Traditionally, every variety of rice has had an agricultural and food significance. Some varieties are suited to certain soils, others require lower night temperatures or can withstand drought and/or flood, while some others are salinity tolerant. Many grew tall providing enough hay for fodder and roofing, whereas some had awn protecting the grain from birds (especially in the aromatic varieties where the birds are attracted by the aroma that begins right in the field), some were short season, suitable for the summer rains, whereas others matured slowly taking all of 180 days. The particularities are endless.
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