11th february,2014 daily exclusive oryza newsletter by riceplus magazine

11th February , 2014

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TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU
Latest News Headlines…
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India Reconsiders Service Tax on Rice
Australia Rice Farmers Take Note
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Market Firms Slightly After USDA Cuts Ending Stocks Projection by
One Million cwts
Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today – Brazil Real Down 1.3%
Oryza Afternoon Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Rally as Bulls Return in Afternoon Trading
Thailand Government Negotiations with Rice Farmers Fail
Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Slightly Higher Overnight Despite Mixed Results
for Other Grains
USDA Post Lowers China MY 2013-14 Rice Import Forecast to 3.2 Million Tons
Universiti Brunei Darussalam Students Use Biotechnology to Increase Rice Production
Nigeria Targets Rice Exports by 2017
Vietnam Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes Today; India Rice Sellers Increase Most of Their
Quotes
Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Urges Scientists to Develop Stress-Tolerant High Yield Rice; Targets
Rice Exports by 2017
Philippines Farmer Groups Oppose Private Sector Rice Imports
Oryza January 2014 Rice Market Review
Oryza Global Rice Quotes

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NEWS DETAILS:
India Reconsiders Service Tax on Rice
Feb 10, 2014

The Union Minister of State for PMO in India suggested that the service tax on rice may be eradicated. Several
different political parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the tax. The Finance Minister is expected to
announce the decision in the interim budget in the ongoing Parliament session. (Read related Oryza
story: India Rice Prices to Increase Due to 12.36% Service Tax)
Tags: India rice production

Australia Rice Farmers Take Note
Feb 10, 2014

A new publication issued by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is available to rice growers in
Australia. The field guide contains information about pests, diseases, and weeds in southern NSW,
Australia. Specifically, the guide includes “extensive descriptions, photographs, references and information on
the potential threats to the rice industry,” providing information about water snails, damping off, stem rot,
sheath spot, bloodworms, and other weeds, pests, and diseases. The goal is to help rice producers efficiently
use
the
resources
available
in
order
to
produce
higher
crop
yields.
The field guide is available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre/summer-crops/rice/field-guide
Tags: Australia rice production

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Market Firms Slightly After USDA Cuts Ending
Stocks Projection by One Million cwts
Feb 10, 2014

The U.S. cash market was slightly firmer today after the USDA WASDE report increased their long grain
domestic use projection by one million cwts (about 45,359 tons) which in turn decreased their long grain ending

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stocks estimate by the same amount, leaving the market with an estimated 16.3 million cwt (about 739,356 tons)
carryover.As of today, old crop offers were still seen as low as $15.55 fob farm (about $343 per ton) although
most farmers are asking for $16.11 per cwt fob farm (about $355 per ton) or higher.
Bids from larger mills increased today to around $15.00 per cwt (about $331 per ton) while bids for exporters
were unchanged around $15.55 per cwt (about $343 per ton), both for February through March delivery,
although smaller mills were still said to be bidding as high $16.25 per cwt (about $358 per ton) delivered mill.
Tags: U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market

Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today – Brazil Real Down 1.3%
Feb 10, 2014

U.S. dollar index was down -0.02% from the open today, when it traded at 80.675 at the close.
Euro was stronger +0.01% by the close, trading around 1.3636 by end of day, after trading between an intraday
high of 1.3651 and low of 1.3609.
Thai baht was weaker -0.03%, trading at 32.810 at the close of business.
Indian rupee was weaker -0.24% at 62.4375.
Brazilian real was -1.27% weaker than the open at today’s close, when it ended at 2.4099 reais per dollar.
Pakistan rupee was -0.01% weaker at 105.3800.
Vietnamese dong was unchanged at 21105.
Mexican peso was -0.25% weaker today, when it traded at 13.3163 pesos per dollar by the close of business
today.
Chinese yuan was stronger +0.06%, trading at 6.0603.
Argentine peso was +0.41% stronger, trading at 7.8088 pesos per dollar.
Tags: foreign exchange rates

Oryza Afternoon Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Rally as Bulls Return in
Afternoon Trading
Feb 10, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery settled 20.5 cents per cwt (about $5 per ton) higher at $15.545
per cwt (about $343 per ton). Rough rice futures began the week with a bang. Prices were little changed for the

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majority of the morning, but an afternoon rally saw prices shoot up over 20 cents per cwt (about $4 per ton) to
close above $15.500 per cwt (about $342 per ton) for the first time in weeks. Today’s move saw prices break
through multiple layers of technical resistance and ultimately closed just above a closely monitored moving
average. With the initial breaking through of the 20-day moving average, noted at $15.465 per cwt (about $341
per ton), the market had moved into technically positive territory.
This face likely triggered additional bullishness and was enough to push prices just above the slower moving
50-day moving average at $15.540 per cwt (about $343 per ton). Today’s move provides a positive forecast for
tomorrow’s trade direction. The other grains were mostly lower today; soybeans closed about 0.5% lower at
$13.2550 per bushel; wheat finished about 1.3% higher at $5.8575 per bushel; and corn finished the day about
0.3% lower at $4.4300 per bushel.U.S. stocks were mixed on Monday after Wall Street's best weekly
performance this year, as investors waited to hear from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, who makes her first
monetary policy report to lawmakers on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22.28 points, or 0.1%,
to 15,771.80, with 17 of its 30 components in the red. The S&P 500 held near unchanged at 1,796.30, with
industrials hardest hit and health care the best performing of its 10 major sectors. The Nasdaq rose 11.84 points,
or 0.3%, 4,137.71. Gold is trading about 0.9% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 0.2% higher, and the U.S.
dollar is seen trading about 0.1% lower at about 1:00pm Chicago time.Friday, there were 565 contracts traded,
up from 277 contracts traded on Thursday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Friday
increased by 147 contracts to 8,324.
Tags: chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice market, U.S. rice prices

