stock of 72 lakh tonnes on October
1 this year. In addition to this, 74 lakh tonnes of unmilled paddy is also available in the country.
India set to import 100,000 tonnes of rice from Burma
Burma will supply 100,000 tonnes of rice to India, to meet the need for the commodity in the states of Mizoram
and Manipur (PHOTO:wikicommons).
By BINNY MARY PAUL 8 September 2014


India, the largest rice exporter in the world, is set to import around 100,000
tonnes of rice from Burma, which was once the largest exporter of the
commodity.The move is a result of logistical bottlenecks that will hinder the
transportation of rice to the northeastern states of India. The rice import is a
preventive measure to avoid a supply crisis in the states of Manipur and
Mizoram, where a railway construction project is underway.In the absence of
feasible transport routes to connect Mizoram and Manipur with the rest of
India during this phase, the Food Corporation of India will import rice from
Burma, which is well connected by road to these northeastern Indian states, according to a report in the Indian
daily, The Economic Times.Though what seems like a temporary arrangement, the move seems to further
calibrate Indias Look East policy, in which bilateral relations with Burma have always been prioritized to
combat Chinese monopoly in the region.All efforts to increase Indias bilateral trade with Burma are viewed as
an essential and natural strategy to increase Indian influence within a country that it shares much with, including
a colonial history and a 1,009-mile border.
The decision to import rice from Burma, even despite surplus production at home, fosters a mutually inclusive
economic understanding between the two countries, which are both competitors in South Asia for rice
export.The rice import also provides an opportunity for India to explore and identify the potential capacity of
the northeastern states, volatile with secessionist and insurgent groups, but also shares an extensively vast
percentage of its borderlines with regional neighbours.
According to a reportpublished by Gateway House, an Indian think tank, the exchange of commodities
between India and Burma via its northeastern terrain will aid India in tapping into the hitherto neglected role
that northeast can play in further strengthening the trade possibilities between the two countries.At present, it is
unclear whether the trade route will be via the Chittagong port or via land routes, although The Economic
Times suggests the latter. Interestingly if the trade is to be via road, it will be carried out across the commonly
disputed borderlines of Burma and India.
The landscape of northeast India, which merges relatively seamlessly into Burmese territory, has been a belt of
narcotic activity and arms trading, and is also infested with insurgent rebel groups on either side of the
border.Former Indian military commander, Rahul Bhonsle, who spearheads Security-Risks.com/South Asia,
explained to DVB about the need to buckle up security at either ends of the trade routes. In the case of the land
route being used, adequate checks [must be implemented] to ensure that the [rice] transportation is not used by
the criminal and militant nexus operating across the borders to their advantage, said Bhonsle.The increasing
importance of transport routes via India and Burma as a priority was emphasised at the fifth annual Indo-US
strategic dialogue.
The strategic importance of building transport trade routes via Burma serves a twofold purpose for India:
increasing trade connectivity; and serving as a strategic entry portal into Southeast Asia.For Burma, the export
deal with India comes at a time when the rice industry faces stiff competition from its neighbours;
the Myanmar Rice Federation demanded tangible rice policies earlier this year to match the level of surplus
production of other rice-exporting countries.


The latest five-year national export strategy, unveiled by the Burmese government on 5 September, has
accredited rice exports to be of highest importance in 2014-15, reported Oryza, a leading rice industry
publication..The [Burmese] government is planning to explore newer markets for its rice exports, it said, part
of a strategy to revive Burmas once famed rice export legacy.With this deal underway, India will be importing
rice after almost three decades.As on August 16, the country had 184.62 lakh tonnes of rice against the buffer
stock of 72 lakh tonnes on October 1 this year. In addition to this, 74 lakh tonnes of unmilled paddy is also
available in the country.
States say no to extra rice over lack of storage

About 8 crore families are deemed APL, while 6 crore families that are BPL get subsidised foodgrain under
TPDS.
New Delhi | September 7, 2014 11:56 am

The Modi governments efforts to fight inflation by releasing additional amounts of grain to states under the
targeted public distribution system (TPDS) is threatening to unravel, as states are ill-equipped to handle extra
allocations. While there are few takers among the states
for the extra rice allocated under TPDS, the offloading
of wheat stocks with the Food Corporation of India
(FCI) to bulk buyers has taken off.Analysts say this
indicates that open-market sales are a better way to
reduce price pressures than releasing extra stocks
through TPDS.Finance minister Arun Jaitley had in
June announced a series of measures, including
allocation of additional rice of 5 million tonne to the
above poverty line (APL) and below poverty line (BPL)
families, to combat food inflation.

