Rice

Rice is the staple food for over half the world's population, providing more than 20% of global human calorie intake. Two major species are cultivated: Oryza sativa (Asian rice, grown worldwide) and O. glaberrima (African rice, grown in West Africa). Rice is typically grown in flooded paddies but can also be grown as upland (rainfed) crop. It is the most important food crop in Asia and increasingly important in sub-Saharan Africa where consumption is rising rapidly. Major producers include China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Rice production supports the livelihoods of over 1 billion people in Asia alone, making it arguably the most economically important crop on Earth.

Rice is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.

1. 1

   Prepare nursery beds 25-30 days before transplanting

2. 2

   Transplant 2-3 seedlings per hill at 20 × 20 cm spacing

3. 3

   Maintain 5-10 cm water depth from transplanting to 2 weeks before harvest

4. 4

   Apply nitrogen in 3 splits: basal, tillering, and panicle initiation

5. 5

   Drain fields 2 weeks before harvest to facilitate drying and harvesting

6. 6

   Use certified seed of recommended varieties for your region

Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.

Active climate zones for Rice are highlighted below.