Inter-State Variability in Rice Production: Challenges and Opportunities

The world population is expected to reach 8 million by 2030 and rice production must be increased by 50% in order to meet the growing demand for the world. Geographically distribution of rice growing area in different part of the world revealed that it is cultivated in diverse ecological situation. India is the largest growing country under varying climatic conditions 18^oN to 34^oN latitude and it accounts for more than 40 per cent of food grain production. Its production not only influences agricultural contribution in the national GDP but also National food security hinges on its stability and production. Studies on the value of rice ecosystems beyond crop production have recently received a boost by the threat to rice price supports and trade restrictions in many countries presented by multi lateral trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization.