1.9.1. Cereals

The cereals occupy about 54 per cent of total cropped area in India. The country produces about 11 per cent cereals of the world and ranks third in production after China and U.S.A. India produces a variety of cereals, which are classified as fine grains (rice, wheat) and coarse grains (Jowar, Bajra, maize, Ragi), etc.

1.9.1.1. Rice

Rice is the most important cereal crop in India. About 3,000 varieties are grown in different agro-climatic regions of the country. Rice being a tropical and sub-tropical plant requires a fairly high temperature of

more than 22°C and amount of rainfall more than 100 cm. Irrigation is necessary in areas of lesser rainfall. Clayey alluvial soil in which water can remain standing is ideal for rice. A good crop of rice can be obtained only if the fields are kept filled with water. Cultivation of rice is labour-intensive.

India contributes 22 per cent of rice production in the world and ranks second after China. About one-fourth of the total cropped area in the country is under rice

cultivation. West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were five leading rice

producing states in the country.

Golden Rice

Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene, a source of vitamin A. Golden Rice is being developed as a potential new food-based approach to improve vitamin A status. Vitamin A deficiency is a serious public health problem affecting millions of children and pregnant women globally.