Retail Staple Food Prices AFGHANISTAN, Kabul

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1 Afs / kg AFGHANISTAN, Kabul Highlights (as of 8 August 211) The price of local rice remained slightly stable (-1.4%) from the previous week, and has remained largely stable over the past month. However, it is up 4.3 percent from three months earlier (May 211). Wheat prices showed no change over the past week. However prices remained 3.5 percent higher than three months ago (May 211). They are currently 2.9 percent below a year earlier, in August 21. Maize remained unchanged from a week earlier. Following a 21.7 jump during the last week of July, chicken prices remained unchanged from the previous week. They are 47.4 percent higher than February Chicken Cooking Oil Local Rice Maize Wheat Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 May 11 Jun 11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug Rice (local) Maize Wheat Cooking oil Chicken SOURCE: Statistics and Marketing Information Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; and WFP Afghanistan According to media reports, the Government of Pakistan province Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has banned the export of eggs and other poultry items. The decision was taken at a recent meeting by the district administration to keep prices under control during the month of Ramadan (World Poultry, 25 July 211).

2 BANGLADESH, Dhaka Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Prices of coarse rice have been unchanged over last week, and are 4.4 percent above the levels observed a year earlier (August 21). After a 3.9 percent drop, wheat flour prices remained unchanged from last week. Still, prices are 33.4 percent below the peak reached in January 211. After a two consecutive price falls (6.9% each) during the past two weeks; chicken prices remained stable over the past week. However chicken prices are 18.9 percent higher than those prices observed at the beginning of 211. Soybean oil prices show no change during the previous week; yet they are nearly 4 percent higher than a year earlier (August 21). Soybean Oil Broiler Chicken Coarse Rice Wheat Flour SOURCE: Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Public agencies will be purchasing 6 tonnes of rice between June and September in a bid to replenish government reserves and supply public welfare schemes. In their effort to raise production, officials have also announced an accelerated seed distribution plan through 215, while promoting use of local hybrid rice seeds. Assuming no major setbacks are incurred, these initiatives are expected to boost production from an estimated 5.9 million in 21 to 51.6 million tonnes ~34.4 million tonnes, milled basis in 211 (FAO Rice Market Monitor, July 211). According to media reports, in order to help keep the market prices of food grains stable, the food department has expanded its cheaper outlets in seven major cities of the country through open market sales, especially for poor section of the people, each of whom can buy five kg rice at Taka 24 per kg under the open market sale (OMS) operation. With the cooperation of its development partners, the government has also adopted a nearly $8. billion scheme to make food supply available, within the reach everybody by 215 (Financial Times, 31 July 211).

3 Nu / kg BHUTAN Highlights (as of 1 August 211) Rice prices have been fairly volatile since the beginning of 211. Following a 5.3 percent increase in the first week of July, they had remained unchanged over the past month (July). Rice prices are currently 62.6 percent higher than the prices observed a year earlier (August 21). Wheat prices have also been fairly volatile since the beginning of 211. In the second week of July, they were 5.5 percent above the levels observed at the beginning of the year (January 211). 8 6 Rice 4 2 Wheat Aug-1 Sep-1 Oct-1 Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug Rice Wheat SOURCE: Department of Agricultural Marketing According to media reports, there is a comprehensive development strategy for farmers groups and cooperatives (such as livestock, agriculture and forestry departments promoting these farmers) in order to implement Cooperative Act of Bhutan 29. It is expected that the strategy will help to promote sustainable and economically viable farmers groups and cooperatives through a standardized capacity building programmes (Bhutan Observer, 3 August 211). The Department of Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) is promoting goat and poultry farming (eggs and meat purposes) in villages under the One Geog Three Products (OGTP). This approach has been recently adopted by two additional villages: Sektana and Fentana (Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, 21 July 211).

