17th April , 2014

TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU Latest News Headlines

o Kharif crops: PPCBL begins disbursement of loans o Rupee's depreciation export of rice comes to a grinding halt: REAP official o Train to Pakistan' poll plank in Punjab after rice demand surges o Nagpur Foodgrain Prices - APMC & Open Market-April 17 o TABLE-India Grain Prices-Delhi- Apr 17 o Rice likely to rule steady next week o Pakistan. MY November 2013 to October 2014: rice exports may rise to record 3.9 million tons: USDA Post o Rice farmers not ready for ASEAN Integration o Thawat delivers testimony to NACC in rice fraud case o Vietnam seeks best possible scenario for rice exports o Paddy Farmers Overwhelmed as Granaries Spill Over o Media in Japan Report on TPP Rice Talks o Dietitians Learn New Rice Nutrition Research o Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported o CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures o Researchers evaluate rice consumption against overall diet quality and key nutrient intakes o Thinking About Planting Medium-Grain Rice?

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NEWS DETAILS:
Kharif crops: PPCBL begins disbursement of loans
April 17, 2014

The Punjab Provincial Co-operative Bank has started disbursement of Rs 2.5 billion agriculture loans for sowing, growing and maturing of Kharif crops 2014 including cotton, rice, sugarcane, maize, vegetables, fodder and fruits orchards.

Rupee's depreciation export of rice comes to a grinding halt: REAP official

April 17, 2014 RECORDER REPORT

Pak rupee's appreciation has pushed rice exporters into a deep crisis, says Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan's (REAP) Senior Vice Chairman Chela Ram. Talking to Business Recorder here on Wednesday, he said that rice exports have almost come to a grinding halt as a result of this development which might cause a loss of millions of rupees to the exchequer. Showing concern, he said: "Government should formulate pragmatic policies to avoid this situation that has hurt rice exporters badly. "We value the Dollar depreciation which is good to make the Rupee stable in comparison to other currencies." He, however, criticised the sudden change in its policies. He demanded that the government should take the exporters into confidence and discuss the issue threadbare before taking such drastic measures."Government should stop giving us sudden shocks. It destroys the exporters and results in sleepless nights. The dollar slide has ruined our business and many exporters have started shutting down their factories," Chela Ram opined. A leading trader, Hashim Sharja Wala, said : "We have 2.5 million tons of rice in stocks, but millers are not exporting their stocks as they are not getting the right prices. We had calculated the payment at Rs 105, but sudden depreciation of dollar has caused great losses to everyone." The international rate of rice has increased from $400 to $420 per metric ton. The importers are not in favour of buying rice from Pakistan as the rate of rice in Vietnam is $390, per metric ton and they are moving towards them, the exporters said. Chela Ram said: "We were not expecting this great depreciation and we were not mentally prepared for this shock. " Answering a question about the local market, the exporters said: "We have large stocks in pending, we will start selling in local market but the new crop will come in September and result decline in the selling price of rice in local market." "No one can predict what will happen in the next few days. Our industry is facing a great risk", Chela Ram said, adding that the sudden changes in dollar's rate has made the entire scenario look like gambling."

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Train to Pakistan' poll plank in Punjab after rice demand surges

Rohan Dua,TNN | Apr 17, 2014, 10.58 AM IST

CHANAN WALA/ HUSSAINIWALA (Ferozepur): Surging demand for a north Indian rice variety called Pusa 1211 - known for its world-record size at 9.35 mm per grain - in the Middle East countries has become part of a high-strung poll campaign in Punjab's Ferozepur constituency.

After the success of Rs 150-crore integrated check post at Attari-Wagah in Amritsar, the leaders here are banking on thawing Indo-Pak ties, Muslims' love for rice, and prospective trade through rail and bus between the two nations.They begin and end their poll notes on: a freight corridor each at Hussainiwala (Ferozepur) and Sadqi (Fazilka) check posts.At a recent address in Chanan Wala, that was once the last railway halt for the train from Rewari to Karachi till 1947, Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar promised the 5-lakh strong farmer community with a broad-gauge freight service to Pakistan."Look at the price of rice today. It is four times the price you would get a decade back. We must not allow any failure now. We will open the gates to Pakistan. We will restart the train service here." Jakhar told a gathering.But he was quick to train guns on BJP PM-pick Narendra Modi.

