Rice (Oriza sativa L.) is the most economically important food crop in many developing countries and has also become a major crop in many developed countries where its consumption has increased considerably (Ajala & Gana, 2015). It is a staple food crop for over half of the world’s population and the most important among all cereal crops (Mabrouk & Haoying, 2023). Rice is one of the major cereals widely grown for food in Nigeria as it is grown in paddies or on upland fields, depending on the requirements of the particular variety. Also, it is an important crop that plays a significant role in sustaining national food security as well as the creation of employment and income in Nigeria. The crop is grown by farmers in a wide range of production ecologies all over the country.