BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
The scenic paddy fields of Kampung Mang, Samarahan are sure to captivate the hearts of many.
The fields are now golden yellow, indicating that the paddy is ready to be harvested.
Despite the existence of paddy harvesting technology, the villagers here still use traditional methods.
According to them, the method was inherited from their ancestors, and preserved to this day.
One of the farmers, Suut Tahir, said paddy cultivation using traditional methods is one of the ways to preserve the heritage and culture of this community.
“Although many young people do not know the method, there are also some who show interest in the traditional rice harvesting process.”
Suut added that most young people wanted to learn how to harvest the paddy because they were curious about the process.
“Even though it’s the modern times, this culture is very much alive because we still use this method for the sake of future generations.”
The equipment used. 
The villagers of Kampung Mang still practice the old way of “picking” paddy with their feet, that is, loosening the paddy.
Commenting on the challenges faced when harvesting paddy, Suut explained that the weather is a big factor.
“Paddy can be affected if there is heavy rain or lack of rain. Other than that, pests are also one of the major problems.”
Devoted to the land
Meanwhile, Sarbanun Kateh said being a farmer was challenging because they are under the hot sun most of the time, and covered in mud.
“Besides that, the income of farmers is not very good but it is not a problem for us.”
Sarbanun added that he wanted to dedicate himself to the land because he believed that the effort put in would bear fruit.
He explained that the villagers wanted to convert the abandoned land into paddy fields because the owners had migrated to Kuching.
“The landowner rented the land to us at a low price of RM50 a year for two to three acres of land.”
Sarbanun said planting paddy would help reduce dependence on imported rice.
Decent state assets
Fellow farmer Zamri Ahmad, who is 56 years old, said many did not know that agriculture was traditionally a national asset.
He added that one was able to earn a lucrative income from traditional agriculture.
“Traditional methods can also increase the spirit of cooperation because it is done together.”
Zamri stressed that this indirectly strengthened the friendship among the villagers.
“When the paddy is successfully harvested, we consume the rice ourselves as well as selling it at a reasonable price.”