"The BJP and their man Modi will never allow this. His policies are anti-Muslims. Such people bring an end to prosperity of border areas" he said.Ironically, SAD's candidate Sher Singh Ghubaya, who was just minutes away from Jakhar, heaped praises on Modi."He is one man who has brought new hopes for businessmen in Gujarat. Like he took his state's port to a new level, we will ensure that he helps to bring links to the Karachi port" he said.At present, there are 26 trains that pass through Fazilka. None touches the villages on the border.From Rs 1200 per quintal in 2006 to Rs 4200 per quintal is a long haul for these border farmers.But these unlettered villagers, who have found a new market in Middle East, are only a trifle confused: who to vote.

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices - APMC & Open Market-April 17

Thu Apr 17, 2014 2:31pm IST

Nagpur, Apr 17 (Reuters) - Gram, tuar and Moong prices in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) shot up on renewed buying support from local millers amid thin arrival from producing belt. Sharp rise in Madhya Pradesh pulses, weak overseas supply and reported demand from South-based millers also pushed up prices, according to sources. * * * *

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FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Gram Kabuli reported strong in open market on increased festival season demand form local traders amid tight overseas supply. TUAR * Tuar Gavarani and tuar Karnataka showed upward trend in open market on good demand from local traders amid weak supply from producing regions. * Watana green reported strong in open market on increased demand from local traders amid restricted arrival from producing belt. * In Akola, Tuar - 3,900-4,100, Tuar dal - 6,100-6,300, Udid at 6,100-6,500, Udid Mogar (clean) - 7,200-7,700, Moong - 8,500-8,700, Moong Mogar (clean) 9,800-10,500, Gram - 2,600-2,800, Gram Super best bold - 3,600-4,000 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 2,390-2,790 2,300-2,790 Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 3,600-4,290 3,600-4,250 Moong Auction 6,500-6,800 6,200-6,500 Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800 Gram Super Best Bold 3,900-4,200 3,900-4,200 Gram Super Best n.a. Gram Medium Best 3,700-3,800 3,700-3,800 Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a. Gram Mill Quality 3,450-3,600 3,450-3,600 Desi gram Raw 2,650-2,750 2,650-2,750 Gram Filter new 3,000-3,300 3,000-3,300 Gram Kabuli 8,900-10,800 8,800-10,700 Gram Pink 7,900-8,300 7,900-8,300 Tuar Fataka Best 6,500-6,600 6,500-6,600 Tuar Fataka Medium 6,200-6,300 6,200-6,300 Tuar Dal Best Phod 5,900-6,100 5,900-6,100

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Tuar Dal Medium phod 5,700-5,900 5,700-5,900 Tuar Gavarani 4,350-4,450 4,300-4,400 Tuar Karnataka 4,550-4,650 4,500-4,600 Tuar Black 7,600-7,800 7,600-7,800 Masoor dal best 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400 Masoor dal medium 5,900-6,150 5,900-6,150 Masoor n.a. n.a. Moong Mogar bold 10,800-11,000 10,800-11,000 Moong Mogar Medium best 10,100-10,500 10,100-10,500 Moong dal super best 9,500-9,800 9,500-9,800 Moong dal Chilka 9,000-9,250 9,000-9,250 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a. Moong Chamki best 8,500-9,500 8,500-9,500 Udid Mogar Super best (100 INR/KG) 7,500-7,700 7,500-7,700 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 5,800-6,700 5,800-6,700 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,300 5,000-5,300 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 4,500-6,000 4,500-6,000 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,050-3,100 3,050-3,100 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 3,350-3,450 3,350-3,450 Watana White (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,500 3,400-3,500 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,900-5,200 4,800-5,100 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800 Wheat Mill quality(100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,750 1,700-1,750 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,400 2,000-2,400 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,850-1,950 1,850-1,950 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a. MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,700 3,000-3,700 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,900 2,400-2,900 Wheat 147 (100 INR/KG) 1,600-1,700 1,600-1,700 Wheat Best (100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,750 1,700-1,750 Rice BPT new(100 INR/KG) 2,650-2,800 2,650-2,800 Rice BPT old (100 INR/KG) 3,200-3,600 3,200-3,600 Rice Parmal (100 INR/KG) 1,700-1,850 1,700-1,850 Rice Swarna old (100 INR/KG) 2,700-2,800 2,700-2,800 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,500 2,300-2,500 Rice HMT new (100 INR/KG) 3,800-4,200 3,800-4,200 Rice HMT old (100 INR/KG) 4,400-4,600 4,400-4,600 Rice HMT Shriram (100 INR/KG) 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 12,000-13,500 12,000-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,500-9,000 6,500-9,000 Rice Chinnor (100 INR/KG) 5,500-6,000 5,500-6,000