Thailand Government Negotiations with Rice Farmers Fail
Feb 10, 2014

Talks between Thailand rice farmer protesters and the caretaker government have failed with angry farmers
walking out of the negotiations after the government declined to give a deadline for clearance of delayed
payments under the rice mortgage program.According to the caretaker Commerce minister, the government has
to pay farmers about 110 billion baht (about $3.4 billion) for the 2013-14 rice crop starting October 2013. He
says that the government is unable to sell sufficient rice to clear delayed payments to farmers. The caretaker
government says that it is unable to raise funds because the Election Commission does not permit a caretaker
government to leave financial obligations for the new government.However, farmers did not accept the
explanation at the meeting today and asked the government to sell rice from its stockpile even at a loss to make
payments.
Farmers say the government has lost its right to manage rice warehouses and are now are planning to occupy
government rice warehouses from today. Farmers are also planning to submit a petition against the government
for its failure to pay for rice they pledged under the government's rice pledging scheme.Meanwhile, the
caretaker government’s latest attempt to raise funds using the Government Pension Fund (GPF) and the Social
Security Office (SSO) has failed. According to local sources, the government had approached the GPF and the
SSO to buy bonds issued by the Finance Ministry to raise 130 billion baht (around $4 billion) to make payments

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to farmers. However, both the institutions have not accepted the proposal so far due to concerns over the
legitimacy of the borrowing.
The Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister says the Ministry would release 1.2 million tons of rice worth 10
billion baht (around $304 million) from the government's stocks on February 13, 2014. About 227,000 tons of
rice will be auctioned through the Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand (AFET), about 460,000 tons will
be sold through a general auction and the remaining 500,000 tons will be auctioned among the millers, he says.
Tags: Thailand rice mortgage program

Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Slightly Higher Overnight
Despite Mixed Results for Other Grains
Feb 10, 2014

Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery are currently paused 4 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at
$15.380 per cwt (about $339 per ton) as of 8:00am Chicago time. The other grains are seen mixed this morning
ahead of floor trading in Chicago: soybeans are currently seen about 0.2% higher, wheat was paused about 0.7%
lower, and corn is noted about 0.4% lower.U.S. stock index futures signaled a mostly lower Wall Street open on
Monday, despite gains in global shares. Shares in Europe and Asia traded higher early on Monday, helped by
Friday's bumper close on Wall Street.
This followed the U.S. government's non-farm payrolls report, which showed that 113,000 jobs were created in
January, and that unemployment fell to 6.6 percent. Although the job creation number was worse than forecast,
investors welcomed the figures and U.S. indexes cleared weekly losses and posted their best two-day gain in
four months. U.S. stock index futures are currently trading about 0.2% lower, gold is currently trading about
0.9% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 0.3% lower, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading marginally
lower at 8:00am Chicago time.
Tags: chicago rough rice futures

USDA Post Lowers China MY 2013-14 Rice Import Forecast to 3.2 Million Tons

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Feb 10, 2014

The USDA Post in Beijing has lowered its estimate for China's MY 2013-14 rice imports to 3.2 million tons,
down about 6% or 200,000 tons from official estimates of 3.4 million tons due to higher rice prices in Vietnam
and Thailand.Rice production and consumption estimates remain unchanged at 141.5 million tons and 146
million tons respectively. The Post lowered the China’s total rice supply in MY 2013-14 to 191.48 million tons,
down from official estimate of 191.68 million tons, and lowered the estimate for the country’s ending stocks to
45.13 million tons from official estimate of 45.33 million tons.
The Chinese government has announced a change in the country's food security policy in December 2013,
according to the USDA Post. The policy change was highlighted in the "Number One Document" issued on
January 19, 2014. The new policy identifies "Ensuring overall food security" in the country as number one
economic task for the government in 2014. The new policy maintains goals to achieve complete self-sufficiency
in rice and the existing minimum support price and reserve programs will be maintained, according to the
USDA Post. The Post says that government measures may boost farmer income and rice production in China,
but will also cause domestic prices to exceed international prices.
Tags: China rice production, China rice imports, Document number one

Universiti Brunei Darussalam Students Use Biotechnology to Increase Rice
Production

