Rice is our most important cultivated plant, feeding more people than any other crop. It is a n annual or short-lived perennial grass species native to Asia. Its domestication (i.e. cultivation and modification by humans) started 8 to 13 thousand years ago.

 it is the primary source of energy for over half of the world's people. Depending on the strain of rice, it can contain decent amounts of fibre, protein, vitamin B, iron and manganese. This means it can play a vital role against malnutrition. In some cultures, rice is thrown at weddings.