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Rice Chinnor new (100 INR/KG) 5,100-5,600 5,100-5,600 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. 40.7 degree Celsius (105.2 degree Fahrenheit), minimum temp. 23.9 degree Celsius (75.0 degree Fahrenheit) Humidity: Highest - n.a., lowest - n.a. Rainfall : nil FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Rains or thunder-showers likely toward evening or night. Maximum and Minimum temperature likely to be around 41 and 24 degree Celsius respectively. Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices.)

TABLE-India Grain Prices-Delhi- Apr 17

Thu Apr 17, 2014 2:17pm IST Rates by Asian News International, New Delhi Tel: 011 2619 1464 Indicative Previous Grains opening close (in rupees per 100 kg unless stated) ---------------------------------------------------------Wheat Desi 2,200-3,200 2,100-3,100. Wheat Dara 1,900-2,000 1,800-1,900. Atta Chakki (per 10 Kg) 220-240 220-240. Roller Mill (per bag) 1,800-2,000 1,800-1,900. Maida (per bag) 1,950-2,150 1,900-2,100. Sooji (per bag) 2,200-2,300 2,200-2,300. Rice Basmati(Sri Lal Mahal) 13,000-15,000 13,000-15,000. Rice Basmati(Lal Quila) 12,000-14,000 12,000-14,000. Rice Basmati(Common) 8,400-9,200 8,400-9,200. Rice Permal 1,850-2,500 1,850-2,500. Rice Sela 2,700-2,900 2,700-2,900. I.R.-8 2,000-2,100 2,000-2,100. Gram 3,100-3,400 3,150-3,450. Peas Green 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200. Peas White 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200. Bajra 1,500-1,600 1,400-1,550.

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Jowar white Maize Barley Guwar

1,600-1,800 1,600-1,800. 1,550-1,600 1,550-1,600. 1,350-1,450 1,350-1,450. 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000.

Source: Delhi grain market traders.

Rice likely to rule steady next week

According to the trade experts, the market may continue to witness a steady- to range- bound trend even in the coming days. KARNAL, APRIL 17: After witnessing a fall earlier this week, prices of aromatic and non basmati rice varieties continued to rule firm at previous levels on Thursday.Amit Chandna, proprietor of Hanuman Rice Trading Company, told Business Line that situation of the market was anticipated. After the recent fall, a steady trend is prevailing in the market, he said. Bulk buyers are keeping themselves out of the market, only need based buying is taking place currently and any further fall in prices is unlikely, said Chandna.According to the trade experts, the market may continue to witness a steady- to range- bound trend even in the coming days. In the physical market, Pusa-1121 (steam) sold at 9,400-9,500 a quintal, while Pusa-1121 (sela) was quoted at 8,350 a quintal. Pure Basmati (Raw) quoted at 12,500 a quintal. Duplicate basmati (steam) sold at 7,600 a quintal. Pusa-1121 (second wand) was at 7,350, Tibar at 6,400 while Dubar at 5,400 a quintal. In the non basmati section, Sharbati (Steam) sold at 4,850 while Sharbati (Sela) quoted at 4,300 a quintal. Permal (raw) sold at 2,350 a quintal, Permal (sela) at 2,340 a quintal, PR-11 (sela) sold at 2,725 while PR11 (Raw) at 2,700 a quintal. PR14 (steam) sold at 2,900 a quintal. (This article was published on April 17, 2014)