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Feb 10,
2014

A
team
of
studen
ts
from
the
Unive
rsiti
Brune
i
Darus
salam have used biotechnology to increase rice production in Brunei Darussalam, according to local
sources.Using biotechnology, the team found the effect of salinity on growth performance of two high-yielding
varieties like Paddy Laila, which is a hybrid line variety developed as a part of the government target to increase
rice production to 60% self sufficiency by 2015. It is known to mature faster than some traditional paddy
varieties such as Pusu.A basic salinity study by the University team on Paddy Laila and Pusu varieties showed
that Paddy Laila was more resistant to salinity compared to Paddy Pusu. Later, using biotechnology, a
transgenic paddy Laila variety was developed and both transgenic and non-transgenic varieties were exposed to
different salinity levels and their growth performance and yield were also compared. The results proved that the
transgenic variety line showed better growth performance and higher yield when compared to the nontransgenic variety.
The team also studied the genetic variation of selected rice varieties that have been cultivated in Brunei using
microsatellite markers. The results of study would be useful for the plant breeders to select the best parents to
produce a new generation which shows better performance compared to that of both parents, the team said.
Both the studies could be used for further research on developing high-yielding varieties and help ensure food
security in the country.In 2008, the Sultan of Brunei said that Brunei Darussalam should not be dependent on
other countries for its rice supply and should have their own strategic plan to ensure food security. However,
Brunei’s rice production has remained at around 1,000 tons since 2002, and the country imports most of rice
required for domestic consumption. The USDA estimates Brunei's milled rice production to remain at 1,000
tons in the MY 2013-14, while rice consumption is estimated at 51,000 tons in MY 2013-14, up 11% from last
year's 46,000 tons. The USDA estimates the country to import around 50,000 tons in MY 2013-14, 11% more
than last year's import of 45,000 tons.
Tags: Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam rice production, Brunei Darussalam rice imports

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Nigeria Targets Rice Exports by 2017
Feb 10, 2014

Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Agriculture hopes the increase in the milling capacity of rice in the country will
help the nation become a net exporter of rice by 2017.The minister says that rice milling capacity has increased
by about 300% in 2013 and growing local investments in the country’s rice sector would boost rice production
and help the nation become self-sufficient in rice as well as become a net exporter of rice by 2017. He adds that
local investment has helped the country to produce long grain and quality fiber rice which is popular among
consumers.According to the minister, the dry season farm support program under the Agricultural
Transformation Agenda (ATA) will also help boost rice production.
The ATA initially targeted involving 400,000 farmers but the Agriculture Ministry has covered around 600,000
farmers under the program, he says.According to the USDA, Nigeria’s rice production in MY 2013-14 is
expected to reach around 2.8 million tons (basis milled), up about 18% from around 2.37 million tons in MY
2012-13. The U.S. agency estimates Nigeria’s domestic consumption at 6 million tons in MY 2013-14, about
11% more than 5.4 million tons in the last marketing year. The country would need to import around 3 million
tons of rice in this year compared to 2.9 million tons imported last year, according to the USDA.Nigeria is
planning to ban rice imports by 2015, but farmers and analysts say that the government should postpone the ban
to 2019 as the country is still not ready for commercial large-scale rice production and a ban in 2015 would be
counterproductive to the country’s economy.
Tags: Nigeria rice production, nigeria rice imports

Vietnam Rice Sellers Lower Some of Their Quotes Today; India Rice Sellers Increase
Most of Their Quotes
Feb 10, 2014

Vietnam rice sellers lowered their quotes for 5% broken rice and Jasmine rice by about $5 per ton and $20 per
ton respectively today. India rice sellers increased most of their quotes by about $5 per ton. Thailand and
Pakistan rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged.
5% Broken Rice
Thai 5% rice (of new crop) is quoted around $435 - $445 per ton, about a $45 per ton premium over Viet 5%
rice shown around $390 - $400 per ton, down about $5 per ton from last week.
Indian 5% rice is quoted around $415 - $425 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday and about a $25 per ton
premium over Pak 5% rice quoted around $390 - $400 per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thai 25% rice (of new crop) is quoted about $390 - $400 per ton, about a $25 per ton premium over Viet 25%
rice shown around $365 - $375 per ton.
Indian 25% rice is quoted about $360 - $370 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday and about a $15 per ton
premium over Pak 25% rice quoted around $345 - $355 per ton.

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Parboiled Rice
Thai parboiled rice of the old crop is quoted around $450 - $460 per ton.
Indian parboiled rice is quoted around $400 - $410 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday and about $5 per
ton discount to Pak parboiled rice quoted around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thai broken rice, A1 Super, of the old crop is quoted around $310 - $320 per ton, about a $40 per ton discount
to Viet broken rice shown around $350 - $360 per ton.
Indian broken sortexed rice is quoted about $300 - $310 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday and about a
$20 per ton discount to Pak broken sortexed rice quoted around $320 - $330 per ton.
Tags: Asia rice quotes, Thailand rice quotes, Vietnam rice quotes, India rice quotes, Pakistan rice quotes

Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Urges Scientists to Develop Stress-Tolerant High
Yield Rice; Targets Rice Exports by 2017
Feb 10, 2014

