After recently discovering massive losses in the current rice scheme, the Thai government approved a new plan that will lower prices and quantities. With 17 million tonnes in storage and another 10 million set to arrive, however, the government is still at risk to lose in storage, depreciation, and logistics costs. http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/09/03/thailand-rice-intervention-idINL4N0GZ1FC20130903
East Africa: COMESA Advised on Postharvest Processing
An ag engineer from the University of Nairobi urges the member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to adopt a strategy for postharvest management as a means to mitigate risks of loss involved with surplus production. He points to Brazil’s postharvest strategy as a model, citing it as the foundation […]
Govt to Offer Surplus Wheat in Punjab, Haryana for Sale
The Union Government will sell 8.5 million tonnes of wheat through its Open Market Sales scheme from stocks in Punjab and Haryana to alleviate overcrowded storage. http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/govt-to-offer-surplus-wheat-in-punjab-haryana-for-sale-113071700699_1.html
Govt Looks at Changing Long-Term Grain Procurement Policy
The Indian government now procures over 35% of the country’s marketable surplus grain, up from past levels of 25-30%. Given the strains on subsidies, storage capacity, and private retail markets, officials are beginning to craft long-term adjustments to the current open-ended policy. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-looks-at-changing-long-term-grain-procurement-policy/491888/
Africa Urged To Remove Barriers To Regional Trade
Postharvest losses could be reduced by decreasing barriers of trade between African countries according to a recent study by the World Bank. Complicated trade processes, including laws, fees, and high transport costs restrict crop surpluses from moving into profitable markets, which undercuts the ability of local farmers to improve regional food security. http://www.tax-news.com/news/Africa_Urged_To_Remove_Barriers_To_Regional_Trade____58087.html
India in Talks with Iran over Wheat Exports: FCI
India continues to seek out ways to free up grain storage space as large procurements overwhelm current facilities. One solution in pursuit is to export to Iran. Preliminary negotiation stages are in order and India hopes to secure a long-term export agreement of 1 million tonnes this year. http://zeenews.india.com/business/news/economy/india-in-talks-with-iran-over-wheat-exports-fci_62509.html
Market Sought for Surplus 500,000 Tons of Maize, Beans
As a result of various government programs in irrigation, mechanization, land use consolidation, and use of improved seeds and fertilizers, Rwanda now has a large surplus of maize and beans. The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources reported a projected surplus of 300,000 tons of maize and 200,000 tons of beans this year. To cope, […]