About rice...

Although the Balinese grow various crops, rice is by far the most important. About rice, the pattern of rice cultivation has changed the natural landscape, yet at the same time made it incredibly beautiful. Terraced rice fields trip down hillsides like steps for a giant, in shades of gold, brown and green as delicately selected as on artist's palette.

Rice cultivation has also shaped the social landscape, the intricate organisation necessary for growing rice is a large factor in the strength of Bali's community life. The rice grower's association, known as a "subak", organises community work on water management and irrigation systems, and plans and allocates the use of the water.

Rice terraces trip down a hillside.

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