I wanted to give a bit more context around this stunning paddy field at Hope Gardens
This is a portion of the 3.5 acres of rice paddy that we purchased early last year. The first harvest is dry and ready for processing.
We are going to be able to put it in bags tomorrow to send to the processor that separates the “husk” around the rice cornel from the rice itself. Akwardly the husk is called paddy. It should produce 150 bags of rice which will provide for their needs at the gardens for 4 months.
The rice hay is used to feed the cattle. They normally have to pay Rs. 50,000 for that – so they are making good use of all of it.
Additionally, through out the first harvest the folks here were excited to let us know that they employed 60 women locally to plant, weed and do manual to help grow and harvest this crop. These locals were overjoyed at the opportunity to work and make some money. It brings people to the gardens and they get introduced to the ministry at the same time.
The bright green in the picture is what they call a nursery. This is the seedlings for the next crop. We are going to get in the mud and help plant rice on Thursday.
More news to follow….
Blessings, Bob
Hope Gardens India 