China’s early rice acreage is estimated to be 6.172 million ha. this year, the top level since 2002. Specifically, early rice acreage is estimated to expand 100,000 ha. in Hunan, 20,000 ha. in Jiangxi, 18,000 ha. in Hainan and 10,000 ha. in Zhejiang.

The expansion of early rice acreage is accredited to the government’s raise of protective procurement price, more subsidy for crop production and fertilizer price decline.

Owing to a larger early rice acreage and extension of fine seeds, early rice yield and total production are predicted to increase this year.

List

News Briefs 1

Expansion of Early Rice Acreage Expected 2

Flour Consumption by Wheaten Food Industry 4

Government to Procure Additional 10 Million MT Corn 6

Progress of Grain Procurement 6

Weather & Crop Conditions 8

Crop Conditions 9

Weather Forecast (February 20, 2009?February 26, 2009) 10

Price Trends 10