简介:Riceisthestaplefoodofmorethanhalfoftheworld'spopulation.Theproduction,processingandmanagementofpaddyricehaveprovidedthebasicconditionsforthelivingofmankind.Theproductionofricehasnotonlycreatedemploymentopportunitiesforonebillionagriculturalpopulationindevelopingnations,buthasalsocontributedtothedevelopmentofthesplendidcultureassociatedwithriceproduction.Hence,effectiveandproductivericesystemsplayaninfluentialroleindevelopmentofeconomyandimprovementofqualityoflife.Inviewofthis,on16December,2002,theUNGeneralAssemblydeclaredtheyearof2004theInternationalYearofRice.