Rice output expected to rise: USDA

Rice production may rise 2.34 percent to 34.59 million tonnes in fiscal 2013-14 thanks to favourable weather, said the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The agency however kept its forecast on wheat production unchanged at 1.26 million tonnes for the year. It said total wheat imports will rise to 3 million tonnes from 1.86 million tonnes the previous year.
The USDA, which made the forecast in its Grain and Feed Update on Bangladesh, said boro rice output may rise by 280,000 tonnes to 18.78 million tonnes on higher-than-expected yields from good weather.
While keeping aman rice production unchanged at 13.4 million tonnes, the agency said production of aus, harvested last summer, might decline to 2.41 million tonnes due to flash floods in some northern districts.