In Reply to: ducks posted by MAYBB on Thursday, 8. March 2007 at 12:48 Bali Time:
- but followed the distinctive tassel on the end of the master's bamboo pole.
In the good old days they were an essential part of the rice cycle. As well as devouring pests they left behind the essential fertiliser (with the water buffalow used for ploughing and the ash from burnt stubble) that kept the volcanic soil viable for centuries and the whole process the most efficient wet rice production in the world.
Now, with the loss of rice lands for hotels, roads etc, Bali is no longer an exporter of rice to the rest of Indonesia but can not grow enough rice to feed the local population.
Such is progress.
The Subak Museum in Tabanan is a fascination place, well worth a visit.