Albufera Rice Harvest Begins: 100,000 Tons Expected

Albufera's Rice Fields Flood, Signaling the Start of Harvest Season Sueca, Spain – The Albufera natural park near Sueca, Spain, is witnessing a transformation as the annual rice-growing cycle begins. Farmers are flooding their fields, a crucial step in cultivating the region's renowned rice. This year's flooding is particularly significant, with an anticipated harvest of approximately 100,000 tons of rice within the next four months. Nando Durà, a seasoned rice farmer from Sueca, explains the meticulous process. "The water flows from the river to the sea," he says, "across fields with a difference in elevation of only a centimeter." This precise control is essential for optimal rice growth. The video showcases the careful inundation of the fields, highlighting the delicate balance between water management and environmental preservation. The process involves around 200 rice farmers in Sueca who spend fifteen days planting seeds, sowing around 5-10 kilos per second. This year, approximately 150 hectares near the Barranc de Poio will remain unplanted due to previous damage, but the rest of the affected areas will be sown normally. The video concludes with Durà emphasizing the quality of the Albufera rice, known for its superior taste and is used in paella. His pride in the region's agricultural heritage is palpable, offering a positive note to the story.