Daily Exclusive ORYZA

Rice E-Newsletter

April 19,2016
Vol 7,Issue IV

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European Farmers Unions Urge EC to

Renew Use of Glyphosate for Another Fifteen
Years
Apr 18, 2016

Copa-Cogeca, the Federation of Farmers Unions and Agri-cooperatives urged the EU

Commission (EC) to authorize the use of glyphosate herbicide for another fifteen years,
according to local sources.
The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on April 14 voted for keeping the herbicide
active substance on the EU market after the EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed its
safety.
The EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed its safety and we expect the EU
Commission to renew the authorization for further 15 years. We also welcome the fact that with
their vote MEPs acknowledge the need for farmers and agri-cooperatives to remain competitive
in the EU at the same time as ensuring consumer safety. Glyphosate is widely used in herbicides
in all EU Member States and an important part of farmers tool box due to its availability and
cost-effective price. It is widely used also in cereal farming across Europe to help combat weeds
that compete with cultivated crops. Without it, production would be jeopardized. This would be
disastrous for the EU given the current agricultural crisis and the need to meet increasing world
food demand. Chemical control is also a prerequisite for some farming practices such as no-till
and minimum-tillage, helping to ensure less greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion, said the
Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General.
He added that glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Not approving this
active substance would therefore just be to the advantage of non-EU countries that export to the
EU, where it is still widely used.

Italian 2015 Organic Rice Acreage Increases

5% y/y to 10,000 Hectares
Italy's organic rice acreage increased about 5% y/y to around 10,000 hectares (including 7,116
hectares of effective organic fields and 3,787 hectares of fields under conversion) in 2015 from
around 9,528 hectares (including 8,405 hectares of effective organic fields and 1,123 hectares of
fields under conversion) in 2014, according to local sources.
In Italy, organic rice is usually grown in Piedmont and Lombardy, and is listed in the Mortara
grain exchange, in the Pavia province (Lombardy).

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Organic rice imports have been increasing recently. They almost tripled to around 10,042 tons in
2014 from around 3,150 tons in 2013. Demand for packaged organic products has also shown an
increase of about 26% in November 2015, compared to that in 2014, according to local sources.
According to data from the National Information System for Organic Farming (SINAB), organic
business increased by 20% in 2015, while agribusiness in general grew just by 0.3%.
However, prices of organic rice are much higher than the respective traditional varieties. On
April 2, 2016, organic Balilla paddy was out at 850-870 euros (about $ 958-981 ) per ton, while
the same traditionally farmed paddy was quoted 300-330 euros (about $ 338-372) per ton.
Local sources say recently, many reports of traditional rice being sold as organic rice have been
registered, as after milling process, it is not easy to find the differences between organic and
normal rice.

Indian Plant Scientist Discovers Rice Species

with Medicinal Properties
An Indian scientist popularly known as "India's rice warrior" has discovered rice species
containing medicinal properties, according to Reuters citing the Indian Express.
He told reporters that he discovered a traditional rice variety from West Bengal called "Garib
Sal" that contains "silver" and has medicinal properties. Addressing a team of audience at a
private management school, he noted that he has been working on this variety for the last eleven
months and found that the variety contains 15 milligram/kilogram of silver which it assimilates
directly from the soil. "No other plant species is known to assimilate silver naturally, he said.
He noted that this variety can be used as a diet for patients with gastrointestinal infections and
the presence of silver in rice might have had a therapeutic effect by killing pathogenic microbes
in the human gut.
He also told the audience about several traditional rice varieties conserved by him and have high
"nutraceutical value." He noted that some of these rice varieties like Kalabhat (39 mg/kg),
Parmai Sal (42.5 mg/kg), Navara, Norungan, etc., contain high amount of iron and were given to
women to cure anaemia during pregnancy. He also noted that many of the traditional rice
varieties have drought or flooding or salinity tolerant properties. However, he expressed concern
that the government does not encourage to grow and market these varieties.
The scientist is currently working with 14,000 farmers in 12 states to popularise these local
varieties of rice that have almost disappeared. According to him, rice was domesticated in India
over 12,000 years ago and today only 7,000 of the 110,000 rice species exist in the country.

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About 1,200 traditional varieties conserved by the expert were displayed in the management
school.

