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Surprising Rice Facts that we bet you didn’t know

Be it making your go-to comfort food khichdi or savouring your all-time-favourite biryani, rice is the staple food of not just Indians, but it is an indispensable part of the staple diet of almost half of the world’s population. While you may consume rice on a daily basis, you may not be aware of all the interesting facts:

● Most cultivated cereal grain on earth:

Rice is the third-largest agricultural commodity after sugarcane and maize. Barring Antarctica, rice is cultivated in over 100 countries across all continents. Since it is widely grown, only 6-7% of the globally produced rice is traded or exported.

● Optimum consumption:

Rice the most consumed agricultural product in India and also the one with the highest market value. Asia itself consumes 90% of the world’s rice with an average Asian’s intake being 150 kg rice per annum.

● Versatile crop:

It is a boon to the developing countries with high rainfall and low labour costs. Thanks to the tropical climate and vast lands, India grows rice in all three seasons – kharif, rabi and summer with varying sowing time and crop duration.

● Labour-intensive cultivation process:

One kilogram of irrigated rice requires almost 5,000 litres of water, and the farmers’ hard work ensures that one seed of rice yields more than 3,000 grains.

● India’s giant share:

54.6% of India’s population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Paddy dominates the country’s total cropped area at 37% and is also a significant contributor to the country’s total production of food grains at 44%. West Bengal has the highest area under rice cultivation and Andhra Pradesh produces maximum output. Accounting 20% of global rice production, India holds the first position for rice cultivation with over 42.7 million hectares of the world’s 500 million hectares (11%) arable land dedicated to rice cultivation.

● Nutritional facts:

One cup of white rice has 0.2 grams of fat compared to one cup of brown rice which has 1.2 grams of fat. Loaded with essential carbohydrates, rice provides instant energy and triggers serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain which helps in regulating and improving your mood. Additionally, rice is one of the few foods that is non-allergenic and gluten-free.

● Multi-purpose Usage:

It is used in the production of different kinds of alcohol like wine, sake, rice milk, etc. Furthermore, rice and its by-products are used in making straw and rope, paper, crackers, cosmetics and even toothpaste!

● Traditional and cultural significance:

Rice has its significance in Indian customs and rituals. Rice embodies prosperity and is associated with Devi Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. It is tossed and throwed by brides at weddings to symbolize life and fertility. Also, rice is the first solid food given to babies as it signifies growth.

● Random fact:

If you spill water over your mobile phone, you should immediately place it in a pile of rice which will absorb the moisture and water content.

About Krishna Mohan Foods Pvt. Ltd:

Rooted in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, Krishna Mohan Foods Pvt. Ltd. is a renowned name in offering high-quality non-basmati Rice like Sharbati, IR-64, IR-8, RH-10 and Sona Masoori. With an emphasis on hygienic processing and safe packaging, we have become a leading manufacturer, exporter and supplier of tasty, flavourful and fresh non-basmati rice.