Bangladesh Agriculture Minister has urged the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) scientists to develop
stress-tolerant high yield rice varieties (HYV) to increase domestic production significantly and help make
Bangladesh a rice-exporting nation.The Minister says that it is important for Bangladesh to attain selfsufficiency in food production and aim at rice exports by 2017. Increasing internal food storage capacity is also
vital to combat disasters, she adds. The Minister also emphasized the need for increasing subsidy in fertilizer,
seeds and irrigation and for providing agricultural loans at lower interest rates to help boost rice production.
The BRRI has so far developed 61 HYV varieties and four hybrid varieties, according to the BRRI Director
General. "At present BRRI varieties cover 80% of the total rice area that accounts for 90% of the total rice
production of the country," he says. High-yield Boro varieties Brridhan 28 and Brridhan 29, and Aman variety
BR11 are very popular at the farm level, and the BRRI has also developed a series of cold, submergence,
drought and saline tolerant varieties such as Brridhan 36, 40, 41, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57, he adds. The DG
also says that the recently released Brridhan 62 is the world's first zin-enriched rice variety.According to the
USDA, Bangladesh's rice production in MY 2013-14 (May 2013 - April 2014) is expected to increase to around
34.59 million tons, up about 2% from around 33.82 million tons in MY 2012-13. The US agency estimates the
country's domestic consumption to be at 34.6 million tons in MY 2013-14, up slightly compared to 34.47
million tons in MY 2012-13. The USDA estimates Bangladesh to import 220,000 tons in MY 2013-14, up about
530% from around 35,000 tons in MY 2012-13.
Tags: Bangladesh rice exports, Bangladesh rice production, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)

Philippines Farmer Groups Oppose Private Sector Rice Imports
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Feb 10, 2014

Some farmer groups in the Philippines are opposing the National Food Authority's (NFA) recent decision to
allow private traders to import around 163,000 tons of rice in 2014, according to local sources.Farmer groups
say that the government should revoke its decision in the light of increased rice smuggling in the country and
reiterate that the NFA should be the sole importer of rice in the country
.Last week, the NFA invited applications from the private importers to secure permits for imports of around
163,000 tons of rice under the "2014 Minimum Access Volume - Country Specific Quota" program. However,
farmer groups say that allowing private traders to import rice will result in increased graft and corruption. They
also say that imported rice will compete with locally produced rice and Filipino farmers would be at a loss.The
chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, which is investigating smuggling of rice in to the
country, has also urged the government to stop the issuance of import permits to private traders. She says that a
proposal made during one of her Committee hearings bans importation of rice by private businesses and only
the NFA is allowed to import rice. She also says that the government lost around P8.4 billion (around $186
million) in 2012 and P10 billion (around $222 million) in 2013 due to rice smuggling. She adds that not only
the government, farmers are also at loss as they get low prices for their produce because of the imported rice.
However, NFA officials say that there is an executive order that allows private participation in rice imports. The
NFA Spokesperson says that there is now a stricter policy in the accreditation process for rice imports. The
Agriculture Department is looking at ways to lower farmers' production costs and says that higher production
may help stop rice smuggling.
Tags: Rice Smuggling in the Philippines, National Food Authority (NFA), philippine rice imports

Oryza January 2014 Rice Market Review
Feb 10, 2014

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The Oryza White Rice Index, a weighted average of global white rice export quotes, ended the month of
January at $464 per ton, up about $2 per ton from December and down about $19 per ton from a year ago.
Brazil remains the most expensive origin, ending the month at about $665 per ton for 5% broken rice and
Pakistan remains the cheapest origin, ending the month at around $395 per ton for 5% broken rice.
Separately, International grain council (IGC) said in report that world rice output and consumption are expected
to be closely matched, at an average of about 0.8% and 1% respectively during the next five years to 2018-19.
According to the IGC, overall world rice stocks would remain comfortable during the period but the rice stock to-use ration is forecast to decline slightly to 21% in 2018-19 from 23% in 2013-14.Global rice traded is
expected to increase by an average pace of about 2.5% each year starting from 2013-14 to 2018-19 thanks to
higher demand in Asia.
Thailand
Thailand 5% broken rice ended the month at $440 per ton, up about 4% from about $425 per ton recorded in
same time in last month and down about 21% from about $555 per ton recorded during same time in last year.
Thailand's National Rice Policy Committee, headed by the caretaker Prime Minister has decided to terminate

