South East Asia Rice
Philippines
and Viet Nam


Process of Rice Farming and Exporting from Vietnam and the Philippines

The process of farming and exporting rice from Vietnam and the Philippines involves multiple stages, from field preparation to loading onto export vessels. Adhering to quality standards and regulatory requirements at each step ensures that the rice reaches international markets in prime condition, contributing to the global food supply while supporting the agricultural economies of these countries.

Current Market Price: be noted that this is the market price from the price per MTS – FOB – FY

1. Rice Farming:

  • Land Preparation: Farmers in Vietnam and the Philippines prepare the fields by plowing and leveling the land to create a suitable environment for rice cultivation.
  • Seed Selection and Sowing: High-quality seeds of various rice types (e.g., jasmine, basmati, sticky rice) are selected. Seeds are either directly sown in the fields or grown in nurseries and then transplanted.
  • Irrigation and Fertilization: Fields are irrigated using traditional or modern irrigation systems. Farmers apply fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and boost rice yield.
  • Pest and Weed Management: Integrated pest management practices and herbicides are used to control pests and weeds.

2. Harvesting:

  • Timing: Harvesting is done when the rice grains reach optimal maturity, typically 3-4 months after planting.
  • Methods: Depending on the scale, harvesting can be manual or mechanized using combine harvesters. The rice plants are cut and threshed to separate the grains.

3. Post-Harvest Processing:

  • Drying: The harvested rice grains are dried to reduce moisture content, preventing spoilage during storage.
  • Storage: Dried paddy rice is stored in granaries or silos to await milling.

4. Milling:

  • Cleaning: The paddy rice undergoes cleaning to remove impurities such as stones, chaff, and dust.
  • De-husking: The outer husk of the rice is removed using rubber roll shellers.
  • Polishing: The brown rice (de-husked rice) is polished to remove the bran layer, producing white rice. Some varieties, like brown rice, skip this step to retain the bran.
  • Grading and Sorting: Rice grains are graded and sorted based on size, shape, and quality to meet export standards.

5. Packaging:

  • Packing: The processed rice is packed into various sizes of bags (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, 50 kg) made of materials suitable for preserving freshness.
  • Labeling: Bags are labeled with essential information, including the rice variety, weight, origin, and expiration date.

6. Storage and Transport to Port:

  • Storage: Packed rice is stored in warehouses with controlled conditions to maintain quality.
  • Transport: The rice is transported to export terminals using trucks or rail, depending on proximity to the port.

7. Documentation and Approval Process:

  • Export Documentation:
    • Invoice: Details the transaction between the exporter and importer.
    • Packing List: Lists the contents of each shipment.
    • Certificate of Origin: Verifies the origin of the rice.
    • Phytosanitary Certificate: Ensures the rice is free from pests and diseases.
    • Quality Certificate: Confirms the rice meets quality standards.
    • Bill of Lading: Document issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment.
  • Approval Process:
    • Customs Clearance: Submission of required documents to customs authorities for clearance.
    • Inspection: Regulatory bodies may inspect the shipment to ensure compliance with export regulations.
    • Export Permit: An export permit is issued by the relevant agricultural authority.

8. Loading onto Export Vessel:

  • Containerization: Rice bags are loaded into shipping containers, ensuring they are securely packed to prevent damage.
  • Loading: Containers are transported to the port and loaded onto large export vessels, which may carry a variety of goods in other containers.

9. Transit and Delivery:

  • Shipping: The vessel sails to the destination port, maintaining proper conditions to ensure the rice remains in optimal condition.
  • Arrival and Unloading: Upon arrival, containers are unloaded and the rice undergoes customs clearance at the destination port.

10. Market Distribution:

  • Transportation to Distributors: The rice is transported to warehouses or distribution centers.
  • Final Delivery: Distributors deliver the rice to retailers, restaurants, and other end-users in the destination country.
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