Rice with its outer covering on is called paddy. It is a major food crop in India and is the staple diet of millions of people in India and the world. In our country, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the major rice-producing states. Besides India, rice is grown in Sri Lanka, China, Burma and Egypt. Generally rice grows where rainfall is heavy. Moist and muddy soil is necessary for the cultivation of rice. First, the land is prepared by ploughing to sow seeds in it. Then little paddy saplings are transplanted in larger plots of land. Manure is applied from time to time for their proper growth. Rice fields look very green. After a few months, ripe paddy is harvested from the fields and brought to the farm. Here it is thrashed, winnowed, boiled and dried. Finally paddy is husked either in pedals or machines to get the rice that we eat.
Rice can be used to prepare different kinds of food items. It is mainly used to prepare boiled rice. Different delicious dishes are made from rice. Many dishes are also made by mixing it with milk and sugar. It is used as both whole and powder. Some of the popular rice dishes are pulao, kheer, khichari, idli, dosa etc.
