The rice planting season in the highlands of Gia Lai.

The arrival of the first rains of the season marks the beginning of rice planting for the ethnic minority communities in the remote areas of Gia Lai province, marking the start of a new farming season.

Video: The season of going to the fields to plant rice.

People use sticks to poke holes in the ground to plant rice seedlings. Photo: HUU PHUC

According to locals, upland rice has a growing season of about 6 months, with only one crop planted per year. This is a long-standing traditional farming method. Unlike paddy rice, this variety is usually taller, suitable for areas lacking irrigation water and heavily dependent on natural water sources. In May, when the first rains of the season fall, it is also the time to begin planting.

People sow rice in the fields.

In Al Bá commune, Gia Lai province, the fields nestled at the foot of the hills have been cleared of weeds and prepared for planting. From early morning, groups of people carrying seeds and tools have been heading to the fields to sow rice in a bustling atmosphere.

After poking holes, people will pour seeds into the holes and cover them up. Photo: HUU PHUC

There are two common methods of rice planting. The traditional method involves using a pointed stick to poke small holes in the ground, then having a person behind place the seeds in and cover them with soil. This method is entirely manual, labor-intensive, and requires the worker to constantly bend over in the field.

A basket containing rice seeds. Photo: HUU PHUC

In addition, many households have used rice planting tools with wheels fitted with pointed tips. People simply pour the seeds into the container and push the wheel across the ground. As the wheel rolls, the pointed tips create holes, and the seeds fall to the ground, reducing labor and shortening planting time.

Farmers sow rice seeds. Photo: HUU PHUC

In the fields, people plant rice in groups, one after the other, in a rhythmic motion under the sun. After work, they rest under the shade of ancient trees and eat the meal they brought with them.

People sow rice in the fields. Photo: HUU PHUC

The seeds sown at the beginning of the rainy season today carry the hope of a bountiful harvest for the people of the highlands.

Below are images captured by SGGP newspaper reporters showing people in Al Bá commune planting rice:

One person pokes a hole, while the other walks behind and pours the seeds into the hole. Photo: HUU PHUC

The seeds are sown. Photo: HUU PHUC

People use round wooden sticks to poke holes. Photo: HUU PHUC

The end of the round wooden stick will be sharpened to make holes. Photo: HUU PHUC

The holes are neatly aligned. Photo: HUU PHUC

Close-up of the hole for sowing seeds. Photo: HUU PHUC

Planting rice seedlings in holes. Photo: HUU PHUC

The person in front pokes holes in the field, the person behind plants the rice seedlings. Photo: HUU PHUC

People planting rice. Photo: HUU PHUC

To sow rice, a wheel can be used as a tool. Photo: HUU PHUC

Pour the seeds into the wheel well before sowing. Photo: HUU PHUC

As the wheel rolls, the pointed end pierces the ground, creating holes before the seeds fall in. Photo: HUU PHUC

The seeds fell from the wheel well onto the ground. Photo: HUU PHUC

The villagers are working diligently. Photo: HUU PHUC

The seedlings are growing well, promising a bountiful harvest. Photo: HUU PHUC

Using a wheeled rice planting method will make the process faster. Photo: HUU PHUC

Resting at a field hut. Photo: HUU PHUC

Resting in the shade of a tree. Photo: HUU PHUC

Using sticks to poke holes for planting rice seedlings is a long-standing farming method of the ethnic minority people. Photo: HUU PHUC

The fields will soon be covered in the green of rice plants. Photo: HUU PHUC

HỮU PHÚC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mua-len-ray-tria-lua-o-vung-cao-gia-lai-post854747.html