... and japonicas. (Singh et al, 2000) Domestication The date and geographical location of the first cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is unclear. Nonetheless, domestication of wild rice probably started around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago (Greenland, 1997). Historical evidences shown that rice was simultaneously and independently cultivated in an area extending roughly from central India, through northern Burma, northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and into southern China.(Greenland, 1997). From this region, the cultivation of rice had spread to Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia. Later, traders carried the grain throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and finally the New World.(Greenland, 1997) Production Statistics According to Singh et al 2000, China is the largest producer of rice in the world currently and next followed by India. China accounts for 21 per cent of the total global rice production. Please refer to Appendix 1. Varieties Table 1: Rice products and uses for human foods (Esminger. et ...

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