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the government rice mortgage program, which is due to expire at the end of February 2014. The Thai
government is already under pressure to clear delayed payments for purchase of paddy from farmers under the
rice mortgage program. Thailand government was expecting to clear delayed payment by January15, 2014, but
failed and extended the deadline for completing delayed payments by end of January 2014, but unfortunately it
failed again due to lack of funds. Thailand rice farmers are continuously protesting as they await payment
needed to repay loans and cover the costs of future crop plantings. Meanwhile Thailand rice farmers want to
extend the debt-moratorium, which it offered in 2011 when the great flood hit all regions of the country, by
another three years, which will offer alternative means of protecting farmers from further financial burdens.
Rice farmers are also demand that the government should sell rice from its stockpiles even at lower prices to
generate money to pay them.
The caretaker government of Thailand was planning to sell about 400,000 tons of different grades of rice in an
auction in early February at a median price based on the global rice price, but the sale was delayed. Most
probably, bidding for this 400,000 tons rice tender will start the second week of February.
Separately, the Thai government sold about one million tons of rice in January 2014, of which about 860,000
tons were sold to private players who had export orders and another 110,000 tons were sold through the
Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand, according to local sources. Separately, China has canceled a deal to
buy 1.2 million tons of Thai rice after Thailand's anti-corruption agency launched investigations into a state
rice-buying scheme. Thailand officials said private Chinese importers may still buy Thai rice.
The Thailand government is facing several issues to collect funding to pay rice farmers under rice mortgage
program. Earlier in January, The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) board rejected a
proposal by the caretaker Finance Minister that the government could use the bank’s surplus liquidity to pay
rice farmers if needed. The Thai government also issued bonds in the debt market to raise funds worth about 75
billion baht (about $2.27 billion) to run the 2013-14 rice mortgage program (October – September), but has
raised only about half of amount . Separately, Thailand's State Council has allowed the caretaker government to
raise 130 billion (about $4 billion) through loans and bond issues to pay rice farmers, according to local sources.
The Philippines may consider buying rice from Thailand if the Thai government renews its rice supply
agreement with the Philippines, which expired last year, according to the National Food Authority (NFA)
spokesperson.
According to USDA estimates, Thailand rice exports have declined for the second consecutive year, reaching
about 6.6 million tons in the calendar year 2013, down about 5% from about 6.9 million tons exported in 2012,
and down about 17% from the government target of 8 million tons. Meanwhile, the Thai Rice Exporters
Association (TREA) expects that Thailand could export about 7.5 million tons rice in 2014, while Thai
Commerce Ministry expected that country would export about 8 million tons rice in this year.
India
India 5% broken rice ended the month at $415 per ton, up about $1 per ton from last month and down about 3%

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from a year ago, when price was recorded at $430 per ton.
India's average wholesale rice prices in January declined to about Rs. 2,808 per quintal (about $446 per ton,
using current exchange rate) in January 2014, down about 4% from about Rs. 2,922 per quintal (about $473 per
ton, using historical exchange rate) recorded in December 2013 and up about 1% from about Rs.2,783 per
quintal (about $523 per ton, using historical exchange rate) in January 2013.
According to local source, milled rice prices in India could increase significantly as Indian Finance Ministry
excluded milled rice from the “agricultural produce” category thus making rice ineligible for exemption of the
12.36%.service tax.
According to the USDA, India is expected to be the world’s largest rice exporter for the third consecutive year,
with about 10.5 million tons of rice exports in 2013, followed by Vietnam exported about 7.2 million tons rice
and Thailand, which exported about 6.6 million tons rice in 2013. The USDA added that India’s rice exports in
2014 are likely to account for about 25% of total global rice trade of about 40.2 million tons, despite slightly
lower rice production this year.
Meanwhile, India’s basmati rice exports are forecast to reach about 4 million tons in FY 2013-14 (April –
March), the highest annual basmati rice exports on record and up about 12.5% from about 3.5 million tons in
FY 2012-13, due to firm demand, especially from the Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
and Iran. According to official sources, India's basmati rice exports to Iran have increased by 77% on a year-onyear basis between April and September 2013.
Separately, the Indian government has denied the charges by some countries including the U.S. and Pakistan
that India exports subsidized rice and wheat grains, according to local sources. In late January, the U.S.,
Pakistan and Canada had questioned India whether its grain exports followed the World Trade Organization
(WTO) rules amid domestic subsidies designed to ensure sufficient rice supplies for the national food program.
The Indian government’s rice procurement in the MY 2012-13 (October – September) declined to 34.1 million
tons, down about 15% from the targeted 40.2 million tons and down about 3% from about 35 million tons
procured in MY 2011-12. The government rice procurement target for MY 2013-14 stands at 34.5 million tons,
but local sources say that rice procurement is likely to decline to about 31-32 million tons this year due to high
open-market prices and lower supplies in key rice growing states.
As of January 1, 2014, India’s rice stocks in the central pool has reached at about 29.85 million tons (including
milled equivalent of about 15.15 million tons of paddy rice), down about 7% from last year.
According to the USDA, India's rice production is expected to decline to about 103 million tons in 2013-14,
down about 2% from about 105.3 million tons in 2011-12, while consumption is expected to increase to about
95 million tons in 2013-14, up about 2% from about 93.3 million tons in 2011-12.
Vietnam