Pakistan. MY November 2013 to October 2014: rice exports may rise to record 3.9 million tons: USDA Post
17.04.2014

Pakistan's rice exports in Market Year (MY) November 2013 to October 2014 are expected to increase to a record 3.9 million tons, up about 15 percent from USDA official estimates of around 3.4 million tons, and up about eight percent from an estimated 3.6 million tons exported in MY 2012-13, USDA Post

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revealed.According to the USDA Post the exports are likely to increase this year due to higher production and improved power supply. Pakistan's rice exporters have improved rice processing in the country, and their initiatives have led to a significant surge in rice exports over the last decade barring declines during flood years. Pakistan's rice exports in MY 2014-15 are also expected to remain at high levels of around 3.9 million tons.The USDA Post says that rice production in Pakistan is recovering from three years of successive floods. The USDA Post has increased its estimates for Pakistan's MY 2013-14 milled rice production to 6.6 million tons, up about 3 percent from USDA official estimates of 6.4 million tons due to increase in area and deposition of nutrient rich top layer of soil after floods in several rice growing areas.Pakistan's rice production is expected to increase to about 6.7 million tons in MY 2014-15, up about 1.5 percent from the previous year. Pakistan's rice consumption is expected to increase to around 2.6 million tons in MY 2013-14, up about 8 percent from an estimated 2.4 million tons in the previous year due to higher supplies.Basmati rice accounts for about 40 percent of country's total rice production and white rice accounts for the rest. Rice is not a staple in Pakistan, and only 45 percent of the rice produced in the country is used for local consumption while the remaining is exported. Rice consumption in MY 2014-15 is expected to increase to around 2.7 million tons, up about 4 percent from the previous year. Pakistan's ending rice stocks are expected to increase to 700,000 tons in MY 2014-15, up about 16 percent from 600,000 tons in MY 2013-14, the USDA Post mentioned.

Rice farmers not ready for ASEAN Integration

by Ellalyn De Vera April 17, 2014

Manila, Philippines The countrys rice farmers are not yet ready for the ASEAN Integration in 2015 due to high production cost of palay, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said the mechanization and loan program for agriculture could significantly reduce cost of production among farmers in the country.At present, Alcala said Filipino rice farmers are not yet ready for the ASEAN Integration in 2015 because our production cost for palay is too high compared to those spent by farmers in other countries like Vietnam and Thailand.Citing initial reports from a DA-commissioned study conducted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Alcala said the high expenses by Filipino farmers were largely influenced by the highly manual operations from land preparation to harvesting as well as the cost of money being used by the farmers. The cost of money pertains to the profits that traders add to the cost of farm inputs as well as the uneven interests that loan sources charge, he explained.PhilRice reported that while rice growers in the Philippines spend P10 to produce a kilogram of palay, their counterparts in Vietnam and Thailand only shell out P5 and P8, respectively to yield the same volume.With the right interventions on farm mechanization and postharvest facilities, we could lessen the production and labor costs, Alcala said.He noted that concern and complaints on excessive charges and interests on farm supplies and loans are being addressed partly by the Sikat Saka

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program.If we could lower the cost of production to P5 per kilo, Filipino farmers can really be competitive, he said.DA-Region 12 Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan explained that with proper mechanization, farm activities, such as planting and harvesting are shortened; the number of persons who should be hired to do farm works is also lessened.For example, a rice harvester could easily harvest two hectares of rice production area in less than one day, which when done by manual labor could last up to four days, Datukan said.

Thawat delivers testimony to NACC in rice fraud case

Published on April 17, 2014 by TFP

BANGKOK, 17 April 2014 (NNT) Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Pol Maj Gen Thawat Boonfueng has been summoned by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as witness in the case concerning rice pledging corruption.Pol Maj Gen Thawat said he had turned in 78 pages of documents to the NACC as his testimony in defense of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is being charged of negligence of duty for the fraud found in the government s rice pledging scheme. He revealed that the documents clarified all the procedures involved in the checking of rice stock, adding that problems were found in four areas but they had already been addressed. After being questioned for over two hours, Pol Maj Gen Thawat expressed confidence that his clarifications would help the NACC understand that there were no irregularities in the program. He said the commission did not ask him to come in again and refused to disclose any further details.Pol Maj Gen Thawat is one of the four witnesses the NACC agreed to summon as proposed by Prime Minister Yingluck. The next witness to be questioned by the anti-graft agency is Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong, whose appearance is scheduled tomorrow at 10 am. (NNT: Surapan Laotharanarit

