Rice a monocot is normally grown as an annual plant, although in tropical areas it can survive as a perennial and can produce ratoon crop for upto 30 years.

Rice cultivation is well-suited to countries and regions with low labor costs and high rainfall.

India is one of the world's largest producers of rice and brown rice, accounting for 20% of all world rice production.

Rice crop has got wide physical adaptability.

Major Rice producing states of India are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Bihar, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Assam ,Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Kerela.

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Phylum – Magnoliophyta
• Class – Liliopsida
• Order – Cyperales
• Family – Poaceae
• Genus – Oryza
• Species - sativa

• Rice grains are most economically important part of the crop which are used as food.
• Bran an important by-product of Rice industry is used for making oil and as a cattle feed.
• Bran wax is also obtained as by-product from Bran-oil.
• Paddy husk is used as a fuel.
• Straw is used as cattle feed, in the manufacture of straw-boards and for making hats, ropes, mats, etc.

Rice is a crop of tropical climate. It is also grown successfully in humid to sub-humid regions under subtropical and temperate climate. 

Rice is mainly grown in rain fed areas that receive heavy annual rainfall.

It demands temperature of around 25 ˚C and above and rainfall of more than 100 cm.

Rice is cultivated in almost all types of soils with varying productivity.

Under high temperature, high humidity with sufficient rainfall and irrigation facilities, rice can be grown in any type of soil.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major pests: Paddy Stemborer, Leaf Folder, Rice Skipper, Swarming Caterpillar and Gall Midge.
  • Major Diseases: Blast of Rice, Bacterial leaf blight, Sheath blight, Brown Spot and False smut.
• Abiotic Causes
  • Bakane Disease
  • Khaira Disease
  • Chlorosis
  • Bronzing
  • Panicle Blight
  • Straight Head