Commodity Prices
The commodity prices is US are stable which corn and sorghum staying at the same levels as last week. Barley prices have risen by about $ 2 – 4 per ton to $ 112 – 114 per MT FOB PNW.
The price of corn co-products particularly Corn Gluten Feed has risen considerably from $ 88 per MT FOB US Gulf last week to $ 96 per MT FOB US Gulf. The price of Corn Gluten Feed (60 percent) was stable at $ 298 per MT FOB US gulf.
The corn prices in India are also stable. The average all India price (taking an average of 6 varieties traded) was Rs.5137 ($115) per MT at market yard. The highest was for Local variety (Rs.5500 - $ 124 per MT), while the lowest was for Hybrid/Local mixed (Rs.4550 - $ 102 per MT).
In the states, the prices are stable. While Local variety in Andhra Pradesh was sold at Rs.5000 ($110) per MT, the same was sold at Rs.4920 ($110) per MT in Karnataka. The Yellow variety traded at Rs.6150 ($ 138) per Mt in Gujarat markets.
While the arrivals of corn are still ranging at about 100 – 120 MT per day at some of the market yards in Andhra and Karnataka, the arrivals are trickling in other markets.
The rabi sowing is almost complete. Last reports suggest the corn sowing to be marginally higher than last year (0.57 mill hac from 0.55 mill hac). The wheat on the other hand has shown a major decline from last years 204 mill hac to 186 mill hac. The only major rise in planting is being seen in oil seeds.
Biotech Reports from IFPRI and CIFAP
Poorer nations turn to publicly developed GM crops – IFPRI Report (from Seed Quest)
Joel I. Cohen, Nature Biotechnology, Volume 23, No. 1, January 2005, pp. 27-33.
In developing countries, public institutions are conducting groundbreaking research to produce genetically modified (GM) crops, according to an article published in Nature Biotechnology.
The article highlights the results of a new IFPRI study on the development of genetically modified crops by research institutes in 15 developing countries. The first of its kind, this study assesses the state of biotech crop research, the types of genes being used, and the biosafety and regulatory challenges poor countries face. The complete report in PDF format (462K) can be found at:
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/articles/2005/naturebiotech.pdf
"Our study debunks many misconceptions about biotech crop research," said Joel Cohen, IFPRI Senior Research Fellow and author of the article. "Many people assume that large multinational corporations control the global development of genetically modified foods, but the reality is that poor countries have vibrant programs of public biotech research. Often this research draws upon indigenous plant varieties to cultivate improved crops for local use by small-scale farmers."
According to the study, current biotech research has the potential to reduce the use of pesticides. In the future, biotech crops may increase drought tolerance and resistance to saline soils and improve the nutritional value of staple foods.
The study documents biotech research on 45 different crops, including cotton, corn, cacao, and cassava. The majority of this research focuses on improving resistance to diseases and pests which can devastate yields for farmers in poor countries. However, most of the research is currently being developed in laboratory, greenhouse, or confined field trials. Very little is currently available for use by farmers.
"Unfortunately, most poor countries lack the knowledge, capacity, and funding to develop and comply with biosafety regulatory requirements. As a result, GM crops face difficulties moving from the lab to farmers' fields," noted Patricia Zambrano of IFPRI, who contributed to the study.
While previous reports have examined biotech crop research in developing countries, this study is the first to draw the connection between regulation and specific crops and genetic traits, showing the policy implications of the research. This information will be critical to policymakers for improving biosafety regulation.
"Poor countries are often unwilling or unable to test commercial GM crops because of national policies or regulatory systems that are not prepared to grant approval for general use," Cohen explained. "Researchers in industrialized and developing countries need to work together to provide science-based information for decision makers, so that they can enhance the clarity of regulatory policies and procedures."
The study recommends an increase in small-scale, confined field trials to test crops and receive feedback from farmers. It also stresses the need for improved information sharing among developing countries.
"The information in this study will assist developing countries to strengthen the effectiveness of research and regulation, so that they can maximize benefits to small-scale farmers," said Mark Rosegrant, director of Environment and Production Technology at IFPRI.
Value of Biotech Crops and its growth – CIFAP report
Another report by University of Minnesota’s Centre for International Food and Agriculture Policy has put the value of GM crops grown around the world at $44 billion. The report also states that 98 percent of the value is coming from just 5 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China and US. Within the next decade the value of biotech crops is estimated to grow to $210 billion and adoption of these technologies will increase the GDP of these countries by almost 2 percent.
Of the total value US leads the way with $27.7 billion, largely from soybeans, maize, cotton and canola followed by Argentina with US$8.9 billion (soybeans and corn); then China with US$3.9 billion (cotton); Canada, US$2 billion (canola, corn and soybeans); and Brazil, US$1.6 billion (soybeans). The United States also is the largest biotech producer, planting 42.8 million hectares (105.8 million acres) in 2003/04.
Biotech crops are grown in 18 countries and another 45 countries are engaged in research and development work. Of these total 63 countries more than half are developing countries.
"Western Europe, China, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and India are centres of influence that will help lead development into the future," the study finds.
For example, China's government has invested several hundred million dollars in the new technology, ranking it second in the world in GM research funding behind the US.
Half of China's farm fields may be growing genetically modified crops in 10 years, as Beijing invests hundreds of millions of dollars in the new technology. China increased its biotech cotton production for the fifth straight year in 2003/04, planting 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million acres) or about 68 percent of its annual cotton crop.
China is developing and testing a wide variety of gene-altered crops, such as corn, soybeans, rice, potatoes and tomatoes. A pioneer in developing biotech rice, Beijing could release its first variety as early as next year, according to other analysts.
Biotech crops typically have a special gene inserted to help a growing plant fight destructive insects, or to tolerate an herbicide used to kill a broad variety of weeds.
Critics, especially in Europe, say biotech crops pose too many risks to the environment and to human health.
The 121-page global biotech outlook report was funded by the Council for Biotechnology Information, which promotes the use of biotechnology.
More on Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza is showing its fangs again. With the death of a Vietnamese boy last week the toll has gone up to 22 in Vietnam. This was the second death in the week. Bird flu has been reported in 11 provinces of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Around 28,000 birds have been culled since Dec 2004. The spread of the virus is linked to cold and humid weather.
More information about Avian Influenza and its implication of Human diseases can be found at:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/biofacts/avflu_human.html
Please let us know your comments
Regards
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council - India
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