RICE STOCK

• The December 1, 2003 national rice stock stood at 2.62 million metric tons, up 3.8 percent over its month ago level. It was however, 3.5 percent lower compared to previous year as a result of the 26.5 percent drop in NFA holdings. The current stock level is enough to last for 99 days.
• Compared to stock position last month and the previous year, all sectors except that of NFA’s as compared to last year’s record posted higher levels ranging from 2.8 to 7.6 percent. NFA stocks was made up of 67% imported rice which at the time of reporting was 38% less compared to last year. On the other hand, procurement was 22% higher compared to last year.
• Around 57.0 percent of the current total rice stocks are in the households, 23.0 percent are with NFA and 20.0 percent, with the traders.

CORN STOCK

• The December 1, 2003 national corn stock was 222.6 thousand metric tons. It was lower by 10.5 percent from its month ago level, but 5.0 percent over  that of last year’s record.
• Stock holdings of households and traders at the time were 10.3 and 10.8 percent smaller respectively, as compared to that of last month. On the other hand, compared to their year ago levels, those of the households’ was 11.0 percent higher while those of the traders’ was slightly (1.0%) lower.
• NFA reported no corn stock for the period.