In the terraced hills of Yunnan Province, a vibrant grain with imperial roots is getting a modern-day revival. Li Yuanmei, a member of the Hani ethnic group, has become the guardian of purple rice – a nutrient-rich heirloom crop once served to Chinese emperors but now fading from local fields.
While many farmers abandoned the labor-intensive crop for commercial alternatives, Li persisted. "This rice carries the taste of our ancestors and the stories of our festivals," she explains. Her dedication comes at a cost: The grain faces distribution challenges in modern markets. Yet scientists now recognize its value as a rare alpine species with untapped agricultural potential.
Researchers from multiple institutions are studying purple rice's drought-resistant traits and high antioxidant content. The crop also anchors the Hani people's UNESCO-recognized terraced farming system, where ecological practices dating back 1,300 years prevent soil erosion.
Li's stand has inspired a grassroots movement. Through social media campaigns and eco-tourism partnerships, urban consumers and rural cooperatives are helping preserve both the crop and the cultural traditions it sustains. "Every grain is a seed of our identity," Li says, sifting through jewel-toned harvest. "Now the world is listening."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
