Lo Mao-hsiang, a 91-year-old farmer in Taitung, continues to honor the rice planting tradition. Despite daytime temperatures rising above 36°C, he tirelessly trims weeds along his rice paddies. His dedication shows a strong commitment to this agricultural heritage. He began working on his family’s rice fields at age 16. After serving in the army, his father gifted him a one-hectare plot in Chihshang Township, an area famous for high-quality rice. However, the land was irregular, consisting of terraces and oddly shaped patches. This layout made it difficult to use modern farming machines.
Therefore, he chose to maintain the rice planting tradition by hand. He raised two water buffalo to help plow his fields. According to him, water buffalo move slowly but have the strength needed for muddy conditions. In contrast, oxen move faster but lack power for this type of work. Lo once hired several elderly villagers who remembered the traditional planting methods. This seasonal work helped support the aging population, many of whom struggled with modern machinery. Meanwhile, his children grew up and moved on to become engineers and teachers. He never pressured them to continue farming.
About ten years ago, Lo considered retiring and even sold his buffalo after his first rice planting that year. However, he soon found himself returning to the fields daily. His children now assist by preparing the paddies using small-scale machines. Yet, some parts of the land still require manual planting and harvesting. He emphasizes that farming must evolve with the times. Only one elderly woman in the village still knows the full rice planting tradition, and much of the hard work is now done by younger generations. However, Lo remains the caretaker of his paddies.
Importantly, he refuses to stop growing his favorite rice variety, Kaohsiung No. 139, also known as “Ugly Beauty.” Though this rice looks imperfect, it offers a soft and chewy taste he loves. Despite poor competition results and limited market demand, Lo sticks to planting it. He sums up his philosophy simply: “What matters most is that everyone eats well.” Through his dedication, Lo Mao-hsiang keeps the rice planting tradition alive in Taitung.