4 Riel / kg Maize prices have remained stable for the past two months. Rice type Neengminh showed a 9.5 increase from the previous week. CAMBODIA, Phnom Penh Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Rice -Phkar Khney has remained stable over the past two months. However in the beginning of May 211 prices went up by nearly 9 percent. 3, 2,5 Phkar Khney Milled Rice Neangminh Rice 2, 1,5 1, Maize 5 Mar-11 Apr-11 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 3 May 6 Jun 13 Jun 2 Jun 27 Jun 4 Jul 11Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1Aug 8 Aug Milled Rice (Phkar Khney) 2,381 2,3 2,3 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 2,5 Rice (Neangminh) 2,21 2,5 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,3 Maize (No.2) 1,463 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 1,7 SOURCE: Agricultural Marketing Office According to media reports, National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is looking to tighten monetary policy to slow an inflation rate that could hit 8 to 9 percent this year. NBC will hold a meeting this month to consider whether to raise the reserve requirement rate for commercial banks from 12 per cent on deposits in foreign currencies to 16 per cent or higher (Phnom Penh Post, 2 August 211). According media reports, a new draft law on agricultural cooperatives will be ready to submit to the National Assembly this year, to enhance protection offarmers interests (Agence Kampuchea Press, 26 July 211).

5 CNY / kg CHINA, Beijing Highlights (as of 13 June 211) No change in rice and wheat prices was reported for this week. 6 Non-Glutinous Rice 4 Wheat Flour 2 18 Feb Feb 11 4 Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr 11 2 May 11 9 May May May 11 3 May 11 6 Jun Jun 11 Rice (non-glutinous) Wheat (flour) SOURCE: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Grain The National Grain and Oils Information Centre has downscaled its semi-official estimate of the country s production in 21 by 3.2 million tonnes since April to million tonnes (134.1 million tonnes, milled basis), suggesting little change from the previous year. What is more, the outlook for paddy production in 211 was cut by 6.4 million tonnes, as early rice crops, now at harvest stage, were negatively impacted by prolonged drought conditions over the Yangtze River Valley and subsequent torrential rains (FAO Rice Market Monitor, July 211). The Chinese government announced a new fiscal support policy that will increase the country's supply of live pigs, which is expected to drive down pork prices and ease inflation worries. Farmers will receive a 1-yuan subsidy for each pig they raise. They will also be eligible for 8 Yuan in compensation for every pig they raise that dies from disease or other external factors (Government of China, 13 July 211). According to media reports, China will experience a satisfactory autumn grains harvest as the area sown with autumn grains increased by 46,7 hectares from the 21 level to 77 million hectares. The area sown with corn and mid-season rice reached a 1-year record of 51 million hectares this year, with a year-on-year increase of more than 1 million hectares (Commodity Online, 18 July 211).

6 Dollar / kg Fiji, Suva 6 Highlights (as of 25 Jul 211) Overall prices for reported staple food commodities have been volatile over the past year. Corn prices increased by 5.7 percent from the previous week. Prices are 22.8 percent higher compared to one year earlier (July 21). Prices of Dalo tausala taro, rose nearly by 28 percent over the past week. Prices are 143 percent above the levels observed a year ago (July 21). Following a 2.6 percent jump during the second week of July, cassava prices declined by 33 percent during the previous week. Still, prices remain 48 percent higher than last year (July 21). 4 Maize 2 Dalo-Tausala Taro Cassava Jul 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 May 11 6 Jun 13 Jun 2 Jun 27 Jun 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul Corn Cassava Dalo-tausala/taro SOURCE: Department of Agriculture Fiji will formalise a partnership with the Indian Government for assistance to further develop the Indian coconut industry. A memorandum of understanding outlining the commitments of the Indian Government in providing technical assistance to Fiji is currently being finalised (Government of Fiji, 8 August 211). Fiji Commerce Commission published the price list for basic food items with amendments on 3 July Fiji has just completed its draft Aquaculture Fisheries Decree. Its main objective is to conserve, manage and develop aquaculture for long-term sustainable use (Fiji Focus, June 211).

