Finally,, I have done with my paddy planting in the muddy field. It is one heck of a job that no youth would like to try. afterall who wants to get themselves dirtier. But farmers were quite ease with this work. Immersing yourself in knee deep mud and planting the young sapling is a tough task. Walking or working in deep mud requires much more muscle power, which strains the body, also planting the sapling by bending gives too much strain to your waist, still the farmers were easily does that. They have ample work experience in this field. Yesterday, I did planting one of my field, and I did get muddier but were satisfied with the work. Honestly, it was not easy as it appears.
I think, today's youth are more accustomed in living into their comfort zone and does not like to come out to try new sphere. But I am amazed to see two new young girls from the village came to our field and tried to plant few sapling in the muddy field. They were enjoying the work. Our farming is completely dependent on monsoon. We still follow the orthodox method of farming. Firstly the seeds were sown in the field to prepare the sapling. Seeds are grown in small nursery beds, and young green plants are manually replanted into flooded, puddled mud fields once monsoon rains saturate the soil. But the farmer needs to make sure that the field have enough water to make it muddier for plantation.
There are still many fields which are yet to be ploughed. There were some tough works that need to be followed. As you can see the field next to mine has not have enough water to make it muddier. The farmer ploughed up the field to loosen the soil, it is way of preparing the field. Now the farmer will wait for the rain. Once the rain water fill the field, the farmer puddled it again before planting the sapling into it.
There are many little things that the farmer needs to take care. After puddling the field, the farmer will make sure that the side walls were well maintained. They scan each corner of of the field and fill any hole or breakage with the muddy soil. They do this to prevent any leakage of stored water from it. It is a manual job and does require lot of effort. It appears to be easy, but once you get into the field, and start doing it , you will understand the level of physical stamina require to perform such task. Here you will notice the muddy bordering of the field.
I think one should involved them in farming work. The rigorous and physical activity will surely make the individual more naturally fit. The physical strength of the farmer around my village is far better than any gym goer in city. They are agile as well have enough strength to bear the tough task. Anyway, I hope to see better yield this year. Still too early to say, as the rain will decide the outcome in next few days.
In good faith - Peace!!
