World rice production is expected to increase in 2008 by 12 million tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The first FAO forecast of the year says that production increases, which amount to almost two percent, would ease the current very tight supply in key rice producing countries, such as Bangladesh, China and India. Production outlook is also positive in Africa countries such as Egypt, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. At the same time, demand outstrips supply in the international rice market and prices are increasing. (FAO Photo: Rice growers, Burundi)