Latest news with #RiceExporters'Association
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
High costs, low awareness hinder sustainable rice sales
High investment costs, uncertain market positioning and the absence of a clear government policy are preventing Thai rice farmers from fully embracing sustainable practices, according to the Rice Exporters' Association. The association said that without firm state support for brand development and improving farming standards, Thailand's sustainable rice industry is losing ground to competitors. "Strong political commitment -- demonstrated through leadership, funding, and effective policies -- is needed to improve yields and expand market access for sustainable rice," said Vallop Manathanya, the association's vice president, during a recent workshop on the national roadmap for the Integrated Sustainable Rice Landscapes (ISRL) project. The project aims to improve policy frameworks, farmer training, and financing mechanisms, while preserving natural landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Hundreds of farmers in Chiang Rai and Ubon Ratchathani provinces are participating in the project, with 50,000 tonnes of sustainable rice already exported. However, Mr Vallop noted that the product still lacks a strong brand identity and clear market positioning. "It's hard to sell sustainable rice when it's priced higher than other varieties in such a competitive market," said Thanawat Lowharuangrongkul of the Thai Rice Millers' Association. He noted past efforts to encourage farmers to plant fragrant pandan jasmine rice, saying that despite the rice's premium label due to its geographical indication status, farmers had issues selling it in the market, as the higher prices restricted sales. Mr Thanawat added that millers remain unsure whether farmers can bear the cost of obtaining Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) certification. To help, the association, which represents 3,000 registered millers, is prepared to facilitate business matching to connect producers with buyers, he said. "If farmers can make a profit and sustain their practices, the whole supply chain benefits," he said. Chitnucha Buddhaboon, deputy director-general of the Rice Department, acknowledged the challenges and stressed the need for a systematic shift from traditional farming. The department is finalising a national roadmap to lower production costs, cut hazardous chemical use, and adopt climate-smart technologies -- with the aim of increasing yields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national and global climate goals.
Voice of America
10-03-2025
- Business
- Voice of America
India allows exports of broken rice to cut stockpiles
India allowed the export of 100% broken rice, the government said in a notification late on Friday, after inventories reached a record high at the start of February, nearly nine times the government's target. Exports of 100% broken rice could help reduce stocks in the world's biggest exporter and enable poor African countries to secure the grain at lower prices, as well as support Asian animal feed and ethanol producers that rely on the grade. India had banned exports of 100% broken rice in September 2022 and then imposed curbs on exports of all other rice grades in 2023 after poor rainfall raised concerns over production. However, as the supply situation improved after the country harvested a record crop, New Delhi removed curbs on exports of all grades except 100% broken rice. "Now that broken rice exports are allowed, we anticipate exporting around 2 million tons of this grade in 2025," said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters' Association (REA). India exported 3.9 million metric tons of broken rice in 2022, mainly to China for animal feed and to African countries such as Senegal and Djibouti for human consumption. Broken rice is a byproduct of milling, and African countries prefer this grade because it is cheaper than other grades. Indian broken rice is currently offered at $330 per metric ton, compared to approximately $300 from rival suppliers like Vietnam, Myanmar, and Pakistan, said Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter. "However, these competing countries have limited stocks. As their stocks deplete, buyers will switch to India, and exports will pick up in coming months." State granary reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalled 67.6 million tons as of Feb. 1, compared to the government's target of 7.6 million tons, data compiled by the Food Corporation of India showed.
Reuters
07-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
India allows exports of broken rice to cut stockpiles
MUMBAI, March 7 (Reuters) - India allowed the export of 100% broken rice, the government said in a notification late on Friday, after inventories reached a record high at the start of February, nearly nine times the government's target. Exports of 100% broken rice could help reduce stocks in the world's biggest exporter and enable poor African countries to secure the grain at lower prices, as well as support Asian animal feed and ethanol producers that rely on the grade. India had banned exports of 100% broken rice in September 2022 and then imposed curbs on exports of all other rice grades in 2023 after poor rainfall raised concerns over production. However, as the supply situation improved after the country harvested a record crop, New Delhi removed curbs on exports of all grades except 100% broken rice. "Now that broken rice exports are allowed, we anticipate exporting around 2 million tons of this grade in 2025," said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters' Association (REA). India exported 3.9 million metric tons of broken rice in 2022, mainly to China for animal feed and to African countries such as Senegal and Djibouti for human consumption. Broken rice is a byproduct of milling, and African countries prefer this grade because it is cheaper than other grades. Indian broken rice is currently offered at $330 per metric ton, compared to approximately $300 from rival suppliers like Vietnam, Myanmar, and Pakistan, said Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter. "However, these competing countries have limited stocks. As their stocks deplete, buyers will switch to India, and exports will pick up in coming months." State granary reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalled 67.6 million tons as of Feb. 1, compared to the government's target of 7.6 million tons, data compiled by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) showed.