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Vietnam 5% broken rice ended the month at about $405 per ton, down about 1% from a month ago and up
about 4% from a year ago.
The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) expects Vietnam rice exporters will face stiff competition in 2014 due to
reduced prices and higher supplies in the global rice market. According to the VFA, Vietnam’s rice exports are
expected to reach about 6.5 - 7 million tons in 2014, compared to about 6.88 million tons in 2013. According to
the USDA, Vietnam's 2013-14 rice production is expected to remain at 27.7 million tons while rice exports are
likely to reach about 7.5 million tons in 2013-14, well above Vietnam’s own estimate.
Separately, The Vietnamese government is planning to shift about 130,000 hectares of rice area to other crops
such as soybeans and corn as part of the changes in agriculture and rural development in 2014. However,
production is estimated to remain at about 43.4 million tons of paddy as higher yields are expected to make up
for slightly lower acreage. According to the USDA, Vietnam’s rice production is expected to reach about 27.7
million tons (basis milled) in MY 2013-14.
Pakistan
Pakistan 5% broken rice ended the month at $395 per ton, up about 1% from a month ago and down about 7%
from a year ago.
Pakistan is trying to increase its rice exports China, now the world’s largest rice importer. In the beginning of
January, a delegation of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) visited China to explore
possibilities of improving rice exports. According to Pakistan Officials, Pakistan has a free trade agreement and
currency swap arrangements with China. The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) senior vicechairman says Pakistan rice exports to China are expected to grow to about 0.7 - 1 million tons in the FY 201314 (July – June), which is up about 19% - 70% from about 589,277 tons of rice in FY 2012-13.
Separately, Pakistan rice exporters are expecting that brown rice export to EU could increase significantly due
to the implementation of the EU's generalized scheme of preferences (GSP) which provides developing
countries preferential access to the EU market through reduced tariffs. According REAP representatives,
Pakistan has exported about 52,000 tons of brown rice to the EU in current fiscal year 2013-14 (July – June) so
far, and Pakistan can now export an additional 250,000 tons of brown rice due to duty-free access to the EU
markets due to the implementation of GSP plus status on Pakistan with effect from January 1, 2014.
Cambodia
Cambodia 5% broken rice ended the month at $455 per ton, down about 2% from a month ago.
Cambodia exported about 21,536 tons of rice in January 2014, down about 16% from about 25,726 tons of rice
exported during same time in last year. Thailand did not make the list of top 32 destinations for Cambodia rice
in January 2014; in 2013, Thailand was the sixth highest destination market for Cambodia rice.

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Cambodia will achieve its goal of exporting one million tons of rice in 2015, the country's Minister of
Commerce said in January. However, according to local sources, this goal has serious challenges due to large
infrastructure shortfalls. In 2013 Cambodia shipped about 380,000 tons of rice.
Meanwhile, The EU trade commission denies that it made any allegations of contamination in rice imports from
Cambodia and says that no customs circumvention has been identified so far in rice imports from Cambodia. A
local source told to Oryza in December 2013, that the EU trade Commissioner had expressed concerns about the
surge in Cambodia rice exports to the EU in recent years and had alleged that up to 30% of rice imports from
Cambodia could be of Vietnam origin.
There are signs Cambodia could be in danger of losing its biggest destination market, the EU. In support of the
local rice industry, the Italian Government is asking the European Union (EU) to stop allowing zero duty
imports from Eba (Everything but Arms) countries, such as Cambodia and Myanmar. Italy is the EU’s largest
rice producing nation. Separately, a new bill is under review for updating the labeling system for Italy’s rice.
Italian Parliament could approve the bill within the month of February following a recent meeting in Milan, at
Ente Nazionale Risi.
Meanwhile, a Cambodian rice exporter and South Korean corporation have signed an agreement to begin
exporting Cambodian rice to South Korea, starting from January 2014. The South Korean corporation
reportedly paid $2m for nearly 5,000 tons of jasmine rice and the promise for future business.
The USDA estimates Cambodia’s MY 2013-14 rice production to reach about 4.9 million tons (milled basis),
up about 6.5% from about 4.6 million tons in the MY 2012-13.
Brazil
Brazil 5% broken rice ended the month at $665 per ton, down about 3% from about $685 per ton recorded
during same time in last month.
According to Brazil's National Grains Supply Company, Conab, Brazil’s paddy rice production in 2013-14 is
expected to reach about 12.351 million tons, up about 1.1% from December's forecast and up about 5% from
last year's production. The average paddy yield in Brazil for 2013-14 is forecast to reach at about 5.08 tons per
hectares, up about 0.6% from last month's forecast and up about 3.4% from last year. Brazil's paddy acreage in
2013-14 is also expected to reach about 2.432 million hectares, slightly up from December’s projection of about
2.421 million hectares and up about 2% from last year.
Meanwhile, USDA forecast that Brazil milled rice production in MY2013-14(April-March) will reach about
8.33 million tons, up about 4% from last year. USDA expects that Brazil's rice acreage will increase about 1%
in MY2013-14, from last year. Brazil’s rice exports are forecast to reach about 925,000 tons in MY 2013-14, up
about 75,000 tons or 9% from about 850,000 tons in MY 2012-13.
Separately, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) says that huge investments are required to
help exports of rice and other grains achieve maximum potential. IBGE expected that Brazil would produce

