In the serene and picturesque village of Dogak, nestled in the heart of Dagana, the sweet fragrance of fresh earth permeates the air. It is that time of the year when terraces are meticulously prepared for the grand spectacle of paddy plantation. Farmers are diligently engaged in turning the soil, marking it, and tenderly planting saplings.
Ropai, the annual paddy cultivation, is an event eagerly awaited by over a thousand farming communities in Dagana. From nurturing seedlings in nurseries to transplanting and reaping the harvest, the farmers find themselves completely engrossed in this ancient tradition.
Among the few remaining elderly inhabitants of Dogak is Khem Lal Poudel, a venerable 77-year-old farmer. Poudel has dedicated his entire life to the art of paddy cultivation. Just last week, he completed the paddy plantation on his four-acre field, a task he has undertaken since he was merely 7 years old. As he reflects on those bygone days, Poudel’s eyes fill with nostalgia, recalling the joyous moments of his youth spent in the paddy fields.
“Guided by my father, I learned the ancient art of rice farming, carrying forward the techniques passed down through generations,” Poudel fondly recollects. “In those days, we relied solely on our strength and simple tools. Yet, witnessing the seeds transform into golden fields of rice was a divine experience.”
Poudel explains that the Ropai tradition commences with a nimble male worker offering a few seedlings and beginning the plantation by tossing the sapling bunch onto the terraces to save time on transportation. Over the years, Poudel has witnessed a significant transformation in the way paddy is cultivated. Technological advancements and machinery have undoubtedly made the work less arduous. Tasks that used to take an entire day can now be accomplished within a few hours, thanks to power tillers and transplanters in some areas.
“However,” Poudel remarks with a smile, “the same sense of joy is not quite there anymore.” Though he cherishes the traditional methods, the advent of modern machinery became inevitable. Now, in the advanced stages of his life and faced with a shortage of farmhands, Poudel had to reluctantly embrace the aid of the power tiller.
“While technology has its benefits, there is something inherently special about adhering to the traditional way of doing things,” Poudel reflects, his eyes shining with wisdom. “It connects us deeply to our roots and the land, almost on a spiritual level.”
During his prime, Poudel required a workforce of no less than 150 helpers to complete the entire farming cycle, from growing seedlings to transplantation and the bountiful harvest. However, due to various challenges such as landslides, road construction, encroachment by wild predators, and the scarcity of farmhands, the land’s productivity has significantly dwindled. Last year, Poudel’s family harvested only 2.1 tonnes of rice compared to the land’s former capacity of yielding around 5 tonnes annually.
Nevertheless, it is not the decrease in paddy production that troubles Poudel the most. His greatest concern lies in the vanishing traditional way of life within the village.
“Respecting and nurturing the land as if it were your own child will result in abundant blessings,” Poudel asserts with profound wisdom. His words encapsulate both experiential knowledge and the scientific principles we understand today.
It comes as no surprise that Poudel is universally revered in the village.
“Though my family may not cultivate paddy on a large scale anymore, I will continue to till the land. It is not merely a means of livelihood; it is a way of life, a sacred bond with nature,” Poudel proclaims with unwavering determination.
As the villagers gather for another season of paddy cultivation, they honor their heritage and embrace the future, holding steadfastly onto the love and tradition that have defined their lives for generations.
