The President of the Gambia has reaffirmed his government's stance to make the country self-sufficient in rice by 2016, despite criticisms from various corners as the Gambian government is planning to ban rice imports by 2016. The Gambia would need to increase its rice production by fivefold or more to meet current consumption needs. Some analyst said the Gambian government plan is highly ambitious as there has been a cumulative 79% decline in rice production in the past six years. Analyst is also added that this plan is not realistic due to its inappropriate policies and improper application. China According to the USDA, China imports are expected to increase at about 4 million tons in 2014015, up about 14% from an estimated 3.5 million tons in 2013-14, due to higher domestic price. The USDA expect that China will produce about 143 million tons rice in 2014-15, up about 0.5% from an estimated of about 142.3 million tons in 2013-14. China is targeting higher food grain production and self-sufficiency in rice with the help of government support and modernization of agriculture in the next ten years. China's government projects that country's rice production will increase to about 204 million tons in 2023. Philippines Total rice stocks in the Philippines stood at about 1.78 million tons as of March 1, 2014, which is down about 8% from about 1.94 million tons recorded during the same time last year and enough to last for 53 days, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). According to the USDA, Philippines rice import is expected to reach at about 2 million tons in 2013-14, up about 43% from last year, due to higher domestic prices. Philippines milled rice production is expected to reach at about 11.89 million tons in 2013-14, up about 4% from about 11.43 million tons rice produced in 2012-13, due to higher acreage and yield. Separately, the Philippines Agriculture Secretary said that rice farmers need government help to reduce costs of paddy production in order to compete with farmers in Thailand and Vietnam ahead of the ASEAN integration. Europe European rice exports have increased by about 30% to 126,406 tons of rice during September 1, 2013 to April 8, 2014, from about 96,924 tons rice exported during same period last year, according to data from European Union. The USDA expects that rice production in EU will reach at about 1.9 million tons in 2014-15 (SeptemberAugust, down about 9% from an estimated 2.08 million tons produced in last year. Separately, Almost 30% of Italy’s rice fields have developed a genus of herbicide-resistant panic grass, also
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