Abstract
This paper examines how rice is a grain cereal plant of the grass family and how in terms of total production it is the world's second leading food crop. In particular, it looks at how rice will continue to play a major role in feeding billions of people in the world especially in Asia and how the goals and ambitions of researchers today must be to develop rice cultivars and methods of cultivation which enhance the crop yield and are resistant to disease and adverse weather conditions.

Outline
Abstract
Biology of the Rice Plant
Regions of Rice Cultivation and Factors Affecting Yield
Preparation for Planting
Soil Type
Whole Farm Planning
Calendar of Events
Propagation of Rice
Recent Developments
Irrigation
Pests and Diseases
Harvesting
Post Harvest Issues
Processing
Environmental Effects of Rice Cultivation
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The rice plant is usually classified as the genus Oryza in the grass family (Graminae). The rice plant has a number of jointed stems, called culms, which measure between 38cm to 244cm. The culms are composed of hollow internodes that join at solid nodes and arise from the shallow fibrous root system. A few of the nodes become elongated as the plant matures. The upper internode supports the panicle, which is the head of the rice plant. The flat grass-like leaves of the rice plant have a basal sheath which surrounds the culm. The blade of the leaf is set at an angle to the sheath. The panicle can range from open to compact and from erect to droopy. In most varieties it is dense and droopy."

Tags:agriculture, asia, backcrossing, biology, china, crop, cultivars, drainage, environment, farm, harvesting, hybridisation, pollination, water