Three categories of traditional upland rice are identified by the farmers of Kihan - Mlal Fali (early maturing, 3 to 3 1/2 mo), Laweh Fali (late maturing, 4-6 mos.) and Mlikat Fali (glutinous rice) which are usually late maturing. Larangan, a Mlal Fali is the most common variety cultivated 2-3 times a year. Upland rice is produced solely for consumption and for use during rituals and festivities.
About 110 cultivars of traditional rice were documented in Kihan, where only 45 varieties have been collected so far. It is believed that there could be more than 110 cultivars if other farming villages are included future surveys. The cultivars vary greatly in terms of color, seed shape, and other morphological traits so the traditional system of naming the cultivars may be precise. The uncollected cultivars are either lost or kept by few elders of the community.
2 comments:
This is hard life up in the mountains.
Yes, it is hard!But to the Blaan tribe, the mountains in their sanctuary and source of livelihood.
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