Stable prices – helps users purchase
Maize prices in India this week remained stable at RS.6700 per MT range, despite higher deliveries in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, clearly showing higher demand is keeping the prices stable. Any let up in demand from poultry sector or starch will bring down the prices. The prices are similar to last year. For the month of Nov 2007, the average price of maize was Rs.6660 per MT against Rs.6600 for Nov 2006, just about 1% higher. The price for Nov 2007 though is higher than Oct 2007 by 1.67%.
Pearl Millet (Bajra) prices were up by 1.3% this week to Rs.7000 per MT at the market yard, but were lower than last year prices at this time of the year by 5.8%. Against maize, the prices were higher by 4.3%. For the month of Nov 2007, the average prices were Rs.6700, about 4.86% higher than Oct 2007, though the prices are lower than Nov 2006 prices by 10.5%.
Sorghum (Jowar) prices were up by 10%, reaching Rs.9960 per MT in the last week of Nov 2007 and were reported 32% higher than last year, during the same period. The prices were also higher than last corn by 49%. Average prices for the month of Nov 2007 were Rs.9540 per MT, 3.4% higher than Oct 2007 and 29% higher than Nov 2006. Against maize, the average prices were up by 30% for Nov 2007.
Barley prices reached Rs.9980 per MT at the market yard, just about 2% lower than last week, but 12% higher than last year. Average prices for Nov 2007 were Rs.10546 per MT, than Nov 2006 prices by 31%, but only 1.3% higher than Oct 2007 prices at the market yard.
Prices in US were up slightly, Dec corn closed at $151.32 per MT, up from $150.38 last week , while Mar delivery closed at $158.02 per MT, up from $156.92 per MT. Deliveries to SEA are being quoted anywhere from $270 – 290 per MT.
Good genetics and Dairy Growth
The Indian dairy industry is at a cross road, while the production of milk is estimated at 100 MMT, the efficiency of production is still much lower (at 1 Ton/animal/year). Two major issues that can slow down the growth of the sector :
1. Genetics: GOI has finalized the protocol for import of semen, embryos and live animals from different countries. But there are still some issues within the protocol that need to be understood and based on the information available, the imported semen will not be cheap, but will certainly be better and the new generation of animals will certainly be more efficient in production.
And the revised protocol for the import of bovine semen can be found at http://dahd.nic.in/trade/revised%20draft%20notification.doc
2. Feed and Fodder: Lack of fodder and feed will pull down the growth of the sector. As per GOI sources the available fodder can meet the demand of only 46.7 per cent of livestock. It will be important that farmers are made aware of the value of concentrates/Balanced Cattle Feed that can supplement the fodder and straw that is fed by the farmers.
In a country like Kenya, small farmers have been helped by the introduction of genetics and feed and fodder. From 18-20 kg at the 70 day peak in 305 day lactation, using better genetics have lead to 40 kg milk production at the 70 day mark in 305 days lactation. Average lactation of some animals has reached 9000 litres over a 10 month period.
Amit Sachdev
India Representative
U S Grains Council
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