MUMBAI: Despite a jump in maize production estimates for year 2007-08, farmers have been able to realise good prices, mainly because of good export demand. Though a certain section of the industry feels that maize exports should be banned, others say a ban would reduce prices for farmers.

With good projections for rabi, India has the potential to produce 15-16 million tonnes of maize this year (both kharif and rabi) as against last year's 13.8 million tonnes. Sukhjit Starch and Chemicals' Rajeev Puri said that even if one considers 10% growth in consumption by end users, they may require 14.5 million tonne which leaves a surplus of 1.5 million tonne for exports.

Mr Puri said during the start of season, maize price was down to Rs 580-Rs 590 per quintal in Nizamabad, going down to Rs 500 levels and it was the export demand that supported the prices.

Society depends on more for less

Taxation has the great merit that it provides a clear floor price of carbon.

So for me the preferred option is a combination - a tax, but with the ability to reduce it through trading, getting the best combination of a floor price and efficiency of investment.

Most people think that a price of something around 40 dollars a tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) to producers would do the trick.

Market decides

Before you panic about the cost to you and industrial transport, that is only about 5p a litre on fuel - within the noise of oil price variations.

On the other hand, for efficiency we need regulatory frameworks - very tough efficiency standards on buildings, on lighting and on personal transport.

That means banning the manufacture or import of old fashioned light bulbs.

Mel Brooks' 'Young Frankenstein' is ready for its Broadway bow

Just because the musical aims for laughter does not mean the emotions aren't genuine underneath, notes Bart. "It's about a misunderstood father and a son seething with adolescent angst," says Bart, the father of two daughters. "On a certain level it's pretty serious. You can't treat that cheaply."

"This isn't a buddy-buddy show like 'The Producers'," says Bart, who hissed around as Carmen Ghia in the original company of Mel Brooks' movie-into-musical smash before graduating to the leading role of Leo Bloom. "After all, our story here is about resurrection and somebody playing God," observes Bart, tongue not entirely wedged in his cheek.

Import difficulties outweigh recession fears

Commodities took off on Monday after their weak performance on Friday. In the oil market the uncertain prospects of economic growth in the US had been pushed to the background for a time, and focus was on import problems in Texas and Louisiana. All passage of tankers to the country's most important oil terminal was halted because of dense fog. The difficulties helped to send oil as high as USD 90.83, and oil closed the day up by 1.2%. Subsequently it was possible for a few tankers to move in, which put pressure on oil. This morning, however, all activity is again reported to be at a standstill.

Copper and aluminium both gained almost half a percentage on a day when the Asian coal prices hit a new record. The tight coal market has caused suspension of an appreciable portion of the production of base metals in both China and South Africa.

Wild Card/Vacation Day 11 of 12

Only two more shopping days until I return to the final days of the City Council campaigns. Then, we'll have fun taking apart the campaigns. Any dirt yet? Any mudslinging. You know, the good stuff. Or is everyone behaving? My wife is now looking over my shoulder -- literally -- so I have to pretend that I'm just checking ball scores. See ya in two days. Here's Wild Card ...