Lao PDR - the "crown jewel" in rice biodiversity project

Box 1. Names reflect the richness and diversity of Lao rice varieties

The richness and diversity of the glutinous and nonglutinous rices in Lao PDR are reflected in the multitude of names given to the traditional varieties by the farmers themselves. 

"When collecting the seeds, we’ve been extremely conscious of also gathering information from the farmers about a variety’s origin, special traits, and significance—including the vernacular name and its translation," explains Dr. Appa Rao, "We realize that if we don’t, this priceless treasure of farmers’ knowledge will be lost."

During his collection expeditions that have crisscrossed Lao PDR over the last 5 years, Dr. Appa Rao has encountered 3,104 distinct (and often colorful) names. Some of these names and their English translations include Kay Noy Hom (small chicken, aromatic), Khen Sua (shirtsleeve), Gnod Nang (super woman), Gna thao (grandmother), Leum phua (forgets husband), Namman (fat—often duck or cow), Pa Siev (tiny carp), and Khao Poum Pa (rice in fish stomach). 

"Imperfect as literal translations sometimes are, they still help to give an insight into the rice variety and the nuances involved," says Dr. Appa Rao. "For example, a variety named Tom (muddy) once led me to believe it was in reference to poor taste, but upon talking to the farmer, I learned that the name is more related to grain color."

Turtle shell may mean the shape of the grain. Fat is a term associated with good taste. Sour berry could refer to the flavor or grain shape. Neglected fields means the variety can grow under poor soil conditions. Watching dog means poor quality, i.e., even a dog is not interested in eating it—he only looks at it.

Some names explain domestic and cultural differences and cultural aspects of rice. The variety Mae May (widow) produces some unfilled grains, while Mae hang (divorced woman) produces a lot of grain, keeping the woman so busy harvesting the bountiful crop that her impatient husband left her. Khao Poum Pa was developed using grains found in the intestines of a fish. "Fish (Pa) is an important part of the lives of the Lao people," says Dr. Appa Rao, "so many names are fish-related. Tiny carp would mean the grains are slender and long."

The tale about the origin of shirtsleeve (Khen Sua) is intriguing. During the war in the early 1970s, a farmer from Pek District in Xiangkhouang Province selected a particularly attractive rice panicle from another farmer’s field in Khun District of the same province. He hid it in his shirtsleeve and headed for home. On the way, he encountered a French soldier who shot him. The injured farmer was still able to make it home before he died. An old woman tending to the old man found the panicle hidden in his shirtsleeve. She threshed the seeds and planted them. Later, she multiplied and distributed the variety throughout Pek District. This glutinous rainfed lowland rice of medium duration continues to be planted extensively in the district to this day.

Dr. Appa Rao hopes to compile such anecdotes and folklore in a book on the Traditional Rices of Lao PDR.

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