As Rains Arrive, Uttarakhand's Hills Come Alive With Folk Songs During Paddy Planting Season With the arrival of July rains, Kumaon's hill villages have begun paddy transplantation, with women singing folk songs as they bend for hours to plant seedlings in water-filled terraced fields. Once good rainfall arrives in the hills in early July, paddy transplantation picks up pace across Kumaon's villages. Farmers first plough their fields and complete puddling, the process of preparing the mud, before uprooting seedlings raised in nurseries and planting them in the main fields. The water-filled terraced fields make for a striking sight from a distance, and the combination of greenery, clouds and mountains during transplantation draws tourists and photographers alike. This period is considered the most crucial in the farming calendar, since timely planting raises the chances of a good paddy harvest. Women carry the load in the fields In most villages of Kumaon, the primary responsibility for paddy transplantation falls on women. From morning to evening, they bend continuously in water-filled fields, planting one seedling at a time by hand. Completing a single field can sometimes take an entire day. Standing in mud for long hours and bending repeatedly puts heavy strain on the back, knees and legs, yet women carry out this work with full enthusiasm. This is why the practice is still regarded as the backbone of rural life in the hills, with women's contribution to a family's food security remaining vital. The 'Parma' tradition of collective labour Many hill villages still follow the tradition of 'Parma', or collective labour. Under this system, women and families from the village take turns working in each other's fields. On one day, everyone gathers to work on a particular farmer's land, and the next day they move to another farmer's field. This spreads the workload and allows more fields to be transplanted in less time. The tradition is not limited to farming alone; it is also seen as a strong example of social unity and mutual cooperation within the villages. Fields that echo with folk songs Paddy transplantation in the hills is not merely agricultural work, it is also part of the region's folk culture. In several villages, women sing traditional Kumaoni folk songs and jhode while planting. These songs ease the fatigue of the work and keep the atmosphere lively. Local woman Narayani Devi says that earlier, almost every village used to resound with these songs during the planting season. However, with changing times, the tradition has now become limited to a few places, though many villages still keep this cultural heritage alive. Hands remain more practical than machines The use of machines for paddy transplantation has increased significantly in the plains, but machines cannot easily reach most of Kumaon's terraced fields. The fields here are broken into small plots with narrow paths running between them. This is why hand transplantation is still considered the most practical method, and why this traditional farming practice continues to survive in the hills. The development of lighter, smaller agricultural machines suited to mountain terrain could offer farmers relief in the future. Challenges from seeds to migration Paddy farming in the hills is not considered easy. Farmers face a range of challenges, including seeds, fertiliser, irrigation, labour costs and protecting crops from wild animals. The migration of young people has also reduced the number of hands available to work in the fields. Despite this, many families continue to preserve their traditional farming practices with limited resources. Farmers say that better markets, fair prices and government support could go a long way in strengthening paddy cultivation. A scenic backdrop with tourism potential During the planting season, Kumaon's villages present a remarkable display of natural beauty. Water-filled terraced fields, greenery spread all around and cloud-covered mountains resemble a painting. This is why many nature lovers and photographers head to these villages during this season. If agri-tourism is promoted at the local level, visitors could witness the traditional transplantation process up close, which could also open up an additional source of income for villagers. A tradition tied to cultural identity Traditional paddy transplantation is not just farming, it is also part of Uttarakhand's cultural identity. Changing lifestyles, migration and declining interest in farming are gradually affecting this tradition. It has become important to connect the younger generation with traditional agriculture and local food systems. A balanced use of modern technology, government schemes and local knowledge could make farming more profitable. This would not only strengthen the rural economy but also help preserve Kumaon's centuries-old farming culture for future generations. What this means for you This story matters for anyone tracking hill farming and rural livelihoods in Uttarakhand. • Across India: Timely paddy transplantation in the hills directly affects paddy output and local food supply in the coming months. • In Uttarakhand: For Kumaon's farming families, especially women, this season is tied directly to their livelihood, and to potential extra income if agri-tourism around planting season grows. Questions & Answers 1. When is considered the best time for paddy transplantation in the hills? Paddy transplantation picks up pace in early July once good rainfall arrives in the hills, and this period is considered the most important time for farming. 2. Who is mainly responsible for paddy transplantation in Kumaon? In most villages, women carry the main responsibility for paddy transplantation, bending continuously in water-filled fields from morning to evening. 3. What is the 'Parma' tradition? 'Parma' is a tradition of collective labour in the hills, where women and families from a village take turns working in each other's fields. 4. Why aren't machines used for transplantation in Kumaon's fields? The fields are broken into small plots with narrow paths between them, so machines cannot easily reach these terraced fields, making hand transplantation the practical method. 5. What challenges do farmers face in paddy cultivation? Farmers deal with challenges around seeds, fertiliser, irrigation, labour costs, protecting crops from wild animals, and a shrinking farm workforce due to migration of youth. 6. Who is Narayani Devi and what did she say? Narayani Devi is a local woman who said that earlier almost every village used to resound with folk songs during transplantation, though the tradition is now limited to fewer places. https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-ke-paharon-men-jhuma-uthe-lokagita-mahilaon-ne-shuru-ki-dhana-ki-ropai-4342 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.