1.   

Rice exporters expect better margins on strong dollar

With higher production and a strong dollar, rice expo-rters are expecting better profit margins this season. However, the benefits due to a fall in the rupee will be marginal, as many exporters had hedged positions when the rupee was around 48 to the dollar.Exporters maintain profitability would be even better if the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati was lowered from the current $900 a tonne. “It would help exporters move forward with .....

2.   

The world needs more chicken and meat- happy days ahead for corn, soybean farmers

The world is witnessing a tremendous change in eating habits with rising disposable income and economic growth especially in developing nations making people taste more of meat and poultry. According to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an expanded world population will be consuming two thirds more animal protein than it does today, bringing new strains to bear on the planet’s natural resources. Meat consumption is .....

3.   

Cold wave heats up egg prices to record

Egg prices increased to a record Rs 3.13 a piece on Thursday as the severe cold wave gripping North India has pushed up consumption. The previous record price was Rs 3.02 registered in January. After keeping price flat for almost a fortnight, the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), Namakkal zone hiked the price of egg by 19 paise on Thursday from last week's Rs 2.94. Mr P. Selvaraj, Zonal Chairman of .....

4.   

FCI lifts close to 14 million tonne of rice, higher than last year

Notwithstanding the decline in procurement of rice from Punjab, the key contributor to the central pool, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state-owned purchase agencies have lifted close to 14 million tonne (mt) of the grain during the current kharif season. The rice purchase from farmers has crossed 13.88 mt against 12.5 mt during the same period last year. “Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh have contributed more .....