New rice harvest season in Bao Thang

(Baonghean) - Drought and rat infestations seemed poised to wipe out the crops of the people in Bao Thang commune (Ky Son district), a mountainous area. However, after the natural disaster passed, the green has returned. A new rice season has arrived in the villages of the Khmu ethnic group here.

Early in the morning, Mr. Lo Van Phet, residing in Cha Ca 1 village in the center of Bao Thang commune, along with his wife and children, went to the fields to harvest the newly planted rice. This rice crop was more arduous than previous ones. The reason was that in May and June, the rice, shortly after being sown, was hit by a prolonged drought.

People in Bao Thang go to the fields to check on their rice crops.

Bao Thang commune has 5 villages, over 400 households, with 99% being Khmu people, and the remaining nearly 1% being a few Thai and Kinh households who come to do business in general stores, work as officials, teachers, etc. Most people in the villages have traditionally only cultivated rice in the fields, hunted, and gathered.

Holding a bundle of freshly cut rice stalks, Mr. Phet recounted the day he first planted the rice in the fields. He didn't know where the rats came from, but they swarmed in and destroyed the crop. For a while, every night the whole village would gather, carrying flashlights and torches made from old tires, to go to the fields. People wielded sticks and bows and arrows to hunt the rats and save the rice, but it was no use. Once again, the villagers brought out the rice seeds and planted them, even though it was more than a month later than the usual planting season.

The entire Bao Thang commune currently has over 300 hectares of upland rice paddies, meaning each household owns nearly one hectare. This area will increase with the number of households and the population. According to Moong Van Loi, Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee: "Here, people only cultivate upland rice on the land that has been planned. The headwater forest area is still maintained to ensure sufficient water supply and prevent flash floods."

Drying upland rice

The rice paddies suddenly turned green with rice and glowed golden in the autumn sun. Soon the rice will be harvested. Those will be busy days.

The rice harvest season is a time of joy, especially for the children in the village. They freely roam through the fields setting traps to catch quail. These forest birds look just like chicks but are clumsy and easily caught. Few children in the highland commune of Bảo Thắng grow up without being connected to the rice harvest seasons.

Huu Vi