Rice Matters

From Household Love to Global Trade

Abstract

In Gwalior, India, Vikram Kapoor asked his wife Meenal to make lunch on July 30, 2023, sparking a discussion about rice. Rice, originating in India and China 9,000-10,000 years ago, is now a global staple. India is the world's top rice exporter (40% of global exports). Rice is the second most important cereal crop globally, with 510 million metric tons produced in the last harvest year and 510.3 million metric tons consumed in 2021/2022. India provides subsidized rice through government schemes. Meenal's concern was about the distribution system and costs of subsidized rice in India.