(Photo Credit: @saturday_suburb )
In the early morning mist, the rice fields sway like golden waves amidst the winds of the East Rift Valley. This fertile land, enriched by volcanic soil, nourished by pristine mountain spring water, and bathed in abundant sunlight, provides the perfect conditions for rice cultivation. Archaeological discoveries of silica phytoliths of rice have confirmed that Taitung had its own indica rice culture and as early as 4,000 years ago. This heritage not only embodies the wisdom of the ancestors but also represents an invaluable asset in Taiwan’s agricultural history. In recent years, the Taitung County Government has actively promoted eco-friendly farming, launching the Taitung Rice brand to drive new momentum in the region’s agricultural development.
(Photo Credit: @david_huang_taitung )
Rice farming in the East Rift Valley follows a natural annual two-crop cycle. The first cycle runs from February to June, and the second from July to November. Each step reflects the essence of traditional farming techniques. Farmers start by plowing and flooding the fields, then incorporate green manure into the soil before transplanting seedlings. In the past, rice planting was done entirely by hand, and while modern machinery now assists in the process, key steps such as fertilization and weeding still require meticulous attention from farmers. When the rice stalks bend under the weight of their full grains, it marks the arrival of harvest season. During the fallow period, farmers grow rapeseed flowers and radishes, which not only beautify the fields but also enrich the soil, creating a sustainable farming cycle.
(Photo Credit: @saturday_suburb )
Beyond the breathtaking rice fields, this land nurtures a deep-rooted rural culture. In the village of Kaadaadaan, the Amis people have cultivated rice paddies since settling here in 1870.
Guided by the wisdom of their elders, they balance modern agricultural advancements with the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge. Every autumn, the village celebrates its Harvest Festival, a ceremony of gratitude that also symbolizes the intimate connection between rice farming and community life.
(Photo Credit: Chishang Farmers’ Association)
In this fertile land, traditional farming methods and innovative technologies coexist harmoniously. 88-year-old Chishang rice farmer Hsieh Mei-kuo, renowned for his precision in organic farming, won the Gold Prize at the 2019 International Contest on Rice Taste Evaluation in Japan—the first time Taiwan’s rice received such an honor.
Meanwhile, young agripreneur Wei Jui-ting has leveraged blockchain technology to successfully introduce Chishang Rice to the global market, listing it on Amazon US and even having it presented three times at the Vatican, where the Pope personally tasted the distinct flavors of Taiwanese rice—demonstrating the international competitiveness of Taitung’s rice industry.
(Photo Credit: Zin Yuan Rice )
As the morning sun casts its glow and the scent of rice drifts through the air, this land cultivates more than just delicious grains—it nurtures stories of rural resilience. From the Amis people’s ecological wisdom to Hsieh Mei-Kuo’s unwavering dedication to organic farming, and the younger generation’s embrace of technological innovation to expand the market, all contribute to a wonderful narrative for Taitung Rice. Not just agricultural production, but a cultural legacy, to be savored and cherished.
(Photo Credit: Origin )