Sources told FE that so far only 2.3 lakh tonne of the allocated rice has been lifted, with many states where the
number of poor are high, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telengana and Odisha, drawing a blank.States are ill-
equipped to handle even TPDS grain allocated to them and so, there was no appetite among states to lift the
extra rice allocated, they pointed out.A few states have lifted some quantities of the additional allocated rice so
far. These include Assam (56,000 tonne), Andhra Pradesh (41,375 tonne), West Bengal (39,372 tonne), Tamil
Nadu (33,860 tonne) and Kerala (34,665 tonne).

Given that these states have a relatively more efficient PDS system, it is clear that releasing more rice to states
with poor storage and delivery infrastructure wouldnt serve the purposes of fighting inflation or addressing
hunger.States usually take possession of grain from the FCI on a monthly basis for the TPDS, as they lack
long-term storage facilities. So they find it difficult to lift the extra grain, a food ministry official told FE.As
reported last month, many state governments had failed to take delivery of foodgrain allocated under TPDS
even last fiscal. In FY14, for instance, the offtake of rice by states for APL people was 93% of the allotment,


while in case of Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), only 77% of the grain allocated was lifted by the states.About
8 crore families are deemed APL, while 6 crore families that are BPL get subsidised foodgrain under TPDS.
The AAY scheme is meant for 2.5 crore families.Signalling that bolstered open market sales, indeed, work,
more than 2.4 lakh tonnes of wheat has already been sold to private bulk buyers from FCIs stocks under open-
market sale scheme (OMSS) in the three weekly auctions held so far. Sources said bids received for wheat sale
exceed the reserved price of R1,500 per quintal, plus freight cost to consuming locations. The demand for
wheat under OMSS is expected to rise to around 2-3 lakh tonnes monthly by continued

Guyana eyes Ghana rice market
Guyana is currently awaiting a response from the Ghanaian government on the rice samples that were sent to
Accra pending the formalisation of a 120,000-tonne rice deal with the West African country.Minister of
Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy made the disclosure of the anticipated rice market at a press conference on
Saturday but did not name the country.Stabroek News understands that Georgetown has been in talks with
Accra since the beginning of the year trying to work out a large-scale market at competitive prices.
According to the preliminary terms of the agreement, 10,000 tonnes of rice will be shipped on a monthly
basis.The African market is very interested in the type of rice grown locally, the extra-long grain. Stabroek
News was told that a variety of rice samples were sent to Ghana, but the market will most likely be at the higher
end with rice breakage of 5%.However, not wanting to lose out on any potential markets in that region, the
Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) also sent samples of 5-25% breakage which will help to regulate
what the price brackets are for the finalized market.Stabroek News spoke with Deputy General Manager of the
GRDB Ricky Ramraj, but he could not confirm at what price Guyana would likely be selling rice to the African
market. He said that the deal is still being worked out as well as what countries would be involved.According to
Ramraj, other countries in West Africa have expressed interest in buying Guyana rice.
Leadership Alumni Chosen for International Travel, Next Stop: China

The next frontier?
STUTTGART, AR --- The Rice Leadership Development Program recently
selected the 2014 International Rice Leadership class. To be eligible for the
international class, applicants must have completed the traditional two year
Rice Leadership Program. "One very important factor in the selection process is
how the Leadership Development alumni have put their leadership training to
use in serving the rice industry since graduating," said Rice Foundation
Chairman Todd Burich.


"The number and quality of applicants this year was overwhelming which is an indication of the graduates'
engagement and commitment to the industry." "This year's international session will be held in China, a
country that has great potential for the U.S. rice industry," said Burich. Class members are: Tom Butler from
Woodland, CA; Blake Gerard from Cape Girardeau, MO; Dr. Bert Greenwalt from Jonesboro, AR; Jim
Whitaker from McGehee, AR; and Brian Wild from Welsh, LA.The Rice Leadership Development Program is
sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc, and American Commodity Company through The Rice
Foundation and is managed by the USA Rice Federation.
Contact: Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541

Annual School Foodservice Contest Launches National Rice Month
ARLINGTON, VA - September marks National Rice Month and students'
return to school. To celebrate U.S.-grown rice in school cafeterias, USA Rice
Federation is conducting its annual Healthy Brown Rice on the Menu
Contest for kindergarten through 12th grade school foodservice
operators. The contest focuses on using whole grain rice in breakfast, lunch, and rice bowl categories to
encourage menu planners to create meals that appeal to students while also meeting the school nutrition
requirements.

