In Bali, water temple priests guide a sustainable rice production system
By Elizabeth Sinclair
Mongabay
August 26, 2024
Subak is an ancient rice irrigation system developed in line with the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which holds that human well-being is maintained by balance between people, nature and the gods.
Water distribution is controlled by a series of water temples and priests who schedule planting, harvesting and fallow cycles in consultation with farming communities.