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

about 12.2 million tons of paddy this year, up about 5% from last year's production.
Conab offered about 286,812.85 tons of paddy in January via many auctions and sold about 241,845.85 tons of
paddy in those auctions.
U.S.
U.S. 4% broken rice ended the month at $590 per ton down about 1% from a month ago and 4% from a year
ago. The front month CBOT rough rice futures contract ended the month at $15.4 per cwt (about $340 per ton),
up about 1% from a month ago, and down about 1% from a year ago.
According to USDA, total rice production in the U.S. has reached at about 6.6 million tons in CY 2013, down
about 8.3% from last year, partly due to farmers switching crops in hopes of higher profits. Average paddy rice
prices in 2013 increased by about 6.2% to about $340.24 per ton from the previous year, USDA said.
Separately, U.S. Senate passed the new five-year Farm Bill 72-22 after two years of debate and revision.
Africa
Nigeria is considering banning rice imports completely in 2015, but Nigerian rice dealers appealed to the
federal government to extend the date of proposed ban on rice imports from 2015 to 2019. Meanwhile, the
government hiked rice import tariffs sharply in the beginning of 2013 and some rice farmers and millers in
Nigeria said rice smuggling is increasing due to the government decision to hike rice import tariffs. Separately,
Nigeria’s milled rice production is likely to increase to about 3.1 million tons in 2014, up about 29% from about
2.4 million tons in 2013. However, Nigeria’s rice imports in 2014 are likely to remain at 2013 levels of about
2.9 million tons to meet an annual consumption demand of about 6 million tons, according to the USDA.
The Association of Ghana-Cote d'Ivoire Rice Importers and Sellers (GISA) have appealed to the Ghana
government to lift the ban on rice imports from neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, according to some local sources. The
Ghana government banned rice imports from Cote d'Ivoire since the beginning of this year. GISA says that the
ban would lead to unemployment in the region, as many rice importers and workers would lose their jobs. GISA
also claims that the ban would lead to lower rice supplies and is the main reason behind the increase of about
20% -25% in rice prices since the implementation of the ban.
China
According to China’s Customs General Administration (CGA), China has imported about 2.24 million tons of
rice in CY2013, down about 5% from about 2.36 million tons in 2012 estimated by China National Grain and
Oils Information Center (CNGOIC). Meanwhile, the USDA says that China’s rice imports could increase to
about 3.4 million tons in 2013-14. It estimates that China needs 146 million tons of rice for domestic
consumption in 2013-14, up about 14% from about 144 million tons in 2012-13. However, the country’s
production is likely to fall by about 10.5% to 141.5 million tons in 2013-14 from 143 million tons in 2012-13
due to adverse weather conditions.

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Philippines
The Philippines paddy rice production in CY 2013 stood at about 18.44 million tons, down about 1.56 million
tons or 8% from the targeted 20 million tons under the government's Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP).
However, paddy rice production in 2013 is up about 2% compared to about 18.03 million tons produced in
2012. Meanwhile, the Philippines paddy rice production in January-June 2014 is forecast to increase to about
8.43 million tons (4.53 million tons in January – March, and 3.9 million tons in April – June), up about 5.4%
from an estimated 7.99 million tons produced during the same period in 2013.
As on December 1, 2013, Philippines total rice stock has reached at about 2.49 million tons, down about 5%
from about 2.62 million tons during the same time in last year.
The Philippines may consider buying rice from Thailand if the Thai government renews its rice supply
agreement with the Philippines, according to the National Food Authority (NFA) spokesperson. Thailand's rice
supply agreement expired last year and it was not renewed so far.
Separately, the Philippines government is planning to establish an inter-agency team to fight rice smuggling.
The new team will include representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Agriculture
(DOA), the National Food Authority (NFA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), locals sources say. Meanwhile,
the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) is aiming to reduce paddy rice production costs to P5 (about
$0.11) per kilogram and increase yield to about 10 tons per hectare under the “Palayabangan: 10-5 Challenge"
project to curb smuggling of rice in to the Philippines. According to DA, average rice yield in Philippines
currently stand at about 4 tons per hectare and farmers spend about P11-12 (about $0.24-$0.26) for producing
one kilogram of paddy rice. A Philippines consumer group, Action for Consumerism and Transparency for
Nation Building (Action), has also urged the government to form clear and definitive import rules for farmers'
cooperatives to curb rampant rice smuggling in to the country.
The Philippines government is also planning to shift its focus from rice self-sufficiency to encourage farmers to
grow alternative, high-value crops, according to local sources.
Separately, The Philippines’ rice buying agency National Food Authority (NFA) has begun accepting
applications from private importers for the import 163,000 tons of well-milled rice from Thailand, India, China
and Australia, under the 2014 Minimum Access Volume (MAV) - Country Specific Quota (CSQ) program from
February 1, 2014.
Other Markets
Indonesia’s state-owned logistics board (Bulog) will buy about 3.85 million tons of rice from domestic farmers
in 2013-14, up about 6% from about 3.62 million tons of rice procured in 2012-13. Meanwhile, earlier in
January, Indonesia agriculture Ministry said that Indonesia would not require any rice imports in 2014.
According to Ministry, the country's production of paddy rice is expected to increase to 76.57 million tons
(about 42.5 million tons, basis milled) in 2014, up about 8% from about 70.87 million (about 39 million tons,

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

basis milled) in 2013. Indonesia also has a buffer carry-over stock of 2 million tons at the end of 2013.
Separately, Indonesia's State Audit Board (BPK) says it will investigate from all perspectives the controversial
import of about 16,000 tons of non-specialty rice from Vietnam last year, according to local sources.
Russia's paddy rice production in 2013 stood at about 926,000 tons, down about 12% from about 1.05 million

