Vietnam pepper production for 2008-09 may not be as bad as anticipated, says sources. The Brazilian Pepper Trade Board reports from various sources that the Vietnamese crop could be higher by 10,000 tonne than estimated by the International Pepper Community (IPC). IPC forecasts Vietnam production for 2008 (IPC uses calendar year) at 80,000 tonne compared to 90,000 tonne of 2007.
Many regions in Vietnam have seen their crop destroyed by heavy rains and disease, but some regions have managed to increase productivity with intensive cultivation, says the report.
The report mentions that regions like Chuse, Gia Lai, Binh Phuoc and Loc Ninh have problems and may have shorter output while regions like Dalak, Daknong, Vungtau and Dongnai have a better crop.
The report also says that farmers are likely to hold on their stock for better realistion. Vietnamese farmers are comparatively better off with good returns from coffee and cashew and presently have the means to hoard.
However, Indian traders are circumspect about the reports and say that it is difficult to keep track of production and stock in Vietnam. Cross border trade with Cambodia and China also affects the stock position making it difficult to estimate the real situation, traders said.
Prices tumble
Pepper prices, which were ruling firm at NCDEX counter in the past couple of sessions, fell sharply on Thursday on sluggish export demand and profit booking, traders and analysts said.