Long Binh commune farmers hunt rats during rice harvest season

(DTO) In the last days of the winter-spring rice crop, the fields of Long Binh commune, Dong Thap province are not only bustling with the sound of harvesters, but also filled with the laughter of farmers hunting field mice. This is not only a way to entertain after stressful days of rice farming, but also an opportunity for brothers to reunite and have a unique dish in the afternoon.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, a rice porter in Long Binh commune, wiped his sweat and said with a smile: "I have been working as a hired rice porter for many years. After each rice crop, after harvesting, we often stay behind to catch rats. After the rice is harvested, the rats have no place to hide and run everywhere. At this time, catching them is easy, it's fun, we have something to "sip on", and we also help people kill rats."

A group of rice porters in Long Binh commune hunt rats together after the harvester passes by. An exciting afternoon of "hunting" in the newly harvested field.

According to farmers, after the harvest, field mice lose their hiding place and food source, they are forced to move to find new shelter. This is the most favorable time to hunt. Fat field mice, fed fresh rice for several months, become attractive "spoils of war".

Unlike setting traps or using rat poison, the way Long Binh people catch rats is characterized by a collective spirit. Mr. Le Minh, also a rice carrier, shared: "We usually go in groups of 5-7 people, sometimes with hunting dogs. Wherever the harvester goes, we follow. When rats run out, we use hoes or catch them with our bare hands. Sometimes, when the field is large, we use nets set up at the end of the field to block them."

Some farmers are digging the soil with their hands to drive rats out of their holes.

"It's normal to catch 10-20 rats a day. On days when the fields are large and there are many rats, there can be up to 30-40. The field rats here are clean and eat only fresh rice. They can be fried, grilled with salt and chili, or made into a delicious hot pot..." - Mr. Minh happily said.

According to many farmers, the sun-dried mouse has a more special flavor than fresh mouse. The meat is firm, has a natural sweetness, and is fragrant when grilled. It is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and much more flavorful. This is a gourmet dish.

This is the result of an afternoon of hard work by the rice-carrying team.

Catching rats after harvest is not only fun, but also has practical significance in pest control. Because field rats are a big concern for farmers, catching rats together after each harvest not only saves on rat poison costs but is also safe for the environment.

The group of rice porters and the family of the rice farmer gathered around the specialty dish "field mouse".

VIET LONG

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/nong-dan-xa-long-binh-san-chuot-trong-mua-thu-hoach-lua-a233531.html