Rice has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. Historical evidence suggests that rice may have been produced and consumed up to 10,000 years ago. This, alongside its current global status as the world’s most important human food, makes rice production responsible for feeding more people over a longer period than any other crop.
Into the future, rice will remain an important food staple for billions of people. To help ensure that rice can contribute to the healthy diets of rice consumers worldwide, IRRI has studied the glycemic index of rice and is developing high-nutrient rice. IRRI also responds to concerns about contamination in rice.