Rice is the main staple food crop in the world and the crop is closely associated with the culture of billions of people around the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Archaeological data show that rice was already grown 6,000-7,000 years ago in countries such as China and Thailand. It is believed that the construction of irrigation systems for rice cultivation formed one of the cornerstones for the development of some of the major civilizations in South-East Asia, such as Angkor Wat. 

Because the rice plant is highly adaptable to the local environment and because human has suceeded in modifying local agro-ecosystems, rice can now be groen in many different locations and under a variety of climates. Rice farming can be found in all continents of the world as fas north as Northeast China at latitude 53°N down south to many regions on the equator and down to New South Wales in Australia at latitude 35°S. In most cultivation areas, rice is grown at or near sea level, ut it can also be found at a high elevation suh as those in Nepal where rice is cultivated at 2.000 meters above sea level. Rice is normally grown under moderately submerged conditions but can be grown also upland condiions or in 1-1.5 m deep water. 

This cultivation guide will provide input on aspects of plant cultivation, as well as product specifications of organic rice.