The average person in much of Asia eats rice two or three times a day. The average person in Myanmar eats 195 kg of rice each year; in Lao PDR and Cambodia, it’s about 160 kg. Contrast this with the average European, who consumes 3 kg per year and the average American, who eats 7 kg. To plow 1 ha of rice land in the traditional way, a farmer and his water buffalo (preparing land is almost always men’s work) must walk 80 km. In Asia, planting rice is often a back-breaking chore. Every seedling must be poked into the mud by hand—usually by women. Source: http://www.asiarice.org/sections/learnrice/ricefacts.html

Starch, oil and proteins from rice are currently being used in different cosmetic formulations to treat the skin. Rice starch can be mixed with honey to nourish the skin and can be used in cosmetics to reduce facial 'shine'. The oil is used in sun care products to absorb UV-rays as well as in conditioners for hair care and in shower and shampoo products. It is also reported to have moisturising and anti-ageing properties.  (Source: http://www.plantcultures.org/plants/rice_cosmetics.html)

Devoting a year to a commodity was an unprecedented step in United Nations history. Compelling factors lie under this decision: the spectre of increased hunger, malnutrition, poverty and conflict in the coming decades. In 2002, these factors moved the government of the Philippines, along with 43 other countries, to formally request that the UN General Assembly declare 2004 the International Year of Rice. (Source: http://www.fao.org/rice2004/en/aboutiyr.htm )

At traditional Indian weddings, rice is the customary dish offered to guests.

Rice is bought by 80% of the UK population.

Rice is to Northern Italy what pasta is to the south. As Italians say, "Le piatti di riso sono infinite" - rice dishes are infinite.

Rice is served with red beans every Monday in New Orleans - the traditional way of making a small amount of meat go a long way.

Archaeologists excavating in India discovered rice, which they were convinced, could be dated to 4530BC. However, the first recorded mention originates from China in 2800 BC. Nevertheless it is still debatable on scientific evidence whether China, India or Thailand is home of the rice plant (indeed it may have been native to all).

Rice is linked to fertility and for this reason the custom of throwing rice at newly wedded couples exists. In India, rice is always the first food offered by a new bride to her husband, to ensure fertility in the marriage, and children are given rice as their first solid food.

Basmati rice is grown in both India and Pakistan, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Basmati responds well to the climatic conditions of this area. The amount of water, the quality of the soil, the amount of daylight and the gentle winds that are characteristic of this region of Asia all combine to produce perfect conditions for Basmati rice to thrive.

Rice farming has been traced back to around 5,000 BC.

91% of the world’s rice is cultivated in Asia.

Rice is thrown on newly married couples as a symbol of fertility, luck and wealth.

In several Asian languages the words for ‘food’ and ‘rice’ are identical.

To grow 500 grams of rice would require, on average, 1,364 litres of water.

65 kilos of rice are milled annually for every person on earth.

The average Asian consumer eats 150 kg of rice annually compared to the average European who eats 5kg.

There are more than 7,000 different rice varieties grown in more than 100 countries all over the world.

A traditional ploughing ceremony, takes place in Bangkok in the spring to open the rice-planting season. Two white oxon draped in gold with red-clad attendants drag the plough, rice seeds are scattered and onlookers scavenge for rice to add to their own crops for good luck.