Rice - as we see it
Cultural value in our handRice is one of the oldest crops in the world, its native Southeast Asia, with a history of 5000 years. Its first appearance in Hungary dates back to the 15th century, probably by the Turks in Hungary. According to researches, in the 18th century, Italians began to grow rice, and in the 1950s, Hungary was the largest producer of rice produced over 50,000 hectares of today's land. This has decreased to only 3,222 hectares in recent years, although climatic conditions are becoming more and more suitable for this purpose.
„Hungary is the country of clean waters.”
Sun and water
Hungary is situated in the north borderline of rice growing: the protection provided by the Carpathian mountains provides the proper climate. Plenty of sunshine and a water-tight soil layer are needed that are available in the Great Plains, in Szarvas and its environs.
Rivers watering the rice
The rivers Körös and Tisza, as well as their tributaries yield a permanent and abundant supply of water for the rice fields, and the Great Plain, sunny and flat, caters perfectly for the needs of this plant.
The importance of water
Unlike other plants, rice produces excellent yields on saline soils. This feature is especially useful, as rice can be grown in such areas as well where other plants would not survive. The water-tight layer in these soils prevents water from draining away from these areas.
New fauna in the rice fields
The swampy nature of the rice fields also significantly affects the biodiversity of the Great Plain: it attracts water birds to these areas and offers new possibilities for such specially protected species as the little egret and the heron.
“Growing, going in drought or monsoon, mold or blight - what is the rice if not alive?”
(Suji Kwock Kim: Rice-Field Road at Dusk)
