Rice plays an important part in global food security and it is also an important staple crop in Asian countries because of high domestic consumption. Rice is the source of calorie for more than half of the human population and the third most important cereal after wheat and maize. Turkey has very suitable ecologic conditions for paddy rice farming. Rice growing is concentrated in Marmara and Black Sea region, and besides that with small areas of rice growing in Eastern Anatolia region. Also, if there is water source for irrigation, rice can grow in almost all zone of Turkey. Although rice cultivation has been increased in recent years, it is not enough for the demand for domestic consumption, and significant amount of rice is being imported from abroad. Upland rice, which is not recognized in our country but consumed quite much especially in Asian countries, can be alternative of domestic consumption of rice. In this review, background of upland rice, its habitat and global upland rice production and economic value will be discussed. © 2017, Centenary University. All rights reserved.