IRRI Expert Advises Philippines

Government to Import Rice Immediately
Amid Stable Prices
The IRRI Deputy Director General for Communication and Partnerships has advised the
Philippines government to import the planned 500,000 tons of rice for the lean season (July September) and take advantage of the stable rice prices in the international market, according to
Business Mirror.
He noted that another global food crisis similar to the one of 2008 is likely due to falling rice
stocks and rising prices amid concerns of lower production. It is important for the Philippines to
have adequate stocks. It is better to obtain the stocks early than late, particularly if prices are
already moving up, he said.
However, the National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator noted that there is no need to panic
immediately as the average price of rice in the international market was still lower than $400 per
ton and the country's inventory would be sufficient for the lean months.
We are monitoring the stocks and prices of rice in the world market daily. Its always good to
err on the side of caution, but there is no need to panic, he said. He however, noted that the
agency was preparing the groundwork for the procurement of rice in case the country is hit by
any crisis. It is the Philippines that is usually being watched, [as we are a major importer of
rice] Once we react, everyone else will follow. We do not want to cause panic and cause prices
to shoot up, he added.
IRRIs Social Science Division Head also noted that the prices would not be impacted
immediately even if the Philippines imports 500,000 tons of rice as there is enough rice available
in the market.

Malaysia Advised to Develop Fragrant Rice

Cultivation, Avoid Imports
The Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister has advised the Malaysian
Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to identify rural areas in Sarawak
region suitable for fragrant rice cultivation to avoid over-dependence on imports, according to
Bernama.

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He noted that the region has vast potential areas for quality fragrant rice cultivation which could
be marketed locally and abroad.
"We need more land to plant our own fragrant rice so that we can stop or reduce fragrant rice
import from countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. Like it or not, Malaysians will definitely
buy imported fragrant rice unless we produce our own fragrant rice in large quantities," he said.
The Minister reiterated that Malaysia imports at least 200,000 tons of fragrant rice worth RM500
million ($128 million) annually. He also noted that currently fragrant rice is cultivated in about
1,000 hectares in Kelantan, Johor and Pahang.

India State Punjab Plans to Sell Pusa 1509

Basmati Paddy in Tenders; Rice Millers
Oppose Government Move
The state government of India's North-western state Punjab has invited tenders to sell 188,000
tons of 1509 Pusa basmati paddy, according to the Times of India.
The Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (Markfed) is seeking to raise
Rs.400 crore (around $60 million) from the sale of the unmilled grain at the prevailing market
prices. Last date for submitting bids is April 22, 2016 and the bids would be opened on April 25,
2016. Minimum bid quantity is 600 tons.
However, rice millers in the state have opposed the state government's claiming it as illegal.
They say Pusa 1509 basmati paddy should be milled and be delivered to the Central pool. They
reportedly decided to move the court against tenders saying the government was for the welfare
of farmers and should not act as a trader.
"The state government had purchased Pusa 1509 basmati paddy at the MSP of Rs.1,450 per
quintal ($218 per ton) when its rates were low to support the farmers and millers. Government
was meant to deliver rice to central pool after custom milling. The government should not act as
a trader for calling tenders to sell grain since due to its act, the farmers and millers might have to
face losses as prices may not increase in the coming season. We have prepared a petition and will
file it in Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday," said the Punjab Rice Millers Association
General Secretary.
He also alleged that Markfed was selling Pusa 1509 basmati paddy on behalf of three state-run
agencies and was trying to wipe out small players from the selling process.
However, Markfed General Manager (procurement) noted: "The state government is not acting
illegally. The Centre has de-listed paddy and has allowed the state government to sell it in the
open market. Tenders were floated in March at Rs.2,066 per quintal (around $310 per ton) but

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nobody turned up. So no reserve price has been fixed and purchaser has been asked to quote the
price."

