Dam Naa: Rice Planting

This past Saturday, we SAILers once again had the fortunate opportunity to go out to the countryside and learn about rice cultivation and fisheries. A small independent group organized by PADETC, whose vision is to provide active learning opportunities in the areas of rice cultivation and fisheries within the city-limits of Vientiane, Laos. We climbed into a van and drove out to the country side, a 30 minute drive outside the city. Soon we came to some rice fields. In fact, when we arrived at the place, our van got stuck in the mud and everyone present had to assist in helping the driver out of the mud.

As I sat and listened to the organizers and directors of the project talk about their project and their vision of providing Lao people opportunities to farm their land, feed their families, as well as providing opportunities for future income, I was inspired by their passion and hard work. They expressed that they experience joy in being farmers in Laos, and that life as a farmer is good and easy going, “sabay.” I was happy to hear that they greatly enjoyed the quietness of the countryside and that their daily work was something they enjoyed doing and have a sense of pride in. I love that their life was simple and not complicated with the everyday demands of the city. City people come and volunteer to assist in the rice planting and harvesting, a communal activity building new friendships. Many older people come out to the countryside and take up rice planting as a hobby so that they can do something purposeful and get some exercise.

Some SAILers with their enthusiaam and energy dove right in and began planting alongside the farmers. Knee deep in brown gooey muck, we planted one small field with rice. I unfortunately did not venture into the field, but through watching those who participated, I grew a deeper understanding and appreciation of how and where rice comes from. Afterwards we went to the fishery area where we tried to net the fish. We eventually went out and checked the fish hooks in the water near the rice fields. What I loved about the Lao farming was that fish were living in the rice paddies and around the rice paddies they grew herbs, trees, vegetables. Basically, your whole meal is right outside your door. They also raised chicken and cows. So imagine, as a Lao farmer, you grow your rice and vegetables and farm raise chicken, cows, and fish. What we farmed and collected that day we ate. The women prepared a great feast of bamboo shoot soup, eggplant sauce, rice, and grilled fish. It was a great feeling to eat what you just picked right out of the garden or water and how fresh it all was, not to mention how delicious!! There is a sense of great appreciation to know that we ate what our hands, sweat and passion helped provide…nutrition for the heart, soul and of course the stomach!