7 Rupee / kg INDIA, Delhi Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Rice and wheat prices remained stable over the past week. Rice prices are 3.7 above the levels observed last year (August 21). In the case of wheat are 7.1 percent above the prices in January Rice 2 Wheat 1 Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 May 11 Jun 11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug Rice Wheat The Ministry of Rural Development has decided to introduce a Bank Correspondents model in order to speed up disbursal of payments to workers under the NREGA. The number of individuals claiming inclusion under NREGA has increased exponentially over the last few years. However banks and post offices have not grown in proportion to meet this demand. Under this model the Banks shall appoint Business Correspondents who will be delivering the banking services straight to the door steps of the intended beneficiaries at the village level. State Governments that make wage payments through Banks will need to process a bio-metric identification of the beneficiary. Furthermore State Governments have been allowed to pay a fee/remittance charge to Banks/ Business Correspondents as a fixed charge per account or a percentage of the transaction value up to Rs. 8 per account per year through which transactions for MGNREGA works has been made during the year (Ministry of Rural Development 4 August 211). A new draft microfinance legislation has been released to be discussed in the Parliament Monsoon session. The chief features of the bill are that every institution in microfinance should register with the regulator, transform into a company when they attain a significant size, be subject to a variety of prudential and operational guidelines that are introduced by the regulator, provide periodic information to the regulator and face penal action for violation of law or any rules framed. The bill provides flexibility of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to apply different measures, vary the same and delegate the powers to regulate to NABARD (CGAP, 24 July 211).

8 Rupee / kg INDONESIA, national average Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Overall staple food retail prices remained largely stable during the past week. Rice prices are 9.8 percent higher than September 21 (lowest level observed during 21). Wheat flour prices are 1.5 percent above the prices observed a year earlier (August 21). Edible oil prices are 8.2 percent above the prices observed a year ago (August 21). 12, 9, Edible Oil Wheat 6, Rice 3, Aug-1 Sep-1 Oct-1 Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug Rice (medium quality) 6,685 6,655 6,793 7,122 7,328 7,432 7,151 7,44 7,38 7,115 7,184 7,232 7,294 7,347 7,375 7,421 Wheat flour 7,479 7,541 7,535 7,541 7,586 7,56 7,577 7,594 7,583 7,567 7,555 7,62 7,628 7,65 7,585 7,59 7,57 Edible oil (unpacked) 9,815 9,986 1,72 1,464 11,77 11,321 11,291 11,194 1,837 1,657 1,628 1,559 1,551 1,581 1,593 1,629 1,645 SOURCE: Ministry of Trade The Government has set out a series of measures geared at boosting local production to a self-sufficient level of 75.7 million tons by 215. These include to continue subsidies on fertilizers and other basic inputs, to rehabilitate hectares for production and to compensate farmers for their harvest losses of this season with Rupiah 3.7 million (USD 444) per hectare of lost plantings (FAO Rice Market Monitor, July 211). According to media reports, the Government of Indonesia announced that raskin (rice for the poor) will be distributed during fasting month. They will also consider launching 13th raskin program and market operations and bazaars through state-owned and private firms CSR (corporate service responsibility) services (Asia Pulse and Xinhua News, 27 July 211).

9 Lak / kg LAO PDR, Vientiane Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Second quality glutinous rice prices have remained unchanged since November 21. Following nine months of stable prices, the price of ordinary second quality rice dropped by 7.5 percent from April 211 to May 211. During the end of May 211 the prices of rice (ordinary second quality) dropped by 12.5 percent and have remained unchanged since then. 1, 8, Rice (ordinary, 2 nd quality) 6, Rice (glutinius, 2 nd quality) 4, 2, Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 May 11 Jun 11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug Rice (glutinous 2nd quality) 7, 7,25 7,625 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, Rice (ordinary 2nd quality) 8, 8,25 8,75 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7,4 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, SOURCE: Ministry of Industry and Commerce According to media reports, the damage from tropical storm Haima has reached about 7 billion kip. The storm destroyed more than 6, hectares of farmland throughout the country, and devastated critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools and hospitals. (Vientiane Times, 25 July 211) Floods, as a result of Typhoon Haima, affected up to six provinces in Lao PDR in late June, destroying crops and infrastructure and affecting over 37, people. (International Federation of Red Cross, 18 July 211) The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared 5, tonnes of rice seeds, in addition to livestock vaccines and other medications for farmers as a response to the recent flooding situation. (Vientiane Times, 5 July 211)

