India Maize weakens on subdued demand.

Maize prices softened by Rs 5 per quintal due to muted demand from consuming industries against adequate stocks. Sluggish demand from consuming industries against sufficient stocks position mainly weighed on maize prices. In the national capital, maize declined by Rs 5 to Rs 1,410-1,420 per quintal.

India Maize futures end down nearly 2% on better monsoon.

NCDEX Maize futures ended nearly 2% lower today as India weather bureau revised upwards its forecast for monsoon rains this year, thereby adding to the bearish sentiment. The July maize contract on the NCDEX ended at 1,287 rupees per 100 kg, down 1.9% from the previous close. Good monsoon rains in the country are likely to boost maize production and increase supplies in domestic markets. Though prices were unchanged from Monday, overall sentiment for maize is bearish.

U.S. Corn up for third day.

Corn rose for a fourth consecutive session on concerns over dry weather in the U.S. Midwest. Corn added 0.5 percent to $3.79 a bushel, having gained 1.1 percent in the previous session.

South Africa to target Asian maize buyers as African supply jumps.

South Africa need to target Asian markets to boost maize exports this year after bumper crops at home and in neighbouring countries depressed prices and dampened demand in Africa. This season South Africa hopes to export most of its maize surplus for the first time to Asia and the Middle East, where buyers use it for animal feed rather than human consumption. South Africa is expected to harvest a record 15.6 million tonnes of maize this year, double last year output.

South Africa expects a record maize harvest 2017 15.6 million tonnes.

South Africa, exporting some 160,000 tonnes of white maize annually to Namibia, is forecast to harvest a record 15.6 million tonnes of maize in 2017, double last year output after favourable weather conditions lifted yields. The white maize futures contracts for July delivery settled at N$1,735 per tonne on the JSE commodity derivatives market last week. This was down considerably from N$5,000 per tonne just over a year ago.

USDA estimates India on pace for record rice procurement.

Riding on expected record harvest, India rice procurement already has surpassed the previous record of 36 million tonnes in market year 2009-10. The country rice procurement is estimated at 36.9 million tonnes compared to 32.6 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year. With additional procurement of rabi and summer rice expected to continue in eastern and southern states, India rice procurement in market year 2016-17 is likely to touch a record 38 million tonnes, about 4 million tonnes higher than last year. The USDA estimates India market year 2016-17 rice production at a record 108 million tonnes.

India rice prices unchanged.

Prices of rice remained unchanged in the key wholesale market of Kapurthala. The steamed variety of Pusa 1121 basmati rice was sold at 7,000-7,200 rupees per 100 kg in Kapurthala, while the parboiled variety was sold at 6,000-6,100 rupees. Prices of 25% broken non-basmati rice were unchanged at 2,300 rupees per 100 kg.

NCDEX cotton oilcake down as IMD ups monsoon view.

Futures contracts of cottonseed oilcake on NCDEX fell from the intraday high of 1,664 rupees per 100 kg after the India Metrological Department raised the south-west monsoon forecast for 2017. IMD today revised its southwest monsoon forecast for 2017 to 98% of long period average from 96% predicted earlier. June cottonseed oilcake contract traded at 1,632 rupees, down 0.6%, while the most-active July contract was down 0.5% at 1,704 rupees. Cheaper alternatives for cattle feed has hit demand for cottonseed oilcake, and this further weighed on sentiment.

NCDEX coriander hits 4% upper cap on short covering.

Futures contracts of coriander on the NCDEX hit the 4% upper circuit today as investors covered their short positions after prices slipped to a four-and-a-half-year low of 4,535 rupees per 100 kg. The most-active June contract was at 4,807 rupees per 100 kg, up 3.7% from the previous settlement. Decline in supply in the physical markets also boosted sentiment. Arrivals in Rajasthan were 4,300 bags (1bag=40kg) down 2,200 bags from the previous day.