The above is a file image of a paddy field being harvested near my house. Earlier, the village people would gather and harvest the grains together, and some would cook meals for the entire group.
People would work until late in the night to cut and pile up. The grains would be separated from the hay by thrashing them on stones near the house. Then, the hay would be piled up, and the grains would be sifted to remove the chaff.
The grains would then be stored in dry sacks and measured. The workers would be given a share and also money if they require it, instead of grains. The rice grains will be dried in the sun and can be converted to raw rice. If the person wants parboiled rice, the grains will be boiled and then dried, and then converted to rice in the mill. Traditional methods are rarely used these days because they involve pounding the rice grains using a long rod.
The above machine removed the need for farm workers and the entire process. The machine cuts the hay and separates the grains and chaff. The hay is rolled up, and the rice is also filled up in sacks. It is easier for the field owner because it saves money and time. The hay is rolled beautifully instead of shabbily, and can be transported easily too.
The field will also be cleaned well because of even cutting of the hay. So, the next round of planting is also easier.
Machines indeed replaced labor, but it is also true that some of the young generation are not interested in such hard labor and never turn up to work on paddy fields or farms, for that matter. The labor force that is now working in our state is those from the northern states in my country. I am not sure if future generations would even care to own land and oversee such harvest festivals, sadly. If only some of them were interested in agriculture instead of traveling to far-off countries, the legacy of farming would be passed on, and the land would continue to produce food that is both healthy and profitable.
image - own
