Astrologers
decide when rice is to be planted. The cycle begins with the replanting of the
bright green shoots selected from the previous harvest. In the five months between
planting and reaping the paddies receive constant attention
Worked by countless generations over
hundreds of years he rice terraces resemble broad stairs whose steps
follow the terrain
As there are no distinct seasons it
is possible to see the complete cycle of rice production in neighbouring
paddies
Farmers with adjacent land form agricultural
co-operatives, Subaks, to ensure the efficient use of resources. As
there is insufficient rain to water the paddies agricultural
co-operatives divide the water fairly amongst their members. A
Canal system made of bamboo pipes, feeds all
Traditionally the men plant the rice
but the whole village turns out to bring in the harvest
At days end the village
head man divides the
harvest amongst the members of the subak