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Agriculture for Secondary Schools
reproductive organs, leading to grain formation. The maturity stage spans from
flowering to grain ripening. It is characterised by grain filling and maturation,
ultimately preparing them for harvest.
Paddy is adapted to diverse agro-climatic conditions ranging from lowlands to
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upland areas, and can be under rainfed, irrigated, or deepwater farming conditions/
systems. Figure 4.1 shows a section of a paddy field with unmilled and milled
paddy grains.
Figure 4.1: A paddy field and samples of unmilled and milled paddy grains
Rice is one of the most important staple food crops in the world, primarily rich
in carbohydrates. It also contains some proteins, vitamins, and minerals. More
than half of the world’s population, consume rice especially in Asia, Africa, and
Latin America. It supports millions of farmers and workers across the value
chain from input supply, cultivation, processing and marketing. Ultimately, rice
contributes to household incomes and a country’s gross domestic product(GDP).
Additionally, flooded paddy fields support variety of life (biodiversity), including
fish, frogs, and beneficial microorganisms.
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