Nobody has ever been able to establish the exact origins of the rice. It is said that it first appeared in East Asia , India , China and Vietnam . Some people say it began in the southern areas of India , from where it migrated to China . Some remains of rice have been discovered in the valley of Yang Tsé Kiang , and apparently go back as far as 3 to 4000 years B.C. It was then passed onto Greece and areas of the Mediterranean . Rice spread throughout Southern Europe and to some parts of North Africa . From Europe rice was brought to the New World . From Portugal it was brought into Brazil and from Spain to Central and South America .

Rice (Oryza sativa) has fed more people over a longer period of time than any other crop. As far back as 2500 B.C. rice has been documented in the history books as a source of food and for tradition as well.

RICE is the one of the most valuable cereal in terms of proteins and is an important source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B1, B2 and B6 and fibre, while containing practically no fats, cholesterol or gluten.