"This contest is an excellent way to applaud schools for serving and thinking of creative ways to use brown rice
on their menus," said John Hasbrook, chairman of the USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee. "It's also an
opportunity to share new and different K-12 brown rice recipes with schools across the country and encourage
more rice usage in all healthy meal presentations."
Contest prizes include paid registration for the annual School Nutrition Association conference, a generous
supply of whole grain rice for winning schools donated by InHarvest, Producers Rice Mill, Riceland Foods,
Mahatma Rice, SunWest Foods, and Uncle Ben's, and Aroma rice cookers donated by Aroma Housewares. The
winning schools and rice dishes will be featured on MenuRice.com.

Last week, the contest was announced in a press release distributed to the top media
outlets that are consistently read by more than 130,000 K-12 operations and in
an electronic newsletter sent to more than 2,500 school menu planners. Members are
encouraged to promote the contest to schools they work with and in their community.

Contact: Katie Maher (703) 236-1453

Starting the school year right
with brown rice for lunch

Arkansas House: Rice production important to Arkansas


Posted: Sunday, September 7, 2014 6:00 am

Weekly column written for members of the Arkansas House of Representatives:
Rice is the most popular grain worldwide, feeding over half of the population. And over half of all the rice
produced in the United States is harvested right here in Arkansas.Out of Arkansas's 75 counties, 50 of them
contain rice fields. Since September is National Rice Month, we would like to take this opportunity to tell you
about how this tiny grain contributes a giant portion to our economy. This is also a good time to remind
Arkansans about the health benefits that nutritionists have continued to discover in recent years and the positive
environmental impacts we see from rice production.Arkansas rice farmers and millers contribute more than $6
billion to the state's economy annually and account for more than 25,000 jobs, which are crucial to rural
communities.Arkansas grows rice on approximately 1.3 million acres each year. With 44 percent of the nation's
rice farmers living in Arkansas, rice is the state's second highest value commodity and the top agricultural
export.

One half cup of rice costs approximately 10 cents per serving, so it is no wonder we are seeing an increase in
demand. In fact, Americans have doubled their consumption over the last 30 years.That increase in consumption
has lead to several studies on the dietary patterns of rice eaters. Research shows rice eaters tend to make
healthier choices than non-rice eaters.Those who consume at least a quarter-cup of rice per day tend to have a
higher intakes of vegetables, fiber, iron and potassium, with lower intakes of total fat and saturated fat.Our state
benefits from rice production in a multitude of ways. In Arkansas, managed rice fields and natural wetlands
provide an important wintering area for North America's waterbirds. The unique habitat is why Arkansas is
known as the "duck-hunting" capitol of the world. The cost of replacing existing rice habitat with managed
natural wetlands would be more than $3.5 billion.Rice farmers have also made significant efforts toward
protecting our natural resources. An industry study shows that over a 20-year period rice farmers have reduced
water usage by 32% and they have cut their energy usage in half.We encourage you to purchase locally grown
rice. Just look for the Grown-in-the-USA label when shopping at your local grocery store.

BANGKOK, 7 September 2014 (NNT) - The Association of Thai Rice Exporters has reported Thailand now
exports more rice than India and Vietnam with the high possibility to reclaim the position of the worlds number
one rice exporter. President of the Association of Thai Rice Exporters Pol.Lt.Charoen Laothammathat said the
Thai rice export situation substantially improved with a 25% increase in value. Thai rice exports rose mainly
due to cooperation between the government and private sectors in promoting Thai rice in foreign markets and
managing rice stock effectively, the president said. Thailand exported 5.3 million tons of rice over the past six
months, increasing by 70%. The associations president also suggested the government discontinue the rice
pledging program which had made domestic rice price higher than the global market by as high as 50%. en
predicted that Thailand would export 9-10 million tons of rice by the end of 2014 and become the worlds
number one rice exporter again.

8th September 2014 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

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