Rice

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Its scientific name is Oryza sativa (Asian rice). An annual grass that grows up to 1.2 meters tall, with hollow stems, long flat leaves, and a flowering panicle that produces grains. Feeds over half the world’s population, especially in Asia and Africa. Over 800 million tons produced globally in 2023, with China, India, and Indonesia as top consumers. It has cultural symbolism: often associated with fertility, prosperity, and ritual offerings in many cultures, including Bali, the island where most people earn their living from agriculture.

Lush green rice paddies in Bali with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Lush green rice terraces with palm trees and mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia, with lush green rice plants, palm trees, and mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia, with palm trees and a bright sky during sunrise.
A person standing in rice terraces with lush green plants and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of rice paddies in Bali, Indonesia, with lush green fields and a mountain backdrop. A dog is seen walking along the edge of the paddies under a blue sky.
A scenic landscape of rice terraces in Bali, featuring lush green rice plants and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia, with palm trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia, with lush green rice plants and a backdrop of mountains under a clear blue sky. Palm trees and colorful foliage are in the foreground.
A scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia, with a backdrop of a mountain and palm trees under a clear sky.
A lush landscape of terraced rice paddies in Bali, featuring vibrant green fields, palm trees, and a small structure amid the rows of growing rice plants.
Lush green rice paddies in a terraced field with palm trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
Lush green rice terraces with palm trees and traditional huts in a scenic landscape.
A scenic view of terraced rice fields in Bali, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees under a cloudy sky.
Terraced rice fields with lush green rice plants and water channels, surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Lush green rice terraces with water-filled fields, surrounded by tropical vegetation and a cloudy sky.
Lush green rice seedlings growing in flooded fields, organized in neat rows, indicating a thriving rice cultivation landscape.
Lush green terraced rice fields with palm trees and a small house in the background, showcasing traditional rice cultivation in Bali.
Terraced rice paddies with lush green rows and waterlogged fields, showcasing the cultivation of rice in a scenic landscape.

Traditional Balinese Rice Farming Practices

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Balinese rice farmers have cultivated their lush terraces for generations, creating not only a vital food source but also a breathtaking landscape. The traditional rice farming system in Bali, known as Subak, is a cooperative irrigation system that dates back to the 9th century. This system is deeply rooted in Balinese culture and religion, emphasizing harmony between the farmers, their community, and the environment. Farmers often work in the early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the midday heat. They plant, tend, and harvest rice by hand, a labor-intensive process that requires skill and dedication. The green rice terraces, especially in areas like Tegallalang and Jatiluwih, are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of these farmers.