Where does it come from? So, the Answer to this very important question is that it is unique as this cereal grain can grow in a range of environments, from irrigated or rained lands to altitudes. The largest cultivators of rice in world are Asia, followed by Africa and Latin America. The countries known as famous producers are India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, United States, Burma, China, Cambodia, Brazil, Uruguay, Japan and the Philippines.

The major exporters of rice are South Asian countries are the dominant rice exporters globally, mainly Thailand and Vietnam, where production is more than consumption. However, production growth has gone down in this region in the last decade, but there has been a decline in consumption and consumers in Asia have shifted to other food forms. People with low income still prefer rice as a staple food but have to face the financial crisis whenever rice prices go up. South Asian countries have surplus production to meet the needs of their land and the outside world as well.

Indian Rice Varieties

India is another south Asian country leading the production and exports of rice. According to an estimated study, more than six thousand rice varieties are grown in India, ranging from Basmati to white, black, brown, red and sticky rice. The variety depends on the conditions in which the rice is cultivated, the soil, method, nutritional content, and much more.

The list of most popular Indian varieties is long but Indian community around the world can easily recognise Basmati from the north and Ponni, Sona Masoori, Matta from the south. The south Indians love to eat rice and have categorized them into a few major groups that are polished white rice, parboiled , brown, red, fragrant, and black rice. They have numerous dishes from these types and enjoy this delicious food and benefits.