Rice is the basis of food for almost one third of the world's population. Rice plantations are said to be found all over the world. I had the opportunity to visit one in Japan. The rice is already planted and harvested there using machines . However, because I was curious how it looked in the past, I was able to experience these basic methods as well.
But from the beginning.
In the picture, a water-filled field ready for rice planting. Yes. These pots with grass are just rice plants prepared for planting. Rice fields are flooded with water from a mountain stream. Interestingly, There is a water law. And the one who lives above has priority to flood his field. It can do this even at the expense of cutting off water to other residents.
And here is the rice field during the flooding. Great mud, unfortunately.
As for planting, we enter this mud barefoot. When I protested, I heard that I can not take out these shoes later. The local residents had special socks for this purpose. We take a tuft of rice and tear off one spot and then stick it in the mud.
We plant the rice evenly in the rows.
This occupation is very tiring. In full sun. Practically all the time in an inclined position. It was fun at one field, but sowing everyone is no mean feat. Probably that's why there are special machines for this now. Just load the pots with rice and they plant almost by themselfs.
And ready.
As for the harvest, I do not know why I assumed that I would also do it barefoot. I came in summer shoes, and I had to take wellies or trappers. There was no sign of water on the fields. But rice scratched mercilessly.
Hand-picking required the use of a regular scythe.
Then we tie the rice into small sheaves.
And so much is still ahead of us.
But again, we have the 21st century, so there are machines for this.
Finally, a special machine for polishing grains.
And now it remains only enjoy. It is known that such a personally harvested one tastes better :)