Analysis of status and constraints of rice production in the world.

Objective An approach to increase rice yield and production was discussed through analysis of the status of rice production and the main constraints limiting rice production in the world. Method Changes of rice planting area and yield and its contribution to production, and the main factors limiting rice production were analyzed. Result In the period from 1961 to 2006, rice planting area increased by 32% mainly due to the increase of the double cropping system, yield increased by 1.21 times mainly due to the application of semi-dwarf variety and hybrid, and its accompanying cultivation technology, improvement of irrigation system and chemical fertilizer application that resulted in the increase of rice production by 1.92 times. Planting area increase contributed to 27% and yield increase to 73% of the increase of rice production. Since 1960s of the 20th century, the annual growth rate of rice planting area decreased significantly. The annual growth rate of yield is becoming small. It is 2.58%, 0.98% and 1.16% respectively in 1980s, 1990s and after 2000. The decrease of annual growth rate of rice area and yield resulted in the decrease of annual growth rate of rice production. The annual growth rate of rice production is 2.73%, 1.48% and 0.88%, respectively, in 1980s, 1990s and after 2000. The factors limiting rice production mainly are low contribution of rice production technology to yield increase, more frequency of pest damage and natural disaster, yield declining in multiple-cropping system and low production profit. Conclusion To increase the global rice yield, there is a geat need for breeding of high-yielding variety and hybrid, practice of new Africa rice varieties in Africa, development of integrated rice management technology to reduce the yield gap and mechanized rice production technology, and enhancement of policy support for rice production.