Rice in Iran; from playing a role in the national economy to regional and global status

According to Iran Student News Agency (ISNA), "Rice" is one of the oldest grains in the world, the cultivation of which dates back to more than 5 thousand years ago in China. Over time, this product spread to other Asian countries such as India and Japan and became a staple food in these regions. Due to its vital role in food supply and cultural and religious importance, this product found its way to other parts of the world and was cultivated and consumed in various ways in different countries. Rice, the main part of the table of Iranians in Iran, historical evidence shows that rice has been cultivated in the northern regions of the country since the Sassanid era. The presence of suitable weather conditions and rich water resources in northern provinces such as Gilan and Mazandaran made rice cultivation popular in these areas. With the expansion of rice production in the following periods, this product became one of the main food items in the diet of Iranians. During the Safavid ...