Vietnam seeks best possible scenario for rice exports

VietNamNet Bridge Vietnam is placing high hopes on its bid to supply rice to the Philippines. However, it has been warned that Thailand, which has announced that it will clear its stocks at any cost, will be a formidable rival. NFA, the Filipino national food agency, on April 15 opened bidding for the purchase of 800,000 tons of rice, to be delivered in the months between May and September. The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) has confirmed that it will join the bid.Analysts say that, while many companies from different countries have registered to

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attend the bidding, Vietnam and Thailand are the most eligible candidates.Vietnams advantages in its competition over Thailand are lower transportation costs and higher quality product.

The prime disadvantage is the relatively high price of rice due to current demand in the domestic market. The price escalated when the government initiated a program to buy 1 million tons of rice from farmers.Meanwhile, Thailand, with a record high inventory of 12.5 million tons, equal to 1/3 of the globes rice trade, has made known its strong determination to win the bid. The international press has quoted the chair of the Thai rice exporters association, Chookiat Ophaswongse, as saying that Thailand will export rice no matter what. Vietnam also is strongly motivated to win the bid to supply rice to the Philippines. In 2013, the nations rice exports fell by 14 percent to 6.7 million tons, from 7.8 million tons in 2012.The unsatisfactory export level was only offset by the sharp rise in cross-border export to China to 1.4 million tons. The cross-border trade, referred to as an unofficial channel, has been carried out by Vietnam and China under an agreement signed between the two governments.But analysts warn that current circumstances seem to be impeding this export channel. The cost of transporting one ton of rice from Hai Phong City to the northern border has surged by VND700,000. With the cross-border traffic stalling, export companies are looking to boost exports through official channels. The Philippines is one of the most attractive markets.Thailands main disadvantage is believed to be its higher transportation cost. It is estimated that shipping firms would have to charge $10 per ton more on rice shipped from Thailand to the Philippines than on rice from Vietnam.Nevertheless, Thailand is now pushing sales in order to clear its huge stocks. It is believed that heavy pressure is being put on Thai exporters.One concern with Thailand is that it may not be in a position to satisfy the Filipino requirements on the delivery schedule (200,000 tons a month) due to an overloaded transport infrastructure. Another concern among some importers is that Thai rice, once kept in storage for many days, may not satisfy the quality requirements. A well-known rice expert said he believes neither Thailand nor Vietnam would take major risks by offering overly low prices.It has been noted that the Filipino government is reserving a budget of $382 million for the purchase and import of the 800,000 tons of rice. Based on that, the expert said, the ceiling price may be $477 per ton. If so, Vietnam may well win a bid for supplying 500,000 tons, while Thailand supplies the remaining 300,000 tons. This is believed to be the optimal scenario for all three countries Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Nong Nghiep

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Paddy Farmers Overwhelmed as Granaries Spill Over

By Express News Service - TIRUVALLA Published: 17th April 2014 09:55 AM Last Updated: 17th April 2014 09:55 AM Paddy harvesting is rapidly progressing in Pathanamthitta District due to the initiative taken by the Civil Supplies Corporation. Over 45,000 quintals of paddy has been procured from Pathanamthitta District as on Wednesday in this season by the Civil Supplies Corporation.More than 23,000 quintals was collected from Upper Kuttanad area in Pathanamthitta district. The total yield has increased in the current year more than the previous year, said paddy procurement officer Ajaya Kumar. The procurement start ed one month ago. ` 19 per kilogram was the price fixed by The Civil Supplies Corporation, whereas the private rice mill owners offered only ` 13 to ` 16 to the farmers.

