Choices! What will it be? #25
Rice is a type of crop obtained from a paddy which belongs to the grass family. It grows well in warm and wet climates and it needs a lot of mud and water in the early stage of growth.
Rice is not only the staple food of Sri Lanka, but it is one of the main crops. It is not only important as food for Sri Lankans, but it goes far beyond that. It is deeply attached to the nation's culture, history, and identity. In this article, I will explain to you why rice is more important to the Sri Lankans.
Sri Lankan rice has a history dating back over 2,000 years. The ancient kings who ruled Sri Lanka understood the value of rice and had given their full support to cultivate paddy. The Sri Lankan king’s commitment to paddy cultivation is shown by vast irrigation systems such as Parakrama Samudraya and Sigiriya Water Garden.
Rice was not only a source of sustenance, but it was also a symbol of power and wealth. Ancient Kings export rice widely. The 'paddy tax,' a tax levied on rice production, was the main source of revenue for ancient kingdoms. Rice plays an important role in shaping the nation's history and cultural identity.
Sri Lanka produces a wide variety of rice, including Nadu, Basmati, and Red Raw Rice. Each rice has a distinct flavor, texture, and aroma. For example, Samab has a pleasant aroma and is a long slender grain that is used for special occasions and festival dishes. Red raw rice, on the other hand, is high in nutrients.
Rice is a staple food in Sri Lankan meals, and it is served with a variety of curry, salads, and sambal. The rice plate is surrounded by a variety of curries such as vegetables, salad, meat, or seafood.
Sri Lankans make delicious foods such as hoppers, string hoppers, Pittu, and pancakes using rice flour. These foods are usually consumed for breakfast or dinner. These foods are very popular among Sri Lankan five-star hotels because tourists like them very much.
Milk rice is the ceremonial dish of Sri Lanka made with coconut milk and rice. It gets a prominent place in the Sri Lankan New Year table. It is a ritual of feeding milk rice by the head of the family to their members on this Sinhala and Tamil New Year's Day. It symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. That is mostly prepared for auspicious occasions and cultural celebrations.
Various cultural celebrations and rituals go around rice and it emphasizes the importance in people's lives. During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, as well as other ceremonial occasions, people make traditional sweets such as "Kokis," "Kaum," and "Aluva", using rice flour.
During paddy cultivation rituals, Sri Lankan farmers offer the first sheaf of rice to the deity, requesting blessings for a bountiful harvest and for protecting the harvest.
Rice takes a special place in Sri Lankan weddings. The bride and groom stand on the rice at Poruwa rituals to symbolize their union and the importance of nutrition.
Rice has a high economic value in Sri Lanka and it has become a major economic driver. It plays a vital role in the livelihoods of millions of Sri Lankans, particularly those living in rural areas.
The majority of rice production in Sri Lanka is cultivated by rural farmers. The rice industry contributes significantly to the national economy and creates employment opportunities for a big part of the population. Furthermore, exporting high-quality rice such as "Basmati" and "Samba" brings foreign revenue to the country.
When it comes to paddy cultivation, Sri Lanka faces numerous challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases. Weather pattern changes will result in irregular rainfall, which harms rice cultivation and affects food security. To overcome these challenges sustainable farming practices such as the use of efficient irrigation systems, organic farming methods, and the cultivation of drought-resistant rice varieties are essential.
Now, you can understand that rice is not only a food for Sri Lankans; it is reflection of the nation’s history, culture and identity. It is source of nourishment, as well symbol of prosperity. When Sri Lankan gather around the table to share a meal, they celebrate not only their culinary traditions but also, they celebrate importance of rice in their lives.
I would like to invite @sduttaskitchen, @tocho2, @muzack1, and @goodybest to take part in this contest. Contest link.
10% to @steemladies
We love rice too over here, it usually contain as one of our meals for the day. I don't get tired of eating it, either as jellof, fried, with different sauces, pepper soup, soup, ha the list can go on and on. Climate change is affecting rice cultivation in Nigeria too. Could you believe that a bag of (50kg) rice is 48k which is approximately 291 STEEMS. Thanks for inviting me, and success!
A bag of rice (50kg) costs about STEEM 187 in Sri Lanka. Thank you for reading my post and leaving such positive feedback.
Aww quite better than ours, and you're welcome!
🧡🧡
Greetings friend,
Rice is one of the ingredients in our daily life that helps us to meet our various needs. Rice can also be used to make various items. Friend, you have presented the virtues of rice in a wonderful way.
Also thank you very much for giving 10% beneficiary to Steem for ladies community.
Another thing I would like to point out is that you did not mention the source of the 4th photo in your post. If it is a free image, please source the photo. Or if it's your own image, mention that too.Thank you.
Vote @pennsif.witness for growth across the Steemit platform through robust communication at all levels and targeted high yield developments with the resources available. Vote here
Is it necessary to mention that the fourth photo is mine, because I have mentioned the sources of all other photos?
Thank you for taking the time to read through my post
Congratulations!
Your post is nominated by Steem For Ladies for booming vote.
The community where the Steemian ladies can be free to express themselves, be creative, learn from each other, and give support to their fellow lady Steemians.
"Only posts that are original, adhere to the rules, and are not cross-posted are nominated. If approved, you will receive an upvote within the next few days."
Good luck!
@shiftitamanna
Thank you so much for the support.
What an interesting story about rice in your friendly country, I didn't know the importance it had both symbolically and socioeconomically in your nation.
I really liked reading this information in your post.
See you @senehasa friend
Yes, rice is heart of our nation. Thank you for reading my post leaving such kind feedback.
Thank you for entering this week's contest with the topic, rice!
I just love all the information your shared about your country and rice.
How I wish we had so many traditions in our country.
Good luck with the contest!
You persuade me to write under certain subject every week. On the other hand your titles giving me the chance to find a topic to write. I appreciate your assistance.
Awh that is nice to know! Thank you!🎕
Your entries are always lovely to read.
Keep on posting!
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Pleasure! 🎕
Rice is our common and most popular food in Nigeria but it sad how it hiked in price over the time
Is it cultivated in your country or exported? If it is exported, everything has risen due to the global crisis, so rising rice prices are normal.
What a deep history! I was visualising the journey of rice in Sri Lanka from your post, I have never seen rice in this light, as history. Thank you for sharing this beautiful history with us.
Thank you for taking time to read my post and your lovely comment.
You have shared wonderful information about the rice with regard to your country. In my country rice are also sown and eaten at great rate with the different delicious dishes.
Thank for reading my post and your kind feedback.
You are welcome ☺️