Rice Crop:
The Union Agriculture Minister said India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, compared to China’s 145.28 million tonnes.
- Rice is a tropical crop and the staple food for the majority of the Indian population.
- It is primarily a Kharif crop, grown during the southwest monsoon season (June to October) but it can also be cultivated in Rabi and summer seasons under assured irrigation.
- Required Climatic Conditions for Rice Crop:
- Rice is grown under varying conditions in India from 8°N to 30°N latitude.
- The average annual rainfall required for rice is 150 cm.
- Temperature: Between 25°C and 35°C.
- It can be grown on a variety of soils including silts, loams and gravels and can tolerate acidic as well as alkaline soils.
- The crop requires standing water during most of its growing season
- It is most commonly cultivated in states such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam.
- It has a higher nutritional value and rich in Vitamins A, B, and calcium.