The private rice mill owners had a better price to offer per kilogram than the rate offered by the Civil Supplies before two years, he said. The state provides a sufficient amount for procuring paddy from farmers in Kerala. Avoiding mediators, the price of procured paddy is directly being debited to the bank account of the farmers. More than 18 combine harvesters have been used for paddy harvest in the region due to shortage of farm hands. `12 is given as handling charges for every 100 kg of the paddy procured, farmers in the Western part of the Tiruvalla taluk said.The department of agriculture has implemented various projects for increasing paddy farming in the district in the current year. A paddy development project of the agriculture department has helped farmers in many areas in Pathanamthitta, officials said.

Media in Japan Report on TPP Rice Talks

TOKYO, JAPAN - Reports are circulating in some agriculture media that increased access for U.S. rice will be provided in a Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in exchange for taking full elimination of Japan's import restrictions off the table. These reports seem to be emanating from Japanese interests and media, and none have been confirmed by the U.S. government. U.S. and Japanese officials are reportedly holding technical and political levels talks this week in Washington, D.C."We have advocated since the beginning of TPP for a significant increase in the quantity and quality of access for U.S. rice in Japan. This means new access for U.S. rice sold in Japan free of interference by the Japanese government," said Betsy Ward, President and CEO of the USA Rice Federation. "We understand the political sensitivity of rice in Japan and we seek a pragmatic solution. We take nothing for granted, and we remain in contact with U.S. negotiators to press the industry's priorities."

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USA Rice will continue to monitor the situation and work with the U.S. team as they seek to reach a TPP agreement.
Contact: Bob Cummings (703) 236-1473

Dietitians Learn New Rice Nutrition Research

POMONA, CA -- At the California Dietetic Association annual conference earlier this month, the USA Rice Federation sponsored a presentation on the health benefits of eating whole-plant foods. The speaker, Sharon Palmer, a registered dietitian and a food and nutrition writer, discussed the role of rice in a plant-based diet and presented findings from the rice industry's latest."Rice is the perfect basis for healthy eating," said Palmer. "Since rice combines well with vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, it's easy for people to create a healthy meal and improve their diet." Palmer recommends Green and Gold Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad as an example of a nutrient rich recipe that incorporates vegetables, beans, nuts, and rice, and also highlights the vibrant flavors and textures of the different ingredients.Informing registered dietitians of new and past rice nutrition research is important since they have the ability to directly influence consumer purchase. The new rice nutrition research was also submitted to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and publicized in hundreds of publications.
Contact: Katie Maher, (703) 236-1453

Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported

WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 25,800 MT for 2013/2014 were down 41 percent from the previous week and 59 percent from the prior four-week average according to today'sSales Export Highlights report. Increases were reported for Mexico (10,400 MT), Honduras (7,700 MT, including 4,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), El Salvador (4,000 MT), Israel (2,500 MT), and Canada (1,300 MT).

Decreases were reported for unknown destinations (4,000 MT), Kuwait (200 MT), Japan (200 MT), and Taiwan (100 MT). Exports of 64,300 MT were up 48 percent from the previous week and 6 percent from the prior fourweek average. The primary destinations were Japan (13,100 MT), Mexico (11,800 MT), Saudi Arabia (9,700 MT), Haiti (8,900 MT), and Turkey (8,500 MT). This summary is based on reports from exporters from the period April 4-10.

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CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Preliminary): Closing Rough Rice Futures for April 17

Month

Price

Net Change

May 2014 July 2014 September 2014 November 2014 January 2015 March 2015 May 2015

$15.360 $15.455 $14.330 $14.375 $14.570 $14.810 $14.810

- $0.025 - $0.035 - $0.030 - $0.010 - $0.010 - $0.010 - $0.010

Researchers evaluate rice consumption against overall diet quality and key nutrient intakes
Published on April 16, 2014 at 1:08 AM

New research, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the USA Rice Federation, shows that consumers can improve their diets simply by enjoying white or brown rice as part of their daily meals.In a study published online in the peer-reviewed journal Food and Nutrition Sciences, lead author Theresa Nicklas, DrPH, of Baylor College of Medicine, analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets from 2005-2010 and evaluated the association of rice consumption with overall diet quality and key nutrient intakes in a nationally representative sample of 14,386 U.S. adults.