tons in 2012, mainly due to reduced area cultivated and yields, according to data released in January from the
Russian State Statistical Service (Rosstat). According to data, Russia rice acreage declined by about 11,000
hectares to 190,000 hectares in 2013 from last year's acreage of about 201,000 hectares. Average yield per
hectare in Russia declined to 4.96 tons in 2013, down about 10% from 5.49 tons in 2012. Separately, according
to the USDA, total milled rice production in Russia is expected to decline to 615,000 tons in the MY 2013-14
(May 2013 - April 2014), down about 10% from 684,000 tons in MY 2012-13. The USDA estimates Russia’s
rice exports to reach about 120,000 tons in MY 2013-14, down about 43% from 210,000 tons in MY 2012-13.
The agency estimates that Russia will also import 250,000 tons of rice in MY 2013-14, up 25% from previous
year's imports of 200,000 tons.
Spain’s paddy rice production in 2013 has declined to about 867,700 tons, down about 3.5% from about
899,600 tons produced in 2012, according to Eurostat. The decline in Spain’s paddy rice production in 2013 is
mostly due to a decline in rice yield. According to Eurostat, the average rice yield in Spain stood at about 7.7
tons per hectare in 2013, down about 4% from about 8 tons per hectare in the previous year. Spain is the second
largest rice producer in the EU and produces about 30% of about 2 million tons of rice (basis milled) produced
in the EU.
Industry Forecasts by USDA, FAO, and IGC:

Research and Scientific Development:
Trials on the Indian flood-resistant hybrid rice variety 'Swarna-Sub1' show that the variety can produce 45%
higher yield even when it was submerged underwater for 14 to 17 days.
http://oryza.com/news/research-development/irri-trials-show-45-higher-yield-flood-resistant-swarna-sub1-ricevariety

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

India’s new basmati rice variety, Pusa 1509, is likely to replace most of Pusa 1121, according to scientists from
the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
http://oryza.com/news/research-development/indias-new-basmati-rice-variety-may-soon-replace-pusa-1121say-scientists
IRRI will launch new crop planting resource tool -ORYZA3000- IRRI to Launch New Crop Planting Resource
Tool – ORYZA3000 - which will provides information such as rice yield estimates for a given planting period
based on data such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation.
http://oryza.com/news/research-development/irri-launch-new-crop-plating-resource-tool-%E2%80%93oryza3000
SPIKE gene can boost rice yields in Asia and Southeast Asia significantly and contribute to global food security
in coming years, according to IRRI.
http://oryza.com/news/research-development/rice-spike-gene-research-aims-boost-global-food-security-says-irri
IRRI is developing a new variety of rice, "3-in-1"climate tolerant rice, which can tolerate flooding, a prolonged
dry season, and saltiness near coastal areas.
http://oryza.com/news/research-development/irri-developing-%E2%80%983-1%E2%80%99-climate-resilientrice-variety
January Tenders:
Qatar is seeking to purchase 24,000 tons of rice
http://oryza.com/news/qatar-tenders-buy-24000-tons-india-basmati-rice-0
Japan announced a tender to buy 51,000 tons of rice, for delivery April 1-May 10, 2014.
http://oryza.com/news/tenders/japan-tenders-buy-51000-tons-rice
Iraq announced a tendered to buy 30,000 tons of rice.
http://www.oryza.com/news/tenders/iraq-tenders-buy-30000-tons-rice
Iraq issued a tender to buy about 15,000 tons of Basmati rice.
http://oryza.com/news/tenders/maldives-tenders-buy-9000-tons-parboiled-rice
Maldives issued a tender to purchase about 9,000 tons of rice.
http://oryza.com/news/tenders/maldives-tenders-buy-9000-tons-parboiled-rice
South Korea issued a tender to buy about 78,334 tons of rice.
http://oryza.com/news/tenders/south-korea-tenders-buy-78334-tons-rice
Tags:Monthly Market Review

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Oryza Global Rice Quotes
February 10th, 2014
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade
450-460
Vietnam 5% broken 390-400
↓
India 5% broken
415-425
↑
Pakistan 5% broken 390-400
↔
Cambodia 5% broken 450-460
↔
U.S. 4% broken
575-585
↔
Uruguay 5% broken 625-635
↔
Argentina 5% broken 625-635
↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 390-400
↔
Vietnam 25% broken 365-375
↔
Pakistan 25% broken 345-355
↔
Cambodia 25% broken
420-430
India 25% broken
360-370
↑
U.S. 15% broken
550-560
↔

↔

↔

Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd
450-460
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 405-415
India parboiled 5% broken stxd
400-410
U.S. parboiled 4% broken
660-670
↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 590-600
↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken
NQ ↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%
945-955
Vietnam Jasmine
535-545
↓
India basmati 2% broken
1515 -1525
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ ↔
Cambodia Phka Malis 895-905
↔

↔
↔
↑

↔
↔

Brokens

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

Thailand A1 Super
310-320
↔
Vietnam 100% broken
350-360
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 320-320
Cambodia A1 Super 365-375
↔
India 100% Broken stxd
300-310
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ ↔
U.S. pet food 470-480
↔
Brazil half grain
345-355
↔
Medium grain milled
U.S. Calrose 4% broken
Egypt medium grain 6%

620-630
NQ ↔

↔
↔
↑

↔

All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

For Advertising SPECS & RATES
Contact: Advertising Department
Mujahid Ali
mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
+92 321 369 2874

Cell # 92 321 369 2874

11th february,2014 daily exclusive oryza newsletter by riceplus magazine

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11th february,2014 daily exclusive oryza newsletter by riceplus magazine