Rice, alongside wheat and corn, has been a major focus of scientific advancements during the Green Revolution, aimed at boosting global food production. As one of the staple foods for a large portion of the world's population, rice cultivation typically takes place during the months of May and June. Before planting, the soil in designated areas is meticulously prepared through tilling, pesticide application, and fertilization to create an optimal growing environment for the rice seedlings. Once the soil is ready, the seedlings are carefully planted, and the rice fields are then generously irrigated for a period of 40 days. This abundant water supply allows the rice plants to thrive and reach their full potential. Following the irrigation phase, there is a 10-day period during which the excess water is drained from the fields, ensuring proper root development and preventing waterlogging. After approximately two months, the young rice seedlings are transplanted to vast areas that are directly exposed to sunlight. This exposure to sunlight is crucial for the rice plants' growth and maturation. Throughout this stage, the rice undergoes further development and takes on its final form, ready for harvest.
Rice cultivation is widespread in countries characterized by a hot to moderate climate and abundant water resources. These favorable conditions allow for successful rice production in various regions around the world. The cultivation of rice, alongside wheat and corn, plays a significant role in meeting the dietary needs of the global population, contributing to food security and sustenance for millions of people.
Adventure that Overcame Fear
In Yemen, farmer Abdulaziz Awaidan has successfully ventured into rice cultivation for the first time during the autumn season in the Qanawis district of Hodieda province, located in western Yemen. Agriculture is the primary activity for the local population, with the province contributing 26% of the total agricultural crop production in the Yemeni Republic. The main crops cultivated in the region, according to the National Information Center, include fruits, cash crops, vegetables, and grains. The success of rice cultivation in the area can be attributed to the abundance and expansiveness of fertile agricultural lands, stretching from the northern to the southern regions. These lands include areas irrigated by rivers and wells, as well as those relying on seasonal rainfall. Due to these favorable conditions, the province is considered one of the key agricultural production centers in the country.
Abdulaziz Awaidan's courageous endeavor into rice cultivation showcases the potential for diversifying agricultural practices in the region. By embracing new crops like rice, farmers can not only enhance their own livelihoods but also contribute to food security and economic stability in Yemen. This successful venture serves as an inspiration for other farmers to explore innovative agricultural practices and overcome the challenges they face, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in Yemen.
Moreover, Abdulaziz Awaidan, who also serves as the chairman of the Qanaus Agricultural Cooperative Association for Grain Producers, tells "Khuyut" that: "Yemeni farmers cultivate crops that do not meet their basic individual needs or fulfill the country's national production. They often shy away from cultivating profitable cash crops out of fear of failure and losses, especially since they rely on themselves in the absence of state support."
Awaidan continues, "I tried rice cultivation despite the significant challenges, including the long growth period of rice, which takes between four to six months until harvest, and the critical need for abundant water to continuously submerge the fields throughout the growth period. However, it was a successful experiment."
He adds, "Rice cultivation is a crucial step towards enhancing and promoting agriculture in this region. This experience reflects the determination and capability of farmers to achieve success despite the challenges and attain a level of self-food security."
The journey of rice cultivation spanned approximately five months, from the moment the seeds were sown until the joyous harvest. It demanded unwavering dedication and tireless diligence. Despite the initial modest returns and conducting experimental trials on a smaller scale, remarkable strides were made. And now, after a full year of steadfast commitment, the fruits of my labor have manifested in clear and resounding success, yielding a plentiful harvest.
It is worth mentioning that the experience of rice cultivation in the Qanawis area of Al-Hudaydah Governorate was indeed preceded by other agricultural experiments in Hadramout Governorate, as well as in the districts of Al-Maghrabah, Al-Jamimah, Aslam Al-Sharafain, and other provinces in Hajjah Governorate.
In fact, the success of rice cultivation in those areas can be attributed to the abundance of water and the optimal temperature conditions during the rice growing season, which typically lasts for 4 to 6 months. The temperature ranges between 21 and 34 degrees celsius, creating ideal conditions for cultivation.
Thirty years ago, rice used to be cultivated in areas such as Wadhrah, Wadi Al-Mashnah, Wadi Akhraf, and Afalah Al-Sham in Hajjah Governorate. However, farmers made a conscious decision to shift their focus to cultivating Qat instead of rice which was motivated by the quick returns and the ease of cultivation and harvesting that Qat offers, in comparison to cash and food crops, which require more effort and time.
Although the decision to shift away from rice cultivation had its reasons, the recent success in reviving rice cultivation in the Qanawis area demonstrates the potential for a resurgence in rice production in Yemen. The favorable conditions and the determination of farmers in the region are paving the way for a brighter future in the agricultural sector.
Positive results and a bountiful harvest
The Qanawis area has indeed yielded positive results and a plentiful harvest, thanks to its fertile and conducive environment for rice cultivation. The abundance of water and the favorable temperature conditions have aligned perfectly with the crop's requirements, leading to this success. Farmer Awaidan, who faced and conquered various challenges, has been instrumental in confirming the region's suitability for rice cultivation. His remarkable achievements in this experiment serve as proof that the Qanawis area possesses all the necessary elements to produce significant quantities of rice.
Awaidan describes this exciting experiment, saying, "The process of rice cultivation in my farms in Qanawis took approximately five months from seed planting to the harvesting stage. During this time, there was a need for continuous and intensive efforts. Although the benefits were initially limited, and the experiments were conducted on a small scale, I was able to make noticeable progress. With patience and perseverance, I achieved clear positive results and a bountiful harvest by the end of the season after a full year of hard work and dedication."
Additionally, Awaidan reflects on his experiment, acknowledging that it was initially seen as an unpredictable adventure due to the multitude of challenges he faced. The seriousness of the endeavor and the lack of proper testing in the region added to the uncertainty. However, with an unwavering belief in the potential of his project, Awaidan persevered through faith, diligence, and a refusal to give up.
He specifically mentions the importance of choosing the right timing for crop cultivation and the need for careful handling of the plants during their growth. These factors posed significant obstacles along the way, requiring him to adapt and find solutions to ensure the success of his experiment.
Despite these challenges, Awaidan's determination and perseverance allowed him to navigate through the difficulties and ultimately achieve positive results. His experience serves as a testament to the power of dedication and the ability to overcome adversity in pursuit of a goal.
Through his journey, Awaidan not only aimed to achieve personal success but also sought to contribute to the agricultural landscape of Yemen. By introducing a new product to a market that lacks diversity in agricultural offerings, he hoped to make a significant impact on farmers facing challenging living conditions.
In conclusion, Awaidan's experience highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of innovation in the realm of agriculture. His hope is that the relevant authorities recognize the potential benefits of rice cultivation and provide support to farmers who face various hardships. Further, the economic implications of such a move are significant. Upgrading the experiment into a full-fledged project could have a profound impact on the local economy, providing opportunities for job creation and agricultural development. It could also contribute to addressing the issue of food security by reducing reliance on imported rice and promoting domestic production.
Furthermore, one of the crucial advantages of promoting domestic rice production is its contribution to addressing food security. Yemen, like many countries, heavily relies on imported rice to meet its demand. By increasing domestic production through Awaidan's project, the country can reduce its dependence on imports, thereby reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global markets and ensuring a stable supply of this staple food.