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"Our results show that adults who eat rice had diets more consistent with what is recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and they showed higher amounts of potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber while eating less saturated fat and added sugars," said Nicklas. "Eating rice is also associated with eating more servings of fruit, vegetables, meat and beans," she added.Americans enjoy some 27 pounds of enriched white and brown rice per person per year with the majority (70%) of rice consumption coming from enriched white rice. Americans eat a variety of grain-based foods, but rice stands out because it is eaten primarily as an intact grain that is naturally sodium free and has only a trace amount of fat, with no saturated fat. Consumers can control adding fat, salt and flavors at their discretion. This research builds on two previously published studies that showed the positive contribution of rice to diet quality. A 2009 observational study using NHANES datasets and Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII), found that rice eaters consumed significantly less fat and saturated fat and consumed more iron, potassium, fiber, meat, vegetables and grains. A follow-up study in 2010, also using NHANES datasets, included children in the study group and further confirmed that rice consumption was associated with greater intake of a range of healthier foods and nutrients.

The majority of rice consumed is white rice, indicating that rice, when consumed with other foods, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and beans, can provide valuable nutrients and boasts beneficial effects on consumer diets."These studies taken together demonstrate that if you focus on eating the right combination of foods, it will help Americans get closer to meeting their nutrient needs. The key recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines is, after all, that our goal should be to aim for a healthy eating pattern. These studies show that rice eaters are doing this," said Anne Banville, vice president of the USA Rice Federation

Thinking About Planting Medium-Grain Rice?

APRIL 16, 2014

By: University News Release

If you plan to grow medium-grain rice in 2014, there are a few things to consider going into the year By Jason Bond, Research/Extension Weed Scientist, Jeff Gore, Research and Extension Entomologist, Tom Allen, Extension Plant Pathologist and Bobby Golden, Agronomist, Delta REC, Mississippi State University Historically, variety selection has always been the first big decision that is made every year. With the volatile markets over the last few years, crop selection seems to have superseded variety selection as the first major decision. On March 10, it is likely that most planting intentions are in place for the year.Several questions have been posed over the past month about medium-grain rice production in Mississippi. Mississippi has not traditionally grown much

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medium-grain rice. However, the potential for a strong price for medium-grain rice exists in 2014 due in part to the drought in California, which has produced a majority of the U.S. medium-grain rice in recent years. If you plan to grow medium-grain rice in 2014, there are a few things to consider going into the year. First, do you have seed? Jupiter is one of the most popular medium-grain varieties because of its acceptance by buyers and end users. Caffey is a new medium-grain variety that has shown good potential, but there are questions about market acceptance because of the limited acreage grown to date. CL271 is a new Clearfield medium-grain that may be available in limited quantities this year. CL261 is a Clearfield medium-grain that may be available in 2014. Beware of its susceptibility to disease. CL261 is rated susceptible to straighthead, bacterial panicle blight, and narrow brown leaf spot. It should be noted that most rice varieties are susceptible to sheath blight regardless of grain type. Furthermore, leaf blast is not an annual problem in the Midsouth; however, it could be a tremendous concern if a nonregionally adapted rice variety is planted in our environment.Other questions should be answered before planting medium-grain rice. Do you have a buyer? Also, if a buyer is in place, do you have the ability to identity preserve your medium-grain production? Do you have the bin space to keep the medium-grain separate from the long-grain rice? Are you willing to take time to clean out combines, carts, and trucks to preserve the identity of the medium-grain? In Mississippi, research indicates that management of medium-grain varieties is similar to that of long-grain varieties. Targeted seeding rate should be 30 to 35 seeds per square foot, and nitrogen fertilization rate should be 150 to 180 pounds of N per acre. Herbicide sensitivity is a concern. Older medium-grain varieties like Bengal were generally more susceptible to herbicide injury than long-grain varieties. This is especially true for ALSinhibiting herbicides like Regiment, which is a popular herbicide in Mississippi rice production. For the last two years, variety tolerance to postemergence applications of Sharpen has been evaluated at the Delta Research and Extension Center. Injury to the medium-grain varieties Caffey and CL261 was slightly higher than long-grain varieties Cheniere and CL151, but this injury did not translate to any reductions in yield. Information on medium-grain rice production is also available from the LSU AgCenter and theUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. See Comments
Image: Medium-grain rice variety Jupiter

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