10 Kyat / kg Wholesale Staple Food Prices MYANMAR, Yangon and Mandalay Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Prices for rice remained unchanged during the past week. Maize prices are stable in respect to the previous week. Prices of wheat declined by 5 percent since last week. After dropping for four consecutive weeks since early June, palm oil prices have been largely stable (+/- 1.45%) over the past four weeks. Groundnut oil prices are nearly stable (.4%) from the previous week. 2,5 Groundnut Oil (Special) 2, 1,5 Palm oil 1, 5 Soybean Maize Wheat (Monywa Origin) Rice (Manawthukha FQ) Mar-11 Apr-11 2 May 11 9 May May May 11 3 May 11 6 Jun Jun 11 2 Jun Jun 11 4 Jul Jul Jul Jul 11 1 Aug 11 8 Aug 11 Rice (Manawthukha FQ) Maize Wheat (Monywa Origin) Groundnut oil (Special) 2,143 2,246 2,289 2,288 2,286 2,248 2,2 2,22 2,261 2,25 2,266 2,215 2,126 2,125 2,169 2,196 2,25 Soybean (Theik pan) Palm oil 1,552 1,653 1,691 1,634 1,747 1,361 1,357 1,411 1,318 1,253 1,197 1,14 1,1 1,119 1,112 1,15 1,89 SOURCE: E-Trade Myanmar Food assistance (in kind and in cash) has been provided to flood victims (nearly 1, households). (Government of Myanmar, 31 July 211) According to a media report, the Ministry of Commerce lifted the import ban on of 15 different foodstuffs (originally imposed in 1995, but never enforced). The 15 items include alcoholic drinks, beer, juices, biscuits, cake, seasoning powder, waffles, chewing gum, tinned foods, chocolate, instant noodles and coffee mix. (Myanmar Times, 11 July 211)

11 Rupee / kg NEPAL, Kathmandu Highlights (as of 8 Aug 211) Rice and wheat prices remained stable. 6 4 Wheat Flour Coarse Rice 2 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 May 11 Jun 11 4 Jul 11Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1Aug 8 Aug Rice (coarse) Wheat (flour) SOURCE: Market Watch (WFP, MoAC, FNCCI, CIPF) According to a WFP Market Report, the supply situation across the country is good due to a good winter crop production. However, the hill and mountain districts which have only fair weather road access are likely to be affected by the monsoon rain. The Karnali highway has been blocked in many parts due to landslides. Such a disruption is likely to affect the supply situation in the region. The impact of Karnali highway obstruction on food supply and on price situation in the region needs to be monitored closely (WFP Market Watch, 31 July 211).

12 Rupee / kg PAKISTAN, Karachi Highlights (as of 8 Aug 211) Staple commodity prices have remained largely stable since the beginning of July 211. After a 26.5 percent jump during the last week of July, prices of rice (IRRI) remained unchanged from the previous week. They are above the prices observed over the past year (August 21). Wheat flour prices dropped by 3.7 percent during the past week. They remain 4.4 percent below the prices observed a year ago (August 21). 6 Basmati Rice 45 IRRI Rice Wheat Flour 3 Wheat 15 Aug-1 Sep-1 Oct-1 Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 4 Jul 11Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1Aug 8 Aug Rice (basmati) Rice (irri) Wheat Wheat (flour) SOURCE: Bureau of Statistics According to media reports, the passage of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments, provinces were given administrative and economic autonomy. Some experts argue that a food security and research division at national level is required to replace the ministry to fulfill constitutional obligations of food security, reduction of inter-provincial disparities and ensuring the role of rural people in national activities; while others say that a ministry at federal level is not needed anymore (Dawn and Business Recorder, 8 August 211). Despite unfavorable circumstances, wheat production during reached 24,214 MMT, increasing by 3.9 percent when compared to the production of MMT in The wheat production during the current fiscal year (211-12) is targeted to increase by 3.24 percent over the production of last fiscal year (21-11) (The Nation, 6 August 211).

