It must be emphasized that this is not a detailed technical account of rice from any one particular aspect, but a general survey of the rice industry throughout the world, with the exception of the USSR. Much of the information on production methods, marketing practices and local problems in different countries results from personal observations made by the author during his tour of the important rice growing areas in 1948 and 1949, while serving as International Rice Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture. The illustrations alone give an immediate impression of the wide range of conditions under which rice is produced; the methods are more varied than those used for any other major crop. It is in fact the first time that a complete survey of rice production has been attempted in a single volume.
Part I is introductory and includes the following: a botanical description with some indication of the different types preferred in particular regions, and of the numerous byproducts; a discussion of factors which have led to dependence on rice in so many countries; a comprehensive account of the trends in world production, culminating in the present position; a survey of world problems, with special reference to the necessity for international cooperation; and an outline of the current aims of the International Rice Commission sponsored by FAO.
The major part of the book comprises parts II, III and IV, dealing with production methods in Asia, Africa and Europe, and Latin America respectively. Each part is divided into sections concerning countries which are either self sufficient or have a surplus or a deficit. In addition to a detailed outline of the agronomic and economic problems in each country, well-supported by statistical data, methods by which many of these problems may be solved are suggested and future developments forecast. Part V is concerned with the rice industry in the USA, where the author has carried out research on economic problems for 15 years.
Since the author is already well-known as a world authority on rice, it will hardly be necessary to recommend his book to rice breeders. The style and method of presenting the wide range of information clearly outweigh the occasional irritation caused by printing errors.