I'm 13, from Sri Lanka, and I grew an ancient perennial rice in my garden

Hello! My name is Subashitha, and I'm from Sri Lanka. I'm thirteen years old, and I am interested in how agriculture is different in other parts of the world, and how it changes throughout history.

I made a video about how I grew an ancient type of perennial rice in my garden. Take a look here:  

This type of rice is called Swayanjatha, and it is very special because it is indigenous to ancient Sri Lanka. For a long time it had been lost, but now a few people like me are growing it again. It is powerful because it is perrenial, meaning it gives rice for many seasons.

I got the seed as a gift from my history teacher. I decided to grow this rice to show people that we can grow and eat local rice instead of importing rice, just like we did in ancient times.

Thank you!

Well done! That is certainly a wonderful project you have going there. I enjoy learning about and have a deep respect for what ancient people where I live ate as well. Here in the northwest US, they mostly hunted, fished, and foraged wild foods and while I am not a hunter, I forage a lot, which is one of my favorite activities. It feeds the belly and the soul. Thanks for sharing your video.

Very nice!
If you ever decide you want to sell seeds I will be the first to buy!
Welcome to Permies!

Wonderful video!
Now I'm curious, I'd love to see some of the threshed rice. Is it red?

Thank you! I'm really happy that you liked the video. It's a great idea to harvest the rice. I've made a new video for you:

Well I remember like I heard the term "Swayanjatha" before and maybe something about how people relate it to the history of buddhism(?); but I never knew what it really is.

Do you eat this for regular meals? Does it taste like normal rice too?

WOW! Well done! This is fantastic. I am very excited that you are growing this rice. Though i do not know much about rice myself i think it is important for you to keep growing it and also to keep learning. Do you have any plans to plant other types of rice and/or start your own rice breeding projects?

The first major crop i planted on my own was an old Thanksgiving decoration and an old type of what is commonly called "Indian Corn" here. When i planted this odd Maize i was surprised to get a 100% purple Maize plant! It was so spectacular it cultivated my passion for planting and growing and breeding. I still like to plant Purple Maize plants every few years. I also have been tinkering with planting and breeding with Wild Maize also known as Teosinte. Teosinte is not a plant that normally grows in my climate, but i am working hard at changing that. Last year was the first year i was able to harvest Teosinte seeds in my climate despite it naturally being adapted to a warmer climate.

I hope you continue and keep learning!

Warm wishes from Colorado in the United States.

(My blog: https://keen101.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/differences-between-teosinte-species/)

Thanks for the update, what an exciting project!