13 Peso / kg PHILIPPINES, Metro Manila Highlights (as of 8 August 211) Rice prices in the Philippines remained largely stable over the past week. Maize prices remained stable form the last week, and are 4.28 percent above the prices observed in August Well Milled Rice 3 Regular Milled Rice 2 White Maize 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 Mar 11 Apr 11 Mar 11 Jun 11 4-Jul 11-Jul 18-Jul 25-Jul 1-Aug 8-Aug Rice (regular milled) Rice (well milled) Maize (white) SOURCE: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics The Philippines has achieved record-breaking harvests of paddy (unmilled rice) and corn for the first six months of 211. Palay production for the first semester of 211 topped MMT, which is 14.4 percent more than last year s volume of MMT for the same six-month period. First semester corn harvest is also the highest in the country s history, at 3.39 MMT, which is 37% more than last year s output of MMT. The DA s continuing promotion of higher quality hybrid corn seed has contributed much to higher yields (Department of Agriculture, 1 August 211). Through the National Rice Program, the government allocated PP 5.2 billion ~ US 121 million to provide seeds, credit, marketing assistance and enhance irrigation capacity. In addition, with the objective to reach a self-sufficient level of 21.1 MMT by calendar 213, officials have announced a PP 16 billion ~US 372 million package to provide farm machinery and boost drying and milling capacity (FAO Rice Market Monitor, July 211).

14 Tala / kg SAMOA, national average Highlights (as of April 211) Taro prices reached a peak in July 21 and have shown a downward movement since then up until April 211, when prices were 34.3 percent lower than the peak,. Taro Palagi prices dropped sharply from September to October 21. Prices have been volatile since the beginning of 211, and dropped by more than 5 percent from March to April 211. Ta amu prices have been volatile since June 21. Following a peak in February 211, they dropped nearly 2 percent in the subsequent two months. 6 4 Taro 2 Ta amu Taro Palagi Coconut Apr-1 May-1 Jun-1 Jul-1 Aug-1 Sep-1 Oct-1 Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 TARO TARO PALAGI TA'AMU COCONUT SOURCE: FAO Representative

15 Rupee / kg SRI LANKA, Colombo Highlights (as of 25 Jul 211) Rice prices remained relatively stable (-1.3%) during the previous week. They are 14.3 percent above the prices observed a year earlier (July 21). Wheat prices remained unchanged during the last week of July. However they are 17.4 percent above the prices registered a year ago (July 21). 9 Wheat Flour 6 White Rice 3 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 11 Feb 11 M ar 11 Apr 11 M ay 11 6 Jun 13 Jun 2 Jun 27 Jun 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul Rice (white) Wheat (flour) SOURCE: Department of Census and Statistics According to media reports, four Asian countries had agreed to share their respective economic zones for fishing activities with Sri Lanka: Malaysia, Bangladesh, Myanmar and North Korea had made the pledge at the recently concluded by FAO Ministerial Meeting on Aquaculture for the Asia Pacific Region (Daily Mirror, 3 July 211). The Central Bank released statement indicating the allocation of Rs. 3 billion ~ US 27 million in a separate credit line named "Awakening North" exclusively designed for conflict affected businesses and Income Generating Activities in the Northern Province. The Bank has also introduced a special Credit Guarantee Scheme to promote development credit through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). Credit facilities have been made available for eligible persons under different activities in the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Small and Medium Sector Enterprises (SMEs) and micro businesses sectors (Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 18 July 211).

