THE RICE FARMER

 THE RICE FARMER 

Harry Bissoon 


The power and influence of the rice grain is all encompassing, touching all in its path. The smell of rice fields fills you with hope and joy, particularly to the shrewd and sagacious rice farmer.The water, the mud, the tender straws, and the the touch of the rice paddy sends waves of satisfaction, buffering the body and soul of the farmer, stimulating him to productive action.The rice fields are the hope and dreams of the indefatigable farmer.


He came a far way from the days when Bullocks were the heroes of the day! I remember my father's champion oxen, Black Jack. He was the leader of the pack. He hauled boats in and out of the backdam, and dragged iron ploughs, turning the soil, in readiness for sowing, done after the fields were flooded.  He pulled paddy bundles out of the fields, on wooden sleds, taking them to the mound where his brother, Reds, the lead oxen, along with another bull, were ready  to mash the straws, separating the grain from the chaff. As a kid I sat in a bucket seat on top of the pole around which they walked tirelessly, working to produce the golden grains. Our women folks, sometimes singing hindi songs of praise, sifted the loosened grains to rid them of whatever chaff was left after the bulls had finished their job.The grains were bagged and loaded unto boats which were pulled out of the backdam, in canals that led to the rice mill.


Since then the Rice Farmer has come a far way with the advent of tractors and harvesting machines. He still is the epitome of productivity, resilience and progressive aspirations, regardless of the weather which is sometimes not in his favor. He is what we all strive to achieve - success! He brings together a system of techniques, skills, traditionally acquired expertise, coupled with modern technology, to master the art of producing the golden grain that feeds the world.


On his tractor, muddy in the fields, braving the natural elements of sun and rain, he strives to be a champion producer. He is up before the sun, armed to face the trials and tribulations of the day, challenging the sun to stay up with him, and not setting prematurely to steal valuable farming time.


We have to ensure that he gets the necessary  help so that he could continue to feed us, and to make his industry viable. Access roads to his fields should be passable for his machines - tractors, combines, and tractor drawn trailors - so that his tasks are made easier. Fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides should be readily available at sustainable costs. Paddy varieties should always be upgraded to ensure that the best types, which are resistant to the forces of nature, are available to him. Effective drainage and irrigation must be provided at all times for this heavily water dependent grain. Good husbandry and farming practices have to supplement the traditional ways of the rice farmer to maximize his productivity. 


And finally, field to market must be in the farmer's favor, to reward him with the bounties of his labor, allowing him to be an engine of growth and prosperity for all. This is heavily dependent on the relevant authorities who have to  ensure that the rice farmer is paid the right paddy prices by the millers and that payment must be made in a timely manner,

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