Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice and its subsequent transfer to food chain is a major environmental issue worldwide. Understanding of Cd transport processes and its management aiming to reduce Cd uptake and accumulation in rice may help to improve rice growth and grain quality. Moreover, a thorough understanding of the factors influencing Cd accumulation will be helpful to derive efficient strategies to minimize Cd in rice. In this article, we reviewed Cd transport mechanisms in rice, the factors affecting Cd uptake (including physicochemical characters of soil and ecophysiological features of rice) and discussed efficient measures to immobilize Cd in soil and reduce Cd uptake by rice (including agronomic practices, bioremediation and molecular biology techniques). These findings will contribute to ensuring food safety, and reducing Cd risk on human beings. Display omitted •Radial oxygen loss controls Fe plaque formation on rice roots and affects Cd uptake.•Flooding before and after heading is effective for reducing Cd uptake by rice.•Inoculation with suitable AMF can be applied to reduce Cd accumulation in rice.•Intercropping and rotation systems can decrease Cd uptake by rice. Cd transport mechanisms, factors influencing Cd accumulation, and efficient strategies to reduce Cd uptake by rice are summarized.