Pakistan Fixes 2016-17 Rice Production

Target at 6.83 Million Tons
Pakistan's Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) has set 2016-17 (July - June) rice production
(milled basis) target at around 6.83 million tons from around 2.8 million hectares, according to
Dawn.
Addressing a news conference after the committees meeting, National Food Security Minister
noted that there would be adequate availability of urea and DAP during the upcoming kharif crop
season. He also noted that the availability of certified seeds of various crops was satisfactory and
supply of pesticides and herbicides during kharif would be normal.
He noted that Rs.322.7 billion (around $3 billion) agricultural credit has been disbursed in the
first nine months of 2014-15 by various banks and financial institutions against the target of
Rs.600 billion (around $5.8 billion) set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Pakistan's Federal Committee on Agriculture has set 2015-16 (July - June) rice production
(milled basis) target at around 6.83 million tons from around 2.8 million hectares, according to
Dawn.
Addressing a news conference after the committees meeting, National Food Security Minister
noted that there would be adequate availability of urea and DAP during the upcoming kharif crop
season. He also noted that the availability of certified seeds of various crops was satisfactory and
supply of pesticides and herbicides during kharif would be normal.
He noted that Rs.322.7 billion (around $3 billion) agricultural credit has been disbursed in the
first nine months of 2015-16 by various banks and financial institutions against the target of
Rs.600 billion (around $5.8 billion) set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The FCA has reportedly fixed the 2015- 16 (July - June) milled rice production target at around
6.902 million tons (around 10.21 million tons, basis paddy) from around 2.836 million hectares.
USDA estimates Pakistan's MY 2015-16 (November - October) milled rice production to decline
about 3% to around 6.7 million tons (around 10 million tons, basis paddy) from around 6.9
million tons (around 10.351 million tons, basis paddy) last year.

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Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Prices Hold

Steady Following IGB Purchase; Plantings
12% ahead of Previous 5-Year-Average
The U.S. cash market was unchanged today, taking a breather following the news that the Iraqi Grain
Board purchased 90,000 tons from the U.S. and 60,000 tons from Uruguay.

Analysts note that it will likely take additional demand to push the market to new highs although
most market participants believe that we have seen the marketing year low for prices.
In the meantime, the USDA estimates that as of April 17, 48% of the crop had been planted
which was 18% ahead of this time last year and 12% ahead of the previous 5-year average. As of
now, the USDA estimates that 55% of the rice crop in Arkansas had been planted compared to,
1% in California, 75% in Louisiana, 39% in Mississippi, 50% in Missouri, and 75% in Texas.
The USDA estimates that 19% of the crop has emerged which was 5% ahead of this time last
year but on par with the previous 5-year average. As of now, the USDA estimates that 11% of
the rice crop in Arkansas has emerged compared to 0% in California, 56% in Louisiana, 14% in
Mississippi, 3% in Missouri, and 59% in Texas.

Global Rice Quotes

April 19th, 2016
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 390-400

Vietnam 5% broken

365-375

India 5% broken

370-380

Pakistan 5% broken

345-355

Myanmar 5% broken

415-425

Cambodia 5% broken

445-455

U.S. 4% broken

430-440

Uruguay 5% broken

435-445

Argentina 5% broken

415-425

Long grain white rice - low quality

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Thailand 25% broken

365-375

Vietnam 25% broken

350-360

Pakistan 25% broken

310-320

Cambodia 25% broken 425-435

India 25% broken

325-335

U.S. 15% broken (sacked)

470-480

380-390

Long grain parboiled rice

Thailand parboiled 100% stxd

Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd

NQ

India parboiled 5% broken stxd 335-345

U.S. parboiled 4% broken

480-490

Brazil parboiled 5% broken

490-510

Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ

Long grain fragrant rice

Thailand Hommali 92%
Vietnam Jasmine

665-675
460-470

India basmati 2% broken

NQ

Pakistan basmati 2% broken

NQ

Cambodia Phka Mails 760-770

Brokens
340-350

Vietnam 100% broken 335-345

Thailand A1 Super

Pakistan 100% broken stxd

Cambodia A1 Super

285-295

345-355

India 100% broken stxd

275-285

Egypt medium grain brokens

NQ

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U.S. pet food

315-325

Brazil half grain

NQ

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

Vietnam Exports 1.531 Million Tons of Rice

in January 1 -April 14, 2016
Vietnam exported around 1.531 million tons of rice during January 1- April 14, 2016, up about 1.35%
from around 1.552 million tons of rice exported in first four months of last year, according to data from
the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). The average rice export price so far in this year stands at around
$408 per ton (FOB), down about 5% per ton from around $429 per ton recorded during same time last
year.

During April 1-14, Vietnam exported around 104,517 tons of rice, down about 84% from around
650,507 tons rice exported in full month of April 2015, and down about 82% from around
570,055 tons rice exported in full month of March 2016. The average export price in so far in
April stands at around $463 per ton, up about 12% per ton from a year ago and up about 15% per
ton from a month ago.
ORYZA News have been published with permission of ORYZA.com with thanks

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