THE GLOBAL IMPORTANCE OF RICE

 

Rice is one of the world’s most important crops, feeding almost half its population.
Its cultivation requires a large amount of water and a warm climate.

• It feeds most of the world: more than half of the world’s population, especially in Asia, relies on rice as their primary source of food.
  According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), average rice consumption in recent years was about 85 kg per person in Asia and about 6 kg in Europe.
• World economy: rice is a key commercial product in the world economy.
  In 2022, the value of global rice exports was estimated at more than USD 20 billion.
• Job creation in different countries: Rice is a labour-intensive crop. Rice cultivation provides employment and livelihoods for millions of people, especially in Asia.
• Food security: since it is a staple food for a large part of the world’s population, rice is fundamental to global food security.
  Its production and availability are crucial to preventing hunger and malnutrition.
• Adaptability to different climatic and geographic conditions: rice can grow in a variety of environments, from mountains to coastal areas to floodplains.
  This makes it adaptable to different climatic and geographical areas.
• Variety of uses: in addition to being a staple food, rice is also used in a variety of industrial products, such as cosmetics, paper, chemicals and alcohols.

 

Variety selection

The choice of the variety of rice to be cultivated is essential.
Varieties differ in terms of yield, disease and pest resistance, adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions and quality of the grain.
Rice varieties can be classified into two main groups: japonica and indica.

• Japonica: These rices are short-grained and round.
  This type of rice is grown in colder climates and at higher altitudes.
  They are resistant to cold, but have a lower yield than indica varieties.
• Indica: These rices are long-grained and thin.
  This type of rice is grown in tropical and subtropical areas, is less resistant to cold but has a higher yield.

 

Planting

Rice can be sown either
directly in the field or by means of seedlings.
Direct seeding can be either aerial or manual.

• Direct seeding: consists of sowing the seeds directly in the field.
  This method is used in areas where water is scarce or in upland rice growing areas.
• Seedlings: This method consists of sowing the seeds in a seedbed and transplanting them into the field when they have grown sufficiently.
  It is the most commonly used method in rice production.

 

Fertilization

Fertilization in rice growing is essential to ensure good yields.
The most important nutrients for rice are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

• Nitrogen: Essential for plant growth and grain production.
  Nitrogen deficiency can result in weak plants and a poor yield.
• Phosphorus: Essential for root development and flowering.
  A phosphorus deficiency can result in delayed maturation and a poor yield.
• Potassium: Essential for plant resistance to pests and diseases.
  A potassium deficiency can result in weak plants that are susceptible to pests and diseases.

 

Water management

Rice needs a lot of water to grow and its management is crucial for a good yield.
Water is used to flood fields and control weeds and is also necessary for plant germination and growth.

 

Control of common diseases in rice

Rice can be attacked by several diseases and pests, such as pyricularia (fungus that causes rice blast), and the stink bug (insect that attacks the leaves and grains), among others. It is important to monitor the crop regularly and apply control measures when necessary.

 

Health benefits of eating it

1. Energy source: Rice is rich in carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy for the human body.
   Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells in the body for energy.
2. Gluten-free: Rice is a naturally gluten-free food, making it a safe choice for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.
3. Low Sodium: Rice is naturally low in sodium, making it a good choice for people with high blood pressure or who need to limit their salt intake.
4. Rich in vitamins and minerals: It is a great source of energy.
   Brown rice is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, selenium and fibre.
   These nutrients are essential for cellular function, metabolism and the health of the immune system.
5. Heart health: The effects of brown rice on heart health are innumerable.
   Brown rice can help lower LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) and increase HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”).
   It is also rich in fibre, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Weight management: Brown rice is rich in fibre, which aids satiety and may help to prevent becoming excess weight and obesity.
7. Digestion: Rice has many benefits for digestion and for people with common digestive problems.

 

Comparative table on rice cultivation

 

	Spain	Asia	Latin America	United States
Cultivated rice varieties	Mainly Japanese varieties (short grain, round rice)	Mainly indica varieties (long-grain rice). In some regions japonica is also cultivated	Mainly Indica varieties	Mainly japonica varieties
Climate	Mediterranean, with hot and humid summers	Tropical and subtropical, with well-defined rainy seasons	Tropical and subtropical, with well-defined rainy seasons	Temperate, with cold winters and warm summers
Method of sowing	Direct seeding and transplanting	Mainly transplanting	Mixture of direct seeding and transplanting	Mainly transplanting
Use of technology	Moderate use of machinery and technology	Varies widely, from rudimentary to high-tech, depending on the country and region	Varies widely, from rudimentary to high-tech	Extensive use of machinery and technology
Water management practices	Fields flooded during most of the growing season	Fields flooded during most of the growing season	It varies widely, from dry fields to flooded fields	Fields flooded during most of the growing season
Yield per hectare	About 7 tonnes per hectare	It varies widely, from 2 tonnes per hectare in less developed countries, to 10 tonnes per hectare in more developed countries	Generally lower than in Asia and Spain, about 3–5 tonnes per hectare	About 8 tonnes per hectare