Rice culture: Where did it start, how did it spread around the world?

Rice in the morning, rice in the evening. How old is the history of rice made from rice and rice made from rice? Or how long has it been since Nepalis started satisfying their hunger with this rice? Most of the food of Nepalis is not possible without rice. Not only food but also our religious activities need rice. Is rice given so much importance only in Nepal? How did it originate and spread?