16 Baht / kg THAILAND, Bangkok Highlights (as of 8 Aug 211) Rice prices have remained largely stable in Thailand since April 211. White rice 1% and white rice 5% are nearly 4.4 and 5 percent below the levels observed last year (August 21). Chicken prices dropped by 3.4 percent, however, they have shown an upward trend since November 21 (+18.4%) after declining in the summer of 21. Pork prices remained largely stable (+.9%). However, they have increased by 4 percent since the beginning of January 211. Soybean oil prices have been stable after rising sharply in early April. They are 23.6 percent above the price a year earlier. 16 Pork tenderloin 12 Chicken 8 Soybean oil 4 White rice 1% Aug-1 Sep-1 Oct-1 Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 4 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug White rice 1% White rice 5% Chicken meat Pork tenderloin Soybean oil SOURCE: Department of Internal Trade (DIT) White rice 5% According to media reports, For the seven-month period, core inflation was up by 2 percent, within the target range of.5 and 3 percent set by the Bank of Thailand. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, stood at points, up by 2.59 percent year-on-year (Bangkok Post, 2 August 211). According to media reports, the rising pork prices due to epidemics, had lead to the reduction of pork supplies by 2% while farmers are forced to send small pigs to slaughterhouses, resulting in higher production costs. The Commerce Ministry had imposed a reference price of THB7 to ensure a fair deal for consumers. In late June, the Internal Trade department considered banning border exports of swine to neighbouring countries after finding a significant rise of such exports to cash in on higher retail prices. Nonetheless pork prices are expected to reduce by the end of this month with adequate supplies in the market (Financial Post, 2 July and The Pig Site 3 June/21 July 211).

17 Dong / kg VIETNAM, Hanoi Prices of maize remain stable from last week. Highlights (as of 8 Aug 211) Rice increased by 3.6 percent from last week. They had remained fairly stable since May 21. However, since late July 211, prices have increase by 5.8 percent. 15, 12, Rice (ordinary) 9, 6, Maize 3, M ar-11 Apr-11 2 M ay 11 9 M ay M ay M ay 11 3 M ay 11 6 Jun Jun 11 2 Jun Jun 11 4 Jul Jul Jul Jul 11 1 Aug 11 8 Aug 11 Rice (ordinary) 13,688 13,688 12,75 13,75 13,125 13, 13,333 13,5 13,75 13,75 13,8 13,8 13,7 13,7 14,3 14, 14,5 M aize 8, 8,25 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, SOURCE: AgroInfo, IPSARD Company Limited Song Thuan (Industrial Song Thuan, Tien Giang calculation) has been completed and put into production storage system, drying system with conveyor, automated conveyor modern investment value up to VDN 4 billion ~ US 1.9 million. The investment in modernizing the system has resulted in the reduction of staff and costs; and improvement in rice quality. Currently, workers directly working in the rice harvest peak earning an average VDN 25, to 3, (per person, per day) ~ US (per person per day) equivalent to a per capita monthly income VDN 7.5 to 9 million ~ US From the beginning of 211, a limited liability company has filed Song Thuan 1.5 billion ~ US 5, budget on taxes (Ministry of Planning and Investment, 4 August 211). According to officials sources, Vietnam 's southern hub generated over 15 billion USD in exports during the first seven months of this year, a surge of 21.7 percent against the same period last year. Rice exports, making up 11 percent of Ho Chi Minh total export value, saw a 5.2 percent decline in turnover, reaching only 8 million USD as export prices dropped by 6.7 percent compared to last year (Ministry of Planning and Investment, 3 July 211). According to official sources, Hanoi s July consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.32 percent over last month and percent compared with the same period last year (Ministry of Planning and Investment, 21 July 211).